Abstract: Portable fuel cell arrangement comprising fuel cells in the form of discs for axial layering in a stack which is fixed by a tie rod, wherein the fuel cell has an opening to hold the tie rod and to form an inlet for a first gas, and comprises: a high-temperature ceramic electrolyte or a low-temperature polymer electrolyte; a porous cathode layer or a porous anode layer on each side of the electrolyte; a gas-permeable substrate having channels for carrying gases; a small separating plate located at least partially on the first surface of the substrate a large, separating plate which is located on the second surface of the substrate and comprises means for carrying gases in a controlled manner. The large separating plate may comprise means for carrying gases run along continuous lines, have no branches and do not run in the radial direction or in the tangential direction, and described by the formula &phgr;=±A{[(r/r0)2−1]0.5: −B arc tan[(r/r0)2−1]}.

Abstract: A device for converting energy by a proton-conducting electrolyte, includes an integrated arrangement for producing hydrogen gas. The arrangement has a reaction chamber for producing H2 gas by reaction of water with a hydride; and a fuel cell stack having an H2 gas is transferred. Each fuel cell has an opening which together form the distribution channel and by means of which an H2 gas distribution in individual fuel cells is provided. The reaction chamber is situated underneath, and a water coupling is situated above the cell stack. Further a tension rod having a longitudinal internal passage connecting the water coupling with the reaction chamber is disposed in the openings for holding together the fuel cells. A valve is connected to the tension rod for controlling the passage.