Abstract:
Disclosed is a fuel cell fluid purification system. The fuel cell fluid purification system can include a fuel cell system configured to receive a hydrogen input comprising hydrogen, receive an oxygen input comprising a first fluid having an initial concentration of oxygen, and convert the hydrogen input and the oxygen input so as to yield a number of outputs. The outputs can include a water output comprising water, a heat output comprising heat, an oxygen-depleted output comprising the first fluid having a concentration of oxygen lower than the initial concentration, and an electric output comprising electrical power. The fuel cell fluid purification system can also include a purification system configured to purify at least one of the oxygen input, the water output, or the oxygen-depleted output.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,977, entitled “FUEL CELL BYPRODUCTS,” filed Jun. 29, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 54967/845370) and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/694,322, entitled “PROTECTION OF FUEL CELL FROM AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS CONTAINED IN INTAKE AIR,” filed Aug. 29, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 41052/850565), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Vast numbers of people travel every day via aircraft, trains, buses and other commercial vehicles. Such commercial vehicles are often outfitted with components that are important for passenger comfort and satisfaction. For example, commercial passenger aircraft can have catering equipment, heating/cooling systems, lavatories, water heaters, power seats, passenger entertainment units, lighting systems, and other components. A number of these components on-board an aircraft require electrical power for their activation. Although many of these components are separate from the electrical components that are actually required to run the aircraft (i.e., the navigation system, fuel gauges, flight controls, and hydraulic systems), an ongoing concern with these components is their energy consumption. Frequently, such systems require more power than can be drawn from the aircraft engines&#39; drive generators, necessitating additional power sources, such as a kerosene-burning auxiliary power unit (APU) (or by a ground power unit if the aircraft is not yet in flight). This power consumption can be rather large, particularly for long flights with hundreds of passengers. Additionally, use of aircraft power produces noise and CO 2  emissions, both of which are desirably reduced. 
         [0003]    The relatively new technology of fuel cell systems provides a promising cleaner and quieter means to supplement energy sources already aboard commercial crafts. A fuel cell system combines a fuel source of compressed hydrogen with oxygen in the air to produce electrical energy as a main product. A fuel cell system has several outputs in addition to electrical power, and these other outputs often are not utilized and therefore become waste. For example, thermal power (heat), water and oxygen-depleted air (ODA) are produced as by-products. These by-products are far less harmful than CO2 emissions from current aircraft power generation processes. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, commercial vehicles typically have the capacity to carry dozens to hundreds of people per trip. With such large numbers of people in a confined space, there is a risk of propogation of bacteria or other pathogens, which can negatively affect passengers and/or equipment. For example, if pathogens propagate into the fuel cell system, biofilm or other biological degradation can occur, resulting in reduction of performance or even failure of the system. This problem may also be exacerbated in commercial craft, which commonly undergo numerous and/or extended intervals of non-operation for maintenance or other servicing between trips, resulting in significant spans of time in which pathogen growth can go unchecked. As such, systems that may be implemented to counteract the spread of bacteria and other pathogens are desirable for safeguarding the health of passengers and/or the operational health of equipment aboard the craft. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0006]    As an example embodiment, disclosed is a fuel cell fluid purification system. The fuel cell fluid purification system can include a fuel cell system configured to receive a hydrogen input comprising hydrogen, receive an oxygen input comprising a first fluid having an initial concentration of oxygen, and convert the hydrogen input and the oxygen input so as to yield a number of outputs. The outputs can include a water output comprising water, a heat output comprising heat, an oxygen-depleted output comprising the first fluid having a concentration of oxygen lower than the initial concentration, and an electric output comprising electrical power. The fuel cell fluid purification system can also include a purification system configured to purify at least one of the oxygen input, the water output, or the oxygen-depleted output. 
         [0007]    In a further example embodiment, a fuel cell fluid purification system can include a fuel cell system further configured to receive a water input comprising water. The water input can be adapted for supplying water to a proton exchange membrane. The fuel cell fluid purification system can also include a purification system configured to purify at least one of the oxygen input, the water input, the water output, or the oxygen-depleted output. 
         [0008]    As another example embodiment, disclosed is a method for operating a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can be configured to receive a water input to supply water to a proton exchange membrane, a hydrogen input, and an air input. The fuel cell system can also be operable to produce at least electricity, heat, water, and oxygen depleted air. The method includes purifying at least one of the air input or the water input. The method also includes operating the fuel cell to produce electricity, heat, water, and oxygen depleted air. 
