Air breathing fuel cell having bi-cell unit cells

摘要

The present invention discloses a fuel cell having at least one bi-cell. The bi-cells may be stacked in series to achieve a desired power output. Each bi-cell is a unit cell comprising two hydrogen electrodes, two air/oxygen electrodes, two electrolyte distributors and a gas diffuser. The hydrogen electrodes are disposed adjacent to one another and the air/oxygen electrodes are disposed on the outside ends of the hydrogen electrodes. An electrolyte distributor is disposed between each adjacently set hydrogen electrode and air/oxygen electrode. A gas diffuser/distributor is disposed between the hydrogen electrodes. An elastomeric material is injected between the electrodes and distributors to provide mechanical stability. Further, the entire bi-cell is overmolded with an elastomeric material. Ribs are set in the distributors to prevent the elastomeric material from flowing into areas designed for electrolyte flow, hydrogen flow and mechanical restraints and to promote uniform spacing between the various components. When the bi-cell units are stacked and secured, sufficient openings for air are formed to allow air to contact the air/oxygen electrodes.