초록 ▼

A fuel cell (30) has an internal fuel source (35) that is in a matrix around a membrane electrode assembly (29). The membrane electrode assembly is constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous metal that is

A fuel cell (30) has an internal fuel source (35) that is in a matrix around a membrane electrode assembly (29). The membrane electrode assembly is constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous metal that is formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The porous central core serves to distribute oxidant throughout the fuel cell. A cathode (23) is situated coaxially around the porous central core, and has a catalytic layer on the outer side. A solid polymer electrolyte (25) is situated coaxially around the cathode and in intimate contact with the catalytic layer. An anode (27) is situated coaxially around the electrolyte, and a second layer of catalytic material is situated between the electrolyte and the anode. A housing (31) contains the internal fuel supply and holds the membrane electrode assemblies in place.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] A fuel cell with internal fuel storage, comprising:a tubular membrane electrode assembly comprising a laminate of:a solid polymer electrolyte comprising polybenzimidazole or perfluorinated sulfonic acids derived from fluorinated styrene;a noble metal catalyst disposed on

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] A fuel cell with internal fuel storage, comprising:a tubular membrane electrode assembly comprising a laminate of:a solid polymer electrolyte comprising polybenzimidazole or perfluorinated sulfonic acids derived from fluorinated styrene;a noble metal catalyst disposed on two opposing major sides of the solid polymer electrolyte;a cathode disposed on and in intimate contact with the noble metal catalyst on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte;an anode disposed on and in intimate contact with the noble metal catalyst on the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte; andsaid laminate formed about and disposed on a porous central core generally formed in the shape of a cylinder;a solid fuel storage medium comprising a metal hydride or a material that chemisorbs hydrogen, said material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon nano-fibers and graphite;the solid fuel storage medium being electrically conductive and surrounding the tubular membrane electrode assembly;the tubular membrane electrode assembly and the solid fuel storage medium arranged within a housing such that end portions of the porous central core are exposed to ambient air on an exterior of the housing to provide oxygen to the tubular membrane electrode assembly, and the housing sealing the solid fuel storage medium within.