WO2006069324A1 - Connectivite de cartouche de combustible - Google Patents

Connectivite de cartouche de combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006069324A1
WO2006069324A1 PCT/US2005/046816 US2005046816W WO2006069324A1 WO 2006069324 A1 WO2006069324 A1 WO 2006069324A1 US 2005046816 W US2005046816 W US 2005046816W WO 2006069324 A1 WO2006069324 A1 WO 2006069324A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
fuel
interface
fuel cell
bladder
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/046816
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James L. Kaschmitter
Ian W. Kaye
William R. Di Scipio
Original Assignee
Ultracell Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ultracell Corporation filed Critical Ultracell Corporation
Publication of WO2006069324A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006069324A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • H01M8/04208—Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to fuel cell technology.
  • the invention relates to portable fuel cartridges and storage devices that store a fuel, allow transportation of the fuel, and permit detachable connectivity to electronics devices or fuel cell packages.
  • a fuel cell electrochemically combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.
  • the ambient air readily supplies oxygen; hydrogen provision, however, calls for a working supply.
  • the hydrogen supply may include a direct hydrogen supply or a 'reformed' hydrogen supply.
  • a direct hydrogen supply outputs hydrogen, such as compressed hydrogen in a pressurized container or a solid-hydrogen storage system.
  • a reformed hydrogen supply processes a fuel (or fuel source) to produce hydrogen.
  • the fuel acts as a hydrogen carrier, is manipulated to separate hydrogen, and may include a hydrocarbon fuel, hydrogen bearing fuel stream, or any other hydrogen bearing fuel such as ammonia.
  • hydrocarbon fuels include methanol, ethanol, gasoline, propane and natural gas. Liquid fuels offer high energy densities and the ability to be readily stored and transported.
  • the present invention relates to a portable cartridge that stores a fuel for use with a fuel cell system.
  • the cartridge includes a housing that provides mechanical protection for internal components.
  • the cartridge also includes a connector such as a contact valve that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the cartridge and a device that includes the mating connector.
  • the device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer or portable fuel cell system.
  • Cartridges described herein improve mechanical interface between a cartridge and a device that couples to the cartridge.
  • the interface may include one or more of: a sliding interface between a cartridge and device, a latching interface that holds the cartridge in one or more positions relative to the device, and/or keyed access and security features that prevent unintended access to the fuel, for example. Multiple valves may also be included with a cartridge.
  • a cartridge includes a locking and latching interface that improves mechanical interconnection between a fuel cartridge and device that includes a fuel cell system.
  • the locking and latching interface permits multiple mechanical coupling positions between the cartridge and device. One position permits mechanical coupling and fluid communication between the two.
  • a detent position provides mechanical coupling between the cartridge and fuel cell device but denies fuel source transfer between the two.
  • the invention relates to a portable cartridge for storing a fuel used in a fuel cell system.
  • the portable cartridge includes a bladder that is adapted to contain the fuel and to conform to the volume of the fuel in the bladder.
  • the portable cartridge also includes a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder.
  • the portable cartridge further includes a connector configured to interface with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector.
  • the portable cartridge additionally includes a sliding interface configured to cooperate with a mating sliding interface on the device.
  • the invention relates to a cartridge for storing a fuel.
  • the cartridge includes a housing, a connector and a cartridge latching interface.
  • the cartridge latching interface is configured to cooperate with a mating latching interface on a device to hold the cartridge in multiple positions relative to the device.
  • the multiple positions include a first position that permits fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device, and a second position that does not permit fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device.
  • the invention in yet another aspect, relates to a fuel cell system for producing electrical energy.
  • the fuel cell system includes a device that includes a fuel cell, a device latching interface and a mating connector.
  • the system also includes a cartridge.
  • the cartridge includes a housing, a connector and a cartridge latching interface configured to cooperate with the device latching interface so as to hold the cartridge in multiple positions relative to the device.
  • the multiple positions include a first position that permits fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device, and a second position that does not permit fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device.
  • the system further includes an actuator adapted to decouple the cartridge latching interface from the device latching interface; and a controller configured to send an instruction to the actuator to decouple the cartridge latching interface from the mating latching interface when the fuel cell is off.
  • the invention relates to a cartridge for storing a fuel used in a fuel cell system.
  • the cartridge includes a bladder, a cartridge connector, and a housing.
  • the housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder, and prevents access to the cartridge connector without a key, included with a mating connector or a device that includes the mating connector, that permits access to the cartridge connector when the cartridge is connected to the device.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a cartridge for storing a fuel .
  • the cartridge includes a first contact valve configured to permit fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device when the first contact valve is at least partially depressed.
  • the cartridge also includes a second contact valve on the device and configured to permit fluidic communication between the cartridge and the device when the second contact valve is at least partially depressed.
  • the invention relates to a fuel cell system for producing electrical energy.
  • the system includes a cartridge and a device that includes a fuel cell.
