METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING FUEL CELL EFFICIENCY
The disclosure is directed at a method and system for improving the efficiency of fuel cells by removing impediments within the fuel cell channel. The system includes at least one sensor and a processor for determining when a gas, such as carbon dioxide, concentration level has surpassed a maximum threshold. The processor then activates an impediment removing element to remove or release gas bubbles within the fuel cell channel which are blocking reaction sites or fuel flow.
1 . A method of improving fuel cell efficiency by removing impediments within a fuel cell channel comprising:
monitoring a gas concentration level within a fuel cell channel;
determining when the gas concentration level has surpassed a threshold level; and
activating an impediment removing element.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the impediment removing element comprises:
transmitting a signal to an actuator to activate the impediment removing element.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the impediment removing element comprises:
transmitting a signal directly to the impediment removing element.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the impediment removing element comprises:
activating a piezolelectric element to vibrate the fuel cell channel.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the impediment removing element comprises:
activating a temperature control element.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein activating the temperature control element comprises:
heating a portion of the fuel cell channel.
7 . The method of claim 5 wherein activating the temperature control element comprises:
cooling a portion of the fuel cell channel.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the impediment removing element comprises:
activating a flow control element.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein activating the flow control element comprises:
creating an airflow around the fuel cell channel.
10 . The method of claim 8 wherein activating the flow control element comprises:
maintaining a constant fluid flow within the fuel cell channel.
11 . The method of claim 8 wherein activating the flow control element comprises:
activating an ultrasonic whistle.
12 . The method of claim 1 further comprising:
monitoring the gas concentration level; and
de-activating the impediment removing element after the gas concentration level is determined to be lower than a minimum threshold level.
13 . A system for improving efficiency of a fuel cell by reducing impediments within a fuel cell channel comprising:
at least one sensor;
an impediment removing element; and
a processor, connected to the at least one sensor and the impediment removing element;
wherein when the at least one sensor and the processor determine that a gas concentration level within the fuel cell channel is above a maximum threshold, the processor transmits a signal to activate the impediment removing element.
14 . The system of claim 13 further comprising a power source for powering the at least one sensor and the processor.
15 . The system of claim 13 further comprising:
an actuator connected to the processor and the impediment removing element for activating the impediment removing element upon receipt of a signal from the processor.
16 . The system of claim 13 wherein the impediment removing element is a piezoelectric element.
17 . The system of claim 13 wherein the impediment removing element is a temperature control element.
18 . The system of claim 17 wherein the temperature control element is a thermoelectric generator or a Peltier cooling device.
19 . The system of claim 13 wherein the impediment removing element is a flow control element.
20 . The system of claim 19 wherein the flow control element is a vibration motor, a pump, an ultrasonic whistle or a fan.