US20040173615A1

US20040173615A1 - Fuel storage container for a fuel cell

Info

Publication number: US20040173615A1
Application number: US10/384,382
Authority: US
Inventors: John Goodman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Entegris Inc
Priority date: 2003-03-07
Filing date: 2003-03-07
Publication date: 2004-09-09
Also published as: KR20050119643A; WO2004082041A2; WO2004082041A3; JP2006520086A; DE112004000397T5; TW200508100A; CN1784345A; WO2004082041B1

Abstract

Improved fuel storage containers adapted for use with fuel cells comprise a rigid outer container associated with a flexible inner container in which a liquid is stored. The outer container generally comprises a port that allows transport of the filled inner container into the outer container. The flexible inner container can comprise a resealable connection that allows the liquid stored within the inner container to be accessed when the fuel storage container is inserted into a suitable fuel cell. Thus, the rigid outer container can be reused.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to fuel storage containers for fuel cells, such as direct methanol fuel cells, generally having replaceable flexible inner containers. In particular, the invention relates to fuel storage containers suitable for use with portable fuel cell applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, a fuel cell is an electrochemical device that can convent energy stored in fuels such as hydrogen, oxygen, methanol and the like, into electricity without combustion of the fuel. A fuel cell generally comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator within an appropriate container. Fuel cells operate by utilizing chemical reactions that occur at each electrode. In general, electrons are generated at one electrode and flow through an external circuit to the other electrode where they are consumed. This flow of electrons creates an over-voltage between the two electrodes that can be used to drive useful work in the external circuit. In commercial embodiments, several “fuel cells” are usually arranged in series, or stacked, in order to create larger over-potentials.

A fuel cell is similar to a battery in that both generally have a positive electrode, a negative electrode and electrolytes. However, a fuel cell is different from a battery in the sense that the fuel in a fuel cell can be replaced without disassembling the cell to keep the cell operating. Additionally, fuel cells have several advantages over other sources of power that make them attractive alternatives to traditional energy sources. Specifically, fuel cells are environmentally friendly, efficient and utilize convenient fuel sources, for example, hydrogen or methanol.

Fuel cells have potential uses in a number of commercial applications and industries. For example, fuel cells are being developed that can provide sufficient power to meet the energy demands of a single family home. In addition, prototype cars have been developed that run off of energy derived from fuel cells. Furthermore, fuel cells can be used to power portable electronic devices such as computers, phones, video projection equipment and the like. Fuel cells designed for use with portable electronic equipment provide an alternative to battery power with the ability to replace the fuel without replacing the whole cell. Additionally, fuel cells can have longer power cycles and no down time for recharging, which also makes fuel cells an attractive alternative to battery power for portable electronics. With the number or portable electronics currently being used for personal and business purposes throughout the world, various alternatives for powering the devices in specific applications would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention pertains to a fluid container or cartridge comprising a rigid outer container with an interior space, a closed flexible inner container within the interior space of the rigid outer container, and a fluid within the flexible inner container. In this embodiment, the rigid outer container has a port through which the flexible inner container filled with fluid can be transported without disassembling the rigid outer container in order to disengage and engage the inner container within the outer container. In this embodiment, the inner container can be suitable for forming a resealable connection.

In a second aspect, the invention pertains to a fuel container comprising a rigid outer container, a closed flexible inner container, and a fluid comprising a fuel cell fuel enclosed within the container. In this embodiment, the flexible inner container can comprise a sealing structure that interfaces with a releasable fastening structure of the rigid outer container to hold the sealing structure at an opening in the rigid outer container.

In a further aspect, the invention pertains to a cartridge for a fuel cell comprising a rigid outer container, a closed flexible inner container and a fluid enclosed within the inner container. The rigid container can comprise a releasable latch that secures the cartridge with a matched structure of the fuel cell for proper alignment of the cartridge upon placement of the cartridge within a fuel cell holding space of the fuel cell. The flexible container can comprise a sealing structure that can interface with a corresponding structure of the fuel cell to provide fluid flow from the inner container to the fuel cell upon placement of the cartridge within the fuel cell holding space.

