Patent ID: 7846609

Claim:
A module-type fuel cell system comprising: a power module comprising a power housing, a generator installed therein, and a plurality of connection ports formed on a first side of the power housing and fluidly connected to the generator, wherein the generator is operable to generate electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between an oxidizing agent and a hydrogen-containing fuel; a fuel supply module comprising a fuel supply housing, a fuel supply unit installed therein, and a plurality of connection ports formed on a first side of the fuel supply housing and fluidly connected to the fuel supply unit, wherein the fuel supply unit is configured to supply a suitable hydrogen-containing fuel to the generator; an oxidizing agent supply module comprising an oxidizing agent supply housing, an oxidizing agent supply unit installed therein, and a connection port formed on a side of the oxidizing agent supply housing and fluidly connected to the oxidizing agent supply unit, wherein the oxidizing agent supply unit is configured to supply an oxidizing agent to the generator; and a recovery module comprising a recovery housing comprising a first side and a second side, a storage space formed therein, and a plurality of connection ports on the first and second sides of the recovery housing and fluidly connected to the storage space, wherein the storage space is configured to recover unreacted fuel from the generator and accumulate the unreacted fuel in the storage space, wherein the first side of the power housing contacts and is secured to the first side of the recovery housing-, and the side of the fuel supply housing and the side of the oxidizing agent supply housing contact and are secured to the second side of the recovery module, and corresponding connection ports of adjacent modules align and form fluid connections therebetween and wherein tubes, including a fuel flow tube connecting the fuel supply module and the power module, extend through the storage space of the recovery module interconnecting the power housing and the fuel supply module and the oxidizing agent supply module to separate the fuel and the oxidizing agent from the recovered unreacted fuel.