Zhen S Guo

US Patent:

20020127451, Sep 12, 2002

Filed:

Feb 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/080222

Inventors:

Yiding Cao - Miami FL, US
Zhen Guo - Miami FL, US

International Classification:

H01M008/02
H01M008/10
H01M008/04

US Classification:

429/030000, 429/025000, 429/032000, 429/034000

Abstract:

A compact, lightweight direct methanol fuel cell unit includes a circular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having a cathode, a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and an anode, an air flow duct on the cathode side of the MEA, an annular fuel reservoir on the anode side of the MEA which contains a mixture of methanol and water as fuel, a carbon dioxide (CO) relief valve communicating with the fuel reservoir, and a control unit. Due to the COrelease mechanism, the fuel cell is completely self-sustaining without the need for a mechanical auxiliary system. Additionally, the control unit improves the stability of the fuel cell power output and the catalysis activity of the MEA. Another embodiment of the present invention is a direct methanol fuel cell system which incorporates a number of MEAs and a fuel cell reservoir. All the cathodic electrical terminals of the MEAs are serially connected together while they are electronically communicating with the control unit. The anodic electrical terminals similarly communicate electronically with the control unit. Higher power and voltage are thus attained while maintaining a compact size of the fuel cell system.

US Patent:

62096257, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Jun 14, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/332678

Inventors:

Zhen Guo - Miami FL

International Classification:

F28D 1500

US Classification:

16510421

Abstract:

Disclosed is an improved heat pipe construction. The heat pipe includes a tubular enclosure with upper and lower ends enclosed by end caps. One such end cap employs a communication port such that a working fluid can be introduced into the interior of the pipe. Water is disclosed as the working fluid in the preferred embodiment. The water is adapted absorb heat from the surrounding atmosphere evaporate and condense it the upper portion of the pipe. Typically, a portion of the water reacts with the container to evolve non-condensable hydrogen gas. Such gas diminishes the effectiveness of the heat pipe. To reduce the hydrogen gas a active agent is employed. The opposite end cap of the pipe includes a container into which a volume of the active agent is positioned. A preferred active agent composition includes 96 percent by weight PbO. sub. x and 4 percent by weight PbSo. sub. 4. The PbO. sub.