NOVELTY - A device for generating electrical energy comprises a fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas to electricity; and a fuel cartridge (63) in fluid communication with the fuel cell and containing a fuel which reacts with water to form the hydrogen gas. The fuel comprises a solid metal or alloy. The fuel cartridge is configured such that a rate of the hydrogen gas generation decreases automatically without consuming electronic energy as demand for the hydrogen gas decreases. The device further comprises a chamber (66) for collecting the hydrogen gas and separating the water from hydrogen gas.    USE - As a device for generating electrical energy (claimed); useful as a power supply for mobile computing applications, including laptop computers and other electronic devices.    ADVANTAGE - The device produces hydrogen by automatically controlling pressure and rate of its generation without consuming electricity to control the pressure and rate of generation. The device needs no extra hydrogen storage and delivery system as required by traditional fuel cells; and avoids splitting liquid or solid fuels directly into ions or protons as used in alternative fuel cells. The device combines a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell or hydrogen-consuming engine together to produce portable electronic power. The device provides an alternative way to utilize metal to store electrical energy which avoids many of the problems or barriers present in alternative fuel cells, such as crossover and low potential in a direct methanol fuel cell; low life time, low efficiency and low reliability in a direct metal fuel cell; and the requirement for an accessory hydrogen delivery and storage system in a traditional fuel cell. The device automatically and continuously produces hydrogen from a metal and water with real-time feedback. The device is inexpensive, portable and reliable power generator and replaces traditional batteries, direct metal-air fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, and fuel cells that require accessory hydrogen storage devices.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A device for generating electrical energy comprises a fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas to electricity; and a fuel cartridge (63) in fluid communication with the fuel cell and containing a fuel which reacts with water to form the hydrogen gas. The fuel comprises a solid metal or alloy. The fuel cartridge is configured such that a rate of the hydrogen gas generation decreases automatically without consuming electronic energy as demand for the hydrogen gas decreases. The device further comprises a chamber (66) for collecting the hydrogen gas and separating the water from the hydrogen gas. The fuel cartridge further comprises a solid alkali which forms an alkaline solution upon contact with the water. The fuel cartridge is wholly or partially removable, changeable, and/or rechargeable.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a hydrogen generating system.    Valves (61, 65)    Outlet structure (62)    Fuel cartridge (63)    Buoyant piece (64)    Chamber. (66)