Patents by Inventor Ning-Yih Hsu

Ning-Yih Hsu 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).

  • Publication number: 20240136546
    Abstract: A vacuum battery structural assembly and a vacuum multi-cell battery module composed thereof are provided and include a first repeating unit including a first frame plate and a second frame plate with respect to the first frame plate; and an electrolyte channel defined within the first frame plate and the second frame plate to accommodate a liquid electrolyte, wherein both a surface of the first frame plate and a surface of the second frame plate include a vacuum suction area, the vacuum suction area includes a vacuum aperture and a vacuum channel, wherein the vacuum aperture is formed on at least one surface of the first frame plate and the second frame plate, the vacuum channel is positioned inside the first frame plate and the second frame plate, and is configured to generate a longitudinal pressing suction force and seal the first frame plate and the second frame plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Hung-Hsien Ku, Shang-Qing Zhuang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Chien-Hong Lin, Han-Jou Lin, Yi-Hsin Hu, Po-Yen Chiu, Yao-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 11897172
    Abstract: A polar plate is fabricated. The polar plate is flexible and made of a plastic graphite composite. No matter a supporting member is used for calendering or not, a thin polar plate with controllable thickness is fabricated. The polar plate is excellent in blocking the through-transmission of vanadium ions and the limit of blending ratio of conductive carbon is broken through. The longitudinal through-transmission volume resistivity (proportional resistance to thickness) is greatly improved by adjusting the blending ratio of conductive carbon for meeting the demand of conductivity. In the mean time, the present invention strengthens the rigidity required for the thin polar plate while providing large-area polar plate fabrication for industrial use and convenience and provides a cooling and pressing method for patterning a composite polar plate. An integrated mold is thus obtained to replace the conventional polar plate which needs to be processed and prepared with runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Hung-Hsien Ku, Ning-Yih Hsu, Han-Jou Lin, Tai-Feng Hung, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Publication number: 20230072808
    Abstract: A method is provided to optimize the surface of a carbon electrode for flow battery. A reaction solution is prepared as containing a requested ratio of functional group. After spraying the reaction solution on the carbon electrode, a number of related parameters of an atmospheric plasma are set for activation the carbon electrode. Thus, the functional group is covalently bonded on the surface of the carbon electrode according to requirement. Thereby, an accurate control of the type and number of the functional group bonded on the surface of the carbon electrode is achieved with the stability and performance of flow battery further enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ning-Yih Hsu, Hung-Hsien Ku, Han-Jou Lin, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Publication number: 20230061762
    Abstract: A polar plate is fabricated. The polar plate is flexible and made of a plastic graphite composite. No matter a supporting member is used for calendering or not, a thin polar plate with controllable thickness is fabricated. The polar plate is excellent in blocking the through-transmission of vanadium ions and the limit of blending ratio of conductive carbon is broken through. The longitudinal through-transmission volume resistivity (proportional resistance to thickness) is greatly improved by adjusting the blending ratio of conductive carbon for meeting the demand of conductivity. In the mean time, the present invention strengthens the rigidity required for the thin polar plate while providing large-area polar plate fabrication for industrial use and convenience and provides a cooling and pressing method for patterning a composite polar plate. An integrated mold is thus obtained to replace the conventional polar plate which needs to be processed and prepared with runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Hung-Hsien Ku, Ning-Yih Hsu, Han-Jou Lin, Tai-Feng Hung, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Patent number: 11327117
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the power of electrolytes at different positions of a flow battery by switching six-way valves without reconnecting channels. With the measurements at the positions, weighting is processed to obtain power corresponding to charging statuses for determining accurate power. The charging and discharging of voltage and current of the battery are controlled for constant operations with high efficiency. Consequently, the efficiency of power conversion is improved; energy consumption is reduced; and the battery is always run within a safe power-range for avoiding accidents or damages to the battery. In addition, the present invention is further applicable to a device monitoring the features of a battery unit. The six-way valves online monitor the power at center positions by switching. The values measured at different positions are aimed at the abnormality of the battery unit for processing adjustment or offline replacement to maintain best operation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Hung-Hsien Ku, Ning-Yih Hsu, Chin-Lung Hsieh, Yi-Hsin Hu, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Publication number: 20220085389
