Variable Supply Fuel Cell Using Capillary Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel cells have inefficiencies due to the constant supply of fuel, which reduces overall efficiency and shortens the electrolyte's lifespan, as well as energy consumption by active components like pumps and fans, and lack control over fuel supply, leading to unnecessary energy generation.

Innovation Solution

An on-demand, variable supply fuel cell system that includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with capillary tubes and a plate isolator controlled by circuitry to expose only the necessary area to fuel based on the device's battery status, allowing for dynamic power generation matching the device's needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all fuel is supplied to the electrolyte/reaction site continuously, then maximum energy conversion rate is achieved, but electrolyte lifespan is shortened and energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion rateVSAvoidelectrolyte lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cell system dynamically adjusts the fuel supply rate and electrolyte exposure area based on real-time power demands. The control system varies the amount of fuel supplied to the electrolyte/reaction site according to actual needs, transitioning from static continuous supply to dynamic variable supply, thereby optimizing both productivity and electrolyte lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key operating parameters including fuel supply rate, electrolyte exposure area, and operational intensity based on power demands. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves maximum energy conversion rate when needed while reducing exposure and fuel supply during low-demand periods to extend electrolyte lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If active components like pumps and fans are used for fuel delivery, then fuel supply control is achieved, but energy consumption increases reducing overall efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel supply controlVSAvoidoverall efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical active components (pumps, fans) with a passive capillary-based fuel delivery system. Capillary tubes utilize capillary action to deliver fuel to the electrolyte/reaction site without requiring mechanical pumping, thereby eliminating the energy consumption associated with these active components while maintaining fuel supply control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel delivery system operates autonomously using capillary action, where the capillary tubes self-regulate fuel flow based on pressure differentials and surface tension without external mechanical assistance. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for energy-consuming pumps and fans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If the entire electrolyte/reaction site area is used for energy conversion, then maximum power output is achieved, but electrolyte exposure time increases shortening its lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidelectrolyte lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte/reaction site is segmented into multiple discrete zones or regions, each served by dedicated capillary tubes. The control system selectively activates specific segments based on power demands, allowing partial utilization of the electrolyte area rather than continuous full-area exposure, thereby extending electrolyte lifetime while maintaining required power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by exposing only the necessary portion of the electrolyte/reaction site to fuel based on actual power demands. Instead of continuously exposing the entire electrolyte area, the system activates only the required segments, reducing cumulative exposure time and extending electrolyte lifetime while achieving maximum power output when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach enhances fuel cell efficiency by only providing the necessary fuel for power generation, extending the electrolyte's lifespan and reducing energy wastage, while ensuring the fuel cell generates power only when needed.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of capillary tubes to deliver the fuel to the MEA

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10326154B2On demand variable supply fuel cell

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

An example on demand, variable supply fuel cell may include an anode coupled to provide electrical continuity for output power of the fuel cell, a cathode coupled to provide electrical continuity for the output power of the fuel cell, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) disposed between the anode and cathode, the MEA coupled to generate the output power in response to exposure to a fuel, a plurality of capillary tubes to deliver the fuel to the MEA, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of capillary tubes is disposed adjacent to the MEA, and a plate isolator coupled to expose a second end of one or more capillary tubes of the plurality of capillary tubes to the fuel in response to a control signal, where the control signal is based on an amount of output power the fuel cell is to generate.