Abstract: A simplified direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell is constructed in such a manner that fuel is added to the cell anode as it is consumed and water is evaporated off at cell cathode so that there is no need for recirculation of unreacted fuel at the cell anode or water at the cell cathode. In addition, carbon dioxide generated from the anodic reaction is passively vented out of the system by using a CO2 gas permeable membrane material integrated as part of the anode chamber construction. It is thus possible that, the CO2 separation from the anode fluid occurs without the recirculation of the anode fluid outside the anode chamber. The passive system in which fuel is added as it is consumed and CO2 separated, both without pumping, ultimately will increase net power provided to the load due to low parasitic losses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.

Abstract: Several interrelated methods are described for guaranteeing the authenticity of a fuel cartridge that will supply methanol, hydrogen, or other fuel to a fuel consuming device apparatus. Specific fuel consuming device constructions must mate with specially designed fuel cartridges to ensure that the fuel will flow properly, that the fuel supplied is of sufficient quality and composition as required, and that will be leak-proof during storage, transport, and use. Several designs that will meet all of these requirements are described below. Each of the fuel cartridge designs will result in an acceptance by the fuel consuming device if the authentication criteria are met and rejection of the cartridge if they are violated.

Abstract: Fuel receptacles and related systems are described that are tamper resistant. A fuel receptacle can include a housing having an opening through which fuel contained therein may be delivered to a fuel consuming device along a fuel path and a biased element. The biased element can be contained with the housing having an orifice and a notch and it can sealing the opening when biased into a first position. The fuel consuming device can contain a protruding member to contact the notch and cause the biased element to move along a plane perpendicular to the fuel path into a second position when the fuel receptacle is coupled to the fuel consuming device. The second position can cause the orifice to be aligned with the opening thereby permitting fuel to be delivered to the fuel consuming device along the fuel path.

Abstract: A fuel cell diffusion layer for delivering a fuel mixture to the anode face of a catalyzed membrane and for resisting flow of carbon dioxide produced in the anodic reaction back into the associated fuel chamber. The diffusion layer contains either conduits or channels on one aspect thereof to redirect the carbon dioxide generated at the anode in the fuel cell reaction away from the catalyzed membrane and away from the fuel chamber. This avoids the volume replacement by carbon dioxide of fuel mixture in the anode chamber and enhances the concentration of methanol that can be used in the fuel mixture. It also serves to allow only that fuel that is consumed in the reaction to enter the space between the anode face of the catalyzed membrane and the diffusion layer adjacent thereto. The diffusion layer further includes perforations to increase the ability to deliver fuel to the anode aspect of the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell diffusion layer providing a preferential path by which liquid reactants or byproducts may be supplied to or removed from a direct oxidation fuel cell is described. The modified diffusion layer will be typically on the cathode side of the fuel cell and its use is to eliminate or minimize flooding of the cathode diffusion layer area, which is a performance limiting condition in direct methanol fuel cells. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the diffusion layer includes a substrate that is coated with a microporous layer. A pattern may be embossed into the diffusion layer, to create preferential flow paths by which water will travel and thereby be removed from the cathode catalyst area. This avoids cathode flooding and avoids build up of potentially destructive pressure by possible cathodic water accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protonically conductive membrane for use in a direct methanol fuel cell wherein a portion of said protonically conductive membrane conducts protons from the anode face of the membrane to the cathode face of the protonically conductive membrane, and a portion of which evolves gas from the anode side of the membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane where it is vented to the environment. The present invention also includes a membrane electrode assembly, fuel cell and fuel cell system which are comprised of the protonically conductive membrane and which evolve gas from the anode side of the protonically conductive membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane, where it is vented to the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protonically conductive membrane for use in a direct methanol fuel cell wherein a portion of said protonically conductive membrane conducts protons from the anode face of the membrane to the cathode face of the protonically conductive membrane, and a portion of which evolves gas from the anode side of the membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane where it is vented to the environment. The present invention also includes a membrane electrode assembly, fuel cell and fuel cell system which are comprised of the protonically conductive membrane and which evolve gas from the anode side of the protonically conductive membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane, where it is vented to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A simplified direct oxidation fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell is constructed in such a manner that fuel is added to the cell anode as it is consumed and water is evaporated off at cell cathode so that there is no need for recirculation of unreacted fuel at the cell anode or water at the cell cathode. In addition, carbon dioxide generated from the anodic reaction is passively vented out of the system by using a CO2 gas permeable membrane material integrated as part of the anode chamber construction. It is thus possible that, the CO2 separation from the anode fluid occurs without the recirculation of the anode fluid outside the anode chamber. In one embodiment, the simplified direct oxidation fuel cell includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane placed in close proximity to the anode to perform the carbon dioxide separation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a fuel cell cartridge for providing fuel to a fuel cell. Also described are fuel delivery systems, fuel cells, and related techniques.

