Miniature fuel processor Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, have developed what they claim to be the world’s smallest catalytic fuel processing reactor system to provide a low-watt power source for portable devices (initially for battlefield use, but easily applicable to industrial and commercial versions). The petite power pack consists of microscale fuel processor and fuel cell (developed by Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH), encased within a cigarette lighter-sized package. The processor system contains two vaporizers, heat exchanger, catalytic combustor and steam reformer, all within its dime-sized framework. A fuel reformer the size of a pencil eraser-tip converts fuel and water into hydrogen-rich gas. Then the fuel cell converts the hydrogen and some oxygen from the air into electrical power and clean water. While methanol is considered to be the most effective fuel for this system, butane, JP-8 jet fuel and diesel count among the alternative sources. Since hydrogen is only generated as needed, the volatile gas is not stored in quantity, thereby reducing risk. Prototype testing has encouraged researchers. “This system can produce an equivalent power to batteries (20 mW), but at one-third the weight,” says Evan Jones, principal investigator at PNNL. Similar micro fuel systems with greater power output (50W) have been developed to provide power equal to batteries of tenfold their weight. Researchers suggest that application possibilities include such self-sustaining items as mobile devices in remote or difficult-to-access locations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, connect directly to their website at
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Biotech fuel cells Another step in portable power: “Nature created the fuel cell over a billion years ago,” says Dr. Rose Ritts, COO of PowerZyme Inc. Taking a cue from the mitochondria within living tissue, this company has created a fuel cell with a patented Active Transport Membrane (ATM) that uses active enzymes to promote proton transport rather than relying upon the Passive Exchange Membranes (PEM) of conventional fuel cells. The design dynamically “pumps” protons across the ATM with a self-regulating control based on load. The proton-pumping enzyme has been modified by the company to accommodate various fuels, from methanol to metals. Precious metal catalysts (such as platinum or palladium) are no longer required; the entire fuel cell therefore can be made from recyclable plastics. The main benefit derived from this design is that of automatic load following — the fuel cell can adjust in response to power load requirements, rather than providing constant power output. Thus, higher energy densities can be achieved. Projected run times are as much as 10 times longer than an alternative battery. Venting is unnecessary and water is the waste product. Suited for versatile applications, the self-regulating microfluidic systems operate independently of orientation. The compact, lightweight fuel cell is being designed to operate either as interchangeable cartridges for mobile devices (e.g. laptops, cordless screwdrivers), or as central power packs for several personal devices simultaneously. PowerZyme Inc, connect directly to their website at www.rsleads.com/305df-101
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Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, have developed what they claim to be the world’s smallest catalytic fuel processing reactor system to provide a low-watt power source for portable devices (initially for battlefield use, but easily applicable to industrial and commercial versions). The petite power pack consists of microscale fuel processor and fuel cell (developed by Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH), encased within a cigarette lighter-sized package. The processor system contains two vaporizers, heat exchanger, catalytic combustor and steam reformer, all within its dime-sized framework. A fuel reformer the size of a pencil eraser-tip converts fuel and water into hydrogen-rich gas. Then the fuel cell converts the hydrogen and some oxygen from the air into electrical power and clean water. While methanol is considered to be the most effective fuel for this system, butane, JP-8 jet fuel and diesel count among the alternative sources. Since hydrogen is only generated as needed, the volatile gas is not stored in quantity, thereby reducing risk. Prototype testing has encouraged researchers. “This system can produce an equivalent power to batteries (20 mW), but at one-third the weight,” says Evan Jones, principal investigator at PNNL. Similar micro fuel systems with greater power output (50W) have been developed to provide power equal to batteries of tenfold their weight. Researchers suggest that application possibilities include such self-sustaining items as mobile devices in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
Another step in portable power: “Nature created the fuel cell over a billion years ago,” says Dr. Rose Ritts, COO of PowerZyme Inc. Taking a cue from the mitochondria within living tissue, this company has created a fuel cell with a patented Active Transport Membrane (ATM) that uses active enzymes to promote proton transport rather than relying upon the Passive Exchange Membranes (PEM) of conventional fuel cells. The design dynamically “pumps” protons across the ATM with a self-regulating control based on load. The proton-pumping enzyme has been modified by the company to accommodate various fuels, from methanol to metals. Precious metal catalysts (such as platinum or palladium) are no longer required; the entire fuel cell therefore can be made from recyclable plastics. The main benefit derived from this design is that of automatic load following — the fuel cell can adjust in response to power load requirements, rather than providing constant power output. Thus, higher energy densities can be achieved. Projected run times are as much as 10 times longer than an alternative battery. Venting is unnecessary and water is the waste product. Suited for versatile applications, the self-regulating microfluidic systems operate independently of orientation. The compact, lightweight fuel cell is being designed to operate either as interchangeable cartridges for mobile devices (e.g. laptops, cordless screwdrivers), or as central power packs for several personal devices simultaneously.