Abstract:
Devices (302, 702, 800) with embedded control programs are provided are provided with RF-ID devices (114, 504) or other non-contact read data carriers (604) that provide configuration data, on which the execution of the embedded control programs is contingent. Preferred embodiments include wireless communication devices (302, 702, 800) provided with RF-ID devices (114, 504) or set of magnets (604) that encodes data embedded in front fascia. Embodiments of the invention increase the security of configuration data, and allow for functionality to enhance by replacing the front fascia.
Abstract:
A membrane electrode assembly consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane (100) with an electrode on each side. The polymer electrolyte membrane has an integral sensor (115) disposed on the surface. The sensor monitors the physical, thermal, chemical or electrical state of the membrane electrode assembly. Information obtained from the sensor is used to identify a defective membrane electrode assembly, and the operation of the fuel cell is altered based on the identified defective membrane electrode assembly.
Abstract:
Devices ( 302, 702, 800 ) with embedded control programs are provided are provided with RF-ID devices ( 114, 504 ) or other non-contact read data carriers ( 604 ) that provide configuration data, on which the execution of the embedded control programs is contingent. Preferred embodiments include wireless communication devices ( 302, 702, 800 ) provided with RF-ID devices ( 114, 504 ) or set of magnets ( 604 ) that encodes data embedded in front fascia. Embodiments of the invention increase the security of configuration data, and allow for functionality to enhanced by replacing the front fascia.
Abstract:
A membrane electrode assembly consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane (100) with an electrode on each side. The polymer electrolyte membrane has an integral sensor (115) disposed on the surface. The sensor monitors the physical, thermal, chemical or electrical state of the membrane electrode assembly. Information obtained from the sensor is used to identify a defective membrane electrode assembly, and the operation of the fuel cell is altered based on the identified defective membrane electrode assembly.
Abstract:
Oxides of carbon and other impurities are removed from a hydrogen fuel suppl y stream (12) for a fuel cell (30). A getter element (20) sufficient for chemisorbing the oxides of carbon from th e hydrogen is removably connected to the fuel cell anode side. The fuel stream is passed through the getter element so as to chemisor b the oxides of carbon onto the getter, thereby providing a purified stream of hydrogen (26) to the fuel cell anode. The getter is removed from the fuel cell when the getter when spent and replaced with a fresh getter.
Abstract:
A gas pressure regulator ( 100 ) includes a mechanical primary stage ( 102 ), preferably including a spring valve, and an electronic secondary stage ( 104 ), preferably including a micromachined pressure regulator, the combination of the mechanical primary stage and the electronic secondary stage suitable for relatively precise low pressure near zero flow rates with reasonable energy consumption rates, such as encountered when supplying fuel to a low power fuel cell system.
Abstract:
A fuel cell power source ( 100 ) for use in electronic systems includes a fuel cell system ( 130 ) and a controller ( 150 ). The controller ( 150 ) computes net power requirements of a load device from one or more power functional information sources; and determines an operating point of the fuel cell system ( 130 ) by matching the net power requirements with the power characteristics of the fuel cell system ( 130 ).
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for temperature regulation of a fuel cell using differential heat capacity of the fuel storage media is disclosed. The method of regulating the temperature involves measuring the temperature of one or more fuel cells, comparing the temperature against target values, selecting a control method from a set of available control methods based on the result of comparison and using that control method to initiate and control a regulation cycle, and actuating a flow control means using the selected control method to alter the flow of fuel between one or more fuel storage containers, each containing fuel storage media which exhibit different enthalpies of formation and dissociation. The regulation process starts with measuring temperature (110) of a fuel cell system (100). The measured temperature is then compared (120) to a predetermined set of ideal target values designed to provide peak fuel cell performance. Following the comparison step, a control method (130) is selected from a list of available control methods. The control method has the necessary parameters and logic to define an fuel flow initiation process (140) which in turn actuates a flow control means (150). Actuation of the flow control means changes the temperature of the one or more fuel cells and alters its operating parameters (160).
Abstract:
A communication device is designed to contain the lowest possible level of toxic or hazardous materials, so that when it is eventually disposed of, it will not harm the environment and can be safely recycled. Each component A1, A2, . . . , An in the communication device has a calculated Component Toxicity Index value. A Product Toxicity Index for the entire communication device is calculated by summing the individual Component Toxicity Index values. The desired outcome is a communication device having a Product Toxicity Index less than or equal to 100. The resulting communication device is referred to as "environmentally friendly". The communication device may be a two-way radio (10), and some of the components are a radio transmitter (12), a radio receiver (14), an antenna (16), an amplifier (18), a battery (20) and a housing (22).
Abstract:
The fuel cells (110) consists of one or more fuel cells (110), each having a major surface (140), and disposed next to each other in a side-by-side adjacent arrangement and a fuel storage container (120) having an exterior wall (150). The fuel cells (110) are positioned such that distance between the major surfaces (140) and the fuel storage container wall (150) along a direction normal to the major surfaces is substantially the same. In addition, one or more of the fuel cells are in thermal contact with the fuel storage container such that cell waste heat is transferred to the fuel storage container. During typical operation, a change in an operational parameter of the fuel cell system such as power output causes a change in the amount of waste heat generated in the fuel cell and the waste heat is transferred to the fuel storage container.