초록 ▼

An improved water management system for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers are disposed on both sides of a proton exchange membrane. Porous plates are positioned adjacent the catalyst layers. Water transport plates are positioned adjacent the porous plates and the reactant gas are humidifie

An improved water management system for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers are disposed on both sides of a proton exchange membrane. Porous plates are positioned adjacent the catalyst layers. Water transport plates are positioned adjacent the porous plates and the reactant gas are humidified at their inlets, in one embodiment by fins, while moisture is removed in the fuel flow path and at the oxidant outlet, in one embodiment by other fins.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved water management system for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers are disposed on both sides of a proton exchange membrane. Porous plates are positioned adjacent the catalyst layers. Water transport plates are positioned adjacent the porous plates and the reactant gas are humidifie

An improved water management system for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers are disposed on both sides of a proton exchange membrane. Porous plates are positioned adjacent the catalyst layers. Water transport plates are positioned adjacent the porous plates and the reactant gas are humidified at their inlets, in one embodiment by fins, while moisture is removed in the fuel flow path and at the oxidant outlet, in one embodiment by other fins. claim 1 wherein said plasticizer comprises a fat or oil.5. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plasticizer comprises water.6. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the free-flowing mixture content is at least about 10% by weight, based upon the weight of said edible matrix composition.7. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plasticizer content is from about 10% by weight to about 70% by weight, based upon the total weight of said free-flowing mixture and said plasticizer.8. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plasticizer content is up to about 90% weight, based upon the weight of said edible matrix composition.9. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plasticizer comprises oil or fat, and the oil or fat plasticizer content is up to 90% by weight, based upon the weight of said edible matrix composition.10. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 9 wherein the melting point of said oil or fat plasticizer is at least about 30° C.11. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein the moisture content of the edible matrix composition is less than about 8% by weight, based upon the weight of the matrix composition.12. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one component is selected from the group consisting of biologically active components, pharmaceutical components, nutraceutical components and microorganisms.13. An edible, chewable matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the starch content of the matrix composition consists essentially of the starch content of said free-flowing mixture.14. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 3 wherein said ground cookies comprise from about 8% by weight to about 40% by weight shortening or fat, from about 15% by weight to about 40% by weight sugar, and from about 20% by weight to about 75% by weight flour, based upon the weight of the ground cookies.15. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one component comprises live probiotic microorganisms.16. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein said at least one component comprises live lactobacilli.17. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 12 which is coated with a coating composition in an amount of from about 0.5% by weight to about 50% by weight, based upon the weight of the coated product.18. An edible chewable matrix composition as claimed in claim 1 further including at least one flavor or texture enhancing ingredient selected from the group consisting of chocolate, flavors, concentrated juices, fibers, and compound coatings.19. An edible matrix composition as claimed in claim 18 wherein said at least one flavor or texture enhancing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, oils and fats.20. An edible matrix composition according to claim 3 wherein said ground cookies contain at least one component selected from the group consisting of high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrins, corn syrup, dextrose, lactose, maltose, modified or unmodified starches, leavening agents, non-fat dry milk, full fat dry milk, whey, gluten, soluble and insoluble fiber, nutrients, inulin, hydrocolloids, dry eggs, salt, flavor, emulsifier, cocoa, and cocoa butter.21. An edible and chewable product comprising: a) a free-flowing particulate mixture which comprises at least one fat, at least one starch, and at least one sugar which have been mixed and heated, said at least one starch having a degree of gelatinization of less than about 50%, andb) an encapsulant,wherein the encapsulant is embedded or encapsulated in a dough made substantially from the free-flowing mixture and a plasticizer, said dough being dried to a shelf-stable moisture content.22. An edible and chewable product as claimed in claim 21 wherein said free-flowing mixture comprises a flour