Abstract: An electrolyzer for generating hydrogen by the electrolytic dissociation of water employs anode and cathode half-cells, separated by a planar polymer-based solid electrolyte, and includes a water reservoir for independently maintaining a desired level of water in the anode and cathode half-cells. A hydrogen exit chimney extends vertically upward from each cathode half-cell and enters a separation chamber; a gas exit passageway therefrom is closed by a separation membrane that allows the passage of H2 but rejects liquid H2O, while a return water passageway enters near the bottom of the cathode half-cell. The half-cells are preferably formed by molded plastic frames that are arranged as a cell stack containing a plurality of electrolytic cells, with flat metal anodes and cathodes being respectively sandwiched about the solid electrolyte membrane in each cell.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for generating hydrogen by the electrolytic dissociation of water employs anode and cathode half-cells, separated by a planar polymer-based solid electrolyte, and includes a water reservoir for independently maintaining a desired level of water in the anode and cathode half-cells. A hydrogen exit chimney extends vertically upward from each cathode half-cell and enters a separation chamber; a gas exit passageway therefrom is closed by a separation membrane that allows the passage of H2 but rejects liquid H2O, while a return water passageway enters near the bottom of the cathode half-cell. The half-cells are preferably formed by molded plastic frames that are arranged as a cell stack containing a plurality of electrolytic cells, with flat metal anodes and cathodes being respectively sandwiched about the solid electrolyte membrane in each cell.

Abstract: A portable electronic device incorporates PEM fuel cells and is designed to operate by the reaction of hydrogen from a hydride-containing fuel container and oxygen from the air, while efficiently removing the product water by a novel water transportation system. Temperature is effectively controlled by placing a plurality of fuel cell subunits as a generally planar array in the lid of the PC adjacent a heat transfer plate. A particularly efficient resupply system is provided where an electrolyzer that supplies H2 at a pressure sufficient to continue to power the PC and simultaneously recharge an operatively-connected container and a second spare container in the electrolyzer.