Gas Patents (Class 204/256)
  • Patent number: 11932953
    Abstract: A compression apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode on a principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode on another principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator on the anode, a cathode separator on the cathode, and a voltage applicator. Upon the voltage applicator applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, protons are extracted from an anode fluid fed to the anode to migrate to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane and compressed hydrogen is produced. The cathode separator has a first O-ring groove formed in a cathode-side principal surface of the cathode separator to surround a region of the cathode-side principal surface which faces the cathode. The compression apparatus includes a first O-ring held by the first O-ring groove and a face seal disposed on an outer periphery of a region of an anode-side principal surface of the anode separator which faces the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kakuwa, Hiromi Kita, Osamu Sakai
  • Patent number: 10761046
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor has a lid element comprising a substrate, multiple electrodes, multiple interior contacts electrically coupled to the multiple electrodes, a base element configured to be coupled to the lid element, and an electrolyte element. The base element includes a sensor cavity, multiple exterior contacts located at an exterior surface of the base element, and multiple signal communication channels comprising multiple signal communication lines, and the electrolyte element is located in the sensor cavity. When the lid element is coupled to the base element, the multiple electrodes are located in the sensor cavity, the multiple electrodes are in electrolytic communication with the electrolyte element, the multiple interior contacts are located in the sensor cavity, and the multiple interior contacts are electrically coupled to the multiple exterior contacts by the multiple signal communication lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SENSIRION AG
    Inventors: Marc Papageorge, Joseph R. Stetter, Vinay Patel, William Escobar
  • Patent number: 10720663
    Abstract: Provided is a laminated battery module that is capable of imparting a minimum required restraining load to a battery laminate at a low temperature and a low charging rate, while also withstanding the load on the battery laminate at a high temperature and a high charging rate, without increasing the size of the restraining member. A laminated battery module 100 includes a battery laminate 15 containing one or more unit cells, a restraining member 20 containing a pair of end plates 21 located on both ends of the battery laminate 15 in the direction of lamination and tensioning members 22 that fasten the pair of end plates 21 mutually, and an elastic member 30 located between the pair of end plates 21; wherein, the elastic member 30 is composed of a material that undergoes a decrease in the elastic modulus thereof accompanying a rise in temperature from ?30° C. to 80° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KYOHO MACHINE WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kitaura, Seigo Fujishima, Yukihiro Isogai, Masanori Kodera
  • Patent number: 10532314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waste-liquid processing device, comprising: a first processing device and a mixing device, wherein the first processing device is provided with a first purifying unit for processing waste liquid from a waste liquid source to produce a purified liquid. The mixing device is used for mixing the purified liquid with a chlorine dioxide solution. The present invention also provides an air-pollution treatment device, comprising the waste-liquid processing device and a gas processing device. The gas processing device comprises an air extracting unit, a gas purifying unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, and an exhausting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: Feng-Yuan Tseng, Jiun-Hong Tseng, Jui-Po Tseng, Te-Hui Liu, Te-Jung Liu
  • Patent number: 10480085
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ion exchange membranes, electrochemical systems, and methods that relate to various configurations of the ion exchange membranes and other components of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan J Gilliam, Michael Kostowskyj, Thomas H McWaid, Samaresh Mohanta, Hong Zhao
  • Patent number: 10465301
    Abstract: A liquid activation and electrolytic apparatus includes: a liquid activation apparatus that includes a liquid activator with a black radiation sintered body radiating electromagnetic waves and an electromagnetic wave converging body and assembled bodies integrated together with the black radiation sintered body on the outside, the electromagnetic wave converging body on the inside, and a liquid activation region by the electromagnetic waves formed on the inside of the electromagnetic wave converging body and activates, in the above region, a liquid portion of a liquid electrolytic solution; and an electrolytic unit that includes an electrolysis container using a titanium or platinum electrode as a negative electrode and a platinum electrode as a positive electrode and containing the electrolytic solution and a power source applying a variable direct-current voltage to the negative and positive electrodes and performs the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution with the activated liquid portion in the electr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: JAPAN SYSTEM PLANNING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Patent number: 10407783
    Abstract: Provided herein are anode assembly, conductive contact strips, electrochemical cells containing the anode assembly and the conductive contact strips, and methods to use and manufacture the same, where the anode assembly includes a plurality of V-shaped, U-shaped, or Z-shaped elements positioned outside the anode shell and in electrical contact with the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. McWaid, Ryan J. Gilliam, Hong Zhao, Michael Kostowskyj
  • Patent number: 10161050
