Hydrogen Separator Patents (Class 429/411)
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Patent number: 8636828Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: DCNS SAInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20140023886Abstract: A combined magnetohydrodynamic and electrochemical method for namely electric power generation through a hydrogen-oxygen fusion in a hydrogen fuel cell uses an electrolytic process of decomposing water to hydrogen and oxygen in a spiral magnetic electrolyser under the surface of a water environment, where the dynamization of the water environment in the water supply system of the spiral magnetic electrolyser is induced by negative pressure resulting from water being decomposed at the outlet of the spiral magnetic electrolyser. A combined magnetohydrodynamic and electrochemical facility for namely electric power generation comprising a hydrogen fuel cell including at least one spiral magnetic electrolyser (1), with its inlet (2) submerged under the surface of a water environment (3). Connected to the outlet (4) of such positioned spiral magnetic electrolyser (1) is a gas separator (5) separating produced hydrogen from oxygen and at least one hydrogen fuel cell (6) with an outlet for water (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Michal Mastena, Pavol Perovi
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Patent number: 8632922Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and processes of operating molten carbonate fuel cell systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jingyu Cui, Erik Edwin Engwall, John William Johnston, Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Scott Lee Wellington
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Patent number: 8623562Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for reducing the consumption of safety gas in a fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell unit whose fuel cells include an anode side and a cathode side, as well as an electrolyte interposed therebetween. A supply is provided for supplying the anode with a safety gas, and an exhaust is provided for exhausting the fuel cell unit of a spent safety gas coming from the anode side. The method can adapt a specific percentage of the spent safety gas flow coming from the anode side of the fuel cells to be re-supplied into the anode side of the fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Convion OyInventors: Tero Hottinen, Timo Lehtinen, Jukka Göös
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Publication number: 20130337350Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Fang-Hei Tsau, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Cheng-Yen Chen
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Publication number: 20130280627Abstract: A hydrogen-purifying device is suitable for a fuel cell (FC). The hydrogen-purifying device includes a guiding tank, a first water-absorbing material, a porous filter material and a second water-absorbing material. The guiding tank is connected to a hydrogen-generating device and a fuel cell. The hydrogen-generating device generates hydrogen, moisture mixed with the hydrogen and impurities mixed with the hydrogen. The first water-absorbing material, the porous filter material and the second water-absorbing material are disposed in the guiding tank. The hydrogen passes through the first water-absorbing material to remove a part of the moisture. Then, the hydrogen further passes through the porous filter material to remove the impurity. After that, the hydrogen further passes through the second water-absorbing material to remove another part of the moisture and arrives at the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: YOUNG GREEN ENERGY CO.Inventors: Po-Kuei Chou, Tsai-Hsin Cheng, Din-Sun Ju, Wan-Lin Chen
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Patent number: 8551663Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen producing fuel and a hydrogen storage element. A fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separates the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is positioned between the hydrogen storage element and the hydrogen producing fuel and the fuel cell. Hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell from the hydrogen storage element if demand for electricity exceeds the hydrogen producing capacity of the hydrogen producing fuel.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Gas-liquid separator, hydrogen generating apparatus, and fuel cell generation system having the same
Patent number: 8546026Abstract: Disclosed are a gas-liquid separator, a hydrogen generating apparatus, and a fuel cell generation system, having the same. The gas-liquid separator can include an inflow path, into which a fluid material having a liquid and a gas flows; a centrifugal path, connected to the inflow path to receive the fluid material and formed spirally such that the fluid material is separated into the liquid and the gas by difference in centrifugal forces, an outer side of the centrifugal path having stronger affinity for the liquid than an inner side of the centrifugal path; and an outflow path, connected to the centrifugal path and discharging the liquid and the gas, which have been separated in the centrifugal path. With the present invention, it is possible to efficiently separate gas such as hydrogen and liquid such as a electrolyte solution without complex devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eon-Soo Lee, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Hye-Yeon Cha -
Publication number: 20130200216Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing an inert gas that comprises a fuel tank for a fuel, at least one fuel cell with a cathode, an anode, a reactor for reforming fuel from the fuel tank into a hydrogenous fuel gas and an inert gas outlet. The reactor comprises a fuel gas outlet that is connected to a fuel gas inlet arranged on the anode of the fuel cell. The inert gas outlet is arranged downstream of the reactor and forms a fluid sink for non-hydrogenous reaction products of the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Airbus Operations GmbH
