Patent ID: 6696189
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell system 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 base portion; 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 two fuel-bearing fluid inlets; a methanol concentration sensor defined in the base portion and positioned to communicate with the fluid supply channel and the at least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, whereby the mothanol concentration sensor includes a membrane and provides for one of a measurement of a flow of electrons across the membrane as a current, in response to an input voltage, or a measurement of the potential difference across the membrane as a voltage, the measurement is proportional to a concentration of methanol in a fuel supply supplied by the fluid supply channel, thereby providing for the monitoring of the fuel supply to the membrane electrode assembly; 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 system, 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; and a plurality of electrical components formed in the base portion for electrical integration of the fuel cell assembly.