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ion exchange membranes, electrochemical systems, and methods that relate to various configurations of the ion exchange membranes and other components of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan J Gilliam, Michael Kostowskyj, Thomas H McWaid, Samaresh Mohanta, Hong Zhao
  • Patent number: 10155680
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fluid, which comprises a plurality of superimposed cells that are assembled and compressed together to form a stack by fixing means. Each cell comprises at least one chamber delimited by two facing containment layers and provided with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening for the passage of a fluid to be treated. Each chamber perimetrically arranges first sealing means for sealing it with fluid seal and houses at least one electrode layer for treating the fluid. According to the invention, each chamber comprise at least two support layers, e.g. rigid, made of plastic material, each of which being mechanically fixed to one of the two containment layers advantageously formed by the same electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: IDROPAN DELL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tullio Servida
  • Patent number: 9972846
    Abstract: Bipolar electrode (100) for use in an electrolysis unit, said bipolar electrode (100) comprising a planar main body having a first side and a second side, each of said first side and said second side being provided with a corresponding pattern of protrusions (125), wherein each of said protrusions has a geometrical base within the plane of said planar main body and a substantially planar top side (129), the orthogonal projection of said top side onto said main body being contained in said geometrical base, and wherein the top sides (129) of the respective protrusions (129) of said first side and said second side lie in two planes parallel to said planar main body, the electrode being further characterized by specific shape and orientation requirements. Method for producing the bipolar electrode as above described, which includes an embossing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Hugo Jan Baptist Vandenborre, Eric Dubois, Nicola Zandona
  • Patent number: 9933492
    Abstract: A method for determining a safe and economic voltage operating range dependent on current density and/or a specific energy consumption operating range of a cell element of an electrolyser. A method for improving voltage results and/or specific energy consumption results, in which the voltage operating range and/or specific energy consumption operating range is determined depending on an operating parameter associated with the cell element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP ELECTROLYSIS GmbH
    Inventors: Randolf Kiefer, Ulf-Steffen Baeumer, Dietmar Wagner, Michael Streitboerger
  • Patent number: 9828683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water manufacturing device for producing hypochlorous acid water containing hypochlorous acid using hydrochloric acid as an electrolyte, comprising: a hydrochloric acid container for storing the hydrochloric acid as the electrolyte; an electrolytic bath which is connected to the hydrochloric acid container, includes an electrode, and produces slightly weak acidic hypochlorous acid water containing a high-density chlorine solution through electrolysis of the hydrochloric acid; a hydrochloric acid supply pump provided between the hydrochloric acid container and the electrolytic bath so as to supply the hydrochloric acid to the electrolytic bath; and a venturi pipe which is connected to an upper part of the electrolytic bath, is formed between an inlet and an outlet through which dilution water passes, includes a neck part having a smaller pipe diameter in comparison with the inlet and the outlet, and an extraction pipe for connecting the neck part and the electro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: COSMIC ROUD KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bum Jin Park
  • Patent number: 9809471
    Abstract: An equipment for disposal of cyanobacteria in stagnant waters has a float structure, to which two types of bipolar electrodes (1 and 6) are mounted under the surface of water, interconnected and supplied with electric direct current via an alternator (10). The equipment comprises a supporting float (5) having the shape of a hollow body, in which there is a transversely positioned rib (4) with an attached suspended electrode (1), interconnected to supplies of photovoltaic cells (8) and alternator (10), fixed on the rib (4) there is the device (9) for utilizing wind power, connected to an alternator (10), driving the water pump (2), which is placed in the delivery pipe (3) and is connected directly to the axis of the device (9), for utilization of wind power. Fixed on the supporting float (5) there is the upper float (7) with the anchored grid electrode (6) and with the stored photovoltaic cells (8), interconnected with the electrodes (1) and (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: Technicka Univerzita v Kosiciach, Centrum VEDECKO-Technickych INFORA Acci SR
    Inventors: Du{hacek over (s)}an {hacek over (S)}ebo, Miroslav Badida, Juraj {hacek over (S)}ebo, Monika Fedor{hacek over (c)}áková
  • Patent number: 9790604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cell of a modular electrolyzer having a frame-shaped flange formed by two superposed elements, welded along the internal periphery in order to increase the local flange thickness in a portion of higher exposure to corrosion, for the sake of improving its resistance. A method of repairing electrolysis cells having a frame-shaped flange formed by two superposed elements by removing and replacing only the outermost frame, more subject to corrosion, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: UHDENORA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Timo Steyer
  • Patent number: 9666917
    Abstract: In air cells which are stacked on one another and used as an assembled battery, an electrolytic solution layer is formed between a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, and one or two or more deformation prevention materials are arranged for preventing deformation by abutting the positive electrode material or the negative electrode material or abutting both of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyazawa, Keita Iritsuki, Tomokatsu Himeno, Mori Nagayama, Yoshiko Tsukada
  • Patent number: 9309600