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Publication number: 20130177823Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system adapted to generate hydrogen, which can comprise a water supply source, hydrogen producing agent, hydrogen collector, hydrogen purifier, a hydrogen outlet, a fuel cell, a storage device for electricity, and an inverter. The inverter can be adapted to convert direct current (“DC”) electrical energy into alternating current (“AC”) electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: K TUBE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Khe C. Nguyen, Hieu Dinh
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Publication number: 20130177824Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and processes for operating molten carbonate fuel cell systems. A process for operating the molten carbonate fuel cell includes providing a hydrogen-containing stream comprising molecular hydrogen to a molten carbonate fuel cell anode; heating a hydrocarbon stream, at least a majority of which is comprised of hydrocarbons that are liquid at 20° C. and atmospheric pressure, with a heat source comprising an anode exhaust from the molten carbonate fuel cell anode; contacting at least a portion of the heated hydrocarbon stream with a catalyst to produce a steam reforming feed comprising gaseous hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and at least one carbon oxide; separating at least a portion of the molecular hydrogen from the steam reforming feed; and providing at least a portion of the separated molecular hydrogen to the molten carbonate fuel cell anode as at least a portion of the stream comprising molecular hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventor: SHELL OIL COMPANY
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Publication number: 20130126038Abstract: A SOFC system for producing a refined carbon dioxide product, electrical power and a compressed hydrogen product is presented. Introducing a hydrocarbon fuel and steam to the SOFC system, operating the SOFC system such that the steam-to-carbon molar ratio in the pre-reformer is in a range of from about 3:1 to about 4:1, the oxygen in the reformer combustion chamber is in excess, greater than 90% of the carbon dioxide produced during the process forms the refined carbon dioxide product are steps in the process. An alternative fueling station having a SOFC system is useful for fueling both electrical and hydrogen alternative fuel vehicles. Introducing steam and a hydrocarbon fuel, operating the alternative fueling station, coupling the alternative fuel vehicle to the alternative fueling station, introducing an amount of alternative fuel and decoupling the alternative fuel vehicle are steps in the method of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
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Patent number: 8440358Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system on a by-product gas containing a fuel constituent. The fuel cell system includes a fuel reformer for forming a reformate stream, a combustor for supplying heat energy to the fuel reformer, and a fuel cell stack. The method includes the steps of separating a by-product gas into a purified gas stream and a residual stream with a gaseous fuel purifier, feeding the purified gas stream to the fuel reformer configured to transform the purified gas stream to produce a reformate stream, and feeding the residual gas stream to a combustor configured to provide heat energy to the fuel reformer. The purified gas stream contains a higher concentration of preferable fuel constituents and a lower concentration of contaminants than the residual gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Malcolm James Grieve
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Publication number: 20130101908Abstract: Fuel cells for selectively reacting a feedstock material with or without generating electricity, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A fuel cell system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first electrode positioned in a first region, a second electrode positioned in a second region, an electrolyte between the first and second regions, and an electrical circuit connected between the first and second electrodes. The system can further include a material collector in the first region to collect a non-gaseous reaction product from a non-electricity-generating reaction of the feedstock material in the first region. A controller receives an input corresponding to an instruction to control the rate of reaction product production and/or electrical current production. In response, the controller can partially or completely interrupt electron flow along the electrical circuit and/or change a rate at which reactants other than the feedstock material are supplied to the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8426072Abstract: A hydrogen circulation type fuel cell system equipped with an electrochemical cell executes discharging an anode off-gas with impurities being condensed toward the outside of the system at a proper timing.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sho Usami, Yasushi Araki
