Abstract: A portable fuel cell system that is compact. The integration of a snorkel into the chassis allows the fuel cell to operate inside a backpack. The fuel cell system includes a thermal management system to keep the surface of the chassis at a comfortable temperature for the user. A boiler is mounted on a side of the fuel cell stack such that waste heat from the fuel cell stack is efficiently transferred to the boiler to vaporize fuel. A burner is positioned away from the fuel cell stack so that the system can be more compact. A thermal management system, including a blower, a heatsink, and a cooling air shroud, regulates the temperature of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and heating the vaporized liquid to an elevated temperature. The apparatus has a heat transfer wall having an outer surface for receiving heat and transferring the heat to an inner surface. A wick material is disposed so that a portion of the wick material is in contact with the inner surface and another portion is remote from the heat transfer wall. A wick support in contact with the wick material opposite the inner surface of the heat transfer wall provides structural support to the wick material and further provides a path for vaporized liquid to flow from the wick material. Vaporizable liquid is delivered to the portion of the wick material that is remote from the heat transfer wall and is allowed to migrate to the portion that is in contact with the inner surface. Heat from the inner surface converts the liquid to a vaporized liquid. Optionally, a gaseous fuel may be introduced into the wick support for pre-heating and mixing with the vaporized liquid.