Apparatus and methods for generating water in a fuel cell system
AssigneeMTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.
InventorsGerhard Beckmann, Paul F. Mutolo, William W. Dailey
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.
Claims2
A method for generating water in a fuel cell system comprising the steps of:
- introducing a carbonaceous fuel to a catalyst in the presence of air;
- reacting at least a portion of said fuel with said air on said catalyst to produce water, carbon dioxide and heat;
- and
- using at least a portion of said water to dilute said fuel before introduction to the fuel cell.
A water generator for a fuel cell system comprising:
- a housing;
- a substrate;
- means for introducing oxygen into said housing;
- means for introducing fuel or fuel solution into said housing;
- means for reacting said fuel or fuel solution with said oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water and heat;
- means for mixing said water with said fuel to form dilute fuel;
- and
- means for removing said water from said water generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.