  • the cartridge includes a bladder, a cartridge connector, and a housing that provides mechanical protection for the bladder and includes a cavity between the bladder and housing that at least partially contains the bladder.
  • the system also includes an air source that pressurizes air; and at least one valve that controls air flow provided by the air source to a) the fuel cell, and b) the cavity in the cartridge.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary RMFC fuel cell system for producing electrical energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A shows a simplified cross section of a cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a cartridge in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 A illustrates a cartridge in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates cartridge mechanically coupled to an exemplary portable fuel cell package in accordance with another specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 4A-4F illustrate a sliding interface that permits multiple positions between a cartridge and device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate multiple positions for a latching interface for use with a fuel cartridge and a fuel cell package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 6A and 6B show a cartridge with key-based access to fluid communication of a cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6C shows a cartridge requiring a push and twist to interface with a package in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 7A-C show a pin-based key access to fluid communication of a cartridge in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 8A-8E illustrate a second pin-based key access that manipulates an internal mechanism in accordance with another specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 9A-9D illustrate a fuel cell system that uses compressed air in a package to pressurize a bladder in a cartridge in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cartridges described herein are suitable for use with a wide array of fuel cell systems.
  • a micro fuel cell system generates dc voltage, and may be used in numerous portable applications.
  • electrical energy generated by a micro fuel cell may power a notebook computer or a portable electrical generator carried by military personnel.
  • the present invention provides 'small' fuel cells that are configured to output less than 200 watts of power (net or total). Fuel cells of this size are also referred to as 'micro fuel cells', hi one embodiment, the fuel cell is configured to controllably generate and output from about 1 milliwatt to about 200 Watts, hi another embodiment, the fuel cell generates from about 5 Watts to about 60 Watts.
  • One specific portable fuel cell package produces about 20 Watts or about 45 Watts, depending on the number of cells in the stack.
  • Cartridges of the present invention are also suitable for use with a variety of fuel cell systems types.
  • Suitable system architectures include direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems, reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) systems, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems, sodium borohydride fuel cell systems, formic acid fuel cells and reformed diesel PEM stack systems etc. All these fuel cell system types rely on a cartridge for fuel storage and transportation.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an RMFC fuel cell system 10 for producing electrical energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • System 10 comprises storage device 16, fuel processor 15 and fuel cell 20.
  • Fuel processor 15 processes a fuel 17 to produce hydrogen for supply to fuel cell 20.
  • Fuel cell system 10 may be a stand-alone system, which is a single package 11 that produces power as long as it has access to a) oxygen and b) hydrogen or a hydrogen source such as fuel 17.
  • Cartridge 16 which is also interchangeably referred to as a 'storage device', stores a fuel 17.
  • Cartridge 16 may comprise a refillable and/or disposable fuel cartridge; either design permits recharging capability for system 10 or an electronics device 11 by swapping a depleted cartridge 16 for one with fuel.
  • a connector on cartridge 16 interfaces with a mating connector on electronics device 11 to permit fuel to be withdrawn from cartridge 16.
  • cartridge connector includes a contact valve that interfaces with mating plumbing on the device 11.
  • cartridge 16 includes a bladder that contains the fuel and conforms to the volume of fuel in the bladder. An outer rigid housing or housing assembly provides mechanical protection for the bladder.
  • the bladder and housing permit a wide range of portable and non-portable cartridge sizes with fuel capacities ranging from a few milliliters to several liters.
  • the cartridge is vented and includes a small hole, single direction flow valve, hydrophobic filter, or other aperture to allow air to enter the fuel cartridge as fuel 17 is consumed and displaced from the cartridge.
  • This type of cartridge allows for "orientation" independent operation since pressure in the bladder remains relatively constant as fuel is displaced.
  • a pressure source moves the fuel 17 from cartridge 16 to fuel processor 15.
  • a pump draws and controls fuel 17 flow from cartridge 16 such as a diaphragm pump.
  • Cartridge 16 may also be pressurized with a pressure source such as foam or a propellant internal to the housing that pushes on the bladder (e.g, propane, compressed nitrogen gas or compressed oxygen from the system 10).
  • a pressure source such as foam or a propellant internal to the housing that pushes on the bladder (e.g, propane, compressed nitrogen gas or compressed oxygen from the system 10).
  • system 10 then employs a control valve to regulate flow, etc.
  • a control system meters fuel 17 flow to deliver fuel to processor 15 at a flow rate determined by a required power level output of fuel cell 20 and regulates a controlled item (e.g., the pump or valve) accordingly.
  • Other pressure sources may be used to move fuel 17 from cartridge 16.
  • some cartridge designs suitable for use herein include a wick that moves a liquid fuel from locations within a fuel cartridge to a cartridge exit.
  • the cartridge includes 'smarts', or a digital memory used to store information related to usage of the fuel cartridge.
  • Fuel 17 acts as a carrier for hydrogen and can be processed or manipulated to separate hydrogen.
