Abstract: A wireless communication device (200) and method (300) adapted to prolong the useful life of an energy storage device is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: detecting (310) a first threshold of an energy conversion module comprising at least one of a temperature threshold, oxygen threshold, voltage, a current threshold, a power threshold and moisture threshold; sensing (320) a temperature in proximity to a thermal module comprising at least one of a fuel tank, an electronic computing module, and a housing; and generating (330) an air stream based on the detected first threshold (310) and the sensed temperature (320). The device (200) and method (300) can automatically and dynamically manage, for example, temperature, oxygen and/or moisture of an energy storage module, to maintain the energy storage module within desired specifications and tolerances. This can help to prolong the useful life of the energy storage module and its components and help to maintain a maximum recharging capacity.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a primary hydrogen source capable of communicating with a fuel cell anode. The system also includes a secondary hydrogen source communicating with the primary hydrogen source. A first valve is positioned downstream of the secondary hydrogen source. The valve allows hydrogen from the secondary source to communicate with hydrogen from the primary source downstream of the valve and upstream of the fuel cell anode.

Abstract: An MH tank module 2 has a hollow outer shell portion 12 formed of metal. The outer shell portion 12 has a plurality of MH powder retaining chambers 22 defined by a plurality of fins 20. A plurality of MH tank modules 2 are bound together by a first tank holder 10 and a second tank holder 11. The tank holders 10, 11 are each configured by fastening and fixing first, second, third, and fourth holder components 28-31, which are separate from one another. The first to fourth holder components 28-31 each have a heat medium passage 28f-31f. The first to fourth holder components 28-31 each have recessed portions 33 each corresponding to the shape of a side portion of each MH tank module 2. The MH tank modules 2 are held individually by the corresponding recessed portions 33.

Abstract: The volume of liquid that remains in a liquid storage is calculated by measuring capacitances between several pairs of metal plates attached to each of several corresponding faces of the liquid storage and by combining liquid volumes corresponding to the capacitance based on the current position of the liquid storage. Such a method of measuring the volume of liquid can be used to measure the amount of fuel that remains in a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge has a pair of flat faces in which holes are formed. A net is stretched within the holes, and solid methanol is packed inside the fuel cartridge. A fuel cell unit, shaped as a flat box, comprises a pair of flat wall portions, a pair of long-side wall portions, and a pair of short-side wall portions. Each flat wall portion is provided with two MEAs-4, as fuel cells that are arranged so that the fuel electrodes (not shown) face inward. One of the long-side wall portions has an opening provided with, on the edge thereof, an elastic packing serving as a sealing member. An opening and closing lid is pivotably provided to the opening by a pivot as a pivot member. The resulting reduced size methanol fuel cell system has sufficient air-tightness and good power generation efficiency, and is simple in structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a fluid tank used as a water controller system for fuel cells, wherein the fluid tank includes a housing defining an inner space for receiving a liquid-phase component and a gas-phase component, discharging carbon dioxide and air of the gas-phase component, and supplying the liquid-phase component into a fuel cell stack, and wherein the housing is constructed in a dual structure in which a hermetically-sealed type inner case is disposed inside a hermetically-sealed type outer case such that a space defined between the hermetically-sealed type cases is filled with water, the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at one side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, and the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at the other side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, whereby the gas-phase component passes through the water filled in the space defined between the inner

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a power generation portion. The power generation portion at least has a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, and a first opening member including an opening on the fuel electrode side. The fuel cell includes a fuel storage portion storing fuel and including a second opening member that includes an opening. The fuel cell includes a container portion provided on the power generation portion containing the fuel storage portion. The container portion is designed to contain the fuel storage portion such that the fuel storage portion is attachable to and detachable from the power generation portion, while the opening of the first opening member and the opening of the second opening member are positioned so as to be communicable with each other.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fuel cell system features a fuel cell (14) having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), and an antioxidant residing in or contacting the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), for inactivating active oxygen.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes an inner shell formed from a moldable material, an intermediate shell formed over the inner shell, and an outer shell formed over the intermediate shell. The inner shell has an inner surface that defines a cavity, and the outer shell is formed with a high temperature epoxy resin.

