Small fuel cell system with cartridges for controlled hydrogen generation

摘要

Galvanic cells are investigated which can be used as a hydrogen source for small fuel cell systems. Hydrogen is produced by the reaction of zinc and water in a cell which consist of zinc powder as negative electrode and a hydrogen evolution cathode in form of a gas diffusion electrode. In comparison to a zinc air primary battery the KOH electrolyte contains additional water and the ingress of oxygen is prevented. Therefore, the large energy density of the zinc air battery can be maintained to a great extend while the life time of the system is considerably higher. This is achieved by complete separation of the cell from ambient air.