Integrated systems for use with fuel cells, and methods

Abstract

Integrated systems, including components for control of contaminants, sound, and humidity, are provided for a fuel cell system. The integrated system combines contamination control, sound control, and water management. The contamination control system provides filtration for the intake air that provides oxygen to the fuel cell cathode; materials removed can include sub-micrometer particulate matter, salts, oils, and chemicals. The sound control system reduces the level of noise emitted from the system by attenuating, resonating, or muffling the sound emitting from the air moving equipment, such as a compressor. The contamination control system can also provide security downstream of the compressor, by filtering the air to reduce the opportunity of lubricant from reaching the fuel cell. The water management system removes liquid water when excess is present. These systems are integrated in a variety of configurations to provide compact and thorough protection for the fuel cell.

1 . A filtration system for filtering an air stream for a fuel cell, the system comprising: 
 (a) a first integrated assembly for positioning in the air stream upstream of the fuel cell, the first integrated assembly comprising: 
 (i) a housing,  
 (ii) a particulate filter within the housing;  
 (iii) a chemical adsorbent material within the housing;  
   (b) a second integrated assembly for positioning in the air stream downstream of the first integrated assembly yet upstream of the fuel cell, the second integrated assembly comprising PTFE material; and    (c) an exhaust integrated assembly for positioning in the air stream downstream of the fuel cell, the exhaust integrated assembly comprising a water management system.    
   
   
       2 . The filtration system of  claim 1 , wherein the second integrated assembly is configured for positioning in the air stream downstream from air moving equipment and upstream of the fuel cell.  
   
   
       3 . The filtration system of  claim 1 , wherein the first integrated assembly includes a sound control system.  
   
   
       4 . The filtration system of  claim 3 , wherein the sound control system comprises a sonic choke.  
   
   
       5 . The filtration system of  claim 1 , wherein the first integrated assembly comprises shaped adsorbent material.  
   
   
       6 . The filtration system of  claim 5 , wherein the shaped adsorbent material is cylindrical.  
   
   
       7 . The filtration system of  claim 1 , wherein the first integrated assembly comprises fibrous adsorbent material.  
   
   
       8 . The filtration system of  claim 1 , wherein the second assembly includes a particulate filter comprising the PTFE material.  
   
   
       9 . The filtration system of  claim 8 , wherein the second integrated assembly further comprises a water management control system.  
   
   
       10 . The filtration system of  claim 8 , wherein the second integrated assembly further comprises a sound control system.