Abstract: Methods of making a sintered electrode comprise forming a slurry including 40 wt % to 75 wt % of a powder comprising a chalcogenide and at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, 1 wt % to 10 wt % of a binder, and 30 wt % to 50 wt % of a solvent. Methods include casting the slurry into a green tape. Methods include drying the green tape to form a dried green tape by removing at least a portion of the solvent. The dried green tape includes at most 10 wt % of organic material in the dried green tape. Methods include sintering the dried green tape at a temperature from 500° C. to 1350° C. for no more than 60 minutes to form the sintered electrode.

Abstract: A battery includes an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The solid electrolyte layer has a first region containing a first solid electrolyte material and a second region containing a second solid electrolyte material. The first region is within a region where the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other. With respect to the first region, the second region is positioned on an outer peripheral side of the region where the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other, and is in contact with the first region. A second density, which is the density of the second solid electrolyte material in the second region, is higher than a first density, which is the density of the first solid electrolyte material in the first region.

Abstract: Solar electroosmosis power generation devices and methods thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a first electrode in transparent inorganic electrolyte solution is provided in a first temperature chamber including a first light-transmitting wall. A second electrode in transparent inorganic electrolyte solution is provided in a second temperature chamber including a second light-tight wall. The first and second temperature chambers are connected by a cation nano-film with nanoparticles on its surface close to the first temperature chamber. An external circuit connects the first and second electrodes. When the nano-film is irradiated through the first wall by sunlight, the temperature of the first temperature chamber is higher than that of the second temperature chamber. In some embodiments, the solar electroosmosis power generation device improves solar energy utilization efficiency, and can be used in the field of solar light-heat-electric conversion.

Abstract: Provided is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which an increase in temperature, which is caused by a short circuit at an exposed part of an interface between a positive electrode current collector and an insulating layer provided on the positive electrode current collector, is suppressed. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery disclosed here includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector, a positive electrode active substance layer and an insulating layer. The positive electrode current collector has a part where the positive electrode current collector is exposed at at least one edge thereof. The insulating layer is positioned at a boundary between the positive electrode active substance layer and the part where the positive electrode current collector is exposed. The insulating layer contains an inorganic filler and resin particles at a mass ratio of 75:25 to 25:75.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for a thermogalvanic brick are disclosed.

Abstract: A light-weight, high-strength compressor component having at least one fluid delivery feature that is formed via additive manufacturing is provided. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprising the lattice structure has at least one fluid delivery feature for permitting fluid flow through the body portion of the light-weight, high-strength compressor component. The fluid delivery feature may be a flow channel, a fluid delivery port, a porous fluid delivery feature, or the like that serves to transfer fluids through the component, such as refrigerant and/or lubricant oils. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.

Abstract: A direct heat to electricity engine includes solid state electrodes of an electrochemically active material that has an electrochemical reaction potential that is temperature dependent. The electrodes are configured in combination with electrolyte separators to form membrane electrode assemblies. The membrane electrode assemblies are grouped into pairs, whereby each membrane electrode assembly of a given pair is ionically and electronically interconnected with the other. One membrane electrode assembly of a given pair is coupled to a heat source with the other to a heat sink. One membrane electrode assembly of the pair is electrically discharged while the other is electrically charged, whereby the net and relative charge between the two remains constant because of the electronic and ionic interconnection and the difference in temperature of the membrane electrode assemblies, and thereby voltage, results in net power generation.

Abstract: A breath sampling device including a housing having a fluid inlet positioned at a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet positioned at a fluid outlet end, a fluid channel extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel. The sensor is structurally configured to detect a presence of a target gas in a gas sample and a filter assembly fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and positioned between the fluid inlet and the sensor. The filter assembly is structurally configured to absorb heat, water vapor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A multi-stage sodium heat engine is provided to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, the multi-stage sodium heat engine including at least a first stage, a second stage, and an electrical circuit operatively connecting the first stage and the second stage with an electrical load. One or more methods of powering an electrical load using a multi-stage sodium heat engine are also described.

