Electrochemical heat source

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) a heat source body comprising at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and
• b) an absorbent outerwrap placed around the heat source body on which steam generated by the electrochemical reaction can condense.

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and
• b) a boiling modifier which does not react with the metallic agents and which is capable of preventing water in the solution from boiling at temperatures produced by the heat source.

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another to produce hydrogen when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution;
• and
• b) an oxidizing agent suitable for oxidizing said hydrogen at temperatures produced by the heat source.

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and
• b) a phase change material mixed with said metallic agents in said heat source and capable of absorbing heat produced by the electrochemical reaction by changing phases and releasing said heat later by change back to its original phase.

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and
• b) an acid capable of maintaining the pH of the electrolyte solution below a point where the electrochemical reaction is impeded.

An electrochemical heat source comprising:

• a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution, the at least two metallic agents being formed into an elongated shape with side portions of substantially greater surface area than the end portions, and
• b) a porous wick disposed around the periphery of the electrochemical heat source so as to contact all of said side portions, the wick being capable of distributing the electrolyte solution from a source of said solution to portions of the heat source distant from said solution source.