Microcell electrochemical devices assemblies with water management subsystem, and method of making and using the same

An electrochemical device comprising water-permeable membrane hollow fibers distributed in an assembly including a plurality of microcells potted at respective ends of the assembly and disposed within a housing wherein the potted respective ends bound an interior volume therebetween, and wherein the hollow fibers are parallelly aligned with microcells of the assembly, with each hollow fiber having a first open end extending through the tubesheet exteriorly of the interior volume and the other end terminating at or before the opposite potting member, whereby the hollow fibers are arranged to absorb water produced in the electrochemical reaction by wicking action and channeling water away from the locus of electrochemical reaction by permeation through the wall of the hollow fiber and flow thereof through the bore of the hollow fiber to a collection locus in the housing outside of the interior volume.