Fuel cartridge for fuel cell power systems and methods for power generation
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fuel cartridge configured for removable connection to a fuel cell power module, comprising:
- a reformable fuel hydrogen generation system containing a fuel storage region, a hydrogen gas separation region, and a reactor;
a fuel regulator configured to regulate fuel flow from the fuel storage region to the reactor;
a hydrogen outlet in communication with the hydrogen separation region; and
at least one separable interface selected from the group consisting of;
a mechanism to connect the fuel regulator to the power module;
a heat exchanger for transfer of heat between the fuel cartridge and the power module;
an electrical connector for transmitting electricity between the fuel cartridge and the power module; and
an air outlet configured to provide filtered air to the power module.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel cell power system including a removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge module and method are disclosed. The fuel cell power system incorporates one or more of the following elements: a) a mechanism for fuel regulation which may be controlled by an auxiliary module; b) a means for heat exchange in communication with the reactor and/or the fuel cartridge body; c) an air filter for the incoming oxidant gas feed to the power module; d) a means to transfer mechanical energy from the power module to the fuel cartridge; and e) a means for heat exchange.
37 Citations
78 Claims
-
1. A fuel cartridge configured for removable connection to a fuel cell power module, comprising:
-
a reformable fuel hydrogen generation system containing a fuel storage region, a hydrogen gas separation region, and a reactor;
a fuel regulator configured to regulate fuel flow from the fuel storage region to the reactor;
a hydrogen outlet in communication with the hydrogen separation region; and
at least one separable interface selected from the group consisting of;
a mechanism to connect the fuel regulator to the power module;
a heat exchanger for transfer of heat between the fuel cartridge and the power module;
an electrical connector for transmitting electricity between the fuel cartridge and the power module; and
an air outlet configured to provide filtered air to the power module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A fuel cartridge for providing hydrogen to a fuel cell power module, comprising:
-
a reformable fuel hydrogen generation system containing a heat exchanger for transfer of heat between the system and a removably connectable power module;
a means for fuel regulation containing a mechanism for control by a removably connectable power module; and
a hydrogen outlet configured to provide hydrogen gas to a removably connectable power module. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
-
-
43. A power source comprising:
-
a power module having a fuel cell, a hydrogen inlet, and an air inlet;
a fuel cartridge having a fuel storage region, a reactor, and a hydrogen outlet;
a fuel control mechanism comprising a fuel regulator in the fuel cartridge; and
wherein the power module and fuel cartridge are separable and share at least one interface for transfer of energy or material selected from the group consisting of data, heat, air, electricity, and mechanical energy. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
-
-
60. A method for generating power from a fuel cell power system, comprising:
-
providing a fuel cartridge containing a reformable fuel hydrogen generation system, a fuel regulator, and a hydrogen outlet;
providing a power module containing a fuel cell, a hydrogen inlet, and an air inlet;
connecting the fuel cartridge to the power module at at least one removably connectable interface selected from the group consisting of an air conduit, a heat exchanger, and a fuel control mechanism; and
controlling liquid fuel flow in the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen gas, and transferring the gas to the fuel cell of the power module to generate power. - View Dependent Claims (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
-
-
75. A power source comprising:
-
a power module having a fuel cell, a hydrogen inlet, and an air inlet;
a fuel cartridge having a fuel storage region, a reactor containing a catalyst, a fuel regulator and a hydrogen outlet;
a mechanism for control of the fuel regulator from the power module;
a means for exchange of heat between the fuel cartridge and the power module;
an interface for transmitting electricity between the fuel cartridge and the power module; and
wherein the power module and fuel cartridge are removably connectable. - View Dependent Claims (76, 77, 78)
-
Specification