U.S. patent application number 13/969660 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for power supply device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Industrial Technology Research Institute. The applicant listed for this patent is Industrial Technology Research Institute. Invention is credited to Cheng-Yen Chen, Ya-Yi Hsu, Chan-Li Hsueh, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Jie-Ren Ku, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Fang-Hei Tsau.
Application Number | 20130337350 13/969660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44143314 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130337350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ku; Jie-Ren ; et
al. |
December 19, 2013 |
Power Supply Device
Abstract
A power supply device is provided. The power supply device
includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an
exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen
outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet
and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in
the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the
fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing
exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is
disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within
the fuel cell.
Inventors: |
Ku; Jie-Ren; (Kaohsiung
City, TW) ; Hsueh; Chan-Li; (Qieding Shiang, TW)
; Hsu; Ya-Yi; (Guiren Shiang, TW) ; Tsau;
Fang-Hei; (Niasong Shiang, TW) ; Ohara; Reiko;
(Tainan City, TW) ; Tsai; Shing-Fen; (Xinshi
Shiang, TW) ; Hung; Chien-Chang; (Pingtung City,
TW) ; Jeng; Ming-Shan; (Xizhi City, TW) ;
Chen; Cheng-Yen; (Yongkang City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Industrial Technology Research Institute |
Hsinchu |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Industrial Technology Research
Institute
Hsinchu
TW
|
Family ID: |
44143314 |
Appl. No.: |
13/969660 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12847585 |
Jul 30, 2010 |
8535838 |
|
|
13969660 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
429/411 ;
429/416 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 8/04216 20130101;
Y02E 60/50 20130101; H01M 8/0687 20130101; H01M 8/065 20130101;
H01M 8/04208 20130101; H01M 2008/1095 20130101; H01M 8/04089
20130101; H01M 8/04201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
429/411 ;
429/416 |
International
Class: |
H01M 8/04 20060101
H01M008/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 14, 2009 |
TW |
98142790 |
Claims
1. A power supply device, comprising: a fuel cell having a hydrogen
inlet and a hydrogen outlet; a hydrogen generator connected to the
hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen to enter the fuel
cell, wherein the hydrogen generator comprises: a first casing
having a water inlet, a water outlet and a third opening, wherein
the third opening is for connecting the hydrogen inlet; a pump
connected to the water inlet and the water outlet for pumping water
into or drawing water from the first casing; and a solid hydrogen
fuel disposed in the first casing for performing hydrogen releasing
reaction with water; a check valve disposed in the hydrogen inlet
for avoiding the hydrogen within the fuel cell from being exhausted
from the hydrogen inlet; and an exhaust valve disposed in the
hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel
cell.
2. A power supply device, comprising: a fuel cell having a hydrogen
inlet and a hydrogen outlet; a hydrogen generator connected to the
hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen to enter the fuel
cell; a check valve disposed in the hydrogen inlet for avoiding the
hydrogen within the fuel cell from being exhausted from the
hydrogen inlet; and an exhaust valve disposed in the hydrogen
outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell, wherein
the fuel cell comprises a deoxidizer disposed in at least one of
the fuel cell and the hydrogen generator.
3. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein the fuel
cell further has a first through hole and a fourth connection
portion located on the inner wall surface of the first through
hole, and the fuel cell further comprises: a deoxidizing member
having a hollow portion, a second through hole and a fifth
connection portion, wherein the second through hole penetrates to
the hollow portion from the outer wall surface of the deoxidizing
member, and the fifth connection portion is located on the outer
wall surface of the deoxidizing member for connecting the fourth
connection portion; wherein, the deoxidizer is disposed in the
hollow portion.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of co-pending
application Ser. No. 12/847,585, filed Jul. 30, 2010, which claims
the benefit of Taiwan application Serial No. 98142790, filed Dec.
14, 2009, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates in general to a power supply device,
and more particularly to a power supply device integrating fuel
cell.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The fuel cell is based on the theories of generating a
chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to obtain water and power,
wherein hydrogen is used as an input material and oxygen is used as
an oxidant.
