Patent ID: 7816043

Claim:
A power generation apparatus for generating electric power by supplying a fuel gas and an oxidizer gas such that the fuel gas and the oxidizer gas can electrochemically react with each other, comprising: a power generator having a predetermined electrolyte film provided between a first electrode and a second electrode; a separator having, formed thereon, a fuel supply groove for supplying the fuel gas to the first electrode and an oxidizer supply groove for supplying the oxidizer gas to the second electrode, and for holding the power generator; and a water-absorbing member for absorbing water generated during power generation by the power generator, provided at least on a midway portion of the oxidizer supply groove, the water-absorbing member having strip-formed regions extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the oxidizer supply groove, wherein the water-absorbing member comprises a three-layered structure in which a two-layered structure, including a first material having a water-absorbing/releasing property and a second material having a water absorbing property bonded with each other, is further bonded with a predetermined tape material on the lower side of the second material, the tape material having a rigidity that reduces any sagging of the strip-formed regions of the water-absorbing member that extend over the oxidizer supply grooves, and wherein the second material includes a material absorbing the water by utilizing capillary phenomenon.