Patent ID: 6981877
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A direct oxidation fuel cell, comprising (A) a catalyzed membrane electrolyte, having an anode aspect and a cathode aspect; (B) a fuel cell housing enclosing said fuel cell with an anode chamber being defined between said anode aspect of the catalyzed membrane electrolyte and an exterior portion of said cell housing, said fuel cell housing also including a cathode chamber being defined between said catalyzed membrane electrolyte and an exterior portion of said fuel cell housing, opposite said anode chamber; (C) a direct fuel feed into said anode chamber that has no liquid exit port such that liquid that is present in said anode chamber cannot exit said anode chamber except across said catalyzed membrane electrolyte; (D) at least one gaseous effluent release port in said anode chamber, which is in substantially direct gaseous communication with the ambient environment, to vent gaseous product of an electricity-generating reaction from said anode chamber to the ambient environment, and not into said cathode chamber, as said gaseous product is generated; and (E) a load coupled across said fuel cell, providing a path for electrons produced in electricity generating reactions of said fuel cell.