Abstract: The present invention provides a protonically conductive membrane for use in a direct methanol fuel cell wherein a portion of said protonically conductive membrane conducts protons from the anode face of the membrane to the cathode face of the protonically conductive membrane, and a portion of which evolves gas from the anode side of the membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane where it is vented to the environment. The present invention also includes a membrane electrode assembly, fuel cell and fuel cell system which are comprised of the protonically conductive membrane and which evolve gas from the anode side of the protonically conductive membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane, where it is vented to the ambient environment.

Abstract: An adjustable fuel delivery regulation assembly is provided which can be disposed within a direct oxidation fuel cell system, or the fuel reservoir or fuel tank that supplies such a system. One embodiment of the fuel delivery regulation assembly is a shutter assembly, which includes two correspondingly perforated components. The two components can be positioned relative to one another such that the apertures in each component are aligned in certain ways. In an open position, the apertures are substantially fully aligned to permit full fuel flow. In a closed position, the apertures are offset such that there is no opening; thereby fuel flow is restricted. Intermediate positions allow adjustments in the amount of fuel flow proportional to the size of the openings. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a set of rotatably mounted slotted rods is inserted into a housing through which fuel can flow through openings in the housing.

Abstract: A conformable fuel cell is provided which includes a basic structure that provides flexibility while providing a high compression along the active surface of the fuel cell's membrane electrode assembly, which can be achieved by an injection-molded frame. A suitable fuel is delivered to the anode aspect of the fuel cell. Effective water management could also be provided by appropriate diffusion layers. The fuel cell can be contour-molded to a desired shape, or can be constructed of an array of flexibly connected individual fuel cells that overall have a curvilinear shape, or can be constructed as a pliable fuel cell that can be incorporated into an application device or an article of clothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing heat generated by a device that is powered at least in part by a direct oxidation fuel cell. Additional heat tends to improve the reaction in the direct oxidation fuel cell, such that heat produced by a powered device can be harnessed to increase the temperature of the reaction in the direct oxidation fuel cell. By doing so, the performance of the fuel cell can be enhanced and the temperature of the heat-generating portion of the device maintained.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating methanol concentration in a direct methanol fuel cell system without the need for a methanol concentration sensor. One or more operating characteristics of the fuel cell, such as the potential across the load, open circuit potential, potential at the anode proximate to the end of the fuel flow path or short circuit current of the fuel cell, are used to actively control the methanol concentration.