FUEL CELL FOR DOWNHOLE POWER SYSTEMS

摘要

The present invention is to a fuel cell (10) suitable for use downhole in an oil and gas well.The fuel cell includes a reaction zone (16) comprising a cathode (36), an anode (32) and an electrolyte (42, 44). A closed water vessel (54) is connected to the reaction zone assembly by a capillary flow path (56). The fuel cell also comprises a fuel (18) and oxidant (20) conduit which includes a pressure control mechanism. In this fuel cell there is no need for fuel, oxidant, or water to in a closed loop through the reaction zone.