Patent ID: 7510794
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A conformable fuel cell, comprising: (A) a membrane electrolyte intimately interfacing with a catalyst layer along each of the membrane's major surfaces being a catalyzed membrane electrolyte, having an anode aspect and a cathode aspect, and which catalyzed membrane electrolyte is conformable to a plurality of desired shapes; (B) diffusion layers sandwiching said catalyzed membrane electrolyte, said diffusion layers being comprised of materials that are conformable; (C) flexible current collectors coupled with each of said anode aspect and said cathode aspect of said membrane electrolyte; (D) a fuel delivery means coupled with said anode aspect of said membrane electrolyte that delivers fuel substantially uniformly to said anode aspect while said fuel cell maintains a desired shape; (E) a conformable fuel cell housing formed from a molded plastic frame that has been formed according to said desired shape, said conformable fuel cell housing maintaining high compression along the active surfaces of the fuel cell; (F) electrical coupling disposed across said anode aspect and said cathode aspect and having means for connection to an application device being powered by said fuel cell; and (G) a dedicated layer of material that substantially expands upon hydration, thus imparting compression.