Abstract: A power generator includes a fuel container adapted to hold a hydrogen containing fuel. A sliding valve is coupled between a fuel cell and a fuel container. A pressure responsive actuator is coupled to the two stage valve and the fuel container.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating fuel cartridge includes a case having a perforated opening layer. A hydrogen producing fuel is disposed within the case. A hydrogen permeable membrane is disposed between the hydrogen producing fuel and the perforated opening layer in the case. A spring loaded slideable valve plate is positioned adjacent the perforated opening layer such that the slideable valve plate and perforated opening form a valve that is biased in a closed position to prevent hydrogen from escaping from the fuel cartridge.

Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen producing fuel and a hydrogen storage element. A fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separates the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is positioned between the hydrogen storage element and the hydrogen producing fuel and the fuel cell. Hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell from the hydrogen storage element if demand for electricity exceeds the hydrogen producing capacity of the hydrogen producing fuel.

Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen in response to water vapor. A solid oxide fuel cell is coupled to the hydrogen generator for receiving hydrogen and is coupled to a source of oxygen.

Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen in response to water vapor. A solid oxide fuel cell is coupled to the hydrogen generator for receiving hydrogen and is coupled to a source of oxygen.

Abstract: A power generator including one or more fuel cells, a fuel chamber enclosing a hydrogen generating fuel, and one or more slideable cylindrical valves in contact with the fuel chamber. The one or more valves include an inner cylindrical component with first perforations, and a slideable cylindrical component with second perforations and having a plurality of separated flexible sections. The valves are useful in controlling the flow of hydrogen into the anode portion of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen producing fuel and a hydrogen storage element. A fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separates the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is positioned between the hydrogen storage element and the hydrogen producing fuel and the fuel cell. Hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell from the hydrogen storage element if demand for electricity exceeds the hydrogen producing capacity of the hydrogen producing fuel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for power generation via combined fuel thermolysis and hydrolysis are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include a housing that includes an air intake, a fuel cartridge adapted to be removably placed within the housing, wherein the fuel cartridge includes a heating element configured to heat a fuel located in the fuel cartridge to cause a release of hydrogen from the fuel, an air conduit disposed about the fuel cartridge in the housing, wherein the air conduit includes a fuel cell portion and a water vapor permeable, hydrogen impermeable membrane portion, and the air conduit is configured to direct oxygen from the air intake to the fuel cell portion and to carry water vapor generated by the fuel cell portion past the membrane portion such that water vapor passes through the membrane portion and causes release of hydrogen from the fuel cartridge.

Abstract: High power density generators are formed with a flexible multi-layered structure. The structure includes a fuel layer with a separate fuel cell stack adjacent to each side of the fuel layer. The structure can be flexible and formed into a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A power generator comprises a hydrogen producing fuel, multiple fuel cells arranged in a ring, and a rotatable ring valve. Each fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane and an opening separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. The rotatable ring valve has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the fuels cells such that ambient water is controllably prevented from entering the fuel cell by rotation of the ring valve.

Abstract: A blowerless heat exchanger apparatus based on micro-jet entrainment is disclosed. The heat exchanger apparatus incorporates a number of fins regularly spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, thus letting air currents flow in the space defined between them. A dense array of micro-jet nozzles can be fabricated on the fins surface pointing to the flow direction of the air movement in order to induce increase airflow. The air from an air compressor delivers sufficient airflow on the fins surface utilizing micro-jets entrainment. The micro-jet entrainment confirms strong turbulent around the micro-jets and suggests significant heat transfer enhancement. The turbulence from the micro-jets enhance the heat transfer coefficient, potentially by an order of magnitude, therefore allowing much larger fin spacing and leads to huge reduction of flow resistance and overall power consumption.

Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.

Abstract: A power generator includes a housing, a chemical hydride fuel block adapted to be removably placed within the housing, an air conduit disposed about the chemical hydride fuel block in the housing. The air conduit includes a fuel cell portion and a water vapor permeable, hydrogen impermeable membrane portion. The housing has an air intake opening to draw air into the housing and through the air conduit to provide oxygen to the fuel cell portion and to carry water vapor generated by the fuel cell portion past the permeable membrane portion such that water vapor passes through the membrane and causes release of hydrogen from the fuel block.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing fuel comprises a chemical hydride and metal hydride. In one embodiment the chemical hydride evolves hydrogen spontaneously upon exposure to water vapor, and the metal hydride reversibly absorbs/desorbs hydrogen based on temperature and pressure. The hydrogen producing substance may be formed in the shape of a pellet and may be contained within a hydrogen and water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane. The hydrogen producing substance may further be soaked in a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of islands each carrying multiple cantilevers. The apparatus also includes a fluidic network having a plurality of channels separating the islands. The channels are configured to provide fluid to the islands, and the fluid at least partially fills spaces between the cantilevers and the islands. Heat from the islands vaporizes the fluid filling the spaces between the cantilevers and the islands to transfer the heat away from the islands while driving the cantilevers into oscillation. The apparatus may also include a casing configured to surround the islands and the fluidic network to create a vapor chamber, where the vapor chamber is configured to retain the vaporized fluid. The islands and the fluidic network could be formed in a single substrate, or the islands could be separate and attached together by a binder located within the channels of the fluidic network.

Abstract: A power generator includes a fuel container adapted to hold a hydrogen containing fuel. A two stage valve is coupled between a fuel cell and a fuel container and between a water reservoir and the fuel container. A pressure responsive actuator is coupled to the two stage valve and the fuel container.

Abstract: A device has an annulus having a first end and a second end. A valve plate is coupled to the first end of the annulus by a fastener, wherein the valve plate is adapted to contact a valve seat on a hydrogen producing fuel cover. A diaphragm is coupled to the second end of the annulus by a fastener, wherein the annulus extends through a container for holding the hydrogen producing fuel and wherein the diaphragm moves the valve plate relative to the valve seat responsive to a different in pressure across the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.

Abstract: A power generator comprising a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell stack having an anode exposed to hydrogen from the hydrogen generator and a cathode exposed to an ambient environment. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers are used to promote flow of water away from the cathode. A diffusion path thus separates the fuel cell cathode from the hydrogen generator. In one embodiment, water vapor generated from the fuel cell substantially matches water used by the hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.