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Patent number: 8426071Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a gas stream. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a cylindrical inner surface and a gas stream inlet that is tangential to the side wall of the housing so as to cause the entering gas stream to swirl within the housing. A gas stream outlet is located at the top of the housing and a liquid outlet at the bottom. The gas stream outlet can include an elongated tubular member that extends into the housing and has an opening that is located below the housing gas stream inlet. Liquid components of the gas stream separate from the stream under the influence of centrifugal forces that are created by the swirling flow path of the stream within the housing. A liquid outlet and liquid outlet valve are provided for maintaining a minimum level of liquid within the housing so as to maintain a liquid seal within the housing. A level indicator may optionally be provided to monitor the liquid level within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Texaco IncInventors: William Spencer Wheat, David Wayne Harrison, Sr., Daniel G. Casey, Kerry Kennedy Spilker
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Publication number: 20130071763Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed having at least a first section that operates in a hydrogen filtration mode to filter an incoming hydrogen-rich fuel, specifically a reformate, and at least a second section that operates in a power generation mode. The second section may receive filtered hydrogen fuel from the first section. Also, to rejuvenate the first section after anode poisoning, the first section may switch modes to operate in the power generation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: EnerFuel, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Betts
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Publication number: 20130004800Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a hydrogen generation reaction section for containing a liquid mixture of formic acid and an ionic liquid, and decomposing the formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by heating; and a separation section for separating a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide supplied from the hydrogen generation reaction section into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein after the separation, the hydrogen is sent out of the separation section to an external hydrogen destination, and the carbon dioxide is sent out of the separation section to an external carbon dioxide destination or emitted into the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: FORMIC ACID-HYDROGEN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventor: Masaru NAKAHARA
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Publication number: 20130004865Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen generator with a liquid reservoir, a reaction area, a byproduct containment area and a hydrogen containment area within a housing. A liquid from the liquid reservoir can react within the reaction area to produce hydrogen gas and byproducts, which flow to the byproduct containment area, and hydrogen gas passes into the hydrogen containment area and is released from the housing through a hydrogen outlet as needed. The liquid reservoir and the reaction area are each within a container made of a liquid impermeable material, the byproduct containment area is within a flexible container made of a hydrogen permeable, liquid impermeable material, and the hydrogen containment area is within a flexible container made of a hydrogen impermeable material. The byproduct containment area is in a volume exchanging relationship with one or both of the liquid reservoir and the reaction area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Jason L. Stimits, Guanghong Zheng
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Patent number: 8313556Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for delivery of a target material and/or energy. The system includes a source configured to provide a mixture containing the target material and a non-target material, a delivery conduit coupled to the source to receive the mixture from the source, and an in-line extraction device concentric to the delivery conduit. The in-line extraction device is configured to selectively extract the target material and/or energy from the mixture in the delivery conduit and to delivery it to a downstream facility.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8308848Abstract: Gas desulfurization sorbents and methods using them for removal of sulfur from gas streams, particularly at high temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000° C. The sorbents and methods are of particular application to produce a sulfur-clean feed from reformate gas generated from readily available transportation fuels containing sulfur. Sorbents of the invention can reduce the sulfur concentration in reformate gas to parts per billion on volume basis (ppbv) levels over a large range of temperatures. Sorbent materials of this invention comprise a nickel phase dispersed on a particulate support or a monolith support. The support can be a high surface area support with surface area of 100 m2/g or higher. The invention also provides systems for desulfurizing reformate gas and systems for providing a desulfurized gas to a fuel cell, particularly a solid oxide fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: TDA Research, Inc.Inventors: Gokhan Alptekin, Margarita DuBovik, Ambalavanan Jayaraman
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Patent number: 8293412Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a solid oxide reversible fuel cell (SORFC) stack that is adapted to generate an exhaust stream containing hydrogen and water vapor from an outlet of the SORFC stack when the SORFC stack is operated in an electrolysis mode, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen pump that is adapted to separate at least a portion of the hydrogen contained in the exhaust stream, a first conduit that is adapted to provide the exhaust stream from the outlet of the SORFC stack into an inlet of the PEM hydrogen pump, and a second conduit that is adapted to provide at least a portion of remaining exhaust stream from an outlet of the PEM hydrogen pump into an inlet of the SORFC stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventor: James F. McElroy
