The present disclosure generally relates to an on-demand hydrogen gas
generation device, suitable for use in a fuel cell, which utilizes water
electrolysis, and more particularly galvanic cell corrosion, and/or a
chemical hydride reaction, to produce hydrogen gas. The present
disclosure additionally relates to such a device that comprises a
switching mechanism that has an electrical current passing therethrough
and that repeatedly and reversibly moves between a first position and a
second position when exposed to pressure differential resulting from
hydrogen gas generation, in order to (1) alter the rate at which hydrogen
gas is generated, such that hydrogen gas is generated on an as-needed
basis for a fuel cell connected thereto, and/or (2) ensure a
substantially constant flow of hydrogen gas is released therefrom. The
present disclosure additionally or alternatively relates to such an
on-demand hydrogen gas generation device that comprises a gas management
system designed to maximize the release or evolution of hydrogen gas, and
in particular dry hydrogen gas, therefrom once it has been formed, thus
maximizing hydrogen gas output. The present disclosure is still further
directed to a fuel cell comprising such an on-demand hydrogen gas
generation device, and in particular a fuel cell designed for small-scale
applications.