FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Abstract

A fuel cell system includes a liquid fuel, a cup to contain the liquid fuel having an opening. A removable plate component associated with the opening defines a plurality of holes associated with the opening. A plurality of wicks are selectively disposable in one or more of the plurality of holes to position the wick both above the removable plate and below the removable plate in fluid communication with the liquid fuel.

Description

BACKGROUND

Emergency situations or outdoor cooking may benefit from the use of alternative sources of energy in order to heat and prepare food for consumption. Cooking food without conventional heating sources can be a challenge without proper preparation and/or equipment. Existing alternative cooking systems fall short in some instances in that they use expensive containers, may not be reusable, and may not provide a variable amount of heat. For example, fondue sets often include cups which utilize a gelled form of alcohol which is directly lit. This container, however, is not typically reusable. The fuel itself is lit to provide the heat source and may not provide a variable amount of heat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cooking system including a pot, a stove, a fuel cell, an outer container, and a lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary fuel cell system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the fuel cell system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the fuel cell system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary removable plate according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is another side view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A (rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 3C).

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary stove assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is another side view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A (rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 4C).

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary paddle assembly positioned over a can according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5A positioned over a grill.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5A positioned in a compact configuration.

FIG. 5D is another side view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5A positioned in an extended configuration.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary outer container according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the outer container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional side view of the outer container of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not intended to be limiting unless specified as such.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to “first” or “second” as they relate to spacer threaded portions, for example. It is noted that these are merely relative terms. For example, a structural portion described or shown as a “first” portion could just as easily be referred to a “second” portion, and such description is implicitly included herein.

Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of about 1 to about 20 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 20, but also to include individual weights such as 2, 11, 14, and sub-ranges such as 10 to 20, 5 to 15, etc.

In accordance with these definitions and embodiments of the present disclosure, a discussion of the various systems and methods is provided including details associated therewith. This being said, it should be noted that various embodiments will be discussed as they relate to the systems and methods. Regardless of the context of the specific details as they are discussed for any one of these embodiments, it is understood that such discussion relates to all other embodiments as well.

The present disclosure is drawn to liquid fueled, wick based fuel cell systems. Such fuel cell systems can be used for cooking, among other purposes. An example of a fuel cell system can include a liquid fuel and a cup to contain the liquid fuel, wherein the cup has an opening therein. The fuel cell system can include a liquid fuel; a cup having an opening with the cup to contain the liquid fuel; a removable plate component associated with the opening with the removable plate defining a plurality of holes; and a plurality of wicks selectively disposable in one or more of the plurality of holes to position the wick both above the removable plate and below the removable plate in fluid communication with the liquid fuel when present. In further detail, in some examples, the fuel cell system can include a lid having a snap fit onto the cup, or other retaining mechanism for the lid relative to the cup.

In another example, a method of using the fuel cell, such as the fuel cell described above and elsewhere herein, can include steps of providing the cup filled with the liquid fuel; determining a desired level of heat; and selecting a number of wicks corresponding to the desired level of heat. Additional steps can include placing the number of wicks in a corresponding number of the plurality of holes so that the number of wicks is in fluid communication with the liquid fuel below the removable plate; and lighting the wicks above the removable plate.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, it is noted that when discussing the fuel cell systems and/or the methods, each of these discussions can be considered applicable to each of these examples, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of that example. Thus, for example, in discussing details about the fuel cell systems per se, such discussion also refers to the method, and vice versa.

As previously mentioned, fuel cell systems can be used for a variety of heating and cooking applications. Thus, the fuel cell systems described herein can be used in connection with stoves, ovens, griddles, grills, and other types of cooking systems. One exemplary system with which the fuel cell system can be used is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, a fuel cell system 104 can be used in conjunction with a pot and stove set 100. The pot and stove set can include a stove body 108 having size larger than each of the other components of the pot and stove set in order to nest the other components therewithin. For example, the pot and stove set can include a pot 112 smaller in outer dimensions than the stove body. The pot can be configured to rest on top of the stove body, which can include a grill portion 116 to support the pot thereabove. Retaining features, such as retention tabs 109, can be employed to retain the grill portions at the top of the stove body and to support the pot thereon. Further, in some examples, the pot can include handles 114A, 1146 operatively connected thereto. Each of the handles can be pivotably connected to the pot so as to enable a working position, such as the position illustrated in FIG. 1, and a storage position in which the handles rest against the outer sides of the pot for convenience and storage.

