Ener1 Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, FL), a developer of lithium batteries and fuel cells, announced that it has filed a US patent application for a new electrochemical generator based on a hydrogen-air fuel cell. Ener1's new fuel cell design utilizes a solid-polymer, proton-exchange membrane combined with an integrated feedback control system.
Ener1's integrated feedback control system allows fuel cells to operate efficiently under the most difficult conditions, including peak acceleration and braking conditions required for transportation applications such as automobiles and buses. In addition, Ener1's new fuel cell design will prevent over-drying of the fuel cell membrane, which can cause deterioration leading to potential safety hazards.
Specifically, Ener1's fuel cell control system features a new self-regulating feedback system for the supply of hydrogen and air for the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack. Utilizing advanced pressure regulators, pumps and electronics, Ener1 has developed a feedback system to control the flow of fuel and oxidant gases required to maintain and maximize the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell stack under varying current loads.