    Abstract: The invention is a bipolar-electrode electrolytic cell (1) which includes a chassis (2), an electrode plate (3) and a plate-shape spacer (4) having a concavity (25) disposing the electrode plate (3), wherein an unit cell (C), which is formed by connecting a plurality of spacers (4) in which the electrode plate (3) is disposed on the concavity (25) so that one plate surface of the electrode plate (3) is directed to one direction, is disposed inside the chassis (2). The bipolar-electrode electrolytic cell (1) includes engaged portions (35, 50 and 51) which are provided on any one of the concavity (25) of the spacer (4) or the electrode plate (3) and engaging portions (10A and 10B) which are formed the other portion with respect to the one portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koki Matsuyama, Yamato Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9113577
    Abstract: A battery-cooling system includes a battery array and a plurality of heat pipes that each include a low-profile extrusion having a plurality of hollow tubes formed therein A heat transfer fluid is disposed in the plurality of hollow tubes. Each heat pipe includes an evaporator portion and a condenser portion. The evaporator portion is disposed between successive batteries within the battery array and the condenser portion is disposed outside of the battery array and exposed to a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony Quisenberry
  • Patent number: 8864962
    Abstract: A feed water addition means for an electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stemp, Chris Wilson, Jim Hinatsu
  • Publication number: 20140262758
    Abstract: An end pressure plate is provided for an electrochemical cell stack or an electrolyser module. The end pressure plates comprise a load transfer plate for maintaining even pressure over the faces of the structural plates, and a backing plate for supporting load transferred from the load transfer plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Wilson
  • Patent number: 8734622
    Abstract: An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Wood Stone Corporation
    Inventor: Tadeusz Karabin
  • Patent number: 8715470
    Abstract: Anode and cathode separator plates are suitable for use in ion pumps for converting an input stream such as reformate into a pressurized and purified hydrogen-rich gas stream. The plates may include a single cathode outlet opening forming a portion of cathode output gas manifold, an anode inlet opening forming a portion of an inlet gas stream manifold and being sized larger than inlet cathode outlet opening, the distance of the anode inlet opening to an edge of the plate being less than the distance of the cathode outlet opening from an edge of the plate, and the size of the fluid flow channel of the anode separator plate being smaller than the size of the fluid flow channel of the cathode separator plate. Methods for forming the plates and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, David C. Kirchhoff, James F. McElroy, Michael P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8669499
    Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8658008
    Abstract: A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a first cell device and a second cell device. The first cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode catalyst layer and an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode catalyst layer and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. The second cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device, and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8623195
    Abstract: An electrolyser (100) comprising an electrolysis cell stack (101) inside a pressure vessel (115), wherein the first terminal end plate (107a) of the cell stack is integral with one a closed ends of the pressure vessel, thus forming a stationary head (107) of the cell stack equipped with the fluid and electric connections, and the second terminal end plate (108a) of the cell stack is inside the vessel and is free to move in a longitudinal direction in response to thermal expansion or contraction, thus forming a floating head (108) of the stack. The pressure vessel (115) is preferably pressurized using a gaseous product obtained in the process of electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Casale Chemicals SA
    Inventor: Giancarlo Sioli
  • Patent number: 8617361
    Abstract: A PEM water electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening, at least one oxygen degassing chamber opening, and at least one hydrogen gas collection manifold opening, extending through the structural plate between opposite end faces. The structural plates are arranged in face to face juxtaposition between opposite end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Hinatsu, Michael C. Stemp
  • Patent number: 8506787
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Callahan, James F. McElroy, Alfred Meyer, William F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130140171
    Abstract: Liquid communication means for an electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces, the liquid communication means facilitating liquid communication between the at least two degassing chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8419910
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a balance-of-plant system and apparatus suited for regulating the operation of an electrolyzer cell stack. Specifically, in some embodiments, a balance-of-plant system and apparatus is operable to regulate the respective pressures of at least two reaction products relative to one another. Various examples are provided to demonstrate how the respective pressures of two reaction products can be regulated in relation to one another in a pressure following configuration, thereby regulating the pressure differential across an electrolyte layer according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention. Some of the examples provided also include design simplifications and alternatives that may reduce production costs of electrochemical cells configured according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Rusta-Sallehy, Michael Vale, David Frank, Nathaniel Ian Joos
  • Publication number: 20130001070
    Abstract: A feed water addition means for an electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael STEMP, Chris WILSON, Jim HINATSU