    Abstract: A method is provided to fabricate electrode used in super-thin flow-battery. A semi-finished cured film is prepared though colloid-mixing, impregnating, and baking. The film is pressed with different materials for fabricating various types of polar plate according to applications. Thus, a thin electrode is fabricated to contain a supporting member with thickness controllable. The electrode obtains excellent resistance to the permeation of vanadium ions; vertical-penetration volume resistance is controlled by adjusting the blending ratio of carbonaceous matter; and the demand of conductivity is met. Besides, the film is prepared to obtain a bipolar plate, a copper-containing current-collecting end plate, or other electrode material like carbon felt, carbon paper, etc. to be combined into an integrated electrode mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Ning-Yih Hsu, Hung-Hsien Ku, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Publication number: 20220074996
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the power of electrolytes at different positions of a flow battery by switching six-way valves without reconnecting channels. With the measurements at the positions, weighting is processed to obtain power corresponding to charging statuses for determining accurate power. The charging and discharging of voltage and current of the battery are controlled for constant operations with high efficiency. Consequently, the efficiency of power conversion is improved; energy consumption is reduced; and the battery is always run within a safe power-range for avoiding accidents or damages to the battery. In addition, the present invention is further applicable to a device monitoring the features of a battery unit. The six-way valves online monitor the power at center positions by switching. The values measured at different positions are aimed at the abnormality of the battery unit for processing adjustment or offline replacement to maintain best operation performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Hung-Hsien Ku, Ning-Yih Hsu, Chin-Lung Hsieh, Yi-Hsin Hu, Qiao-Ya Chen
  • Patent number: 11251452
    Abstract: A method is provided for restoring an electrolyte of vanadium (V) redox flow battery (VRFB). Electrolyte data of an original system are analyzed in advance. A reusable positive electrode is further equipped with a V electrolyte. A reductant for a stack of VRFB is used in coordination as an electrolysis device. After a long-term reaction with a VRFB having a high valence (greater than 3.5), an electrolyte at the positive electrode is directed out to a negative electrode of the electrolysis device; and, then, electrolysis is processed after accurate calculation. In the end, the internal fluid balancing method of the original system is combined. Thus, a harmless and quick valence restoration is processed for the electrolyte of the original system, which is a final resort for the restoration of V electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Yu-De Zhuang, Chien-Hong Lin, Yi-Hsin Hu, Han-Wen Chou, Hwa-Jou Wei, Ning-Yih Hsu
  • Patent number: 11081717
    Abstract: A storage module of distributed flow battery is provided. An electrochemical reaction is processed with the positive and negative electrolytes to produce and/or discharge direct current and further output the positive and negative electrolytes after the reaction. The module comprises two end plates; two frames disposed between the two end plates; two current collectors disposed between the two frames; two complex cast polar plates disposed between the two current collectors; two electrodes disposed between the two complex cast polar plates; a membrane disposed between the two electrodes; and three gaskets. Therein, two of the gaskets are set to sandwich and enclose one of the two complex cast polar plates; and the other one of the gaskets is set between the other one of the two complex cast polar plates and an adjacent one of the current collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Ning-Yih Hsu, Chien-Hong Lin, Han-Wen Chou, Chin-Lung Hsieh, Yi-Hsin Hu, Yu-De Zhuang, Yun-Shan Tsai, Qiao-ya Chen
  • Publication number: 20210210778
    Abstract: A method is provided for restoring an electrolyte of vanadium (V) redox flow battery (VRFB). Electrolyte data of an original system are analyzed in advance. A reusable positive electrode is further equipped with a V electrolyte. A reductant for a stack of VRFB is used in coordination as an electrolysis device. After a long-term reaction with a VRFB having a high valence (greater than 3.5), an electrolyte at the positive electrode is directed out to a negative electrode of the electrolysis device; and, then, electrolysis is processed after accurate calculation. In the end, the internal fluid balancing method of the original system is combined. Thus, a harmless and quick valence restoration is processed for the electrolyte of the original system, which is a final resort for the restoration of V electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-De Zhuang, Chien-Hong Lin, Yi-Hsin Hu, Han-Wen Chou, Hwa-Jou Wei, Ning-Yih Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210104769
