Licensable Technologies : Security & Defense

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell and System

Abstract
Fuel cells using a direct methanol feed have problems with water management and fuel delivery.  Many of the difficulties can be alleviated by using vapor fed methanol, but fuel management is still a problem since even dilute methanol tends to wet out any porous structure and a "humidifier" type system for creating a vapor is not positional tolerant.  In accordance with the prsent invention, a superabsorbant material is placed next to a gas diffusion backing at the fuel cell anode to absorb the methanol.  The superabsorber can also hold water to maintain the fuel cell membrane humidified for ion conduction.  Water is produced at the cathode from the electro-reduction of oxygen at the cathode and permeates back to the superabsorber through the membrane, which is relatively thin to enhance the permeation of water back to the anode.  Methanol can be supplied to the superabsorber from a separate fuel tank, possibly through a wicking arrangement in one embodiment.

Application(s)

• Portable power systems, such as micro-electronics
• Auxiliary power

Advantages

• Improved water management for Direct Methano Fuel Cell Systems

IP Status: Available for Non-Exclusive Licensing

Reference Number: 500

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 97,746

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 6808838 Issued on 10/26/2004

Posted: 09-22-2004

Contact
Laura Barber
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 667-9266
ljbb@lanl.gov