Abstract: A system and method according to various embodiments can include a universal contact input status detection circuit. A voltage source wets a contact with a wetting voltage. A current mirror circuit is connected across an input of the contact to provide a constant wetting current over a wide input voltage range. The input voltage can be varied over a range wide enough to include both AC voltages and DC voltages. The current mirror circuit maintains the constant wetting current during varying wetting voltage inputs across the input of the contact. A wetting voltage sensor senses the wetting voltage provided to the contact so that the status of the contact can be determined.

Abstract: The compact fuel cell which can efficiently perform heating and can be repeatedly used includes a solid electrolyte, an anode that is formed on one surface of the solid electrolyte, a cathode that is formed on another surface of the solid electrolyte, an anode fuel material, a heating portion for heating and maintaining the solid electrolyte and the anode fuel material at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and a sealing portion that is installed in the solid electrolyte, forms a sealed space sealing the anode and the anode fuel material together with the solid electrolyte and the heating portion, and can repeatedly open and close, in which a helium leak rate of the sealed space is maintained at 1×10?2 Pa·m3/sec or a lower rate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to aqueous redox flow batteries comprising ionically charged redox active materials and ionomer membranes, wherein the charge of the redox active materials is of the same sign as that of the ionomer, so as to confer specific improvements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modularized AMTEC cell which does not require a separate collector by using a metal support as an internal electrode, has durability and stability even at a high temperature and a high pressure, very easily joins the cell to a housing by inserting the cell into an insulating portion and sealing, minimizes the number of the parts and expands easily the system scale through the serial-parallel structure.

Abstract: A catalyst assembly having a substrate including an intermetallic compound of W and Ir. The weight ratio of W to Ir is in a range between a first ratio and a second ratio. A catalyst includes at least one noble metal is supported on and contacts the substrate. The first ratio may be in the range of 48:52 and the second ratio may be in the range of 51:49.

Abstract: A unit thermionic electric converter. The unit thermionic electric converter includes a case having a first end portion and a second end portion; a working fluid disposed inside the case; a solid electrolyte dividing the inside of the case; a first electrode disposed on a surface of the solid electrolyte; and a second electrode disposed on another surface of the solid electrolyte; wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are alternately heated by a heat source.

Abstract: In a memory, the surface temperature and the internal resistance of an assembled battery detected under the condition where a difference between the surface and the internal temperature is within a predetermined value are stored, and an internal temperature diagnosis unit that diagnoses whether or not the internal temperature estimated by an internal temperature estimation unit is correct, detects the internal resistance with an internal resistance calculation unit when the internal temperature estimation unit estimates the internal temperature, searches for an internal resistance corresponding to the surface temperature equal to the estimated internal temperature value from among the stored internal resistances, and diagnoses the estimated internal temperature value based upon the result of comparison of a search result of the internal resistance and the internal resistance detected during internal temperature estimation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal current collection structure of a tubular thermal to electric converting cell including an internal electrode, a solid electrolyte and an external electrode. The internal current collection structure includes: a first current collector which closely contacts with the internal electrode of the tubular thermal to electric converting cell; a second current collector which fixes the first porous current collector to the inside of the tubular thermal to electric converting cell and causes the first current collector to be in close contact with the internal electrode; and a lead wire which is a conductive medium and is located between the first current collector and the second current collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device using a solvating material, the device comprising: a cell with a closed structure, comprising a metal ammonia or metal amine compound as a solvating material; a polarization or porous separation membrane; and a heating unit, which prevents the outflow of the solvating material and thus maintains the solvating material in a reversible state.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) includes an electrolyte container (3) containing an ionic liquid (2), and a partitioning membrane (4) dividing an interior of the electrolyte container (3) into two being a CO2 capturing chamber (7) and a CO2 releasing chamber (8), having side walls opposing each other, with the partitioning membrane (4) in between, either as a carbon electrode (5) and the other as a photoelectrode (6). A redox mediator (B) has different bonding forces to carbon dioxide, as it appears as an oxidant Box and a reductant Bred, of which that one which has a greater bonding force serves as an intermediary chemical species carrying carbon dioxide to one of the paired electrodes (5, 6). Over the CO2 releasing chamber (10), an upper wall portion (10) is formed, which has a CO2 take-out port (10A) formed therein, for making use of oxidation and reduction of the redox mediator to achieve separation and concentration of carbon dioxide, converting photo energy of sunlight into electric power.

