Patents Assigned to Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 6855450Abstract: A compression member for an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The compression member includes a first surface including a plurality of raised portions, a second surface including a substantially flat surface, and an edge defined by the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of raised portions is aligned to define a plurality of receiving areas. The plurality of raised portions and the plurality of receiving areas are configured such application of an axial compressive force spreads the plurality of raised portions into the plurality of receiving areas. The edge includes a portion configured to receive an electrochemical cell terminal therethrough. The compression member is formed of electrically non-conductive materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Mark E. Dristy
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Patent number: 6833205Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an electrochemical cell system. The electrochemical cell system includes: an electrochemical cell; an energy source configured for providing a quantity of energy to the electrochemical cell; a sensing apparatus in operable communication with a gas output from the electrochemical cell, the sensing apparatus provides an output signal indicating a parameter of the gas output; and a computer in operable communication with the sensing apparatus. The computer includes a memory device configured to store a first operational parameter, and a processor configured to receive a digital representation of the output signal and the first operational parameter. The processor compares the digital representation of the output signal to the first operational parameter for regulating the quantity of energy provided to the electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr.
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Electrode catalyst composition, electrode, and membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical cells
Patent number: 6828056Abstract: An electrode composition comprises a support material that is non-oxidizable at anodic potentials less than about 4 volts, and a catalyst material comprising active electrocatalytic sites. In another embodiment, the electrode can further comprise a proton conductive material disposed on the support and catalyst materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe, A. John Speranza -
Patent number: 6814841Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a system pressure and a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
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Patent number: 6811915Abstract: An electrochemical cell in which the cell frame is integrated with the flow field support member defining a contiguous surface includes an electrode, a proton exchange membrane and a flow field support member disposed at the electrode, a cell frame disposed at the flow field support member, and a membrane support element disposed intermediate the flow field support member and the frame. A resilient seal may be disposed at the cell frame. A method of integrating the frame with the flow field support member includes disposing the membrane support element in a gap between the frame and the flow field support member and melting the membrane support element into the frame and the flow field support member to form a contiguous surface. A method of sealing a flow field of the cell includes disposing a resilient seal at the cell frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Dristy, Greg A. Hanlon
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Patent number: 6783885Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Trent M. Molter
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Publication number: 20040160216Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for configuring power electronics in an electrochemical cell system. Exemplary embodiments include power electronics having a power converter for an electrochemical cell system. The power converter includes a plurality of interchangeable power converter modules and a motherboard configured to receive the plurality of interchangeable power converter modules. A power rating of the power converter is capable of being changed by adjusting a number of the interchangeable power converter modules attached to the mother-board.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Neil J. Barabas
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Patent number: 6759161Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes. The proton exchange membrane is configured to be integral with a frame structure and includes a substrate disposed in contiguous contact with the frame structure and a proton exchange material disposed at the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Mark E. Dristy
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Publication number: 20040105773Abstract: An electrochemical cell capable of operating in pressure differentials exceeding about 2,000 psi, using a porous electrode. The porous electrode comprises a catalyst adsorbed on or in a porous support that is disposed in intimate contact and fluid communication with the electrolyte membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Thomas Skoczylas, Matthew Christopher, Jason K. Shiepe, Mark E. Dristy, Trent M. Molter
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Patent number: 6723220Abstract: A level sensing system includes a flow control device disposed in fluid communication with a liquid outlet stream of a hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus and a controller disposed in operable communication with the flow control device. The controller is configured to receive and quantify input data corresponding to a measure of the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. A method of maintaining a liquid level in the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus includes deriving the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis cell, transmitting a value corresponding to the rate of generation to the flow control device, and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid exiting the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus correspondingly with the rate of generation of hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 6712944Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator for an electrolysis cell includes a vessel and a float in operable communication with each other. The vessel includes a fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets. A fluid stream comprising gas and liquid is received in the vessel through the fluid inlet, and at least a portion of the gas exits the vessel through the second fluid outlet. The float is configured to interface with the first fluid outlet and either maintain or prevent fluid communication across the first fluid outlet when the float is in at least partial contact with the first fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Byron, Jr., Michael J. Brown
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Patent number: 6706436Abstract: An electrochemical cell arrangement using a bipolar plate is disclosed, wherein the bipolar plates are formed from single or multiple sheets of metal foil, preferably titanium, embossed with the fluid fields. The bipolar plate, which forms the oxygen, hydrogen, and coolant passages and acts as a separator between adjacent cells of a cell stack, is lightweight, small compared to conventional bipolar plates, ductile, inexpensive, and easy to produce.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Trent M. Molter
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Patent number: 6682843Abstract: An integral screen/frame assembly for use in an electrochemical cell for supporting and facilitating the hydration of a solid membrane. The screen/frame assembly is comprised of planar screen layers having the frame disposed about the periphery of those layers such that the frame bonds the layers together.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Antonio J. Speranza, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Trent M. Molter, Mark E. Dristy
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Patent number: 6682845Abstract: A unitary, porous, electrically conductive pressure pad is employed in an electrochemical cell stack. The pressure pad includes integral mixture of electrically conductive material and polymeric material, generally formed of materials compatible with the electrochemical cell. The electrically conductive pressure pad is preferably in at least in partial fluid communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, or both the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Greg A. Hanlon
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Patent number: 6666961Abstract: An electrochemical cell capable of operating in pressure differentials exceeding about 2,000 psi, using a porous electrode. The porous electrode comprises a catalyst adsorbed on or in a porous support that is disposed in intimate contact and fluid communication with the electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Skoczylas, Matthew Christopher, Jason K. Shiepe, Mark E. Dristy, Trent M. Molter
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Patent number: 6653011Abstract: The unique cell frame of the present invention comprises an integral protector portion. This protector portion comprises a rigid or flexible lip on the membrane side of the cell frame. In an assembled cell stack, the membrane assembly is disposed between two cell frames on the side of the cell frames having the protector portion. Screen assemblies are disposed on the opposite side of the cell frame such that the screen assemblies rest on the protector portion, within the cell frame. The protector portion prevents the edge of the screen assemblies from pinching, cutting, or otherwise damaging the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Dristy
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Patent number: 6652732Abstract: A fan flow sensor for a gas generating proton exchange member electrolysis cell includes a switching device and a sail disposed in communication with the switching device. The sail is pivotally mounted and movable in response to an airflow from a fan. The sail is further configured to actuate the switching device in response to the airflow from the fan.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Ricky S. Scott, Charles Bennet McCollough, Richard A. Dubey, Jr., A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 6613215Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
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Patent number: 6585869Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique electrochemical cell stack which employs an electrically conductive pressure pad. The pressure pad is composed of material compatible with the electrochemical cell environment and is disposed on the high pressure side of the membrane assembly, in intimate contact with the high pressure side screen pack.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Mark E. Dristy, Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr.
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Patent number: D496340Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Maria Zoeller, Robert Byron