Portable Fuel Cells for Mobile Devices
56 patents in this list
Updated:
Portable fuel cell systems face significant engineering challenges around hydrogen storage density, thermal management, and system control. Current portable designs achieve power densities of 500-700 W/kg at the stack level, but complete systems including hydrogen storage typically deliver 100-200 W/kg due to balance-of-plant components. Operating temperatures must be maintained between 60-80°C while managing water content in the membrane.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing system complexity, safety requirements, and power density while achieving reliable operation across varying environmental conditions and load profiles.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including optimized hydrogen storage architectures, integrated thermal management approaches, intelligent control systems for fuel delivery, and lightweight UAV-specific designs. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that enable fuel cells to compete with batteries in portable applications.
1. Composite Fuel Cell Power Supply System with Parallel-Connected Fuel Cells, Batteries, and Converters Coordinated by Master Controller
AEROSPACE HYDROGEN ENERGY SHANGHAI TECH CO LTD, AEROSPACE HYDROGEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Composite fuel cell power supply system with improved energy management for extended durability. The system has multiple fuel cells, batteries, and converters connected in parallel to provide stable voltage output. It uses a master controller to coordinate the fuel cell, boost converter, and battery charging. The master sets target voltages for each component and pulls power from the most efficient source to meet load demand. This ensures optimal utilization of each energy source and prevents overdischarging.
2. Portable Fuel Cell System with Integrated Hydrogen Generation, Storage, and Conversion Mechanisms
Yamato Izumi Technos Co., Ltd., YAMATO IZUMI TECHNOS CO LTD, 2024
A portable fuel cell system that generates and stores hydrogen using renewable energy like solar power, and converts the stored hydrogen back to electricity using a fuel cell. The system includes a hydrogen generator powered by solar panels, a hydrogen storage container, a fuel cell, and a switch to select between storing or releasing hydrogen from the container. This allows using green hydrogen generated from solar power to provide portable, zero-emission electricity.
3. Universal Fuel Cell System with Adaptive Control Unit and Environmental Monitoring Sensors
ARM ENG, ARM ENGINEERING, 2023
Universal fuel cell system that can operate with any type of fuel cell and any type of hydrogenated fuel. The system includes a fuel cell, an electronic control unit with precharging and control modules, and sensors to monitor environmental conditions. The control unit places the system in optimized operating modes based on sensor data. This allows adaptive operation with different fuel cells and fuels. The precharging module ensures the fuel cell can start in cold or low voltage conditions. The control module manages fuel cell operation and switching between modes based on environmental factors like temperature, pressure, and hydrogen concentration.
4. Sheet-Shaped Fuel Cell Unit with Integrated Self-Start Reaction Module
MICRO MICRO TECH SHANGHAI CO LTD, MICRO-MICRO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Fuel cell unit and fuel cell power generation device with self-start capability and compact size suitable for portable and mobile applications. The fuel cell unit has a sheet-shaped reaction module that directly provides power to the control system, allowing self-start without auxiliary power. Multiple fuel cell units can be cascaded to increase output power. This eliminates the need for bulky compressors and backup power supplies compared to traditional cylindrical fuel cell stacks.
5. Bidirectional DC/DC Converter System for Fuel Cell Component Power Management During Transient States
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO, KIA CORP, 2023
Controlling power supply to fuel cell system components during start and stop to improve reliability and efficiency. The method involves using bidirectional DC/DC converters to provide power from auxiliary batteries when the fuel cell stack is not generating enough voltage during startup/shutdown. This prevents component failures due to insufficient power. The converters can also be used to boost voltage from the auxiliary batteries during normal operation. By intelligently switching between stack power and battery power, the system can provide stable power to components like BOP during transient conditions.
6. Fuel Cell System with Coordinated Output Control Using Boost Converter for Voltage Stabilization
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., 2023
Controlling a fuel cell system to prevent voltage issues when using both fuel cell and battery power simultaneously. The method involves coordinating the fuel cell output with the battery voltage to prevent the battery voltage from dropping below the fuel cell voltage. This prevents direct connection issues where the fuel cell output cannot be controlled. The method involves using a boost converter to combine the fuel cell and battery outputs, and controlling the fuel cell output based on the battery voltage to prevent it from falling below the fuel cell voltage.
