This invention is directed to a fuel cell operable with a quantity of fuel
and a quantity of an oxidizer to produce electrical power, the fuel cell
including a fuel cell body including a labyrinth system structured to
permit the fuel and the oxidizer to flow therethrough; at least a first
catalyst in fluid communication with the labyrinth; and at least a first
microvalve operably disposed within at least a portion of the labyrinth.
The microvalve utilizes a deflectable member operable upon the
application of a voltage from a voltage source. The microvalve includes
an elongated flow channel formed therein and extending substantially
longitudinally between the first and second ends to permit substantially
longitudinal flow of the fluid therethrough and between the first and
second ends; and the deflectable member disposed on the valve body, the
deflectable member including at least a first piezoelectric portion that
is piezoelectrically operable to deflect the deflectable member between
an open position and a closed position upon the application of a voltage,
the deflectable member in the closed position being operable to resist
the flow of the fluid through the flow channel.