  • 'fuel', 'fuel source' and 'hydrogen fuel source' are interchangeable and all refer to any fluid (liquid or gas) that can be manipulated to separate hydrogen.
  • Fuel 17 may include any hydrogen bearing fuel stream, hydrocarbon fuel or other source of hydrogen such as ammonia.
  • hydrocarbon fuels 17 suitable for use with the present invention include gasoline, C 1 to C 4 hydrocarbons, their oxygenated analogues and/or their combinations, for example.
  • Other fuel sources may be used with a fuel cell package of the present invention, such as sodium borohydride.
  • Several hydrocarbon and ammonia products may also be used.
  • Liquid fuels 17 offer high energy densities and the ability to be readily stored and shipped.
  • Fuel 17 may be stored as a fuel mixture.
  • storage device 16 includes a fuel mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and water. Hydrocarbon fuel/water mixtures are frequently represented as a percentage of fuel in water.
  • fuel 17 comprises methanol or ethanol concentrations in water in the range of 1-99.9%.
  • Other liquid fuels such as butane, propane, gasoline, military grade "JP8", etc. may also be contained in storage device 16 with concentrations in water from 5-100%.
  • fuel 17 comprises 67% methanol by volume.
  • Cartridge 16 mechanically and detachably couples to device 11, which includes fuel processor 15 and fuel cell 20.
  • device 11 is a portable package that includes a fuel cell system and one or more DC outputs. Such a portable package operates as an independent and portable power source that provides electrical energy as long as the package has access to fuel 17. Military personnel, who carry an array of electronics devices and perform extended operations, benefit from such a portable and replenishable power supply.
  • device 11 includes an electronics device that consumes electrical energy generated by fuel cell 20. Examples include laptop computers, handheld computers and PDAs, cell phones, lights such as flashlights, radios, etc. The device 11 may export the energy to another electronics device, use it internally, and combinations thereof. Fuel cells described herein are useful to power a wide array of electronics devices, and in general, the present invention is not limited by what device couples to cartridge 16 or receives fuel from cartridge 16.
  • Fuel processor 15 processes fuel 17 and outputs hydrogen.
  • a hydrocarbon fuel processor 15 heats and processes a hydrocarbon fuel 17 in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen.
  • Fuel processor 15 comprises a reformer, which is a catalytic device that converts a liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel 17 into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. As the term is used herein, reforming refers to the process of producing hydrogen from a fuel 17.
  • Fuel processor 15 may output either pure hydrogen or a hydrogen bearing gas stream (also commonly referred to as 'reformate').
  • a steam reformer only needs steam and fuel to produce hydrogen.
  • ATR and CPOX reformers mix air with a fuel/steam mixture.
  • ATR and CPOX systems reform fuels such as methanol, diesel, regular unleaded gasoline and other hydrocarbons, hi a specific embodiment, storage device 16 provides methanol 17 to fuel processor 15, which reforms the methanol at about 280 0 C or less and allows fuel cell system 10 usage in low temperature applications.
  • Fuel cell 20 electrochemically converts hydrogen and oxygen to water, generating electrical energy (and sometimes heat) in the process. Ambient air readily supplies oxygen. A pure or direct oxygen source may also be used. The water often forms as a vapor, depending on the temperature of fuel cell 20. For some fuel cells, the electrochemical reaction may also produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
  • fuel cell 20 is a low volume ion conductive membrane (PEM) fuel cell suitable for use with portable applications such as consumer electronics.
  • a PEM fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that carries out the electrical energy generating an electrochemical reaction.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • the MEA includes a hydrogen catalyst, an oxygen catalyst, and an ion conductive membrane that a) selectively conducts protons and b) electrically isolates the hydrogen catalyst from the oxygen catalyst.
  • a hydrogen gas distribution layer may also be included; it contains the hydrogen catalyst and allows the diffusion of hydrogen therethrough.
  • An oxygen gas distribution layer contains the oxygen catalyst and allows the diffusion of oxygen and hydrogen protons therethrough.
  • the ion conductive membrane separates the hydrogen and oxygen gas distribution layers.
  • the anode comprises the hydrogen gas distribution layer and hydrogen catalyst
  • the cathode comprises the oxygen gas distribution layer and oxygen catalyst.
  • a PEM fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack having a set of bi-polar plates, hi one embodiment, each bi-polar plate is formed from a single sheet of metal that includes channel fields on opposite surfaces of the metal sheet. Thickness for these plates is typically below about 5 millimeters, and compact fuel cells for portable applications may employ plates thinner than about 2 millimeters.
  • the single bi-polar plate thus dually distributes hydrogen and oxygen: one channel field distributes hydrogen while a channel field on the opposite surface distributes oxygen.
  • each bi-polar plate is formed from multiple layers that include more than one sheet of metal.
  • bi-polar plates can be stacked to produce the 'fuel cell stack' in which a membrane electrode assembly is disposed between each pair of adjacent bipolar plates.
