公开(公告)号：US06908701B2

公开(公告)日：2005-06-21

申请号：US10654792

申请日：2003-09-03

Applicant: John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

Inventor： John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

IPC: H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M2/14

CPC classification number: H01M8/04291 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/04231 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract translation: 一种具有阳极室的燃料电池的水管理系统，所述阳极室包括燃料，与氧化剂流体连通的阴极室和分离所述室的质子传导膜电解质。 该系统包括气室，用于控制从阳极室进入气室的第一气流的第一阀，以及用于控制由气室收集的气体进入阴极室的第二流的第二阀。 第一阀打开，允许第一流动，同时第二阀在气室和阴极室之间关闭，使得废气被收集在气室中。 当气室中的废气量达到预定值时，第一阀关闭，第二阀打开以允许第二流。

公开(公告)号：US07205059B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-17

申请号：US11082307

申请日：2005-03-17

Applicant: John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

Inventor： John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

IPC: H01M8/00 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M2/02 ,  H01M2/14

CPC classification number: H01M8/04291 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/04231 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract translation: 一种具有阳极室的燃料电池的水管理系统，所述阳极室包括燃料，与氧化剂流体连通的阴极室和分离所述室的质子传导膜电解质。 该系统包括气室，用于控制从阳极室进入气室的第一气流的第一阀，以及用于控制由气室收集的气体进入阴极室的第二流的第二阀。 第一阀打开，允许第一流动，同时第二阀在气室和阴极室之间关闭，使得废气被收集在气室中。 当气室中的废气量达到预定值时，第一阀关闭，第二阀打开以允许第二流。

公开(公告)号：US06632553B2

公开(公告)日：2003-10-14

申请号：US09818290

申请日：2001-03-27

Applicant: John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

Inventor： John A. Corey ,  Gerhard Beckmann

IPC: H01M0800

CPC classification number: H01M8/04291 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/04231 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract translation: 一种具有阳极室的燃料电池的水管理系统，所述阳极室包括燃料，与氧化剂流体连通的阴极室和分离所述室的质子传导膜电解质。 该系统包括气室，用于控制从阳极室进入气室的第一气流的第一阀，以及用于控制由气室收集的气体进入阴极室的第二流的第二阀。 第一阀打开，允许第一流动，同时第二阀在气室和阴极室之间关闭，使得废气被收集在气室中。 当气室中的流出气体的量达到预定值时，第一阀关闭，第二阀打开以允许第二流。

公开(公告)号：US20080115212A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US11800060

申请日：2007-05-02

Applicant: Jeffrey Lynn Arias ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Michael Otto Bigelow ,  Clive L. Dym ,  Laurel Harris Fullerton ,  Kenneth Brandon Maples ,  Michael Saldana ,  Yosuke Sato ,  Wayne Chung Tanaka

Inventor： Jeffrey Lynn Arias ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Michael Otto Bigelow ,  Clive L. Dym ,  Laurel Harris Fullerton ,  Kenneth Brandon Maples ,  Michael Saldana ,  Yosuke Sato ,  Wayne Chung Tanaka

IPC: H04L9/32

CPC classification number: H01M8/04208

Abstract: Several interrelated methods are described for guaranteeing the authenticity of a fuel cartridge that will supply methanol, hydrogen, or other fuel to a fuel consuming device apparatus. Specific fuel consuming device constructions must mate with specially designed fuel cartridges to ensure that the fuel will flow properly, that the fuel supplied is of sufficient quality and composition as required, and that will be leak-proof during storage, transport, and use. Several designs that will meet all of these requirements are described below. Each of the fuel cartridge designs will result in an acceptance by the fuel consuming device if the authentication criteria are met and rejection of the cartridge if they are violated.

