Patent ID: 6660423
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell device comprising:a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface; at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly formed on the major surface of the bass portion, the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a first electrode, a film adjacent the first electrode, formed of a protonically conductive electrolyte, a second electrode in contact with the film and a plurality of hydrophilic threads positioned to absorb reaction water at the second electrode; a fluid supply channel defined in the base portion and communicating with the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, the fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber and at least one fuel-bearing fluid inlet; an exhaust channel defined in the base portion and communicating with the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, the exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel in communication with the plurality of hydrophilic threads, wherein the water recovery and recirculation channel provides for the recovery and recirculation from the fuel cell back to the mixing chamber, a spent water and ethanol mixture and reaction water collected from the plurality of hydrophilic threads, the exhaust channel spaced apart from the fluid supply channel for exhausting fluid from the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly; a plurality of electrical components formed in the base portion for electrical integration of the fuel cell assembly.