Fuel cell device

Abstract

A fuel cell device is provided having an active structure with an anode and cathode in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween, a fuel passage adjacent the anode for supplying fuel to the active structure, and an air passage adjacent the cathode for supplying air to the active structure. A porous ceramic layer is positioned between each of the anode and fuel passage and the cathode and air passage, the porous ceramic layers having a porosity configured to permit transport of fuel and air from the respective fuel and air passage to the respective anode and cathode. An inactive surrounding support structure is provided that is monolithic with the electrolyte and the porous ceramic layers, wherein the inactive surrounding support structure lacks the anode and cathode in opposing relation and the active structure resides within the inactive surrounding support structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fuel cell device comprising:
 first and second ends defining an elongate body of a length greater than a width and greater than a thickness;   an active structure in the elongate body having an anode and a cathode in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween; and   an inactive surrounding support structure monolithic with the electrolyte and lacking the anode and cathode in opposing relation, the active structure residing within the inactive surrounding support structure,   wherein the elongate body includes an attachment surface that is proximate the first end, the attachment surface having an attachment material that is different from material of the inactive surrounding support structure disposed thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment material is at least one of a solder, a glass-type material, an adhesive, and a glue. 
     
     
         3 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment surface defines an input hole configured for entry of a gas into communication with one of the anode and the cathode. 
     
     
         4 . The fuel cell device of  claim 3 , wherein the attachment material is proximate the input hole and is configured to seal a gas supply tube in the input hole. 
     
     
         5 . The fuel cell device of  claim 3 , further including a gas supply tube in the input hole and the attachment material seals a gas supply tube in the input hole. 
     
     
         6 . The fuel cell device of  claim 5 , wherein the attachment material is an organic adhesive or a glass type material. 
     
     
         7 . The fuel cell device of  claim 3 , wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis intersects the attachment surface. 
     
     
         8 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment surface defines at least two input holes each configured for entry of a gas into communication with one of the anode and the cathode. 
     
     
         9 . The fuel cell device of  claim 8 , wherein the attachment material is proximate the input holes and is configured to seal a gas supply tube in each of the input holes. 
     
     
         10 . The fuel cell device of  claim 9 , wherein the attachment material is an organic adhesive or a glass type material. 
     
     
         11 . The fuel cell device of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis intersects the attachment surface. 
     
     
         12 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment surface defines a plane with a width dimension and a height dimension, and the attachment material is a layer that covers the attachment surface. 
     
     
         13 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end is larger in at least one dimension relative to a remainder of the elongate body, and the first end defines the attachment surface. 
     
     
         14 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , further including a flex circuit coupled to the attachment surface with the attachment material. 
     
     
         15 . The fuel cell device of  claim 14 , wherein the flex circuit includes processing circuitry and has or is configured to receive a connector for electrical connection to additional controls. 
     
     
         16 . The fuel cell device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body includes a second attachment surface that is proximate the second end, the second attachment surface has the attachment material disposed thereon, and the elongate body is configured to be secured at each of the attachment surface proximate the first end and the second attachment surface proximate the second end. 
     
     
         17 . The fuel cell device of  claim 16 , wherein the elongate body is a curved arch shape. 
     
     
         18 . The fuel cell device of  claim 16 , wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis does not intersect the attachment surface. 
     
     
         19 . The fuel cell device of  claim 16 , wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis intersects each of the attachment surface proximate the first end and the second attachment surface proximate the second end.