Plural Heat Exchangers Patents (Class 429/435)
  • Patent number: 11942667
    Abstract: A fuel cell system and a control method using the same. The fuel cell system includes a propeller wing of a flying object and connected to a rotor, a main radiator and a sub-radiator arranged so that heat of cooling water is dissipated by a downdraft generated by rotation of the propeller wing, and a controller to provide the cooling water to one or both of the main radiator and the sub-radiator based on an operation mode of the flying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Kyung Choi, Jong Bo Won
  • Patent number: 11646429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising a fuel supply unit, at least one high-temperature fuel cell having a cathode and an anode and an electrolyte between the cathode and anode. The cathode has a cathode supply line and the anode has an anode supply line, wherein the anode is fluidically connected via the anode supply line to the fuel supply unit. Furthermore, a reforming device is arranged in the anode supply line. In addition, an anode exhaust gas line is provided for at least discharging anode exhaust gas from the anode. The fuel cell system has an exhaust gas heat exchanger for cooling exhaust gas and a recirculation conveyor for returning anode exhaust gas to the reforming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolaus Soukup, Martin Hauth
  • Patent number: 11597298
    Abstract: A fuel cell power system including at least one fuel cell, a ram air system and a cooling circuit in which coolant is intended to circulate for regulating a temperature of the at least one fuel cell. The cooling circuit comprises a ram air heat exchanger in the ram air system and the ram air system comprises a nozzle. The fuel cell power system further comprises a water tank and the fuel cell power system is arranged to flow water from the water tank to the ram air system so as to spray water in ram air via the nozzle. Thus, dimensioning of the ram air system which includes the ram air heat exchanger is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Guido Klewer, Kurtus Hancock
  • Patent number: 11524561
    Abstract: A vehicle power unit room structure is provided including a motor that is disposed inside a power unit room and that is configured to transmit drive force to a drive wheel, a compressor that is disposed adjacent to the motor in a vehicle width direction so as to overlap with the motor as viewed along the vehicle width direction, and a power supply section that is configured to supply power supplied from a power source to the motor and the compressor, and that is disposed at a vehicle upper side of the compressor so as to overlap with the compressor as viewed along a vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Murai
  • Patent number: 11476471
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells stacked along a longitudinal axis. The electrochemical cells include a membrane electrode assembly comprising a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and a polymer membrane interposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The electrochemical cells also include an anode plate and a cathode plate with the membrane electrode assembly interposed therebetween, and the anode plate defines a plurality of channels that form an anode flow field facing the anode catalyst layer. The electrochemical cells further include a cathode flow field positioned between the cathode plate and the cathode catalyst layer, wherein the cathode flow field comprises a porous structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventor: Filippo Gambini
  • Patent number: 11462756
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that includes: an ion exchanger that is provided at a circulation path and that restores insulation resistance of a coolant; a detector that is provided at the circulation path at a downstream side of a radiator in a circulation direction of the coolant and that detects conductivity of the coolant; and a controller that is electrically connected to the detector and a pump and that controls driving of at least the pump. In a state in which the pump is stopped and in a case in which the insulation resistance of the coolant, which is obtained from the conductivity of the coolant that has been detected by the detector, becomes equal to or less than a specific value, the controller starts the driving of the pump such that the coolant passes through the ion exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nakaya Takagaki, Hiromichi Sato
  • Patent number: 11437678
    Abstract: A battery module for a traction battery may include a module housing through which a coolant is flowable and at least one battery cell stack arranged within an interior space of the module housing. The at least one battery cell stack may include a plurality of battery cells arranged one after another along a stack direction. The plurality of battery cells may be arranged within the module housing such that a coolant flowable through the module housing directly contacts the plurality of battery cells. A locking mechanism may form-fittingly connect the at least one battery cell stack to the module housing via (i) a plurality of housing-side locking points and (ii) a plurality of stack-side locking points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Ingo Haeusler, Dierk Hoffmann, Tilman Kaiser, Ruediger Knauss
  • Patent number: 11417905
