JP2005517273A - High power density fuel cell layer device using microstructured components - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
The present invention includes a fuel plenum having a fuel, an oxidant plenum having an oxidant, a porous substrate in communication with the fuel and the oxidant plenum, a channel made of the porous substrate, an anode, And a cathode, an electrolyte in a part of a channel in contact with the anode and the cathode, preventing movement of fuel to the cathode and oxidant to the anode, and fuel flows into a part of the porous substrate A fuel cell made of a first coating that prevents oxidant, a second coating that prevents oxidant from flowing into a portion of the porous substrate, two sealant barriers, and an anode and cathode connection. In the foregoing, the present invention also relates to a multiple fuel cell layer structure, a two-layer fuel cell layer structure, and a method for making a fuel cell layer.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fuel cell layer having a plurality of cells in individual channels formed using a single porous substrate.

  High power density fuel cells have long been desired.

  Existing fuel cells are typically an assembly of individual fuel cells, with each cell producing a high current at a low voltage. A typical battery structure includes devices for reactant distribution and current collection, the devices including a gas diffusion layer, a first catalyst layer, an electrolytic layer, a second catalyst layer, and a second catalyst layer. Arranged in contact with a layered electrochemical assembly comprising a gas diffusion layer. Except for high-temperature fuel cells such as molten carbonate cells, most fuel cells using proton exchange membranes, direct methanol, solid oxide, or alkali have a layered planar structure, and the layered planar structure described above. Is assembled as a functional fuel cell stack by first forming the layers as individual components and then stacking the layers in contact with each other.

  One major problem with the layered planar structure fuel cell is that intimate electrical contact of the layers must be maintained, otherwise the internal resistance of the stack is increased and the fuel cell The overall efficiency was to be reduced.

  A second problem with the layered planar fuel cell is that the reactants and coolant in the inner recess of the layered fuel cell are sealed to maintain constant contact between the layers to ensure proper flow. It was something that had to be done. Also, if the overall area of the battery becomes too large, it will be difficult to generate the contact force necessary to maintain the reactant gas fluid in the correct distribution on the electrolyte surface.

  In addition, since existing devices using the fuel cell having the layered planar structure need to flow both the fuel and the oxidant in the plane of the fuel cell having the layered planar structure, in order to make a practical battery. , Typically from a first fluid field, a first gas diffusion layer, a first catalyst layer, a first electrolytic layer, a second catalyst layer, a second gas diffusion layer, a second fluid field layer and a separator. It is also characterized by the fact that it typically requires 8 individual layers but at least 4 layers, in many cases 10 layers. These layers are typically manufactured as separate fuel cell components and then the layers are brought into contact with each other to create a fuel cell stack. When contacting these layers, care must be taken to prevent gas leakage from the assembled fuel cell stack while causing gas diffusion within the layers. Furthermore, all the current generated by the fuel cells of the stack must pass through each layer of the stack, for which purpose a conductive path must be provided by simple contact of the individual layers. As a result, in order to activate the surrounding seal and reduce the internal contact resistance, sealing and electrical conductivity cannot be obtained without pressing the assembled stack with considerable force.

  Manufacturing layers with existing fuel cell configurations tends to be expensive and difficult. Bipolar plates that serve as oxidant and fuel fluid fields and separators are often made from difficult to process graphite, which is a significant addition to the cost of the fuel cell stack. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are typically made by first coating one side of a solid polymer electrolyte with a catalyst and then pressing a gas diffusion electrode against the electrolyte. In the fuel cell assembly, it is necessary that a plurality of individual bipolar plates and a membrane electrode assembly are continuously connected. Typically, a separate seal must be applied between adjacent bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies, and the entire stack of sealed bipolar and MEA layers must be held down with a fairly strong compressive force.

  There has been a need for alternative fuel cell designs that do not require a method of sequentially assembling individual layers. One way to meet this need is to develop a microstructural method that is possible by combining microfabrication techniques and nanostructured materials to create new devices that are freed from the common problems associated with conventional fuel cell designs. It is to construct the fuel cell used. The application of microscale technology to fuel cells has many obvious advantages. Specifically, thinner layers and new configurations increase power density, improve heat and mass transfer, better catalyst utilization and / or more accurate catalyst utilization, and reduced conductive path length. By reducing the loss caused by the fuel cell, the efficiency of the fuel cell is increased and the power density of the volume ratio can be increased. An additional potential benefit is the opportunity to include accessory systems and new applications in the battery design.

  To date, there has been a need for a micro fuel cell consisting of fewer parts than a layered planar structure fuel cell. A micro fuel cell with fewer parts would be much less expensive to manufacture than current fuel cells.

  Until now, there has been a need for a micro fuel cell that can utilize various electrolytes.

  To date, there has been a need for a micro fuel cell with much less contact resistance within the fuel cell.

  In many past inventions, micro-scale manufacturing techniques have been used for fuel cells. US Pat. No. 5,861,221 uses two conventional MEAs and describes two configurations that describe a “membrane piece” in which the cathode end of one MEA is connected in series with the anode end of the next MEA. Has been taken into account. In the first configuration, the “membrane piece” is constructed by placing the MEA in a staged configuration. In the second configuration, the MEAs are combined by connecting the ends having conductive portions for connecting the batteries in series. Some additional work by the same inventors (US Pat. No. 5,925,477) incorporates shunts between the electrodes to improve battery conductivity. The MEA itself is a design with a conventional layer structure, and the entire assembly connecting the ends still relies on the seals conventionally used between adjacent MEAs.

  US Pat. Nos. 5,631,099 and 5,759,721 use a similar series connection concept, but apply many other micro-scale techniques to fuel cell design. By doing so, multiple fuel cells are simultaneously formed in a single structure. The fuel cell also has a layered planar device attached to a carrier, and it is required to penetrate the carrier layer in order to interconnect adjacent fuel cells. Most of the techniques described in these patents relate to the creation of methanol-tolerant catalysts and the application of a palladium layer to the catalyst to prevent methanol crossover in the cell.

  WO 01/95406 describes a single membrane device that is segmented to create multiple MEA structures. Complex bipolar plates that are difficult to manufacture provide both fuel and oxidant on both sides of the MEA layer. US Pat. No. 6,127,058 describes a similar structure, but instead of a complex manifold of reactive gases, one reactant is provided on one side of the MEA layer. The series interconnection of fuel cells formed in the single MEA layer is made through an external current collector placed around the device that is electrically connected from the upper end of the MEA layer to the lower end of the MEA layer. The aforementioned peripheral electrical connections are inefficient.

  Some prior art fuel cells attempt to reduce size and manufacturing costs through the application of microfabrication technology. For example, Case Western Reserve University devices have multiple fuel cells formed on a carrier substrate using a thin film layer process similar to that used in printing and semiconductor manufacturing (Wainwright et al. “A microfabricated Hydrogen”). / Air Fuel Cell "195 Meeting of the Electrochemical Society, Seattle, WA, 1999). In these designs, the conventional design using a plane is used as it is, except that the fuel cell is constructed on the base substrate. The cathode must first be made on the planar electrolyte, and then it must be connected to the adjacent anode using explicit interconnections.

  All the above batteries employ a method of collecting current at the ends of the electrodes. This greatly increases the resistance inside these batteries. Both of these batteries are based on a solid polymer electrolyte, which is the only electrolyte suitable for easy manufacture. Furthermore, all of the cells described above achieve a micro fuel cell design by forming multiple fuel cells in a single electrolyte plane.

  The concept of using a non-planar electrolyte has been considered in the past. British Patent 2,339,058 describes a fuel cell using a undulating electrolyte layer. In this configuration, the conventional layered MEA is constructed such that it undulates. This MEA is placed between the bipolar plates. This design increases the active area that can be accommodated in a given volume. However, this design still relies on an expensive and complex layered structure that uses explicit seals and requires a compressive force to maintain internal electrical connections and sealing. Japanese Patent No. 50903/1996 is a solid polymer generally having a planar separator with alternating protruding portions to serve to sandwich the power generating element in a non-planar but piecewise linear shape (which would be an MEA) A fuel cell is described. Like British Patent No. 2,339,058, the above continues to rely on expensive and complex layer structures, but this design is made by using a separator plate to force the MEA to be non-planar. Unnecessary stress is also applied to the MEA.

