Patent ID: 7476455
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: C01B,H01M,Y02B,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A portable fuel cell system comprising the following components arranged in a lightweight, openable and substantially airtight case: (a) a membrane-electrode assembly operable at 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. and capable of generating 100 W to 500 W electrical power and having a cathode in fluid communication with ambient air; (b) a fuel reformer capable of producing a hydrogen-rich, carbon monoxide-poor product stream from fuel; (c) a fuel container containing said fuel for said fuel reformer, said fuel comprising a mixture of methanol and water; (d) a fuel pump for feeding said fuel to said fuel reformer; (e) means for heating said fuel reformer to a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 700.degree. C.; (f) at least one fan for cooling said membrane-electrode assembly; (g) at least one electrical power outlet adapted to receive and dispense the electrical power generated by component (a); and (h) an electrical circuit coupling components (a), and (d)-(g) and coupling the electrical power generated by component (a) to component (g), wherein component (a) is heated to its operating temperature by means of at least one heat pipe located between component (a) and a heat source, and said heat pipe is in fluid communication with components (a) and (b).