WO2001097314A1 - Reduced size fuel cell for portable applications - Google Patents
Reduced size fuel cell for portable applications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001097314A1 WO2001097314A1 PCT/US2001/040990 US0140990W WO0197314A1 WO 2001097314 A1 WO2001097314 A1 WO 2001097314A1 US 0140990 W US0140990 W US 0140990W WO 0197314 A1 WO0197314 A1 WO 0197314A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- fuel
- cell elements
- anode
- cathode
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
- H01M4/8605—Porous electrodes
- H01M4/8626—Porous electrodes characterised by the form
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04186—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2404—Processes or apparatus for grouping fuel cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
- H01M8/2418—Grouping by arranging unit cells in a plane
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Definitions
- Fuel cells are known in the art as devices which produce electricity when provided with fuel.
- conventional fuel cells include bipolar plate stacks, pumps, blowers, and other devices which may add considerable complexity to the final device. Summary
- the present application teaches a fuel cell apparatus which has a structure that is highly suitable for miniaturization.
- the apparatus has a structure that brings fuel into contact with specified parts of the fuel cell.
- a wicking structure may be used to bring the fuel into contact with the fuel cell element.
- Figure 1 A shows a front on view of a flat pack fuel cell of an embodiment
- figure 1B shows an cross sectional edge view of a first embodiment of the fuel cell system along the line 1b-1b in figure 1a
- figure 2 shows a top view of the first embodiment
- Figure 3 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment
- Figure 4 shows an embodiment with multiple flat pack elements electrically connected together.
- the figure 1 A and 1 B embodiment show an edge view of the miniaturized, flatpack type fuel cell. Electrical energy is generated by oxidation of organic fuel and reduction of oxygen in air to water. Any of a number of different kinds of fuel cells may be used. One type is the fuel cell described in U.S. patent number 5,599,638.
- the flatpack fuel cell may include a plurality of cells interconnected both in series and in parallel.
- Figure 1 A shows a front view of the fuel cell assembly, with plural membrane electrode assemblies 97, 98, and 99.
- Figure 1 B shows a cross section along the line 1b-1b, which shows the MEAs 97, 98,99.
- Each of the membrane electrode assemblies such as 97 includes an anode 105 and a cathode 110.
- the anode 105 and cathode 110 are separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane 115.
- a polymer electrolyte membrane may be, for example, of the type described in US Patent numbers 6,150,047 and 6,136,463.
- all of the cells such as 97,98,99 are arranged along an axis 126, in a single contiguous plane.
- the fuel cell elements are effectively connected in series.
- the cathode 103 of fuel cell element 97 is connected via the interconnects 135 to the anode 104 of the next fuel cell element 98.
- each cathode is connected in series to the next anode.
- This provides the fuel cell elements being in series, providing outputs at the final electrodes 127, 128, that correspond to a series combination of all of the voltages.
- the anode is in contact with a wicking structure 120 which also extends along that axis, substantially parallel to the anodes.
- the wicking structure 120 itself is in contact with the fuel source 125, which may also include a refillable fuel reservoir 130.
- the wicking structure can be made of any absorbent material, such as an absorbent pad, or any other absorbent material that is chemically stable in contact with the fuel and also electrochemically stable in contact with the anode.
- any structure that can provide the liquid fuel via capillary action can be used for this purpose.
- the fuel source and fuel reservoir may hold the fuel that drives the electrochemical reaction.
- the fuel may be absorbed by the wicking structure, and provided to the anode.
- Wicking structure 120 absorbs the fuel, and provides the fuel to the anodes.
- the wicking structure may deliver the fuel in regulated amounts to the surfaces of the anodes.
- a plurality of cathodes 110 are each in contact with air, for the oxygen used in the electrochemical reaction.
- the cells create a voltage by the electrochemical reaction. This voltage is produced between the top current collector 127 and the bottom current collector 128.
- FIG. 2 A top view of the cell is shown in figure 2. This also shows the electrode/current collector 127, and the corresponding electrodes of the other cells 97, 98,99.
- biplates which may add weight, volume, complexity and cost to the fuel cell. These biplates are not used in the flatpack cell. Instead, the cells are connected using interconnects 135, 136, that connect to and/or extend through part of the membrane. These interconnects may be made from corrosion resistant conductive materials. Example materials which can form a through-membrane connectors include graphite, platinum, gold, and appropriate stable polymer blinders such as PVDF or Nafion.