Abstract: Compositions containing modified fullerenes and their use, for example, as films for membranes in electrode assemblies for electrochemical cells and fuel cells such as fuel cells are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metal support thermal to electric converting cell, a thermal to electric power generator using the same, and a method for manufacturing the thermal to electric converting cell. Unlike a conventional method for manufacturing the thermal to electric converting cell by sintering a solid electrolyte, a method provided by the present invention is to manufacture the thermal to electric converting cell by coating a metal support capable of collecting electricity and functioning as an electrode with the solid electrolyte in the form of a high density thin film, so that the cell has durability and stability at a high temperature and a high pressure and has improved efficiency due to the thin film structure.

Abstract: The described invention provides a packaged electrochemical device comprising an electrochemical battery, further comprising at least one electrochemical cell stack and a barrier packaging material. The present invention further provides a method of fabricating the packaged electrochemical device. The present invention further provides a flexible multifunctional liquid-based thermogalvanic cell that converts and stores electricity derived from low grade temperature differentials that exist in ubiquitous scenarios.

Abstract: A battery module capable of improving low-temperature performance and heat dissipation characteristics. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a heat conducting member. The plurality of battery cells are aligned in one direction. The heat conducting member is interposed between the neighboring battery cells, and has at least one electronic element that generates a change in temperature of the battery cells.

Abstract: Energy conversion devices and methods for altering transport of reaction species therein include use of a dielectrically graded structure (e.g., region, layer). For example, in photon energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells) or in chemical energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells) one or more non-electric structures which provide a gradient in dielectric constant are positioned within the cell to alter the direction and/or rate of transport of a photo-generated or chemical reaction-generated species.

Abstract: There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte and a thermoelectric converter including the same. A solid electrolyte includes a non-porous layer and a first porous layer on a first surface of the non-porous layer.

Abstract: A photosensitizing transition metal complex of the formula (Ia) MLY1, (Ib) MLX3 (Ic) MLY2X, (Id) MLY3X or (Ie) MLY4X in which M is a transition metal selected from ruthenium, osmium, iron, rhenium and technetium, preferably ruthenium or osmium. X is a co-ligand independently selected from NCS—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CN—, H2O; pyridine unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from vinyl, primary, secondary or tertiary amine, OH and C1-30 alkyl, preferably NSC and CN—; L is a tridentate polypyridine ligand, carrying at least one carboxylic, phosphoric acid or a chelating group and one substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamide group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group having 7 to 50 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A fuel cell system capable of learning its current-voltage characteristics precisely in a short time even when the current-voltage characteristics of a fuel cell varies due to reduction of a catalyst of an oxidizing agent electrode during the stop of operation of the fuel cell system. A controller (13) learns current-voltage characteristics of a fuel cell stack (2), detects the amount of variation in voltage of current-voltage characteristics before a stop of power generation and those after restart of power generation, and corrects the learnt value of the current-voltage characteristics by the amount of variation in voltage.

Abstract: An anode inlet unit for a split fuel cell stack or two fuel cell stacks having two anode inlets. The anode inlet unit has particular application for a small vehicle that requires less power. In one embodiment, the anode inlet unit only includes three injectors. Two of the injectors provide flow control for the hydrogen gas to the two anode inlets to provide the desired turn-down ratio. For a split stack design, the two injectors may provide flow-shifting where the injection of hydrogen gas into the sub-stacks is alternated. The other injector injects a small amount of hydrogen into the cathode side of the fuel cell stack at system start-up to quickly increase the operating temperature of the system. Additionally, two valves can be provided in the unit that receive a flow of air to purge the anode side of the stack for system shut-down.

Abstract: An reversible engine (10) is disclosed having a conduit system (11), a first electrochemical cells (12), and a second electrochemical cell (13). The conduit system (11) includes a first conduit (15) extending from the first electrochemical cell (12) to the second electrochemical cell (13), and a second conduit (16) extending from the second electrochemical cell (13) to the first electrochemical cell (12). The heat engine (10) also includes a heater (18) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the second electrochemical cell (13), a cooler (19) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the first electrochemical cell (12), and a regenerative heat exchanger (20) thermally coupled to the first and second conduits (15) and (16) for the transfer of heat therebetween.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (10) is disclosed having a housing (11) divided by a hydrogen concentration cell (12) so as to define a first chamber (13) and a second chamber (14). A first mass of hydride material (17) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (18) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell.