         [0009]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the inputs and outputs of a fuel cell system and non-limiting examples of how the outputs can be used. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of an ultraviolet purification assembly in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating the inputs and outputs of a fuel cell system and non-limiting examples of how the inputs and/or outputs can be purified in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an alternate arrangement of the system illustrated in  FIG. 3  in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustrating a non-limiting example use of fuel cell byproducts in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fuel cell system in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a table of common pollutants treated in accordance with various embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described. 
         [0018]    Disclosed herein are systems and processes for treating outputs and/or inputs of fuel cell systems used as a power source aboard aircraft. While the fuel cells are discussed for use in aircrafts, they are by no means so limited and may be used in buses, trains, spacecraft, or other forms of transportation equipped with fuel cell systems. 
         [0019]    A fuel cell system is a device that converts chemical energy from a chemical reaction involving hydrogen or other fuel source and oxygen-rich gas (e.g., air) into electrical energy. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a fuel cell system  100  combines an input of hydrogen or another fuel source  110  with an input of oxygen  120  to generate electrical energy (power)  160 . Along with the generated electrical energy  160 , the fuel cell system produces water  170 , thermal power (heat)  150 , and oxygen-depleted air (ODA)  140  as by-products. As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , some or all of the fuel cell output products of electrical energy  160 , heat  150 , water  170 , and ODA  140  may be used to operate systems aboard the aircraft, such as, but not limited to, systems of a lavatory  182  or a shower  184  aboard the aircraft. Output products can additionally and/or alternatively be routed to other areas for use where such output products are useful, including, but not limited to, routing to aircraft wings for ice protection, to galleys, to passenger cabins, and/or to fuel tanks One or more than one output product can be utilized in any given location, and any given output product may be utilized in one or more locations. Exemplary, but non-limiting, examples of aircraft systems utilizing fuel cell output products are disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US13/030638, entitled “FUEL CELL SYSTEM POWERED LAVATORY,” filed Mar. 13, 2013 (Applicant&#39;s File Reference No. 862890) and International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2013/052004, entitled “POWER MANAGEMENT FOR GALLEY WITH FUEL CELL,” filed Mar. 13, 2013 (Applicant&#39;s File Reference No. 862904) the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0020]    Any appropriate fuel cell system may be used, including, but not limited to, a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), an Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), or a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC). Any other existing or future fuel cell system technology, including, but not limited to, a hybrid solution, may also be used. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of a germicidal light treatment assembly  200  in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, the germicidal light treatment assembly  200  includes a germicidal light source  202 , a power supply  204 , a fluid inlet  206 , a fluid outlet  208 , and a fluid manifold  210 . The treatment assembly  200  can also optionally include a germicidal light sensor assembly  212 . In embodiments, the power supply  204  supplies the power to operate the germicidal light source  202 . The germicidal light source can be configured to operate at a germicidal wavelength that is effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens borne in a fluid and disposed within a certain distance from the light source. The fluid can be a liquid and/or a gas, including, but not limited to, water and/or air. The germicidal light source may be one or more lamps and/or a Light Emitting Diode (LED) array. While any germicidal light source can be used, in various embodiments, the germicidal light source produces ultraviolet (UV) light, and in several embodiments, the germicidal light source is operated at a nominal ultraviolet wavelength of 254 nm. 
         [0022]    In various embodiments, a fluid to be purified enters the germicidal light treatment assembly  200  via the fluid inlet  206 . From the inlet  206 , the fluid can be transported through the fluid manifold  210 . While passing through the manifold  210 , the fluid is exposed to the germicidal light from the germicidal light source  202  in order to neutralize pathogens within the fluid stream. After an amount of time providing sufficient exposure to light from the germicidal light source  202  to ensure a sufficient eradication level of the pathogens in the fluid, the purified fluid can be transported out of the germicidal light treatment assembly  200  via the fluid outlet  208 . In embodiments, an optional germicidal light sensor assembly  212  is configured to detect levels of germicidal light within the manifold  210 . In some embodiments, the detected levels of germicidal light can be utilized to determine and/or adjust the exposure to germicidal light provided in the manifold  210 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating the inputs and outputs of a fuel cell system and non-limiting examples of how the inputs and/or outputs might be purified. Purifying one or more of the inputs or outputs can advantageously protect the fuel cell system equipment from biological degradation and/or make output products more operationally ready for other purposes. As a non-limiting example, the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system depends upon a sensitive polymer membrane maintained within certain hydration and temperature ranges; deviation from these ranges may result in reduction of performance or even rupture of the membrane. Purification of inputs contacting the membrane may protect the membrane by preventing bacterial growth which could otherwise cause formation of a biofilm that could degrade the membrane or otherwise interfere with efforts to maintain the membrane within its environmental tolerances. Even if pathogen growth is unlikely during operation of the fuel cell, such purification measures may provide a way to minimize the accumulation of pathogens that might grow during periods of non-operation of the fuel cell, such as when an aircraft is parked in between flights. 
