Patent ID: 7951501
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell operable to provide power to a load having a variable demand, wherein the fuel cell comprises: an anode; a cathode; an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode for conducting protons; a first fluid plenum formed adjacent the anode, wherein the first fluid plenum comprises a first inlet for receiving a fuel supply; a second fluid plenum formed adjacent the cathode, wherein the second fluid plenum comprises an second inlet for receiving an oxygen supply; a water reservoir for receiving water from the first plenum, wherein the water reservoir is in fluid communication with the first plenum so water can flow from the reservoir back into the first plenum; a sensor for detecting the demand of the load; a first fluid controller configured to control the supply of the fuel to the first fluid plenum, wherein the first fluid controller is configured to control the supply of the fuel to create a pressure differential in the first plenum tending to cause water to flow from the water reservoir into the first plenum; and a controller configured to control the first fluid controller in response to the demand of the load detected by the sensor.