Low-temperature Fuel Cell Stack and Method for Operating the Same

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This patent describes a low-temperature fuel cell stack equipped with advanced, individually controllable dosing devices for precise delivery of liquid fuel (such as methanol) or water to specific areas within the stack. These dosing devices, managed by sensors monitoring fuel concentration, humidity, and cell performance, enable optimal fuel or water supply to each fuel cell, improving performance and efficiency. The system allows for real-time, localized adjustment, addressing common issues with uneven fuel or moisture distribution in traditional stacks.

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

• Portable power sources for electronics and mobile devices using direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)
• Backup and remote area power systems requiring reliable, high-efficiency fuel cells
• Automotive or transportation applications utilizing compact, efficient fuel cell stacks
• Lab-scale or industrial fuel cell research platforms that need controlled and tunable fuel delivery
• Power supplies for unmanned systems (drones, robots) where optimized efficiency and reliability are crucial

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables precise, localized control of fuel and moisture delivery, overcoming distribution issues in conventional stacks
• Improves overall fuel cell performance, efficiency, and lifespan by preventing under-supply or over-supply to individual cells
• Allows real-time adjustment based on sensor feedback, adapting to changing load and operational conditions
• Supports the use of higher concentration fuels for increased power density and longer operation time
• Reduces risk of flooding or drying in cells, contributing to more stable, reliable fuel cell system operation

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a low-temperature fuel cell stack comprising a specific device for the supply of fuel. Said low-temperature fuel cell stack is characterised in that, in addition to the central fuel supply device, it comprises a supply or storage device for a liquid fuel, and a plurality of separately controllable dosing devices that lead into the central fuel supply device, especially respectively upstream of a distribution channel to the individual cells. Controllable valves, controllable piezoelectric pumps or thermally controllable supply elements are suitable as dosing devices. The invention also relates to a method for operating one such low-temperature fuel cell stack, which advantageously enables a defined concentration of fuel, or a defined humidity of the oxidation medium, to be adjusted at certain points in the fuel cell stack, especially on the inlet for the individual cells.