초록 ▼

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a system for providing fuel to a backup electrical fuel cell. In this particular embodiment, the system includes a sealed fuel container having a pierceable membrane with a container seal associated therewith, an acerate tube proximate the pierceabl

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a system for providing fuel to a backup electrical fuel cell. In this particular embodiment, the system includes a sealed fuel container having a pierceable membrane with a container seal associated therewith, an acerate tube proximate the pierceable membrane, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the acerate tube and automatically drives the acerate tube through the pierceable membrane to provide fluid communication from the fuel container to the fuel cell in response to a failure of a primary electrical power system. The container seal is configured to form a seal about the acerate tube when the acerate tube pierces the pierceable membrane to prevent unnecessary loss of fuel, such as methanol, from the container. In alternative embodiments, the system may also include the primary power system and a backup electrical fuel cell that is electrically coupled to the primary power system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for providing fuel to a backup electrical fuel cell, comprising:a sealed fuel container having a pierceable membrane with a container seal associated therewith;an acerate tube proximate said pierceable membrane; andan actuator, coupled to said acerate tube, that

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for providing fuel to a backup electrical fuel cell, comprising:a sealed fuel container having a pierceable membrane with a container seal associated therewith;an acerate tube proximate said pierceable membrane; andan actuator, coupled to said acerate tube, that automatically drives said acerate tube through said pierceable membrane to provide fluid communication from said fuel container to said fuel cell in response to a failure of a primary electrical power system, said container seal configured to form a seal about said acerate tube when said acerate tube pierces said pierceable membrane.