The stove can have a fuel cell system 104 associated therewith for heating the pot 112 and any contents therewithin according to examples of the present disclosure. The fuel cell system can have a paddle 120 for extinguishing combustion of the fuel cell system when in operation. The paddle can be sized such to smother the fuel cell system and any flames originating therefrom. Additionally, the paddle can be sized so as to fit within the pot for storage and transport when not in use.

The fuel cell system 104 can have an outer container 124 having a lower portion 126 and an upper portion 128 to retain the fuel cell system. The outer container can be sized so to fit within the pot 112 along with the paddle 120 when not in use. Therefore, when not in operation, the fuel cell system can be retained within the outer container, which, together with the paddle, can be retained within the pot. In this way, for example, the pot can be retained within the interior of the stove body 108 for a nested configuration of the entire pot and stove system 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, an exemplary fuel cell system 200 is shown in more detail. The fuel cell system can have a cup 208 and removable plate component 204 that is associated with an opening in the cup. The cup can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, tin, copper, iron, or the like. Further, the cup can have any suitable geometry. For example, while the cup is illustrated as having a circular geometry in this particular embodiment, it can also have an oval, polygonal, or other suitable geometry.

It is to be understood that the cup 208 is refillable with liquid fuel. For example, in one embodiment, the system can include a container other than the cup which contains the liquid fuel prior to use, and the container can be used to fill or refill the cup. When in use (or for storage in some examples), the liquid fuel can be contained within the cup. The fuel can be operable with one or more wicks 216 for facilitating combustion. A variety of suitable fuels can be used. In some examples, the fuel can be a substance that has a relatively high flash point to provide added stability during one or more of operation, transportation, and storage. In some examples, the fuel can be hydrophilic. In another example, the fuel can be hygroscopic. In some examples, the fuel can include a polyol, such as diethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and the like. In some examples, the fuel can include a short chain mono alcohol, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol isomers, butanol isomers, and the like. Short chain ketones, such as acetone, and other hydrophilic organic solvents can also be used. In one specific example, the fuel can include diethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, or a combination thereof. In some examples, diethylene glycol can be a particularly good liquid fuel for use in the fuel cell system 200 of the present disclosure, particularly because this fuel fluid is very stable and safe, even when shipped directly to consumers.

While not illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the liquid fuel cell system 200 can include a lid or a container to enclose or otherwise contain the liquid fuel within the cup 208 when not in use. The lid can be attached to the cup to enclose the removable plate 204 and the liquid fuel within the cup. Various attachment features can be used to attach the lid to the cup, such as a threaded configuration, a snap fit configuration, a friction fit configuration, a cam-lock configuration, magnets, the like, and combinations thereof.