[0004] The fuel cell includes a hydrogen outlet and a hydrogen
inlet. The hydrogen outlet is connected to an atmospheric
environment, and the hydrogen inlet is connected to a hydrogen
source. The hydrogen, which has entered the fuel cell but not yet
participated in reaction, is exhausted to the atmospheric
environment from the hydrogen outlet. As a result, power generation
efficiency of the fuel cell is not satisfactory, hydrogen is
wasted, and the utilization rate cannot be increased.
SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosure is directed to a power supply device, which
includes a fuel cell and two valves. The two valves are
respectively disposed in the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet
of the fuel cell for controlling the pressure in the fuel cell,
increasing the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell, and
preventing the air from entering the fuel cell, and prolonging the
lifespan.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a
power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a
fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust
valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet.
The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used
for generating hydrogen, and comprises a first casting, a pump and
a solid hydrogen fuel. The first casing has a water inlet, a water
outlet and a third opening, wherein the third opening is for
connecting the hydrogen inlet. The pump connected to the water
inlet and the water outlet for pumping water into or drawing water
from the first casing. The solid hydrogen fuel disposed in the
first casing for performing hydrogen releasing reaction with water.
The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for
preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the
hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the
fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for
exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a
power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a
fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust
valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet.
The fuel cell comprises a deoxidizer disposed in at least one of
the fuel cell and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator is
connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen.
The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for
preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the
hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the
fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for
exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.
[0008] The disclosure will become apparent from the following
detailed description of the exemplary but non-limiting embodiments.
The following description is made with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a function block diagram of a power supply
device according to first embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the power supply device
of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a portion A of FIG.
2;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a portion B of FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of hydrogen generator of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a solid hydrogen fuel of
FIG. 5 contacting an absorbent material;
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the solid hydrogen fuel
of FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a fuel cell according to
second embodiment of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of hydrogen generator
according to third embodiment of the disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a third connection
portion of FIG. 9 engaged in the first connection portion; and
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of hydrogen generator
according to fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a function block diagram of a power
supply device according to a first embodiment of the disclosure is
shown. The power supply device 100 includes a fuel cell 102, a
hydrogen generator 104, a check valve 106 and an exhaust valve 108.
The hydrogen generator 104 is used for generating hydrogen to enter
the fuel cell 102.
[0021] The check valve 106 and the exhaust valve 108 control and
stabilize the pressure of the hydrogen within the fuel cell 102, so
that the fuel cell 102 generates power under the environment of a
stable and sufficient hydrogen pressure, and fewer oxygen and
impurities in the air would enter the fuel cell 102.
[0022] The power supply device 100 may be electrically connected to
an electronic device (not illustrated) for supplying power to the
electronic device. The electronic device may be realized by a
portable communication deice, a computer, a flashlight or other
electronic devices. However, the present embodiment of the
disclosure is not limited to the above exemplification. In another
implementation, the power supply device 100 may be electrically
connected to an electrical storage device, such as a lithium
battery, for supplying power to the electrical storage device, so
that the electrical storage device stores and provided the power to
the electronic device.
[0023] The fuel cell 102 may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM)
fuel cell or a fuel cell of other types. In the present embodiment
of the disclosure, the fuel cell is exemplified by a PEM fuel
cell.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the power supply
device of FIG. 1 is shown. The fuel cell 102 includes a PEM 110, a
positive electrode 116, and a negative electrode 118, and further
has a hydrogen inlet 112 and a hydrogen outlet 114.
[0025] A pipe (not illustrated) may be used for connecting the
hydrogen inlet 112 and the hydrogen generator 104 for transferring
the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator 104 to the fuel
cell 102. The check valve 106 is disposed in the hydrogen inlet 112
and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 from
reflowing to the hydrogen generator 104. The exhaust valve 108 is
disposed in the hydrogen outlet 114 for exhausting the hydrogen
within the fuel cell 102.