  • Gaseous hydrogen distribution to the hydrogen gas distribution layer in the MEA occurs via a channel field on one plate while oxygen distribution to the oxygen gas distribution layer in the MES occurs via a channel field on a second plate on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly.
  • the anode includes the hydrogen gas distribution layer, hydrogen catalyst and a bi-polar plate.
  • the anode acts as the negative electrode for fuel cell 20 and conducts electrons that are freed from hydrogen molecules so that they can be used externally, e.g., to power an external circuit or stored in a battery
  • the cathode includes the oxygen gas distribution layer, oxygen catalyst and an adjacent bi-polar plate.
  • the cathode represents the positive electrode for fuel cell 20 and conducts the electrons back from the external electrical circuit to the oxygen catalyst, where they can recombine with hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.
  • bi-polar refers electrically to a bi-polar plate (whether mechanically comprised of one plate or two plates) sandwiched between two membrane electrode assembly layers.
  • a bi-polar plate acts as both a negative terminal for one adjacent (e.g., above) membrane electrode assembly and a positive terminal for a second adjacent (e.g., below) membrane electrode assembly arranged on the opposite surface of the bi-polar plate.
  • the hydrogen catalyst separates the hydrogen into protons and electrons.
  • the ion conductive membrane blocks the electrons, and electrically isolates the chemical anode (hydrogen gas distribution layer and hydrogen catalyst) from the chemical cathode.
  • the ion conductive membrane also selectively conducts positively charged ions. Electrically, the anode conducts electrons to a load (electrical energy is produced) or battery (energy is stored). Meanwhile, protons move through the ion conductive membrane.
  • the protons and used electrons subsequently meet on the cathode side, and combine with oxygen to form water.
  • the oxygen catalyst in the oxygen gas distribution layer facilitates this reaction.
  • One common oxygen catalyst comprises platinum powder thinly coated onto a carbon paper or cloth. Many designs employ a rough and porous catalyst to increase surface area of the platinum exposed to the hydrogen and oxygen.
  • fuel cell 20 may implement a thermal management system to dissipate heat. Fuel cell 20 may also employ a number of humidification plates (HP) to manage moisture levels in the fuel cell.
  • HP humidification plates
  • fuel cell 20 is phosphoric acid fuel cell that employs liquid phosphoric acid for ion exchange.
  • Solid oxide fuel cells employ a hard, non-porous ceramic compound for ion exchange and may be suitable for use with the present invention.
  • any fuel cell architecture may be applicable to the fuel processors described herein that output hydrogen for a fuel cell.
  • Other such fuel cell architectures include alkaline and molten carbonate fuel cells, for example.
  • FIG. 2A shows a simplified cross section of a cartridge 16 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cartridge 16 includes a bladder 100, housing 102 and connector 104.
  • Bladder 100 contains fuel 17 and conforms to the volume of fuel in the bladder.
  • bladder 100 comprises a compliant structure that mechanically assumes a volume according to a volume of liquid stored therein.
  • Compliant walls 101 of bladder 100 which expand and/or open when fluid is added to bladder 100, form the volume and contract and/or collapse when fluid is removed according to the negative pressure developed upon fluid removal.
  • bladder 100 includes a sac that changes size and shape with the volume of liquid contained therein.
  • Plastic, rubber, latex or a metal such as nickel are suitable materials for use as the walls 101 of bladder 100. In this case, the walls are compliant and change size with a changing liquid volume, and in some cases the walls allow for stretching with high fluid pressures in bladder 100.
  • Walls 101 may also comprise a fire retardant plastic material.
  • a fire retardant plastic material for walls 101 is NFPA-701-99 Test 1 Polyethelyne as provided by Plasticare of Orange Park, FL.
  • bladder 100 comprises a fixed cylinder and a piston that is pushed by a spring and moves in the cylinder to pressurize the bladder and displace volume according to used fuel.
  • a maximum volume 119 characterizes bladder 100 when the bladder fully expands. Maximum bladder volumes may vary with an application. In a specific embodiment, maximum volumes for cartridge 16 range from about 20 milliliters to about 4 liters. Maximum volumes from about 20 milliliters to about 800 milliliters are suitable for many portable electronics applications.
  • a maximum volume for bladder 100 of about 200 to about 500 milliliters is suitable for laptop computer usage and many portable applications. Some extended run time systems may rely on storage devices 16 having up to 80 liters of maximum volume.
  • the maximum volume for bladder 100 may differ from the fuel capacity of cartridge 16.
  • cartridge 16 includes multiple bladders 100 that each contributes a maximum volume and cumulatively adds to a total fuel capacity for cartridge 16.
  • a spare cartridge 16 intended for electronics power back-up may contain two bladders 1Q0 that each include 300 milliliters of fuel 17.
  • bladder 100 and cartridge 16 may contain other fuels such as those listed above. Li addition, bladder 100 may contain a fuel mixture.