- a second embodiment, formed in figure 3 uses an edge connector instead of the through-membrane connectors. The edge and connector configuration is formed of a thin strip of conductive material. An insulator slot 300 is formed, and the interconnects 305,310 are formed in tabs in the insulator slot. These interconnects are connected between the electrodes 315.
- the interconnect tabs may be formed of gold or graphite, for example.
- the membrane electrode assemblies may be formed in the conventional way.
- the anodes in figure 1 may first be fabricated by applying catalyst layers and backing structures.
- the membrane is applied to the anode, and the catalyst layer and cathode are fitted together.
- the catalyst may be applied, for example, using catalyst inks or catalyst-pre-coated membranes, or may be applied using a sputter deposition process.
- Gas diffusion backing layers may also be bonded to the membrane using a hot pressing process. An example is described in US Patent no 5,599,638; and 6,171 ,721.
- non-bonded backing layers can be used to form the membrane electrode assemblies.
- Other alternatives may include preparation of such assemblies by reactive sputter deposition of metal catalyst layers, spray deposition, chemical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, ion impregnation, in situ catalyst deposition from organic metal precursor and combustion chemical vapor deposition.
- a platinum-ruthenium catalyst may be used at the anode.
- the cathode may use a pure platinum catalyst, for example.
- other catalysts may be used which involve binary and turnery compositions of Pt, Ru, Ti, Zr, Ir and Os, especially on the anode.
- the anode structure may be made hydrophilic, so that liquid organic fuel may be absorbed through the anode.
- the wicking structure 120 brings the fuel into contact with the anode 105, allowing the liquid organic fuel to access the catalyst layer, and to allow carbon dioxide product to readily leave the surface.
- the cathode may be rendered hydrophobic, in order to prevent water from saturating the electrode. This also provides air more ready access to the catalyst layer.
- Two of the basic building blocks shown in figures 1-3 may be combined in series or in parallel to increase the voltages.
- a three cell flatpack may be capable of producing a terminal voltage in the range of 1 - 1.2 V depending on the load that is placed on the voltage.
- multiple ones of these arrays may be used to obtain higher voltages.
- Figure 4 shows two sets of flat pack fuel cells 405,410 arranged with a common fuel feed 400, e.g., a methanol feed, arranged between the two fuel cells.
- the two flatpacks each have respective outputs.
- the fuel cell element 405 has output terminals 401 ,402.
- the fuel cell element 410 includes the outputs 411 , 412. These output terminals may be connected may be electrically connected in series to increase the voltage output.
- terminal 402 could be connected to terminal 411 , with outputs being obtained between terminals 401 and 12.
- the fuel cells could be connected in parallel to increase the current handling capability.
- the device may be made and tested in an enclosure with an internal absorbent pad on the anode side that retains the methanol solution.
- the fuel is delivered to the anode via capillary action.
- the other end of the housing has multiple air openings allowing air access.
