Abstract:
A disposable, compact, and efficient storage apparatus (10) contains a fuel source (24) and water for supplying hydrogen fuel (36) to a micro-fuel cell. The storage apparatus comprises a housing defining a fuel source chamber (14) and a plurality of water chambers (12), and one or more polymer crystals (22) containing water positioned within each of the water chambers (12). The fuel source (24), such as a chemical hydride mixed with a catalyst, is positioned within the fuel source chamber (14), wherein the water in each of the water chambers (12) is selectively allowed to migrate to the fuel source chamber (14) to contact the solid fuel, thereby producing the hydrogen fuel (36) at a desired flow rate and temperature. A conduit (32) supplies the hydrogen fuel (36) produced within the housing to the fuel cell (38).
Abstract:
A fuel cell device (10) and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion (14), formed of a singular body, and having a major surface (26). At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (16) formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel (32) including a mixing chamber (36) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid (34) to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel (38) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode. A multi-dimensional fuel flow field is defined in the multi-layer base portion and in communication with the fluid supply channel, the membrane electrode assembly and the exhaust channel. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel, multi-dimensional fuel flow field, and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system (10) and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion (14), formed of a singular body, and having a major surface (26). At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (16) is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel (32) including a mixing chamber (36) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing (34) to the membrane electrode assembly. A methanol concentration sensor (38) is positioned to communicate with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and the fuel- supply channel for regulating the mixture of fuel to the electrode assembly. An exhaust channel (38) including a water recovery and recirculation system (53) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly.