Avista Labs Gets Second Patent

Avista Labs has received a second patent for its unique fuel cell design.

The latest patent covers 73 claims for the electronic control system. That system rehydrates the proton-exchange membranes that are the foundation of a process that generates electricity from fuels such as hydrogen without using combustion.

The membrane acts as a catalyst that separates hydrogen’s single electron and proton. The electron then produces a current.

The only byproducts are heat, which can be put to use warming water, and water vapor.

Avista Labs is testing a design that features several cartridges, each with its own membrane, in subracks that allow users to replace one without shutting down the whole unit.

In March, the company was awarded a patent for the modular architecture.

Kim Zentz, president of the Avista Corp. subsidiary, said the technology covered by the new patent could be adopted by developers of nonmodular fuel cells, but not as effectively.

She said keeping the membranes properly hydrated enhances performance and may extend their operating life.

“It gives us a little spike of performance,” Zentz said.

Test units have been placed in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and others will be shipped soon, she said.

Meanwhile, Zentz said, Avista Labs and Chicago-based UOP LLC are working on a converter that will allow the fuel cells to work off natural gas and other fuels.