The removable plate 204 can be made of the same material, or a similar material, as the cup 208. Additionally, in some embodiments, the removable plate can have a geometry to match the geometry of the cup. In FIGS. 2A-2C, the removable plate is illustrated as positioned on top of the cup and supported by a rim 210 of the cup. In another example, the removable plate can be removably disposed inside the cup and supported by one or more protrusions extending inward from an interior sidewall of the cup. In some examples, the one or more protrusions can include or form a ridge 212 that extends entirely around the interior sidewall to provide vertical support for the removable plate. In another example, the one or more protrusions can include two, three, or more support shelves spaced apart along the interior sidewall to provide vertical support for the removable plate. In other examples, the removable plate can be coupled to or supported by the cup via hooks, clamps, or other similar attachment features. When more fuel is needed to refill the cup, the removable plate can be removed to facilitate addition of liquid fuel into the cup.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example of the removable plate 204 having been removed from the cup. Removal of the plate can be facilitated by a handle, such as handle 220. In some examples, the handle can be defined by a raised portion of the removable plate formed between two slots in the removable plate. Other handle configurations can also be employed. The removable plate can have any suitable thickness, such as from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. As will be described in more detail below, the removable plate can define a number of holes. The holes can be positioned throughout the removable plate in any suitable configuration or pattern. While illustrated in a circular pattern in FIGS. 3A-3D, the holes can also be positioned in columns and rows, a honeycomb-type pattern, or any other suitable pattern.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C, the removable plate 204 and the fuel cell system 200 can have a variety of configurations related to the wicks 216. For example, the plurality of wicks can include a first wick and a second wick; or a first wick, a second wick, a third wick, etc. A plurality of holes 224 can include a first hole spaced apart from a second hole; or a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, etc. spaced apart from one another. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, there can be six holes and six wicks. However, even with six holes, one might select to use one wick, two wicks, three wicks, four wicks, five wicks, or six wicks, for example. Thus, in one example, with this configuration, a first wick can be in a first hole and a second wick can be in a second hole, etc. The plurality of wicks can be up to six wicks in this example, but there can be systems with 10 holes, or 20 holes, that would have up to 10 or 20 wicks, respectively, for example. Additionally, as shown, the six holes are arranged in a circle around central point at radius R from the center. This is but one configuration that can be used. Other arrangements of holes are also contemplated.

In certain specific examples, various criteria can affect the thermal output and the range of temperatures desired for a given application or set of applications of the fuel cell system 200. Thus, the number of wicks 216 employed during a particular heating or cooking event can be determined based on the amount of heat desired. For example, with specific reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, where only low heat is desired for a particular application of the fuel cell system, a low number of wicks, such as one, two, or three wicks can be employed. Where high heat is desired for a particular application, four, five, or six wicks can be used. In one specific example, using two to three wicks at one time can boil about one to two cups of water within a reasonable amount of time, e.g., less than 15 minutes. In another example, six wicks can be used to boil about six to seven cups of water in a reasonable amount of time, e.g., less than 15 minutes. As such, a variable number of wicks can be employed with the fuel cell system to determine the rate of fuel consumption and therefore heat output.

The wicks used with examples as disclosed herein can be sized and shaped to accommodate specific criteria for thermal performance, durability, shelf life stability, etc. It is to be understood that various dimensional changes as to the wick design may influence the performance of the fuel cell. Metrics of performance can be defined, for example, by an energy output during combustion, a position within the fuel cell (e.g., how the wick sits within the cup as related to the removable plate, etc.) and other specified or characterized performance criteria. Additionally, the wicks may be made of various types of material of differing material properties including porosity and other combustion/volatility related properties. For example, the wick can be made of wood or a number of woven fiber materials, such as cotton or cotton-paper fibers. In some examples, the wick can be a cored wick to help prevent the wick from curling while burning. Where a cored wick is used, the wick core can include a material such as cotton, paper, tin, zinc, the like, or a combination thereof.

As previously described, a stove can be used with examples of the fuel cell system disclosed herein for operation, storage, and transportation thereof. An example of a stove body 108 that can be used with the fuel cell system is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. In some examples, the stove body can include a substantially cylindrical body formed of sheet material sufficient to retain the structural and thermal loading conditions anticipated to be subject thereto. It is to be understood that the stove can include any other structurally sufficient shape for retaining the related components as disclosed herein. In one example, the stove body may be substantially rectangular.

Additionally, the stove body 108 can include retaining features, such as extension tabs 109, shaped for operatively retaining grill components, such as grill portion 116, to the stove body. The grill portion can be formed of appropriate gauge wire or rod into a configuration to suit the shape of the stove body. In an example, the grill portion can include two substantially trapezoidal components. In other examples, the grill portion can substantially match the geometry of the stove body. Other grill configurations can also be used with the stove.

Further, the stove body can define a window 111 to accommodate insertion and extraction of the cup before, during, and after operation of the fuel cell system 104 (See FIG. 1). Further, the window can accommodate insertion and removal of paddle 120 for extinguishing the fuel cell system.

