Abstract: A system and method for powering a borehole sensor with thermal energy is disclosed. The system includes a tubular pipe inserted into a subsurface borehole. A borehole casing is coaxially disposed with the tubular pipe. An annular space between the casing and the tubular pipe has a power source placed in the borehole to power a sensor in response to a temperature gradient between a surface of the casing and a surface of the tubular pipe. The method includes attaching thermopiles on the borehole casing or tubing; placing the thermopile in the annulus between the casing and the tubing; inducing a thermal gradient across the thermopile; generating an electrical energy in response to the temperature gradient; powering the sensor from the generated energy; and monitoring vertical expansion of a CO2 plume.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively coating a catalyst layer (158) on an electrode of a fuel cell. A porous conductive material (154) comprising gold is formed overlying a portion of a dielectric material (114) to form the electrode. The porous conductive material (154) and the dielectric material (114) are coated with the catalyst layer (158) comprising a carbon supported platinum. The catalyst layer (158) is washed with a solvent to substantially remove the catalyst layer (158) from the dielectric material (114). Optionally, an ionomer component is diffused into the catalyst layer (158) remaining on the porous conductive material (154). The catalyst coated (158) circular channels (156) are then filled with an electrolyte layer (162).

Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer. The reformer includes a vaporization zone and a reaction zone including a catalyst. The reformer is operational as either a steam reformer, a partial oxidation reformer or an autothermal reformer. The fuel reformer, or processor, further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical combustion heater for use in an integrated fuel reformer including a three-dimensional multilayer fired ceramic carrier structure defining at least one ceramic cavity therein and a method of forming the chemical combustion heater. A catalyst is formed in combination with the at least one cavity, being introduced into the cavity subsequent to the firing of the ceramic structure, thereby defining a closed heating zone. The catalyst provides for complete air oxidation of an input fuel. The chemical combustion heater generates heat in proportion to the feed rate of the input fuel and air. The ceramic cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, or a combination pre-mixed fuel/air inlet, and an outlet. Feedback control of the feed rate of the input fuel and air allows for the maintenance of the chemical combustion heater at a specific temperature.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heating reactor or a steam reforming reactor. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired porous ceramic support layer formed therein. The porous ceramic support layer further includes an immobilized catalyst formed on a surface of the porous ceramic support layer or entrapped within a plurality of voids formed in the porous ceramic support layer. The immobilized catalyst providing for a chemical reaction which converts input chemical reactants into chemical products and by-products. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reforming reactor, having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heater or a steam reformer. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired catalyst formed therein. An optional cofired porous ceramic support layer can be provided as a layer between the ceramic structure and the catalyst material. The cofired catalyst provides for selective deposition of the catalyst material during fabrication and complete air oxidation of an input fuel during use. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically isolated via in a multilayer ceramic package and an electrical connection formed within the via are disclosed. The method includes punching a first via in a first layer, filling the first via with a cross-linkable paste, curing the paste to form an electrical insulator precursor and forming the via in the insulator precursor. The electrical connection formed includes an insulator made from a cross-linked paste supported by a substrate of a multilayer ceramic package and a conductive connection supported by the insulator.

Abstract: A fuel processor and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer and including an integrated fuel cell stack. The reformer includes a vaporization zone, a reaction zone including a catalyst, and an integrated heater. The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell array apparatus and method of forming the fuel cell array apparatus including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least two spaced apart membrane electrode assemblies formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel is defined in the base portion and equally communicating with each of the at least two spaced apart membrane electrode assemblies for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to each of membrane electrode assemblies. An exhaust channel is defined in the base portion and equally communicating with each of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each of membrane electrode assemblies and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forms a single fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically isolated via in a multilayer ceramic package and an electrical connection formed within the via are disclosed. The method includes punching a first via in a first layer, filling the first via with a cross-linkable paste, curing the paste to form an electrical insulator precursor and forming the via in the insulator precursor. The electrical connection formed includes an insulator made from a cross-linked paste supported by a substrate of a multilayer ceramic package and a conductive connection supported by the insulator.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation system is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: The method (400, 500) and device (200) for reworkable direct chip attachment include a thermal-mechanical and mechanical stable solder joint for arranging connection pads on a top surface of the circuit board to facilitate connection for electronic elements, and affixing a reinforcement having apertures to accommodate solder joints to the top surface of the circuit board to facilitate solder attachment of the connection pads to the electronic elements wherein the reinforcement constrains deformation of the circuit board to provide reliable solder joints and facilitates attachment and removal of electronic elements from the circuit board.

Abstract: A volume efficient resonator (100) includes a helical coil transmission line (108) fabricated on a plurality of dielectrics (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, and 226). The transmission line (108) includes selectively metalized areas (210) on the dielectric layers. The metalized areas are formed in half loops and interconnected at alternate terminals via through-holes (203 and 205). A distributed capacitor (106) is added to the transmission line (108) using another set of selectively metalized areas (208). The distributed capacitor (106) is shunted to a ground plane (202) via through-holes (204, 206).