Abstract: A fuel cell system includes multiple fuel cells. Each fuel cell may be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that is arranged to optimize the performance of the fuel cell. The fuel cells may include silicon wafer substrates that define flow channels through the fuel cells for hydrogen and oxidant gases. The fuel cells can include obstructions within the flow channels that divert the flow of gases as the gases pass through the fuel cells. The fuel cell system may include multiple fuel cell modules, with each module including multiple stacked fuel cells.
Abstract: A fuel cell system includes multiple fuel cells. Each fuel cell may be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that is arranged to optimize the performance of the fuel cell. The fuel cells may include silicon wafer substrates that define flow channels through the fuel cells for hydrogen and oxidant gases. The fuel cells can include obstructions within the flow channels that divert the flow of gases as the gases pass through the fuel cells. The fuel cell system may include multiple fuel cell modules, with each module including multiple stacked fuel cells.
Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate binding layer and a metal layer can be deposited on a silicon electrode that has been configured with a flow field for a fuel cell. The metal provides high conductivity for the electrode and can also prevent degradation of the silicon. The intermediate binding layer allows the metal to be coupled with the silicon. As one example, tantalum can be used as the intermediate layer and gold can be used as the covering layer.
Abstract: A fuel cell system includes multiple fuel cells. Each fuel cell may be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that is arranged to optimize the performance of the fuel cell. The fuel cells may include silicon wafer substrates that define flow channels through the fuel cells for hydrogen and oxidant gases. The fuel cells can include obstructions within the flow channels that divert the flow of gases as the gases pass through the fuel cells. The fuel cell system may include multiple fuel cell modules, with each module including multiple stacked fuel cells.
Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, carbon can be deposited on a silicon electrode that has been configured with a flow field for a fuel cell. The carbon provides high conductivity for the electrode and can also prevent degradation of the silicon.