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a stack case and an auxiliary device case. The stack case stores a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells in a horizontal direction. The auxiliary device case stores a fuel cell auxiliary devices. The inside of the of the stack case and the inside of the auxiliary device case that are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction are partitioned by a partition wall. An auxiliary device side passage which connects the inside of the auxiliary device case and an auxiliary device side exhaust gas duct together is provided in an upper part of the auxiliary device case. A plurality of ribs protruding toward the inside of the auxiliary device case and extending in a vertical direction are provided in the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideharu Naito, Masahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 11316174
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack for providing uniform fluid flow through a plurality of plates is provided. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of plates that define a plurality of fuel cells stacked with each other, each plate having a fuel inlet hole for receiving fuel and a fuel outlet hole for discharging fuel. The fuel cell stack includes a fuel inlet insert extending into the fuel inlet hole of at least some of the plurality of plates. The fuel inlet insert has an upstream end and a downstream end relative to a direction of fuel flow through the fuel inlet holes. The upstream end of the fuel inlet insert has a porosity and permeability less than a porosity and permeability of the downstream end of the fuel inlet insert such that the fuel insert provides uniform fuel flow through the plurality of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ercan Mehmet Dede, Yuqing Zhou, Tsuyoshi Nomura
  • Patent number: 11309568
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC) with direct ammonia feeding. The method may include providing AMFC comprising an anode inlet for receiving ammonia and a cathode inlet for receiving oxygen containing gas; operating the AMFC at an operation temperature of above 80° C.; providing the oxygen containing gas; to a cathode of the AMFC at a pressure above the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the operation temperature; maintaining the pressure during the operation of the AMFC as to maintain water in substantially liquid phase near the cathode; and providing the ammonia to an anode of the AMFC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: HYDROLITE LTD
    Inventors: Ben Achrai, Gal Tamir, Miles Page, Shimshon Gottesfeld, Ervin Tal-Gutelmacher
  • Patent number: 11251450
    Abstract: A control system for fuel cell cooling is provided. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a coolant circulation line connected to the fuel cell stack, and a heat exchange device provided in the coolant circulation line. A bypass line bypasses the heat exchange device. A temperature adjusting device adjusts a ratio between coolant flowing into the heat exchange device of the coolant circulation line and coolant flowing into the bypass line. A temperature estimator estimates a temperature of the coolant of the coolant circulation line at a point before the bypass line joins the coolant circulation line after the coolant passes through the heat exchange device. An opening degree controller operates the temperature adjusting device using the temperature of the coolant estimated by the temperature estimator and the temperature of the coolant at a point at which the coolant flows into the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jung Hwan Ryu
  • Patent number: 11211658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a housing for a battery. In the case of coolant leakage, the housing includes an absorbent layer disposed on a bottom portion and an insulating film covering a portion of the absorbent layer in order to improve operational safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ralph Wuensche, Thomas Trathnigg, Guido Poscharnig, Wolfgang Luidold
  • Patent number: 10916789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of operating alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells in a bipolar configuration. The system (400) may include a first fuel cell (300A) and a second fuel cell (300B) adjacent to the first fuel cell. Each of the first and second fuel cells may include: a cathode configured to generate hydroxide ions from water, oxygen and electrons, an anode configured to generate water and electrons from the hydroxide ions and hydrogen received from a hydrogen source, and an alkaline exchange membrane configured to transfer the hydroxide ions from the cathode to the anode, and to transfer water from a vicinity of the anode to a vicinity of the cathode. The first fuel cell (300A) and a second fuel cell (300B) are connected by a porous bipolar plate (430A) positioned inbetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HYDROLITE LTD
    Inventors: Yair Paska, Miles Page, Yair Benjamine, Shimshon Gottesfeld
  • Patent number: 10826087
    Abstract: A hydrogen purging device for a fuel cell system includes a humidifier that humidifies dry air supplied from an air blower, using moist air discharged from a cathode of a stack and supplies the humidified air to the cathode. A water trap and a hydrogen recirculation blower are sequentially connected to an outlet of an anode, wherein a hydrogen outlet of the water trap and an inlet of the humidifier are connected by a cathode-hydrogen purging line for purging hydrogen to the cathode so that the hydrogen discharged from the anode of the fuel stack is purged to the cathode during idling or during normal driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Min Kim, Jong Hyun Lee, Dong Jo Oh