    Abstract: A storage module of distributed flow battery is provided. An electrochemical reaction is processed with the positive and negative electrolytes to produce and/or discharge direct current and further output the positive and negative electrolytes after the reaction. The module comprises two end plates; two frames disposed between the two end plates; two current collectors disposed between the two frames; two complex cast polar plates disposed between the two current collectors; two electrodes disposed between the two complex cast polar plates; a membrane disposed between the two electrodes; and three gaskets. Therein, two of the gaskets are set to sandwich and enclose one of the two complex cast polar plates; and the other one of the gaskets is set between the other one of the two complex cast polar plates and an adjacent one of the current collectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ning-Yih Hsu, Chien-Hong Lin, Han-Wen Chou, Chin-Lung Hsieh, Yi-Hsin Hu, Yu-De Zhuang, Yun-Shan Tsai, Qiao-ya Chen
  • Patent number: 10826101
    Abstract: A flow battery apparatus is provided with shunted currents repressed. The apparatus has a positive electrode device, a negative electrode device and a plurality of gas-gap devices. Gas-gap devices are separately set between branching channels and inlet and outlet manifolds of positive and negative electrodes. Each of the branching channels separately has an inserting tube to be inserted into one of the gas-gap devices. The diameter of the inserted vessel of gas-gap devices is bigger than the diameter of the inserting tube connected to a corresponding one of the branching channels. Thus, working liquids transferred to the positive and negative electrodes are segregated with coordination of the gas-gap devices. Only air spaces and discrete liquid drops are left between separated parts of the working liquids. Thus, shunted currents are repressed by preventing conductive paths from being formed between the positive and negative electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Hwei-Liang Chang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Yao-Sheng Hsu, Zone-Sure Chang
  • Publication number: 20190173117
    Abstract: A flow battery apparatus is provided with shunted currents repressed. The apparatus has a positive electrode device, a negative electrode device and a plurality of gas-gap devices. Gas-gap devices are separately set between branching channels and inlet and outlet manifolds of positive and negative electrodes. Each of the branching channels separately has an inserting tube to be inserted into one of the gas-gap devices. The diameter of the inserted vessel of gas-gap devices is bigger than the diameter of the inserting tube connected to a corresponding one of the branching channels. Thus, working liquids transferred to the positive and negative electrodes are segregated with coordination of the gas-gap devices. Only air spaces and discrete liquid drops are left between separated parts of the working liquids. Thus, shunted currents are repressed by preventing conductive paths from being formed between the positive and negative electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Hwei-Liang Chang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Yao-Sheng Hsu, Zone-Sure Chang
  • Patent number: 10211476
    Abstract: A flow battery apparatus is provided with shunted currents repressed. The apparatus has a positive electrode device, a negative electrode device and a plurality of gas-gap devices. Gas-gap devices are separately set between branching channels and inlet and outlet manifolds of positive and negative electrodes. Each of the branching channels separately has an inserting tube to be inserted into one of the gas-gap devices. The diameter of the inserted vessel of gas-gap devices is bigger than the diameter of the inserting tube connected to a corresponding one of the branching channels. Thus, working liquids transferred to the positive and negative electrodes are segregated with coordination of the gas-gap devices. Only air spaces and discrete liquid drops are left between separated parts of the working liquids. Thus, shunted currents are repressed by preventing conductive paths from being formed between the positive and negative electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Hwei-Liang Chang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Yao-Sheng Hsu, Zone-Sure Chang
  • Patent number: 10017897
    Abstract: A method is provided to enhance efficiency of carbon felts in a flow battery. The carbon felts are directly immersed in a mixed acid solution. The carbon felts with the solution are heated at a low temperature and processed through sonication. On surface defects of the carbon felts, —OH and C?O functional groups are efficiently generated. The functional groups catalyze the redox reaction of vanadium ions. More active positions are obtained on the carbon felts through the activation treatment. Both of valence exchange and redox velocity of the vanadium ions are enhanced. Thus, the present invention has simple and fast processes with easily regulated experimental parameters for good modification without high temperature treatment but low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Yi-Sin Chou, Heng-Wei Chiang, Chao-Yen Kuo, Ning-Yih Hsu