Abstract: This invention is directed to modified thermal galvanic cells for conversion of heat into useful electrical energy by electrochemical action using thermal and concentration differences to enhance the power produced by the cell. The cells of the invention comprise active and inert electrodes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to modified thermal galvanic cells for conversion of heat into useful electrical energy by electrochemical action using thermal and concentration differences to enhance the power produced by the cell. The cells of the invention comprise active and inert electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a tubular housing (71), a thermal inertial core (72), and a tubular hydrogen electrochemical cell (79) which in combination define a first chamber (73) and a second chamber (74). A first tubular mass of hydride material (90) is contained within the first chamber while a second tubular mass of hydride material (91) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing (71) is adapted to transfer heat to and from the second mass of hydride material (91). Heat is also transferred between the thermal inertial core (72) and the first mass of hydride material (90).

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a housing divided by a hydrogen concentration cell (76) so as to define a first chamber (71) and a second chamber (72). A first mass of hydride material (84) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (85) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing first chamber (71) is tapered so that the housing easily pierces the ground upon impact from an elevated position.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a housing divided by a hydrogen concentration cell (76) so as to define a first chamber (71) and a second chamber (72). A first mass of hydride material (84) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (85) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing first chamber (71) is tapered so that the housing easily pierces the ground upon impact from an elevated position.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a tubular housing (71), a thermal inertial core (72), and a tubular hydrogen electrochemical cell (79) which in combination define a first chamber (73) and a second chamber (74). A first tubular mass of hydride material (90) is contained within the first chamber while a second tubular mass of hydride material (91) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing (71) is adapted to transfer heat to and from the second mass of hydride material (91). Heat is also transferred between the thermal inertial core (72) and the first mass of hydride material (90).

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a housing divided by a hydrogen electrochemical cell (79) so as to define a first chamber (73) and a second chamber (74). A first mass of hydride material (90) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (91) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing first chamber (73) is adapted to transfer from the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: Thermocells, also known as thermogalvanic electrochemical cells having one or more hot half-cells, electrolyte salt supplying reservoirs, porous inserts in the electrolyte conduits produce improved power output performance are disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal decomposition of a reactant, XY, proceeds on a negative catalytic electrode to form products, X and Y. The product Y is a cellular reaction material, which separates into ions, Y.sup.+, and electrons, e.sup.-, on the negative catalytic electrode. The ions Y.sup.+ move through a solid electrolyte, the electrons e.sup.- pass through an external resistor, and the product X formed on the negative catalytic electrode is circulated to the positive catalytic electrode, therefore reproducing the reactant XY. Since the cellular reaction material Y need not be released from the top of the catalytic electrode, the invention is adapted to convert heat energy into electric energy efficiently as compared with conventional methods. In one embodiment, reactant XY is 2-propanol, and products X and Y are acetone and hydrogen, respectively.

Abstract: The apparatus is a combined Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) and a thermionic energy converter which are mated by the use of a common heat transfer device which can be a heat pipe, pumped fluid or a simple heat conduction path. By adjusting the heat output surface area of the thermionic converter and the heat input surface area of the AMTEC, the heat transfer device accomplishes not only the transfer of heat from the output of the thermionic converter to the input of the AMTEC, but also the transformation of the heat density to match the requirements of the AMTEC input. The electrical current through the combined devices is also matched by adjusting the heated surface area of the AMTEC.