  • Patent number: 10811649
    Abstract: Traction battery of a motor vehicle includes a battery frame which is assembled from supports. A plurality of battery modules are accommodated in the battery frame and are each composed of a plurality of battery cells which are accommodated in a module housing of the respective battery module. The respective module housing is assembled from side walls and a base wall. The base wall of the respective module housing is designed as a cooling panel for cooling the battery cells. A cover panel is connected to is the battery frame. An underride guard panel is connected to the battery frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Audi AG
    Inventors: Marcus Zacher, Juergen Gerbrand, Thomas Milde, Martin Schuessler
  • Patent number: 10741854
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate with an insulating frame by using a metal mold. The plate includes an outer edge portion having a concavo-concave shape, and the metal mold includes a plurality of gate portions for injecting a molding material that forms the frame. The gate portions of the metal mold are at locations that correspond to the concave portions of the metal plate such that when the molding material is injected into the metal mold, an injection pressure of the molding material that can deform the metal plate will not deform the metal plate to an extent that deteriorates insulation resistance that is provided by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignees: NOK CORPORATION, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamio Inamura, Shuhei Goto, Akihito Giga, Satoshi Oyama
  • Patent number: 10700374
    Abstract: A high-temperature operating fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack that generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction of an oxidant gas and a reformed gas; a combustor that combusts a cathode off-gas and an anode off-gas; a reformer that generates the reformed gas from a raw material by utilizing heat of an exhaust gas generated by the combustor; a first preheater; a second preheater that preheats the oxidant gas through heat exchange with the exhaust gas and supplies the preheated oxidant gas to the cathode of the fuel cell stack; a casing that contains these components; and a first heat insulator that covers at least part of the casing, wherein the first preheater covers the first heat insulator and preheats the oxidant gas by heat transferred from the casing through the first heat insulator before the oxidant gas is supplied to the second preheater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Nakata, Kunihiro Ukai, Masakazu Aoki
  • Patent number: 10629971
    Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a first electric component, a second electric component, a battery, a first switch, a second switch, and circuitry. The first electric component is to operate the fuel cell. The second electric component is not to be used to operate the fuel cell. The first switch is to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the first electric component. The second switch is to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the second electric component. The circuitry is configured to control the first switch to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery and to control the second switch not to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery when the fuel cell is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Matsumoto, Takuto Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10629923
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a radiator of a vehicle, includes stopping the vehicle that includes a fuel cell through which a coolant is to pass. Electric power in the fuel cell is generated to raise a temperature of the coolant while stopping the vehicle. The coolant is circulated from the fuel cell to a radiator while stopping the vehicle. The coolant flowing from the radiator is supplied to an ion exchanger to remove ions from the coolant while stopping the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Mohri, Masahiko Natsume, Manabu Tanaka, Shiro Yagawa, Daiki Nagata
  • Patent number: 10511045
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a stacked body formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells, an end plate arranged on at least one end of the stacked body in a stacking direction, a fuel cell case including an opening portion and incorporating the stacked body, wherein the opening portion has a substantially polygonal outer circumference shape with a plurality of corners, and a plurality of types of fasteners with different load resistances that fix the end plate, closing the opening portion of the fuel cell case, to the fuel cell case. A fastener, of the plurality of types of fasteners, of a type with a highest load resistance is arranged at at least one of the plurality of corners of the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Takeyama, Tateki Takayama
  • Patent number: 10511034