In addition, the invention pertains to a method for replenishing a fuel supply of a fuel cell. The method comprising removing a cartridge from the fuel cell, replacing the inner container of the cartridge with a suitable inner container containing a fluid comprising a fuel without disassembling the rigid outer container and inserting the cartridge back within the fuel cell to provide the fluid from the inner container to the fuel cell. In this embodiment, the cartridge comprises a rigid outer container and an enclosed flexible inner container wherein the rigid container provides for the removal of the flexible inner container without disassembling the outer container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel storage container with the outer container made transparent to show the inner container. [0009]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel storage container with the outer container made transparent to show the inner container. [0010]
FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a mechanical sealing structure and cross sectional view of a corresponding structure. [0011]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel storage container showing a latch structure. [0012]
FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of a fuel storage container showing container alignment structures. [0013]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of fuel cell and a fuel storage container, with phantom lines showing a fuel storage container holding space.[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Improved fuel storage containers adapted for use with fuel cells comprise a rigid outer container associated with a flexible inner container in which a fluid, generally a liquid, is stored. The outer container generally comprises a port which allows transport of the filled inner container into the outer container. The flexible inner container comprises a resealable connection which allows the fluid stored within the inner container to be accessed when the fuel storage container is inserted into a suitable fuel cell. In some embodiments, the rigid outer container further comprises a fluid access port which allows access to the resealable connection. The design of the fuel storage container allows the user to replace the flexible inner container when substantially all of the fluid stored in the inner container has been removed. Additionally, the design permits the user to reuse the rigid outer container, instead of disposing of the outer container along with the flexible inner container when substantially all of the fluid is removed. Since the rigid outer container can be reused, costs associated with fuel use can be reduced. [0015]
Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the [0016] fluid storage container 100 comprises a rigid outer container 101 with an interior space 102, and a closed flexible inner container 104 located within the interior space 102. In some embodiments, a liquid is located within flexible inner container 104. In one embodiment, a port 106 is provided in outer container 101 which permits flexible inner container 104 to be transported into, and out of, the interior space 102 without disassembling rigid outer container 101. In some embodiments, flexible inner container 104 comprises a resealable connection 108.
In general, rigid [0017] outer container 101 can be made of any material that can provide a suitable protective housing for flexible inner container 104. Suitable materials for use as the rigid out container 101 include, for example, metals, polymers and combinations thereof. Suitable polymers for rigid outer container 101 include, for example, poly(vinyl chloride), high density poly(ethylene), polycarbonate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(propylene), polyurethane, suitable copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof. The choice of specific outer container material can generally be determined by desired characteristics of a particular application. The dimensions of the rigid outer container 101 can be selected or adjusted to allow the rigid outer container 101 to be operably coupled with, or inserted into, a particular fuel cell. In some embodiments, rigid outer container 101 further comprises a fluid access port 109 which provides access to resealable connection 108 of flexible inner container 104. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, fuel access port 109 is an opening in rigid outer container 101. Additionally, rigid outer container 101 can optionally comprise a vent 111, which can allow atmospheric pressure to collapse flexible inner container 104 as fluid is removed.
In some embodiments, a spring, or other mechanical structure, can be operably positioned within [0018] interior space 102 of rigid outer container 101 to collapse flexible inner container 104 as fluid is removed. Specifically, the spring can be operably coupled to a pushing surface which contacts the flexible inner container 104. The pushing surface provides for the transfer of force between the spring and the inner container 104. In one embodiment, the spring is biased so that as the flexible inner container 104 is inserted into interior space 102 of rigid outer container 101, the spring is compressed. In this embodiment, as fluid is removed from flexible inner container 104, the spring expands and compresses flexible inner container 104. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional methods and structures for collapsing flexible inner container 104 are possible.
Rigid [0019] outer container 101 further comprises a port 106 which permits flexible inner container 104 to be transported into, and out of, rigid outer container 101 without dissembling rigid outer container 101. The term port is being used in its broad sense to mean any opening or mechanical structure that will permit transport of filled flexible inner container 104 into, and out of, interior space 102 of rigid outer container 101. In general, the port can have dimensions that are slightly larger than the smallest cross sectional area of filled flexible inner container 104. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, port 106 can be an opening at one end of rigid outer container 101. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, port 106 can also function as fuel access port 109 by providing access to resealable connection 108.