An example of a paddle 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. As previously noted, the paddle can cooperate with the fuel cell system 104 (see FIG. 1) to extinguish combustion of the fuel cell system. Thus, the paddle can be sized to cover the cup of the fuel cell system by contact at the upper surface thereof. An extension 121 can be added to the paddle 120 to make a grip portion for the paddle 120. The extension 121 can be operatively connected to the paddle 120 by various static and dynamic connection mechanisms. For example the connection mechanisms of the extension for the paddle can be formed integrally therewith, riveted thereto, fixed for rotation thereabout by a pinned connection, etc., as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Once the fuel cell system 104 is extinguished, or otherwise not in operation, it can be operatively affiliated with an outer container 124, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C. The outer container can have a lower portion 126 and an upper portion 128. In some examples, the upper and lower portions can be threaded so that the lower portion and the upper portion can be brought into a flush, closed configuration. However, the upper and lower portions can also be closed using cam-lock features, a snap fit or friction fit configuration, magnets, latches, and the like. The fuel cell system is thus removably disposable in the outer container. It is to be understood that various connection mechanisms may be used for an operative connection of the upper portion to the lower portion of the outer container. For example, gaskets and seals of various appropriate materials may be used to ensure a leak resistance for transportation and storage of the fuel cell system. Alternatively, the tolerances of the threads, or other closing features, may provide a sufficient enclosure against fluid transmission into or out of the closed outer container. Where the fuel cell system uses a lid, the outer container can be configured to reinforce the lid to prevent leakage of the liquid fuel into the outer container.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, comprising: a liquid fuel;a cup having an opening, the cup to contain the liquid fuel;a removable plate component associated with the opening, the removable plate defining a plurality of holes; anda plurality of wicks selectively disposable in one or more of the plurality of holes to position the wick both above the removable plate and below the removable plate in fluid communication with the liquid fuel when present.

2. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein the removable plate is positioned on top of the cup and is supported by a rim of the cup.

3. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the removable plate is removably disposed inside the cup and supported by one or more protrusion extending inward from an interior sidewall of the cup.

4. The fuel cell of claim 3, wherein the one or more protrusion includes a ridge that extends entirely around the interior sidewall to provide vertical support for the removable plate.

5. The fuel cell of claim 3, wherein the one or more protrusion includes a three or more support shelves spaced apart along the interior sidewall to provide vertical support for the removable plate.

6. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel is hydrophilic.

7. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel is hygroscopic.

8. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel comprises diethylene glycol.

9. The fuel cell of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured to fit onto the cup to allow for storage of liquid fuel within the cup without spilling the liquid fuel from the cup when liquid fuel is present in the cup.

10. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the removable plate includes a handle defined by a raised portion of the removable plate formed between two slots in the removable plate.

11. The fuel cell system of claim 1, further comprising an outer container having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion having recessed external threads so that the lower portion and the upper portion can be brought into a flush, closed configuration, wherein the fuel cell is removably disposable in the outer container.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wicks includes a first wick and a second wick, and plurality of holes includes a first hole spaced apart from the second hole, and wherein the first wick is in the first hole and the second wick is in the second hole.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wicks is two to twenty wicks.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes is two to twenty holes.

15. The system of claim 1, further including a paddle sized for covering the opening of the cup to extinguish fuel cell flames, wherein the paddle has a pivotable grip portion that can be pivoted from a first closed storage position to a second open extended position.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stove body having a window therein and having a grill attached to a top portion thereof, wherein the fuel cell is configured to be placed beneath the grill and within the stove body adjacent to the window.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a pot with a pivotable with a first storage position and a second extended use position, wherein when in the storage position, the pot can be nested within the stove body.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a container other than the cup which contains the liquid fuel prior to use.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel is contained within the cup.

20. A method of using the fuel cell of claim 1, comprising: providing the cup filled with the liquid fuel;determining a desired level of heat;selecting a number of wicks corresponding to the desired level of heat; andplacing the number of wicks in a corresponding number of the plurality of holes so that the number of wicks are in fluid communication with the liquid fuel below the removable plate; andlighting the wicks above the removable plate.