Abstract: The present invention provides, in a first aspect, an electrical generation system which includes an electrolyzer and a fuel cell system. The electrolyzer is coupled to a source of water and a power source. The electrolyzer is configured to generate oxygen and hydrogen utilizing water from the water source and electrical power from the power source. The fuel cell system is coupled to the electrolyzer to receive a flow of the hydrogen from the electrolyzer at an anode thereof. The fuel cell system includes a cathode having a cathode chamber coupled to a source of ambient air. The cathode chamber is coupled to the electrolyzer to selectively allow a flow of the oxygen from the electrolyzer to the cathode chamber and to selectively allow a flow of air from the source of ambient air to the cathode chamber. The fuel cell system is configured to generate electricity in a fuel cell reaction utilizing the hydrogen and the oxygen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.

Abstract: A fuel cell which provides improved performance during a cold start. Several embodiments are provided to enable the controlled introduction of fuel into the cathode of the fuel cell such that oxidation occurs, heat is released and the temperature of the fuel cell is raised. Such fuel may be introduced into the cathode directly or may be introduced into the anode and allowed to crossover an electrolytic membrane. Alternatively, the fuel may be directed through a special conduit which allows oxidation of some of the fuel as it flows through.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell which rapidly increases output power in response to demand. A conduit and valve arrangement allows neat or concentrated fuel to be introduced directly into anode flow field plate effectively bypassing the normal, time-consuming fuel flow path and eliminating the accompanying delay. A controller senses the demand for power and opens or closes the valves as appropriate. In alternative embodiments, neat or concentrated fuel is supplied directly to the anode diffusion layer or a protonically conductive membrane.

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system in which, in response to changes in the output power level of the cell, the concentration of methanol supplied to the anode is actively regulated. As a result, cross-over of methanol through the cell's membrane electrolyte is minimized, and operating efficiency is maintained over a wide dynamic range of output power levels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell which rapidly increases output power in response to demand. A conduit and valve arrangement allows neat or concentrated fuel to be introduced directly into anode flow field plate effectively bypassing the normal, time-consuming fuel flow path and eliminating the accompanying delay. A controller senses the demand for power and opens or closes the valves as appropriate. In alternative embodiments, neat or concentrated fuel is supplied directly to the anode diffusion layer or a protonically conductive membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell which provides improved performance during a cold start. Several embodiments are provided to enable the controlled introduction of fuel into the cathode of the fuel cell such that oxidation occurs, heat is released and the temperature of the fuel cell is raised. Such fuel may be introduced into the cathode directly or may be introduced into the anode and allowed to crossover an electrolytic membrane. Alternatively, the fuel may be directed through a special conduit which allows oxidation of some of the fuel as it flows through.