Abstract: A fuel and wastewater storage device for a fuel cell includes: a housing having an interior; a movable barrier dividing the interior into a first cavity and a second cavity; a fuel port located at the first cavity; and a wastewater port located at the second cavity, wherein the storage device is sized to be contained within a portable electric device. A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a fuel and wastewater storage device in fluid communication with the fuel cell, the storage device includes: a housing having an interior; and a movable barrier dividing the interior into a first cavity and a second cavity.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal combustion interval during start-up of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer under various conditions of temperature, fuel type, and combustion fuel flow rate. An initial catalyst temperature is measured and an algorithm is used to calculate a rate of heating of the catalyst by combustion based upon heat content of the fuel, selected fuel flow rate, and heat capacity and mass of the catalyst and reformer passages. From the initial temperature and the heating gradient, an optimal combustion interval is inferred through the algorithm and used to terminate combustion, initiate a combustion quench interval, and change over the fuel flow rate and mixture from combustion to reforming.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stepper motor for actuating a moveable element of the apparatus. The maximum torque that can be generated at each step is a function of the voltage supplied to the motor. In some applications, however, torque greater than the nominal maximum may be required for brief periods. Under such conditions, the need for greater torque is sensed and a controller supplies a higher voltage to the motor, thereby increasing temporarily the output torque. When increased torque is no longer required, the voltage is reduced to nominal. The invention is useful, for example, for extending the range of a stepper motor actuator for an intake air control valve in a fuel cell assembly.