Patent ID: 7691507
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A combination fuel cell and ion pump comprising: an electrochemical cell comprising an anode inlet means for only receiving fuel, an anode outlet means for only exhausting fuel, a cathode inlet means for only receiving oxidant, a cathode outlet means for only exhausting oxidant and purified hydrogen, and a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector; a first valve having a first position for allowing only a supply of oxidant to said cathode inlet of said electrochemical cell and a second position for blocking a supply of oxidant to said cathode inlet of said electrochemical cell; and a controller for applying an electrical load to said first and said second electrical connectors when said first valve is in said first position to allow flow of oxidant to said cathode inlet wherein said electrochemical cell acts as a fuel cell to generate electricity, and applying an electrical potential to said first and said second electrical connectors when said first valve is in said second position to block flow of oxidant to said cathode inlet wherein said electrochemical cell acts a hydrogen pump to exhaust purified hydrogen from the cathode outlet.