CN101120479A - Compact fuel cell package - Google Patents

Compact fuel cell package Download PDF

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Publication number
CN101120479A
CN101120479A CNA2005800482126A CN200580048212A CN101120479A CN 101120479 A CN101120479 A CN 101120479A CN A2005800482126 A CNA2005800482126 A CN A2005800482126A CN 200580048212 A CN200580048212 A CN 200580048212A CN 101120479 A CN101120479 A CN 101120479A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
cell module
hydrogen
processor
connectors
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Pending
Application number
CNA2005800482126A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
I·W·凯
J·E·布兰特利
M·C·德伦齐
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Ultracell Inc
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Ultracell Inc
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Publication of CN101120479A publication Critical patent/CN101120479A/en
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    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
    • H01M8/04022—Heating by combustion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0093—Microreactors, e.g. miniaturised or microfabricated reactors
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    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/24—Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
    • B01J19/248—Reactors comprising multiple separated flow channels
    • B01J19/2485—Monolithic reactors
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    • B01J8/0446—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical
    • B01J8/0449—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical in two or more cylindrical beds
    • B01J8/0457—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical in two or more cylindrical beds the beds being placed in separate reactors
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    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
    • C01B3/323—Catalytic reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds other than hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
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    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
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    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
    • H01M8/0618—Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
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    • B01J2208/00106—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange
    • B01J2208/00309—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange with two or more reactions in heat exchange with each other, such as an endothermic reaction in heat exchange with an exothermic reaction
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    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/00389—Controlling the temperature using electric heating or cooling elements
    • B01J2208/00415—Controlling the temperature using electric heating or cooling elements electric resistance heaters
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    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/00504—Controlling the temperature by means of a burner
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    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/0053—Controlling multiple zones along the direction of flow, e.g. pre-heating and after-cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00654—Controlling the process by measures relating to the particulate material
    • B01J2208/00672—Particle size selection
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    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J2219/00781—Aspects relating to microreactors
    • B01J2219/00788—Three-dimensional assemblies, i.e. the reactor comprising a form other than a stack of plates
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    • C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
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    • C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
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    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
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  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to fuel cell systems with improved thermal efficiency. The systems include a fuel cell that generates electrical energy using hydrogen and a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. Some heat efficient systems described herein include a thermal catalyst that generates heat when the catalyst interacts with a heating medium. The heat is used to heat the fuel cell. The thermal catalyst may be disposed in proximity to the fuel cell, or remote from the fuel cell and a heat transfer pipe conducts heat from the catalyst to the fuel cell. Another thermally efficient embodiment uses a recuperator to transfer heat generated in the fuel cell system to incoming fuel. A fuel cell package may also include a multi-layer insulation arrangement to decrease heat loss from the fuel cell and fuel processor, which both typically operate at elevated temperatures.

Description

Compact fuel cell module
Background of invention
The present invention relates to fuel cell technology.Specifically, the present invention relates to be included in fuel cell system in the compact and portable assembly that is well-suited for portable electron device power supply.
Fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen with electrochemical means, to produce electric energy.The development of fuel cell concentrates on the large-scale application up to now, for example is used for the generator of the standby industrial size of electrical power.Consumer electronic devices and other portable electrical power are used and are depended on lithium-ions battery and similar battery technology at present.The fuel cell system that generation is used for the electric energy of portable use such as electronic installation conforms with demand, but still is not commercially available.In addition, technological progress has advantageously reduced the size of fuel cell system.
Brief summary of the invention
The present invention relates to a kind of compactness and portable fuel cell module.This assembly comprises the fuel cell that produces electric energy.Some assemblies also comprise the fuel processor that produces hydrogen from fuels sources.Fuel cell module described here provides the power density under the level of seeing not yet (power of per unit volume or quality) in fuel cell industries.For example, a portable fuel battery assembly (comprising fuel cell and fuel processor) takies the volume less than a liter, and 30 watts electricity output is provided.Smaller volume is feasible with different electricity output for assembly described here.
A kind of assembly has adopted the connectors (interconnect) that is at least partially disposed between fuel cell and the fuel processor (processor).Connectors has formed structurized between the two and intermediary channelization.One or more conduits pass connectors, and allow gas and/or fluid between fuel cell and fuel processor to be communicated with.Connectors reduces pipeline complexity and space, and it has caused littler assembly.
Some fuel cell modules are designed to can be the electronic installation power supply.Consider the portable performance of fuel cell module described here, the present invention is well suited for being for example laptop computer power supply of portable electron device.
A kind of fuel cell module comprises cable (tether).That cable allows to form electricity with electronic installation and connects separably, thus supply or is supplied the energy that is stored in the chargeable storage by the energy of fuel cell generation, and this chargeable storage is included in the assembly, and can be charged by fuel cell.
Fuel cell module also can comprise spacer (insulation), and to reduce the thermal loss of fuel cell and fuel processor, fuel cell and fuel processor are all at high temperature operated usually.Spacer has improved the heat efficiency of assembly.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a kind of fuel cell module that is used to provide electric energy.This fuel cell module comprises and is disposed for receiving hydrogen and oxygen, and can produce the fuel cell of electric energy.The volume of fuel cell stack part, fuel cell module provide greater than about 30 watts/liter power density.
On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind ofly, for example produce the fuel cell module of electric energy in the methyl alcohol from fuels sources.Fuel cell module comprises fuel processor, and described fuel processor comprises reformer and heater.Reformer receives fuels sources, output hydrogen, and comprise that promotion produces the catalyst of hydrogen from fuels sources.Heater produces the heat that is used for being delivered to reformer.This assembly comprises that also utilization is produced the fuel cell of electric energy by the hydrogen of fuel processor output.
On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of fuel cell module of compactness.This fuel cell module comprises fuel processor, fuel cell and be at least partially disposed on fuel cell and fuel processor between connectors.Connectors comprises one group of conduit that respectively transmits liquid or gas between fuel processor and fuel cell.
Aspect another, the present invention relates to a kind of fuel cell module with cable.The assembly of this band cable comprises fuel cell and comprises the shell of this fuel cell at least in part.This assembly also comprises and can electrically connect on electronic installation, and the electric power that fuel cell produced can be sent to the cable on the electronic installation.
On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of fuel cell module of isolation.This assembly comprises fuel cell, shell, and be at least partially disposed on spacer between fuel cell and the shell.
Aspect another, the present invention relates to a kind of connectors that is used for fuel cell module, this fuel cell module comprises fuel processor and fuel cell.Connectors is at least partially disposed between fuel cell and the fuel processor, and comprises one group of conduit that respectively transmits liquid or gas between fuel processor and fuel cell.This group conduit comprises from the hydrogen passage of fuel processor and receives hydrogen, and hydrogen outputed to the hydrogen conduit in the hydrogen passage of fuel cell.
These and further feature and advantage of the present invention will be described in following details of the present invention and relevant drawings.
Description of drawings
Figure 1A has shown the fuel cell module that is used to produce electric energy according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1B has shown the fuel cell module that comprises fuel processor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1 C has shown the schematic operation of the Figure 1B of being used for fuel cell module according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 A has shown the sectional view of the simplification of the fuel cell stack (fuel cell stack) that is used for Figure 1A fuel cell according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 B has shown the outer top perspective of fuel cell stack and fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 C has shown a kind of according to an embodiment of the invention ionic conduction membrane cell (PEMFC) framework of the Figure 1A of being used for fuel cell.
Fig. 2 D has shown the top perspective view of bipolar plates according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 has shown the outer top perspective of the fuel processor that is used for Figure 1A fuel cell system.
Fig. 3 B has shown that the main member of the fuel processor that is used for Figure 1A fuel cell system passes the midplane of fuel processor and the elevational sectional view dissectd.
Fig. 4 A has shown the external perspective view of fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 B has shown according to the present invention the perspective view of the internal structure of the fuel cell module of the coplane of a specific embodiment.
Fig. 4 C has shown according to the present invention the perspective view of the internal structure that is used for fuel cell module of another specific embodiment.
Fig. 5 A has shown according to the present invention the perspective view of the connectors that is used for fuel cell module of a specific embodiment.
Fig. 5 B has shown the connectors of Fig. 5 A that is connected on the fuel cell top board.
Fig. 5 C has shown the downside that is connected in the top board on Fig. 5 A connectors.
Fig. 5 D has shown the typical sizes of the end view of connectors and its internal pipeline of Fig. 5 A.
Fig. 5 E has shown the top view of the connectors of Fig. 5 A, and the typical arrangement of port from the teeth outwards, and this surface provides unique and joining interface connectors.
Fig. 5 F has shown the expanded view of the interface between the connectors of Fig. 5 A and fuel cell top board.
Fig. 6 has shown according to the present invention the perspective view of the spacer around the internal structure that is arranged on fuel cell module of a specific embodiment.
Fig. 7 A has shown according to an embodiment of the invention the simplification view with the fuel cell module of cable.
Fig. 7 B has shown according to the present invention the perspective internal view of the fuel cell module of the cable of band shown in Fig. 7 A of a specific embodiment.
Detailed description of preferred embodiment
Describe the present invention in detail now with reference to some preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.In the following detailed description, in order to provide, many specific details have been set forth to complete understanding of the present invention.Yet, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can realize being not limited under the condition of some or all of these specific detail.In other cases, do not describe well-known processing step and/or structure in detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily make the present invention hard to understand.
Fuel cell module
Figure 1A has shown the fuel cell module 1 that is used to produce electric energy according to an embodiment of the invention.Fuel cell module 1 comprises fuel cell 20, and is connected on the hydrogen gas storing device 14.
Hydrogen gas storing device 14 storages and output hydrogen, it can be pure sources of hydrogen, for example remains on the compression hydrogen in the pressurizing vessel 14.Hydrogen gas storing device 14 also can comprise the solid hydrogen storage system, for example the known hydrogen gas storing device based on metal of those of skill in the art.The outlet of hydrogen gas storing device 14 is connected on the fuel cell 20 separably, thus when exhausting replaceable memory device 14.
Fuel cell 20 with hydrogen and oxygen conversion Cheng Shui, produces electric energy and heat with electrochemical means in this process.Atmosphere is generally fuel cell 20 supply oxygens.Pure or direct source of oxygen also can be used for oxygen supply.The temperature of fuel cell 20 members, water forms steam usually.For some fuel cells, electrochemical reaction also can produce carbon dioxide as accessory substance.
In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 is to be suitable for for portable use ion-conductive membranes (PEM) fuel cell of the low volume that uses of consumer electronic devices for example.The ion-conductive membranes fuel cell comprises the membrane electrode parts, and it carries out the electrochemical reaction that produces electric energy.The membrane electrode parts comprise the hydrogen catalyst, oxygen catalyst and ion-conductive membranes, it a) optionally guides proton and b) hydrogen catalyst and oxygen catalyst electricity are kept apart.Hydrogen gas distribution layer comprises the hydrogen catalyst, and allows hydrogen to spread by it.The oxygen distribution layer comprises the oxygen catalyst, and allows oxygen and hydrogen proton to spread by it.Ion-conductive membranes is kept apart hydrogen and oxygen distribution layer.In the technical terms of chemistry, anode comprises hydrogen gas distribution layer and hydrogen catalyst, and negative electrode comprises oxygen distribution layer and oxygen catalyst.
In one embodiment, the PEM fuel cell comprises the fuel cell stack with one group of bipolar plates.The membrane electrode parts are arranged between these two bipolar plates.Hydrogen distributes and produces by the channel field on the plate, and the oxygen distribution produces by the channel field on second plate on the membrane electrode parts opposite side.Specifically, the first passage field is distributed to hydrogen on the hydrogen gas distribution layer, and the second channel field is distributed to oxygen on the oxygen distribution layer.Refer to be clipped in two bipolar plates (forming) between the membrane electrode assembly layer on term ' bipolar ' electricity by a plate or two plates.In folded group, bipolar plates is as the negative terminal of one on the opposite face that is arranged on bipolar plates adjacent (for example) membrane electrode parts and be used for the positive terminal of second adjacent (for example) membrane electrode parts.
In electrical terms, anode comprises hydrogen gas distribution layer, hydrogen catalyst and bipolar plates.Anode is used as the negative electrode of fuel cell 20, and guides the electronics of overflowing from hydrogen molecule, and it can externally be used for for example is the external circuit power supply.In fuel cell stack, bipolar plates is connected in series, to increase the electromotive force that is obtained in folded each layer of group.In electrical terms, negative electrode comprises the oxygen distribution layer, oxygen catalyst and bipolar plates.Negative electrode is represented the negative electrode of fuel cell 20, and guides electronics to turn back to the oxygen catalyst from external circuit, and it can and form water with hydrogen ion and oxygen reorganization herein.
The hydrogen catalyst becomes proton and electronics with Hydrogen Separation.The ion-conductive membranes block electrons, and chemical anode (hydrogen gas distribution layer and hydrogen catalyst) and chemical cathodic electricity kept apart.Ion-conductive membranes is the ion of pilot tape positive charge optionally also.Anode by electric power with electronic guide to load (generation electric energy) or storage battery (stored energy).Simultaneously, proton passes ion-conductive membranes.Proton and employed electronics then meet at cathode side, and form water with combination with oxygen.Oxygen catalyst in the oxygen distribution layer has promoted this reaction.A kind of common oxygen catalyst comprises the platinum powder that overlays on carbon paper or the braid extremely thinly.The catalyst of coarse and porous is adopted in many designs, is exposed to the surface area of the platinum of hydrogen and oxygen with raising.
In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 comprises one group of bipolar plates that is formed by single plate.Each plate comprises and is positioned at the lip-deep channel field of relative plate.Thereby single bipolar plates distribute doubly hydrogen and oxygen: a channel field distribution hydrogen, and be positioned at channel field distribution oxygen on the apparent surface.A plurality of bipolar plates can gather into folds, and to form " fuel cell stack ", wherein the membrane electrode parts are arranged between every pair of adjacent bipolar plates.