Abstract: Provided are a heat recovery apparatus recovering heat generated from a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and transmitting the heat to a fuel spreader so that a temperature difference between the MEA and the fuel spreader inside a fuel cell is reduced, and a fuel cell having the heat recovery apparatus. The fuel spreader supplies fuel having a uniform concentration to the MEA through the heat recovery apparatus, so that a fuel cell having a reduced total volume, a stable performance, and increased energy efficiency can be provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a medium member. Unit areas are formed at both sides of the medium member. The unit areas include outlets and inlets which allow a fuel to flow. First path members which have first flowpaths for circulating the fuel are disposed at the unit areas. Membrane-electrode assemblies are connected to the respective first path members. Second path members which have second flowpaths for circulating air are connected to the respective membrane-electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an energy conversion module and a fuel module that is detachable from the energy conversion module. The fuel module includes a fuel tank, a fuel module identification member including fuel module data and a fuel filter member. The control module is configured to access the fuel module data from the fuel module identification member. The fuel cell stack is configured to utilize the refined fuel to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a cartridge includes a fuel chamber configured to store a fuel. The fuel chamber has a fuel outlet port configured to interface with a fuel inlet port of a fuel cell such that the fuel may be supplied to the fuel cell. The cartridge further comprises an oxidizing agent chamber configured to store an oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent chamber has an oxidizing agent outlet port configured to interface with an oxidizing agent inlet port of the fuel cell such that the oxidizing agent may be provided to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down property when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a reservoir assembly for use in a device, such as a fuel cell system, hydride storage system, hydrogen compressor system, heat pump system or air conditioner system. The assembly includes a first cellular component interconnected with at least a second cellular component in which the interconnected cellular components are arranged together to substantially fill an available device space, one or more end caps coupled to a portion of the first or the second cellular components, one or more external ports for adding or removing a fluid from the reservoir in which the external ports are positioned in one or more of the end caps or cellular components, and one or more internal ports in which each internal port fluidly connects the first interconnected cellular component to at least the second interconnected cellular component.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a proton-exchange membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. An exhaust anode gas exhausted from an outlet of the anode is directed back to an inlet of the anode. Hydrogen is added to the exhaust anode gas before the exhaust anode gas reaches the inlet.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge for fuel cells is configured to include an inner bag made of a flexible material and filled with liquid fuel, a valve provided to the inner bag for discharging the fuel, and an outer case encasing the inner bag with the valve being exposed to the outside, the outer case being deformable by a hand and able to recover its initial shape by itself. The fuel cartridge allows the liquid fuel inside to be used almost completely irrespective of its attachment direction, and can be used in both applications where the cartridge is hand-pressed to discharge fuel and where fuel is pumped-out from the cartridge.

Abstract: A direct liquid feed fuel cell system includes fuel cells including an electrolyte membrane, a plurality of cathode electrodes formed on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and anode electrodes formed on a second part of the electrolyte membrane; and a high concentration fuel storage unit and a low concentration fuel storage unit which are separated from each other and store a liquid fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell. The liquid fuel in the low concentration fuel storage unit is supplied to the anode electrodes wherein the liquid fuel in the low concentration fuel storage unit is supplied to the anode electrodes when pressure is applied to the low concentration fuel storage unit, such as when the direct liquid feed fuel cell system having the low concentration fuel storage unit is mounted on an electronic device.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure tank configured to store hydrogen and includes a metal hydride (MH) tank capable of storing hydrogen, mounted therein. First and second solenoid valves are provided at both ends of the high pressure tank. A fuel cell stack is then connected to the buffer tank so that hydrogen from the high pressure tank or the MH tank is supplied to the stack through the buffer tank.

Abstract: A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for supplying a liquid fuel to a device having a fuel cell which uses the liquid fuel is provided. The fuel supply apparatus includes: a container containing the liquid fuel and being configured to be detachably attached to the device; and a joint for connecting the container and the device. The joint has a double tube structure including an outer tube and an inner tube. One of the outer tube and the inner tube forms a flow path through which the liquid fuel in the container flows into the device by gravity, while the other tube forms a flow path through which a replacement fluid spontaneously flows into the container to replace the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

Abstract: A fluid pump and connector assembly is particularly suited for use in connecting a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell system. The assembly has a first sub-assembly comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a first connector. The assembly also has a second sub-assembly comprising a second connector adapted to connect to the first connector, an actuator and a reciprocating member coupled to the actuator and contacting the diaphragm when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected, wherein a reciprocating motion of the actuator and member causes the diaphragm to reciprocate and pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet without exposing the fluid to the second sub-assembly.