    Abstract: The invention provides gasket for a fuel battery provided in a fuel battery cell in which an intermediate part including an MEA is interposed between a pair of separators, and structured such that each of a gasket main body retained to one separator of the pair of separators and a gasket main body retained to the other separator comes into contact with the intermediate part at positions where they overlap planarly, wherein bank portions for fixed size stop according to a gasket thickness are integrally formed in both sides or one side in a width direction of both the gasket main bodies. The bank portions for fixed size stop are preferably supported by convex portions which are provided in the separators. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit gasket main bodies from being compressed beyond supposition in the case that contact portions of the gasket main bodies are compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Horimoto, Hajime Yui
  • Patent number: 10468696
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes end cell heaters each disposed on outer sides of end cells disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack. The end cell heaters each include a support formed in a plate shape having fuel channels and air channels. A heat generating part is formed in the support. Electricity conduction blocks are coupled to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hanon Systems
    Inventors: Jung Sam Gu, Hyun Kun Shin, Kwang Hun Oh, Young-Ha Jeon, Ju Han Kim
  • Patent number: 10347927
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly including a plate assembly having an anode inlet, a cathode inlet, a first coolant inlet, and a second coolant inlet is provided. The first coolant inlet is located adjacent the anode inlet on a first plate side. The second coolant inlet is located adjacent the cathode inlet on a second plate side. The inlets are arranged such that coolant influences reactant temperature at the anode and cathode inlets to encourage formation of a membrane uniform hydration distribution during fuel cell operation. The fuel cell assembly may include a hydrogen channel, an oxygen channel, and a coolant channel. The coolant channel may extend between the hydrogen channel and the oxygen channel to draw heat from hydrogen and oxygen flowing therethrough and such that the hydrogen and oxygen are close enough to one another for chemical reaction therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Pence, Michael Allen DeBolt, Valerie Anne Nelson, Daniel E. Wilkosz
  • Patent number: 10277095
    Abstract: An example generator cooling arrangement includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump configured to receive and adjust a fluid containing hydrogen and to provide a refined supply of hydrogen. An electric power generator receives the supply of hydrogen. The refined supply of hydrogen is used to remove thermal energy from the electric power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Michael L. Perry
  • Patent number: 10218008
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a coolant circulation passage; a radiator; a water pump; a flow dividing valve; a fan; and a controller that, when a first prescribed period elapses in a state where a temperature of a coolant is equal to or more than a first prescribed temperature and an opening degree of the flow dividing valve makes the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the radiator equal to or more than a prescribed flow rate, gives a priority to the rise in a driving voltage of the fan over the increase in a flow rate by the water pump, and when a second prescribed period elapses in a state where the temperature of the coolant is equal to or more than a second prescribed temperature after the driving voltage of the fan is raised, increases the flow rate by the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamada, Hiroyuki Imanishi, Yohei Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10211493
    Abstract: A battery system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery pack, a first sensor at an inlet of the battery pack and a second sensor at an outlet of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Bhaskara Boddakayala, Neil Robert Burrows
  • Patent number: 10181607
    Abstract: A gas flow passage-forming member is disposed between a membrane electrode and gas diffusion layer assembly and a separator of a fuel cell, and the gas flow passage-forming member is configured to form a gas flow passage. The gas flow passage-forming member has a corrugated shape such that groove portions and ridge portions are provided on each of a front side and a back side of the gas flow passage-forming member. The groove portions each serve as the gas flow passage. The gas flow passage-forming member has communication holes providing communication between the front side and the back side, and the communication holes are provided in a region downstream of an upstream region in a gas flow direction. The upstream region is a non-communication region with no communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Shibata, Hiroya Nakaji, Hiroki Okabe, Yoshinori Shinozaki, Kousuke Kawajiri, Satoshi Futami, Takamasa Kanie
  • Patent number: 10181611
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell assembly configured to generate electrical power from a fuel flow and an oxidant flow, the method comprising a first phase and a subsequent second phase, the first phase comprising; operating the fuel cell assembly with a first stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power; providing said generated electrical power to a heater element for heating a coolant for supply to said fuel cell assembly; the second phase comprising; delivering coolant heated in the first phase to the fuel cell assembly; operating the fuel cell assembly with a second stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power, the second stoichiometric ratio lower than the first ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Shahin Moghimi, Vince Gardner, Nathaniel Palmer, Simon Foster, Pratap Rama