Because the power generation process in the fuel cell 20 is heat release,, fuel cell 20 dissipates from the heat of fuel cell so can equipping heat management system.The moisture level that fuel cell 20 also can adopt many humidification plates (HP) to manage fuel cell.The further describing of fuel cell that is suitable for using for the present invention is included in the co-pending patent application No.10/877 of autograph for " micro fuel cell framework ", in 824.
Though the present invention will mainly discuss with reference to the PEM fuel cell, should understand that the present invention can utilize other fuel cell framework to put into practice.The main distinction between the fuel cell framework is the type of employed ion-conductive membranes.In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 is phosphoric acid fuel cells, and it adopts liquid phosphoric acid to be used for ion-exchange.Solid Oxide Fuel Cell adopts hard non-porous ceramic complexes to be used for ion-exchange, and can be suitable for using for the present invention.Generally speaking, any fuel battery framework is all applicable to the design in saving space described here.Other this fuel cell framework for example comprises directly methyl alcohol, alkalescence and molten carbonate fuel cell.
Fuel cell 20 produces direct voltage, and it can be used for various widely application.For example, the electric energy that is produced by fuel cell 20 can be motor or lamp power supply.In one embodiment, the invention provides ' small-sized ' fuel cell, it is disposed for exporting the power (effective power or gross power) less than 200 watts.The fuel cell of this size is commonly called ' micro fuel cell ', and be suitable for using for portable electron device.In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 is disposed for producing about 1 milliwatt to about 200 watts power.In another embodiment, fuel cell 20 produce about 5 watts to about 60 watts power.Fuel cell 20 can be a fuel cell independently, and it is as long as it touches a) oxygen and b) hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuel source can produce the single component of power.Export about 10 watts and be very suitable for being the laptop computer power supply to about 100 watts independently fuel cell 20.A specific fuel cell module can produce greater than about 10 watts power.Another specific fuel cell module can produce greater than about 45 watts power.
Fuel cell module of the present invention also can use ' reform ' sources of hydrogen.Figure 1B has shown the fuel cell module 10 that is used to produce electric energy according to another embodiment of the present invention.Fuel cell module 10 comprises fuel processor 15 and fuel cell 20.
Processor 15 is handled fuels sources 17, to produce hydrogen.Fuels sources 17 is used as the carrier of hydrogen, and can handle with separating hydrogen gas.Fuels sources 17 can comprise the fuel stream of any carrying hydrogen, hydrocarbon fuel, or other hydrogen fuel source ammonia for example.Current available being suitable for, comprise for example methyl alcohol, ethanol, gasoline, propane, butane and natural gas for the hydrocarbon fuel source 17 that the present invention uses.Liquid fuel source 17 provides high energy density and the performance that is easy to store and transport.Other fuels sources also can be used for fuel cell module of the present invention, for example sodium borohydride.Several hydro carbons and ammonia also can form suitable fuels sources 17.
Fuels sources 17 can be used as fuel mixture and stores.When fuel processor 15 comprised steam reformer, storage device 16 comprised the fuel mixture of hydrocarbon fuel source and water.The fuel mixture of hydrocarbon fuel source/water is through being often expressed as the percentage of fuels sources in water.In one embodiment, fuels sources 17 comprises methyl alcohol or the ethanol of concentration in the 1%-99.9% scope in the water.Other liquid fuel that also can comprise concentration in the water and be 5-100% in storage device 16 is butane for example, propane, gasoline, military grade fuel " JP8 " or the like.In a certain embodiments, fuels sources 17 comprises the methyl alcohol of volume ratio 67%.
As shown in the figure, the hydrogen after the reformation is supplied with and is comprised fuel processor 15 and fuel source storage device 16.Storage device 16 fuel-in-storage sources 17, and can comprise portable and/or disposable fuel cassette.Disposable box recharges for the user provides moment.In one embodiment, this box comprises the folding bladder that is arranged in hard protective cover.Petrolift moves to processor 15 with fuels sources 17 from storage device 16 usually.If load onto assembly 10 subsequently, control system is measured fuels sources 17 so, so that fuels sources 17 is passed to processor 15 being exported under the determined flow velocity by the power level of required fuel cell 20.
Fuel processor 15 treatment of hydrocarbon fuels sources 17, and output hydrogen.Hydrocarbon fuel processor 15 is having heating and treatment of hydrocarbon fuels source 17 under the condition of catalyst, to produce hydrogen.Fuel processor 15 comprises reformer, and it is a kind of catalytic unit that liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons fuels sources 17 is changed into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.Here employed term " reformation " refers to produce the process of hydrogen from fuels sources.Below a suitable fuel processor 15 will be described in more detail.
In one embodiment, fuel processor 15 is a kind of steam reformers that need steam and fuel just can produce hydrogen.Several reformers that are applicable to fuel cell module 10 comprise the oxidator (CPOX) of steam reformer (ATR) or part catalysis.ATR and CPOX reformer mix air and fuel and steam mixture.The reformable fuel of ATR and CPOX system, for example methyl alcohol, diesel oil, conventional unleaded gas and other hydro carbons.In a certain embodiments, storage device 16 provides methyl alcohol 17 for fuel processor 15, and it is reforming methanol under about 280 ℃ or lower temperature, and allows fuel cell module 10 to use in needs farthest reduce the application of temperature.
Fuel cell 20 can be configured to receive hydrogen from direct hydrogen supply 12 or the sources of hydrogen after reforming.Fuel cell 20 receives hydrogen usually at every turn from a supply, but in some applications, it is useful adopting the fuel cell module that obtains redundant hydrogen supply from a plurality of supplies.
Fig. 1 C has shown the exemplary operations that is used for Figure 1B fuel cell module 10 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.As shown in the figure, assembly 10 comprises fuel processor 15, fuel cell 20, a plurality of pumps 21, air pump 41, various fuel conductors and gas conduit, and one or more valve 23.Fuel container 16 is connected on the assembly 10, and hydrogen gas storage fuels sources 17, so that be fed on the member in the assembly 10.
Fuel container 16 storage methyl alcohol are as hydrogen fuel source 17.The outlet 26 of fuel container 16 is fed to methyl alcohol 17 in the hydrogen fuel source conduit 25.As shown in the figure, conduit 25 is divided into two conduits: methyl alcohol 17 is transported to first conduit 27 in the heater (being also referred to as ' burner ') 30 of fuel processor 15 here, and methyl alcohol 17 is transported to second conduit 29 in the reformer 32 of fuel processor 15.Conduit 25,27 and 29 for example can comprise the pipeline that is arranged on the passage in the fuel processor or leads to fuel processor.Provide separate pump 21a and 21b to be respectively applied for conduit 27 and 29, with to the conduit supercharging, and carry methyl alcohol with speed independently as required.By Biochem, the model 030SP-S6112 pump that NJ provides is appropriate to system 10 transmits liquid methane, and using is very suitable in this embodiment.
In one embodiment, pump is positive discharge capacity, and this system use traffic meter not.In this case, control system knows and aspirates how much fuel, and control system passes to chip on the fuel cassette with this information.In another embodiment, flow sensor between storage device 16 and fuel processor 18 or valve 23, the quantity of the methyl alcohol 17 that its detection and notice transmit between storage device 16 and reformer 32.At transducer or valve 23 and suitable control, for example by carrying out under the applied numerically controlled cooperation of processor of instructing in the storing software, pump 21b scalable is supplied to the methyl alcohol 17 of reformer 32 from storage device 16.
Air pump 41 is delivered to oxygen and air the negative electrode of fuel cell 20 from surrounding environment by conduit 31, and some of them oxygen is used to produce electric power in negative electrode.Air pump 41 for example can comprise fan or compressor.High Operating Temperature in the fuel cell 20 has also heated oxygen and air.In an illustrated embodiment, heated oxygen and air send in the regenerator 36 of fuel processor 15 by conduit 33 then, before entering heater 30 it are carried out extra heating herein.Pass through a) to reduce the thermal loss (for example fresh oxygen, otherwise it will be near room temperature) of the reactant in the heater 30, b) cooled fuel cell during produce power, this pair of preheating improved the efficient of fuel cell system.In this embodiment, by Hargraves, the model BTC compressor that NC provides is suitable for oxygen and the supercharging air to being used for fuel cell system 10.
Fan 37 blows cooling air (from surrounding environment) above fuel cell 20 and Qi Re transmission annex 46.Fan 37 can have suitable dimensions, so as fuel cell add heat request and mobile air; And the known many manufacturers of those of skill in the art can provide the fan that is suitable for for assembly 10 uses.Extra fan is used in fuel cell heat and transmits blow air on the heater section of annex.
Fuel processor 15 receives methyl alcohol 17 from storage device 16, and output hydrogen.Fuel processor 15 comprises heater 30, reformer 32, evaporator 34 and regenerator 36.Heater (or burner) 30 comprises inlet (if methyl alcohol exists, it is also as evaporator), and it receives methyl alcohol 17 and catalyst from conduit 27, and it produces heat under the condition that methyl alcohol exists.Evaporator 34 comprises the inlet that receives methyl alcohol 17 from conduit 29.The structure of evaporator 34 allows to utilize the methyl alcohol 17 in the heat heating fumigators 34 that is produced in the heater 30 before reformer 32 receives methyl alcohol 17.Evaporator 34 comprises the outlet that heated methyl alcohol 17 is offered reformer 32.Reformer 32 comprises the inlet that receives heated methyl alcohol 17 from evaporator 34.Catalyst in the reformer 32 and methyl alcohol 17 react, and produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide (and carbon monoxide and any unreacted methanol and steam of about-0.2-5%).This reaction is slight heat absorption, and from heater 30 draw heat.The hydrogen outlet of reformer 32 exports hydrogen to conduit 39.In one embodiment, fuel processor 15 also preferably includes oxidator, the hydrogen exhaust of its intercepting reformer 32, and the amount of the carbon monoxide in the minimizing exhaust.Preferential oxidizer adopts oxygen and the catalyst from the air inlet of preferential oxidizer, for example ruthenium or platinum, and it compares hydrogen for carbon monoxide more preferential.
Regenerator 36 preheated air before air enters heater 30.Regenerator 36 has also reduced the thermal loss of assembly 10 by heated air before air effusion fuel processor 15.In some sense, the used heat of regenerator use in fuel processor 15 improves the heat management and the heat efficiency of fuel processor.Specifically, can be used for preheating from the used heat of heater 30 and offer the air that heater 30 enters, be delivered to airborne heat in the heater with minimizing, thereby more heat is passed to reformer 32.Regenerator also is used as the spacer of fuel processor by the thermal loss that reduces whole reformer.
Conduit 39 is transported to hydrogen the fuel cell 20 from fuel processor 15.As described in inciting somebody to action below, gas output tube road 31,33 and 39 passages that can comprise in the metal.Hydrogen flowing quantity transducer (not shown) also can be added on the conduit 39, to detect and to notify the amount of hydrogen that is sent in the fuel cell 20.With hydrogen flowing quantity transducer and suitable control, for example by carrying out under applied numerically controlled cooperation of processor of instructing in the storing software, fuel processor 15 scalable are fed to the hydrogen of fuel cell 20.
Fuel cell 20 comprises hydrogen inlet, and it receives hydrogen from conduit 39, and it is delivered in the hydrogen intake manifold, so that pass in one or more bipolar plates and its hydrogen distribution channel.The oxygen air inlet of fuel cell 20 receives oxygen from conduit 31, and it is delivered in the oxygen intake manifold, so that be delivered in one or more bipolar plates and its oxygen distribution channel.Anode exhaust manifold 38 gas in the hydrogen distribution channel of collecting, and it is delivered in the surrounding environment, or turn back in the fuel processor.The cathode exhaust gas manifold gas in the oxygen distribution channel of collecting, and it is passed to cathode exhaust vent and conduit 33, or in the surrounding environment.
In Fig. 1 C the shown member, system 10 also can comprise other element of the function that is used to carry out fuel cell system 10, electronic-controlled installation for example, auxiliary pump and valve, the system sensor that increases, manifold, heat exchanger and electric interconnector, these are known for those of skill in the art, and dispense for succinct purpose.
Assembly
The invention provides a kind of size and portable fuel cell module of reducing.Term " fuel assembly " finger is received hydrogen or hydrogen fuel source and is exported the fuel cell system of electric energy as used herein.This comprises fuel cell at least.For example, at fuel cell, perhaps fuel cell and fuel processor are included under the situation in the laptop computer storage battery slot, and this assembly does not need to comprise lid or shell.In this case, fuel cell module includes only fuel cell, or fuel cell and fuel processor, and does not have shell.This assembly can comprise compact appearance, little volume, or little quality, and this wherein any one is to all being of great use in the relevant any power applications of size.Term as used herein " fuel cell module " and fuel cell system are synonyms, wherein use assembly to represent volume and power density more conveniently.
In one embodiment, fuel cell module comprises fuel cell, fuel processor, and the special connector between the two.Special-purpose connector can provide a) fluid or the gas stream general character between the fuel processor and fuel cell, and/or b) between the two or be used for the support structure of this assembly.In one embodiment, connectors as described below provides maximum connectednesses.In another embodiment, on fuel cell and/or fuel processor, be provided with direct and special-purpose connector, so that dock with other device.For example, fuel cell can be designed to dock with specific fuel processor, and comprises the special connector that is used for this fuel processor.As alternative, fuel processor can be designed to dock with special fuel cell.Fuel processor and fuel cell are assemblied in the assembly of public and base closed together, this provide a kind of portable ' black box ' assembly, it receives hydrogen fuel source, and the output electric energy.
One or more conduits or passage transmit gas or fluid between fuel cell and fuel processor.This transmission comprises hydrogen is transported to pipeline in the fuel cell.In order to reduce the size of assembly, fuel cell and fuel processor can respectively comprise being exclusively used in hydrogen is delivered to molded passage the storage battery from processor.This passage can be included in the structure.When fuel cell directly is connected on the fuel processor, the hydrogen delivery tube line comprises and is used in a) fuel processor hydrogen is delivered to the passage of connector and b from reformer) be used for hydrogen is delivered to from connector the passage of hydrogen intake manifold in the fuel cell.Connectors as described below can promote the connection between fuel cell and fuel processor.In this case, connectors comprises being exclusively used in hydrogen is delivered to integrated hydrogen conduit the fuel cell from fuel processor.