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Patent number: 8288055Abstract: A fuel cell stack configured to input raw fuel from a fuel source to produce electrical energy includes a fuel cell comprising an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode. The anode defines an anode chamber, and a hydrogen separation member is disposed within the anode chamber. The hydrogen separation member has a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen separation member defines a raw fuel chamber. The hydrogen separation member transfer hydrogen between the first side and the second side to provide hydrogen fuel to the anode of the fuel cell, while inhibiting the transportation of gas molecules between the first side and the second side.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventors: John W. Halloran, Timothy LaBreche, Shaowu Zha, Aaron T. Crumm
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Publication number: 20120258374Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon gas comprising contacting at elevated temperature the hydrocarbon gas with a catalyst to catalytically convert the hydrocarbon gas to hydrogen and solid carbon; wherein, the catalyst comprises one or both of the following: (a) a calcined Fe-containing catalyst; or (b) a bimetallic MxNiy-type catalyst supported on a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY WESTERN AUSTRALIAInventors: Colin Raston, Hui Tong Chua, Andrew Cornejo, Lizhen Gao
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Publication number: 20120225362Abstract: An energy unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application stores at least water and hydrogen. The energy unit includes an electrolysis component operable to provide hydrogen from the water, a hydrogen storage component operable to safely and stably store hydrogen in sold form and a fuel cell component operable to produce electricity from the hydrogen. The energy unit may be grouped with other like energy units to provide constant power for desired applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventor: Nicolas Kernene
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Patent number: 8257466Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20120219870Abstract: A hydrogen purifier (100) includes: a shift conversion catalyst (5a) which reduces, through a shift reaction, carbon monoxide contained in a hydrogen-containing gas; and a methanation catalyst (6a) which reduces, through a methanation reaction, carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through the shift conversion catalyst (5a). The shift conversion catalyst (5a) and the methanation catalyst (6a) are heat exchangeable with each other via a first partition wall (8), and a flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas that passes through the shift conversion catalyst (5a) is opposite to a flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas that passes through the methanation catalyst (6a).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Tomoyuki Nakajima, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani
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Patent number: 8247120Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an energy conversion module and a fuel module that is detachable from the energy conversion module. The fuel module includes a fuel tank, a fuel module identification member including fuel module data and a fuel filter member. The control module is configured to access the fuel module data from the fuel module identification member. The fuel cell stack is configured to utilize the refined fuel to generate electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, John Muczynski, Mike Gorski, Nathan Ernst, Jason Krajcovic
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Patent number: 8197579Abstract: Embodiments are described that generally relate to the storage and release of a gas using piezoelectric materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Seth Adrian Miller
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Publication number: 20120121996Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: ARDICA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Tobin Joseph Fisher, Jesse Thomas
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Publication number: 20120114980Abstract: Fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell assembly with at least one polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and a fuel delivery means for providing a fuel flow. The device is provided with means for pre burning adapted to burn fuel entering the fuel cell assembly during the start up phase until the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined level. A method of operating the assembly comprises the steps of initiating the start up phase by causing the fuel delivery means to deliver a fuel flow, whereby a means for pre burning burns off fuel entering the fuel cell assembly, monitoring the fuel flow and/or the oxygen concentration and when the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: MYFC ABInventor: Anders LUNDBLAD
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Publication number: 20120100443Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: DANIEL BRAITHWAITE, JESSE THOMAS, ADAM RODRIGUEZ, TOBIN FISHER, TIBOR FABIAN
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Publication number: 20120100444Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system using waste hydrogen generated from a sea water electrolyzing apparatus, the fuel cell system including: a sea water electrolyzing apparatus carrying out electrolysis of sea water used as cooling water in a nuclear power generation system to produce a chlorine-containing material; a hydrogen conveying line linked to one side of the sea water electrolyzing apparatus to convey waste hydrogen generated during the electrolysis; and a fuel cell linked to the hydrogen conveying line to generate electricity by using the waste hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen conveying line as fuel. The fuel cell system generates electricity by using waste hydrogen, which, otherwise, is totally discarded after being generated secondarily from the sea water electrolyzing apparatus, as fuel for the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: XFC INC.Inventors: Ju-Hyung Lee, Jong Won Choi, Suk-Won Cha, Ik Whang Chang