7. Mobile Hydrogen-Oxygen Power Generation Device with Integrated Electrolyzer and Electronic Control Unit
GUANGDONG QINGNENG NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD, GUANGDONG QINGNENG NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Portable hydrogen-oxygen power generation device that can be moved for on-site power generation. The device has a power generation module and a mobile module that can move the power generation module. It uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate power. The mobile module provides mobility. The power generation module has components like pumps, valves, and an electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. An electronic control unit regulates the flow rates and valve openings to optimize power generation.
8. Portable Hydrogen-Fueled Power Source with Integrated Fuel Cell and Storage System
ZHANG MINGDONG, 2022
A portable power source that uses hydrogen stored in cylinders as a clean and convenient fuel for powering devices in remote locations. The power source consists of a hydrogen storage system connected to a fuel cell control system. The hydrogen cylinders provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, which converts it into electrical power. The electrical output can be used to charge devices or power appliances through standard outlets. The hydrogen storage and fuel cell system allows clean, low-carbon power generation for outdoor and remote applications without the weight and pollution of traditional generators.
9. Fuel Cell with Controlled Exhaust Valve and Separate Fuel Supply Configuration
ABIOS ENG CO LTD, ABIOS ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2022
Lightweight, portable fuel cell that can be used indoors and outdoors. The fuel cell has a fuel channel with an exhaust valve that can be controlled based on power generation state. When fuel is supplied, the valve closes to prevent air mixing. When power is not generated, the valve opens to exhaust fuel and air. This prevents air entrainment during fuel supply. By controlling exhaust based on power generation, the fuel channel can have sufficient fuel for power without exhausting unused fuel. This allows a separate, lightweight fuel supply to connect instead of integrated tanks. The fuel cell can also use external hydrogen sources instead of onboard reformers. By separating fuel supply, the cell weight can be reduced to 20 kg or less for portability. An exhaust control and gas-liquid separation can further improve indoor usability.
10. Portable Power Supply Device with Integrated Fuel Cell and Detachable Battery System
KOREA AUTOMOTIVE TECH INST, KOREA AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, PRIMO CO LTD, 2022
Portable multi-purpose power supply device that uses liquid fuel to generate power in a fuel cell, stores the generated power in a removable battery, and allows it to be freely supplied to devices or regions requiring power. The device has a fuel cell system in the vehicle that generates power using reformed fuel and air, and a detachable power bank system that stores and provides the fuel cell's power. This enables using the vehicle's fuel cell for devices inside or outside the vehicle, like camping gear, remote islands, or event supplies. It allows leveraging existing vehicle fuel tanks for portable power.
11. Wireless Load-Adaptive Output Control System for Fuel Cells
TOKYO GAS CO LTD, 2022
Fuel cell power generation system that can control the output of a fuel cell without wired connection between the fuel cell and the load. The system uses wireless load detection devices at the power consumption locations to transmit load data to the fuel cell. The fuel cell has an output control device that receives the wireless load info and adjusts the fuel cell output based on the load data. This allows the fuel cell to match the load without physical wiring between the fuel cell and load.
12. Self-Sustaining Fuel Cell System with Integrated Energy Storage and Management Controller
BEIJING BILLION WHARTON SCIENCE AND TECH CO LTD, BEIJING BILLION WHARTON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Active fuel cell system that can operate independently without external support. The system integrates components like energy storage, consumption, generation, and conversion. It allows the fuel cell stack to work independently by storing excess power during fuel cell operation, then using it to power components like compressors and pumps when the stack isn't generating power. A controller manages the components. This makes the fuel cell system an active, standalone energy device instead of relying on external power sources.
13. Hydrogen Fuel Tank Switching System with Pressure-Based Latching Mechanism
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, 2022
Automated switching between multiple hydrogen fuel tanks on a mobile power generator to provide continuous power and avoid interruptions. A pressure-based latching switch monitors the fuel tank pressures, and automatically switches from an empty tank to a full tank to maintain a constant fuel supply to the generator's fuel cell system.
14. Hydrogen Fuel Cell with Passive Anode-Cathode Design and Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Membranes
CENTRO DE INVESTIG ENERGETICAS MEDIOAMBIENTALES Y TECNOLOGICAS CIEMAT, Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research, 2022
A hydrogen fuel cell for portable applications that uses hydrogen from metal hydrides and ambient air to generate electricity. The cell has a passive design to improve performance and simplify operation. The cell has separate anode and cathode compartments separated by an electrolyte membrane. The anode compartment has a hydrophilic membrane and accelerates hydrogen transport and water elimination. The cathode compartment has a columnar plate to facilitate air access, water discharge, and electrical contact. The anode and cathode compartments have different hydrophobicity to aid water removal. This passive design helps hydrogen storage, air/water transport, and cell efficiency for portable hydrogen fuel cells.
15. Modular Integrated Fuel Cell System with Separate Air and Fuel Supply and Central Power Management
GUANGZHOU POWER SUPPLY BUREAU OF GUANGDONG POWER GRID LIMITED RESPONSIBILITY CO, GUANGZHOU POWER SUPPLY BUREAU OF GUANGDONG POWER GRID LTD RESPONSIBILITY CO, 2022
Modular integrated fuel cell power generation system that improves overall power output, flexibility, and efficiency compared to traditional fuel cell stacks. The system uses modularly integrated fuel cell stacks, separate air intake and fuel supply systems, and a central power management module. This allows stack power scaling, independent stack control, simplified wiring, and unified power output regulation.
16. Compact Air-Cooled Fuel Cell System with Integrated Power Conversion and Lithium Battery Backup
INST OF ELECTRIC PROPULSION DEVICES FOR WUHAN SHIPS INST OF SEVENTH FIRST AND SECOND OF CHINA SHIP H, INSTITUTE OF ELECTRIC PROPULSION DEVICES FOR WUHAN SHIPS, WUHAN HYDROGEN ENERGY AND FUEL CELL INDUSTRY TECH RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIMITED CO, 2022
A compact and portable air-cooled fuel cell system for power generation that simplifies the traditional bulky water-cooled fuel cell system. The mobile air-cooled fuel cell system uses high-pressure hydrogen cylinders, an air-cooled fuel cell, a power conversion module, and a lithium battery. The air-cooled fuel cell generates power by burning hydrogen, which is supplied from the cylinders. The conversion module inverts the DC power to AC for external loads. The lithium battery provides backup power and charges from the conversion module. This eliminates the complex cooling system, compressor, and humidifier of a water-cooled fuel cell.
17. Wearable Self-Powered Generator with Nanoporous Insulation and Integrated Fuel Cell System
Honeywell International Inc., HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC, 2021
A wearable, self-powered power generator that uses fuel cells and nanoporous insulation to provide lightweight, long-lasting power for devices like soldiers' equipment. The generator is designed to be worn on the body and contains a fuel cell, hydrogen cartridge, charge storage device, power management electronics, and connectors. Oxygen from the environment is provided to the fuel cell through the insulated container. A nanoporous insulator limits water loss/gain without affecting oxygen flow. This allows higher energy density fuel cells without valves. The generator generates electricity from the fuel cell and stores it in the charge device. It can power external loads through connectors.
18. Fuel Cell System with Dynamic Output Adjustment Based on Energy Storage State
MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH, 2021
Fuel cell system that maximizes efficiency and longevity by dynamically adjusting the fuel cell output based on the state of charge of an energy storage device. The system has a fuel cell, energy storage, and control device. The control device determines the fuel cell power specification taking into account the energy storage state. This improves efficiency by operating the fuel cell at its optimal point instead of maximizing power. It also reduces wear by avoiding frequent start/stop cycles. The energy storage can provide initial power and cover peaks.
19. Ruggedized Portable Power Device with Multi-Source Charging and Integrated Temperature Control Systems
FC TECNRGY PRIVATE LIMITED, 2021
A ruggedized portable power device with multiple charging sources and temperature control for extreme environments. The device has a fuel cell system to generate power, a battery management system to protect the battery, and a control system with DC-DC converters, DC-AC inverters, and temperature regulation. It allows charging from multiple sources like solar, grid, or fuel cell, with priority assignment. The device can supply multiple DC and AC voltages at extreme temperatures and altitudes. The battery and components have temperature regulation to prevent overheating.
20. Dual-Stack Fuel Cell System with Solid Oxygen and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stacks
TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, UNIV TIANJIN, 2021
Fuel cell power supply for mobile devices that provides high power density, long endurance, and fast refueling using liquid methanol as the fuel. The power supply has a dual-stack fuel cell system with a solid oxygen fuel cell stack as the main power source and a direct methanol fuel cell stack as an auxiliary power source. A control system regulates the methanol feed to the cells based on device demand. This allows simultaneous operation of both stacks for high power and seamless transition to the auxiliary stack for low power. The methanol fuel enables high energy density and fast refueling compared to hydrogen. The system can power vehicles or devices with high power requirements and long ranges using liquid methanol as the fuel.
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