Fig. 4 A has shown fuel cell module 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.Assembly 400 provides a kind of compact and portable electric energy generation device that utilizes fuel cell technology.
Shell 402 comprises fuel cell.Shell 402 provides the mechanical protection that is used for the internal structure in its border, and can comprise any form or the configuration that this protection is provided.In one embodiment, shell 402 comprises a plurality of devices that utilize screw and/or suitable bonding and be fixed together.The material that is used for shell 402 can comprise any suitable stiff materials that mechanical protection is provided.For example, rigid plastics or metal can be used for shell 402.In one embodiment, shell 402 comprises low thermal conductivity material, thereby shell need not act on the radiator that generates heat in its volume.In another embodiment, shell 402 comprises heat conducting material.In one embodiment, shell 402 carries out the size setting according to the internal structure that is included in the shell, to reduce the volume of whole assembly.
Shell 402 comprises many openings that are used for air inlet and exhaust.Opening 404 allows air to enter assembly 400 from surrounding space or environment, for example, is included in the fuel cell in the assembly or is used for the fuel cell produce power with cooling.After gas obtained the heat of fuel cell, opening 406 was as the exhaust outlet of heated gas, and it is operated under with respect to the air higher temperature in the surrounding environment usually.Though opening 404 and 406 is shown as somewhat linear slit, opening can comprise any size that is suitable for cooling air (or in the fuel processor employed oxygen) air inlet and exhaust.In addition, assembly can comprise more than or more than two openings.
Not every fuel cell system member all must be included in the shell 402.Though shell 402 is of great use for characterizing volume, the assembly of some similar built-in systems does not comprise shell 402.Perhaps, with the member that separable hydrogen or fuel source storage device dock, its configurable outside at shell 402.Shell 402 comprises fuel cell at least in part.If comprise a fuel processor in the system, shell 402 also comprises fuel processor usually.
Volume can be represented the feature of assembly 400.This volume comprises all component member that is used to produce electric power in the system, saves the storage device that is used for supply of hydrogen or fuels sources.In one embodiment, this volume comprises fuel cell and is arranged in any member that shell 402 outsides are used to produce electric power and (for example just is not included in the member of shell 402, for example partly be arranged on the pump that is used for transfer the fuel of assembly outside) and/or power governor, it is transformed into the needed level of power consumer with fuel cell output voltage, and can be connected or be closed by Fuel Cell Control System as required.In one embodiment, assembly 400 has less than about 1 liter cumulative volume.In a certain embodiments, assembly 400 has less than about 1/2 liter cumulative volume.Greater or lesser assembly volume can use for the present invention.
Assembly also comprises less relatively quality.In one embodiment, assembly 400 has the gross mass less than about 1kg.In a certain embodiments, assembly 400 has less than about 1/2 liter cumulative volume.Bigger and littler assembly quality also is feasible.
Power density also can be used for representing the feature of fuel cell module.Power density refers to by being included in the electrical power that fuel cell provided output in the assembly with respect to the physical parameter of the assembly ratio of volume or quality for example.The invention provides the fuel cell module of the power density that reaches not yet in the present fuel cell industries.In one embodiment, fuel cell module 400 provides greater than about 30 watts/liter power density.Except fuel and fuel source storage device, this assembly comprises the balance of the things (storage battery starts or the like for cooling system, power conversion) of all fuel cell powerplants.In another certain embodiments, fuel cell module 400 provides greater than about 60 watts/liter power density.From about 45 watts/rise to about 90 watts/liter power density to be well suited for many portable use.For fuel cell module of the present invention, bigger and littler power density also allows.
Fuel cell and fuel processor can be arranged in the assembly, so that farthest reduce the volume of assembly.In one embodiment, fuel processor and fuel cell are arranged in coplane in the assembly.In this sense, coplane refers to be used to represent that the shortest and/or the longest size of fuel cell and expression fuel processor is aligned in identical axis.The shortest size refers to be used to represent three-dimensional dimension (for example, x, y, minimum dimension z) of arbitrary scantling feature.The longest size then is opposite.For example, be minimum size if be used for the height of fuel cell and fuel processor, fuel cell and fuel processor are placed the position of adjacent one another are and coplane so, make the two height be on the identical direction (for example z).Fuel cell and fuel processor can be set up in parallel each other, and self piles up, or are arranged to any other spread pattern that reduces volume.When being arranged to each other side by side, height of the higher person has been determined the total height of assembly in the two.In one embodiment, the fuel cell system assembly has the height of being determined by fuel cell.In a certain embodiments, fuel cell and assembly have less than about 1 inch height.Also can imagine other height, for example less than about 2 inches, or the height of the storage battery slot in the laptop computer.
Fig. 4 B has shown the perspective view of the coplane fuel cell system in the single component 420 according to an embodiment of the invention.Assembly 420 comprises to be arranged to adjacent one another are and to make its highly substantially parallel fuel cell 20 and fuel processor 15.
Show among the figure that fuel cell 20 has shell 422, shell 422 comprises top board 64 and many sidewalls 424.Sidewall 424a comprises two openings: cooling air air inlet 428 and exhaust outlet 430.The cooling fan 37 of Fig. 1 C be arranged on relatively near and be positioned at the position of air inlet 428 or exhaust outlet 430 inside.
For assembly 420, comprised and be used for pipeline control and be connected petrolift 21 on the package shell.Petrolift 21 can adopt the pump of solenoid pump, jet pump or any other commercial available mobile fuel.Fig. 4 B has also shown air intake pipe 432 (line 31 among Fig. 1 C), and it from surrounding space or environment, passes oxygen and air package shell, and be delivered in the fuel cell 20, so that negative electrode uses.
The feature of the size Expressing assembly 420 of the length of quadrature (L), width (W) and height (H).In one embodiment, assembly 420 is included in the length between about 6cm and the about 15cm, at approximately 4cm and the approximately width between the 10cm, and at approximately 1cm and the approximately height between the 5cm.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that size of components will depend on the arrangement and the size of fuel cell 20 and fuel processor 15, and whether fuel processor 15 is included in the assembly.The size of the counterbalance that requires by the processor arrangement relevant with it, the eliminating of fuel processor 15 will reduce the size of assembly 420.In a certain embodiments, assembly 420 is included in the length between about 11cm and the about 13cm, at approximately 7cm and the approximately width between the 9cm, and at approximately 2cm and the approximately height between the 4cm.Greater or lesser size can be used for assembly of the present invention.
Fig. 4 C has shown the perspective view that is used for the internal structure of fuel cell module 440 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Assembly 440 comprises the obstruct underframe (chassis) 442 as structural framing, and the building blocks of function of assembly 440 is connected on the underframe 442.In one embodiment, underframe 442 has formed the diapire of the shell that is used for assembly 440.Underframe 442 comprises suitable stiff materials, for example metal or rigid plastics.Aluminium, Fr 4, carbon fiber, ABS and the steel capital be fit to use.Perhaps, can use provides mechanical integrity, and comprises any material of low-thermal conductivity.
Assembly 440 also comprises fluid conduit systems and the connector 444 that is incorporated in fuel cell 20 and the fuel processor 15, and this is opposite with the pipeline and the flexible pipe that separate between fuel cell 20 and processor 15.This has reduced the size of assembly 440.Pump 21 provides the fuels sources motion, and is connected on the carriage, and carriage is connected on the underframe 442.Air compressor 448 is for fuel battery negative pole provides air, and is connected on the underframe 442.Inlet plenum 445 is included between the air inlet 428 of the shell of assembly 440 and fuel cell 20, with the guiding air.
Assembly 440 also comprises rechargeable storage battery 450 (not marking among the figure).In one embodiment, storage battery 450 is used to provide electrical power between the starting period so that the fuel in the heating fuel processor 15, when fuel processor and fuel cell 20 are prepared to produce electric energy till.Then, rechargeable storage battery can recharge by fuel cell 20.If it is empty that rechargeable storage battery 450 is consumptions, fuel cell system can adopt USBjumpstart (storage battery can charge by the device that is different from fuel cell, and system can start by the device that is different from system's storage battery) so.In this case, assembly 440 and electronic installation for example the USB connector between the laptop computer power is provided so that give system's charge in batteries, reach charged state up to it, make it can heat the fuel that is used for fuel processor 15, produce electric energy up to fuel cell 20.In this, storage battery 450 can recharge by fuel cell.The known extensive manufacturer of those of skill in the art provides the rechargeable storage battery that is suitable for for the present invention's use.A kind of 2.4 amperes, 18650 hours rechargeable storage battery is fit to some embodiment.It also is suitable providing 18 watts storage battery under 50% electric charge and 3.75 volts.Other commercial available storage battery also can use.
Control desk 452 comprises suitable software and hardware, and it is used for the member of control assembly 440.Hardware can comprise commercial available processor, for example can be from Intel company, and arbitrary processor that MicroChip company or Motorola Inc.'s series processors obtain.The memory that also comprises some forms.Can comprise that random-access memory (ram) and read-only memory (ROM) store the program command of being carried out by processor, its execution is used for the controlled function of the member of a more than fuel cell system.Control board also can comprise the device of permission to control system firmware reprogramming, and does not need to remove control board.
In assembly, also can comprise Electric adapter (show among Fig. 4 C, and can be the part of control board 452), the electric energy output of fuel cell 20 is transformed into by the determined suitable level of the design of assembly 440.For example, assembly 440 can be used as the adapter of the cable of laptop computer power supply, and wherein, Electric adapter 446 changes into the voltage and current that is well-suited for the laptop computer power supply with the electric energy output of fuel cell 20.The DC/DC conversion is typical, but also can use other power adjustments.Electric adapter or power governor also can have the ability of connecting as required or closing, and the load measure ability that is for example provided by the capacitor on input and the output line can be provided.In one embodiment, Electric adapter has the electrical efficiency greater than about 90%.In a certain embodiments, Electric adapter has the efficient greater than about 95%.Other device can be powered by fuel cell 20, and adapter 446 will require according to the electric power of device be configured.Adapter 446 also can comprise the hardware interface that receives lead, and described connecting wire is connected on the electronic installation.
Assembly 440 also can comprise extra fuel cell system member, and for example the cathode inlet mouth 31, the fuel that is provided by the separable fuel source capsule that is connected on the assembly 440, and the transducer and the lead that are used for temperature detection.
Though mainly reference fuel processor inclusion has been described fuel cell module, assembly of the present invention does not need to comprise processor.In another embodiment, assembly includes only fuel cell, receives hydrogen its supply on being connected in assembly.Assembly provides a kind of portable black box that receives hydrogen and export electric energy like this.Because volume descends,, thereby provide even bigger power density so this provides the fuel cell module that has smaller size smaller and quality for equal-wattage output.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a kind of fuel cell module with cable.Fig. 7 A has shown according to an embodiment of the invention the simplification view with the fuel cell module 700 of cable.Fig. 7 B has shown according to the present invention the perspective internal view of the fuel cell module 100 of the band cable of a specific embodiment.
The assembly of band cable refers to comprise the fuel cell module of cable 702.Cable 702 allows to be electrically coupled on the assembly at a distance, and generally include can be with electric energy from fuel cell or be included in Electric adapter the assembly 700 and be delivered to conductor on the electronic installation.In one embodiment, cable 702 comprises and being connected in separably on the assembly 700, and is disposed for transmitting the lead of the DC electric power that is produced by fuel cell.Connector 705 allows cable to be connected electrically in separably on the Electric adapter 710 that is included in the assembly.Usually, the length of cable 702 has been determined the distance of cable, but the extended line (or homologue) that increases at arbitrary end can make cable apart from prolongation.The fuel cell module of band cable can be similar to the AC adapter that is used for many traditional laptop computers, and wherein cable-assembly provides electric energy from the hydrogen of storage or fuels sources.
Because fuel cell module is portable, so the assembly of band cable provides a kind of portable form of electrical power, it can be inserted in one or more portable electron devices.The output 704 of cable comprises interface 705, and it electrically connects on electronic installation separably, and fuel cell end 706 electrically connects on fuel cell module (or for good and all being connected above it) separably.Interface 705 can comprise any suitable electrical interface.For example, interface 705 can comprise the DC adaptor interface, for example commercially can obtain any interface from each manufacturer widely.
Like this, the fuel cell module 700 of band cable provides a kind of portable electric power source that is appropriate to separably to one or more devices power supplies.For example, consumer electronic devices such as laptop computer and broadcast receiver can be benefited from the adapter of cable of the present invention.The fuel cell module 700 of band cable can be a plurality of models of same type, a plurality of laptop computer power supplies of for example same model.
The fuel cell module 700 of band cable also can provide the electricity output of change, so that be different device power supplies.Referring to Fig. 7 B, assembly 700 comprises Electric adapter 710, and the electric energy of its fuel cell 20a output changes into the varying level of being convenient to output on the cable 702.In one embodiment, adapter 710 provides a plurality of output electricity set points that are used for assembly 700.For example, a set point can comprise 12V, the service of 3A, and second set point provides 5V, the service of 1A.Switch or other device in assembly 700 outsides can allow the user to change between a plurality of electricity outputs.Connector also can be equipped with lead, and control board is known be operated under what output voltage.Electric adapter 710 comprises suitable electronic installation like this, to safeguard each output set point.In this case, adapter 710 utilizes cable 702 that the output of being changed and being expected by the determined DC/DC of the design of fuel cell 20 is provided.
Adapter 710 also can provide A/DC conversion.In this case, assembly 700 comprises the second connector (not shown), and it receives AC connector or lead.The AC lead is connected in AC power supplies separably, for example on the wall plug receptacle.Adapter 710 comprises the circuit that AC power is changed into the DC output on the cable 702 like this.For example, this circuit can change into 65 watts AC input 45 watts DC output.
Fuel cell
Fig. 2 A has shown the sectional view of the fuel cell stack 60 that is used for fuel cell 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.Fig. 2 B has shown the outer top perspective of fuel cell stack 60 and fuel cell 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Beginning is referring to Fig. 2 A, and fuel cell stack 60 comprises one group of bipolar plates 44 and one group of membrane electrode parts (MEA) layer 62.Two MEA layers 62 are respectively adjacent with bipolar plates 44.Except the top and the membrane electrode assembly layer 62a and 62b at the end, each MEA 62 is arranged between two adjacent bipolar plates 44.For MEA 62a and 62b, headboard and bottom end plate 64a and 64b comprise the channel field 72 on the face that is positioned at contiguous MEA 62.
