Abstract: An improved system for generating electrical power using a fuel cell. More particularly, a system for generating hydrogen gas by reacting water vapor with a substantially non-fluid substance and transporting the generated hydrogen gas to the fuel cell which generates electrical power. Reacting water vapor with the non-fluid hydrogen generating substance rather than liquid water prevents caking of the non-fluid substance and deposition of byproducts onto the non-fluid substance that interfere with continued generation of hydrogen gas. Also, a non-electrically actuated valve for use in a hydrogen gas generating apparatus which regulates the generation of hydrogen as required by the fuel cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a gas sensor comprising a flow channel, a concentration modulator positioned in the flow channel, a gas generator in contact with the flow channel, one or more gas detectors positioned downstream of the concentration modulator and gas generator and a pump.

Abstract: A photoacoustic gas sensing system includes either separate lasers or an arrangement of emitters and filters, to provide infrared energy within at least two distinguishable frequency bandwidths, modulated at two or more associated and different modulating frequencies. The modulated energy signals illuminate a gas cell containing a mixture of gases that experience temperature and pressure fluctuations responsive to the radiant energy. An amplified microphone signal, produced responsive to the pressure fluctuations, is detected at the different modulation frequencies to provide two or more detector signals in digital form. These signals are processed in combination with predetermined constants derived by calibrating the system, to generate two or more concentration values corresponding to the individual gases involved. The system can utilize a photoacoustic cell with walls formed entirely of a polymer that is both gas-permeable and transparent to the infrared radiation.