  • Housing 102 provides mechanical protection for bladder 100 and any other components of storage device 16 included within housing 102.
  • Housing 102 comprises a set of rigid walls 110 that contain bladder 100 and other internal components of cartridge 16. hi one embodiment, all components of cartridge 16 are contained within housing 102 save any portions of connector 104 that protrude out of the housing for interface with mating connector 140.
  • connector 104 is recessed within housing 102 and housing 102 provides an outer shell or assembly housing that defines outer bounds and shape of storage device 16.
  • Walls 110 collectively form an outer case or shell that mechanically separates components internal to housing 102 from the external environment. Walls 110 also collectively form an interior cavity 112.
  • Interior cavity 112 is a space within storage device that contains bladder 100.
  • interior cavity 112 may comprises multiple compartments, each of which include a separate bladder 100.
  • Various embodiments provided below show additional walls used in housing 102.
  • Housing 102 is referred to herein as a 'housing assembly' when one or more rigid walls or parts are added to cartridge 16 and provide additional functionality other than just containment of internal components.
  • Such functionality may include connectivity with a package (e.g., the sliding interface described below), filtration of air going into a fuel cell system package, and holding one or more components of the cartridge such as a chip.
  • Rigid walls 110 may comprise a suitably stiff material such as a plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum), polycarbonate, polypropelene, carbon fiber matrix, carbon composite material, etc.
  • Rigid walls 110 may also be formed from a fire retardant material such as a fire retardant plastic material.
  • a fire retardant plastic material for walls 110 is 8-12% weight, JLS-MC mixed with PA66 Polyamide as provided by JLS Chemical of Pomona, CA.
  • Rigid walls 110 may be designed according to criteria for construction of thin walled pressure vessels, hi this case, walls 110 and housing 102 may be designed to withstand a maximum pressure within bladder 100.
  • Housing 102 may be variably shaped as desired by an application and the present invention is not limited to any particular shape. In one embodiment, housing 102 includes an elliptical (including circular) cross section, a rectangular cross section with chamfered corners, or other substantially consistent profile or shape in a given direction.
  • housing 102 includes a) a top cap 111 that holds connector 104 and b) a substantially consistent cross section in a direction that extends away from a top cap 111 in connector 104.
  • housing 102 comprises a transparent section or clear window to allow for visual fuel gauging.
  • housing 102 is integrally formed or manufactured to prevent disassembly of housing 102.
  • walls 110 may be permanently attached (e.g., bonded and/or extruded from a common material) such that access into housing 102 is only gained through destruction of walls 110 and housing 102.
  • Connector 104 interfaces with a mating connector 140 included in device 11.
  • connector 104 and mating connector 140 permit transfer of fuel source 17 between bladder 100 and the external device 11.
  • mating connector 140 When mating connector 140 is included in a device that includes fuel processor 15 (see FIG. 1), connector 104 and mating connector 140 interface to permit transfer of fuel 17 from cartridge 16 to fuel processor 15, and through any intermediate plumbing between the two.
  • connector 104 and mating connector 140 interface to permit transfer of fuel 17 from the refiller to cartridge 16.
  • Interface between connector 104 and mating connector 140 may comprise any relationship and mating structures that permit fluid communication between the two connectors. Several contact valves and configurations are provided below.
  • Cartridge 16 and device 11, and or connector 104 and mating connector 140 may also include mechanical coupling to secure the interface, such as sliding interfaces and latching elements that bind connector 104 and mating connector 140 together until physically released. Several suitable example are also described below.
  • connector 104 and mating connector 140 each comprise a geometry that at least partially matches geometry of the other.
  • connector 104 incorporates a quick disconnect that permits cartridge 16 to be readily removed by pulling on housing 102 (or the assembly housing). This separates connector 104 and mating connector 140 and separates any electrical links and detaches plumbing responsible for fluid communication between cartridge 16 and device 11. A second cartridge 16 with a quick disconnect connector 104 may then be readily inserted back into mating connector 140.
  • the quick disconnect allows rapid replacement of cartridge 16 with another cartridge 16 when fuel source volume levels are low.
  • the quick disconnect connector 104 may also include additional ports according to the plumbing needs of cartridge 16 (e.g., a scrubbing bed or oxygen pressurization).
  • a quick connect/disconnect connector 104 may also include other features to control attachment and detachment requirements such as two-handed operation or a high force actuator.
  • Commercially available quick disconnect connectors are available from a variety of vendors.
  • One suitable quick disconnect connector is model number QDClOl as provided by Beswick of Greenland, NH.
  • Connector 104 and mating connector 140 may provide a contact shutoff capability when cartridge 16 is removed. In this case, each only opens when connected to the other and when cartridge 16 interfaces with device 11.
  • cartridge 16 or device 11 includes a small sponge or swab located on or near connector 104 to collect any fuel leakage during device connection or disconnection.
  • one of connector 104 and mating connector 140 includes a 'male' designation and configuration while the other includes a 'female' designation and configuration.