Bipolar plates 44 in the folded group 60 also respectively comprises one or more heat transmission annexes 46.As shown in the figure, each bipolar plates 44 comprises that the heat transmission annex 46a of plate one side transmits annex 46b with the heat that is positioned at offside.To further discuss heat in detail below and transmit annex 46.
As shown in Fig. 2 A, folded group 60 comprises 62, ten bipolar plates 44 of 12 membrane electrode assembly layers and two end plates 64 (Fig. 2 B has shown 18 plates 44 that form folded group).But the bipolar plates 44 in each group and the quantity fuel cell of MEA layer 62 are folded the design of group 60 and are changed.In fuel cell stack 60, will allow usage space effectively with parallel stacked group, and the power density that improves fuel cell 20 and comprise the fuel cell module 10 of fuel cell 20.In one embodiment, each membrane electrode parts 62 produce the voltage of 0.7V, and the quantity of selection MEA layer 62 is to obtain required voltage.Perhaps, the quantity of MEA layer 62 and bipolar plates 44 can be determined by admissible assembly 10 thickness.Have a MEA 62 and be suitable for many application to the fuel cell stack 60 of a hundreds of MEA 62.Have about three MEA 62 and also be suitable for many application to folded group 60 of about 20 MEA 62.The size of fuel cell 20 and layout also can design and be disposed for exporting given power.
Referring to Fig. 2 B, headboard and bottom end plate 64a and 64b provide the mechanical protection to folded group 60.End plate 64 also keeps together bipolar plates 44 and MEA layer 62, and pressure is put on the plane domain of each bipolar plates 44 and each MEA 62.End plate 64 can comprise steel or another suitable stiff materials.Bolt 82a-d is connected with bottom end plate 64a headboard and is fixed together with 64b.
Fuel cell 20 comprises two anode manifold (84 and 86).Each manifold is delivered to product or reacting gas in the fuel cell stack 60 back and forth.More particularly, each manifold transmits gas between the external pipe of vertical manifold of being created by the bipolar plates 44 (Fig. 2 D) of folded group and fuel cell 20.Hydrogen inlet manifold 84 is arranged on the headboard 64a, connect with entry conductor, to receive hydrogen (for example 204a among Fig. 4 A), and lead to inlet hydrogen gas manifold 102 (Fig. 2 D), inlet hydrogen gas manifold 102 is disposed for inlet hydrogen is delivered in the channel field 72 on each bipolar plates 44 of folded group 60.Outlet manifold 86 receives exit gas (Fig. 2 D) from anode exhaust manifold 104, and exhaust manifold 104 is disposed for collecting waste products from the anode passages field 72 of each bipolar plates 44.Outlet manifold 86 can offer waste gas the fuel cell surrounding space.In another embodiment, manifold 86 provides anode exhaust line 38, and it carries the material processor that strile-backs with untapped hydrogen between the starting period.
Fuel cell 20 comprises two cathode manifold: inlet cathode manifold or inlet oxygen manifold 88 and export cathode manifold or go out saliva/steam manifold 90.Inlet oxygen manifold 88 is arranged on the headboard 64a, with entry conductor (conduit 31, it is suction air from surrounding environment) connect, to receive surrounding air, and leading to oxygen manifold 106 (Fig. 2 D), it is disposed for inlet oxygen and surrounding air are delivered in the channel field 72 on the bipolar plates 44 of folded group 60.Go out saliva/steam manifold 90 and receive exit gas (Fig. 2 D) from cathode exhaust gas manifold 108, exhaust manifold 108 is disposed for collecting water (being generally steam) from the cathode channel field 72 of each bipolar plates 44.
Shown in Fig. 2 B, manifold 84,86,88 and 90 comprise molded passage, its each along end face of end plate 64a, extend to the folded manifold of organizing from its interface with the fuel cell outside.Each manifold or passage are used as the gas communication line of fuel cell 20, and can comprise molded passage in the shell of plate 64 or fuel cell 20.Also can imagine other design that transmits gas with folded group 60 back and forth, for example those do not share the design of universal manifold in single plate or structure.
Fig. 2 C has shown a kind of according to an embodiment of the invention ionic conduction membrane cell (PEMFC) framework 120 that is used for fuel cell 20.As shown in the figure, PEMFC framework 120 comprises two bipolar plates 44 and is clipped in two membrane electrode assembly layers (or MEA) 62 between the bipolar plates 44.MEA 62 changes into water with electrochemical means with hydrogen and oxygen, and produces electric energy and heat in this process.Membrane electrode parts 62 comprise anode gas diffusion layer 122, cathode gas diffusion layer 124, hydrogen catalyst 126, ion-conductive membranes 128, anode electrode 130, cathode electrode 132 and oxygen catalyst 134.
Hydrogen (the H of pressurization 2) enter fuel cell 20 by hydrogen mouth 84, continue across inlet hydrogen gas manifold 102, and pass the hydrogen passage 74 of the hydrogen channel field 72a on the anode surface 75 that is arranged on bipolar plates 44a.Hydrogen passage 74 leads to anode gas diffusion layer 122, and it is arranged between the anode surface 75 and ion-conductive membranes 128 of bipolar plates 44a.Pressure forces hydrogen to enter into the anode gas diffusion layer 122 of hydrogen-permeable, and crosses the hydrogen catalyst 126 that is arranged in the anode gas diffusion layer 122.Work as H 2When molecule contacted with hydrogen catalyst 126, it split into two H+ ions (proton) and two electronics (e-).Proton moves through ion-conductive membranes 128, and with cathode gas diffusion layer 124 in combination with oxygen.Electronic guide passes anode electrode 130, and they set up the electromotive force that is used for external circuit (for example power supply of laptop computer) herein.After externally using, electron stream is to the cathode electrode 132 of PEMFC framework 120.
Hydrogen catalyst 126 splits into proton and electronics with hydrogen.Appropriate catalyst 126 comprises for example platinum, ruthenium and platinum black or platinum carbon, and/or is positioned at the platinum on the carbon nano-tube.Anode gas diffusion layer 122 comprises that allowing hydrogen to spread also can keep hydrogen catalyst 126, to allow interactional any material between catalyst and the hydrogen molecule.A kind of suitable layer comprises the carbon paper of fabric or non-woven.Other suitable gas diffusion layers 122 materials can comprise the carbon paper of diamond dust matrix and fabric or non-woven and the mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene.
At the cathode side of PEMFC framework 120, carry oxygen (O 2) compressed air enter fuel cell 20 by oxygen port 88, continue across inlet oxygen manifold 106, and pass the oxygen channel 76 of the oxygen channel field 72b on the cathode plane 77 that is arranged on bipolar plates 44b.Oxygen channel 76 leads to cathode gas diffusion layer 124, and it is arranged between the cathode plane 77 and ion-conductive membranes 128 of bipolar plates 44a.Pressure forces oxygen to enter into cathode gas diffusion layer 124, and crosses the oxygen catalyst 134 that is arranged in the cathode gas diffusion layer 124.Work as O 2When molecule contacted with oxygen catalyst 134, it split into two oxygen atoms.The H+ ion of two ion-conductive membranes 128 that passed ion selectivity and oxygen atom combine with two electronics that return from external circuit and form hydrone (H 2O).Cathode channel 76 discharge waters, it forms steam usually.This is reflected at the about 0.7 volt voltage of generation in the single MEA layer 62.
Cathode gas diffusion layer 124 comprises permission oxygen and hydrogen diffusion of protons, and can keep oxygen catalyst 134, to allow interactional material between catalyst 134 and oxygen and the hydrogen.Suitable gas diffusion layers 124 can comprise for example carbon paper or braid.Other suitable gas diffusion layers 124 materials can comprise the carbon paper of diamond dust matrix and fabric or non-woven and the mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene.Oxygen catalyst 134 has promoted oxygen and hydrogen to form the reaction of water.A kind of catalyst commonly used 134 comprises platinum.The catalyst 134 of coarse and porous is adopted in many designs, is exposed to the surface area of the catalyst 134 of hydrogen and oxygen with raising.For example, platinum can be used as and is coated in the extremely thin powder on carbon paper or the braid and is trapped on the cathode gas diffusion layer 124.
Ion-conductive membranes 128 passes film 128 by the obstruction electronics and anode and cathodic electricity is kept apart.Thereby film 128 prevents that electronics from passing through between gas diffusion layers 122 and gas diffusion layers 124.Ion-conductive membranes 128 is also optionally with positively charged ion, and for example, the hydrogen proton is directed to the gas diffusion layers 124 from gas diffusion layers 122.For fuel cell 20, proton moves through film 128, and with electronic guide to electric loading or storage battery.In one embodiment, ion-conductive membranes 128 comprises electrolyte.A kind of suitable electrolyte that uses for fuel cell 20 is from Murray Hill, the PEMEAS USAAG of NJ ( Www.pemeas.co) Celtec 1000 that obtains.Comprise that this electrolytical fuel cell 20 normally more tolerates carbon monoxide, and can not need humidification.Ion-conductive membranes 128 also can adopt the phosphoric acid matrix, and it comprises the separator with the porous of phosphate impregnation.The alternative ion-conductive membranes 128 that is suitable for using for fuel cell 20 can be widely from Unitedtechnologies, DuPt, and other known manufacturer place of 3M and those of skill in the art obtains.For example, Elkton, 58 series membranes that the WL Gore Associates of MD produces, it is the low temperature MEA that is suitable for for the present invention's use.
In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 does not need outside humidifier or heat exchanger, and 60 needs hydrogen of folded group and air produce electrical power.Perhaps, fuel cell 20 can adopt the negative electrode humidification, to improve the performance of fuel cell 20.For the design of some fuel cell stack 60, the negative electrode humidification has improved the power and the operation lifetime of fuel cell 20.
Fig. 2 D has shown the top perspective view of the folded group of bipolar plates (with two top boards that are designated as 44p and 44q) according to an embodiment of the invention.Bipolar plates 44 is single plates 44, and wherein first passage field 72 is arranged on the opposite face 75 of plate 44.
On function, bipolar plates 44a) with the reacting gas transmission and be distributed to gas diffusion layers 122 and 124 with and corresponding catalyst on, b) keep the reacting gas separation between the MEA layer 62 of folded group 60 each other, c) the electrochemical reaction accessory substance is discharged from MEA layer 62, d) promote between MEA layer 62 and the fuel cell stack 60 back and forth heat transmission, and e) comprise and be used for gas is sent to inlet manifold and exhaust manifold in other bipolar plates 44 of fuel stack 60.
Structurally, bipolar plates 44 has more smooth profile relatively, and comprises relative end face and bottom surface 75a and 75b (only having shown end face 75a) and many sides 78.Except form the passage 76 of groove in substrate 89, face 75 is the plane basically.Side 78 comprises between two faces 75 and the part of the bipolar plates 44 at close bipolar plates 44 edges.As shown in the figure, bipolar plates 44 is general quadrangles, has the intake manifold of being used for, and exhaust manifold and heat are transmitted the feature of annex 46, and it provides tetragonal outer deviation.
Manifold configuration on each plate 44 becomes to be used for the channel field of gas transfer to 44 of the plates, or from channel field 72 receiver gases.The manifold that is used for bipolar plates 44 comprises aperture or the hole that is positioned at substrate 89, and when when other plate 44 in the folded group 60 of manifold combines, its gas that has formed intermediate plate 44 is communicated with manifold (for example 102,104,106 and 108).Thereby, getting up when plate 44 is folded group, and make its manifold substantially on time, manifold allows to transmit gas to and fro between each plate 44.
Bipolar plates 44 comprises channel field 72 or " flow field " on each face that is positioned at plate 44.Each channel field 72 comprises the passage 76 in one or more substrates 89 that form in plate 44, makes passage place the surface underneath of plate 44.Each channel field 72 is distributed to one or more reacting gass in the active region of fuel cell stack 60.Bipolar plates 44 comprises the first passage field 72a on the anode surface 75a that is positioned at bipolar plates 44, and it is distributed to (Fig. 2 C) on the anode with hydrogen, and the second channel field is positioned on the relative cathode plane 75b, and it is distributed to oxygen on the negative electrode.Specifically, channel field 72a comprises a plurality of passages 76 that allow oxygen and air flow anode gas diffusion layer 122, and channel field 72b comprises a plurality of passages 76 that allow oxygen and air flow cathode gas diffusion layer 124.For fuel cell stack 60, each channel field 72 is disposed for receiving reacting gas from intake manifold 102 or 106, and is disposed for reacting gas is distributed in gas diffusion layers 122 or 124.Each channel field 72 is also collected the byproduct of reaction of discharging from fuel cell 20.When in fuel cell 60 with bipolar plates 44 is folded when organizing together, accompany MEA layer 62 between the adjacent plate 44, make the anode surface 75a and the cathode plane 75b adjacency that is positioned at the adjacent bipolar plates 44 of MEA layer 62 offside of a bipolar plates 44.
Bipolar plates 44 can comprise one or more heat transmission annexes 46.Each heat is transmitted annex 46 and is allowed the interior section of fuel cell stack 60 is carried out outside heat management.More particularly, annex 46 can be used for heating or the interior section of the folded group 60 of cooled fuel cell, the interior section of the bipolar plates 44 that is for example connected and any adjacent MEA layer 62.Heat is transmitted the outside that annex 46 is horizontally installed on channel field 72.In one embodiment, annex 46 is arranged on the exterior portion of bipolar plates 44.The exterior portion of bipolar plates 44 comprise plate 44 near being included in the side of substrate in the plate 44 or any part at edge.The exterior portion of bipolar plates 44 does not comprise channel field 72 usually.For shown in embodiment, heat is transmitted the side that annex 46 is crossed over plate 44 basically, it does not comprise inlet manifold and output manifold 102-108.For embodiment shown among Fig. 2 A, plate 44 comprises two heat transmission annexes 46, and it crosses over the two sides of the plate 44 that does not comprise gas manifold basically.
