Abstract:
The present invention increases the amount of hydrogen produced or released from reactions between a metal hydride fuel and liquid reactant. The present invention also decreases the volume of a hydrogen generating cartridge by reducing the pH of the liquid reactant.
Abstract:
A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to devices for controlling the fluid flow and pressure, including adjustable pressure regulators, pressure regulators with an inlet restrictor, semi-automatic valve and pressure regulator with a by-pass valve. The adjustable pressure regulators have a movable shuttle, shuttle housing, a high pressure diaphragm, a low pressure diaphragm and a fluidic conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. One or more of these components are adjusted to modify the outlet pressure of the regulator. The inlet restrictor allows incoming fluid to enter the pressure regulators when the pressure of the incoming fluid is higher than a threshold level. The positioning the inlet restrictor can be used to prevent a partial vacuum from forming inside a pressure regulator. The semi-automatic valve is opened manually but closes automatically when fluid flowing through the valve is insufficient to keep the valve open. The semi-automatic valve can also be a semi-automatic electrical switch. The by-pass valve directs the flow to bypass the pressure regulator, when the flow is slow or has low pressure.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down properly when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices. The system architecture may have flow regulators, which include a regulating valve.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a connector or cable between the fuel supply and the fuel cell that in addition to transporting fuel and electrical power can also communicate control signals between the fuel cell and the cartridge to instruct the fuel cartridge or the fuel cell or both to commence or cease the operation of one or more functions. Control signals can be electrical, fluidic/hydraulic and/or mechanical. The connector or cable may also transport electricity produced by the fuel cell to power an electronic device, and/or to the fuel cartridge to power a component(s) on the cartridge or to re-charge a battery. The connector or cable may have universal connectors that can attach to multiple fuel cells, fuel cartridges and electronic devices, even when manufactured by different manufacturers.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a fuel cell assembly that arranges a plurality of individual fuel cells into an array. The fuel cells are set into openings formed in a frame. The openings are arranged into the array, such as in columns and rows. A rear cover is sealingly attached to the frame, thereby defining a chamber between the frame and a base of the rear cover, where the chamber serves as a manifold. Optional supports extend from the base to the fuel cells. The void forms a fluid manifold for dispersing fuel for the fuel cells from a fuel reservoir to the fuel cells. Alternatively, the rear cover separates the interstitial space between the rear cover and the frame into compartments, which are fluidly interconnected by channels. The array may also include a functional element electrically connected to the fuel cells configured to transfer power an electronic device.