Patent ID: 6468681
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell system comprising:at least one fuel cell unit having an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane interposed between said anode and said cathode, for reaction of a hydrogen gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form water of reaction and to produce energy, with generation of an exhaust gas containing the water of reaction; a hydrogen storing alloy from which the hydrogen gas is discharged, for supply to said anode of said fuel cell unit, when heated; a plurality of gas passages open to and traversing at least one dimension of said cathode for bringing the oxygen-containing gas into direct contact with said cathode and for conveying the exhaust therefrom; heating means for heating said hydrogen storing alloy by heat exchange with the exhaust gas from said gas passages; a tank for collecting the water of reaction condensed out of the exhaust gas by said heat exchange; and liquid water circulating means for supplying liquid water from said tank, said liquid water circulating means including at least one sprayer for forming the supplied liquid wafer into a spray directly contacting directly into said gas passages and into direct contact with said cathode while in liquid state.