Portable fuel cartridge for fuel cells

• US 20050008908A1
• Filed: 06/25/2004
• Published: 01/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: UltraCell Corporation (Bren-Tronics, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: UltraCell Corporation (Bren-Tronics, Inc.)
• Inventors: Kaye, Ian W., Kaschmitter, James L.
• Application Number:
  US10/877,766
• Publication Number:
  US 20050008908A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/410
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/0128 spherical or elliptical
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/0157 Polygonal
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/0166 divided in several chambers
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/018 with bladders
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/019 with pistons
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/0195 with bellows
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/058 portable (<30 l)
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2203/0636 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2203/0646 Aluminium
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2203/066 Plastics
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2203/0663 in form of fibers or filaments
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2203/0697 comprising nanoparticles
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0332 Safety valves or pressure relief valves
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0341 Filters
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/037 Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/054 by bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/055 by magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/057 by chips
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/058 by Radio Frequency Identification
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2221/033 Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2221/035 : Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/0153 : Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/033 : Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2227/0128 : with pumps or compressors
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/032 : using computers
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/036 : using alarms
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/028 : Avoiding unauthorised transfer
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/036 : Avoiding leaks
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/056 : Improving fluid characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2270/0763 : Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 3/00 : Vessels not under pressure
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 16/006 : of fuel cells with rechargeable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2008/1095 : Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/30 : Fuel cells in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04014 : Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04022 : Heating by combustion
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04186 : of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04201 : Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04208 : Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04626 : of auxiliary devices, e.g. batteries, capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04686 : of auxiliary devices, e.g. batteries, capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04776 : at auxiliary devices, e.g. reformer, compressor, burner
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04917 : of auxiliary devices, e.g. batteries, capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0618 : Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/10 : Applications of fuel cells in buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/32 : Hydrogen storage
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells

Abstract

Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. The refillable system comprises a hydrogen fuel source refiner that includes the mating connector and provides the hydrogen fuel source to the storage device. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision to the receiving device for a limited time.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel source storage device for storing a hydrogen fuel source, the storage device comprising:

a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the bladder;

a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder;

a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector; and

memory that stores information relevant to usage of the storage device.

2. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the bladder comprises a fire retardant material.

3. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the housing includes an air vent that allows air to enter and exit the housing as the bladder changes in volume.

4. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 3 wherein the air inlet includes a hydrophobic and gas permeable filter.

5. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the connector is recessed to not extend outside the housing.

6. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the information relevant to usage of the fuel storage device comprises one of:

a fuel type stored in the storage device, a model number for the storage device, an identification signature, hydrogen fuel mixture information, a number of refills, a volume capacity for the storage device, and a current volume for the storage device.

7. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the bladder includes a maximum volume between about 20 milliliters and about 400 milliliters.

8. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the hydrogen fuel source comprises methanol.

9. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the hydrogen fuel source comprises one of an odorant, a bitterant and a colorant.

10. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 9 further comprising a filter that removes the one of an odorant, a bitterant and a colorant from the hydrogen fuel source when the hydrogen fuel source leaves the storage device through the connector.

11. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises a unique configuration.

12. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a digital memory and a RFID tag that permits communication with the digital memory using a wireless interrogator.

13. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a digital memory that permits an external controller to read and write from the digital memory.

14. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief that limits pressure in the storage device.

15. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 further comprising a second bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the second bladder.

16. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 15 further comprising a dual compartment configuration internal to the housing, wherein the first bladder is included in a first compartment and the second bladder is included in a second compartment.

17. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 further comprising a sensor that detects mechanical damage in the housing.

18. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 17 wherein the memory stores whether the sensor detects a leak.

19. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 further comprising a fire retardant foam internal to the bladder.

20. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 1 wherein the bladder comprises a cylinder, a spring and a piston, wherein the piston is pushed by the spring and moves in the cylinder to displace the hydrogen fuel source.

21. A hydrogen fuel source storage device for storing a hydrogen fuel source, the storage device comprising:

a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the bladder;

a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder; and

a connector that interfaces with a mating connector included in a hydrogen fuel source refiner to permit transfer of the hydrogen fuel source from the hydrogen fuel source refiner to the bladder.

22. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 21 wherein the bladder includes a maximum volume between about 20 milliliters and about 400 milliliters.

23. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 21 further comprising a memory that indicates the number of refills for the storage device.

24. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 23 wherein the memory comprises a mechanical memory that changes with each refill.

25. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 24 wherein mechanical memory includes a set of pins in the connector that change in number with each refill.

26. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 21 wherein the mating connector is also included in a portable electronics device and interface between the connector and the mating connector permits transfer of the hydrogen fuel source from the storage device to the portable electronics device.

27. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 21 further comprising a filter in fluidic communication with hydrogen output by a fuel processor that receives the hydrogen fuel source from the storage device, wherein the filter is configured to remove one of carbon monoxide, methanol vapor or hydrogen sulfide from the hydrogen.

28. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 21 wherein the connector comprises a unique configuration.

29. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 28 wherein the configuration is unique to a particular hydrogen fuel source.

30. The hydrogen fuel source storage device of claim 29 wherein the configuration is unique to a manufacturer.

31. A hot swappable fuel storage system, the hot swappable system comprising:

a hydrogen fuel source storage device including a) a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the bladder, b) a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder; and

c) a connector;

a mating connector that interfaces with the connector to permit transfer of the hydrogen fuel source between the storage device and a device that includes the mating connector;

a fuel processor that includes a reformer configured to receive the hydrogen fuel source from the mating connector, configured to output hydrogen, and including a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen, and

a hot swappable reserve configured to store the hydrogen fuel source when the connector and mating connector are separated.

32. The hot swappable system of claim 31 wherein the reserve volume includes a maximum volume between about 1 milliliter and about 50 milliliters.

33. The hot swappable system of claim 32 wherein the reserve volume includes a maximum volume between about 1 milliliter and about 4 milliliters.

34. The hot swappable system of claim 33 wherein the reserve volume comprises a collapsible tube that seals when the connector separates from the mating connector.

35. The hot swappable system of claim 33 wherein the device that includes the mating connector comprises a fuel processor that reforms the fuel source to produce hydrogen.

36. The hot swappable system of claim 35 wherein the device that includes the mating connector is a portable electronics device and interface between the connector and the mating connector permits transfer of the hydrogen fuel source from the storage device to the portable electronics device.

37. The hot swappable system of claim 35 wherein the reserve volume is included in a tube that at least partially transports the hydrogen fuel source from the storage device to the fuel processor.

38. The hot swappable system of claim 31 wherein the reserve comprises a cavity disposed in the mating connector.

39. The hot swappable system of claim 38 wherein the portable electronics device is a laptop computer.

40. The hot swappable system of claim 31 wherein the storage device comprises a memory that stores information relevant to usage of the storage device.

41. The hot swappable system of claim 31 wherein the bladder includes a maximum volume between about 20 milliliters and about 400 milliliters.

42. A system for providing a refillable hydrogen fuel source storage device, the system comprising:

a hydrogen fuel source storage device including a) a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the bladder, b) a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder; and

c) a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the hydrogen fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector; and

a hydrogen fuel source refiner including the mating connector and configured to provide hydrogen fuel source to the storage device when the connector is coupled to the mating connector.

43. The system of claim 42 wherein the storage device includes a memory that indicates the number of refills for the storage device.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the memory comprises a mechanical memory that changes with each refill.

45. The system of claim 42 wherein the storage device includes a digital memory that permits a controller on the hydrogen fuel source refiner to read information from and write information to the digital memory.

46. The system of claim 45 wherein the hydrogen fuel source refiner is configured to detect a defect in the storage device and not transfer the hydrogen fuel source from the refiner to the storage device when a predetermined memory element is present.

47. The system of claim 42 wherein the storage device comprises a filter in fluidic communication with hydrogen output by a fuel processor that the storage device provides the fuel source to and the filter removes one of carbon monoxide, methanol vapor or hydrogen sulfide from the hydrogen.

48. The system of claim 47 wherein the hydrogen fuel source refiner rejuvenates the filter when refilling the storage device.

49. The system of claim 48 wherein the hydrogen fuel source refiner rejuvenates the filter using hydrogen.

50. The system of claim 42 wherein the bladder includes a maximum volume between about 20 milliliters and about 400 milliliters.

51. The system of claim 42 wherein the connector comprises a unique configuration.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the configuration is unique to a particular hydrogen fuel source.

53. A fuel cell system for producing electrical energy, the fuel cell system comprising:

a hydrogen fuel source storage device for storing a hydrogen fuel source, the storage device including a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source in the bladder, including a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder, including a memory that stores information relevant to usage of the storage device, and including a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the hydrogen fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector;

a fuel processor that includes

a reformer configured to receive the hydrogen fuel source from the mating connector, configured to output hydrogen, and including a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen, and

a burner configured to provide heat to the reformer; and

a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack configured to produce electrical energy using hydrogen output by the fuel processor.

54. The fuel cell system of claim 53 further comprising a filter in fluidic communication with the hydrogen output by the fuel processor and the filter removes one of carbon monoxide, methanol vapor or hydrogen sulfide from the hydrogen.

55. The fuel cell system of claim 53 further comprising a hot swappable reserve configured to provide the hydrogen fuel source to the reformer and including a reserve volume configured to store the hydrogen fuel source when the connector and mating connector are separated.

56. The fuel cell system of claim 55 wherein the reserve volume includes a maximum volume between about 1 milliliter and about 50 milliliters.

57. The fuel cell system of claim 53 wherein the fuel processor and fuel cell are included in a portable electronics device.

58. The fuel cell system of claim 57 wherein the portable electronics device is a laptop computer.

59. The fuel cell system of claim 58 wherein the storage device comprises a memory that stores information relevant to usage of the storage device.

60. The fuel cell system of claim 59 wherein the laptop computer includes a fuel cell controller that communicates with the storage device memory.