  In addition to the non-planar design, some prior art employs a tubular configuration. US Pat. No. 6,060,188 describes a cylindrical fuel cell in which a single MEA is formed into a cylindrical shape. Fuel or oxidant is carried into the inner recess of the cylinder and other reactants are carried to the outside. Within this design, each cylindrical structure creates a single fuel cell, and current flows through the annular cylindrical wall of the fuel cell. There is no disclosure of how to provide electrical interconnection between fuel cells or how to seal individual fuel cells. This design is similar to the well-known solid oxide fuel cell tubular design.

  There has been a need to develop fuel cell topologies or fuel cell architectures that allow for an increase in the active area contained within the same volume, ie, an increase in the density of active areas. This makes it possible to optimize the fuel cell in a different way than most of today's fuel cell developers do.

  The present invention relates to a specific fuel cell layer architecture with an integrated design, in which the functions of the gas diffusion layer, the catalyst layer and the electrolyte layer are integrated on a single substrate. This integrated design allows for simpler manufacturing processes and design scaling.

  More specifically, the fuel cell layer is connected to an external load using a fuel plenum, an oxidant plenum, and a porous substrate communicating with the fuel plenum and the oxidant plenum. The fuel cell layer includes a porous substrate and a number of fuel cells formed using the porous substrate. Each fuel cell includes an individual channel, a first catalyst layer disposed on the first channel wall, a second catalyst layer disposed on the second channel wall, and an anode formed from the first catalyst layer. And a cathode formed from the second catalyst layer, and an electrolyte disposed in the individual channel to prevent fuel transfer to the cathode and oxidant transfer to the anode. The fuel cell also includes a first coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate to prevent fuel from entering a portion of the porous substrate, and oxidizing the portion of the porous substrate. A second coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate to prevent entry of an agent, a first sealant barrier disposed on the first side, and a second side disposed on the second side. A second sealant barrier, a third sealant barrier disposed between the fuel cells, an anode connection disposed on the first side, and a cathode connection disposed on the second side. .

  Higher overall power density is achieved when multiple very fine sized fuel cells are made inside a single substrate. Furthermore, the multiple fuel cells in the single substrate can be arranged in parallel, leading to the possibility of constructing the fuel cell layer by high-volume automated manufacturing. Combining fuel cells in a single substrate minimizes the need for external sealing and clamping.

  Various variations of the design of the fuel cell layer are conceivable. Among these variations are those in which the fuel and oxidant plenums are dead-end type, those in which the fuel cell layer contains volume, those in which the porous substrate has a non-planar configuration or a planar configuration, the fuel Included are battery layers that contain a volume in a cylindrical shape. The substrate can be made from a variety of conductive and non-conductive porous media.

  In terms of size, the channel can be 1 nanometer to 10 cm high, 1 nanometer to 1 mm wide, and 1 nanometer to 100 meters long. The power generation capacity of a single fuel cell of the present invention can be from about 0.25 volts to about 4 volts.

  Although one to 5,000 fuel cells can be used for one fuel cell layer of this design, in a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell layer is considered to have a fuel cell in which 75 to 150 cells are combined. It is done. This fuel cell layer is considered to have the ability to produce a voltage of 0.25 to 2500 volts. Fuel cells with more channels can produce higher voltages.

  The electrolyte that can be used in the present invention is a gel, liquid, or solid material. It is believed that the electrolyte can be 1 nanometer to 1.0 mm thick, or that each channel from the first wall to the second wall can simply be filled without a gap. Having a thin channel means a thin electrolyte, which increases the efficiency of the fuel cell.

  The fuel cell layer of the present invention first connects the fuel source to the fuel plenum inlet, second connects the fuel plenum outlet to the recirculation controller, and third connects the oxidant plenum inlet to the oxidant source. 4th, connecting the oxidant plenum outlet to the flow control system, 5th connecting the anode and cathode connections to the external load, 6th pouring fuel and oxidant into the inlet, and finally Further, it can be used by driving a load device using electricity generated by the fuel cell.

  The present invention relates to a microstructured fuel cell, preferably a porous substrate, a fuel cell assembly having a single or multiple substrate structure, and a method of manufacturing the fuel cell and fuel cell layer described above. It is.

  The present invention relates to a specific fuel cell architecture with an integrated design, in which the functions of the gas diffusion layer, the catalyst layer and the electrolyte layer are integrated on a single substrate. This architecture allows the various “layers” that make up a practical fuel cell to be folded together to create a fractal shaped electrolyte path as well as straight lines, curves, and reliefs, thereby allowing electrochemical The active surface area can be increased and higher volume-based power density can be achieved. Furthermore, by making the various fuel cell layers in a single substrate, the problem of simple contact of the fuel cell components to create an electrical connection is eliminated, thus creating the possibility of reducing the resistance in the cell. The configuration of the battery layer itself can be planar, non-planar, or involute, which is more advantageous for increasing the surface area, and also gives flexibility in application. This integrated design allows for simpler manufacturing processes and design scaling.

  Unlike existing fuel cell designs, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides a convoluted electrolytic layer that does not have smooth relief. Other embodiments of the invention include shapes that are not inherently smooth. The aforementioned non-smooth electrolysis path results in a larger overall surface area for packing the fuel cell reaction into a given volume than with a planar electrolysis layer as in conventional fuel cell designs. The present invention also allows the surface area in a given volume to be greater than conventional designs by significantly reducing the distance between the separate electrolytic layers.

  The present invention contemplates using a design that references a fractal pattern that provides a long electrolytic path length. The present invention includes a method of building a fuel cell and “stack” that does not rely on a layered process and does not require assembly of individual layered components after manufacture. The conventional relationship between the MEA layer and the bipolar plate is eliminated, and the dependence on the multiple separation layer structure is eliminated. The present invention also contemplates a design in which individual fuel cells are laid sideways with respect to the entire bottom surface (footprint) of the assembled fuel cell device. The present invention contemplates the construction of multiple fuel cells having a structure integrated into one on a single substrate using a parallel manufacturing method.

  Specifically, a porous substrate is used for the fuel cell, and it is considered that the reaction gas diffuses through the substrate with almost no driving force. The substrate may or may not be conductive. In the case of conductivity, it is typically considered to insulate at least a portion of the substrate to serve to separate the anode from the cathode, and this insulator is created by the electrolyte separating the anode from the cathode, and is necessary. If necessary, an insulating structural member may be selectively added. More specifically, the fuel cell comprises: (a) a fuel plenum with fuel; (b) an oxidant plenum with an oxidant; (c) a porous substrate in communication with the fuel plenum; The oxidant plenum having a first side, a second side; (d) a channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall made using the porous substrate; A) an anode made from a first catalyst layer disposed on the porous substrate of the first channel wall; and (f) a second catalyst layer disposed on the porous substrate of the second channel wall. (G) an electrolyte disposed at least in a portion of the channel in contact with the anode and the cathode to prevent fuel migration to the cathode and to prevent oxidant migration to the anode; h) Fuel is small in the porous substrate A first coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate to prevent at least a portion from entering; and (i) the porous to prevent an oxidant from entering at least a portion of the porous substrate. A second coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate; (j) a first sealant barrier disposed on the first side and a second sealant barrier disposed on the second side; (K) an anode connection disposed on the first side; and (l) a cathode connection disposed on the second side, wherein the resulting fuel cell drives an external load. To produce a current.

  In FIG. 1, which shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell 8 has an optional fuel plenum 10 that includes fuel 11. The porous substrate 12 is adjacent to the optional fuel plenum 10. The fuel plenum may have an optional fuel plenum inlet 18. The fuel plenum may also have an optional fuel plenum outlet 20. The optional oxidant plenum 16 may have an optional oxidant plenum inlet 52. The oxidant plenum may also have an optional oxidant plenum outlet 54. When no oxidant plenum is used, the fuel cell uses the ambient environment as the oxidant source.

  The porous substrate 12 may have a rectangular shape, a rectangular shape, an orthogonal shape, or an irregular shape. Although the embodiment of this figure is made in a single plane, non-planar substrate or multiple substrate configurations are also envisioned.

  The channel 14 made using the porous substrate can be linear or any design. For any given design, the channels are consistently referred to as “undulating” channels in this application. If there are multiple channels, at least one may be a undulating channel. The channel 14 has a first channel wall 22 and a second channel wall 24. Further, the porous substrate 12 has a top portion 100, a bottom portion 102, a first side surface 104, and a second side surface 106.