  • Patent number: 8317985
    Abstract: An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wood Stone Corporation
    Inventor: Tadeusz Karabin
  • Patent number: 8308917
    Abstract: An electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Hinatsu, Michael Stemp
  • Publication number: 20120048730
    Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide obtained from atmospheric air or other available carbon dioxide source and water using a sodium-conducting electrochemical cell. Synthesis gas is also produced by the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam in a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolytic cell. The synthesis gas produced may then be further processed and eventually converted into a liquid fuel suitable for transportation or other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Ashok V. Joshi, S. Elangovan, Shekar Balagopal, John Howard Gordon, Michele Hollist
  • Patent number: 8057646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to cell plates for an electrolyser module and to an electrolyser module incorporating the plates. The plates comprise an electrolysis chamber opening, at least one degassing chamber opening, and at least one gas-liquid conduit opening. The plates further comprise a channel connecting the electrolysis chamber opening and the gas-liquid conduit opening. The present invention is directed further to a process and apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture generated at an electrolysis cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Hinatsu, Michael C. Stemp
  • Patent number: 8038854
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis installation comprising at least two rows of electrodes that are immersed at least in part in a liquid electrolyte giving off one or more gaseous species of corrosive nature at the electrodes, at least one separation membrane being disposed between two adjacent rows of electrodes. Each membrane is constituted by carbon fiber reinforcement stiffened by a carbon matrix and presents porous portion that is permeable to ions and impermeable to the or each gaseous species, given off at the electrolytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Maumus, Charles Dumont, François Abbe
  • Patent number: 8021525
    Abstract: A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh Giddey, Fabio T. Ciacchi, Sukhvinder P. S. Badwal
  • Patent number: 7938939
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system having the hydrogen generating apparatus are disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus can include an electrolyte bath configured to contain an electrolyte solution, an anode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to generate electrons, a cathode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to receive the electrons from the anode to generate hydrogen, a condensation plate disposed on a transfer path of the hydrogen such that moisture carried in the hydrogen is condensed and the hydrogen is separated, and a heat exchanger configured to cool down the condensation plate heated by the moisture carried in the hydrogen. The hydrogen generating apparatus of the present invention can increase the efficiency of hydrogen generation by removing the moisture carried in the hydrogen while generating the hydrogen and reusing the moisture circulated through the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eon Soo Lee, Jae-Hyoung Gil, Craig Miesse, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae
  • Patent number: 7744733
    Abstract: A system to vent a moist gas stream is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure and an electrochemical cell disposed within the enclosure, the electrochemical cell productive of the moist gas stream. A first vent is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell for venting the moist gas stream to an exterior of the enclosure, and a second vent is in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure and in thermal communication with the first vent for discharging heated air to the exterior of the enclosure. At least a portion of the discharging heated air is for preventing freezing of the moist gas stream within the first vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Amjad Khan, Ken Wayne Dreier, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Erik James White
  • Patent number: 7704355
    Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7686937
    Abstract: Anode and cathode separator plates are suitable for use in ion pumps for converting an input stream such as reformate into a pressurized and purified hydrogen-rich gas stream. The plates may include a single cathode outlet opening forming a portion of cathode output gas manifold, an anode inlet opening forming a portion of an inlet gas stream manifold and being sized larger than inlet cathode outlet opening, the distance of the anode inlet opening to an edge of the plate being less than the distance of the cathode outlet opening from an edge of the plate, and the size of the fluid flow channel of the anode separator plate being smaller than the size of the fluid flow channel of the cathode separator plate. Methods for forming the plates and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, David C. Kirchhoff, James F. McElroy, Michael P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7619183
    Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel, a burner downstream from the electrolyzer, and, an electrically heatable cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking, the electrically heatable cooking surface being operable simultaneously with the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cropley Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 7585583
    Abstract: A stack, to be used in a fuel cell or electrolyzer, includes a collector layer, at least one diffusion layer and at least one anchoring layer. The collector layer being a metal foil or metal plate or foamed metal sheet, the diffusion layer can be a metal mesh or expanded metal sheet. An anchoring layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 mm can include metal fibers and be sintered between the collector layer and the diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Ronny Losfeld, Lieven Anaf
  • Patent number: 7550113
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Luisa Gudino
