(EP852070-A1)      A fuel cell appts. comprises a first, central fibre-reinforced membrane with a H2 side and an O2 side, electrodes on each side of the membrane, with each electrode comprising a first catalyst film layer deposited on the central membrane and sepd. from it by voids, metal film layers deposited over the catalyst layers, and hydrophobic film layers on the metal film layers, with electrolyte in voids between the catalyst film layers and the central membrane. Over the H2 side electrode there is a first water circulating and regulating membrane and over this there is a fuel channel manifold sealed to the H2 side electrode, and with a fuel inlet connected to the manifold to deliver fuel to a region between the manifold and the water circulating and regulating membrane. There is a similar arrangement below the O2 side electrode, with a gas inlet for an oxidising gas. There is an electrical contact connected to each electrode, and a sealing rim extending around and connected to the outer edges of the cell.    USE -   The fuel cell may act as an electrolysis cell for generating reactant gases from the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cells are produced as a non-bipolar series of cells on a single thin flexible layer. The structure can be bent to conform to curved surfaces, can be formed in unusual free-form shapes, and can be made very small or very large, eg, as series cells 10 microns thick. The risk of sudden decompression is reduced by restricting fluid flow through small dia. pores and tubes. High differential pressure cell operation is not needed to counteract the ionic drag of water across the electrolytes, removing the need for pressurised fuel cells, with rupture hazards. The high ratio of insulator to metal prevents internal electrical shorting.    (JP10513005-W)      A fuel cell appts. comprises a first, central fibre-reinforced membrane with a H2 side and an O2 side, electrodes on each side of the membrane, with each electrode comprising a first catalyst film layer deposited on the central membrane and sepd. from it by voids, metal film layers deposited over the catalyst layers, and hydrophobic film layers on the metal film layers, with electrolyte in voids between the catalyst film layers and the central membrane. Over the H2 side electrode there is a first water circulating and regulating membrane and over this there is a fuel channel manifold sealed to the H2 side electrode, and with a fuel inlet connected to the manifold to deliver fuel to a region between the manifold and the water circulating and regulating membrane. There is a similar arrangement below the O2 side electrode, with a gas inlet for an oxidising gas. There is an electrical contact connected to each electrode, and a sealing rim extending around and connected to the outer edges of the cell.    USE -   The fuel cell may act as an electrolysis cell for generating reactant gases from the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cells are produced as a non-bipolar series of cells on a single thin flexible layer. The structure can be bent to conform to curved surfaces, can be formed in unusual free-form shapes, and can be made very small or very large, eg, as series cells 10 microns thick. The risk of sudden decompression is reduced by restricting fluid flow through small dia. pores and tubes. High differential pressure cell operation is not needed to counteract the ionic drag of water across the electrolytes, removing the need for pressurised fuel cells, with rupture hazards. The high ratio of insulator to metal prevents internal electrical shorting.    (RU2146406-C1)      A fuel cell appts. comprises a first, central fibre-reinforced membrane with a H2 side and an O2 side, electrodes on each side of the membrane, with each electrode comprising a first catalyst film layer deposited on the central membrane and sepd. from it by voids, metal film layers deposited over the catalyst layers, and hydrophobic film layers on the metal film layers, with electrolyte in voids between the catalyst film layers and the central membrane. Over the H2 side electrode there is a first water circulating and regulating membrane and over this there is a fuel channel manifold sealed to the H2 side electrode, and with a fuel inlet connected to the manifold to deliver fuel to a region between the manifold and the water circulating and regulating membrane. There is a similar arrangement below the O2 side electrode, with a gas inlet for an oxidising gas. There is an electrical contact connected to each electrode, and a sealing rim extending around and connected to the outer edges of the cell.    USE -   The fuel cell may act as an electrolysis cell for generating reactant gases from the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cells are produced as a non-bipolar series of cells on a single thin flexible layer. The structure can be bent to conform to curved surfaces, can be formed in unusual free-form shapes, and can be made very small or very large, eg, as series cells 10 microns thick. The risk of sudden decompression is reduced by restricting fluid flow through small dia. pores and tubes. High differential pressure cell operation is not needed to counteract the ionic drag of water across the electrolytes, removing the need for pressurised fuel cells, with rupture hazards. The high ratio of insulator to metal prevents internal electrical shorting.