Abstract: The existing problem is supplying fuel at a fixed flow rate to a fuel cell, and moreover, miniaturization of the device in which the fuel cell is loaded, in a fuel cartridge for a fuel cell. The fuel cartridge for a fuel cell is equipped with a container main body that is equipped with a connection part that connects to the fuel cell, and houses the fuel that is supplied to the fuel cell in its interior, and a push out means for pushing out the fuel, and a valve that has a supply port for supplying fuel to the fuel cell, and that opens the supply port in response to the operation connecting the container main body to the fuel cell.

Abstract: Provided are gas storage medium, a gas storage apparatus having the same and a method thereof. The gas storage medium includes a plurality of material layers each having a variable valence, wherein each of the material layers includes redundant electrons that are not participated in chemical bonding.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to an electronic portable having at least one electronic component. The electronic portable device includes a fuel cell operable for powering at least in part the at least one electronic component, and a fuel tank for storing fuel to be used by the fuel cell. The fuel tank is defined by at least one body section, the at least one body section sized and shaped so as to form a frame of the electronic device. The frame has at least one hollow region for storing the fuel therein, the at least one body section including an inlet for introducing fuel into the hollow region and an outlet for releasing fuel from the hollow region to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell includes a solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, an anode 2 contacting one of the faces of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, a cathode 3 contacting the other face of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, and a gas-liquid separation membrane 4 enclosing a MEA 12 including the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 4, the anode 2, and the cathode 3, and which transmits gas but not liquid. An end face of the gas-liquid separation membrane 1 is sealed, and the MEA 12 is isolated from outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4. The anode 2 and the cathode 3 respectively include an electrode terminal extending from an end portion thereof, and the electrode terminal is exposed to outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4, through an end portion thereof.

Abstract: A fuel tank comprises: multiple pellets each formed of a hydrogen storage metal which is capable of storing hydrogen to be supplied to fuel cells; a support mechanism configured to support the multiple pellets such that they are layered mutually closest to one another while still permitting the volume of the multiple pellets to change; a housing unit configured to house the multiple pellets in a layered state which is maintained by the support mechanism; and a detection unit configured to detect the positions of both ends of the multiple pellets which change due to changes in the volume of the multiple pellets.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant (9) includes a stack (10) of fuel cells, each including anodes (11), cathodes (12), coolant channels (13) and either (a) a coolant accumulator (60) and a pump (61) or (b) a condenser and cooler fan. During shutdown, electricity generated in the fuel cell in response to boil-off hydrogen gas (18) powers a controller (20), an air pump (52), which may increase air utilization to prevent cell voltages over 0.85 during shutdown, and either (a) the coolant pump or (b) the cooler fan. Operation of the fuel cell keeps it warm; circulating the warm coolant prevents freezing of the coolant and plumbing. The effluent of the cathodes and/or anodes is provided to a catalytic burner (48) to consume all hydrogen before exhaust to ambient. An HVAC in a compartment of a vehicle may operate using electricity from the fuel cell during boil-off.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to downsize a fuel cell, and to stably supply fuel to a fuel electrode. According to the present invention, the above described object is attained by providing a vaporized fuel container 1518 communicated with a liquid fuel container 1517 via a gas liquid separating film 1519 in the fuel cell 1516, in which a liquid fuel 124 supplied to a fuel electrode 102 is stored.

Abstract: An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.

Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assembly. The separator includes first to third plates. A fuel gas channel is formed between the first and third plates. The fuel gas channel forms a fuel gas pressure chamber over an electrode surface of an anode. The fuel gas pressure chamber is divided into an inner pressure chamber and an outer pressure chamber an arc-shaped wall. Reforming catalyst is provided in the outer pressure chamber.

Abstract: In a fuel tank for containing a hydrogen storing material and a product generated by dehydrogenation reaction of the hydrogen storing material, comprising, a fuel chamber for containing the hydrogen storing material, a waste chamber for containing the product, and a tank envelope for containing the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, the fuel tank further comprises a partition wall fluidly separating the fuel chamber and the waste chamber from each other and being movable to change a ratio in volume between the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, and each of the fuel chamber and the waste chamber has a valve to be hermetically closed.

Abstract: Novel mixed alkali metal borohydrides are disclosed which can be used as hydrogen storage materials. Processes for producing the mixed alkali metal borohydrides and their use in hydrogen storage devices are also described.