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Patent number: 8157900Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Patent number: 8158286Abstract: An energy station includes a generating unit and a separate remotely located dispensing unit. The generating unit includes a housing having an electrolyzer for generating hydrogen and a storage unit for storing hydrogen from the electrolyzer. The dispensing unit includes a housing for dispensing hydrogen from the generating unit. The generating unit is located at a first location and the dispensing unit is located at a second location away from the first location. For example, the generating unit may be located outside the building and the dispensing unit may be located inside a garage. Also disclosed is a generating unit having a fuel cell for supplying electricity to the building and a heat exchanger for supplying heat to the building.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shiro Matsuo, Akifumi Otaka, Arne Ballantine
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Patent number: 8158292Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a fuel cell anode exhaust system includes a fuel cell anode having an input and an output. The system also includes a first conduit loop communicating with the anode input and output. The system also includes a second conduit loop having an input and an output. The input and output communicate with the first conduit loop. A gas separator is disposed on the second conduit loop for purifying an exhaust stream fed into the gas separator.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lawrence M. Rose, Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Alexander T. Zaremba, Craig Winfield Peterson
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Publication number: 20120062166Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of controlling a mobile, integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system that utilizes an innovative combination of feedback and feed forward control loops maintain the reformer temperature and hydrogen permeate pressure in the system with the operating parameters of the fuel reformer being adjusted to achieve rapid and more reliable load following when transient conditions occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Douglas A. Thornton, Vincent Contini, Todd A. McCandlish
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Patent number: 8133624Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed including a fuel cell stack and pressure sensors, wherein bypass conduits having flow restriction devices disposed therein are provided for bypassing fluids around the fuel cell stack to militate against the accumulation of moisture in conduits in fluid communication with the pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel J. Darga, Mark T. Schluentz, Steven L. Piedmont
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Publication number: 20120058403Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: IDATECH, LLC.Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20120034539Abstract: A fuel cell system 110 containing fuel cells 120 contacted by hydrogen containing gaseous fuel, generating spent gaseous depleted fuel which is recirculated to a hydrogen separation system 143, preferably a heat exchanger 144 and condenser 148 to remove water 150, after which it is mixed with fresh fuel 116 and recirculated to the fuel cells 120.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Raymond George, Arun K.S. Iyengar, Daniel Danila, Wayne Lundberg
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Patent number: 8110310Abstract: Coal is reacted in a furnace 22 to obtain a coal gasification gas. The coal gasification gas is cooled by a gas cooler 23, passed through a porous filter 24, and desulfurized by a desulfurizer 25 to produce a CO-containing gas as an anode. The CO gas-containing gas is subjected to an exothermic reaction in a shift reactor 26 to form H2 and CO2, and the anode gas containing H2 is supplied to an anode 7 of MCFC 2. Thus, in the absence of an extra heat source and a heat exchange source, a desired anode gas is obtained from the coal gasification gas, and with heat buildup of the MCFC 2 being inhibited and its performance being maintained, reduction of CO2 is taken into consideration. A power generating plant equipped with the MCFC 2 capable of using a coal gasification fuel substantially containing a CO gas is thus achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Central Research Institute of Electric Power IndustryInventor: Fumihiko Yoshiba
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Patent number: 8101307Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes providing a fuel inlet stream into a fuel cell stack, operating the fuel cell stack to generate electricity and a hydrogen containing fuel exhaust stream, separating at least a portion of hydrogen contained in the fuel exhaust stream using a high temperature, low hydration ion exchange membrane cell stack, and providing the hydrogen separated from the fuel exhaust stream into the fuel inlet stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: James McElroy, Swaminathan Venkataraman
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Patent number: 8071241Abstract: A method in which a high temperature electrochemical system, such as a solid oxide fuel cell system, generates hydrogen and optionally electricity in a fuel cell mode. At least a part of the generated hydrogen is separated and stored or provided to a hydrogen using device. A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system stores carbon dioxide in a fuel cell mode. The system generates a methane fuel in an electrolysis mode from the stored carbon dioxide and water by using a Sabatier subsystem. Alternatively, the system generates a hydrogen fuel in an electrolysis mode from water alone.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: K. R. Sridhar, James F. McElroy, John E. Finn, Fred Mitlitsky, Matthias Gottmann
