Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a downhole tool, a fuel cell, a pressure applicator, and a desiccant. The wellbore has a wellbore fluid at hydrostatic pressure. The downhole tool is conveyed into the wellbore with a conveyance device. The fuel cell is associated with the downhole tool and receives a flow of an oxidant and a flow of hydrogen. The pressure applicator applies at least a portion of the hydrostatic pressure of the wellbore fluid to the fuel cell to increase a pressure applied to the fuel cell. The desiccant receives a fluid byproduct produced by the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a load on a downhole component of a well drilling system is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a drillstring and configured to be movable within a borehole, the drillstring configured to allow a drilling fluid to be advanced therethrough and into the borehole; at least one sensor disposed within the downhole tool for in-situ measurement of at least one physicochemical property of an environment surrounding the downhole tool; and a processor configured to monitor the at least one physicochemical property and at least one of i) provide physicochemical property information to a user during a drilling/steering operation, ii) adjust a load on the downhole component based on the environment information and iii) shut down the system in response to a detection of a measured physicochemical property beyond a selected threshold.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a load on a downhole component of a well drilling system is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a drillstring and configured to be movable within a borehole, the drillstring configured to allow a drilling fluid to be advanced therethrough and into the borehole; at least one sensor disposed within the downhole tool for in-situ measurement of at least one physicochemical property of an environment surrounding the downhole tool; and a processor configured to monitor the at least one physicochemical property and at least one of i) provide physicochemical property information to a user during a drilling/steering operation, ii) adjust a load on the downhole component based on the environment information and iii) shut down the system in response to a detection of a measured physicochemical property beyond a selected threshold.