Non-Propulsive Miniature Power Device Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Combustion-Driven Thermal Transpiration Pump

摘要

The present invention relates to a power device and, more particularly, to a non-propulsive thermal transpiration based micro single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SCSOFC) power device.

主权项

1. A thermal transpiration-based single chamber solid oxide fuel cell power generation device comprising:
a thermal transpiration membrane chamber made from a porous material comprising a Knudsen number of between 0.01 and 10; a solid oxide fuel cell housed within said thermal transpiration membrane chamber; and a hydrocarbon fuel source; wherein said device is configured to self sustain combustion of hydrocarbon fuel within said thermal transpiration membrane chamber from the hydrocarbon fuel source after ignition of said fuel thereby creating a temperature gradient between the inside and outside of said thermal transpiration membrane chamber, wherein the temperature within the inside of said thermal transpiration membrane chamber is higher than the temperature on the outside of said thermal transpiration membrane chamber, and whereby the hydrocarbon fuel from the hydrocarbon fuel source and ambient air comprising oxygen outside of said thermal transpiration membrane chamber flows through said thermal transpiration membrane chamber to the inside of said thermal transpiration membrane chamber.