  • the male configuration includes portions of the connector that protrude, such as a valve, one or more pins or electrical leads.
  • the female configuration includes portions of the connector that receive the male portions, such as receptacles that receive a contact valve, or holes arranged to receive the male electrical leads and permit electrical communication.
  • the connector 104 on cartridge 16 may include a female configuration that recesses within housing 102. In this case, since it is recessed, connector 104 cannot be knocked off during rough handling.
  • Mating connector 140 may be disposed on a variety of devices. In one embodiment, mating connector 140 is disposed on a side portion of an OEM device (i.e. a laptop computer). In another embodiment, mating connector 140 is included in a portable fuel cell package. Further discussion of fuel cell packages suitable for use with the present invention are described in commonly owned patent application entitled “Compact Fuel Cell Package” and filed on May 2, 2005. Mating connector 140 may also be included in refilling hardware that refills cartridge 16 with fuel source 17.
  • mating connector 140 includes a contact valve, which when depressed, permits fuel flow between the device and cartridge.
  • a contact valve which when depressed, permits fuel flow between the device and cartridge.
  • Embodiments described below include dual contact valve designs in which both contact valves must be depressed before fuel flows.
  • the dual contact valve designs may include: a first contact valve on the cartridge and a second on the device, both valves on the cartridge, or both valves on the device.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a cartridge 16b in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cartridge 16b includes several features that may be optionally included with storage devices of the present invention.
  • Cartridge 16b includes a memory 106, which stores information relevant to usage of cartridge 16b.
  • Memory 106 may comprise a mechanical, electrical and/or digital mechanism for information storage, hi one embodiment, memory 106 includes a mechanical device.
  • One suitable mechanical device comprises "break-off pins that are altered each time cartridge 16b is used.
  • Other forms of mechanical memory 106 may comprise discs or rods, which are removed or otherwise manipulated every time a storage device 16 is refilled, hi another embodiment, memory 106 includes a visible identification tag that uniquely identifies cartridge 16.
  • cartridge 16b includes an additional wall 110b affixed to the outside of housing 102 that holds and locates memory 106.
  • memory 106 includes a digital memory source that permits a controller to read and write from the digital memory.
  • cartridge 16b includes electrical connectivity 121 for digital communication between memory 106 and a processor or controller on device 11.
  • connector 104 may include female electrical slots 121.
  • a mating connector 140 (FIG. 3A) for connector 104 then includes male leads positioned and sized to fit into slots 121.
  • Cartridge 16b is considered 'smart' when memory 106 stores information related to the performance, status and abilities of cartridge 16b.
  • a digital memory or chip allows an external controller or logic to read and write information relevant to usage of the cartridge 16b to memory 106. Reading from digital memory 106 allows reception and assessment of information in memory 106 to improve usage of cartridge 16b. For example, a computer that receives storage device 16 may inform a user that the storage device 16 is empty or how much fuel is left (or how much time on the system is available based on its power consumption and the amount of fuel remaining).
  • Information stored in memory 106 that generally does not change with cartridge 16b usage and may comprise a) a fuel type stored in the cartridge 16b, b) a model number for cartridge 16b, c) security and handshake information for cartridge 16b, d) manufacture date, and/or e) a volume capacity for bladder 100 or cartridge 16b.
  • the model number of cartridge 16b allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.
  • the security and handshake information may include an identification signature for cartridge 16b or the manufacturer of cartridge 16b.
  • the security and handshake information may also employ encryption and security techniques that restrict a) cartridge 16b usage to designated devices, b) cartridge 16b usage to designated fuel cell system manufacturers, c) cartridge 16b usage to designated fuel cell system types, c) cartridge 16b usage to designated devices such as laptops, etc.
  • Transient information stored in digital memory 106 that changes according to the status and usage of cartridge 16b may include a) a current volume for fuel in the storage device, b) a number of refills when cartridge 16b is configured for re-usable service, c) the last refill date, d) the refilling service provider that refilled cartridge 16b, e) usage history according to a storage device identification, and f) hydrogen fuel mixture information.
  • Cartridge 16b also includes one or more vents 132 in housing 102 that allow air to enter and exit in internal cavity 112 within housing 102 as bladder 100 changes in volume. Air vent 132 comprises one or more holes or apertures in a wall 110 of housing 102.
  • bladder 100 collapses and creates a negative pressure in internal cavity 112 outside of bladder 100. Based on this negative pressure caused by a decreasing volume of bladder 100 (or increasing volume of internal cavity 112 outside bladder 100), air enters through air vent 132 into internal cavity 112 and displaces the decreasing volume of bladder 100. This prevents the pressure of fuel 17 in bladder 100 from decreasing and affecting the ability of cartridge 16b to provide fuel 17 at a substantially constant pressure.
  • positive pressure caused by an increasing volume of fuel 17 in bladder 100 causes air to exit through vent 132.