[0026] In greater details, the check valve 106 prevents the
hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 from flowing to the atmospheric
environment, and has the function of accumulating hydrogen for
boosting the pressure of the hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 to a
predetermined pressure. When the pressure of the hydrogen within
the fuel cell 102 reaches the predetermined pressure, the exhaust
valve 108 is opened to exhaust extra hydrogen for keeping the
pressure of the hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 in the
predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure may be a safe
work pressure of the fuel cell 102 or a work pressure which
increases power generation efficiency for the fuel cell 102. The
detailed structures of the check valve 106 and the exhaust valve
108 are disclosed below.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of a portion A of
FIG. 2 is shown. The check valve 106 includes an intake valve 120
movably disposed in the fuel cell 102 by way of pivotal connection
and selectively exposed from the hydrogen inlet 112 for allowing
hydrogen to enter the fuel cell 102.
[0028] The inner wall of the hydrogen inlet 112 has a step
structure a1, which stops the intake valve 120 when the hydrogen
within the fuel cell 102 is to be exhausted from the hydrogen inlet
112, so that the hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 will not be
exhausted from the hydrogen inlet 112. However, the check valve 106
of the present embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to the
structure indicated in FIG. 3. In other implementations, the check
valve 106 may be realized by a check valve or a direction control
valve with other structures, and the present embodiment of the
disclosure does not impose particular restriction regarding the
structure of the check valve 106.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of a portion B of
FIG. 2 is shown. The exhaust valve 108 includes an elastic member
122 and an exhaust valve 124. An end of the elastic member 122 is
fixed on the inner wall 126 of the hydrogen outlet 114 of the fuel
cell 102, wherein the elastic member 122 provides an elastic force
for shielding the hydrogen outlet 114. The exhaust valve 124 is
movably connected to another end of the elastic member 122. When
the force applied on the exhaust valve 124 by the pressure of the
hydrogen within the fuel cell 102 reaches the elastic force, the
exhaust valve 124 is pushed and then opened to exhaust extra
hydrogen from the fuel cell 102.
[0030] The exhaust valve 108 of the present embodiment of the
disclosure is not limited to the structure indicated in FIG. 4. In
other implementations, the exhaust valve 108 may have other types
of structure. That is, the present embodiment of the disclosure
does not impose particular restriction regarding the structure or
the type of the exhaust valve 108. For example, in an
implementation, the exhaust valve 108 may be realized by a kind of
check valve used for preventing exterior air or impurities from
entering the fuel cell 102. In another implementation, the exhaust
valve 108 may be realized by a pressure control valve or a
direction control valve.
[0031] The details of the hydrogen generator 104 of the present
embodiment of the disclosure are disclosed below. Referring to FIG.
5, a schematic diagram of hydrogen generator of FIG. 1 is shown.
The hydrogen generator 104 includes a first casing 132, a second
casing 134, a solid hydrogen fuel 128 and an absorbent material
130. The absorbent material 130 carries water for performing
hydrogen releasing reaction with the solid hydrogen fuel 128.
[0032] The solid hydrogen fuel 128 includes a hydride powder and a
catalyst powder, wherein the hydride powder may be realized by
sodium borohydride (NaBH4), and the catalyst powder may be realized
by a plurality of metal nano particles. The metal nano particles
are nano particles of at least one or more than one metal selected
from the group composed of ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), nickel
(Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). An average
particle size of the catalyst powder ranges between 1 .mu.m-10
mm.
[0033] In an implementation, the catalyst powder includes a
plurality of catalyst carriers and the abovementioned metal nano
particles. The metal nano particles may be spread on the surface of
the catalyst carriers. In another implementation, the catalyst
powder includes a plurality of catalyst carriers and metal ions,
and the metal ions may be chelated on the surface of the catalyst
carriers.
[0034] As indicated in FIG. 5, the first casing 132 may be a pipe
with hollow portion, and the solid hydrogen fuel 128 is disposed in
the first casing 132. The first casing 132 has a first opening 136
and a third opening 138. The first opening 136 is located at an end
142 of the first casing 132, and the third opening 138 may be
connected to the hydrogen inlet 112 through a pipe (not
illustrated).