In some embodiments, rigid [0020] outer container 101 may be either reused or recycled, depending upon the condition of rigid outer container 101, generally after a substantial portion or all of the fluid contained within flexible inner container 104 has been removed. If rigid outer container 101 is undamaged after a substantial portion of the fluid contained within flexible inner container 104 has been removed, then rigid outer container 101 may be reused with a new filled flexible inner container. If rigid outer container 101 has been damaged or structurally compromised, then rigid outer container 101 may be recycled. In some embodiments, rigid outer container 101 can be recycled by grinding outer container 101 into particles and remolding, or reprocessing, the particles into a new container 101. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other methods of recycling exist and that no particular method of recycling is required by the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, [0021] container 100 can further comprise a closing member 112 that has a closed position and an open position to mediate access to port 106. In some embodiments, closing member 112 is operably coupled to rigid outer container 101 and can be optionally closed to at least partially block port 106. In some embodiments, closing member 112 is designed to enclose flexible inner container 104 within rigid outer container 101 to prevent damage to inner container 104 and to keep inner container 104 within outer container 101. Closing member 112 can be composed of any suitable material for use in fuel cell applications including, for example, metals, polymers and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the closing member 112 can be composed of the same material as rigid outer container 101.
Flexible [0022] inner container 104 is designed to contain a fluid, generally a liquid, and to fit into interior space 102 of rigid outer container 101. Flexible inner container can be composed of any flexible material, with one or more layers, that is chemically compatible, i.e. inert, with respect to the fluid and does not contaminate the fluid stored within flexible inner container 104. Furthermore, material of flexible inner container 104 should be impermeable with respect to the fluid. The materials for flexible inner container can be selected in part to reduce costs associated with producing fluid storage containers. In some embodiments, flexible inner container 104 can be, for example, a bag or a pouch. Suitable materials for forming flexible inner container 104 include, but are not limited to, fluorinated polymers such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidenefluoride), perfluoroalkoxy tertrafluoroethylene (PFA) and blends and mixtures thereof. Additionally, polymers such as poly(ethylene), poly(propylene), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate glycol), suitable copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof, can also be used form flexible inner container 104.
In some embodiments, the fluid contained within flexible [0023] inner container 104 comprises fuel for a fuel cell, such as alcohol. In one embodiment, the alcohol comprises methanol. In general, the fuel can be substantially pure or it can be diluted. In some embodiments, the fuel is diluted to a concentration of from about 1 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight. In other embodiments, the fuel is diluted to a concentration of from about 35 percent by weight to about 75 percent by weight. A person of skill in the art will recognize that additional ranges of concentrations are contemplated and are within the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fluid contained within flexible inner container 104 comprises, for example, alkanes, such as butanes, jet fuel, such as JP8 jet fuel, biofuels, blood sugars, other hydrocarbon derivatives, other similar fuels or combinations thereof. The selection of fluid contained within flexible inner bag 104 will be guided by the design of the corresponding fuel cell.
Flexible [0024] inner container 104 comprises a resealable connection 108, which allows access to the fluid stored inside flexible inner container 104. In some embodiments, resealable connection 108 comprises a puncturable membrane, while in other embodiments resealable connection 108 comprises a localized sealing structure, such as a mechanical sealing structure, as described further below. In embodiments where the resealable connection 108 comprises a puncturable membrane, the puncturable membrane is selected so that it can reseal, or close, after the puncturing member has been removed. In general, the puncturable membrane can be composed of any chemically resistant elastomeric material that can reseal after the puncturing member has been removed. The puncturable member should be selected so that it is resistant to fluid stored in flexible inner container 104, and will not break down or contaminate the stored fluid.
In one embodiment, the puncturable membrane can be a membrane with a defined region along the surface comprising a peripheral region which surrounds a central portion. In some embodiments, both the peripheral region and the central portion are composed of an elastomeric material. The peripheral region of the puncturable membrane can be relatively thick, while the central portion is relatively thinner to allow the puncturing member to penetrate the central portion. In general, the puncturable membrane can be made resealable by keeping the area of central portion small and surrounding the central portion with a larger region of elestomeric material that can contribute resiliency for reclosing or resealing the membrane. In some embodiments, the central portion has a diameter than is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the puncturing member. One suitable elastomeric material that can be used to compose the puncturable membrane is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer sold under the trade name Hytrel® by Dupont. Puncturable membranes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,3617,44 to Levy, titled “Self-Resealing Closure for Containers,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,718 to Niedospial, Jr., titled “Multiple Use Universal Connectors,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,150 to Mitchell et al., titled “Enclosing Cap for Multiple Piercing,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,582 to Levy, titled “Self-Resealing Puncturable Container Cap,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,235 to Schwab, titled “Container Seal with a Sealing Body which can be Punctured,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,181 to Niedospial, Jr., et al., titled “Multiple Use Universal Stopper,” which are herby incorporated by reference. [0025]
