Patents Examined by Olatunji A Godo
  • Patent number: 11978930
    Abstract: A hydrogen supply system that supplies hydrogen gas to a fuel cell and causes the fuel cell to generate electricity includes a plurality of hydrogen tanks that each store hydrogen gas, and a hydrogen gas supply path that supplies the hydrogen gas to the fuel cell from each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks. At least one hydrogen tank of the plurality of hydrogen tanks is a first reserve tank that is connected to a hydrogen gas collecting pipe or a hydrogen gas recovery pipe, and that stores hydrogen gas that was not used in generating electricity in the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamanaka, Takahiro Takaki
  • Patent number: 11978882
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an active material mixture, the method including: supplying and dispersing a solid electrolyte in a dispersion medium while circulating the dispersion medium (a first dispersion step); and thereafter supplying and dispersing an active material and a conductive material in the dispersion medium (a second dispersion step), wherein an average rotation speed of the rotor in the second dispersion step is lower than an average rotation speed of the rotor in the first dispersion step. Aggregation of the solid electrolyte can be suppressed by separately performing the first dispersion step and the second dispersion step, and the increase in temperature of the active material mixture can be reduced by lowering the rotation speed of the rotor in the second dispersion step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NIHON SPINDLE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Ishigaki, Keiichiro Onishi, Keiichi Asami
  • Patent number: 11978934
    Abstract: An integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly, and a related method. The assembly includes a combustor having a combustor geometry and a combustor exit temperature. The assembly further includes multiple fuel cells fluidly coupled to the combustor, the multiple fuel cells being configured to generate a fuel cell power output using fuel and air directed into the multiple fuel cells and to direct a fuel and air exhaust from the multiple fuel cells into the combustor. The multiple fuel cells include multiple fuel cell control groups arranged in a predetermined electrical configuration about the combustor geometry. Each of the multiple fuel cell control groups has an adjustable electrical current bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Honggang Wang, Michael A. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 11973248
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing degradation of a fuel cell stack, including: S10, qualitatively determining a degradation type of the fuel cell stack according to a voltage-current curve of the fuel cell stack; S20, quantitatively measuring parameter values of each of individual cells of the fuel cell stack according to the degradation type, and quantitatively determining a degradation degree of each of the individual cells according to the parameter values; S30, determining a uniformity degradation degree among the individual cells of the fuel cell stack according to a non-uniformity degree of a voltage distribution of the individual cells. By qualitatively determining the degradation type of the fuel cell stack, the degradation condition of the entire fuel cell stack may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jian-Qiu Li, Zun-Yan Hu, Liang-Fei Xu, Ming-Gao Ouyang
  • Patent number: 11949008
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The semiconductor structure also includes a first contact metal layer disposed on the front side of the substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a III-V compound semiconductor layer disposed between the substrate and the first contact metal layer. Moreover, the semiconductor structure includes a via hole penetrating through the substrate and the III-V compound semiconductor layer from the back side of the substrate. The bottom of the via hole is defined by the first contact metal layer, and the first contact metal layer includes molybdenum, tungsten, iridium, palladium, platinum, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, rhenium, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: WIN SEMICONDUCTORS CORP.
