Patents by Inventor Jan Robert Selman

Jan Robert Selman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8273474
    Abstract: Electrochemical cell battery systems and associated methods of operation are provided based on the incorporation of a thermal management matrix including a supply of phase change material disposed at least in part in a heat conductive lattice member to effectively dissipate heat produced or generated by or in the battery system such as to minimize or prevent thermal runaway propagation in the electrochemical cells of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Said Al-Hallaj, Jan Robert Selman
  • Patent number: 8166911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600-800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jan Robert Selman, Hiroshi Nomura, Said Al-Hallaj
  • Publication number: 20090004556
    Abstract: Electrochemical cell battery systems and associated methods of operation are provided based on the incorporation of a thermal management matrix including a supply of phase change material disposed at least in part in a heat conductive lattice member to effectively dissipate heat produced or generated by or in the battery system such as to minimize or prevent thermal runaway propagation in the electrochemical cells of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Said AL-HALLAJ, Jan Robert SELMAN
  • Patent number: 7252851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600–800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jan Robert Selman, Hiroshi Nomura, Said Al Hallaj
  • Patent number: 6942944
    Abstract: Power supply systems and associated methods of operation are provided based on the incorporation of a supply of phase change material in thermal contact with at least one cell element capable of a heat-generating charge or discharge of power. Also disclosed, such as for increased or improved heat transfer and dissipation, is battery module incorporation of a heat-conductive containment lattice member such as having a plurality of openings wherein at least a portion of the supply of the phase change material can be disposed as well as the inclusion of a plurality of module housing-protruding heat transfer fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Said Al-Hallaj, Jan Robert Selman
  • Publication number: 20040219400
    Abstract: A hybrid system including a fuel cell and a desalination system, such as, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) system or a thermal desalination process such as a multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation system. The fuel cell generates electricity and thermal energy exhaust which can be used to power and/or increase the energy efficiency of desalination systems. The hybrid system provides improved overall system efficiencies, generally exceeding the typical efficiencies of either fuel-cell power plants or traditional desalination plants. In reverse osmosis systems, for example, heating the salinous water feed with the thermal energy exhaust not only increases the potable water production, but also decreases the relative energy consumption of the desalination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Said Al-Hallaj, Jan Robert Selman
  • Publication number: 20030054230
    Abstract: Power supply systems and associated methods of operation are provided based on the incorporation of a supply of phase change material in thermal contact with at least one cell element capable of a heat-generating charge or discharge of power. Also disclosed, such as for increased or improved heat transfer and dissipation, is battery module incorporation of a heat-conductive containment lattice member such as having a plurality of openings wherein at least a portion of the supply of the phase change material can be disposed as well as the inclusion of a plurality of module housing-protruding heat transfer fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Said Al-Hallaj, Jan Robert Selman
  • Patent number: 6468689
    Abstract: The invention is to a method of operating a power supply system comprising the steps of discharging at least one cell element of a battery module to produce a quantity of power and a quantity of heat; absorbing at least a portion of the heat in a phase change material in thermal contact with the discharging cell element; following discharge, releasing at least a portion of the heat from the phase change material to heat the at least one cell element; and discharging the at least one cell element at elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Said Al Hallaj, Jan Robert Selman