Motorola Corporation

Allison M Fisher

Joseph W Bostaph

Chowdary Ramesh Koripella

Jay Neutzler

Kevin D Cummings

C Joseph Mogab

Jeanne S Pavio

Pawitter J S Mangat

A system and method for controlling or otherwise effectively parameterizing the transport of dissolved, retained and/or exhausted gaseous byproducts generated in the operation of a fuel cell device comprises a gas permeable membrane () for substantially in-line, gravity-independent partitioning of, for example, carbon dioxide () in a DMFC device (). Various features and parameters of the present invention may be suitably adapted to optimize the gas transport function for any specific fuel cell design. The present invention provides improved control of the rate of removal of gaseous byproducts from a fuel cell fuel solution in addition to improved application of fuel cell technology to power inter alia portable electronic devices.

System and method for controlling gas transport in a fuel cell

A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion and includes an electrically conductive hydrophilic material for the wicking of reaction water and providing for electrical conduction to a current collector. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly and the electrically conductive hydrophilic material. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Direct methanol fuel cell including a water recovery and recirculation system and method of fabrication

A fuel cell system and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. A methanol concentration sensor is positioned to communicate with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and the fuel-supply channel for regulating the mixture of fuel to the electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation system is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly.

Direct methanol fuel cell system including an integrated methanol sensor and method of fabrication

A polymer electrolyte membrane comprised of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon region, a hydrophilic region containing covalently bound acid functional groups and protic functional groups. The hydrophobic hydrocarbon region and the hydrophilic region are covalently bound to form a single polymer molecule.

Polymer electrolyte membrane and method of fabrication

A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a plurality of hydrophilic threads for the wicking of reaction water is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly and the plurality of hydrophilic threads. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Direct methanol fuel cell including a water management system and method of fabrication

A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode. A multi-dimensional fuel flow field is defined in the multi-layer base portion and in communication with the fluid supply channel, the membrane electrode assembly and the exhaust channel.

Direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow field and method of fabrication

A passivating layer (,) is formed overlying portions of a mask (,). The mask (,) is used to pattern a semiconductor device substrate (,). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the passivating layer (,) is removed prior to patterning the semiconductor device substrate (,). In yet another embodiment, the passivating layer (,) is cleaned prior to patterning the semiconductor device substrate (,) and then left to remain overlying portions of the mask (,) during the patterning process.

Growing community of inventors

Chandler, AZ, United States of America

Allison M Fisher