         [0024]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the oxygen-rich gas  320  to be used by the fuel cell system  300  is treated by passage through a treatment unit  325  prior to being delivered to the system  300 . In embodiments, the treatment unit may include a germicidal light treatment assembly  200  as described with reference to  FIG. 2 , but the treatment unit  325  need not be so limited. Indeed, in some embodiments, the treatment unit  325  includes an ionizer utilizing charged particles to attract and trap pathogens. Alternatively, the treatment unit  325  can also utilize photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to generate particles to trap pathogens. The treatment unit  325  can also utilize any other suitable purification method and may utilize more than one purification method at once. For example, the treatment unit  325  may use an ultraviolet light for both germicidal irradiation as well as for PCO. Also, the treatment unit  325  can utilize one or more types of purification devices and/or one or more purification methods. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, in addition to the oxygen supply  320  and the fuel supply  310 , a supply of water  330  is provided to the fuel cell system  300 . As a non-limiting example, a fuel cell system  300  may utilize a supply of water  330  to regulate the hydration level of the membrane in a PEM-type fuel cell system. In some embodiments, the supply of water  330  is treated by passage through a treatment unit  335  prior to being delivered to the system  300 . While in some embodiments, treatment unit  335  utilizes ultraviolet germicidal light, the treatment unit  335  need not be so limited, but (similar to the treatment unit  325 ) can utilize one or more types of purification devices and/or one or more purification methods. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the output product of the oxygen depleted gas  340  can be treated by passage through a treatment unit  345 . While in some embodiments, treatment unit  345  utilizes ultraviolet germicidal light, the treatment unit  345  need not be so limited, but (similar to the treatment unit  325 ) can utilize one or more types of purification devices and/or one or more purification methods. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the output product of water  370  can be treated by passage through a treatment unit  375 . While in some embodiments, treatment unit  375  utilizes ultraviolet germicidal light, the treatment unit  375  need not be so limited, but (similar to the treatment unit  325 ) can utilize one or more types of purification devices and/or one or more purification methods. 
         [0028]    While  FIG. 3  illustrates a configuration of a fuel cell system  300  in which the supply of oxygen-rich gas  320 , the supply of water  330 , the output product of oxygen depleted air  340 , and the output product of water  370  are each passed through respective treatment units ( 325 ,  335 ,  345 , and  375 ), embodiments need not be so limited. Each of the treatment units ( 325 ,  335 ,  345 , and  375 ) could be omitted without removing the resulting configuration from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, each of the treatment units ( 325 ,  335 ,  345 , and  375 ) are shown in  FIG. 3  using dashed lines. Similarly, the supply of water  330  could be omitted without removing the resulting configuration from the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, regardless of which of these features are omitted or included, one or more of the output products of the fuel cell system  300  (i.e., oxygen depleted air  340 , heat  350 , power  360 , and/or water  370 ), can be optionally routed to provide resources to craft systems  380  (such as, but not limited to lavatory  182  and shower  184 ). Accordingly, in at least such embodiments, purifying one or more of the inputs or outputs can advantageously protect the operational health of the fuel cell system from biological degradation and/or make the output products more operationally ready for other purposes. 
         [0029]    For example, purifying the output water  370  can prepare the water  370  to be used in a variety of applications onboard the aircraft. Uses include, but are not limited to, sanitary water for faucets expected to be used by passengers to wash hands and faces, water to flush toilets, water to supplement potable drinking water held in an aircraft potable water tank, cooling misters on passenger seating units, and/or other uses that can also potentially reduce the total volume of water loaded on aircraft prior to departure. Similarly, purifying the output oxygen depleted air  340  can prepare the ODA  340  to be used in a variety of applications onboard the aircraft. Uses include, but are not limited to, preheating water tanks on the coffee and/or tea makers, preheating food containers and/or trollies in the galley, sanitizing and deodorizing the lavatory by cycling bursts of the ODA through the lavatory, and/or supplying hot air for blower-style hand-dryers and/or surface dryers. 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, an amount of the water output  470  can be utilized to provide a water input  430  to the fuel cell system  400 . In some embodiments, the output product of water  470  is treated by passage through a treatment unit  475  before use for the water input  430 . While in some embodiments, treatment unit  475  utilizes ultraviolet germicidal light, the treatment unit  475  need not be so limited, but (similar to the treatment unit  325 ) can utilize one or more types of purification devices and/or one or more purification methods. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the output product water  470  that is purified through treatment unit  475  and that is not routed to the water input  430  is routed delivered to be utilized by other craft systems  480 . 