The peripheral heat transmission annex 46 that is provided with allows to conduct heat by plate substrate 89 between the annex 46 of the interior section of plate 44 and outer setting.Heat conduction refers to the heat transmission between contact or integrally formed object.Thereby the transverse heat transfer between the core of exterior portion of plate 44 (heat is transmitted annex 46 and is connected herein) and bipolar plates 44 produces by the conductive type of thermal communication via substrate 89.In one embodiment, the backing material 89 in heat transmission annex 46 and the plate 44 is whole." integral body " refers to the material continuity between annex 46 and plate 44 in this sense.For example, integrally formed annex 46 can be formed by the single metal plate in single mold, punching press, machining or MEM technology with plate 44.Integrally formed annex 46 and plate 44 allow to transmit by the conductibility thermal communication and the heat of substrate 89 between the interior section of plate 44 and heat transmission annex 46.In another embodiment, annex 46 comprises and is different from the substrate 89 employed materials that are connected on the plate 44, and conductive thermal communication and heat transmission occur in these two the jointing places that connect between the material.
Heat can transmit on the annex 46 in heat and move around.In other words, annex 46 can be used as radiator or thermal source.Thereby heat is transmitted the radiator that annex 46 can be used as the interior section of cooling bipolar plates 44 or MEA62.Fuel cell 20 adopts coolant to remove from the heat in the annex 46.Perhaps, heat is transmitted the thermal source that interior section that annex 46 can be used as bipolar plates 44 or MEA 62 provides heat.In this case, catalyst can be arranged on the annex 46, to produce heat in response to existing of heat medium.
For cooling, heat is transmitted annex 46 and is allowed the integrated heat conduction of the interior section of slave plate 44 to the annex 46 of outer setting.During hydrogen consumption and electric energy generation, electrochemical reaction produces heat in each MEA 62.Because the interior section of bipolar plates 44 contacts with MEA 62, thereby the heat on the bipolar plates 44 transmits annex 46 and will pass through a) 44 the heat conduction from MEA 62 to bipolar plates, and b) horizontal thermal communication from the core of the bipolar plates 44 that contacts with MEA 62 to the exterior portion of the plate 44 that comprises annex 46 and heat conduction and cool off the MEA 62 adjacent with plate.In this case, heat transmit annex 46 between the second channel field 72 on the face that transmits the relative plate 44 of annex 46 on the direction of the first passage field 72 on the face 75 of plate 44 and the face 75 that is being parallel to plate 44 with heat dissipation from the heat of substrate 89.When fuel cell stack 60 comprised a plurality of MEA layer 62, the horizontal thermal communication of each bipolar plates 44 provided the interlayer cooling of a plurality of MEA layers 62 (comprising those layers in folded group 60 cores) in folded group 60 by this mode.
Fuel cell 20 can adopt in heat and transmit the coolant that transmits on the annex 46.Coolant receives the heat from annex 46, and removes heat from fuel cell 20.Folded group 60 inner heats that produce thereby pass bipolar plates 44 guide to annex 46, and by the convective heat transfer between annex 46 and the coolant heated cooling medium.Air is suitable for as coolant.
Heat is transmitted annex 46 and be can be configured to have than the littler thickness of thickness between the opposite face 75 of plate 44.The thickness that reduces of the annex 46 on the adjacent bipolar plates 44 in the fuel cell stack 60 and formed passage between the adjacent appendages.A plurality of adjacent bipolar plates 44 in the folded group and annex 46 form many passages.Each passage allows coolant or heat medium to pass passage and crosses heat and transmit annex 46.In one embodiment, fuel cell stack 60 comprises the mechanical cover of encapsulation and the folded group 60 of protection.By forming conduit between adjacent annex 46 and wall, shell wall also provides and has been used to cool off or the extra pipe of heat medium.
Coolant can be gas or liquid.The heat that is obtained by the bipolar plates 44 of high conductance is transmitted advantage and is allowed air as coolant, transmits annex 46 and folded group 60 with the heat of cooling.For example, DC fan 37 can be connected on the outer surface of mechanical cover.Fan 37 moves air and passes hole in the mechanical cover, passes the annex heat of cooling and transmits passage between annex 46 and the fuel cell stack 60, and discharge steam vent or exhaust outlet in the mechanical cover.Like this, fuel cell system 10 can comprise the active thermal control based on the temperature detection feedback.Improve or reduce the cooling fan adjustable-speed and save the heat and folded 60 the operating temperature of organizing of from folded group 60, removing.In air cooled folded group 60 embodiment, the speed of cooling fan improves or reduces with respect to required desired temperature according to the cathode outlet temperature of reality.
For heating, heat is transmitted annex 46 and is allowed interior section from the annex 46 of outer setting to plate 44 and the fuel cell 20 to transmit with any member of the interior section thermal communication of plate 44 and the integrated heat of part.The heat medium of crossing heat transmission annex 46 provides heat for annex.Pass substrate 89 after being by convection into the heat on the annex 46, and enter into the interior section of plate 44 and folded group 60, for example MEA 62 forms in the part of member with it.
In one embodiment, heat medium comprises heated gas, and it has the temperature greater than annex 46.Can respectively comprise the temperature of rising from the waste gas of the heater 30 of fuel processor 15 or reformer 32, it is suitable for heating one or more annexes 46.
In another embodiment, fuel cell comprises that being arranged to transmit annex 46 with one or more heat contacts or the catalyst 192 (Fig. 2 A) approaching with it.When heat medium passed catalyst, catalyst 192 produced heat.In this case, heat medium can comprise and reacts with catalyst 192 and produce any gas or the fluid of heat.Usually, catalyst 192 and heat medium adopt heat-producing chemical reaction to produce heat.Then heat transmit annex 46 and plate 44 with heat transferred in fuel cell stack 60, for example with the inside of heating MEA layer 62.For example, catalyst 192 can comprise platinum, and heat medium comprises hydrocarbon fuel source 17.Before it entered into fuel cell 20, fuels sources 17 can be heated to gaseous state.This allows the gaseous state of heat medium between fuels sources 17 and catalyst 192 to carry, and gaseous state interacts to produce heat.Be similar to above-mentioned coolant, fan is arranged on one of them wall, thereby the gaseous state heat medium is moved in fuel cell 20.
In a certain embodiments, be used for reformer exhaust (seeing Fig. 1 C) or the heater exhaust of the hydrocarbon fuel source 17 that reacts with catalyst 192 from fuel processor 15.This advantageously preheated fuels sources 17 before fuels sources 17 is received in the fuel cell 20, and used effectively after fuel processor 15 is handled or burn and remain on any fuel in reformer or the heater exhaust.Perhaps, fuel cell 20 can comprise that hydrocarbon fuel source 17 separately supplies with, and it directly is fed to hydrocarbon fuel source 17 in the fuel cell 20, so that heating and react with catalyst 192.In this case, catalyst 192 can comprise platinum.Other appropriate catalyst 192 comprises palladium, platinum/palladium mixture, iron, ruthenium and its composition.These catalyst will react with hydrocarbon fuel source 17 separately, to produce heat.Other suitable heat medium comprises for example hydrogen or any heated gas of discharging from fuel processor 15.
When hydrogen when the heat medium, catalyst 192 is included in the material that produces heat under the condition that hydrogen exists, for example palladium or platinum.As following further in detail as described in, hydrogen can comprise from the reformer 32 of fuel processor 15 hydrogen as the exhaust supply.
As shown in Fig. 2 A, catalyst 192 is arranged on each heat and transmits on the annex 46, and is in contact with it.In this case, heat medium is crossed each annex 46, and reacts with catalyst 192.This produces heat, and it absorbs by be cooled device annex 46 of conductive thermal communication.Can adopt and wash plating catalyst 192 is arranged on each annex 46.Ceramic support also can be used for catalyst 192 is bonded on the annex 46.
For heating based on catalyst, heat a) is sent on the annex 46 from catalyst 192, b) laterally move through bipolar plates 44, transmit the core that the plate lateral part of annex 46 moves to the bipolar plates 44 that contacts with MEA layer 62 by heat conduction from comprising heat, and c) guide to MEA layer 62 from bipolar plates 44.When fuel cell stack 60 comprises a plurality of MEA layer 62, provide the interlayer heating of a plurality of MEA layers 62 in folded group 60 by the horizontal heating of each bipolar plates 44, it quickens the preheating of fuel cell 20.
The bipolar plates 44 of Fig. 2 A comprises the heat transmission annex 46 that is positioned at each side.In this case, one group of heat is transmitted annex 46a and is used for cooling, and the hot annex 46b that transmits of another group is used for heating.Bipolar plates 44 shown in Fig. 2 D has shown that wherein four heat transmission annexes 46 are arranged on the folded plate of organizing on 60 3 sides 44.The arrangement of annex 46 can change according to other particular design, with the heat radiation and the heat management of influence and improvement fuel fuel cell stack 60.For example, annex 46 does not need to cross over the side of plate 44 as shown in the figure, and can be based on how to design by shell guiding heating fluid.
Though the invention provides a kind of bipolar plates 44 with channel field 72, channel field 72 is distributed to hydrogen and oxygen on the offside of single plate 44, but many embodiment described here are suitable for using for traditional bipolar plates parts, and it adopts two plates that separate distribute hydrogen and oxygen.
Though mainly be to discuss the present invention up to now with reference to the methanol fuel cell (RMFC) after reforming, but the present invention also can be applicable to the fuel cell of other type, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for example, phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), or direct alcohol fuel cell (DEFC).In this case, as those of skill in the art understood, fuel cell 20 comprised the member that these frameworks are specific.DMFC or DEFC receive and handle fuel.More particularly, DMFC or DEFC receive liquid methanol or ethanol, respectively fuel are directed in the fuel cell stack 60, and handle liquid fuel, produce electric energy to separate hydrogen.For DMFC, channel field 72 distribution liquid methane rather than the hydrogen in the bipolar plates 44.Above-mentioned hydrogen catalyst 126 will comprise the suitable anode catalyst that is used for separating hydrogen gas and methyl alcohol.Oxygen catalyst 128 will comprise suitable cathod catalyst, be used to handle oxygen or another suitable oxidant, for example peroxide that DMFC uses.Generally speaking, in other fuel cell framework, hydrogen catalyst 126 also is commonly called anode catalyst, and can comprise and remove hydrogen so that in fuel cell, for example directly produces any appropriate catalyst of electric energy from the fuel of DMFC.Generally speaking, oxygen catalyst 128 can comprise any catalyst of handling used any oxidant in the fuel cell 20.Oxidant can comprise the liquid or the gas of any oxygenated fuel, and is not limited to above-mentioned oxygen.SOFC for example, PAFC or MCFC also can benefit from the present invention described here.In this case, according to specific SOFC, PAFC or MCFC design, fuel cell 20 comprises anode catalyst 126, cathod catalyst 128, anode fuel and oxidant.
Fuel processor
Fig. 3 A has shown the perspective view that is included in the member in the fuel processor 15 according to an embodiment of the invention.Fig. 3 B has shown the cross-sectional elevational view of single chip architecture 100.Fuel processor 15 reforming methanols are to produce hydrogen.Fuel processor 15 comprises single chip architecture 100, end plate 182 and 184, end plate 185, reformer 32, heater 30, evaporator 34, evaporator 108, Dewar bottle (dewar) 150 and shell 152.Though describe the present invention now with reference to the methanol consumption that is used to produce hydrogen, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fuel processor of the present invention can consume another fuels sources.
The single all-in-one-piece structure of term ' monolithic as used herein ' refer to, it comprises the part of employed a plurality of members in the fuel processor 15 at least.As shown in Fig. 3 B, single chip architecture 100 comprises reformer 32, burner 30, evaporator 34 and evaporator 108.Single chip architecture 100 also comprises and is used for reformer 32, the entrance and exit of the relevant channelization of burner 30 and evaporator 34, its be arranged on end plate 182 and 184 and connectors 200 on.Single chip architecture 100 comprises the public material 141 of forming this structure.Single chip architecture 100 and public material 141 have been simplified the manufacturing of fuel processor 15.For example, adopt metal to allow single chip architecture 100 to be shaped by extruding as public material 141.In a certain embodiments, single chip architecture 100 is consistent on the cross sectional dimensions between end plate 182 and 184, and includes only the copper that is shaped in the single extruding.
Referring to Fig. 3 B, shell 152 provides the internal structure to fuel processor 15, for example the mechanical protection of burner 30 and reformer 32.Shell 152 also provides the isolation with the external environment condition of processor 15, and comprises the entrance and exit that is used for fuel processor 15 gases and liquid communication.Shell 152 comprises an assembly housing wall, and it comprises Dewar bottle 150 at least in part, and the mechanical protection of outside is provided for the member in the fuel processor 15.Wall can comprise suitable stiff materials, for example metal or rigid polymer.Pass through a) to allow to preheat the air that enters before entering burner 30, b) before heat reaches the outside of shell 152, the heat that burner 32 is produced is dissipated in the air that enters, and Dewar bottle 150 has improved the heat management of fuel processor 15.
Before reformer 32 receives methyl alcohol, evaporator 34 heating methanol.Evaporator 34 receives methyl alcohol (Fig. 5 A) by the inlet of the fuels sources on the connectors 200 81, and connectors 200 is connected in (Fig. 1 C) on the methyl alcohol supply line 27.Because methanol recapitalization that is undertaken by the catalyst in the reformer 32 102 and hydrogen gas production need the methanol temperature that raises often, so before reformer 32 received methyl alcohol by evaporator 34, fuel processor 15 preheated methyl alcohol.Evaporator 34 is arranged near the burner 30, to receive the heat that is produced in the burner 30.Heat passes single chip architecture by conduction, is delivered to the evaporator 34 from burner 30, and is delivered to the methyl alcohol that passes wall by the wall of convection current from evaporator 34.In one embodiment, evaporator 34 is disposed for making the liquid methane evaporation.Evaporator 34 is delivered to gaseous methanol in the reformer 32 then, interacts so that with catalyst 102 gaseous state takes place.
