Portable Fuel Cell System With Flexible Plenum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell systems are limited by their large size, low energy density, and insufficient power output, making them unsuitable for powering portable devices that require increasing electrical power needs, and they often require complex integration and additional components like pumps, valves, or heaters.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel cell system is designed with a fuel cell layer comprising an anode, cathode, and electrolyte, integrated with a fuel reservoir and current collecting circuit, featuring flexible walls and a fuel plenum that supports high energy density and power output without the need for pumps, valves, or heaters, using structural fillers to manage internal pressure and maintain compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional battery sources are used to power portable devices, then the devices can operate reliably, but the energy density and power output are insufficient for future high-power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental energy storage parameter from chemical batteries to electrochemical fuel cells, enabling continuous operation as long as fuel is supplied. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both high power output and sustained operational reliability for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system enables periodic refueling of hydrogen or other fuels, allowing the portable device to maintain continuous operation. The periodic fuel replenishment replaces the need for large-capacity batteries, providing both high power output and extended operational reliability.
2Power
If fuel cells are used to increase power output, then higher energy density is achieved, but the system size becomes too large for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is segmented into separate functional components: a compact fuel cell stack for power generation, a separate fuel storage reservoir, and integrated micro-fluidic channels. This segmentation allows the power-generating portion to be small and portable while the fuel storage can be optimized independently, achieving high energy density without excessive system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested integration where the fuel plenum and fluidic channels are embedded within or adjacent to the fuel cell stack, and the entire assembly is housed within a compact portable enclosure. This nesting approach minimizes overall system volume while maintaining high energy density.
3Volume of moving object
If fuel cell components are integrated to reduce system volume, then compactness is achieved, but the integration becomes complex requiring additional components like pumps, valves, and heaters
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is designed with passive fuel delivery through gravity feed or capillary action in the fuel plenum, eliminating the need for active pumps. The design also avoids complex thermal management systems by utilizing the natural heat of the electrochemical reaction, removing the need for external heaters and complex temperature control mechanisms, thereby achieving compactness without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes simple hydraulic principles through the fuel plenum design where fuel is delivered to the fuel cell anode through pressure equalization and gravity-assisted flow. This passive fluidic approach replaces complex mechanical pumping systems, achieving compact integration while minimizing device complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If fuel reservoir is positioned adjacent to fuel cell to reduce volume, then space efficiency is improved, but pressure management becomes difficult requiring additional structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel plenum serves as an intermediary chamber between the fuel reservoir and the fuel cell anode. This plenum acts as a pressure buffer and distribution manifold, equalizing pressure fluctuations and ensuring steady fuel delivery to the fuel cell. The intermediary plenum design allows compact positioning of the fuel reservoir adjacent to the fuel cell while effectively managing internal pressure without requiring additional structural support components.
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
The system achieves high energy density and sufficient power output within a small volume, enabling it to power portable devices efficiently without additional power sources, while being compact and lightweight, and can instantly start up without supplemental batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that utilizes the reaction of fuel and oxygen to produce electricity
Implementation Method 2
The flexible walls are structurally arranged to form a fuel plenum and are supported, when pressurized, by a portion of one or both of the fuel reservoir or the system cover
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.