  The channels can have undulating channels, straight channels, or irregular channels. If there is an undulation, the channel can be sinusoidal, and if there is an undulation, the channel can be shaped with at least three planes.

  The anode 28 is made on or in the surface of the first channel wall 22, but it is also possible to embed the anode in the wall. The anode 28 is created using a first catalyst layer 38 on or in the first channel wall 22.

  The cathode 30 is made on or in the surface of the second channel wall 24. Similar to the anode 28, the cathode 30 can be embedded in the second channel wall 24. The cathode 30 is created using the second catalyst layer 40.

  1a, 1b and 1c show details of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell. 1a shows the anode 28 at a first depth in the porous substrate 12, FIG. 1b shows the anode 28 at a second depth in the porous substrate 12, and FIG. Show.

  The catalyst layer can be arranged on the first and channel walls or can be made in the channel walls. In one embodiment, the first and second catalyst layers are disposed at least at a minimum depth to cause catalytic activity in the porous substrate.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, an electrolyte 32 is disposed in the channel 14.

  A first coating 34 is disposed at least on a portion of the porous substrate to prevent fuel from entering at least a portion of the porous substrate 12. A second coating 36 is disposed at least on the portion of the porous substrate to prevent oxidant from entering at least a portion of the porous substrate 12.

  A first sealant barrier 44 is disposed on the first side of the porous substrate, and a second sealant barrier 46 is disposed on the second side of the porous substrate. An option of placing the sealant barrier inside the sealant barrier channel 43 is also possible.

  An anode connection 50 is connected to the porous substrate 12 on the first side of the porous substrate.

  A cathode connection 48 is connected to the porous substrate 12 on the second side of the porous substrate.

  The resulting fuel cell passes a current 56 that drives an external load 58.

  FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the present invention and shows a dead-ended version of the fuel cell 108 that specifically excludes the fuel outlet 20 and the oxidant outlet 54 included in the embodiment of FIG.

  In one version of this embodiment of the invention, consider the possibility of attaching the electrolyte 32 to the channel 14 at an angle 76, preferably at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal or transverse axis 74 of the majority of the porous substrate 12. .

  In FIG. 2, an optional support 26 separates the first channel wall 22 and the second channel wall 24, but the support is not required in all embodiments. Some alternatives envision multiple materials as shown in FIG. 2a. In the present invention, 1 to 50 or more struts are contemplated.

  Referring to FIG. 2 a, a fuel cell is shown with a solid fuel plenum 10 having a fluid field 126 and a solid oxidant plenum 16 having a fluid field 126. The fuel plenum is assumed to have a permeable material containing the fuel. The oxidant plenum may also have a permeable material. It will be appreciated that the fuel plenum and oxidant plenum need not be constructed in the same manner, and various combinations of oxidant and fuel plenum configurations may be used. Each of the fuel plenum and the oxidant plenum can take various shapes, circles, ellipses, rectangles, or rectangles. Special consideration is given to the fuel plenum having a rectangular cross section.

  3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dead-ended version of the fuel cell 110 that excludes the fuel inlet 18, fuel outlet 20, oxidant inlet 52, and oxidant outlet 54 of the embodiment of FIG. It is. FIG. 3a shows a fuel cell embodiment in which all of the oxidant plenum 16 has been removed. In the foregoing embodiment, the battery utilizes the ambient environment as an oxidant source. FIG. 3b shows an embodiment of the fuel cell with the fuel plenum 10 completely removed. In this configuration, the fuel cell utilizes the surrounding environment as a fuel supply source.

  FIG. 4 shows a first fuel cell 66 made from the substrate 12 made adjacent to the second fuel cell 114 made from the second substrate 62. The first and second fuel cells may be connected to the first fuel cell 66 and the second fuel cell by connecting a plurality of substrates, or by creating a plurality of channels 14 in a single substrate 12, as shown in FIG. The fuel cell 114 can be made.

  In FIG. 4, multiple fuel cell structures are made using separate porous substrates, which are connected together at a sealant barrier 44 to form a fuel cell layer. In this figure, the first fuel cell 66 is connected to the second fuel cell 114. Multiple fuel cells can be connected in this manner to create a fuel cell layer 64 having a fuel side 116 and an oxidant side 118. The details of the drawings can be easily understood with reference to the item numbers in the description of FIG.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fuel cells are connected in series, in parallel, or a combination of series and parallel so that the fuel cell layer can generate a current that drives an external load.

  FIG. 4a shows the fuel cell layer with the fuel plenum open to the surrounding environment. The fuel plenum may be a permeable material having a fluid field or a solid material. The fuel plenum can also have a rectangular cross section. FIG. 4b shows the fuel cell layer with the oxidant plenum open to the surrounding environment. In this figure, at least one optional strut 26 is shown on at least one fuel cell. FIG. 4c shows an embodiment of a fuel cell layer in which up to 5000 cells are connected by the method described in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the same fuel cell structure is formed on a single porous substrate 12. In this embodiment, multiple fuel cells are made in the porous substrate by the same method as described in FIG. In this case, since the fuel cell is made in a single substrate, the sealant barrier and electrical connection associated with each fuel cell are not required. Instead, a first sealant barrier 44 is disposed on the first side of the porous substrate, a second sealant barrier 46 is disposed on the second side of the porous substrate, and a plurality of third sealants. -A barrier 45 is placed between the fuel cells. The sealant barrier provides a gas permeable separator between fuel cells in the fuel cell layer.

  It will be appreciated that the same embodiment showing the multiple substrate structure of FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c can also be used for the single substrate structure shown in FIG.

  Regardless of whether the structure of FIG. 4 or the structure of FIG. 5 is used, this relationship between the two fuel cells is the same when any number of fuel cells are connected to each other. In either embodiment, the ends of the multiple structure are sealed with a sealant barrier 44 and a second sealant barrier 46. In either embodiment, the multiple fuel cell assembly is connected to an external load by attaching a cathode connection 48 to one end of the multiple fuel cell assembly and an anode connection 50 to the other end of the multiple fuel cell assembly. The device can be driven.

  A fuel cell layer 64 having a fuel side 116 connected to the fuel plenum 10 and an oxidant side 118 connected to the oxidant plenum 16 is created by the connection of multiple fuel cells.

  If the substrate on which the fuel cells in the fuel cell layer 64 are made is conductive, the current produced by the individual fuel cells can flow directly through the substrate and the sealant barrier 44 and is formed. A bipolar fuel cell structure is created in the fuel cell layer. If the substrate on which the fuel cell in the fuel cell layer 64 is made is not conductive, both the first coating 34 and the second coating 36 should be made of a conductive material, and the first coating 34 is an anode. 40 should be in electrical contact so that the second coating 36 is in electrical contact with the cathode 38. The first coating 34 and the second coating 36 are also made to make electrical contact with the conductive sealant barrier 44. In either case, a conductive or non-conductive substrate can be used to transmit the current generated by the fuel cell to the anode connection and the cathode connection.

  FIG. 5a shows another configuration of the fuel cell layer. In this configuration, the first coating 34 is extended to connect the anode of the first fuel cell to the cathode of the second fuel cell. The second coating 36 is similarly extended to contact the anode of the first fuel cell. A terminal first coating and a terminal second coating can be used to connect the terminal fuel cell to the anode connection 50 and the cathode connection 48. In this configuration, the first coating is partially porous so that the fuel reaches the anode, and the second coating is partially porous so that the oxidant reaches the cathode. It has become. In this configuration, neither the porous substrate nor the sealant barrier need be conductive. It is also envisioned that only the first coating is extended to provide electrical contact between the cells, or only the second coating is extended to provide electrical contact between the cells.

  When multiple fuel cells are put in one fuel cell layer, individual fuel cells are electrically connected in series as shown in FIGS. The total voltage of the multiple fuel cell creates a potential difference between the anode and cathode connections at either end of the fuel cell layer. More fuel cells allow the fuel cell layer to generate a higher voltage between the electrical connections. Any combination of conductive or non-conductive substrates, barriers and caps can be used as long as an electrical connection path is created between adjacent anodes and cathodes. This method does not require the pressing of individual components or the use of individually made layered components, and each fuel cell electrical connection of the fuel cell layer can be edge-collected (a method of collecting at the end), Preferably, it is realized by either of the bipolar series type. Also, the direction of current flow in the fuel cell layer is not orthogonal to the fuel cell as seen in most current designs, but is generally in the direction of the plane of the fuel cell. It is also assumed that the fuel cells are electrically connected in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel in the fuel cell layer.

  FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of the fuel cell layer 64. In this figure, the first fuel cell 66 is separated from the second fuel cell 114 by a sealant barrier 44. The third fuel cell 115 is separated from the second fuel cell 114 by another sealant barrier 4. Said layer has the same structure as the layer shown in FIGS. The single fuel cell layer 64 can include any number of sealant barriers and cells as desired. The spacing between the individual fuel cells in the fuel cell layer is determined at the discretion of the designer, but is limited by the practical problem of manufacturing compatibility and the problem of mass transport of the porous substrate.

  The overall structure of the fuel cell layer 64 creates a series connection of the individual fuel cells. An anode connection 50 and a cathode connection 48 allow an external load to be connected to the fuel cell layer that produces a voltage that is the voltage multiplied by the voltage of a single cell made within the fuel cell layer.

  FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the fuel cell layer 64, but in this view, each of the fuel cells 8 has a channel 14 having a structure with low linearity. Similarly to FIG. 6, FIG. 7 uses the same structure as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but creates a multiple battery structure by repeating a plurality of times. Due to the low linearity structure of the channel, the electrochemically active area of the anode and cathode formed on the channel wall is increased. The low linearity channels can be irregularly resembling smooth undulations or fractal structure paths known to have very large areas. Since any arbitrary channel structure can be used in the present invention, the area of the electrode in each fuel cell is optimized. One preferred embodiment includes a plurality of narrow channels that line up parallel to each other and draw irregular paths that fold back in a manner resembling a fractal pattern. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least one channel in at least three planes.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cylindrical version 250 of multiple fuel cell layers. In this version, a number of non-planar fuel cells 208 are combined to create a fuel cell layer 64 that contains the volume 210. Using the confined volume 210 as a fuel plenum, the environment outside the cell supplies the oxidant. It is also envisioned that fuel is supplied by the environment outside the cylinder and that the confined volume 210 is used as an oxidant plenum. The cylindrical fuel cell 250 can also be made using a single porous substrate that is cylindrical, using the method described for combining the cells in FIG. 5, as described for combining the cells in FIG. Using the method, a plurality of porous substrates can be combined to form a cylindrical shape.

  FIG. 8 a is a cross-sectional view of a non-planar version of the fuel cell 208. The fuel cell has a fuel plenum 10 with a fuel inlet 18 and a fuel outlet 20, and an oxidant plenum 16 with an oxidant inlet 52 and an oxidant outlet 54. The non-planar porous substrate 212 communicates with the fuel plenum 10 and the oxidant plenum 16. The channel 14 is made inside the non-planar porous substrate 212 described above. The channel 14 has an anode 40 and a cathode 38 made by the method illustrated in FIG. 1 and is filled with an electrolyte 32. The fuel cell has a strut 26, a first coating 34 and a second coating 36. The cathode connector 48 is adjacent to the sealant barrier 44. The anode connector 50 is adjacent to an optional sealant barrier 46.

  In this figure, arcs are used to show the non-planar nature of the fuel cell, but any arbitrary configuration can be used. As with the fuel cell of FIG. 1, the non-planar fuel cells can be combined to form a single non-planar fuel cell layer having multiple cells, and the non-planar fuel cell can be configured with an optional oxidant plenum in various configurations. And can be combined with fuel.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical fuel cell. In this case, the non-planar substrate 212 is cylindrical and surrounds the volume 210. The fuel cell of this figure is shown as fuel 11 in an enclosed volume 210 that serves to provide fuel to the fuel cell. In this configuration, the ambient environment outside the battery supplies the oxidant. It is also assumed that the surrounding environment supplies the fuel, including the oxidant in the enclosed volume 210.

  FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a cylindrical fuel cell 251 having the channels 14 of the non-planar fuel cell 208 arranged radially and perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. It is understood that the fuel cell 208 of this figure can be assembled as described in FIG. 4 or formed in a single cylindrical substrate as described in FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a cylindrical fuel cell 252 having the non-planar fuel cell channels 14 arranged in a spiral manner around the cylinder. Although only a single spiral channel 14 is shown in this figure, a multi-fuel cell having a plurality of channels can be formed using the porous substrate.

  Only batteries that enclose the volume in a cylindrical shape are shown, but they also surround extruded rectangles, squares, ellipses, triangles, and other shapes, as well as non-extruded cones, triangular pyramids, football-shaped objects, and volumes Other forms are assumed to be included as part of the present invention.

  FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view showing the inside of a two-layer fuel cell layer structure 254 having two fuel cell layers. The first fuel cell layer 64 and the second fuel cell layer 112 are on the anode side and the cathode side, respectively. The first fuel cell layer 64 is disposed on the second fuel cell layer 112 so that the anode side 264 of the first fuel cell layer and the anode side 268 of the second fuel cell layer are in contact with each other. It is piled up.

  In FIG. 12, a seal 130 is placed between the first and second fuel cell layers to form a fuel plenum 124. By connecting the two anode connections to the anode connector 120 and the two cathode connections to the cathode connector 122, the individual fuel cell layers are electrically connected in parallel. The resulting assembly is a two-layer fuel cell layer structure 254 having a top 70 and a bottom 72, the top and bottom being the cathode side of each fuel cell layer. The resulting structure is an enclosed plenum air breathing fuel cell, in which the individual fuel cells in each fuel cell layer are electrically connected in series, The two fuel cell layers are electrically connected in parallel. Only the fuel needs to be supplied to the inside of the structure, and current flows independently of each other in the two fuel cell layers. There is an electrical connection between the two fuel cell layers only where the anode and cathode connections at the end of the fuel cell layer of the structure are connected in parallel.

  It is also envisioned that the fuel cell layers are arranged to be cathode-to-cathode so as to create a common plenum containing an oxidant. In this configuration, the fuel cell layer utilizes the ambient environment as a fuel supply source.

  Although various materials can be used as the porous substrate of the present invention, one usable material includes the following conductive materials. Metal foam, graphite, graphite composite, at least one silicon wafer, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene, crystalline polymer, crystalline polymer composite, reinforced phenolic resin, carbon cloth, carbon foam, carbon aerogel, ceramic, ceramic composite It is contemplated that materials such as carbon and polymer composites, ceramic and glass composites, recycled organic materials, and combinations of these materials may be used in the present invention.

  The channel is considered to have up to 50 optional supports that separate the walls of the channel. It is assumed that the channel is formed inside the porous substrate. Techniques for making the channel include cutting, removal (abrating), molding (etching), etching, extrusion, embossing, lamination, embedding, melting, or a combination of the techniques. The channel can be undulating or in at least three planes.

  The struts can be placed at the extreme end of the channel, for example at the top or bottom, at the center of the channel, or at an angle towards the center of the channel. Consider using an insulating material as the support material. In the case of using an insulating material in the present invention, silicon, graphite, graphite composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethacrylic resin, crystalline polymer, crystalline copolymer, the above-mentioned crosslinked polymer, wood, and the above combination can be used. is there.

  In terms of size, the channel can be 1 nanometer to 10 cm high, 1 nanometer to 1 mm wide, and 1 nanometer to 100 meters long.

  The power generation capacity of a single fuel cell of the present invention that may optionally enter the fuel cell layer is considered to be about 0.25 volts to about 4 volts. Although 1 to 5000 fuel cells can be used for one fuel cell layer of this design, in a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell layer has 75 to 150 combined fuel cells. This fuel cell layer is considered to have the ability to produce a voltage of 0.25 to 2500 volts. Fuel cells with more channels can produce higher voltages.

  The present invention can be assembled using pure hydrogen, a gas containing hydrogen, formic acid, an aqueous solution using ammonia, methanol, ethanol and sodium borohydride, or a combination thereof as the fuel. The present invention can be assembled using pure oxygen, oxygen-containing gas, air, oxygen-enriched air, or a combination of the above as the oxidant.

  The electrolyte that can be used in the present invention is a gel, liquid, or solid material. Various materials are considered to be usable, including: Perfluorinated polymers containing sulfone groups, acidic aqueous solutions with a pH of up to 4, alkaline aqueous solutions with a pH above 7, and combinations of the foregoing. Furthermore, it is considered that the electrolyte layer can have a thickness of 1 nanometer to 1.0 mm, or each of the undulating channels from the first wall to the second wall can be simply filled without a gap. .