Reformer 32 is disposed for receiving methyl alcohol from evaporator 34.Wall 111 in the single chip architecture 100 and the end wall 113 on end plate 182 and 184 define the size that is used for reformer chamber 103.In one embodiment, end plate 182 and/or end plate 184 comprise passage, and it will be directed to the reformer 32 from the heated methyl alcohol that evaporator 34 is discharged.
In one embodiment, reformer comprises the multichannel arrangement.Reformer 32 comprises three multichannel parts of sequentially handling methyl alcohol: chamber portion 32a, chamber portion 32b and chamber portion 32c.Reformer chamber 103 comprises the volume of all three part 32a-c like this.Each several part traverses the length of single chip architecture 100; And being one another in series communicates makes part 32a-c form a continuous path that is used for gas flow.More particularly, heated gaseous methanol is from evaporator 34a) enter the reformer chamber portion 32a in the arrival end of single chip architecture 100, and flow to the other end on the catalyst 102 among the part 32a, b) then in second end inflow chamber portion 32b of single chip architecture 100, and flow to arrival end on the catalyst 102 among the part 32b, and c) flows among the chamber portion 32c in an end of single chip architecture 100, and flow to the other end on the catalyst 102 among the chamber portion 32c.
Reformer 32 comprises the catalyst 102 that promotes that hydrogen produces.Catalyst 102 reacts with methyl alcohol, and produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide.In one embodiment, catalyst 102 comprises the pill of compression, and it forms porous bed, or is filled into suitably in the volume of reformer chamber 103.About 50 microns are suitable for many application to about 1.5 millimeters pellet diameters.About 500 microns are suitable for for reformer 32 uses to about 1 millimeter pellet diameters.Pellet size can change with respect to the cross sectional dimensions of reformer part 32a-c, for example, along with the size of reformer part increases, and increases the pellet diameters of catalyst 102.Pellet size and packing also can change, and fall with the pressure that is produced in the control reformer chamber 103.In one embodiment, between the entrance and exit of reformer chamber 103 about pressure of 0.2 to about 2psi to fall be suitable.When methyl alcohol was used as hydrocarbon fuel source 17, an appropriate catalyst 102 can comprise the CuZn that is coated on the aluminium oxide pill.Other material that is suitable for catalyst 102 comprises for example platinum, palladium, platinum/palladium mixture, nickel, and other noble metal catalyst.Catalyst 102 pills are commercial can obtaining from the known many manufacturers of those of skill in the art.Catalyst 102 also can comprise the catalyst material of listing above on metal sponge or the metal foam of being coated in.The required Metal catalyst materials coating of washing on the wall that is plated to reformer chamber 103 also can be used for reformer 32.
Reformer 32 is disposed for exporting hydrogen, and comprises outlet 209, and the hydrogen that it forms in the reformer 32 is delivered to the outside of fuel processor 15.Outlet 209 is arranged on the wall of end plate 184, and comprises the hole of passing wall.The outlet 209 hydrogen conduit 204a that lead in the connectors 200, it has then formed the part (Fig. 1 C) of hydrogen gas supply line 39.Supply line 39 is delivered to hydrogen in the anode of fuel cell 20, is used to produce electric energy.
Hydrogen gas production in the reformer 32 is slight heat absorption, and from burner 30 draw heat.Burner 30 produces heat, and is disposed for providing heat for reformer 32.As shown in Fig. 3 B, burner 30 comprises four burner chamber 105a-d around reformer 32.In one embodiment, burner 30 uses resistance and electric energy to produce heat.
In an illustrated embodiment, burner 30 adopts catalytic combustion to produce heat.Term as used herein " burner " refers to use catalysis heating process to produce the heater of heat.Heater in the fuel processor of the present invention or can adopt for example electric heating.The catalyst 104 that is arranged in each burner chamber 105 helps burner fuel to pass chamber and produce heat.Burner 30 comprises inlet, and it receives methyl alcohol 17 from evaporator 108 by the passage in one of them end plate 182 or 184.In one embodiment, methyl alcohol produces heat in burner 30, and catalyst 104 promotes methyl alcohol to produce heat.In another embodiment, the discarded hydrogen in the fuel cell 20 produces heat in the presence of catalyst 104.Suitable burner catalyst 104 can comprise platinum or the palladium that for example is coated on the aluminium oxide pill.Other material that is suitable for catalyst 104 comprises iron, tin ash, other noble metal catalyst, reducible oxide and its mixture.Catalyst 104 is commercial little pills that can obtain from the known many manufacturers of those of skill in the art.The pill that can be filled in the burner chamber 105 can form porous bed, or is filled into suitably in the volume of burner chamber.Catalyst 104 pellet size can change with respect to the cross sectional dimensions of burner chamber 105.Catalyst 104 also can comprise being coated on metal sponge or the metal foam or washing catalyst material on the wall that is plated in burner chamber 105 of listing above.
Some fuels sources produce extra heat in burner 30, or at high temperature produce heat more efficiently.Fuel processor 15 comprises evaporator 108, and it is heating methanol before burner 30 receives fuels sources.In this case, evaporator 108 receives methyl alcohol by fuels sources inlet 85.Evaporator 108 is arranged near the burner 30, to receive the heat that is produced in the burner 30.Heat passes single chip architecture by conduction, is delivered to the evaporator 108 from burner 30, and is delivered to the methyl alcohol that passes wall by the wall of convection current from evaporator 108.
The air that comprises oxygen enters in the fuel processor 15 by air inlet 91.Burner 30 uses oxygen, is used for the catalytic combustion of methyl alcohol.Burner 30 in the fuel processor 15 produces heat, and operation at high temperature usually.In one embodiment, fuel processor 15 comprises the Dewar bottle 150 of the heat management that improves fuel processor 15.Dewar bottle 150 is kept apart with internal structure (for example burner 30) heat of shell 152 at least in part, and comprises the heat in the fuel processor 15.Dewar bottle 150 is arranged such that the air that passes Dewar bottle chamber 156 receives the heat that is produced in the burner 30.Thereby Dewar bottle 150 provides two functions for fuel processor 15: a) it allows initiatively to cool off the member in the fuel processor 15 before heat reaches the exterior portion of fuel processor, and b) it preheats the air that flows to burner 30.In the hole of passing Dewar bottle with before the internal flow of Dewar bottle 150, air at first flows along the outside of Dewar bottle 150.This air inlet 93 at burner 30 has heated air before receiving air.
In one embodiment, assembly 10 makes anode exhaust turn back to the fuel processor from fuel cell 20.As shown in Fig. 1 C, pipeline 38 makes untapped hydrogen be sent to burner inlet 109 from fuel cell 20, and it offers burner 30 (or regenerator 36, be sent to afterwards in burner inlet 109 and the burner 30) with anode exhaust.Burner 30 comprises thermocatalyst, and itself and untapped hydrogen react and produces heat.Because the consumption of hydrogen in fuel cell 20 is incomplete often, and anode exhaust comprises untapped hydrogen often, to allow fuel cell system 10 in fuel cell 20, to adopt untapped hydrogen in the burner 30 so anode exhaust is retransmitted to, and improve the utilization rate and the efficient of hydrogen.The assembly 10 thereby adaptability of using different fuel is provided in catalytic burner 30.For example, if fuel cell 20 can be reliably and the hydrogen 90% or more in the consumable anode stream effectively, may there be the hydrogen of abundance to keep reformer and the operating temperature of evaporator in fuel processor 15 so.In this case, increase the methyl alcohol supply, keep the temperature of reformer and evaporator to produce extra heat.
Burner inlet 109 traverses single chip architecture 100, and before in being fed to burner 30, carries the anode exhaust from fuel cell 20.Also heated the anode exhaust that enters with the burner inlet 109 of burner chamber 105 adjacent settings, its minimizing is delivered to the heat in the anode exhaust in the burner chamber 105.
In another embodiment, assembly 10 makes heat medium be sent to the fuel cell 20 from fuel processor 15, so that provide heat for fuel cell 20.In this case, assembly 10 comprises and is disposed for heat medium is transported to pipeline the fuel cell 20 from fuel processor 15.Term as used herein " pipeline " can comprise any pipe, conduit and/or passage that gas or liquid is sent to the second place from a position.Pipeline also can comprise valve, gate or other device that one or more promotions and control are flowed.Hereinafter with reference to connectors 200 pipeline between burner 30 and fuel cell 20 is described in further detail.
In a certain embodiments, in fan 37, it makes, and heated gas moves pipeline 35 in the fuel cell 20 with heated gas delivery, and passes fuel cell stack and heat transmission annex (Fig. 1 C).Perhaps, pipeline can be configured to heat medium is transported to one or more heat transmission annexes from burner 30.In this case, pipeline 35 can continue to pass through fuel cell enclosure, and forms opening near one or more heat are transmitted annex.Hole in the fuel cell enclosure thus allow pipeline 35 by or be connected gas be sent on the ducted port of fuel battery inside so that gas is sent to fuel cell stack and heat is transmitted on the annex.For the heating of the catalysis in the fuel cell 20, pipeline also can be carried heat medium, to promote and the gaseous state interaction of catalyst that for example pipeline is transported on one or more next doors.
In one embodiment, heat medium comprises the heated gas of discharging from burner 30.The burner of catalysis or resistance burner are at high temperature operated.When gas left fuel processor, cooling air of discharging from the resistance burner or the gaseous product of discharging from the burner of catalysis were often greater than about 100 degrees centigrade.For the burner of many catalysis, when heat medium left fuel processor, according to the fuels sources that is adopted, heat medium was usually greater than about 200 degrees centigrade.These heated gas delivery are in fuel cell, the convective heat transfer that is used for fuel cell, for example transmit and transmit heated gas on the annex 46, so that heat is transmitted on the annex from the heat that warmer gaseous exchange heat is delivered to cooling in one or more heat.
In another embodiment, burner 30 is burners of catalysis, and heat medium comprises fuels sources.Catalytic combustion in burner 30 is incomplete often, and burner exhaust comprises untapped gaseous methanol.Fuel cell 20 comprises the catalyst of heat like this, and it has promoted the generation of the heat in the fuel cell under the condition that methyl alcohol exists.Fuels sources was evaporated before arriving burner usually to promote catalytic combustion.In this case, conduit 35 is transported to the untapped methyl alcohol of gaseous state in the catalyst of the heat in the fuel cell 20.Several being used for will be described (Fig. 2 A) below with the suitable thermocatalyst device that heat transferred is transmitted annex 46 to heat.Suitable catalyst for methanol for example is coated in platinum or palladium on the aluminium oxide pill, also describes with reference to the catalyst in the burner 30 104 in the above.
In one embodiment, during the start-up period before fuel cell begins to produce electric energy, during for example in response to the electric energy request, heat medium is transported in the fuel cell.The heating fuel battery can allow the operating temperature of fuel cell member to reach as soon as possible in this way, and needed warm-up time when quickening to begin to connect fuel cell 20.In another embodiment, do not produce at fuel cell during the inactive cycle of electric energy and member cooling, heat medium is transported to the fuel cell from fuel processor.Because the high temperature that many fuel cells need be used to operate, and the electric energy production process is heat release, so fuel cell does not need external heat usually during electric energy produces.Yet when the time that electric energy produce to be ended an elongated segment, and member drops to the threshold operation temperature when following, heat medium can be transported out from fuel processor so, so that regain operating temperature, and the generation of continuation electric energy.This allows to keep the operating temperature in the fuel cell when fuel cell does not produce electric energy.
Though the present invention will mainly be described with reference to reformer shown among Fig. 3 A and the 3B and burner, can expect that fuel cell module can comprise other fuel processor design.Many frameworks adopt and are arranged on above the burner of plane or following plane reformer.Can use usually the minitype channel design of the silicon manufacturing of being adopted in this folded group of planar configuration.Can use other fuel processor, its processing is different from the fuels sources of methyl alcohol.Listed the fuels sources that is different from methyl alcohol above, and for succinct purpose, and be not described in detail the processor that is used for these fuel here.At the co-pending patent application No.10 that owns together, in 877,044, comprised further describing to the plane fuel processor that is suitable for using for the present invention.
Connectors
An embodiment who is used for fuel cell and fuel processor are combined in common package has adopted the fuel cell system connectors.This connectors is at least partially disposed between fuel cell and the fuel processor, and has formed a kind of intermediary's object of structurized and channelization between the two.
Fuel cell and fuel processor be combined in cause many possible obstacles in the common package, for example pipeline connectivity, space and operating temperature difference.Connectors of the present invention described here has overcome many these obstacles, so that obtain reduced in size and fuel cell module morphology factor.
Fig. 5 A has shown according to the present invention the perspective view of the connectors that is used for fuel cell module 200 of a specific embodiment.The connectors 200 of having located with respect to fuel processor 15 when Fig. 3 A has shown in being assemblied in assembly.Fig. 5 B has shown the connectors 200 on the top board 64a that is connected in fuel cell 20.Fig. 5 C has shown according to the present invention the downside of the top board 64a of a specific embodiment.Fig. 5 D has shown the pipeline of connectors 200 inside.Fig. 5 E has shown the top view of connectors 200 and has identified the arrangement of the port 208 of connectors 200 uniquely.
Referring to Fig. 5 A, connectors 200 comprises many sides 201 and suitable rigid material, for example metal at first.Side 201a docks with fuel processor 15; Top side face 201b docks with fuel cell 20.Side 201c is used to lead to the inlet duct of fuel processor.Each side 201 is often referred to the outer surface of connectors 200, needs not be flat fully, and comprises one or more surfaces.Each side 201 can comprise feature recessed or that increase really, as shown in the figure.Different sides that is used for connectors 200 and surface configuration are feasible and can imagine.
Connectors 200 can comprise one or more materials.In one embodiment, connectors 200 is formed by suitable constructed of rigid materials, and it has increased structural intergrity for fuel cell module, and being rigidly connected between fuel cell and fuel processor is provided.Many metals are suitable for using for connectors 200.In one embodiment, connectors 200 comprises the single-piece manufactured materials.In this case, metal and high temperature plastics are fit to use.In a particular embodiment, connectors 200 is formed by monolithic steel or aluminium machining.The thermal design of fuel cell stack part, the material that is used for connectors 200 is can yes or no heat conducting.
