Planar Fuel Cell Array Integrated into Laptop Display Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices face limitations in battery power duration, and integrating fuel cells into these devices is challenging due to their bulky stack configuration and infrastructure requirements.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing device design featuring a planar fuel cell array integrated into the display screen unit with ventilation apertures, fluid and air conduits, and a thermal barrier, allowing for efficient delivery of fuel and oxidant while maintaining a thin profile and effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional fuel cell stack configuration is used, then electrical power generation capability is improved, but device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell array is configured as a planar structure with multiple fuel cells arranged in parallel rows and columns, transitioning from traditional three-dimensional stacked configuration to a two-dimensional planar layout. This dimensional change enables the fuel cell array to be integrated into the thin profile of the display screen unit while maintaining power generation capability through increased surface area utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell array is divided into multiple individual fuel cells arranged in parallel rows and columns, with each fuel cell functioning as an independent power generation unit. The array is further segmented into multiple planar layers stacked adjacent to one another, allowing distributed power generation across the display screen unit surface area.
2Duration of action of moving object
If fuel cell array is integrated into display screen unit, then power duration is improved, but thermal management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation apertures in the display panel are merged with the cooling requirements of the fuel cell array, creating a dual-function system where the same aperture structure serves both ventilation for the fuel cells and thermal management by allowing heat dissipation. The aperture array pattern is optimized to balance fuel cell ventilation needs with cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel itself acts as an intermediary thermal management component, with its aperture array structure serving as both a protective cover and a cooling mechanism. The apertures allow ambient air to reach the fuel cells for both operational ventilation and passive cooling, mediating between the heat-generating fuel cells and the external environment.
3Temperature
If ventilation apertures are added to display panel, then fuel cell cooling is improved, but display panel structural integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is designed with non-uniform aperture distribution, creating regions of different aperture densities to balance cooling efficiency with structural integrity. The aperture array pattern varies across different areas of the panel, with higher aperture density in regions requiring better cooling and lower density in regions requiring greater structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel incorporates a porous aperture array structure that allows controlled air flow through the panel for fuel cell cooling while maintaining overall panel integrity. The patterned apertures create a porous medium that balances permeability for cooling with sufficient material continuity for structural strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables extended battery life without the bulk of traditional fuel cell stacks, ensuring adequate ventilation and cooling for the fuel cells, thus enhancing the integration of fuel cells into portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochemical fuel cells are a possible alternative source of electrical power for many electronic devices
Implementation Method 2
The thermal barrier may comprise a thermally conductive planar element having an in-plane thermal conductivity substantially greater than its through-plane thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 3
The portable computing device may include ventilation apertures through the second face of the display screen unit configured to provide air flow to the fuel cell array
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing device such as a laptop computer has a base unit (2) and a display screen unit (3) coupled together by a hinge assembly (7) configured to allow rotation of the base unit and the screen unit relative to one another. The display screen unit has a display panel on a first face of the display screen unit and a fuel cell array (12a, 12b) disposed adjacent to a second face of the display screen unit. Ventilation apertures through the second face of the display screen unit provide air flow to the fuel cell array. A fuel conduit extends between the base unit and the display screen unit across the hinge assembly for delivering fuel from the base unit to the display screen unit.