         [0031]    Although various aspects of this disclosure are directed to sanitation or cleaning through the use of ultraviolet germicidal light sources in conjunction with output products of a fuel cell, germicidal light sources and fuel cell products may be utilized for sanitation purposes either separately or together. For example, the ODA produced by the fuel cell can be used for drying hands with or without first being treated by a treatment unit comprising a germicidal light source. The ODA produced by the fuel cell can also be used for drying wet surfaces in the lavatory, galley, and/or aircraft cabin interior, regardless of prior UV treatment. As further examples, hot ODA and/or water products (e.g. steam) from the fuel cell may be used alone or combined with UV treatment to clean equipment or surfaces such as may be included in lavatories, galleys, sinks, and aircraft cabin. Additionally, as a substitute or complement to UV treatment the ODA can be treated by initially removing the moisture from the ODA and later raising its temperature, if desired. The schematic illustrated in  FIG. 5  shows one such possible process including the removal of the moisture from ODA as well as the potential applications of the water removed (i.e., condensed water) after optional treatment with UV and/or being odorized. UV treatment can also be used alone (i.e., without supplementation by fuel cell products) to sanitize areas within the aircraft. For example, when the lavatory is not in use, a sliding UV treatment probe hidden inside a cabinet may be deployed over the toilet seat or counter surface to expose the surface to germicidal light for sanitation. Such a probe may also be utilized on food preparation surfaces in galleys or in other areas within the aircraft. Alternatively, larger banks of germicidal light sources can be utilized in place of probes in order to treat an entire area, such as a lavatory, when it is not occupied by a passenger. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fuel cell system in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, a fuel cell system  600  can include a main cooling loop  602  for relaying water in and out of the fuel cell stacks  604  in order to exchange and/or transport heat  150  produced by the fuel cell system  600 . The main cooling loop may include a water cooling inlet  606  and a water cooling outlet  608 . In some embodiments, the main cooling loop  602  may be utilized to provide a water supply  330  to regulate the hydration level of the membrane in a PEM-type fuel cell system, but the main cooling loop  606  can also be distinct from a water supply  330 . Furthermore, the main cooling loop  602  can be a closed loop. In alternate embodiments, the main cooling loop  602  is at least partially open. For example, if the main cooling loop  602  is open, the water cooling outlet  606  may provide water to other systems aboard the craft such as to the potable drinking water tank. 
         [0033]    The fuel cell system  600  can also include an air inlet  610 , which can provide the supply of oxygen-rich gas  320  to the fuel cell system  600 . The fuel cell system  600  can also include an oxygen depleted air outlet  612 , which can transport the oxygen depleted gas  340  produced by the fuel cell system  600 . In the embodiment shown, the water cooling inlet  606 , the water cooling outlet  608 , the air inlet  610 , and the oxygen depleted gas air outlet  612  are each outfitted with a treatment unit  614  to treat the fluid flowing through the respective inlet or outlet via ultraviolet irradiation and photocatalytic oxidation. However, the treatment units  614  need not be so limited, but each can utilize one or more purification methods and need not utilize exactly the same methods as another. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the water cooling inlet  606  and the water cooling outlet  608  are each also equipped with a second treatment unit  616 , configured to prevent formation of mineral deposits or scales in the respective inlet or outlet using Template Assisted Crystallization. Treatment units utilizing Template Assisted Crystallization generally cause minerals to assume crystalline form, thereby preventing formation of deposits or scales resulting from accumulation of the minerals in ionic form. In various embodiments, the second treatment unit  616  can form part of the first treatment unit  614 . Furthermore, Template Assisted Crystallization may be utilized as an additional or substitute purification method by any suitable treatment unit disclosed herein (e.g., treatment units  325 ,  335 ,  345 ,  375 ,  425 ,  445 ,  475 , and  614 ). 
         [0034]    Treatment units as disclosed herein can be configured to treat, filter, and/or neutralize one or more of a wide variety of pollutants.  FIG. 7  is a table of common pollutants treated in accordance with various embodiments. The table lists common pollutants according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, while treatment units as disclosed herein can be configured to treat, filter, and/or neutralize one or more or different combinations of the pollutants listed in the table, the listed pollutants are provided solely as examples of pollutants, and the capabilities of the treatment units are not limited to only treating these example pollutants. Furthermore, although a variety of methods have been disclosed by which treatment units may treat, filter, and/or neutralize pollutants, treatment units can also utilize other any suitable methods known or later developed for treating pollutants. 
         [0035]    Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
         [0036]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0037]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.