Importance

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Abstract

A fuel cell for generating electricity by using an ion exchange membrane as electrolyte. Such fuel cells are generally arranged as a stack. Each fuel cell has a fuel electrode to which gaseous hydrogen is fed, an oxygen electrode to which oxygen is fed, an ion exchange membrane sandwiched therebetween, a fuel distribution member for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode, and an oxygen distribution member for supplying oxygen to the oxygen electrode. These fuel cells are characterized by a liquid-permeable electricity-conductive member in the form of a layer for storage and transport of water produced in the fuel cell. The fluid-permeable member is separated from the electrodes and the fuel cell is contained between outer impermeable sheets. The fuel cell assembly is part of a system that also removes heat from the assembly during its operation. The heat removal is accomplished alternately by evaporative cooling, direct air cooling, cooling with recirculating liquid or cooling by direct heat conduction to a heat sink. The system further is provided with a hydride container and a hydride bed in which gaseous hydrogen is generated. The gaseous hydrogen is used as fuel in the fuel cells. The hydrogen is liberated from the hydride bed predominantly by the heat generated in the fuel cell.

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First Claim