In other embodiments, [0026] resealable connection 108 comprises an engageable mechanical sealing structure. Referring to FIG. 3, an example of an engagable mechanical sealing structure 300 is shown. The engageable mechanical sealing structure 300 can be composed of any plastic, metal, ceramic or combination thereof that is chemically resistant to the stored fluid. In general, the mechanical sealing structure can be any structure that can optionally mate with a corresponding structure 302 that unlocks, or opens, the seal. In some embodiments, when the mechanical sealing structure 300 disengages from the corresponding structure 302, the mechanical sealing structure 300 becomes sealed, which prevents fluid from flowing through the mechanical sealing structure 300.
In one embodiment, the mechanical sealing structure comprises a quick connect system. The term quick connect system is being used in its broad sense to describe mechanical structures that can be easily coupled, and uncoupled, to provide fluid transfer out of a sealed container. Examples of quick connect systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,986 to Corbett et al., titled “Connector Assembly and Method of Manufacture,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,260 to Hennan et al., titled “Quick Connect Fill System,” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,320 to Anderson, titled “Quick Connect Coupling,” which are hereby incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, the mechanical sealing structure can comprise a needleless valve. In general, needleless valves can release fluids when operably coupled to an actuating structure and generally reseal when the actuating structure is removed. In some embodiments, the actuating device opens the needleless valve and guides the flow of fluid out of the sealed container. Examples of needleless valves are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,978 to Orr et al., titled “Needleless Valve Connector,” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,206 to Doyle, titled “Needleless Valve,” which are hereby incorporated by reference. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other mechanical sealing structures are possible and that no particular mechanical sealing structure is required. [0027]
In some embodiments, the corresponding [0028] structure 302 forms part of a fuel cell, so that the corresponding structure 302 engages the mechanical sealing structure 300 when the fuel storage container is inserted, or operably coupled to, the fuel container holding space of the fuel cell. When corresponding structure 302 engages mechanical sealing structure 300, mechanical sealing structure 300 becomes unsealed and fluid flows through mechanical sealing structure 300 into fluid passage 306 of the fuel cell. To prevent fluid leakage during fluid flow, some embodiments of mechanical sealing structure 300 have o-ring 308 which forms a seal when mechanical sealing structure 300 is inserted into corresponding structure 302.
Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments [0029] mechanical sealing structure 300, and corresponding structure 302, further comprise alignment structures 304, 306 to ensure that the mechanical sealing structure 300 correctly engages corresponding structure 302. In principle, any mechanical mechanism that permits two or more structures to be coupled together with a predetermined orientation can be used. In one embodiment, the alignment structures 304, 306 can be a groove and protrusion structures, however, other mechanisms are possible.
Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, [0030] storage container 100 further comprises a releasable fastening structure 400 that is adapted to align and hold resealable connection 108 in fluid access port 109 of rigid outer container 101. Releasable fastening structure 400 can be any mechanical structure, such as a clip or a notch, that can interface, or couple, with a corresponding structure on resealable connection 108. In some embodiments, fastening structure 400 can comprise a screw mechanism which allows resealable connection 108 to screw into fluid access port 109. Releasable fastening structure 400 can be composed of any material suitable for use in fuel cell applications. Examples of suitable materials are rigid plastics, metals and combinations thereof.
Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments the [0031] fuel storage container 100 further comprises container alignment structures 500 that properly align outer container 101 with the fuel cell holding space of the associated fuel cell. Thus, fuel cell container 100 can be referred to as a cartridge that engages and disengages from the fuel cell. In one embodiment, container alignment structures 500 can comprise grooves formed into rigid outer container 101 that operably couple with protrusions formed in the holding space of the fuel cell. No particular alignment structures 500 are required and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other alignment structures are within the present disclosure. In some embodiments, fuel storage container 100 can further comprise a latch 502 or the like. Latch 502 can be a tab or similar structure to releasably secure the cartridge in position with the fuel cell. Latch 502 can be similar to structures used to hold batteries in position on portable electronic devices.
With respect to the relationship of the fuel storage container with the fuel cell, one relationship is shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, [0032] fuel cell 600 comprises a fuel storage container holding space 602, which is designed to accommodate fuel storage container 100. In some embodiments fuel storage container 100 can fit completely into fuel cell 600, while in other embodiments fuel storage container 100 is only partially enclosed by fuel cell 600. In some embodiments, fuel storage container holding space 602 can be located on a side of fuel cell 600, in other embodiments holding space 602 can be located on the top or bottom of fuel cell 600, and in further embodiments holding space 602 can be located along an edge of fuel cell 600. A person of skill in the art will recognize that variations in holding space 602 location and shape exist and are within the present disclosure.
