Abstract:
A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion and includes an electrically conductive hydrophilic material for the wicking of reaction water and providing for electrical conduction to a current collector. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly and the electrically conductive hydrophilic material. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.
Abstract:
A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel 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 and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. A methanol concentration sensor 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 including a water recovery and recirculation system is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly.
Abstract:
A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A water recovery and recirculation system is defined in a cap portion and in communication with a water recovery and recirculation channel defined in the base portion. The water recovery and recirculating system is formed to collect reaction water from the cathode side of the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for recirculation to the anode side of the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust separation chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for the exhausting of generated gases.
Abstract:
A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a plurality of hydrophilic threads for the wicking of reaction water is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly and the plurality of hydrophilic threads. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.