A Micro Hydrogen Generator with a Microfluidic Self-Regulating Valve for Sensors and Fuel Cells

Author

Swaminathan, Vikhram V. ; Zhu, L. ; Gurau, B. ; Masel, R.I. ; Shannon, M.A.

Author_Institution

Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

fYear

2009

fDate

25-29 Jan. 2009

Firstpage

35

Lastpage

38

Abstract

We have developed a fully integrated micro power generator, based on a hydrogen fuel cell. Key to the power generator is an on-board hydrogen production with a passive microfluidic control valve that provides self-regulating operation. Critical integration issues are identified and regimes established for efficient power generation. Preliminary results demonstrate the ability of our device to operate smoothly, with quick - order seconds - response for fluctuating power demands. Energy densities in excess of 150 Whr/L and peak powers of 369.2 W/L are promising for packaging the integrated hydrogen fuel cell into Power MEMS.

Keywords

hydrogen economy; microfluidics; microvalves; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; energy densities; fuel cells; integrated hydrogen fuel cell; microfluidic self-regulating valve; microhydrogen generator; on-board hydrogen production; passive microfluidic control valve; power MEMS; Biomembranes; Fuel cells; Hydrogen; Microfluidics; Micromechanical devices; Power demand; Power generation; Surface tension; Valves; Water resources;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, 2009. MEMS 2009. IEEE 22nd International Conference on

Conference_Location

Sorrento

ISSN

1084-6999

Print_ISBN

978-1-4244-2977-6

Electronic_ISBN

1084-6999

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/MEMSYS.2009.4805312

Filename

4805312