Abstract translation: 描述了几种相互关联的方法来保证将向燃料消耗装置装置供应甲醇，氢或其它燃料的燃料盒的真实性。 特定的燃料消耗装置结构必须与特别设计的燃料盒配合，以确保燃料正确流动，供应的燃料具有足够的质量和组成，并且在储存，运输和使用期间将是防漏的。 将满足所有这些要求的几种设计如下所述。 如果满足认证标准并且如果它们被违反则排除了墨盒，则每个燃料盒设计将导致燃料消耗装置的接受。

公开(公告)号：US20060006108A1

公开(公告)日：2006-01-12

申请号：US11177234

申请日：2005-07-07

Applicant: Jeffrey Arias ,  Huyen Dinh ,  Carl Kukkonen ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Carl Kukkonen

Inventor： Jeffrey Arias ,  Huyen Dinh ,  Carl Kukkonen ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Carl Kukkonen

IPC: H01M8/00 ,  B01D35/30

CPC classification number: H01M8/04208 ,  F17C2205/037 ,  F17C2270/0763 ,  H01M8/04313 ,  H01M8/04365 ,  H01M8/04447 ,  H01M8/04559 ,  H01M8/04589 ,  H01M8/04753 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  H01M8/0643 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a fuel cell cartridge for providing fuel to a fuel cell. Also described are fuel delivery systems, fuel cells, and related techniques.

Abstract translation: 本文所述的主题涉及用于向燃料电池提供燃料的燃料电池盒。 还描述了燃料输送系统，燃料电池和相关技术。

公开(公告)号：US20050181250A1

公开(公告)日：2005-08-18

申请号：US11080140

申请日：2005-03-14

Applicant: Gerhard Beckmann ,  Robert Hirsch

Inventor： Gerhard Beckmann ,  Robert Hirsch

IPC: G01N27/12 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01H37/00

CPC classification number: G01N27/126 ,  H01M8/04007 ,  H01M8/04119 ,  H01M8/04194 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A fuel cell system including an anode chamber having a fuel mixture comprising methanol and water, and a diffusion layer, a fuel source in fluid communication with the anode chamber via a conduit, a cathode chamber having a cathode and a diffusion layer, wherein the diffusion layer is in fluid communication with an oxidizer, and a proton conducting, electrical non-conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers and positioned substantially adjacent to said diffusion layers. The membrane includes a catalyst exposed to each of the chambers for initiating chemical reactions to produce electricity. The system also includes a first valve for automatically controlling a flow of fuel from the fuel supply cartridge, where the first valve includes a shape memory alloy.

Abstract translation: 一种燃料电池系统，包括具有包括甲醇和水的燃料混合物的阳极室，以及扩散层，经由导管与阳极室流体连通的燃料源，具有阴极和扩散层的阴极室， 层与氧化剂流体连通，以及质子传导的非导电膜电解质，分隔室并且基本上邻近所述扩散层定位。 膜包括暴露于每个室的催化剂，用于引发化学反应以产生电。 该系统还包括用于自动控制来自燃料供应盒的燃料流的第一阀，其中第一阀包括形状记忆合金。

公开(公告)号：US20060068271A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-30

申请号：US11269108

申请日：2005-11-08

Applicant: Xiaoming Ren ,  John Becerra ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Eric Brown ,  Michael DeFilippis ,  Jay Neutzler ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

Inventor： Xiaoming Ren ,  John Becerra ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Eric Brown ,  Michael DeFilippis ,  Jay Neutzler ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

