Abstract: A gas diffusion layer that is usable with a fuel cell includes a material that is adapted to permit a reactant of the fuel cell to diffuse through the material. The material includes flow channels for communicating the reactant so that at least a portion of the reactant diffuses through the material to a membrane of a fuel cell. The gas diffusion layer may be received by a recessed portion of a plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fuel cell assembly may include one or more (e.g., PEM-type) fuel cell(s). Fluid(s) service(s) for the fuel cell assembly may include reactant fluid(s) service(s) such as service(s) of fuel(s) and/or oxidant(s), along with humidification service(s). A pulsator may be positioned at any entrance and/or exit for the fluid manifolds. Such pulsator(s) may serve to introduce pressure variation(s) along part(s) of flow path(s) extending in the fuel cell assembly. In one example, with respect to an anode side of a fuel cell, the pressure variation(s) may serve to purge a nitrogen blanket from the anode side of the MEA so reformate including hydrogen may be supplied for electrochemical reaction. With respect to a cathode side of the fuel cell, the pressure variation(s) may serve to remove a nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide blanket and product fluid from the cathode side of the MEA so air containing oxygen may be supplied for the electrochemical reaction. Also, excess humidification fluid may be removed.

Abstract: A hollow ceramic fiber wick is used for combustion of diesel or other liquid fuels in a small combustor. Fuel and air are provided to the hollow ceramic wick by a positive-displacement fuel pump and a positive-displacement air blower driven by a common microprocessor-controlled driveshaft. A first portion of the air is provided directly to the wick while a second portion of the air is communicated by passageways outwardly concentric from the wick holder to a swirler chamber near the tip of the wick within the combustion chamber.