- other housings may be similarly used.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01952871A EP1293007A4 (en) | 2000-06-13 | 2001-06-13 | Reduced size fuel cell for portable applications |
CA002412558A CA2412558A1 (en) | 2000-06-13 | 2001-06-13 | Reduced size fuel cell for portable applications |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US21144400P | 2000-06-13 | 2000-06-13 | |
US60/211,444 | 2000-06-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001097314A1 true WO2001097314A1 (en) | 2001-12-20 |
Family
ID=22786948
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/040990 WO2001097314A1 (en) | 2000-06-13 | 2001-06-13 | Reduced size fuel cell for portable applications |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1293007A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2412558A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001097314A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003012906A2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-02-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Portable direct methanol fuel cell |
WO2003012905A2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-02-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Portable direct methanol fuel cell and corresponding operating method |
EP1357627A2 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-10-29 | Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
EP1349227A3 (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2004-10-13 | Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
WO2004112175A2 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-23 | Celltech Power, Inc. | Oxidation facilitator |
US6994932B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2006-02-07 | Foamex L.P. | Liquid fuel reservoir for fuel cells |
US7291410B2 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2007-11-06 | Kinkelaar Mark R | Orientation independent liquid fuel reservoir |
WO2009025613A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Myfc Ab | An arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells, a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing a fuel cell device |
US7678484B2 (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2010-03-16 | Celltech Power Llc | Electrochemical device and methods for energy conversion |
US7943270B2 (en) | 2003-06-10 | 2011-05-17 | Celltech Power Llc | Electrochemical device configurations |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5432023A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1995-07-11 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Fuel cell |
US5599638A (en) | 1993-10-12 | 1997-02-04 | California Institute Of Technology | Aqueous liquid feed organic fuel cell using solid polymer electrolyte membrane |
US5759712A (en) | 1997-01-06 | 1998-06-02 | Hockaday; Robert G. | Surface replica fuel cell for micro fuel cell electrical power pack |
US6054228A (en) | 1996-06-06 | 2000-04-25 | Lynntech, Inc. | Fuel cell system for low pressure operation |
US6171721B1 (en) | 1997-09-22 | 2001-01-09 | California Institute Of Technology | Sputter-deposited fuel cell membranes and electrodes |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5966066A (en) * | 1982-10-06 | 1984-04-14 | Hitachi Ltd | Liquid fuel cell |
US5534363A (en) * | 1994-03-22 | 1996-07-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Hollow artery anode wick for passive variable pressure regenerative fuel cells |
JP3668069B2 (en) * | 1999-09-21 | 2005-07-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Liquid fuel container for fuel cell and fuel cell |
-
2001
- 2001-06-13 EP EP01952871A patent/EP1293007A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-06-13 WO PCT/US2001/040990 patent/WO2001097314A1/en active Application Filing
- 2001-06-13 CA CA002412558A patent/CA2412558A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5432023A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1995-07-11 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Fuel cell |
US5599638A (en) | 1993-10-12 | 1997-02-04 | California Institute Of Technology | Aqueous liquid feed organic fuel cell using solid polymer electrolyte membrane |
US6054228A (en) | 1996-06-06 | 2000-04-25 | Lynntech, Inc. | Fuel cell system for low pressure operation |
US5759712A (en) | 1997-01-06 | 1998-06-02 | Hockaday; Robert G. | Surface replica fuel cell for micro fuel cell electrical power pack |
US6171721B1 (en) | 1997-09-22 | 2001-01-09 | California Institute Of Technology | Sputter-deposited fuel cell membranes and electrodes |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP1293007A4 * |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7943271B2 (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2011-05-17 | Celltech Power Llc | Electrochemical device and methods for energy conversion |
US7678484B2 (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2010-03-16 | Celltech Power Llc | Electrochemical device and methods for energy conversion |
US6994932B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2006-02-07 | Foamex L.P. | Liquid fuel reservoir for fuel cells |
WO2003012905A3 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2004-07-08 | Siemens Ag | Portable direct methanol fuel cell and corresponding operating method |
WO2003012906A3 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2005-02-10 | Siemens Ag | Portable direct methanol fuel cell |
WO2003012906A2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-02-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Portable direct methanol fuel cell |
WO2003012905A2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-02-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Portable direct methanol fuel cell and corresponding operating method |
EP1349227A3 (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2004-10-13 | Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
US7655335B2 (en) | 2002-03-20 | 2010-02-02 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
EP1357627A3 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2004-10-13 | Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
EP1357627A2 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-10-29 | Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
US7166381B2 (en) | 2002-04-23 | 2007-01-23 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack |
US7291410B2 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2007-11-06 | Kinkelaar Mark R | Orientation independent liquid fuel reservoir |
WO2004112175A3 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2005-11-03 | Celltech Power Inc | Oxidation facilitator |
US7745064B2 (en) | 2003-06-10 | 2010-06-29 | Celltech Power Llc | Oxidation facilitator |
US7943270B2 (en) | 2003-06-10 | 2011-05-17 | Celltech Power Llc | Electrochemical device configurations |
WO2004112175A2 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-23 | Celltech Power, Inc. | Oxidation facilitator |
WO2009025613A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Myfc Ab | An arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells, a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing a fuel cell device |
US8697311B2 (en) | 2007-08-20 | 2014-04-15 | Myfc Ab | Arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells, a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing a fuel cell device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1293007A1 (en) | 2003-03-19 |
EP1293007A4 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
CA2412558A1 (en) | 2001-12-20 |
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