[0035] The second casing 134 may be a pipe with hollow portion. The
absorbent material 130 is disposed in the second casing 134. The
second casing 134 has a second opening 140. The second opening 140
is located at an end 144 of the second casing 134, and the end 142
of the first casing 132 is connected to the end 144 of the second
casing 134.
[0036] The first casing 132 and the second casing 134 may be
pen-shaped or slim and lightweighted, has excellent portability and
provides great convenience.
[0037] As indicated in FIG. 5, the inner diameter D2 of the second
opening 140 is larger than the outer diameter D4 of the solid
hydrogen fuel 128, and the outer diameter D5 of the second casing
134 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the first opening 136,
so that after the second casing 134 enters the first casing 132
through the first opening 136, the absorbent material 130 and the
solid hydrogen fuel 128 come into contact for performing hydrogen
releasing reaction, and the generated hydrogen flows to the fuel
cell 102 through the third opening 138.
[0038] The "outer diameter" refers to the diameter measured from
the outer side of an element, the "inner diameter" refers to the
diameter of the inner side measured from an element, and the
diameters are not limited to the inner diameter or the outer
diameter of a circular cross-section.
[0039] The hydrogen generator 104 further includes a cover 188, a
water absorbent member 160, a gas-liquid separating film 162 and a
first sealing member 190. The cover 188 is detachably connected to
the first casing 132. For example, the cover 188 is detachably
connected to the first casing 132 by way of screw thread locking or
press fit. The cover 188 may have a channel 194, which is connected
to the third opening 138.
[0040] The gas-liquid separating film 162 is disposed on the cover
188, and the water absorbent member 160 is disposed in the first
casing 132, wherein the water absorbent member 160 and the
gas-liquid separating film 162 are located between the third
opening 138 and the solid hydrogen fuel 128.
[0041] The water absorbent member 160, realized by cotton, sponge
or a Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF), may be disposed in the first casing
132 for absorbing and preventing the water not participating in
reaction from flowing to the fuel cell 102. Preferably but not
restrictively, the water absorbent member 160 shields the entire
third opening 138.
[0042] The gas-liquid separating film 162 may stop the water not
participating in reaction, and only allows hydrogen to pass
through. Preferably but not restrictively, the gas-liquid
separating film 162 shields the entire third opening 138.
[0043] In an implementation, if the absorbent material 130 and the
solid hydrogen fuel are fully reacted or the water not
participating in reaction has a small volume, the water absorbent
member 160 and the gas-liquid separating film 162 may be omitted.
The small volume of the water not participating in reaction will be
sucked on the wall of the first casing 132 and the second casing
134. Therefore, despite the water absorbent member 160 and the
gas-liquid separating film 162 are omitted, no water will be
discharged to the exterior or leaked from the third opening
138.
[0044] The first sealing member 190, such as an elastic O-shaped
ring, is disposed on the cover 188. When the cover 188 is locked on
the first casing 132, the first sealing member 190 is squeezed
between the cover 188 and the first casing 132 so as to generate
sealing effect and avoid the water not participating in reaction
being leaked from the third opening 138.
[0045] The second casing 134 includes a second sealing member 192
and a membrane 146. The membrane 146 shields the second opening 140
for preventing the absorbent material 130 from coming off the
second opening 140. The solid hydrogen fuel 128 has a tip 148
disposed at an end of the solid hydrogen fuel 128 towards the
membrane 146 for puncturing the membrane 146. When the second
casing 134 enters the first casing 132, the solid hydrogen fuel 128
will puncture the membrane 146, so that the solid hydrogen fuel 128
and the absorbent material 130 come into contact. As indicated in
FIG. 6, a schematic diagram of a solid hydrogen fuel of FIG. 5
contacting an absorbent material is shown.
[0046] The second sealing member 192, such as an elastic O-shaped
ring, is disposed at another end 156 of the second casing 134. When
the second casing 134 enters the first casing 132, the second
sealing member 192 is squeezed between the second casing 134 and
the first casing 132 for generating sealing effect and preventing
the water not participating in reaction from being leaked to the
exterior.