To assemble the [0033] fluid storage containers 101, the components are produced, and the components are assembled to form the fuel storage container. As discussed above, rigid outer container 100 can be composed of, for example, metals, plastics or combinations of metals and plastics. In embodiments where rigid outer container 100 comprises a plastic, rigid outer container 100 can be produced, for example, by injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, machining or extrusion. Flexible inner container 104 can be produced, for example, by extrusion, laminating, sintering or melt processing techniques. In some embodiments, resealable connection 108 can be formed along with flexible inner container 104, while in other embodiments resealable connection 108 is inserted into flexible inner container 104 after formation of flexible inner container 104. In some embodiments, resealable connection 108 is used to fill flexible inner container 104 with fluid prior to insertion of flexible inner container 104 into rigid outer container 100. Once flexible inner container 104 is filled with a suitable fluid and sealed, flexible inner container 104 can be placed into interior space 102 of rigid outer container 100 through port 106.
In appropriate embodiments, flexible [0034] inner container 104 can be filled using resealable connection 108 and a dispensing system. In some embodiments, the dispensing system can comprise a syringe or the like to deliver a selected amount of fluid. In some embodiments, flexible inner container 104 can be filled on a fill line. The dispensing system of the fill line can comprise a drum, or other container, that has a structure that can operably couple with resealable connection 108 to allow fluid to flow from the container into flexible inner container 104. In some embodiments, the dispensing system further comprises a pump which can facilitate the transfer of fluid from the dispensing system to flexible inner container 104. In other embodiments, gravity can be used to transfer fluid from the dispensing system to flexible inner container 104. In one embodiment, the fill line can fill flexible inner container 104 with a suitable fluid and then couple a resealable connection to the flexible inner container 104 to seal the inner container 104. In some embodiments, the dispensing system and fill line can be automated. The filled flexible inner container 104 can be inserted into rigid outer container 101, for example, at a manufacturing facility, at a distribution center or by the fuel cell user. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional methods of filling flexible inner container 104 exist and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
While rigid [0035] outer container 101 generally is designed such that a filled inner container can be placed within rigid outer container 101, flexible inner container 104 can be inserted into rigid outer container 101 and filled with a suitable fluid. In this embodiment, flexible inner container 104 can be filled, for example, by using a fill line or a dispensing system.
A method for replenishing a fuel supply of an alcohol fuel cell is also provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises removing the cartridge from the fuel cell, wherein the cartridge comprises a rigid [0036] outer container 101 and an enclosed flexible container 104, replacing the inner container 104 of the cartridge with a suitable inner container containing a fluid comprising a fuel, and inserting the cartridge back within the fuel cell to provide the fluid from the inner container 104 to the fuel cell. Generally, rigid outer container 101 provides for the removal of the flexible inner container 104 without disassembling the outer container.
In another embodiment, a method for distributing the fluid is integrated with a recycling service for the fuel storage containers. In some embodiments, the user can return a used, or substantially empty, container/[0037] cartridge 100 to an appropriate drop off site, such as, for example, a designated retail outlet. The user can obtain a replacement fuel container/cartridge at the drop off site or another retail outlet. The used container 100 can be transported from the drop off site to a recycling center where the used, or substantially empty, flexible inner container can be exchanged for a filled flexible inner container. Once a filled flexible inner container has been placed into rigid outer container, container 100 can be repackaged and transported to a retail outlet where container 100 can be purchased by a consumer. In some embodiments, the rigid outer container can be refurbished prior to a new filled flexible inner container being placed inside outer container. In other embodiments, a new rigid outer container may be used if the original rigid outer container has been damaged or structurally compromised. In embodiments where the rigid outer container is replaced, the used rigid outer container may be recycled and used to form a portion of a new rigid outer container. In some embodiments, the used flexible inner container may also be recycled after it has been removed from rigid outer container.
In another embodiment, a method of exchanging a flexible inner container is provided. In this embodiment, the flexible inner containers can be provided to the consumer separately from the rigid outer containers. The consumer can then replace a used, or substantially empty, flexible inner container with a new filled flexible inner container. In some embodiments, the flexible inner container can be disposable, while in other embodiments the flexible inner container can be recycled. The recycled flexible inner containers may be used to form a portion of a new flexible inner container or other products. [0038]
The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0039]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid container comprising a rigid outer container with an interior space, a closed flexible inner container within the interior space of the rigid outer container and fluid within the flexible inner container, wherein the rigid outer container has a port through which the flexible inner container filled with fluid can be transported without disassembling the rigid outer container in order to disengage and engage the inner container within the outer container and wherein the inner container is suitable for forming a resealable connection.

2. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the rigid outer container comprises metal.

3. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the rigid outer container comprises a polymer.

4. The fluid container of claim 3 wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(vinyl chloride), high density poly(ethylene), polycarbonate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(propylene), polyurethane, suitable copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.

5. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the flexible inner container comprises a polymer.

6. The fluid container of claim 5 wherein the polymer comprises poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

7. The fluid container of claim 5 wherein the polymer comprises perfluoroalkoxy tetrafluoroethylene (PFA).

8. The fluid container of claim 5 wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate glycol), poly(ethylene), poly(propylene), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidenefluoride), suitable copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.

9. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the fluid comprises alcohol.

10. The fluid container of claim 9 wherein the alcohol comprises methanol.

11. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the fluid comprises JP8 jet fuel.

12. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the resealable connection comprises puncturable membrane that can reseal when a puncturing member is removed.

13. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the resealable connection comprises an engageable mechanical sealing structure that is adapted to mate with a corresponding structure, and wherein the corresponding structure can unseal the mechanical sealing structure when the corresponding structure mates with the sealing structure to provide fluid flow through the resealable connector.

14. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the port comprises an opening in the rigid outer container.

15. The fluid container of claim 14 wherein fluid container further comprises a closing member, wherein the closing member can be reversibly closed to cover at least a portion of the port.

16. The fluid container of claim 1 further comprising a fluid access port that provides access to the resealable connection.

17. A cartridge for a fuel cell comprising a rigid outer container, a closed flexible inner container and a fluid enclosed within the inner container, the rigid container comprising a releasable latch that secures the cartridge with a matched structure of the fuel cell for proper alignment of the cartridge upon placement of the cartridge within a fuel cell holding space of the fuel cell and the flexible container comprising a sealing structure that can interface with a corresponding structure of the fuel cell to provide fluid flow from the inner container to the fuel cell upon placement of the cartridge within the fuel cell holding space.

18. The cartridge of claim 17 wherein the sealing structure comprises a quick connect valve.

19. The cartridge of claim 17 wherein the sealing structure comprises a needleless valve system.

20. The cartridge of claim 17 wherein the flexible inner container comprises a polymer.

21. The cartridge of claim 20 wherein the polymer comprises a fluoropolymer.

22. The cartridge of claim 17 wherein the fluid comprises alcohol.

23. The cartridge of claim 22 wherein the alcohol comprises methanol.

24. The cartridge of claim 22 wherein the rigid outer container comprises a fluid access port that holds the sealing structure at a particular orientation.

25. An alcohol container comprising a rigid outer container, a closed flexible inner container, and a fluid comprising alcohol enclosed within the inner container, the flexible inner container comprising a sealing structure comprising a resealable closure that interfaces with a releasable fastening structure of the rigid outer container to hold the sealing structure at an opening in the rigid outer container.

26. A method for replenishing a fuel supply of a fuel cell, the method comprising:

removing a cartridge from the fuel cell, wherein the cartridge comprises a rigid outer container and an enclosed flexible inner container wherein the rigid container providers for the removal of the flexible inner container without disassembling the outer container;

replacing the inner container of the cartridge with a suitable inner container containing a fluid comprising a fuel without disassembling the rigid outer container; and

inserting the cartridge back within the fuel cell to provide the fluid from the inner container to the fuel cell.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the fuel comprises alcohol.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein the fuel comprises methanol.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein the fuel comprises jet fuel.

30. The method of claim 26 wherein the flexible inner container further comprises a sealing structure adapted to engage a corresponding structure, and wherein the corresponding structure can unseal the sealing structure upon engagement of the sealing structure with the corresponding structure.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein inserting the cartridge into the fuel cell engages the mechanical sealing structure with the corresponding structure and unseals the sealing structure.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein removing the cartridge from the fuel cell disengages the sealing structure from the corresponding structure and seals the sealing structure.

33. The method of claim 26 wherein the outer container comprises alignment structures adapted to couple with corresponding alignment structures on the fuel cell to properly align the cartridge within the fuel cell.