  • Patent number: 10109873
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system and a method for operating an electrochemical cell is provided. The method including determining one of a power level, current level or a voltage level of the electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell including at least one cell having an anode side and a cathode side, the electrochemical cell further having a water transport plate operably coupled to the cathode side. An oxidant pressure level is determined in the cathode side. A water pressure level is determined in the water transport plate. The active area of the at least one cell is changed by adjusting at least one of the oxidant pressure level or the water pressure level based at least in part on the determined power level, current level or voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jonathan Daniel O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10084199
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack enclosure is provided that includes side covers configured to be joined with each of end of a stack module respectively. A lower cover is also configured to be provided under the stack module and formed to partially cover a lower portion and a first side portion of an outer surface of the side cove. An upper cover may be provided over the stack module, and be formed to partially cover an upper portion and a second side portion of the outer surface of the side cover to enclose the stack module along with the lower cover while joining with the side covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Duck Whan Kim, Young Bum Kum, Jung Do Suh, Yong Suk Heo, Jung Han Yu
  • Patent number: 9991524
    Abstract: In a fuel cell separator and the like, a technology for reducing the separation of a flow path rib which rectifies the flow of a fluid is desired. A separator used in a fuel cell is provided, the separator including: a separator main body that includes a fluid flow region through which a reactive gas or a coolant flows, a through-hole through which the reactive gas or the coolant flows, and a connection portion which connects the fluid flow region and the through-hole; and a flow rectifying portion that is arranged by being adhered on the connection portion and that rectifies flow of the reactive gas or the coolant between the fluid flow region and the through-hole, where the flow rectifying portion includes a plurality of protruded portions and a coupling portion which is thinner than the protruded portions and which couples the protruded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Hiroki Itakura, Takahiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 9923229
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an assembly for use in a fuel cell includes a manifold having at least one inlet and at least one surface configured to facilitate fluid flow from the inlet along a direction in the manifold. A baffle is situated generally parallel to the direction of flow. The baffle has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is closer to the inlet than the second portion. The second portion is closer to the inlet than the third portion. The first portion has a first width situated generally perpendicular to the flow direction. The second portion has a second width situated generally perpendicular to the flow direction. The second width is less than the first width. The third portion has a third width situated generally perpendicular to the flow direction. The third width is greater than the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Christopher John Carnevale
  • Patent number: 9905880
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack is comprised of a plurality of power generating units which are stacked along the horizontal direction. An oxidant gas inlet port and a fuel gas inlet port are provided in an upper portion of one of the power generating units, and an oxidant gas outlet port and a fuel gas outlet port are provided in the lower portion of the power generating unit. A refrigerant inlet port and a refrigerant outlet port are formed in each of the left and right portions of the power generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Mohri, Yasunori Kotani, Masaru Oda, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Akihiro Matsui, Keiko Yamazaki, Chikara Iwasawa, Hideo Okamoto, Masahiro Ise, Hiroaki Ohta
  • Patent number: 9831509
    Abstract: A device for separating a fluid having a water and gas portion in a fuel cell system includes a fluid inlet an a fluid outlet with an outlet valve. The separating device includes a first reservoir region for collecting the water portion of the fluid. The first reservoir region includes a first outlet to feed the water portion in the direction of the fluid outlet. The separating device also includes a second reservoir region having a second outlet that feeds the water portion in the direction of the fluid outlet so that the first reservoir region 19 is connected in series in terms of flow via the second reservoir region with the fluid outlet. In an installation position of the separating device the first outlet is arranged lower than the second outlet so that deposits of the water portion completely covering the first outlet are prevented from flowing away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Michael Procter, Richard Fellows
  • Patent number: 9761887
