Qinetiq Limited

John M Cruickshank

Kevin J Green

Ranulf Slee

John B Lakeman

A multi-element fuel cell system comprises a substantially cylindrical former ( ), a rechargeable hydrogen fuel source ( ) and a plurality of fuel cell elements ( ). The former comprises a series of interconnecting modules each perforated to allow passage of fuel to the fuel cell elements. Each fuel cell element ( ) is positioned radially outwardly of the former ( ) and is provided with channels, arranged to receive and direct fuel gas, an anode current collector, a gasket ( ), a first diffusion backing layer ( ), a membrane electrode assembly ( ), a second diffusion backing layer ( ) and a cathode current collector ( ). The cathode current collector applies even compression to the fuel cell element, such that good electrical contact is maintained within each fuel cell element. The fuel cell elements are electrically connect in series via respective anode and cathode current collectors and then capped at each end of the former for connection to equipment. The former and current collectors have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion and the fuel source is coupled to the fuel cell elements. The system is suitable for man-portable applications.

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Haslar, United Kingdom

John M Cruickshank