Electrochemical fuel cell employing ambient air as the oxidant and coolant

An electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprising:

• a bicell membrane electrode assembly comprising a first porous electrically conductive cathode having a surface thereof exposed to ambient air, a porous electrically conductive anode, a second porous electrically conductive cathode having a surface thereof exposed to ambient air, a first ion exchange membrane interposed between said first cathode and said anode, and a second ion exchange membrane interposed between said second cathode and said anode;
• sealing means for forming a gas-impermeable barrier around said anode;
• fuel delivery means for delivering gaseous fuel to said anode;
• electrical connection means for providing an electrical connection to said anode, to said cathode, and to said second cathode;
• a first thermally conductive plate having a plurality of first thermally conductive members extending from a major surface thereof, said first members contacting portions of said exposed first cathode surface, adjacent ones of said first members cooperating with said first plate and said exposed first cathode surface to form at least one air conducting channel;
• a second thermally conductive plate having a plurality of second thermally conductive members extending from a major surface thereof, said second members contacting portions of said exposed second cathode surface, adjacent ones of said second members cooperating with said second plate and said exposed second cathode surface to form at least one air conducting channel;
• whereby at least a portion of the heat generated exothermically in said membrane electrode assembly is dissipated to the atmosphere through said first and second members.