  • Patent number: 7452620
    Abstract: An ionic conduction device of the kind including a tri-layer including an electrolytic membrane having a pair of opposed surfaces, and a gas permeable electrode in contact with each opposed surface. The device has a first gas flow path for a first gas across one of the opposed surfaces, and second gas flow path for a second gas across the one of the opposed surfaces, and a third gas flow path for a third gas along the other of the opposed surfaces of the membrane. The device includes a fourth flow path through the device for a heat exchanging fluid. The fourth flow path bringing the heat exchanging fluid into heat exchange relationship with the tri-layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair - Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Robert John Phillips, Adrian Simons
  • Patent number: 7402358
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for an electrochemical cell is disclosed. The bipolar plate includes a unitary plate having first and second inlet ports, first and second outlet ports, first flow channels, and second flow channels. A first inlet header channel at one end of the first flow channels is in fluid communication with the first inlet port, and a first outlet header channel at the other end of the first flow channels is in fluid communication with the first outlet port. A second inlet header channel at one end of the second flow channels is in fluid communication with the second inlet port, and a second outlet header channel at the other end of the second flow channels is in fluid communication with the second outlet port. Each of the header channels includes a support surface sufficient to support a membrane-electrode-assembly while providing a fluid flow channel from one end of the respective header channel to the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg A. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7332063
    Abstract: A structural component for electrolytic cells of an electrochemical reactor of the filter-press type, comprising a frame (6) supporting its corresponding functional element (7, 7a), a bipolar sheet or a diaphragm, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Casale Chemicals S.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Sioli
  • Patent number: 7323090
    Abstract: A bipolar zero-gap electrolytic cell comprising an anode comprising an anode substrate constituted of a titanium expanded metal or titanium metal net of 25 to 70% opening ratio, which anode after coating the substrate with a catalyst has a surface of 5 to 50 ?m unevenness difference maximum and has a thickness of 0.7 to 2.0 mm. In this electrolytic cell, the possibility of breakage of ion exchange membrane is low, and the anolyte and catholyte have a concentration distribution falling within given range. With this electrolytic cell, stable electrolysis can be performed for a prolonged period of time with less variation of cell internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Houda, Yasuhide Noaki
  • Patent number: 7323089
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded membrane-electrode assembly for electrolysis of water, which enables the generation of hydrogen capable of being used as a fuel for a fuel cell by electrolyzing water, and a water electrolyzer constructed using the bonded membrane-electrode assembly, so that hydrogen can be produced safely. The bonded membrane-electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxygen electrode bonded to one of sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrogen electrode bonded to the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen electrode includes a porous sheet-shaped carbon element plated with iridium and coated with a mixture containing carbon and a resin for a solid polymer membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kato, Katsumi Kanematsu, Shoji Nawa, Yasuo Ido
  • Patent number: 7144483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of molten aluminium by electrolysis of an aluminous ore, preferably alumina, in a molten salt mixture, preferably a sodium fluoride—aluminium fluoride-based electrolyte. The invention describes an electrolysis cell for said production of aluminium by use of essentially inert electrodes in a vertical an/or inclined position, where said cell design facilitates separation of aluminium and evolved oxygen gas by providing a gas separation chamber (14) arranged in communication with the electrolysis chamber (22), thus establishing an electrolyte flow between the electrolysis chamber (22) and the gas separation chamber (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Ole-Jacob Siljan, Stein Julsrud
  • Patent number: 7048839
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for generating high pressure hydrogen that is able to efficiently and safely generate hydrogen by only the electrolysis of water even when using electric power generated by a frequently varying natural energy, such as sunlight, without using any compressors. The system comprises an electrolysis cell using polyelectrolyte membranes, particularly a double-polarity multi-layered type electrolysis cell having a specified structure disposed in a vessel for storing generated hydrogen, preferably for storing cooled hydrogen under a high pressure hydrogen atmosphere. High pressure hydrogen is generated by electrolysis of pure water using the electrolysis cell by suppressing the pressure applied to the cell to a pressure below the pressure resistance of the cell using a differential pressure sensor and pressure controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Harada
  • Patent number: 7045042
    Abstract: A tank-type water electrolysis apparatus with unipolar electrodes arrangement and wherein imposed magnetic fields enhance electrolyte solution circulation, further enhanced in apparatus operation by use of immersed electrets providing partitioning structure between seperated hydrogen bubbles-producing and oxygen bubbles-producing regions in the solution. The included immersed electrets, which may be of polytetrafluoroethylene or other suitable material, perform the functions of attracting bubbles away from points of origination at the electrodes, and of promoting coelescence of smaller bubbles into larger ones of greater buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Robert N O'Brien