THERMOELECTRIC MODULE FOR A FUEL CELL IN A BREATH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE

Title:

THERMOELECTRIC MODULE FOR A FUEL CELL IN A BREATH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO/2010/025478

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

This invention relates to a thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device. The drawing illustrates the control circuit 10 of a fuel cell temperature regulating means constituted by a Peltier 12 which is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell (not shown). A Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal derived from a microcontroller (not shown) controls the electrical power applied to the control circuit 10, the microcontroller being programmed to monitor the output of a thermistor and to apply the first PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S1 and S4 and applying a positive current to the Peltier 12 to cool the fuel cell - if the thermistor indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a set operating temperature range and to apply the second PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S2 and S3 and applying a negative current to the Peltier 12, in use to heat the fuel cell - if the thermistor indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range. In colder climates, the Peltier 12 can be activated remotely, for instance by means of a radio frequency (RF) remote control to pre-heat the fuel cell to a stable operating temperature. In addition, the Peltier may be used, with suitable ancillary equipment, to calibrate the fuel cell before it is taken into service, whether initially or after servicing.

Inventors:

DEVINE DONOVAN PAUL (ZA)

Application Number:

PCT/ZA2009/000069

Publication Date:

March 24, 2011

Filing Date:

July 30, 2009

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

PFK ELECTRONICS PTY LTD (ZA)
DEVINE DONOVAN PAUL (ZA)

International Classes:

H01M8/04

Foreign References:

US7256700B1	2007-08-14
US6096558A	2000-08-01
GB2313198A	1997-11-19

Other References:

"HFAN-08.2.1: PWM Temperature Controller for Thermoelectric Modules Keeps Components within 0.1 C", MAXIM, 27 September 2002 (2002-09-27), Retrieved from the Internet
RICK DOWNS: "An Optical Amplifier Pump Laser Reference Design Based on the AMC7820", TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 1 May 2002 (2002-05-01), Retrieved from the Internet