Fuel Cell with Fuel Monitoring System and Method of Use

Abstract

A fuel cell ( 9 ) includes a removable and replaceable fuel supply ( 12 ) having fuel disposed therein. A system for monitoring various parameters of the fuel such as temperature, pressure, and the levels of dissolved oxygen is provided. A plurality of sensors ( 30 ) is disposed on the fuel supply side that is capable of communicating with a controller ( 18 ) and memory ( 13 ) on the fuel cell side. In another embodiment, at least one sensor for measuring a system parameter of the fuel communicates with an RFID tag ( 50 ) either remotely or via a hardwired link. The sensor and/or the RFID tag may be coated with a substance impervious to the caustic fuel. An RFID reader station collects the data. The controller may be included to use the data in real time to alter system parameters, such as fuel pumping rates or a bleed off, or to trigger a signal, such as to notify a user of an empty fuel supply. In another embodiment, an optical sensor ( 61, 102 ) may be used.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . An optical sensor to monitor a fuel supply for a fuel cell, said fuel cell comprises a reader capable of reading an optical signal from said optical sensor to monitor the fuel supply. 
     
     
         44 . The optical sensor of  claim 43 , wherein the fuel cell further comprises a light source and said light source transports light to the optical sensor. 
     
     
         45 . The optical sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the optical sensor is connected to an optical fiber. 
     
     
         46 . The optical sensor of  claim 43 , wherein the optical sensor comprises a color identification tag. 
     
     
         47 . The optical sensor of  claim 46 , wherein the color identification tag comprises a plurality of colors. 
     
     
         48 . The optical sensor of  claim 46 , wherein the color identification tag comprises a color pattern. 
     
     
         49 . The optical sensor of  claim 46 , wherein the color identification comprises a material exhibiting chromism.