Solid Fuel Devices for Fuel Cells

Abstract

A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell design is presented wherein the system allows the intermittent use of the fuel in the cartridge. The fuel cell and cartridge provide improved design characteristics that improve the portability of fuel cells for use in portable electronic devices.

1 . A solid fuel cartridge for use in a fuel cell comprising; 
 a plurality of solid fuel containers, wherein each container comprises: 
 a housing having at least one opening;  
 a cover covering the opening in a sealing manner;  
 means for selectively unsealing the cover from the housing; and  
   means for switching between the unsealing means for one container to the unsealing means for another container.    
   
   
       2 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the means for selectively unsealing the cover comprises an electrical heating element.  
   
   
       3 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of solid fuel containers are in a rectangular grid array or a spiral wound array.  
   
   
       4 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the cover is made of a bimetallic material that springs open upon heating.  
   
   
       5 . The cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a cover for each solid fuel container, where each cover comprises a flexible material; and    an adhesive for sealing the cover over the opening, wherein the adhesive when heated loses its adhesive power.    
   
   
       6 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the cover is a low melting point wax or thermoplastic.  
   
   
       7 . The cartridge of  claim 6  wherein the low melting point wax or thermoplastic melts at a temperature between about 100° C. and about 200° C.  
   
   
       8 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the means for selectively unsealing the cover is an electrical resistor for generating heat to melt the cover.  
   
   
       9 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein the switching means is an electronic switch.  
   
   
       10 . The cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising an adsorbent compartment and containing a material for adsorbing carbon dioxide.