  • Publication number: 20180187368
    Abstract: A method is provided to enhance efficiency of carbon felts in a flow battery. The carbon felts are directly immersed in a mixed acid solution. The carbon felts with the solution are heated at a low temperature and processed through sonication. On surface defects of the carbon felts, —OH and C?O functional groups are efficiently generated. The functional groups catalyze the redox reaction of vanadium ions. More active positions are obtained on the carbon felts through the activation treatment. Both of valence exchange and redox velocity of the vanadium ions are enhanced. Thus, the present invention has simple and fast processes with easily regulated experimental parameters for good modification without high temperature treatment but low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Yi-Sin Chou, Heng-Wei Chiang, Chao-Yen Kuo, Ning-Yih Hsu
  • Patent number: 9630166
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a catalyst carrier. At first, aluminum hydroxide is used for forming an alumina powder. The alumina powder is mixed with carbon nanotubes and a complex additive to be shaped into a cake. The cake is kneaded into a noodle-like shape to be hot-dried. Then, calcination is processed in a furnace under 1200 celsius degrees (° C.) with air passed through. The crystal structure remains without phase change. A catalyst carrier of ?-alumina having nano-scaled pores is formed. The catalyst carrier is a powdery material made into different three-dimensional forms. The catalyst carrier thus fabricated is suitable for generating hydrogen through methane reformation. The catalyst carrier has a methane conversion greater than 99 percents. The catalyst carrier will not be crumbled under 800° C. for 4000 hours without carbon deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Meng-han Huang, Yi-Sin Chou, Ning-Yih Hsu, Ruey-Yi Lee, Wen-Song Hwang
  • Publication number: 20170047605
    Abstract: A flow battery apparatus is provided with shunted currents repressed. The apparatus has a positive electrode device, a negative electrode device and a plurality of gas-gap devices. Gas-gap devices are separately set between branching channels and inlet and outlet manifolds of positive and negative electrodes. Each of the branching channels separately has an inserting tube to be inserted into one of the gas-gap devices. The diameter of the inserted vessel of gas-gap devices is bigger than the diameter of the inserting tube connected to a corresponding one of the branching channels. Thus, working liquids transferred to the positive and negative electrodes are segregated with coordination of the gas-gap devices. Only air spaces and discrete liquid drops are left between separated parts of the working liquids. Thus, shunted currents are repressed by preventing conductive paths from being formed between the positive and negative electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Hwei-Liang Chang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Yao-Sheng Hsu, Zone-Sure Chang
  • Publication number: 20160375425
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a carrier catalyst. The carrier catalyst uses an annular carrier of ?-alumina (?—Al2O3). The annular carrier of ?—Al2O3 has stable activity. By analyzing characteristics and methane conversion rates of catalysts with different compositions, a solution for solving carbon deposition is found. Cerium oxide (CeO2) is used as an accelerator and platinum (Pt) nano-particles are used as catalyzer. The above components are impregnated and coated on the annular carrier of ?—Al2O3. Thus, an annular-carrier catalyst of Pt/CBO2/?—Al2O3 is formed. Therein, the present invention uses carbon nanotubes before calcining the annular carrier catalyst. Consequently, its microstructure is modified to obtain a surface area of 130 square meters per gram and an average pore size of 12.585 angstroms. Preferably, 0.5 percents of platinum nano-particles are to be added into the carrier catalyst to achieve a 79% methane conversion rate even after 25 hours of reformation reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Yi-Si Chou, Men-Han Huang, Ning-Yih Hsu, Ruey-Yi Lee, Kin-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20160359186
    Abstract: A method of direct electrochemical oxidation is provided to modify carbon felts of a flow battery. Redox reactions are used for modification. Therein, voltage is directly conducted to the cell stack. The carbon felts of the cell stack are uniformly contacted with electrolytes for processing electrochemical reactions. As a result, modification is done to generate oxygen-containing functional groups (—COOH, —OH) on surfaces of the carbon felts. Thus, the present invention has the following advantages: Operation and procedure are easy and quick. Experimental parameters and conditions can be easily regulated and replaced without dismantling a device used for modification. The device used can withstand a wide range of voltage and current. Modification effect can be obtained with low cost yet without high-temperature treatments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Ning-Yih Hsu, Yi-Sin Chou, Heng-Wei Chiang, Yuan-Ming Chang, Kuan-Hsiang Chen, Yu-Chun Chen, Hwa-Jou Wei