    Abstract: An energy storage apparatus having a housing, a plurality of battery cells, a temperature-control system with a liquid temperature-control medium for cooling and/or heating the battery cells in the housing. An absorbent element is arranged spatially between the battery cells and the housing such that any temperature-control medium escaping from the temperature-control system is absorbed by the absorbent element. The absorbent element is separated from the battery cells by an electrically insulating layer, the electrically insulating layer being impermeable to the temperature-control medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Dämon, Stefan Roepke, Mario Steiner, Thomas Trathnigg
  • Patent number: 9722266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the temperature of a fuel cell system by controlling the rotational speeds of a coolant pump and a cooling fan based on the coolant outlet temperature, the amount of heat generated by a fuel cell stack, etc. In particular, the present invention controls the temperature of a fuel cell system by utilizing a controller which receives a coolant outlet temperature from a sensor in a state where a reference temperature for each stage is determined with respect to the coolant outlet temperature and a target rotational speed for each stage is determined based on the coolant outlet temperature. Then the controller performs proportional integral (PI) control with respect to each rotational speed of a coolant pump and a cooling fan at the target rotational speed for each stage determined based on the current coolant outlet temperature detected by the water temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Soon Il Jeon, Sang Uk Kwon, Heon Joong Lee
  • Patent number: 9698441
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack and FC peripheral equipment. The FC peripheral equipment includes an evaporator. At least one of evaporation pipes of the evaporator connects a water vapor discharge chamber and an inlet of a reformer to form an evaporation return pipe as a passage of water vapor. A raw fuel pipe is inserted into the evaporation return pipe for allowing a raw fuel to flow from the downstream side to the upstream side of the evaporation return pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Yuki Yoshimine
  • Patent number: 9559378
    Abstract: A fuel cell that includes a cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked, a case that houses the cell stack, and a pressure plate that is placed in the case at a position between an end of the cell stack in the stacking direction and the case. The case has a first opening through which a pressing member that presses the pressure plate in the stacking direction from outside the case is brought into contact with the pressure plate, and a fixing portion that fixes the pressure plate in place with the cell stack compressed in the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Takeyama
  • Patent number: 9548504
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: University of Connecticut, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Sherman Breit, Casey Joe Roberts, Amir Faghri, Travis Robert Ward, Christopher Robak
  • Patent number: 9525184
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manifold block for a fuel cell, which provides excellent electrical insulation for a coolant flow channel in an internal flow channel. More specifically, a manifold block for a fuel cell stack, includes a coolant interface formed of a polymer insulating material and coolant flow channels; and a reactant gas interface formed of a metal material and including reactant gas flow channels. In particular, the reactant and coolant interfaces are mounted to a stack module and, at the same time, are integrally bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Duck Whan Kim, Young Bum Kum, Sae Hoon Kim, Jung Han Yu
  • Patent number: 9496580
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a plurality of fuel cell component elements extending between a pair of end plates to form a stack, and plural reactant gas manifolds mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel, which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Robin J. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 9385382
    Abstract: System and methods for controlling and optimizing coolant system parameters in a fuel cell system to obtain a requested cabin temperature in a fuel cell vehicle are presented. A method for managing a temperature in a vehicle cabin may include receiving an indication relating to a desired vehicle cabin temperature and a plurality of measured operating parameters. Based on the measured operating parameters, a projected output temperature of a cabin heat exchanger may be estimated. A determination may be made that the projected output temperature of the cabin heat exchanger is less than the indication. Based on the determination a fuel cell coolant parameter may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John P. Salvador, Steven D. Burch, John P. Nolan, Remy Fontaine, Bram Peters, Oliver Maier
  • Patent number: 9178242
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a fuel cell module includes: forming an outer divided body having a frame shape and formed from an uncrosslinked item of solid rubber having adhesiveness in a seal member arrangement portion of a separator to produce an outer temporary assembly, and forming an inner divided body having a frame shape and formed from an uncrosslinked item of solid rubber in a peripheral edge portion of an electrode member to produce an inner temporary assembly fitting the inner temporary assembly into a frame of the outer temporary assembly to produce a cell assembly temporary assembly; arranging a cell assembly stack, in which a plurality of the cell assembly temporary assemblies are stacked, in a forming die; and pressurizing and heating the forming die to crosslink the uncrosslinked item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideaki Tanahashi, Shinichi Haga, Hideya Kadono, Yutaka Ishioka, Kenji Sato, Fumishige Shizuku, Hiroo Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9140501