Connectors 200 comprises the pipeline that is used for transmitting many gases and liquid between fuel cell and fuel processor.For the fuel cell system among Fig. 1 C 10, the pipeline of being served by connectors 200 comprises: the 1) hydrogen gas lines from fuel processor to fuel cell 39; 2) untapped hydrogen is turned back to the pipeline 38 of fuel processor from fuel cell; 3) oxygen pipeline from fuel cell to fuel processor 33; And 4) move to the reformer or the burner exhaust pipeline 37 of fuel cell from fuel processor.Other gas or liquid are between fuel cell and fuel processor, and the transmission on either direction can be provided by connectors 200.In one embodiment, connectors 200 inside have been incorporated the gas of its transmission that is useful on and the pipeline of liquid into, so that farthest reduce the pipeline and the size of components that expose.
Connectors 200 comprises one group of conduit 204 that is used for transmitting fluid and gas between fuel cell 20 and fuel processor 15.Term as used herein " conduit " refers to passage, pipeline, transmission mouth, pipe, or allows to transmit between the two positions the homologue of gas or fluid.For connectors 200, each conduit 204 comprises the passage 206 (Fig. 5 A and 5D) that is arranged in connectors 200 and is positioned at the port 208 (or hole) of passage 206 each end.For example, a conduit 204a can comprise port 208d, receives hydrogen its fuel processor from a side 201a of connectors 200, and transmits hydrogen-pass connectors 200-and enter among the port 208a on the fuel cell side face 201b.Each port 208 has promoted the connectivity with connectors 200.When assembling, each port 208 docks with the pipeline of fuel cell or fuel processor, or docks with the intermediary of channelization between them.
In one embodiment, fuel cell 20 and fuel processor 15 comprise fixed-piping, so that dock with connectors 200.Pipeline is transmit fluid or gas between the funtion part (for example hydrogen fuel of fuel cell inlet) of port 208 and the fuel cell 20 or the fuel processor 15 of connectors 200.Fig. 5 C has shown the passage 84,86,88 and 90 of the fixing channelization on the inner surface of the top board 64 that is arranged on fuel cell 20. Passage 84,86 transmits gas between 88 and 90 the manifolds in connectors 200 and fuel cell stack 60.For example, the stationary conduit 84 on the top board 64 is sent to hydrogen the hydrogen gas manifold of folded group 60 from connectors 200, and it is delivered to hydrogen in the gas distribution channel of each bipolar plates then.
Fuel cell 20 and fuel processor 15 also comprise with interconnect port 208 and closely cooperating, with connector or the port that promotes that butt joint and product or reactant are carried.Fig. 5 C has shown the cooperation port 211 on the top board 64 that is positioned at fuel cell 20.Fig. 3 A has shown the cooperation port 209 on the end plate 184 that is positioned at fuel processor 15.Pad can be arranged between end plate 184 and the connectors 200, to improve sealing.Similarly, pad can be arranged between top board 64 and the connectors 200.Though being shown as, fuel processor 15 and fuel cell 20 have the plate that separates that docks with connectors 200,, other device that can dock with connectors 200 also is suitable for using for the present invention.For example, though connectors 200 is docked with a side of fuel cell 20, and dock with the opposite side of fuel processor 15, the present invention is not limited to this simple geometric relation.Perhaps, fuel cell 20 or fuel processor 15 interact with two or more sides of connectors 200.
With reference now to the conveying of specific gas,, connectors 200 is sent to hydrogen the fuel cell 20 from fuel processor 15.Hydrogen conduit 204a in the connectors 200 has formed the part (Fig. 1 C) of hydrogen gas supply line 39 afterwards.For fuel processor 15 and fuel cell 20, receive hydrogen (Fig. 3 A) in the hydrogen passage 209 of hydrogen conduit 204a from be included in fuel processor 15, and hydrogen is outputed to (Fig. 5 B and 5C) in the hydrogen passage 92 that is included in the fuel cell 20.Pipeline 39 thereby comprise (order of carrying according to hydrogen): the reformer outlet opening passage 209 in the fuel processor 15, conduit 204a in the connectors 200 and the passage 92 in the fuel cell 20.Hydrogen conduit 204a comprises passage 206a and two port 208a and 208d (Fig. 5 A).Passage 206a passes the material of connectors 200, extends to surperficial 201b from surperficial 201a.Fig. 5 D has shown the inside dimension of passage 206a.Hydrogen port 208d docks with hydrogen delivery channel 209 from fuel processor 15.The part of pad has sealed port 208d and passage 209.Hydrogen port 208a docks (Fig. 5 C) by being included in the port 211a on top board 64 bottom surfaces with the hydrogen passage 92 that is used for fuel cell 20.
Connectors 200 also sends back untapped hydrogen and anode exhaust the burner of fuel processor 15 from fuel cell 20.Afterwards, the hydrogen conduit 204c in the connectors 200 has formed the part (Fig. 1 C) of the hydrogen line of return 38.Receive untapped hydrogen (Fig. 5 B and 5C) in the passage 86 of hydrogen conduit 204c from be included in top board 64, and anode exhaust is outputed in the burner inlet 109 of fuel processor.Pipeline 38 thereby comprise (according to the order of carrying): the anode export hole path 209 in the fuel cell 20, conduit 204c in the connectors 200 and the inlet 109 in the fuel processor 15.Conduit 204c comprises passage 206c and two port 208c and 208b (Fig. 5 A).Passage 206c passes the material of connectors 200, extends to surperficial 201a from surperficial 201b.Fig. 5 D has shown the inside dimension of passage 206c.Port 208b docks with anode exhaust intake channel 109 in the fuel processor 15.The part of pad has sealed port 208d and path 10 9.Port 208c docks (Fig. 5 C) by being included in the port 211c on top board 64 bottom surfaces with the anode exhaust passage 86 of fuel cell 20.
Connectors 200 is sent to heated oxygen and cathode exhaust gas the burner of fuel processor 15 from fuel cell 20.Heated oxygen is used for the catalytic combustion of burner, and improves the heat efficiency of assembly.Oxygen catheter 204b in the connectors 200 has formed the part (Fig. 1 C) of oxygen pipeline 33 like this.Receive heated oxygen and air (Fig. 5 B and 5C) in the passage 90 of oxygen catheter 204b from be included in top board 64, and heated oxygen is outputed in the burner inlet of fuel processor.Pipeline 33 thereby comprise (according to the order of carrying): the cathode outlet hole path 90 in the fuel cell 20, the conduit 204b in the connectors 200 and the inlet of the burner in the fuel processor 15.Conduit 204b comprises passage 206b and two port 208e and 208f (Fig. 5 A).Passage 206b passes the material of connectors 200, extends to surperficial 201a from surperficial 201b.Fig. 5 D has shown the inside dimension of passage 206b.Port 208f docks with burner inlet in the fuel processor 15.Port 208e docks (Fig. 5 C) by being included in the port 211b on top board 64 bottom surfaces with the cathode exhaust gas passage 90 of fuel cell 20.
Connectors 200 is also transmitted burner exhaust the annex from the heat that fuel processor 15 is sent to fuel cell 20.Near the burner exhaust catalyst with being arranged on fuel cell reacts, so that the startup of heating fuel battery and acceleration fuel cell.Burner exhaust conduit 204d has formed the part (Fig. 1 C) of exhaust line 35 in the connectors 200 like this.Conduit 204d receives burner exhaust from the burner outlet of fuel processor, and burner exhaust is outputed in the heating region 262 of fuel cell (Fig. 2 B).Pipeline 35 thereby comprise (according to the order of carrying): the burner outlet in the fuel processor 15, conduit 204d in the connectors 200 and the heating region 262 in the fuel cell 20.Conduit 204d comprises passage 206d and two port 208g and 208h (Fig. 5 A).Passage 206d passes the material of connectors 200, extends to surface towards fuel battery main body from surperficial 201a.Fig. 5 D has shown the inside dimension of passage 206d.Port 208g docks with burner outlet in the fuel processor 15.The part of pad has sealed port 208g and burner outlet.Port 208h leads to the zone 262 in the fuel cell 20.
Connectors 200 also is responsible for fuels sources is transported in the fuel processor 15.Reformer fuels sources inlet 81 is supplied with (pump 21b and upstream storage device 16 from fuels sources, see Fig. 1 C) the middle methyl alcohol that receives, and comprise the conduit 206e of connectors 200 inside, and it is transported to methyl alcohol in the evaporator of fuel processor, and it is heating methanol before being transported to reformer.Burner fuel source inlet 204f supplies with from second fuels sources and receives methyl alcohol (the second pump 21a and upstream storage device 16), and comprise the conduit 206f of connectors 200 inside, it is transported to methyl alcohol in the evaporator of fuel processor, and it is heating methanol before methyl alcohol is transported to catalytic burner.
Generally speaking, connectors 200 can comprise the conduit that is used for transmitting any suitable quantity of fluid and gas between fuel cell and fuel processor.About 1 is suitable for many micro fuel cell systems and assembly to about 8 conduits.Each conduit can be exclusively used in special gas or fluid.Special-purpose conduit can be responsible for: be used for the oxygen of fuel processor or fuel cell, hydrogen, burner or reformer exhaust, methyl alcohol or another fuels sources, air, or any other reactant or processing gas or liquid.Should understand that some materials in these materials can move between fuel cell and fuel processor on either direction (or both direction).
Generally speaking, conduit 204 can transmit gas or liquid between any part of fuel cell or fuel processor.For example, conduit can the special-purpose manifold from fuel cell or fuel processor in receiver gases.Perhaps, conduit can for example comprise in the volume of one or more heat transmission annexes with gas transfer in the zone of fuel cell.Conduit 204 can change configuration according to design requirement.In one embodiment, connectors and its conduit 204 design and are disposed for reducing the volume of integrated fuel cell module.In another embodiment, conduit 204 designs and is disposed for aiming at the existing fluid passage and the conduit of fuel cell and fuel processor.
Between connectors 200 and fuel cell 20, or between connectors 200 and fuel processor 15, also can adopt pad to dock.For example, pad can be arranged between the end plate 184 and connectors 200 of fuel processor 15 at assembly process.Pad 260 between connectors 200 and fuel cell 20 below also will be discussed.
It is operating temperature difference between the two that fuel cell and fuel processor are combined in a problem that is produced in a kind of public and compact assembly.According to specific fuel cell, processor and its corresponding catalyst, can change the temperature contrast between these two structures in the compact assembly significantly.For example, a suitable fuel processor 15 is in operation more than 250 ℃, and fuel cell 20 is usually at about 190 ℃ of (or following) temperature operations.These two objects will be caused possible heat transmission near being placed on, and if can not control heat transmission, the heat efficiency loss of fuel processor will be caused.
Connectors 200 is designed to reduce the heat transmission between fuel processor and the fuel cell.In one embodiment, connectors is used as the spacer that heat is transmitted between fuel cell and the fuel processor, and comprises the material of low-thermal conductivity.In another embodiment, connectors comprises the minimum material that contacts with fuel cell and/or fuel processor, and it has farthest reduced between these two members the heat conduction by connectors.This has reduced the materials limitations to connectors 200.
Fig. 5 F has shown the end view of the amplification of contact between connectors 200 around the port 208 and top board 64 according to an embodiment of the invention.As shown in the figure, connectors 200 is kept one or more gaps 240 between the bottom surface of its side 201 and plate 64 therein.Gap 240 can be empty or is filled with spacer (Fig. 6).Air gap 240 respectively is used as the spacer of low heat capacity material layer and low-thermal conductivity, so that farthest reduce the heat transmission between connectors and fuel processor or fuel cell.
Mating feature 244 and 246 has reduced the contact of the surf zone between the surface in opposite directions in each structure.This has further reduced the heat conduction between fuel cell and connectors.
What mating feature 244 comprised each port 208 increases part 252, its side of connectors 200 201b recessed surperficial 254 on extend.Fig. 5 F has shown the adapting device 246 on the bottom surface that is positioned at top board 64.Recessed surface 254 receives the far-end 245 of the mating feature 246 on the top board 64. Mating feature 244 and 246 forms in the surf zone, makes when connectors 200 and top board 64 are linked together, and carries out overlapping on depth direction.
Recessed surface 254 also receives pad 260, and it has promoted the sealing between connectors 200 and the top board 64.Each port 208 that pad 260 surrounds on the surface 254.It is compressible that pad 260 is fit to, and when assembly assembles, can prevent the contact between connectors 200 and top board 64.More particularly, pad 260 is shaped as the outer boundary that increases part 252 that can define each port 208, and at it with before recessed surface 254 contact, the far-end 245 of the mating feature 246 on the partition top board 64.Pad 260 thereby improved sealing between these two structures and its corresponding passage, and improved the gaseous flow in the fuel cell system.In one embodiment, pad 260 comprises that shape meets the pad of the band customization otch of recessed surperficial 254 profile, or another high temperature, the compliant material of low-thermal conductivity.Low-thermal conductivity pad 260 has also reduced the heat transmission between top board 64 and the connectors 200.
The part 252 that increases of each port 208 also provides improved pad.More particularly, increase part 252 and prevented that pad 260 (being shelved on the recessed surface 254) is extruded in passage 206 or the screw hole 215, otherwise, not existing under the condition that increases part 252, this situation may take place at assembly process.
Mating feature 244 and 246 has also promoted the aligning between these two structures.When connectors 200 was connected on the top board 64, shape of port 208 and hole 211 (and its mating feature 244 and 246) and space are provided with provided the connectors 200 of fuel cell 20 and the unique texture interface between the top board 64 together.Fig. 5 A has shown that typically comprises a succession of circle " wheatland vicious circle " structure.Top board 64 has the structure 258 that matches that is positioned on its bottom surface.When connectors 200 and top board 64 connects or link together, make to the shape of port 208 and screw hole 211 and spatial arrangements certainty top board 64 aim at respect to connectors 200 and locate.The two connection also provides the power of relative motion between obstruction top board 64 and the connectors 200 (translation on the three-dimensional dimension and rotation).Other spatial arrangements and configuration also are suitable and can be susceptible to.For example, can change round quantity, spacing or area arrangement.