[0047] The first casing 132 further includes a first connection
portion 150, disposed at the end 142 of the first casing 132. The
second casing 134 further includes a second connection portion 152
and a third connection portion 154. The second connection portion
152 is disposed at the end 144 of the second casing 134, and the
third connection portion 154 is disposed at the other end 156 of
the second casing 134.
[0048] In the present embodiment of the disclosure, the first
connection portion 150 and the second connection portion 152 are
mutually matching screw threads, and the first connection portion
150 and the third connection portion 154 are mutually matching
screw threads.
[0049] The second connection portion 152 selectively is connected
to the first connection portion 150 or the third connection portion
154. Furthermore, before the second casing 134 enters the first
casing 132, the first connection portion 150 is connected to the
second connection portion 152, and after the second casing 134
enters the first casing 132, the first connection portion 150 is
connected to the third connection portion 154. Furthermore, when
the user would like to use the hydrogen generator 104, the first
casing 132 or the second casing 134 of FIG. 5 may be rotated so
that the second casing 134 enters the first casing 132 as indicated
in FIG. 6. When the user is not using the hydrogen generator 104,
the first casing 132 of FIG. 6 may be rotated, so that the solid
hydrogen fuel 128 and the absorbent material 130 are separated as
indicated in FIG. 5. The first casing 132 and the second casing 134
may be firmly connected together through the first connection
portion 150, the second connection portion 152 and the third
connection portion 154.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, the first casing 132 further includes a
fixing portion 158 disposed between the inner wall and the solid
hydrogen fuel 128 of the first casing 132 for fixing the solid
hydrogen fuel 128. The fixing portion 158, fixed on the inner wall
of the first casing 132, may have an engaging portion 178, such as
a through hole, in which the solid hydrogen fuel 128 is
engaged.
[0051] The details of the structure of the solid hydrogen fuel 128
are disclosed below.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of the solid
hydrogen fuel of FIG. 5 is shown. The hydrogen generator 104
further includes a carrier 16 on which the solid hydrogen fuel 128
is disposed. The carrier 164 may be in the shape of a hollow
cylinder, and the solid hydrogen fuel 128 may be attached on the
outer surface of the carrier 164. However, the present embodiment
of the disclosure is not limited to the above exemplification. In
an implementation, the solid hydrogen fuel 128 may be attached on
both the inner and the outer surface of the carrier 164, or only on
the inner surface of the carrier 164. However, the present
embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to the above
exemplification. In another implementation, the solid hydrogen fuel
128 does not have to be formed on the carrier 164.
[0053] The carrier 164 is a hollow carrier which provides larger
surface area so that more solid hydrogen fuel 128 may be disposed
on the carrier 164. As a result, the response rate of hydrogen
releasing reaction by the solid hydrogen fuel 128 and water may be
increased.
[0054] In an implementation, the carrier may be in the shape of a
flat board or other appearances. The shape of carrier may match the
shapes of the first casing 132 and the second casing 134, and the
present embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any particular
restriction.
[0055] The carrier 164, being flexible and porous carrier, may be
formed by a metal. For example, the carrier 164 may be realized by
a Ni-foam mesh, a nickel mesh, an iron-wire mesh or a copper-wire
mesh. Due to the carrier 164 being flexible, the carrier 164 may be
rolled up as a hollow cylinder as indicated in FIG. 7.
[0056] The porous carrier 164 may absorb the solid hydrogen fuel
128 into the pores, so that the solid hydrogen fuel 128 may be
coated on the carrier 164. However, such exemplification is not for
limiting the present embodiment of the disclosure, and the solid
hydrogen fuel 128 may be formed on the carrier 164 by other ways
such as by way of spraying or soaking.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the absorbent material 130 includes a
water absorbent body and water. The water absorbent body may be
formed by high polymers or a combination of macromolecules and a
cotton material. Examples of the material of the water absorbent
body include polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Ethylene Vinyl
Acetate (EVA), polyurethane, polyethylene oxide, starch graft
copolymers, or rubber blends. Preferably but not restrictively, the
water absorption rate of the absorbent material 130 ranges from
1:10 to 1:40, so as to obtain preferred hydrogen releasing
reaction. The water absorption rate 1:10 means 1 gram of water
absorbent body may absorb 10 grams of water. Moreover, the
absorbent material 130 may be grain-shaped, and preferably but not
restrictively, each grain of the absorbent material 130 is
substantially of the same size.