  • cartridge 16b does not include a vent in the cartridge housing 102 and relies on a vent included in a valve or connector 104 that provides fuel source communication into or out of the storage device.
  • a filter 134 spans the cross section of vent 132 and intercepts air passing through vent 132.
  • filter 134 comprises a hydrophobic and gas permeable filter that prevents foreign materials from entering cartridge 16b. Materials blocked by filter 134 may include liquids and particles such as undesirable oils and abrasives. The hydrophobic filter also prevents fuel 17 from escaping housing 102 in the event that bladder 100 develops a leak.
  • Filter 134 may comprise micro porous Teflon or another micro porous material such as Teflon coated paper.
  • a sintered metal filter for example one with a 3 micron pore size, may also be used.
  • One suitable filter 134 includes micro porous "Gore Tex'Teflon as provided by WL Gore Associates of Elkton, MD.
  • a mechanical shield 142 spans and covers vent 132 and prevents foreign bodies from entering housing 102 through vent 132. hi a specific embodiment, vent 132 is recessed into wall 110 such that mechanical shield 142 is flush with the outer surface of housing 102. As shown, filter 134 is located internal to shield 142 such that shield 142 mechanically protects filter 134.
  • mechanical shield 142 includes a flame suppressor or a suitable means of flame suppression. The mechanical shield 142 then prevents flame propagation into or out from interior cavity 112.
  • One suitable mechanical shield 142 includes cut to size 180x180 mesh stainless steel screen as provided by McNichols of Tampa, FL.
  • Cartridge 16b may also include other features such as a pressure relief valve that limits pressure in the bladder or cartridge, a fuel filter that intercepts fuel 17 as it leaves bladder 100 and before it leaves connector 104, a fire retardant foam disposed in bladder 100, and a wireless identification (ID) tag for memory 106, for example.
  • a pressure relief valve that limits pressure in the bladder or cartridge
  • a fuel filter that intercepts fuel 17 as it leaves bladder 100 and before it leaves connector 104
  • a fire retardant foam disposed in bladder 100 a fire retardant foam disposed in bladder 100
  • ID wireless identification
  • Housing assembly 152 also permits connectivity with a fuel cell device, houses various components included in cartridge 150, and adds structural integrity to cartridge 150.
  • Housing assembly 152 may include a molded and rigid plastic, for example.
  • assembly housing 152 surrounds main housing 154 and provides mechanical protection for main housing 154.
  • assembly housing 152 only partially surrounds main housing 154 and main housing 154 includes its own walls that contain and mechanically protect the internal bladder and fuel, hi this case, housing 154 is substantially cylindrical.
  • Other geometries for assembly housing 152 and main housing 154 may be used.
  • main housing 154 and bladder contained therein accommodate high-pressure usage, intentional or otherwise. Unintentional high pressures may result from high temperatures, for example.
  • a latching interface may be included to lock and hold cartridge 150 in one or more positions relative to package 175.
  • the latching interface lets a user know (e.g. acoustically and kinesthetically) when the two are coupled together or at some desired position relative to each other.
  • One suitable latching interface embodiment is described in further detail below with respect to FIGs. 5A-5C.
  • Fluid transfer valve 156 opens to the inner bladder and permits fluidic communication with the bladder. As shown, fluid transfer valve 156 is disposed at one end of the cylindrical main housing 154. In one embodiment, fluid transfer valve 156 is a contact valve, which when depressed, permits flow of fuel from cartridge 150; and when not depressed, the contact valve prevents the flow of fuel from the cartridge.
  • the cartridge housing includes commercially available aluminum components that crimp and seal together.
  • the housing may include a top aluminum head portion (also referred to as a 'mounting cup') that crimps to a cylindrical aluminum housing (also referred to as a 'can'). This advantageously seals the head to the cartridge housing.
  • One or more components may be added internally to the aluminum cartridge housing before the seal is made.
  • a bladder may be added before the two parts are joined. The crimped connection then secures and seals the bladder.
  • FIGs. 4A-4F illustrate a sliding coupling that permits multiple positions between a cartridge 156 and package 151 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • package 151 is a portable fuel cell device that internally includes a fuel processor and fuel cell.
  • sliding interface 152 attaches to a header 162 disposed near the top of a cylindrical cartridge 156.
  • Header 162 includes a set of walls and structures that add to the housing assembly for cartridge 156 and permit additional features to be added to cartridge 156.
  • the housing assembly for cartridge 156 thus includes header 162 and a cylindrical outer canister 164.
  • a fuel communication valve 166 is disposed at the top end of the cylindrical canister 164 (FIG. 4A), and includes a contact valve that permits fluid flow from cartridge 156 by pressing valve 166. Header 162 extends above and around valve 166 to prevent unintended contact with valve 166.
  • Flexure 458 includes two locations that hold the distal end of bar 454: a high position 460 and a low position 462.
  • High position 460 holds the distal end of bar 454 between two angled surfaces 457 of flexure 458 (FIG. 8B).
