Compact, modular regenerative fuel cell

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can include a modular power section, the power section including at least one power module, and at least one modular energy storage section, the energy storage section including at least one reactant storage module. The power section can include a plurality of power modules. Similarly, the energy storage section can include a plurality of reactant storage modules. At least one of the power module and reactant storage module can include fluids quick disconnect fittings to operably couple the module to the fuel cell system to facilitate modular operation. In accordance with a further aspect, the system can further include a regeneration section, the regeneration section having an electrolyzer configured and adapted to dissociate water received from the power module into hydrogen and oxygen by way of a fluids manifold.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fuel cell system made in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2( a) is a schematic view of a portion of the system depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2( b) is a schematic view of process steps of a method in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a portion of a device made in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of a device made in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another portion of a device made in accordance with the invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, comprising: a) a modular power section, the power section including at least one power module; andb) a modular energy storage section, the energy storage section including at least one reactant storage module.

2. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein the power section includes a plurality of power modules.

3. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage section includes a plurality of reactant storage modules.

4. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the power module and reactant storage module include quick disconnect fluids fittings to operably couple the module to the fuel cell system.

5. The system of claim 1, further including a regeneration section, the regeneration section including an electrolyzer configured and adapted to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen received from the power module via a fluids manifold.

6. The fuel cell system of claim 5, wherein the regeneration section is in operable communication with the energy storage section, the regeneration section being configured to direct hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolyzer to the energy storage section.

7. The fuel cell system of claim 5, wherein a fuel cell stack produces electricity in a first operative mode, and performs electrolysis in a second operative mode.

8. The fuel cell system of claim 5, further including a supplemental power source, the supplemental power source being operably coupled to the electrolyzer.

9. A fuel cell system, comprising: a) a modular power section, the power section including at least one power module; andb) a modular energy storage section, the energy storage section including at least one reactant storage module, wherein the weight and volume characteristics of the fuel cell system are designed to achieve neutral buoyancy.

10. The fuel cell system of claim 9, wherein the fuel cell system is configured and adapted for use in an underwater vehicle.

11. The fuel cell system of claim 10, wherein the fuel cell system is configured and adapted for use in a submarine.

12. A power system, comprising: a) a regenerative fuel cell system including: i) a modular power section, the power section including at least one power module; andii) a modular energy storage section, the energy storage section including at least one reactant storage module; andb) an external power source operably coupled to the fuel cell system and a power distribution network.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is adapted and configured to direct electrical power from the external power source to the fuel cell system during off peak periods.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the system is further adapted and configured to draw electrical power from the fuel cell system during peak usage periods and deliver the power through the power distribution network.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the fuel cell system further includes a regeneration section having an electrolyzer, the electrolyzer adapted and configured to electrolyze water.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, the stack being adapted and configured to operate in an electrolysis mode to electrolyze water.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the power distribution system is operably coupled to a stationary electrical grid.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the power distribution system is operably coupled to a vehicle.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the vehicle is an automobile.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.