IPC: H01M4/94 ,  H01M8/02 ,  B65D6/00

CPC classification number: H01M8/0668 ,  H01M4/8605 ,  H01M4/921 ,  H01M8/023 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/1004 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  H01M8/248 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A simplified direct oxidation fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell is constructed in such a manner that fuel is added to the cell anode as it is consumed and water is evaporated off at cell cathode so that there is no need for recirculation of unreacted fuel at the cell anode or water at the cell cathode. In addition, carbon dioxide generated from the anodic reaction is passively vented out of the system by using a CO2 gas permeable membrane material integrated as part of the anode chamber construction. It is thus possible that, the CO2 separation from the anode fluid occurs without the recirculation of the anode fluid outside the anode chamber. In one embodiment, the simplified direct oxidation fuel cell includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane placed in close proximity to the anode to perform the carbon dioxide separation. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel container and delivery assembly is provided, which includes separate conduits from separate containers for methanol and water and a leak-proof interface. This allows for mixing of water into the methanol solution, to allow for improved ability to adjust the concentration of methanol and water in the system. The fuel container and delivery assembly operates using simple mechanical flow and simplified geometry. This design minimizes loss of methanol and water via carryover and crossover by limiting introduction of those fluids. The passive system in which fuel is added as it is consumed and CO2 separated, both without pumping, ultimately will increase net power provided to the load due to low parasitic losses.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种简化的直接氧化燃料电池系统。 燃料电池被构造成使得燃料在其被消耗时被添加到电池阳极中，并且水在电池阴极处被蒸发，使得不需要再循环在电解池阳极处的未反应燃料或在电池阴极处的水 。 此外，通过使用集成为阳极室结构的一部分的CO 2气体可渗透膜材料，从阳极反应产生的二氧化碳被动地排出系统。 因此，在阳极室外部阳极流体再循环的情况下，可能发生与阳极流体的二氧化碳分离。 在一个实施例中，简化的直接氧化燃料电池包括放置在靠近阳极的气体可渗透的不透液膜，以进行二氧化碳分离。 根据本发明的另一方面，提供了一种燃料容器和输送组件，其包括用于甲醇和水的单独容器和防漏接口的单独导管。 这允许将水混合到甲醇溶液中，以提高调节系统中甲醇和水的浓度的能力。 燃料容器和输送组件使用简单的机械流动和简化的几何形状进行操作。 这种设计通过限制这些流体的引入，最大限度地减少甲醇和水的流失和交叉。 其中燃料添加的被动系统消耗和二氧化碳分离，无需泵送，最终将增加由于低的寄生损耗而提供给负载的净功率。

公开(公告)号：US06924055B2

公开(公告)日：2005-08-02

申请号：US10084097

申请日：2002-02-27

Applicant: Robert S. Hirsch ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Juan J. Becerra ,  Hongsun Kim ,  Michael S. DeFillipis

Inventor： Robert S. Hirsch ,  Gerhard Beckmann ,  Juan J. Becerra ,  Hongsun Kim ,  Michael S. DeFillipis

IPC: H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M2/00

CPC classification number: H01M8/2455 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/1009

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery system and fuel cell system is provided which includes a component, which delivers fuel from the fuel cartridge by connecting with a corresponding component in the anode chamber of the fuel cell. Liquid fuel is transported into the anode area via an action in which fuel is drawn through the material which may be substantially comprised of a foam-based substance. Gases, including carbon dioxide, that are produced in the anodic reaction can be removed because the foam is gas permeable. Electrons produced in the reaction are collected by a wire mesh that lies between the foam and the membrane electron assembly. The flow of fuel between the foam and the fuel cartridge and the foam and the anode can be interrupted by breaking the connection between the cartridge and the cell, or the cartridge can be pulled away from the fuel cell to break the connection between the foam components. The invention may be employed with a fuel cell stack, or with an enclosed, refillable fuel cell system. The cathode side of the fuel cell may also have a foam component to draw water away from the membrane electrode assembly while allowing oxygen to come in contact with the membrane.

Abstract translation: 提供了改进的燃料输送系统和燃料电池系统，其包括通过与燃料电池的阳极室中的相应部件连接而从燃料盒输送燃料的部件。 液体燃料经由其中燃料被抽吸通过材料的作用运输到阳极区域，该材料可以基本上由基于泡沫的物质组成。 可以除去在阳极反应中产生的气体，包括二氧化碳，因为泡沫是透气的。 在反应中产生的电子通过位于泡沫和膜电子组件之间的金属丝网收集。 泡沫和燃料盒之间的燃料和泡沫和阳极之间的燃料可以通过破坏墨盒和电池之间的连接来中断，或者墨盒可以被从燃料电池拉出以破坏泡沫组件之间的连接 。 本发明可以用于燃料电池堆，或与封闭的，可再填充的燃料电池系统一起使用。 燃料电池的阴极侧也可以具有泡沫成分，从而将水从膜电极组件吸走，同时允许氧与膜接触。