  The fuel cell is manufactured using the first and second coatings on the porous substrate. These coatings may be the same material or different materials. At least one of the coatings is a polymer coating, epoxy, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl methacrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the cross-linked polymer, conductive It can be metal or a combination of the above. Alternatively, the first or second coating can have a thin metal layer, such as a coating of gold, platinum, aluminum, tin, or alloys thereof, or other metals or metal combinations.

  As the first and second catalyst layers that can be used in the present invention, a noble metal, an alloy using a noble metal, platinum, a platinum alloy, ruthenium, a ruthenium alloy, and a combination of the above materials can be considered. It is believed that a ternary alloy with at least one noble metal can be used to produce a favorable voltage. Platinum-ruthenium alloys and platinum are also contemplated for use with the present invention. Each of the catalyst layers has a certain amount of catalyst, but the amount of catalyst may vary from layer to layer.

  The first and second catalyst layers are disposed on the porous substrate with at least a minimum depth necessary for causing catalytic activity. The porous substrate is connected to a fuel plenum and a horizontal axis is created. The electrolyte disposed in the channel is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The porous substrate may be planar, enclose the volume, or cylindrical. The porous substrate may be a conductive material.

  The optional sealant barrier considered in the present invention can be silicon, epoxy, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the composite, or the combination.

As one method of making the fuel cell, consider the following steps.
a. A porous substrate having a top and a bottom having a first side and a second side is formed.
b. A first coating is disposed on at least a portion of the top.
c. A second coating is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom.
d. Using the porous substrate, a channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall is formed.
e. An anode is formed by placing a first catalyst layer on the first channel wall.
f. A cathode is formed by placing a second catalyst layer on the second channel wall.
g. At least an electrolyte is disposed in a portion of the channel that contacts the anode and the cathode.
h. An anode connection is attached to one end of the first side of the porous substrate and a cathode connection is attached to one end of the second side of the porous substrate.
i. A fuel plenum is attached to the porous substrate forming the fuel cell.
j. An oxidant plenum is attached to the porous substrate.
k. A sealant barrier is disposed around at least a portion of the fuel cell.
l. Fuel is put into the fuel plenum, and oxidant is put into the oxidant plenum.

  Depending on the requirements of the particular material used and the requirements of the fabrication process, the described operating procedures may vary or the processes may be combined. Similarly, the method may form 1 to 250 or more channels in the porous substrate.

As another method of forming the fuel cell assumed in the present invention, the following steps are considered. a. Prior to combining the porous substrate with the fuel plenum, steps a to h of the above method are repeated as necessary to form at least one additional fuel cell.
b. At least the porous substrate is fixed to the sealant barrier of the additional fuel cell with the sealant barrier to form a fuel cell, and a fuel cell layer to which the additionally manufactured fuel cell is fixed is attached to the fuel cell layer. Extend to each sealant barrier.
c. The anode connection and cathode connection of the fuel cell layer are combined.
d. The combined fuel cell is attached to the fuel plenum.
e. The combined fuel cell is attached to the oxidant plenum.

  The anode connection and cathode connection of the fuel cells in the fuel cell layer can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel.

  As yet another method of making a fuel cell layer, consider the following steps.

a. A porous substrate having a top and a bottom, a first side and a second side is formed.
b. A first coating is disposed on at least a portion of the top.
c. A second coating is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom.
d. A plurality of individual channels are formed using the porous substrate, wherein each individual channel has a first channel wall and a second channel wall.
e. A plurality of anodes are formed by placing a plurality of first catalyst layers on the first channel wall.
f. A plurality of second catalyst layers are placed on the second channel wall to form a plurality of cathodes.
g. At least an electrolyte is placed in each individual channel portion.
h. A first sealant barrier is disposed on at least a portion of the first side.
i. A second sealant barrier is disposed on at least a portion of the second side.
j. A plurality of third sealant barriers are created between each individual channel, and a plurality of independent fuel cells adjacent to each other are created in the porous substrate.
k. An anode connection is attached to the first side of the porous substrate.
l. A cathode connection is attached to the second side of the porous substrate.
m. A fuel cell anode connection is attached to each independent fuel cell.
n. A fuel cell cathode connection is attached to each independent fuel cell forming the fuel cell layer.
o. A sealant barrier is disposed around at least a part of the fuel cell layer.

  In any of the above methods, a number of different methods for making the porous substrate are contemplated in the present invention. Examples of the method for producing the porous substrate include a method of baking after casting, a method of slicing a layer from a previously formed lump, a molding method, an extrusion molding method, or a combination thereof. The formed porous substrate can enclose a non-planar or volume.

  Additional steps can be added to any of the methods described. A step of masking the porous substrate may be added before coating the top and bottom of the substrate. A step of inserting a strut between each of the first channel wall and the second channel wall can be added. Prior to adding the electrolyte, a step can be added to choose to remove a portion of the coating disposed on the top and bottom.

  Examples of the process for forming the individual channels include embossing, removal (abrating), etching, extrusion molding, lamination, embossing, embedding method, melting method, molding (molding), cutting, or a combination of the above. Etching by laser etching, deep reactive ion etching, or alkali etching is possible.

  The fuel cell anode connection and the fuel cell cathode connection of the independent fuel cells of the fuel cell layer can be connected in series, in parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

  When at least one of the coatings is disposed by thin film deposition, sputtering, non-electrodeposition metal deposition, electroplating, soldering, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition are used. be able to. When at least one of the coatings is an epoxy coating, the coating can be disposed by a method selected from the following group. Screen printing, inkjet printing, spreading with a spatula, spray deposition, vacuum bagging, and combinations thereof. A mask can be used when the coating is applied to the porous substrate. If necessary, a portion of the coating can be removed before adding the electrolyte.

  Examples of the method for producing the porous substrate include a method of firing after casting, a method of slicing a thin layer from a previously formed lump, a molding method, and an extrusion molding method. Prior to forming each individual channel, the porous substrate can be formed non-planar. In addition, the porous substrate can be formed to enclose a volume before forming each individual channel.

  The present invention is also a microstructure fuel cell system having the fuel cell layer. The fuel cell layer has an anode side and a cathode side, an anode end and a cathode end. There is at least one surface between the end of the anode and the end of the cathode, and at least one electronic system is mounted on the at least one surface.

  The above electronic systems include portable (cell) phones, PDAs, satellite phones, laptop computers, portable DVDs, portable CD players, portable personal care electronics, portable boom boxes, portable TVs, radars, radio transmitters, radars A detector or a combination of the above. Electric power produced by the fuel cell layer to which the system is attached is supplied to the electronic system. The electronic system also performs an auxiliary function for fuel cell operation. Such auxiliary functions include fuel cell performance monitoring, fuel cell control, fuel cell failure diagnosis, fuel cell performance optimization, fuel cell performance record, or a combination of the foregoing. One or more electronic systems can be attached to each side of the fuel cell layer.

  The present invention is also a multiple fuel cell layer structure having multiple fuel cell layers. The first fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer so that the anode side of the first fuel cell layer merges with the anode side of the second fuel cell layer. The third fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer so that the cathode side of the third fuel cell layer is merged with the cathode side of the second fuel cell layer, and the fuel cell layers are adjacent to each other. Form. Further, additional fuel cell layers can be added to the first, second, and third fuel cell layers in the same manner. When the first fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer such that the anode side of the first fuel cell layer merges with the anode side of the second fuel cell layer to form a two-layer stack, 2 A layer fuel cell layer structure is created.

  The multi-fuel and two-layer cell layer structure also includes at least one seal between adjacent fuel cell layers forming at least one plenum, an anode connector for connecting the stack to an external load, and an external And a cathode connector for connecting the stack to a load. When fuel is supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell layer and oxidant is supplied to the cathode side of the plurality of fuel cell layers, an electric current flows to drive an external load.

  In another embodiment, the multiple fuel cell layer structure or the two-layer cell layer structure may also have at least one fluid field created in at least one fuel cell layer of the stack. Examples of the method for creating the fluid field include cutting, removing (ablating), molding, embossing, etching, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations thereof.

  The fuel cell layer structure plenum may be a fuel plenum, an oxidant plenum, or a combination of the foregoing. The end of the anode and the end of the cathode can be connected in series between the anode connector and the cathode connector, connected in parallel to the anode connector and the cathode connector, or by a combination of both.