Abstract: The temperature difference battery includes a solution 2 which contains redox ion couples having a temperature-dependent redox potential. A low-temperature (LT) electrode 1 and a high-temperature (HT) electrode 3 are disposed in the solution 2. A membrane film 6 impervious to the redox ion couples is disposed between the HT electrode 3 and the LT electrode 1. A LT power electrode 7 is disposed between the LT electrode 1 and the membrane film 6, and a HT power electrode 8 is disposed between the HT electrode 3 and the membrane film 6. When there is a temperature difference between the electrodes 1, 3, the redox potential of the ion couples change, and thermoelectric power is generated between the LT electrode 1 and the HT electrode 3, which is used to charge the battery. The concentration of the redox ion couples in the LT region and in the HT region increases as charging progresses, and the membrane 6 maintains the concentration difference thus storing the electrical power.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus for use in an electrochemical cell, which permits hydrogen gas generated at the cathode to be recirculated directly to the anode. The electrode apparatus comprises:(a) an ion-permeable membrane separating the anode and cathode compartments and liquids contained therein;(b) hydrogen electrodes (cathode and anode) in their respective compartments and in contact with the membrane, comprising a porous hydrophobic catalytic structure which permits the passage of hydrogen gas both along and perpendicular to the longitudinal surface of the electrode, and having an external portion extending outside of the elctrode compartment and exposing the edge surface of the electrode; and(c) a gas chamber connected to the external portions of the electrodes and providing for transfer of gas from the cathode directly to the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkali metal thermoelectric power generator comprising a plurality of thermoelectric converters, which are connected in electrical series to one another by an external electronic conductor device, each of the converters converting thermal energy into electrical energy by utilizing the phenomenon that an alkali metal, arranged on each side of a solid electrolyte, diffuses across the electrolyte if the density thereof on one side of the electrolyte differs from that on the other side of the same. The generator further comprises a piping consisting of a plurality of connection pipes for returning the alkali metal condensed in a second spatial region of each thermoelectric converter to a first spatial region thereof through a common pump. Further, the respective open ends of the connection pipes, which connect the respective first regions of the converters to one another, are positioned in those portions of the respective first regions where only the vapor phase alkali metal exists.

Abstract: A thermal power transfer system using a phase change liquid gas fluid in a closed loop configuration has a heat exchanger member connected to a gas conduit for inputting thermal energy into the fluid. The pressure in the gas conduit is higher than a liquid conduit that is connected to a heat exchanger member for outputting thermal energy. A solid electrolyte member acts as a barrier between the gas conduit and the liquid conduit adjacent a solid electrolyte member. The solid electrolyte member has the capacity of transmitting ions of a fluid through the electrolyte member. The ions can be recombined with electrons with the assistance of a porous electrode. An electrical field is applied across the solid electrolyte member to force the ions of the fluid from a lower pressure liquid conduit to the higher pressure gas conduit.

Abstract: An alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device formed from a porous tube or plate coated with a thin film of beta-alumina, the porous tube or plate is sintered metal or metal alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion which approaches that of the beta-alumina to form a mechanically stable device with high electrical output.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite article suitable for use in thermoelectric generators. The article comprises a solid electrolyte carrying a thin film comprising molybdenum-platinum-oxide as an electrode deposited by physical deposition techniques. The invention is also directed to the method of making same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microscreen radiation shield which reduces radiative heat losses in thermoelectric generators such as sodium heat engines without reducing the efficiency of operation of such devices. The radiation shield is adapted to be interposed between a reaction zone and a means for condensing an alkali metal vapor in a thermoelectric generator for converting heat energy directly to electrical energy. The radiation shield acts to reflect infrared radiation emanating from the reaction zone back toward the reaction zone while permitting the passage of the alkali metal vapor to the condensing means. The radiation shield includes a woven wire mesh screen or a metal foil having a plurality of orifices formed therein.

Abstract: An electrode having higher power output is formed of an open mesh current collector such as expanded nickel covering an electrode film applied to a tube of beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). A plurality of cross-members such as spaced, parallel loops of molybdenum metal wire surround the BASE tube. The loops are electrically connected by a bus wire. As the AMTEC cell is heated, the grid of expanded nickel expands more than the BASE tube and the surrounding loop of wire and become diffusion welded to the electrode film and to the wire loops.

Abstract: A liquid metal thermal electric converter which converts heat energy to electrical energy. The design of the liquid metal thermal electric converter incorporates a unique configuration which directs the metal fluid pressure to the outside of the tube which results in the structural loads in the tube to be compressive. A liquid metal thermal electric converter refluxing boiler with series connection of tubes and a multiple cell liquid metal thermal electric converter are also provided.