Second Embodiment
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of a fuel cell
according to a second embodiment of the disclosure is shown. As for
the similarities between the second embodiment and the first
embodiment, the same designations are used and the similarities are
not repeated here. The fuel cell 202 of the second embodiment is
different from the fuel cell 102 of the first embodiment in that:
the fuel cell 202 further includes a deoxidizer 266 which absorbs
the oxygen not participiating in reaction to avoid oxygen reacting
with hydrogen so that the generated will not be as much as to burn
down the PEM 110.
[0059] The fuel cell 202 further includes a deoxidizing member 268
and has a first through hole 274 and a fourth connection portion
276. The first through hole 274 passes through the thick wall of
the fuel cell 202 and connects the interior of the fuel cell 202 to
the exterior. The fourth connection portion 276 may be realized by
the screw thread located on the inner wall surface of the first
through hole 274.
[0060] The deoxidizing member 268 has a hollow portion (not
illustrated), a second through hole 270 and a fifth connection
portion 272. The second through hole 270 penetrates to the hollow
portion from the outer wall surface (not designated) of the
deoxidizing member 268. The fifth connection portion 272 may be
realized by the screw thread which matches the fourth connection
portion 276 and is located on the outer wall surface of the
deoxidizing member 268 for connecting the fourth connection portion
276. The deoxidizer 266 is disposed in the hollow portion, and the
oxygen, entering the deoxidizing member 268 through the second
through hole 270, is absorbed by the deoxidizer 266. In an
implementation, the shapes of the fourth connection portion 276 and
the fifth connection portion 272 may be in the shape of mutual
matching cones for producing sealing effect when the fourth
connection portion 276 and the fifth connection portion 272 are
connected together, and the deoxidizing member 268 may also become
a removable deoxidizing member.
[0061] The deoxidizing member 268 being detachable makes it easier
for the user to replace the deoxidizer 266. Preferably, the
deoxidizing member 268 further includes a lid (not illustrated),
and the deoxidizer 266 located in the hollow portion may be easily
replaced when the lid is lifted.
[0062] In the present embodiment of the disclosure, the deoxidizer
266 of the fuel cell 202 is located in the deoxidizing member 268
for exemplification. However, the disclosure is not limited to the
above exemplification. In an implementation, the fuel cell may do
without the deoxidizing member 268, the first through hole 274 and
the fourth connection portion 276, and the deoxidizer 266 may be
disposed in the fuel cell 202, such as the inner wall the hydrogen
inlet 112 or the hydrogen outlet 114, by way of pasting or locking.
After the hydrogen generator 104 is activated, the oxygen exhausted
from the hydrogen generator 104 and the fuel cell 202 will be
absorbed, and the lifespan may thus be prolonged.
[0063] Moreover, in other implementations, the deoxidizer 266 may
also be disposed in the hydrogen generator 104 such as in the
outlet channel 194.
Third Embodiment
[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, a schematic diagram of hydrogen
generator according to a third embodiment of the disclosure is
shown. As for the similarities between the third embodiment and the
first embodiment, the same designations are used and the
similarities are not repeated here. The hydrogen generator 304 of
third embodiment is different the hydrogen generator 104 of the
first embodiment in that: the connection portion of the hydrogen
generator 304 is a protrusion or an indentation.