Abstract: A simplified direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell is constructed in such a manner that fuel is added to the cell anode as it is consumed and water is evaporated off at cell cathode so that there is no need for recirculation of unreacted fuel at the cell anode or water at the cell cathode. In addition, carbon dioxide generated from the anodic reaction is passively vented out of the system by using a CO2 gas permeable membrane material integrated as part of the anode chamber construction. Other embodiments of the invention include a fuel container and delivery assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including an anode chamber having a fuel mixture comprising methanol and water, and a diffusion layer, a fuel source in fluid communication with the anode chamber via a conduit, a cathode chamber having a cathode and a diffusion layer, wherein the diffusion layer is in fluid communication with an oxidizer, and a proton conducting, electrical non-conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers and positioned substantially adjacent to said diffusion layers. The membrane includes a catalyst exposed to each of the chambers for initiating chemical reactions to produce electricity. The system also includes a first valve for automatically controlling a flow of fuel from the fuel supply cartridge, where the first valve includes a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A simplified direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell is constructed in such a manner that fuel is added to the cell anode as it is consumed and water is evaporated off at cell cathode so that there is no need for recirculation of unreacted fuel at the cell anode or water at the cell cathode. In addition, carbon dioxide generated from the anodic reaction is passively vented out of the system by using a CO2 gas permeable membrane material integrated as part of the anode chamber construction. Other embodiments of the invention include a fuel container and delivery assembly.

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery system and fuel cell system is provided which includes a component, which delivers fuel from the fuel cartridge by connecting with a corresponding component in the anode chamber of the fuel cell. Liquid fuel is transported into the anode area via an action in which fuel is drawn through the material which may be substantially comprised of a foam-based substance. Gases, including carbon dioxide, that are produced in the anodic reaction can be removed because the foam is gas permeable. Electrons produced in the reaction are collected by a wire mesh that lies between the foam and the membrane electron assembly. The flow of fuel between the foam and the fuel cartridge and the foam and the anode can be interrupted by breaking the connection between the cartridge and the cell, or the cartridge can be pulled away from the fuel cell to break the connection between the foam components. The invention may be employed with a fuel cell stack, or with an enclosed, refillable fuel cell system.

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including an anode chamber having a fuel mixture comprising methanol and water, and a diffusion layer, a fuel source in fluid communication with the anode chamber via a conduit, a cathode chamber having a cathode and a diffusion layer, wherein the diffusion layer is in fluid communication with an oxidizer, and a proton conducting, electrical non-conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers and positioned substantially adjacent to said diffusion layers. The membrane includes a catalyst exposed to each of the chambers for initiating chemical reactions to produce electricity. The system also includes a first valve for automatically controlling a flow of fuel from the fuel supply cartridge, where the first valve includes a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A fuel cell diffusion layer providing a preferential path by which liquid reactants or byproducts may be supplied to or removed from a direct oxidation fuel cell is described. The modified diffusion layer will be typically on the cathode side of the fuel cell and its use is to eliminate or minimize flooding of the cathode diffusion layer area, which is a performance limiting condition in direct methanol fuel cells. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the diffusion layer includes a substrate that is coated with a microporous layer. A pattern may be embossed into the diffusion layer, to create preferential flow paths by which water will travel and thereby be removed from the cathode catalyst area. This avoids cathode flooding and avoids build up of potentially destructive pressure by possible cathodic water accumulation.