Dye-based fuel indicator system for fuel cells
First Claim
1. A fuel-concentration indicator incorporated in a fuel cell that operates by oxidizing a fuel solution, the fuel-concentration indicator comprising:
- a volume of the fuel solution; and
a dye mixture responsive to fuel concentration within the volume of the fuel solution.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A means for determining the concentration of a hydrogen-rich fuel in a fuel solution within the anode reservoir of a fuel cell. The fuel concentration is determined using a dye mixture responsive to fuel concentration within a fuel solution. As fuel is consumed, the fuel concentration decreases. As the fuel concentration decreases, the dye changes color. The resulting color changes occur within the anode reservoir of the fuel cell, or within a dye chamber in fluid contact with the anode reservoir, and are made visible by a window. A color strip and fuel scale may be included to facilitate fuel concentration determination based on the color of the fuel solution. Additionally, a valve responsive to dye color may act to control fuel delivery.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A fuel-concentration indicator incorporated in a fuel cell that operates by oxidizing a fuel solution, the fuel-concentration indicator comprising:
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a volume of the fuel solution; and
a dye mixture responsive to fuel concentration within the volume of the fuel solution. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for determining the concentration of fuel in a fuel solution in a fuel cell having an anode reservoir, the method comprising:
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adding a dye combination to the fuel solution contained in the anode reservoir; and
determining the concentration of fuel in the fuel solution by comparing the color of the fuel solution containing the added dye mixture to standard colors displayed on a color gradient. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A fuel-concentration indicator incorporated in a fuel cell that operates by oxidizing a fuel solution, the fuel-concentration indicator comprising:
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a volume of the fuel solution; and
a chemical-indicator means responsive to fuel concentration within the volume of the fuel solution.
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Specification