The development of lightweight, ambient air breathing, tubular PEM fuel cell

A novel, low cost, simple to construct, tubular proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been developed to work in still or slowly moving air. The novel tubular geometry enables optimum air access to the cathode without the need for pumps, fans or similar devices. The development of the fuel cells has investigated the use of composite materials, such as Tufnol((R)), and metal foils, such as stainless steel as the central anode current collector The cathode current collector is based upon an acid-etched, roughened stainless steel shim. The power densities of the developed fuel cell are in excess of 120 W kg(-1), and the fuel cell is capable of working for extended periods of time at maximum power.