  To use the fuel cell of the present invention, firstly a fuel source is connected to the fuel plenum inlet, secondly a fuel plenum outlet is connected to the recirculation controller, and thirdly an oxidant plenum inlet. Connect to the oxidant source, fourth connect the oxidant plenum outlet to the flow control device, fifth connect the anode and cathode connections to the external load, and sixth connect fuel and oxidant to the inlet The load device is driven by electricity generated by the fuel cell.

  Using a dead-end version of the fuel cell is a much simpler operation. First, the fuel inlet is connected to the fuel supply; second, the oxidant inlet is connected to the oxidant supply; and third, the anode and cathode connections are connected to an external load, creating the fuel cell. Electricity drives the load device.

  The method of the present invention may further comprise the step of making a dead-end fuel cell by sealing the plenum outlet and inlet after supplying the fuel and oxidant to the respective plenum. Thereafter, the fuel cell can be connected to an external load using an anode and cathode connection to drive the external load.

  In the present invention, it is assumed that any combination of fuel and oxidant inlets and outlets is used to operate the fuel cell.

  Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention.

By way of example, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a fuel cell of the present invention. FIG. 1a is a detailed cross-sectional view of an anode using a catalyst at a first depth in a porous substrate. FIG. 1b is a detailed cross-sectional view of an anode using a catalyst at a second depth in a porous substrate. FIG. 1c is a detailed cross-sectional view of the cathode. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dead-end embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. FIG. 2a is an embodiment of a fuel cell according to the present invention in which the fuel and oxidant plenum are solid and in which the flow channel is encased. FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of a dead-end fuel cell. FIG. 3a is an embodiment of the invention using an oxidant plenum open to the surrounding environment. FIG. 3b is an embodiment of the present invention using a fuel plenum open to the surrounding environment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell layer formed by combining a plurality of fuel cells of the type described in FIG. FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a multi-porous substrate fuel cell layer with the fuel plenum open to the surrounding environment. FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a multi-porous substrate fuel cell layer with the oxidant plenum open to the surrounding environment. FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell layer with up to 5000 fuel cells. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell in which multiple fuel cells of the type described in FIG. 1 are formed in a single substrate. FIG. 5a is another embodiment of a fuel cell with multiple cells. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fuel cell layer including a multiple fuel cell of the type described in FIG. FIG. 7 is another detailed perspective view of the fuel cell of the present invention with an undulating channel. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cylindrical version of a fuel cell according to the present invention. FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fuel cell in which the substrate is irregularly shaped in the embodiment of the fuel cell of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical version of a fuel cell according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is another embodiment of the inventive fuel cell of the present invention having a channel formed by a set of stacked annular rings. FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention having a channel made to spiral around a cylinder. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a two-layer fuel cell structure.

Claims (162)

