Abstract:
A fuel cell layer includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar array arrangement and an interconnector for electrically coupling an anode catalyst layer of one of adjacent membrane electrode assemblies to a cathode catalyst layer of the other of the adjacent membrane electrode assemblies. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, the anode catalyst layer provided on one face of the electrolyte member and the cathode catalyst layer provided on the other face of the electrolyte membrane in such a manner that at least part of which is disposed counter to the anode catalyst layer. The interconnector is formed of at least one of a material constituting the anode catalyst layer and a material constituting the cathode catalyst layer.
Abstract:
The invention is a fuel cell made of a fuel plenum with fuel, an oxidant plenum with oxidant, a porous substrate communicating the fuel and oxidant plenum, a channel formed by the porous substrate, an anode, a cathode, electrolyte in a portion of the channel contacting the anode and the cathode preventing transfer of fuel to the cathode and preventing transfer of oxidant to the anode, a first coating to prevent fuel from entering a portion of the porous substrate, a second coating to prevent oxidant from entering a portion of the porous substrate, two sealant barriers, and a positive and negative electrical connection, wherein the invention also involves a multiple fuel cell layer structure, a bi-level fuel cell layer structure, and a method for making a fuel cell layer.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrochemical cell system including a cover that affects reactant flow into an electrochemical cell array.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.
Abstract:
Portable electronic devices such as portable telephones, portable computers and the like may obtain power from fuel cells that consume fuel from fuel reservoirs of the portable devices. A network of fueling stations permits users of portable devices to main the devices operational by frequently topping up the fuel reservoirs. Payment systems combine payments for fuel with larger payments for other transactions to avoid the overhead of processing individual payments for very small amounts.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.
Abstract:
An integrated heat sink fuel cell assembly includes a heat sink having a base and at least one cooling fin extending from the base. At least one fuel cell comprising a cathode and an anode is located on the heat sink. The heat sink is in thermal contact with an electrically powered device that generates heat. Air carries away heat from the heat sink and in some embodiments serves as an oxidant at cathodes of the fuel cells. Heat from the device warms the heat sink and may also warm the fuel cells. A fuel reformer or a fuel storage tank, or both, may also be provided within the heat sink.
Abstract:
The invention is a fuel cell(8) made of a fuel plenum(10) with fuel(11), an oxidant plenum(16) with oxidant(13), a porous substrate(12) communicating the fuel(11) and oxidant plenum(16), a channel(14) formed by the porous substrate, an anode(28), a cathode(30), electrolyte(32) in a portion of the channel contacting the anode and the cathode preventing transfer of fuel to the cathode and preventing transfer of oxidant to the anode, a first coating(34) to prevent fuel from entering a portion of the porous substrate, a second coating(36) to prevent oxidant from entering a portion of the porous substrate, two sealant barriers(44,46), and a positive(50) and negative(48) electrical connection, wherein the invention also involves a multiple fuel cell layer structure, a bi-level fuel cell layer structure, and a method for making a fuel cell layer.
Abstract:
A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.