Direct alcohol fuel cell and direct alcohol fuel cell stack with efficient CO2 removal and method for operating such a direct alcohol fuel cell

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a direct alcohol fuel cell (especially for methanol or ethanol) and a fuel cell stack design that efficiently removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced during the electrochemical reaction. The design introduces separate channels to supply alcohol fuel and remove gaseous CO₂ on the anode side, preventing CO₂ bubbles from interfering with fuel flow. It also describes a method and membrane arrangement (optionally with separator devices) to further improve performance and CO₂ removal.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Power supply for portable electronic devices using methanol or ethanol fuel cells
• Clean energy power sources for remote or off-grid locations
• Automotive applications for auxiliary or primary power generation
• Backup power systems for household or industrial use
• Fuel cell stacks for transportation such as buses or trains
• Small-scale generators for emergency power

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved efficiency and reliability due to effective CO₂ removal, preventing channel blockage and associated performance loss
• Reduced pressure drop and better uniformity of fuel concentration inside the cell, leading to higher operational stability
• Potentially higher power output and increased lifespan of the fuel cell stack compared to traditional designs
• Flexibility to use various short-chain alcohol fuels (methanol, ethanol), broadening fuel options
• Lower maintenance due to less risk of clogging and degradation by CO₂ bubbles
• Scalable design adaptable for different sizes or configurations in fuel cell stacks

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The direct alcohol fuel cell according to the invention comprises an anode (1), a cathode (2), and a membrane (3) arranged between the anode and the cathode. The membrane has on its surface a region with and without catalyst and optionally also a backing layer. The fuel cell has at least one channel (OC) adjacent to the membrane or to the backing layer for supplying an oxidizing agent, wherein the region of the membrane (ccl) adjacent to this channel has a cathodic oxidation catalyst, and at least one channel (FC) adjacent to the membrane for supplying an alcohol-containing liquid. According to the invention, the channel (FC) for supplying an alcohol-containing liquid is arranged on the cathode side (2) or the anode side (1), and the region of the membrane adjacent to this channel has no anodic reduction catalyst. Furthermore, in the direct alcohol fuel cell according to the invention, at least one additional channel (CRC) adjacent to the membrane for removing gaseous CO2 is arranged on the anode side (1), wherein the region of the membrane (acl) adjacent to this channel (CrC) has an anodic reduction catalyst. Optionally, the direct alcohol fuel cell according to the invention comprises within the membrane a separator device (4) which extends from the cathode (2) to the region of the membrane (3) which has an anodic reduction catalyst (acl), and which is adjacent to the channel (CrC) for removing gaseous CO2. This separator unit advantageously prevents direct permeation of the fuel from the channel for supplying an alcohol-containing liquid (FC) through the membrane (3) to the region with the cathodic oxidation catalyst (ccl).