A fuel cell,
a. A fuel plenum having fuel;
b. An oxidant plenum having an oxidant;
c. A porous substrate having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side and in communication with the fuel plenum and the oxidant plenum;
d. A channel formed using the porous substrate, the channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall;
e. An anode formed from a first catalyst layer disposed on a porous substrate of the first channel wall;
f. A cathode formed from a second catalyst layer disposed on the porous substrate of the second channel wall;
g. An electrolyte disposed at least in a portion of the channel in contact with the anode and the cathode to prevent fuel migration to the cathode and oxidant migration to the anode;
h. A first coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate to prevent fuel from entering at least a portion of the porous substrate;
i. A second coating disposed on at least a portion of the porous substrate to prevent oxidant from entering at least a portion of the porous substrate;
j. A first sealant barrier disposed on the first side and a second sealant barrier disposed on the second side;
k. An anode connection disposed on the first side;
l. A cathode connection disposed on the second side surface,
In the foregoing, the resulting fuel cell produces a current that drives an external load.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the anode formed from the first catalyst layer is disposed on a porous substrate of the first channel wall, and the cathode formed from the second catalyst layer includes: It is arranged on the porous substrate of the second channel wall.   3. The fuel cell of claim 2, wherein the first and second catalyst layers have a minimum to maximum depth required to provide catalytic activity, a distance from the first channel wall to the first side surface. The distance from the second channel wall to the second side surface is selected from the distances and is disposed on the porous substrate.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the first sealant barrier is disposed on the first side opposite the anode, and the second sealant barrier is the second side opposite the cathode. Is to be arranged.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the channel is formed in the porous substrate.   6. The fuel cell of claim 5, wherein the technique uses a technique selected from the group comprising cutting, removal (ablating), molding, etching, extrusion, embossing, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations of said techniques. A channel is formed.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the channel is undulated.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the channel is in at least three planes.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the oxidant comprises one of a group comprising pure oxidant, gas-containing oxidant, air, oxygen-enriched air, and combinations thereof.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel has one of the following groups: pure hydrogen, gas-containing hydrogen, formic acid, and an aqueous solution having one of the following groups: ammonia, methanol, ethanol, borohydride. Sodium, and combinations thereof.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous substrate has a planar shape.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous substrate has a shape including a certain volume.   13. The fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein the porous substrate has a cylindrical shape.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous substrate is a conductive material.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous material includes metal foam, graphite, graphite composite, at least one silicon wafer, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene, crystalline polymer, crystalline polymer composite, reinforced phenol resin, carbon One of the group comprising materials such as cloth, carbon foam, carbon aerogel, ceramic, ceramic composite, carbon and polymer composite, ceramic and glass composite, recycled organic materials, and combinations of the above materials .   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a support member disposed between the first channel wall and the second channel wall, wherein the support member is silicon, graphite, graphite composite, polytetrafluoroethylene. , Polymethacrylic resins, crystalline polymers, crystalline copolymers, the aforementioned cross-linked polymers, wood, and one of a group comprising the combinations.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a fuel plenum discharge port connected to the fuel plenum.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a fuel plenum inlet connected to the fuel plenum.   The fuel cell of claim 1, further comprising an oxidant plenum inlet in communication with the oxidant plenum.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, further comprising an oxidant plenum outlet that communicates with the oxidant plenum.   The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel plenum comprises a permeable material.   The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel plenum comprises a permeable material.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel plenum comprises a solid material having a fluid field.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is one of a group comprising a perfluorinated polymer containing a sulfone group, an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of up to 4, an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of more than 7, and the combination.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the first coating and the second coating are the same material.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the first coating and the second coating are different materials.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein at least one of the coatings is a polymer coating, epoxy, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl methacrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the cross-linked polymer, a conductive material. , And one of a group comprising the combinations described above.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers comprises one of a group comprising a noble metal, an alloy having a noble metal, platinum, a platinum alloy, ruthenium, a ruthenium alloy, and combinations thereof. .   29. The fuel cell according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is a ternary alloy containing at least one noble metal.   30. The fuel cell of claim 28, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers comprises platinum.   29. The fuel cell of claim 28, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers comprises a platinum-ruthenium alloy.   29. The fuel cell according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers has a catalyst load different from that of the other catalyst layer.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the channel is sized in the range of 1 micron to 10 cm high, 1 nanometer to 1 mm wide, and 1 nanometer to 100 meters long.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel cell produces a voltage of about 0.25 volts to about 4 volts.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the fuel plenum has a rectangular cross section.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the porous substrate communicating with the fuel plenum further has a horizontal axis, and the electrolyte disposed in the channel is disposed perpendicular to the horizontal axis.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the oxidant plenum comprises a permeable material.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the oxidant plenum comprises a solid material having a fluid field.   2. The fuel cell of claim 1, wherein the oxidant plenum is open to the surrounding environment.   A fuel cell layer comprising at least two fuel cells of claim 1 for connection to an external load.   41. The fuel cell of claim 40, wherein the anode formed from the first catalyst layer is disposed on the porous substrate of the first channel wall, and the cathode formed from the second catalyst layer is It is arranged on the porous substrate of the second channel wall.   41. The fuel cell layer according to claim 40, wherein the first and second catalyst layers are disposed on the porous substrate at at least a minimum depth necessary for causing catalytic activity.   41. The fuel cell of claim 40, wherein the channel is formed in the porous substrate.   44. The fuel cell of claim 43, using a technique selected from the group comprising cutting, removal (ablating), molding, etching, extrusion, stamping, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations of the above techniques. The channel is formed.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the channels is undulating.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the channels is in three planes.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the fuel cells further comprises a strut placed between the first channel wall and the second channel wall, the strut being silicon. , Graphite, graphite composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethacrylic resin, crystalline polymer, crystalline copolymer, the aforementioned crosslinked polymer, wood, and one of a group comprising the aforementioned combinations.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the fuel cells comprises a perfluorinated polymer comprising a sulfonic group, an acidic aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7, an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of up to 4 and combinations thereof. It has an electrolyte selected from a group.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the coatings is a polymer coating, epoxy, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl methacrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the cross-linked polymer, conductive. Having one of a group of materials and combinations of the foregoing.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is one of a group consisting of a noble metal, an alloy having a noble metal, platinum, a platinum alloy, ruthenium, a ruthenium alloy, and combinations thereof.   51. The fuel cell layer of claim 50, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is a ternary alloy having at least one noble metal.   51. The fuel cell layer of claim 50, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is platinum.   51. The fuel cell layer of claim 50, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is a platinum-ruthenium alloy.   51. The fuel cell layer according to claim 50, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers has a catalyst load different from that of the other catalyst layers.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein at least one of the channels is sized in the range of 1 micron to 10 cm high, 1 nanometer to 1 mm wide, and 1 nanometer to 100 meters long.   41. The fuel cell layer of claim 40, wherein each fuel cell layer produces a voltage of about 0.25 volts to about 2500 volts.   41. The fuel cell layer according to claim 40, wherein the fuel cell layer has 1 to 5000 fuel cells.   58. The fuel cell layer according to claim 57, wherein the fuel cell layer has 75 to 150 fuel cells.   A fuel cell layer comprising at least two fuel cells of claim 1 connected.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein the anode formed from the first catalyst layer is disposed on the porous substrate of the first channel wall and the cathode formed from the second catalyst layer. Is disposed on the porous substrate of the second channel wall.   61. The fuel cell layer according to claim 60, wherein the first and second catalyst layers are disposed on the porous substrate at at least a minimum depth necessary for causing catalytic activity.   60. The fuel cell layer according to claim 59, wherein the channel is formed in the porous substrate.   63. The fuel cell layer of claim 62, wherein a technique selected from the group comprising cutting, removal (ablating), molding, etching, extrusion, embossing, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations of the above techniques is used. Forming the channel.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the channels is undulating.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the channels is in at least three planes.   60. The fuel cell layer according to claim 59, wherein at least one of the porous substrates has a planar shape.   60. The fuel cell layer according to claim 59, wherein the plurality of fuel cells have a shape including a certain volume.   60. The fuel cell layer according to claim 59, wherein the plurality of fuel cells have a cylindrical shape.   60. The fuel cell layer according to claim 59, wherein at least one of the porous substrates is a conductive material.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the porous substrates is a metal foam, graphite, graphite composite, at least one silicon wafer, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene, crystalline polymer, crystalline polymer composite, A group of ones including materials such as reinforced phenolic resin, carbon cloth, carbon foam, carbon aerogel, ceramic, ceramic composite, carbon and polymer composite, ceramic and glass composite, recycled organic materials, and combinations of these materials It has one.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the fuel cells further comprises a strut disposed between the first channel wall and the second channel wall, wherein the strut is silicon. , Graphite, graphite composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethacrylic resin, crystalline polymer, crystalline copolymer, the cross-linked polymer, wood, and a combination of the above.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the fuel cells comprises a perfluorinated polymer comprising a sulfone group, an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of up to 4, an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of greater than 7, and a combination thereof. It has an electrolyte selected from a group.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the fuel cells has a first coating and a second coating of the same material.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the fuel cells has a first coating and a second coating of different materials.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the coatings is a polymer coating, epoxy, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl methacrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the cross-linked polymer, conductive. Having one of a group of materials and combinations of the foregoing.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is one of a group comprising noble metals, alloys having noble metals, platinum, platinum alloys, ruthenium, ruthenium alloys, and combinations thereof.   77. The fuel cell layer of claim 76, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is a ternary alloy having at least one noble metal.   77. The fuel cell layer of claim 76, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is platinum.   77. The fuel cell layer of claim 76, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers is a platinum-ruthenium alloy.   77. The fuel cell layer according to claim 76, wherein at least one of the catalyst layers has a catalyst load different from that of the other catalyst layers.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein at least one of the channels is sized in the range of 1 micron to 10 cm high, 1 nanometer to 1 mm wide, and 1 nanometer to 100 meters long.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein the fuel cell layer produces a voltage of about 0.25 volts to about 2500 volts.   60. The fuel cell layer of claim 59, wherein the fuel cell layer comprises 1 to 5000 combined fuel cells.   84. The fuel cell layer of claim 83, wherein the fuel cell layer comprises 75 to 150 combined fuel cells. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell layer, comprising:
a. Forming a porous substrate having a top and bottom, a first side and a second side;
b. Disposing a first coating on at least a portion of the top;
c. Disposing a second coating on at least a portion of the bottom;
d. Using the porous substrate to form a plurality of individual channels, each individual channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall;
e. Forming a plurality of anodes by placing a plurality of first catalyst layers on the first channel walls;
f. Forming a plurality of cathodes by placing a plurality of second catalyst layers on the second channel walls;
g. Disposing at least an electrolyte in each individual channel portion;
h. Disposing a first sealant barrier on at least a portion of the first side;
i. Disposing a second sealant barrier on at least a portion of the second side surface;
j. Creating a plurality of third sealant barriers between each individual channel and creating a plurality of independent fuel cells adjacent to each other in the porous substrate;
k. Attaching an anode connection to the first side of the porous substrate;
l. Attaching a cathode connection to the second side of the porous substrate;
m. Attaching a fuel cell anode connection to each independent fuel cell;
n. Attaching a fuel cell cathode connection to each independent fuel cell forming the fuel cell layer;
o. Disposing a sealant barrier around at least a portion of the fuel cell layer;
