Licensable Technologies : Security & Defense

High Power Density Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stack Design

Abstract
LANL scientists have developed a novel direct methanol fuel cell stack design. A cathode manifold is used to convey liquid methanol fuel to each fuel cell, and an anode manifold is used to convey ambient air to each fuel cell. Tie-bolt penetrations and tie-bolts are spaced evenly around the perimeter to hold the fuel cell stack together. Each fuel cell uses two graphite-based plates. One plate includes a cathode active area that is defined by serpentine channels connecting the inlet manifold with an integral flow restrictor to the outlet manifold. The other plate includes an anode active area defined by serpentine channels connecting the inlet and outlet of the anode manifold. Located between the two plates is the fuel cell active region.

Application(s)

• Portable electronics
• Electric scooters
• Battery chargers
• Wearable power packs

Advantages

• High power density
• Ease of fabrication
• Durability
• Uniformity of cell operation
• Reduced stack size and weight

IP Status: Contact Licensing Executive for Details

Reference Number: 578

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 102,319

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 7214442 Issued on 05/08/2007

Posted: 11-08-2004

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