[0065] The first connection portion 350 is realized by an
indentation disposed in the first casing 332. The second connection
portion 352 and the third connection portion 354 are realized by a
protrusion projected from the second casing 334 for engaging the
first connection portion 350 as indicated in FIG. 9. However, the
present embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to the above
exemplification. In another implementation, the first connection
portion 350 may be realized by a protrusion, and the second
connection portion 352 and the third connection portion 354 may be
realized by an indentation.
[0066] Alternatively, the hydrogen generator 304 of the present
embodiment of the disclosure may do without the cover, and the
third opening 338 may be disposed at another end 390 of the first
casing 332 for connecting the hydrogen inlet.
[0067] The water absorbent member 360 and the gas-liquid separating
film 362 are similar to the water absorbent member 160 and the
gas-liquid separating film 162 of the first embodiment, and the
similarities are not repeated here.
[0068] It is noted that the water absorbent member 360 and the
gas-liquid separating film 362 avoid the water not participating in
reaction being leaked from the third opening 338, and the second
connection portion 352 is engaged with the first connection portion
350 for avoiding objects entering the hydrogen generator 304. In
addition, after the second casing 334 enters the first casing 332,
the third connection portion 354 may be engaged with the first
connection portion 350 for producing sealing effect, so that the
water not participating in reaction will not be leaked. As
indicated in FIG. 10, a schematic diagram of a third connection
portion of FIG. 9 engaged in the first connection portion is
shown.
[0069] The sizes of the second connection portion 352 and the third
connection portion 354 may be slightly larger than that of the
first connection portion 350, so that the second connection portion
352 and the third connection portion 354 are tightly engaged in the
first connection portion 350, and the hydrogen generator 304 is
sealed more tightly.
[0070] Moreover, the second connection portion 352 and the third
connection portion 354 may be made from an elastic material, such
as rubber or silicone, which enables the second connection portion
352 and the third connection portion 354 to be engaged with the
first connection portion 350 when being pressed.
[0071] In the first embodiment to the third embodiment, hydrogen
generation is exemplified by way of mixing the solid hydrogen fuel
with the absorbent material. However, the absorbent material may
also be replaced by a liquid, and such substitution is disclosed in
the fourth embodiment below.
Fourth Embodiment
[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic diagram of hydrogen
generator according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure is
shown. As for the similarities between the fourth embodiment and
the first embodiment, the same designations are used and the
similarities are not repeated here. The hydrogen generator 404 of
the fourth embodiment is different the hydrogen generator 104 of
the first embodiment in that: the hydrogen generator 404 may do
without the absorbent material.
[0073] The hydrogen generator 404 includes a first casing 432, a
pump 480 and a solid hydrogen fuel 428.
[0074] The first casing 432 has a water inlet 482, a water outlet
484 and a third opening 486 connected to the hydrogen inlet
112.
[0075] The solid hydrogen fuel 428 is disposed in the first casing
432. The solid hydrogen fuel 428 and the liquid are used for
performing hydrogen releasing reaction.
[0076] The pump 480 is connected to the water inlet 482 and the
water outlet 484 for pumping the liquid into or drawing the liquid
from the first casing 432. Furthermore, when the user would like to
use the hydrogen generator 404, the user may activate the water
supplying function of the pump 480 for pumping the liquid into the
first casing 432. When the user does not use the hydrogen generator
404, the user may activate the water drawing function of the pump
480 to drawing the liquid from the first casing 432.
[0077] In the first to the fourth embodiment, hydrogen generation
is performed by way of mixing the solid hydrogen fuel with an
absorbent material or a liquid. However, the disclosure is not
limited to the above exemplification. In other implementations, the
hydrogen generator may be a hydrogen generation facility of other
types such as a high-pressure steel bottle containing hydrogen, a
hydrogen generation device using metal hydrogen releasing reaction
technology, or other hydrogen generation devices using chemical
technologies.
[0078] According to the power supply device disclosed in the above
embodiments of the disclosure, two valves are respectively disposed
the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell for
controlling the interior pressure of the fuel cell, hence
increasing the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0079] While the disclosure has been described by way of example
and in terms of an embodiment, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, it is intended
to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and
procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should
be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and similar arrangements and procedures.
* * * * *