It is the method which has.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed by casting and firing.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed by slicing a thin layer from the preformed mass.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed by a molding method.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed by an extrusion method.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed non-planar before forming each individual channel.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the porous substrate is formed into a shape that includes a fixed volume before forming each individual channel.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising using a material of the first coating that is different from the second coating.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising using the same material for the first coating as the second coating.   86. The method of claim 85, comprising a conductive metal, epoxy, polymer coating, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl methacrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, said copolymer, said crosslinked polymer, and said combination. The method further comprises the step of using a coating selected from:   95. The method of claim 94, wherein the coating is a metal coating and the metal coating is disposed on the top by a thin film deposition method.   96. The method of claim 95, wherein the thin film deposition method comprises one of a group comprising sputtering, non-electrodeposition metal deposition, electroplating, soldering, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition.   95. The method of claim 94, wherein the coating is an epoxy coating and includes a group comprising screen printing, inkjet printing, a method of spreading with a spatula, spray deposition, vacuum bagging, and combinations thereof on the top. It arranges by the method selected from.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising the step of masking the porous substrate before coating the top and bottom of the substrate.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising inserting a strut between each of the first channel wall and the second channel wall.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising selectively removing portions of the coating disposed on the top and bottom before adding the electrolyte.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising forming 1 to 250 or more individual channels in the porous substrate.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the step of forming the individual channels comprises stamping, removing (ablating), etching, extruding, laminating, embedding, melting, molding, cutting, and combinations of the techniques. It is performed by a method selected from a group including.   103. The method of claim 102, wherein the etching is performed by a method selected from the group comprising laser etching, deep reactive ion etching, and alkali etching.   86. The method of claim 85, further comprising using the sealant barrier material selected from the group comprising silicon, epoxy, metal, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, the copolymer, the composite, and the combination. Is.   105. The method of claim 104, selected from the group comprising silicon, graphite, graphite composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate resin, crystalline polymer, crystalline copolymer, said crosslinked polymer, wood, and said combination. The method further includes the step of using the supporting material.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the process comprises using a perfluorinated polymer comprising a sulfone group, an acidic aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7, an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH up to 4 and an electrolyte selected from the group comprising the combination. Is further included.   108. The method of claim 106, wherein the electrolyte is placed in the individual channel by a method having one of a group including pressure injection, vacuum formation, hot embossing, and combinations thereof.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the first and second catalyst layers are of a minimum thickness necessary to cause catalytic activity.   85. The method of claim 85, wherein the step of forming the first and second catalyst layers in the channel wall is used instead of the step of disposing the first and second catalyst layers on the channel wall. It is.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the anode and cathode from the first and second catalyst layers comprise a noble metal, an alloy-containing noble metal, platinum, a platinum alloy, ruthenium, a ruthenium alloy, and combinations thereof. It has a process using one.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein each individual channel is one of a group having undulating channels, straight channels, and irregular channels.   112. The method of claim 111, wherein at least one of the undulating channels is sinusoidal.   112. The method of claim 111, wherein at least one of the straight channels is a straight line.   112. The method of claim 111, wherein at least one of the irregular channels is in at least three planes.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the step of forming the porous substrate comprises: metal foam, graphite, graphite composite, at least one silicon wafer, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene, crystalline polymer, crystalline polymer composite, reinforcement. Selected from the group including phenolic resin, carbon cloth, carbon foam, carbon aerogel, ceramic, ceramic composite, carbon and polymer composite, ceramic and glass composite, recycled organic materials, and combinations of these materials It has a process of using a material.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the fuel cell anode connection and the fuel cell cathode connection of the independent fuel cell of the fuel cell layer are connected in series.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the fuel cell anode connection and the fuel cell cathode connection of the independent fuel cell of the fuel cell layer are connected in parallel.   86. The method of claim 85, wherein the fuel cell anode connection and the fuel cell cathode connection of the independent fuel cell of the fuel cell layer are connected in a combination of series and parallel.   A microstructured fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell layer having an anode side and a cathode side, an anode end and a cathode end, at least one surface disposed between the anode end and the cathode end, and at least one of the above And at least one electronic device attached to the surface.   120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the electronic device is a cellular phone.   120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein a PDA, satellite phone, laptop computer, portable DVD, portable CD player, portable personal care electronics, portable boom box, portable television, radar, radio transmitter, radar detector, and combinations thereof The electronic device is selected from a group having:   120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein power generated by the fuel cell layer to which the electronic device is attached is supplied to the electronic device.   120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the electronic device performs an auxiliary function for fuel cell operation.   124. The apparatus of claim 123, wherein the auxiliary function is one of a group comprising fuel cell performance monitoring, fuel cell control, fuel cell failure diagnosis, fuel cell performance optimization, fuel cell performance record, and combinations thereof.   120. The device of claim 119, wherein a plurality of fuel cell layers comprise the device.   126. The apparatus of claim 125, wherein at least two electronic devices are attached by attaching one electronic device to each side of the fuel cell layer. A multi-fuel cell layer structure,
a. In the fuel cell layer having one anode surface and one cathode surface, and an anode end and a cathode end, the first fuel cell layer is disposed so that the anode side of the first fuel cell layer and the cathode side of the second fuel cell layer are in contact with each other. Are stacked on the second fuel cell layer, and the third fuel cell layer is placed on the second fuel cell layer so that the cathode side of the third fuel cell layer is in contact with the cathode side of the second fuel cell layer. The fuel cells can be stacked to form an adjacent stack, and additional fuel cell layers can be mounted on the first, second, and third fuel cell layers in a similar manner. With multiple layers,
b. At least one seal between adjacent fuel cell layers so as to form at least one plenum;
c. An anode connector for connecting the stack to an external load;
d. A cathode connector for connecting the stack to the external load;
When fuel is supplied to the anode side of the plurality of fuel cell layers and oxidant is supplied to the cathode side of the plurality of fuel cell layers, a current for driving the external load is generated.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein at least one of said plenums is one of a group comprising a fuel plenum, an oxidant plenum, and combinations thereof.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein at least one of said plenums is a permeable material.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein at least one of said plenums is a solid material having a fluid field.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein at least one of said plenums is open to the surrounding environment.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein said anode end and cathode end are connected in series between said anode and cathode connector.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein said anode end and cathode end are connected in parallel between said anode and cathode connector.   128. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 127, wherein said anode end and cathode end are connected between said anode and cathode connector by a combination of series and parallel. A multi-fuel cell layer structure,
a. In the fuel cell layer having one anode surface and one cathode surface, that is, an anode end and a cathode end, the first fuel cell layer is arranged so that the anode side of the first fuel cell layer and the cathode side of the second fuel cell layer are in contact with each other. The third fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer so that the cathode side of the third fuel cell layer is in contact with the cathode side of the second fuel cell layer. A fuel cell layer in which a fuel cell layer forms an adjacent stack, and an additional fuel cell layer can be placed on the first, second and third fuel cell layers in a similar manner. Multiple,
b. At least one seal between adjacent fuel cell layers so as to form at least one plenum;
c. At least one fluid field created in at least one fuel cell layer of the stack;
d. An anode connector for connecting the stack to an external load;
e. A cathode connector for connecting the stack to the external load;
When fuel is supplied to the anode side of the plurality of fuel cell layers and oxidant is supplied to the cathode side of the plurality of fuel cell layers, a current for driving the external load is generated.   136. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein at least one of the plenums is one of a group comprising a fuel plenum, an oxidant plenum, and combinations thereof.   140. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein at least one of the plenums is a permeable material.   136. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein at least one of the plenums is a solid material having a fluid field.   138. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 138, wherein at least one of the plenums is open to the surrounding environment.   135. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected in series between the anode and cathode connector.   135. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected in parallel between the anode and cathode connector.   135. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected between the anode and cathode connector by a combination of series and parallel.   136. The multiple fuel cell layer structure of claim 135, wherein the fluid field is selected from the group comprising cutting, removing (ablating), molding, embossing, etching, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations of the above techniques. It is made by a method. A two-layer fuel cell layer structure,
a. In the first fuel cell layer and the second fuel cell layer, each fuel cell layer having an anode side and a cathode side, and an anode end and a cathode end, the anode side of the first fuel cell layer and the second fuel cell layer A first fuel cell layer and a second fuel cell layer, wherein the first fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer so as to form a two-layer stack in contact with the anode side;
b. A seal placed between the first and second fuel cell layers to form a fuel plenum;
c. An anode connector for connecting the two-layer stack to an external load;
d. A cathode connector for connecting the two-layer stack to the external load;
When fuel is supplied to the fuel plenum and the cathode side is exposed to an oxidant, an electric current is generated to drive the external load.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the fuel plenum is a permeable material.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the fuel plenum is a solid material having a fluid field.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the fuel plenum is open to the surrounding environment.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected in series between the anode and cathode connector.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected in parallel to the anode and cathode connector.   144. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, wherein the fuel plenum has a constant volume with a hydrogen storage material.   145. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 144, further comprising at least one fluid field created in the at least one fuel cell layer.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 151, wherein the fluid field is from a group of methods comprising cutting, removing (ablating), molding, embossing, etching, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations thereof. It is made by the selected method. A two-layer fuel cell layer structure,
a. In each of the first fuel cell layer and the second fuel cell layer, each fuel cell layer has an anode side and a cathode side, and an anode end and a cathode end, and the cathode side of the first fuel cell layer is the cathode of the second fuel cell layer. A first fuel cell layer and a second fuel cell layer, wherein the first fuel cell layer is stacked on the second fuel cell layer so as to form a two-layer stack in contact with the side;
b. A seal placed between the first and second fuel cell layers to form an oxidant plenum;
c. An anode connector for connecting the two-layer stack to an external load;
d. A cathode connector for connecting the two-layer stack to the external load;
When an oxidant is supplied to the oxidant plenum and the anode side is exposed to fuel, a current for driving the external load is generated.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, wherein the oxidant plenum is a permeable material.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, wherein the oxidant plenum is a solid material having a fluid field.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, wherein the oxidant plenum is open to the surrounding environment.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, wherein said anode end and cathode end are connected in series between said anode and cathode connector.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, wherein the anode end and cathode end are connected in parallel between the anode and cathode connector.   153. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 153, further comprising at least one fluid field created in at least one fuel cell layer.   159. The two-layer fuel cell layer structure of claim 159, wherein the fluid field is from a group comprising cutting, removing (ablating), molding, embossing, etching, laminating, embedding, melting, and combinations of the above techniques. It is made by the method selected. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the ball valve further comprises:
a movable control means placed in the annulus to control the movement of the sphere;
b. A tubular piston attached to the ball valve in a movable manner for length extension and reduction, combined with the control method for extending the tubular piston in conjunction with the control means signal. The tubular piston,
c. having a fluid port through which pressurized fluid from a remote source on top of the tubing hanger is applied or discharged alternately to move the valve closure between the open and closed positions; .   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the curved radius of the convex sphere segment coincides with the curved radius of the concave sphere segment, and the segments merge in a nested state.

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