    Inventors: Chang-Hwang Hua, Chia-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 11942636
    Abstract: The present application relates to the electrochemical field, and in particular, to a positive electrode material, and an electrochemical energy storage apparatus having thereof. The present application provides a positive electrode material, including a substrate. The substrate includes secondary particles containing primary particles. A surface of the substrate is coated with an oxide coating layer. The oxide coating layer comprises a coating element, and the coating element is selected from one or more of Al, Ba, Zn, Ti, Zr, Mg, W, Y, Si, Sn, B, Co, or P. The electrochemical energy storage apparatus comprises the foregoing positive electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Rui Du, Yongchao Liu, Sihui Wang, Deyu Zhao, Na Liu
  • Patent number: 11936078
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide fuel cell system capable of stable start-up and method for starting the fuel cell system. Fuel cell system includes SOFC, a turbocharger, oxidizing gas supply line, a control valve, oxidizing gas blow line, start-up air line for supplying the start-up air to the oxidizing gas supply line with a blower, and a control unit that, in state in which the control valve is closed and the blow valve is opened to supply the start-up air to the oxidizing gas supply line with the blower when the turbocharger is started, decreases the opening of the blow valve and, after the timing at which the opening of the blow valve starts to decrease, increases the opening of the control valve and then stops the supply of the starting air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ozawa, Yasushi Iwai, Kimi Kodo, Kenta Araki
  • Patent number: 11912879
    Abstract: Provided is a film forming method of a corrosion resistant film having a corrosion resistance under acidic atmosphere and a corrosion resistant member on which the corrosion resistant film is coated. The film forming method of the corrosion resistant film includes: bringing a substrate made of aluminum into contact with an aqueous solution containing sulfate ions and fluoride ions; and heating the substrate to boil the aqueous solution on a surface of the substrate and forming a corrosion resistant film containing at least oxygen, fluorine, and sulfur in the aluminum derived from the substrate on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoharu Kataoka, Masao Watanabe, Yuya Kusano
  • Patent number: 11916251
    Abstract: A multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes a plurality of battery cells organized into battery modules and a first enclosure configured to house the battery modules. The RESS also includes a first vent arranged on the first enclosure and configured to direct air from inside the first enclosure to an environment external to the first enclosure. The RESS additionally includes a second vent arranged on the first enclosure and configured to direct air into the first enclosure from the environment external to the first enclosure. The RESS further includes a phase-change material (PCM) device arranged on the second vent and configured to melt in response to at least one of the battery modules experiencing a thermal runaway event. In combination with the first vent, the PCM generates crossflow ventilation through the first enclosure to cool the battery modules therein and mitigate thermal runaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Wroblewski, Jordan Mullins, Brian Carrier
  • Patent number: 11909085
    Abstract: Disclosed are air electrode materials suitable for use in solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs). The disclosed cells can operate in a dual function modes, i.e., as a fuel cell and as an electrolysis cell. In both cases, chemical energy and electrical energy can be directly convert from one mode to the other; thereby providing a highly efficient energy conversion process that can be used as a sustainable energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Phillips 66 Company, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Weilin Zhang, Meilin Liu, Ying Liu, Yucun Zhou
  • Patent number: 11888196
    Abstract: Self-refueling power-generating systems and methods of configuring them are provided, which enable operation in a self-sustained manner, using no external resource for water, oxygen or hydrogen. The systems and methods determine the operation of reversible device(s) in fuel cell or electrolyzer mode according to power requirements and power availability, supply oxygen in a closed circuit, compressing received oxygen in the electrolyzer mode, and supplying water or dilute electrolyte in a closed circuit in conjunction with the closed oxygen supply circuit by separating oxygen produced by the reversible device(s) in the electrolyzer mode from the water or dilute electrolyte received from the reversible device(s). Membrane assemblies may comprise a binder and be hot-pressed to enhance their long-term performance and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HYDROLITE LTD
    Inventors: Miles Page, Ervin Tal-Gutelmacher
  • Patent number: 11881572
    Abstract: A method for fault diagnosis and a computer device are provided. The method is applied to a battery management system of the energy storage system and includes the following. A first thermal-runaway parameter detected by a first detection apparatus and a second thermal-runaway parameter detected by a second detection apparatus are obtained. A difference between the first thermal-runaway parameter and the second thermal-runaway parameter is calculated. Determine that at least one of the first detection apparatus or the second detection apparatus fails, when the difference is greater than a difference threshold. Determine that a battery module fails, when the first thermal-runaway parameter is greater than a first threshold, the second thermal-runaway parameter is greater than a second threshold, and the difference is less than or equal to the difference threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignees: Shenzhen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd., Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huaiyu Jiang
  • Patent number: 11876250
    Abstract: A battery module is disclosed having a plurality of series-connected battery cells contained in, and electrically isolated from, an enclosure, with a first internal relay to control connection between cells and a positive terminal, and a second internal relay to control the connection between cells and a negative terminal. A control signal input is provided to control the relays. An embodiment is disclosed wherein the relays are of distinct types. An embodiment is disclosed having an internal battery management system which controls the relays in response to a digital message. A modular battery pack is disclosed consisting of a plurality of modules connected in parallel, which can be individually and independently activated and deactivated. A method is provided for activating an individual module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: PALATOV GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Palatov
  • Patent number: 11876263
    Abstract: An integrated hydrogen-electric includes a hydrogen fuel cell; a hydrogen fuel source; an electric motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell; n air compressor system configured to be driven by the motor assembly, and a cooling system having a heat exchanger radiator in a duct of the cooling system, and configured to direct an air stream including an air stream from the air compressor through the radiator, wherein an exhaust stream from a cathode side of the fuel cell is fed via an flow control nozzle into the air stream in the cooling duct downstream of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: ZEROAVIA, INC.
