Patent ID: 7638215
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling delivery of fuel to a direct oxidation fuel cell system wherein said fuel cell system includes a fuel source, a direct oxidation fuel cell having a catalyzed membrane electrolyte with an anode aspect and a cathode aspect, the method comprising: providing an anode chamber being defined between said anode aspect and an exterior portion of said direct oxidation fuel cell, said anode chamber being closed such that liquid is not released to the ambient, and having a gaseous exit port by which carbon dioxide gas can exit the anode chamber, providing a gas permeable layer disposed in the anode chamber between the anode aspect of the catalyzed membrane and said exterior portion, in close proximity to the anode aspect of the catalyzed membrane, such that as carbon dioxide is generated in the fuel cell, it is drawn through the gas permeable layer and is vented out of the anode chamber; and controlling delivery of fuel from said fuel source such that a void in the anode chamber that is created as carbon dioxide is released and fuel is consumed is filled, so that the fuel cell self regulates delivery of fuel to the anode by allowing fuel to enter at the rate it is consumed.