  • Laterally opening flexure 458 (separating angled surfaces 457) allows the distal end of bar 454 to move down to a low position 462 that holds the distal end of bar 454 on a flat portion 464 of flexure 458 (FIG. 8C).
  • the fuel cell system typically also includes an air compressor to move air into the fuel cell, hi another embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell system relies on a pressurized cartridge, hi this case, the cartridge includes some mechanism that pressurizes a bladder and forces fuel from the bladder.
  • FIGs. 9A-9D illustrate a system 500 for simplifying fuel delivery by using a pressurized fuel plenum.
  • System 500 maintains positive pressure on fuel in a cartridge to supply fuel, which eliminates the need for liquid metering pumps to supply liquid fuel to either a fuel cell or a fuel processor.
  • System 500 uses a supply of compressed air from an air compressor used in a fuel cell system.
  • a three-way valve 515 (FIG. 9D) is connected inline with the air-compressor outlet/fuel cell air inlet line.
  • a third position on the valve is connected to the volume located in-between a fuel bladder and inner walls of a cartridge housing.
  • the line to the cartridge is closed and air flows from the compressor to the cathode (flow position).
  • this line is opened and the line from the valve to the cathode inlet is closed (pressure position).
  • FIG. 9 A illustrates schematic operation for the fuel cell system 500 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cartridge 516 stores methanol.
  • a connector 502 (FIG.
  • Heater 30 (also referred to herein as a burner when it uses catalytic combustion to generate heat) includes an inlet that receives methanol 17 from line 27.
  • Boiler 34 includes a boiler chamber having an inlet that receives methanol 17 from line 29. The boiler chamber is configured to receive heat from heater 30, via heat conduction through walls in monolithic structure 100 between the boiler 34 and heater 30, and use the heat to boil the methanol passing through the boiler chamber.
  • Reformer 32 includes an inlet that receives heated methanol 17 from boiler 34.
  • a catalyst in reformer 32 reacts with the methanol 17 to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide; this reaction is endothermic and draws heat from heater 30.
  • a hydrogen outlet of reformer 32 outputs hydrogen to line 39. Line 39 transports hydrogen (or 'reformate') from fuel processor 15 to fuel cell 20.
  • liquid fuel requires 2 about PSI to feed the system.
  • Many suitable air compressors nominally run at 2 about PSI but have the ability to generate about 5 PSI.
  • a three way valve 515 (FIG. 9D) and a pressure transducer 517 on the air line or the fuel line may be used to sense pressure and divert the air stream from the fuel cell 20 to the cartridge 516 as required to maintain 5 PSI.
  • Three way valve 515 controls the direction of airflow provided by air source 41.
  • a 5- volt model number LHLX0500050 valve as provided by The Lee Company of Westbrook, CT is suitable for use as three-way valve 515.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche portative qui stocke un combustible destiné à être utilisé avec un système de pile à combustible. Les cartouches décrites dans cette invention améliorent l'interface mécanique entre une cartouche et un dispositif qui se couple à la cartouche. L'interface peut comprendre un ou plusieurs des éléments suivants: une interface coulissante entre une cartouche et un dispositif, une interface de verrouillage qui soutient la cartouche dans une ou plusieurs positions par rapport au dispositif, et/ou des caractéristiques de sécurité et d'accès par clé qui empêchent l'accès non intentionnel au combustible. Plusieurs soupapes peuvent également être inclues afin d'accéder à la régulation plus précise de combustible.
PCT/US2005/046816 2004-12-21 2005-12-12 Connectivite de cartouche de combustible WO2006069324A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US63842104P 2004-12-21 2004-12-21
US60/638,421 2004-12-21
US64963805P 2005-02-02 2005-02-02
US60/649,638 2005-02-02
US67742405P 2005-05-02 2005-05-02
US60/677,424 2005-05-02
US68259805P 2005-05-18 2005-05-18
US60/682,598 2005-05-18

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WO2006069324A1 true WO2006069324A1 (fr) 2006-06-29

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9822004B2 (en) 2013-02-14 2017-11-21 Intelligent Energy Inc. Hydrogen generator with locking door

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040096721A1 (en) * 2002-07-03 2004-05-20 Ohlsen Leroy J. Closed liquid feed fuel cell systems and reactant supply and effluent storage cartridges adapted for use with the same
US20040146769A1 (en) * 2002-12-02 2004-07-29 Michael Birschbach Fuel cell cartridge for portable electronic device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040096721A1 (en) * 2002-07-03 2004-05-20 Ohlsen Leroy J. Closed liquid feed fuel cell systems and reactant supply and effluent storage cartridges adapted for use with the same
US20040146769A1 (en) * 2002-12-02 2004-07-29 Michael Birschbach Fuel cell cartridge for portable electronic device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9822004B2 (en) 2013-02-14 2017-11-21 Intelligent Energy Inc. Hydrogen generator with locking door

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