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Wang, Matthew Legg, Rudolf Jacobus Coertze
  • Patent number: 11870049
    Abstract: A thermal storage device for batteries is provided. In some examples, the thermal storage device is provided for a battery pack that includes one or more rechargeable battery cells. In some examples, the lithium ion battery cells are used. The thermal storage device is in thermal contact with the battery cell. The thermal storage device is made of a material that absorbs heat that is given off by battery cells during discharge. In some examples, the thermal storage device is made of a plastic material. The material has a relatively low thermal conductivity but a relatively high specific heat capacity, allowing heat energy to be stored in the thermal storage device. The thermal storage device prevents the battery pack from overheating during use. The thermal storage device defines one or more cell receiving volumes. In some examples, an axially extending relief volume is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Brian Algot Hanson, Paul Frederick Koltz, Robert Luke Anderson, Adam Burghardt Stroud
  • Patent number: 11866395
    Abstract: A method of producing petrochemicals using a hydrocarbon fuel cell includes the steps of operating the fuel cell to produce electricity, thermal energy, and one or more exhaust stream, the one or more exhaust stream comprising at least a carbon-containing gas and water, reacting at least a portion of the exhaust stream with the reactant stream of natural gas to produce one or more petrochemical streams in a reactor, and heating one or more reactants using at least a portion of at least one of the electricity and the thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: 1304338 Alberta Ltd., 1304342 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Jose Lourenco, MacKenzie Millar
  • Patent number: 11870114
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, an anode pipeline, a cathode pipeline, an anode discharge valve, a cathode supply valve, a cathode discharge valve, an anode pressure sensor, a cathode pressure sensor, and a control device. The control device determines whether a cross leak that is permeation abnormality of fuel gas or oxidant gas between an anode and a cathode on the basis of a pressure difference, which is difference between a pressure of the fuel gas and a pressure of the oxidant gas detected by the anode pressure sensor and the cathode pressure sensor in a stopped state of electric power generation of the plurality of fuel cell stacks, or a change in the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji Sugiura
  • Patent number: 11870115
    Abstract: To provide an air-cooled fuel cell system configured to suppress thermal runaway. An air-cooled fuel cell system, wherein the reaction air supply flow path comprises a first valve in a region downstream of the reaction air supplier and upstream of the reaction air inlet of the fuel cell; wherein the reaction air discharge flow path comprises a second valve downstream of the reaction air outlet of the fuel cell; wherein the fuel gas supply flow path comprises a third valve upstream of the fuel gas inlet of the fuel cell; wherein the fuel off-gas discharge flow path comprises a fourth valve downstream of the fuel gas outlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuaki Nonoyama
  • Patent number: 11862832
    Abstract: A modular fuel cell subsystem includes multiple rows of modules, where each row comprises a plurality of fuel cell power modules and a power conditioning module containing a DC to AC inverter electrically connected the power modules. In some embodiments, a single gas and water distribution module is fluidly connected to multiple rows of power modules, and a single mini power distribution module is electrically connected to each of the power conditioning module in each row of modules. In some embodiments, each row of modules further includes a fuel processing module located on an opposite side of the plurality of fuel cell power modules from the power conditioning module. Fuel and water connections may enter each row from the side of the row containing the fuel processing module, and electrical connections may enter each row from the side of the row containing the power conditioning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srihari Raghavan, David Trevisan, Richard Leitch, Armando Gomez, Aaron Ells, Jessica Mahler
  • Patent number: 11848465
    Abstract: An integrated cooling module of a fuel cell stack is attached to a housing of the fuel cell stack, and the integrated cooling module is connected to a plurality of components constituting a thermal management system of a fuel cell. In particular, the integrated cooling module includes: a first injection member defining flow paths guiding coolant into one or more components of the thermal management system of the fuel cell, and at least one second injection member coupled to the first injection member, and the coolants going through the components flow into the fuel cell stack through any one of the flow paths defined by the integrated cooling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sun Ae Park, Jin Hun Lee, Hun Woo Park