The mechanical attachment that screw hole 215 allows between connectors 200 and top board 64.Screw hole 215 also comprises to be convenient to aim between connectors 200 and the fuel cell 20, and adds the feature that increases on the particular structure interface to.
Connectors 200 has a plurality of advantages.Usually, fuel cell system comprises the pipeline of the huge amount between fuel cell and fuel processor.The big quantity space of this pipeline consumption.An advantage of connectors 200 is, its extra conduit by eliminating many pipelines and being associated with fuel cell and fuel processor, and reduced to comprise the size of the single component of fuel processor and fuel cell.Connectors 200 is also avoided the demand to the brazing metal pipe of influence manufacturing.Though the present invention can comprise one or more brazing metal pipes, the conduit quantity that reduces connectors 200 can reduce the complexity of manufacturing.
Though describe connectors 200 with reference to the structure of separating that is connected on fuel cell and the fuel processor dividually, but should understand, connectors can be used as an integral part of fuel cell, or an integral part of the processor that acts as a fuel and including.
The assembly spacer
Many fuel cells and fuel processor are at high temperature operated.About 200 degrees centigrade of temperature to about 800 degrees centigrade burner 30 are common.During electric energy produced, many fuel cells 20 were at high temperature operated.The electrochemical reaction of being responsible for hydrogen consumption and generation electric energy needs high temperature usually.The cranking temperature of MEA layer 62 and its part is usually greater than 150 degrees centigrade.
The surrounding environment of fuel cell module is than cooling, and usually less than 40 degrees centigrade.Thermal loss from fuel cell or fuel processor to surrounding environment has reduced efficient of each device of fuel cell module.
In one embodiment, fuel cell module of the present invention comprises spacer, and it has reduced the thermal loss of fuel cell or fuel processor.Spacer is at least partially disposed on around fuel cell and/or the fuel processor, be positioned at package shell below.Spacer has reduced the heat transmission to package shell of fuel cell and/or fuel processor, and it has reduced the temperature of shell.This has then reduced the thermal loss to surrounding environment.Thereby spacer has kept the heat in the assembly, and has improved and be used for the efficient that member at high temperature turns round.
Fig. 6 has shown according to the present invention around the internal structure of the fuel cell module that is arranged on Fig. 4 C 440 of a specific embodiment and the perspective view of the spacer 320 below the shell.Fig. 4 B has also shown the spacer 320 that is arranged on around fuel cell 20 and the fuel processor 15.In both cases, shown that spacer 320 has some transparencys, so that show and description.As shown in the figure, spacer 320 is at least partially disposed on the exterior circumferential of fuel cell 20, thereby farthest reduces the thermal loss of fuel cell.Spacer 320 also is at least partially disposed on around the fuel processor 15, to reduce the thermal loss of fuel processor.
Spacer 320 can comprise the material layer of one or more low-thermal conductivities.Separator can surround fuel cell 20, fuel processor 15 and/or fuel cell system assembly around.The thickness of separator and the quantity that surrounds around each member can change according to design.Increase thickness or twine quantity and will reduce thermal loss.In one embodiment, spacer is selected and is arranged such that the surface of fuel cell module 440 keeps required temperature.The standard on the consumer electronic devices forced at may require electronic installation for example to be lower than certain predetermined level with the surface temperature of the fuel cell module of cable, and spacer 320 can be designed to satisfy regularly this level.Some consumer electronic devices standards need be lower than 50 ℃ surface temperature.About 1 millimeter extremely about 10 millimeters thickness is fit to some designs.In a certain embodiments, spacer 320 has about 2 millimeters thickness, and holds twice around fuel cell and fuel processor.In a certain embodiments, layer of material is arranged on the fuel cell, between manifold, and the second layer surrounds whole fuel cell.
Spacer 320 can comprise commercial available barrier film.Suitable commercial available isolated material comprises the Aspen Systems by MA Marlborough, the aeroge spacer that Inc company provides.Can use the spacer of other form.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that commercial available various widely isolated products are used to obtain required temperature here and fall.
In a certain embodiments, except the separator around the fuel cell system assembly, around fuel cell and processor, also be provided with separator.This two heat of isolating in the hot member of life that further maintenance fuel cell system is set.
Except spacer 320, fuel cell module also can comprise one or more air gaps.These gaps can be arranged between spacer and the assembly, between spacer and the fuel cell, or between spacer and the fuel processor.Fan can make air move through these gaps, makes heat leave the surface of shell or assembly to promote heat radiation.
Conclusion
Though described the present invention according to several preferred embodiments, within the scope of the present invention modification, remodeling and equivalent can be arranged, omitted for succinct purpose.For example, though the present invention has described the system and method for operating on fuel cell system and assembly, described many methods and technology have been formed system's control, and will comprise by the processor of carrying out the instruction in the storing software apply digital control.Though do not describe in detail,, this digital control enforcement on mechanical system is that those of skill in the art are well-known, and the present invention can thereby relate to the instruction that is stored in the software, it can carry out method described here.Therefore scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to claims.

Claims (53)

1. fuel cell module that is used to provide electric energy, described fuel cell module comprises:
The fuel cell that is disposed for receiving hydrogen and oxygen and produces electric energy,
Wherein, according to the volume of described fuel cell module, described fuel cell module provides greater than about 30 watts/liter power density.
2. fuel cell module according to claim 1 is characterized in that described assembly provides greater than about 60 watts/liter power density.
3. fuel cell module according to claim 1 is characterized in that described assembly takies less than about 1 liter volume.
4. fuel cell module according to claim 1 is characterized in that described fuel cell has produced greater than about 10 watts power.
5. fuel cell module according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises fuel processor, and it comprises:
Reformer, it is disposed for receiving fuels sources, is disposed for exporting hydrogen, and comprises the catalyst that promotes that hydrogen produces;
Heater, it is disposed for producing the heat that is delivered in the described reformer.
6. fuel cell module according to claim 5, it is characterized in that, also comprise the connectors that is at least partially disposed between described fuel cell and the described fuel processor, described connectors comprises one group of conduit, and each described conduit transmits gas or liquid between described fuel cell and described fuel processor.
7. fuel cell module according to claim 5 is characterized in that, described fuel cell and described fuel processor are arranged to coplane in described assembly.
8. fuel cell module according to claim 5 is characterized in that, also comprises the spacer that is at least partially disposed between described fuel processor and the described shell.
9. fuel cell module according to claim 5 is characterized in that, also comprises the spacer that is at least partially disposed between described fuel cell and the described fuel processor.
10. fuel cell module according to claim 1 is characterized in that described assembly also comprises shell, and it comprises described fuel cell at least in part, and defines the volume of described assembly.
11. fuel cell module according to claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises the spacer that is at least partially disposed between described fuel cell and the described shell.
12. fuel cell module according to claim 11 is characterized in that, also comprises the air gap between described fuel cell and described shell.
13. fuel cell module according to claim 12 is characterized in that, when described fuel cell produced electric power, described shell remained on about below 25 degrees centigrade, and projecting ambient temperature.
14. a fuel cell module that is used to provide electric energy, described fuel cell module comprises:
Fuel processor, it comprises:
Reformer, it is disposed for receiving fuels sources, is disposed for exporting hydrogen, and comprises the catalyst that has promoted to produce hydrogen from described fuels sources;
Heater, it is disposed for producing the heat that is delivered in the described reformer;
With
The fuel cell that is disposed for utilizing the hydrogen of described fuel processor output and produces electric energy,
Wherein, described fuel cell module provides greater than about 30 watts/liter power density.
15. fuel cell module according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described assembly provides greater than about 60 watts/liter power density.
16. fuel cell module according to claim 14 is characterized in that, also comprises pump, it moves to the described fuel processor fuel storage of fuel on being connected in described fuel cell module.
17. fuel cell module according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described assembly takies less than about 1 liter volume.
18. fuel cell module according to claim 17 is characterized in that, described assembly takies less than about 1/2 liter volume.
19. fuel cell module according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described assembly produces greater than about 10 watts power.
20. fuel cell module according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described fuels sources is a methyl alcohol.
21. a fuel cell module that is used to provide electric energy, described fuel cell module comprises:
Fuel processor, it comprises:
Reformer, it is disposed for receiving fuels sources, is disposed for exporting hydrogen, and comprises the catalyst that has promoted to produce hydrogen from described fuels sources;
Heater, it is disposed for producing the heat that is delivered in the described reformer;
The fuel cell that is disposed for utilizing the hydrogen of described fuel processor output and produces electric energy; With
Be at least partially disposed on the connectors between described fuel cell and the described fuel processor, it comprises one group of conduit that respectively transmits liquid or gas between described fuel processor and described fuel cell.
22. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, each described conduit arrives another surface of described connectors from surface process of described connectors.
23. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described connectors comprises hydrogen conduit, and it receives hydrogen from the hydrogen passage of described fuel processor, and hydrogen is outputed in the hydrogen passage of described fuel cell.
24. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described connectors comprises oxygen catheter, and it receives oxygen from the oxygen channel of described fuel cell, and oxygen is outputed in the oxygen channel of described fuel processor.
25. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described connectors comprises heating duct, and it receives heat medium from described fuel processor, and heat medium is outputed in the described fuel cell.
26. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described connectors comprises the hydrogen backward channel, and it receives untapped hydrogen from described fuel cell, and untapped hydrogen is outputed in the described fuel processor.
27. fuel cell module according to claim 21, it is characterized in that, described connectors is the device that separated with described fuel processor and described fuel cell before described fuel cell module assembling, and after assembling, be connected on the described fuel processor, and be connected on the described fuel cell.
28. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described fuel cell comprises the plate that is connected on the described connectors, and described plate comprises that leads to a passage that is included in the conduit in the described connectors separately.
29. fuel cell module according to claim 28 is characterized in that, described connectors be included in fuel cell module assembled after with the contacted mating feature of described plate.
30. fuel cell module according to claim 29, it is characterized in that, with respect to when not having described mating feature, surf zone contact amount between described connectors and the described fuel cell, described mating feature have reduced the surf zone contact between described connectors and described fuel cell.
31. fuel cell module according to claim 30 is characterized in that, also comprises the pad that is arranged between described connectors and the described plate.
32. fuel cell module according to claim 31 is characterized in that, the mating feature on the described connectors comprises and prevents from described pad is expressed to the feature that increases in the conduit.
33. fuel cell module according to claim 32 is characterized in that, also comprises the gap between described connectors and described plate.
34. fuel cell module according to claim 33 is characterized in that, also comprises the spacer that is arranged in described gap.
35. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described assembly takies less than about 1 liter volume.
36. fuel cell module according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described assembly does not comprise any pipeline that is communicated with gas or liquid between described fuel processor and described fuel cell.
37. a fuel cell module that is used to provide the band cable of electric energy, the fuel cell module of described band cable comprises:
Fuel cell module greater than about 30 watts/liter power density is provided, and it comprises the fuel cell that is disposed for receiving hydrogen and oxygen and is disposed for producing electric energy; With
Can electrically connect on electronic installation, and the electric power that is disposed for that described fuel cell is produced is sent to the cable on the described electronic installation.
38. according to the described fuel cell module of claim 37, it is characterized in that, also comprise rechargeable storage battery.
39., it is characterized in that the electric energy that described rechargeable storage battery is disposed for utilizing described fuel cell to produce recharges according to the described fuel cell module of claim 38.
40., it is characterized in that described fuel cell comprises the fuel processor that produces hydrogen from fuels sources according to the described fuel cell module of claim 38.
41., it is characterized in that described rechargeable storage battery is disposed for to being included in the electric heater power supply in the described fuel processor according to the described fuel cell module of claim 40.
42., it is characterized in that described electronic installation comprises processor according to the described fuel cell module of claim 37.
43., it is characterized in that described cable is connected on the described electronic installation separably according to the described fuel cell module of claim 37.
44., it is characterized in that according to the described fuel cell module of claim 37, also comprise Electric adapter, it is disposed for converting the electric energy of described fuel cell output to different level, so that export on cable.
45. according to the described fuel cell module of claim 44, it is characterized in that, described Electric adapter will be changed into by the direct voltage of described fuel battery voltage output and use needed direct voltage, and described Electric adapter comprises the photoelectric transformation efficiency greater than about 95%.
46., it is characterized in that described Electric adapter can be connected and close according to the described fuel cell module of claim 45.
47., it is characterized in that described assembly has taken less than about 1 liter volume according to the described fuel cell module of claim 37.
48. connectors that is used for fuel cell module, described fuel cell module comprises fuel processor and fuel cell, described fuel cell arrangement becomes to be used to utilize the hydrogen of described fuel processor output and produces electric energy, described connectors is at least partially disposed between described fuel cell and the described fuel processor, and comprise the conduit that transmits liquid or gas between one group of each comfortable described fuel processor and the described fuel cell, wherein, described this group conduit comprises hydrogen conduit, it receives hydrogen from the hydrogen passage of described fuel processor, and hydrogen is outputed in the hydrogen passage of described fuel cell.
49., it is characterized in that each described conduit arrives another surface of described connectors from surface process of described connectors according to the described fuel cell module of claim 48.
50., it is characterized in that described connectors comprises oxygen catheter according to the described fuel cell module of claim 48, it receives oxygen from the oxygen channel of described fuel cell, and oxygen is outputed in the oxygen channel of described fuel processor.
51., it is characterized in that described connectors comprises heating duct according to the described fuel cell module of claim 48, it receives heat medium from described fuel processor, and described heat medium is outputed in the described fuel cell.
52., it is characterized in that described connectors comprises the hydrogen backward channel according to the described fuel cell module of claim 48, it receives untapped hydrogen from described fuel cell, and untapped hydrogen is outputed in the described fuel processor.
53. according to the described fuel cell module of claim 48, it is characterized in that, described connectors is the device that separated with described fuel processor and described fuel cell before described fuel cell module assembling, and after assembling, be connected on the described fuel processor, and be connected on the described fuel cell.
CNA2005800482126A 2004-12-21 2005-12-13 Compact fuel cell package Pending CN101120479A (en)

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US60/638,421 2004-12-21
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