Patent ID: 8790842

Claim:
A fuel cell layer, comprising: a flexible fuel cell layer that includes two or more fuel cells and current collection components, wherein the two or more fuel cells and the current collection components are both substantially integrated within a two-dimensional layer; and wherein a fluid manifold is coupled to the flexible fuel cell layer with a peripheral seal to form an enclosed region between the fluid manifold and the flexible fuel cell layer, wherein the enclosed region is defined by the fluid manifold and the two or more fuel cells of the flexible fuel cell layer, wherein the fluid manifold is also coupled to the flexible fuel cell layer with one or more internal supports, wherein the internal supports are bonded to both the flexible fuel cell layer and the fluid manifold and wherein the one or more internal supports are configured to restrict outward expansion of the flexible fuel cell layer, wherein the flexible fuel cell layer is configured such that it is operable when self-supported, wherein the two or more fuel cells define at least a portion of the enclosed region, wherein the fluid manifold is configured to maintain a fuel at a uniform pressure throughout the enclosed region, wherein the fluid manifold further includes a manifold conduit layer and a first sealing layer and wherein the manifold conduit layer and the first sealing layer define a channel through which fuel can travel, and wherein the fluid manifold further includes a second sealing layer and wherein the first sealing layer is coupled to a first side of the manifold conduit layer and the second sealing layers is coupled to a second side of the manifold conduit layer and wherein the first side of the manifold conduit layer is opposite the second side of the manifold conduit layer.