Abstract: A fuel-cell connector for releasable connection to a fuel cartridge has a cartridge-side connection element with a cartridge-side valve that opens or closes a fuel-supply opening. A connector-side valve opens and closes a fuel-receiving opening and moves, during the first insertion stage, with the cartridge-side valve and a resilient element for resisting movement in the insertion direction of a connector body unit into which the cartridge-side connection element is telescopically inserted. The connector body unit has on its outer periphery engagement means for engaging a cartridge-side connection element and a stationary mechanism part for attachment to the fuel-cell-using device.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved, low-cost fuel cells having reduced fuel crossover, reduced sensitivity to metal ion impurities and ability to operate under a broad range of temperatures. The invention further provides improved methods for catalyst preparation and a new integrated flow field system for use in H2/O2 fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell capable of accurately measuring the residual amount of fuel is disclosed. A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell may include a housing and a pouch contained within the housing and forming an inner space. The inner space of the pouch is formed by mechanically connecting a first plane portion and a second plane portion parallel to each other with a side portion intersecting both the first plane portion and the second plane portion. The pouch may be configured to contract or expand according to a residual amount of fuel in the inner space. The pouch may include a fuel path formed on the upper portion thereof. First and second electrodes may be positioned facing each other at opposite sides of the side portion with the pouch in the housing positioned therebetween when viewed in a plane. The first electrode and the second electrode may also have a plurality of opposite directions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system capable of computing fuel level stored in a fuel tank, and more particularly to a fuel cell system capable of computing fuel level without using a flux sensor or flow rate sensor includes: a fuel tank storing fuel; a stack for generating electricity by the electro-chemical reaction of the fuel; a fuel pump for transferring fuel from the fuel tank to the stack; a fuel pump for transferring the fuel from the fuel tank to the stack; a pumping controller for generating a pump control signal controlling the pumping operation of the fuel pump; and a fuel level computing unit for computing the amount of fuel used and fuel level from the waveform of the pump control signal. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system informs a user when the fuel level is low, with reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a fuel containing substance and a heater in thermal communication with the fuel containing substance.

Abstract: A fuel cell body has an anode having an anode-side separator with projections and depressions formed on its surface, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the anode and the cathode, and the fuel cell body is disposed in a container for storing liquid fuel so that at least the anode side is immersed therein. Fuel passageways through which the liquid fuel flows are formed by regions surrounded by the projections and depressions on the surface of the separator and the membrane electrode assembly. By this, the downsized, simplified and lower power consuming structure of auxiliary equipment such as a fuel feed system is achieved.

Abstract: A housing contains a fuel cell, a lithium ion secondary cell, a wiring board on which a control circuit and the like are mounted, a light-emitting diode and the like. The bottom surface of the housing is covered with a bottom plate. A plurality of air-intake holes are formed in the bottom plate to supply air to the fuel cell. Two USB ports and are provided in the periphery of the housing. A plurality of air-discharge holes are formed in the upper portion of the periphery of the housing. Gas in the housing is discharged to the outside through the air-discharge holes. Furthermore, light from an LED provided in the housing works as an illumination for the fuel cartridge, which can facilitate checking of the fluid level of the fuel cartridge, thus, checking of the amount of remaining fuel.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a fuel cartridge with a fuel storage portion and a fuel feed opening and a fuel cell body with an output terminal and a power generation portion. The fuel cell comprises a wiring portion for electrically connecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body with each other when the fuel cartridge is mounted to the fuel cell body to place a fuel in a state in which the fuel is feedable from the fuel cartridge to the fuel cell body and for electrically disconnecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body when the fuel cartridge is removed from the fuel cell body.

Abstract: A fuel cell which can utilize the fuel in its fuel reservoir to the fullest possible extent. The fuel cell includes: an electrolyte layer; a first electrode which is provided on one surface of the electrolyte layer and to which a liquid fuel is supplied; and a second electrode which is provided on the other surface of the electrolyte layer and to which an oxidant is supplied. The fuel cell further includes: a fuel chamber which is provided next to the first electrode and stores the liquid fuel; a fuel reservoir which is provided next to the fuel chamber and stores the liquid fuel to be refilled into the fuel chamber; a selectively permeable unit which is provided between the fuel chamber and the fuel reservoir and is permeable to the liquid fuel; and an osmotic pressure generating source which dissolves in a liquid stored in the fuel chamber and does not permeate the selectively permeable unit.

Abstract: A method in which a high temperature electrochemical system, such as a solid oxide fuel cell system, generates hydrogen and optionally electricity in a fuel cell mode. At least a part of the generated hydrogen is separated and stored or provided to a hydrogen using device. A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system stores carbon dioxide in a fuel cell mode. The system generates a methane fuel in an electrolysis mode from the stored carbon dioxide and water by using a Sabatier subsystem. Alternatively, the system generates a hydrogen fuel in an electrolysis mode from water alone.