Licensable Technologies : Security & Defense

Efficient Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract
LANL scientists have created a novel and efficient direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) stack. The new DMFC stack has a circular footprint. A cathode and anode manifold, tie-bolt penetrations and tie-bolts are located within the circular footprint. Each fuel cell uses two graphite-based plates. One plate includes a cathode active area that is defined by serpentine channels connecting the inlet and outlet cathode manifold. The other plate includes an anode active area defined by serpentine channels connecting the inlet and outlet of the anode manifold, where the serpentine channels of the anode are orthogonal to the serpentine channels of the cathode. The fuel cell active region is located between the two plates.

Application(s)

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

Advantages

• Increased power density
• Reduced fuel cell footprint
• Reduced fuel cell stack volume
• Increased fuel cell and stack power output

IP Status: Available for Non-Exclusive Licensing

Reference Number: 579

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 100,563

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 6864004 Issued on 03/08/2005

Posted: 10-14-2004

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