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Patent number: 8057575Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20110274991Abstract: A desulfurizer-reformer reactor system comprising a gradient assembly having a de-sulfurizing material and a re-forming catalyst material arranged in a sequential manner and methods of generating energy are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDOInventor: Abdul-Majeed Azad
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Patent number: 8053118Abstract: A hydrogen and power generation system includes a reforming device for producing a reformed gas from a reformable raw fuel, a combination fuel cell and ion pump operable selectively in a hydrogen generation mode and an electricity generation mode, a PSA mechanism for removing an unwanted component from the hydrogen produced by the combination fuel cell and ion pump, the PSA mechanism 18 having adsorption towers held in fluid communication with the cathode for receiving hydrogen from the combination fuel cell and ion pump, and a PSA off-gas passage having one end connected to an off-gas outlet of the PSA mechanism and another end connected to a reformed gas passage, which provides fluid communication between a reformed gas outlet of the reforming device and an anode inlet of the combination fuel cell and ion pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Takahashi, Jun Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20110256459Abstract: Thermally primed fuel processing assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems that include the same. The thermally primed fuel processing assemblies include at least one hydrogen-producing region housed within an internal compartment of a heated containment structure. In some embodiments, the heated containment structure is an oven. In some embodiments, the compartment also contains a purification region and/or heating assembly. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to heat and maintain the internal compartment at or above a threshold temperature, which may correspond to a suitable hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to maintain this temperature during periods in which the fuel cell system is not producing power and/or not producing power to satisfy an applied load to the system. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is adapted to provide backup power to a power source, which may be adapted to power the containment structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventor: David J. Edlund
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Publication number: 20110244341Abstract: A power generation apparatus comprises a fuel cell and a reforming module, wherein the reforming module is adapted to reform hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen and other components, and to separate the hydrogen from the other components. The apparatus is arranged so that the hydrogen is fed from the reforming module to the anode of the fuel cell. Carbon dioxide may be separated in the reforming module. Hydrogen may be recycled from the anode outflow back to the anode and/or tapped off. The apparatus may also contain a desorption module for releasing carbon dioxide. The absorption and release of carbon dioxide may be integrated and the carbon dioxide absorbent and/or desorbent may be recycled. Components of the apparatus may be thermally integrated. The apparatus may be used to generate electricity and produce hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: PROTOTECH ASInventors: Arild Vik, Arne Räheim
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Patent number: 7972585Abstract: In operating the carbon monoxide removal reactor or the fuel reforming system, there is provided a technique for removing carbon monoxide in a stable manner for an extended period of time. In a method of removing carbon monoxide including an introducing step of introducing a reactant gas including mixture gas and an oxidizer added thereto to a carbon monoxide removal reactor forming in its casing a catalyst layer comprising a carbon monoxide removal catalyst for removing carbon monoxide contained in the mixture gas and a removing step of removing the carbon monoxide by causing the oxidizer to react with the mixture gas on the carbon monoxide removal catalyst, in said introducing step, the reactant gas of 100° C. or lower is introduced to the carbon monoxide removal reactor.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuaki Echigo, Takeshi Tabata, Osamu Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7972422Abstract: A system comprising a cylindrical housing containing a sorbent cartridge selective of one or more gases in a gaseous mixture. End caps on opposite ends of the housing seal to the ends of the cartridge and direct the flow of gas mixture through a portion of the cartridge. The first end cap has entrance and exit ports for the gas mixture and for a purging gas for cartridge regeneration. The second end cap includes a compartment to receive and return the gas mixture to the first cap exit port. The purging gas follows a similar pathway via the remaining portion of the cartridge. The cartridge is rotatable within the housing; thus, the exhausted portion of the medium may be rotated into position for regeneration while a regenerated portion of the medium is rotated into position for re-use, thus providing continuous adsorption from the gas mixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Ballard, David J. Ranelli, Diane M. England, Malcolm James Grieve, Yee Ho Chia, Galen B. Fisher