Patent ID: 6921603
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: B01D,H01M,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A microfluidic fuel cell system comprising: at least one fuel cell having an MEA containing an anode, anode catalyst, an electrolyte, cathode catalyst, and a cathode, said electrolyte comprising a proton exchange membrane having a thickness in the range of about 5-50 μm and operating at a temperature less than or equal to about 200° C.; a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic fuel distribution structure comprising at least one microfluidic channel connecting a reservoir containing fuel to the anode, wherein said fuel is distributed to the surface area of the anode by a plurality of microfluidic fuel distribution channels; at least one resistive heating element embedded into the fuel cell distribution structure to control the temperature of the MEA; at least one PDMS electrical isolation layer positioned above said resistive heating element; at least one feedthrough electrical connection embedded into the fuel cell distribution structure to extract electrical power generated by the fuel cell; and a microporous anode support layer connected to said microfluidic fuel distribution channels.