公开(公告)号：US06890680B2

公开(公告)日：2005-05-10

申请号：US10078728

申请日：2002-02-19

Applicant: Gerhard Beckmann ,  Xiaoming Ren ,  Paul F. Mutolo ,  Frank W. Kovacs ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

Inventor： Gerhard Beckmann ,  Xiaoming Ren ,  Paul F. Mutolo ,  Frank W. Kovacs ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

IPC: H01M4/86 ,  H01M4/88 ,  H01M4/92 ,  H01M4/96 ,  H01M8/10

CPC classification number: H01M4/8807 ,  H01M4/8605 ,  H01M4/8817 ,  H01M4/92 ,  H01M4/96 ,  H01M8/1004 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  Y02E60/523 ,  Y10T428/30

Abstract: A fuel cell diffusion layer providing a preferential path by which liquid reactants or byproducts may be supplied to or removed from a direct oxidation fuel cell is described. The modified diffusion layer will be typically on the cathode side of the fuel cell and its use is to eliminate or minimize flooding of the cathode diffusion layer area, which is a performance limiting condition in direct methanol fuel cells. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the diffusion layer includes a substrate that is coated with a microporous layer. A pattern may be embossed into the diffusion layer, to create preferential flow paths by which water will travel and thereby be removed from the cathode catalyst area. This avoids cathode flooding and avoids build up of potentially destructive pressure by possible cathodic water accumulation. This also provides a means for collecting cathode water for redirection In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the preferential path is established by applying a thicker microporous layer to the carbon cloth or carbon paper and drying it in such a fashion so that when it dries, the surface of the microporous layer cracks to provide the pathways.

Abstract translation: 描述了提供可以向直接氧化燃料电池供应或从直接氧化燃料电池移除液体反应物或副产物的优选路径的燃料电池扩散层。 改性扩散层通常在燃料电池的阴极侧，其用途是消除或最小化阴极扩散层面积的泛化，这是直接甲醇燃料电池中的性能限制条件。 根据本发明的一个实施例，扩散层包括涂覆有微孔层的基底。 图案可以被压印到扩散层中，以产生优选的流动路径，水将通过该路径移动，从而从阴极催化剂区域移除。 这样可以避免阴极淹没，并避免潜在的破坏性压力由可能的阴极水积聚造成。 这也提供了一种用于收集用于重定向的阴极水的方法。根据本发明的另一方面，优选路径是通过将较厚的微孔层施加到碳布或碳纸上并以这样的方式干燥来建立的： ，微孔层的表面裂纹提供通路。

公开(公告)号：US06794071B2

公开(公告)日：2004-09-21

申请号：US09881489

申请日：2001-06-14

Applicant: Gerhard Beckmann ,  William W. Dailey

Inventor： Gerhard Beckmann ,  William W. Dailey

IPC: H01M804

CPC classification number: H01M8/1004 ,  H01M4/8605 ,  H01M4/92 ,  H01M8/0234 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell which rapidly increases output power in response to demand. A conduit and valve arrangement allows neat or concentrated fuel to be introduced directly into anode flow field plate effectively bypassing the normal, time-consuming fuel flow path and eliminating the accompanying delay. A controller senses the demand for power and opens or closes the valves as appropriate. In alternative embodiments, neat or concentrated fuel is supplied directly to the anode diffusion layer or a protonically conductive membrane.

Abstract translation: 直接氧化燃料电池，其响应于需求快速增加输出功率。 导管和阀门装置允许整齐或集中的燃料直接引入阳极流场板中，有效地绕过正常的耗时燃料流路并消除伴随的延迟。 控制器检测到电力需求，并酌情打开或关闭阀门。 在替代实施例中，纯净或浓缩的燃料直接供应到阳极扩散层或质子传导膜。