    Abstract: A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies having a plurality of heat exchangers therein. The battery module includes a first rubber cooling manifold configured to route a fluid into the plurality of heat exchangers. The first rubber cooling manifold has a first tubular member, a first inlet port, a first plurality of outlet ports, and first and second end caps. The first end cap is coupled to a first end of the first tubular member. The second end cap is coupled to a second end of the first tubular member. The first inlet port is disposed on a top portion of the first tubular member for routing the fluid into the first tubular member. The first plurality of outlet ports is disposed collinearly and longitudinally along an outer surface of the first tubular member and spaced apart from one another. The first plurality of outlet ports extend outwardly from the outer surface of the first tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Niedzwiecki, William Koetting, Josh Payne, Igor Isayev, Venkatachala Moorthi Natarajan
  • Patent number: 9005833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system having high-temperature fuel cells, for example SOFCs. A reformer connected upstream of the high-temperature fuel cells at the anode side, a start burner for the preheating of the cathodes of the high-temperature fuel cells, an afterburner and an operating heat exchanger are present at the system in accordance with the invention. Oxidizing agent can be supplied to the high-temperature fuel cell cathodes through the operating heat exchanger. In addition, it can be heated with the exhaust gas of the high-temperature fuel cells. Exhaust gas conducted through the operating heat exchanger can flow in an exhaust gas line together with environmental air and can then be conducted away into the environment as cooled exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Sebastian Reuber, Markus Barthel, Mareike Wolter, Stefanie Koszyk, Rico Belitz
  • Patent number: 8986903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polymer electrolyte molded article, which comprises forming a polymer electrolyte precursor having a protective group and an ionic group, and deprotecting at least a portion of protective groups contained in the resulting molded article to obtain a polymer electrolyte molded article. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a polymer electrolyte material and a polymer electrolyte molded article, which are excellent in proton conductivity and are also excellent in fuel barrier properties, mechanical strength, physical durability, resistance to hot water, resistance to hot methanol, processability and chemical stability. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane, polymer electrolyte parts or a membrane electrode assembly can achieve high output, high energy density and long-term durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Izuhara, Hiroshi Taiko, Yuriko Okada, Shinya Adachi, Masataka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8980493
    Abstract: A circulation pipe for a coolant is connected to a fuel cell. A pump and a heat exchanger are connected to the circulation pipe. A bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the pump. An ion exchanger is connected to the bypass pipe. An electronic cooling device is connected to the bypass pipe on an upstream side of the ion exchanger. The coolant, which is supplied to the ion exchanger, is cooled by the electronic cooling device to a predetermined temperature, so that the ion-exchange resins are prevented from being abnormally heated by the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Imamura, Akishi Morita
  • Publication number: 20150064591
    Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing extending along a heater axis. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. An electric resistive heating element is disposed within the heater housing. A positive conductor is disposed within the heater housing and is connected to the fuel cell stack assembly and to the electric resistive heating element and a negative conductor is connected to the fuel cell stack assembly and to the electric resistive heating element. The electric resistive heating element is arranged to elevate the fuel cell stack assembly from a first inactive temperature to a second active temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: KARL J. HALTINER, JR., MARK A. WIRTH
  • Publication number: 20150053491
    Abstract: The invention provides a thermal management system for a fuel cell, a fuel cell system and a vehicle equipped with the fuel cell system. The thermal management system for a fuel cell comprises: a cooling system (100) for recovering the waste heat produced by the fuel cell system, a heat supply system (15) connected with the cooling system (100) to supply heat using the waste heat recovered by the cooling system (100). The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and the aforementioned thermal management system for a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: DONGFANG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hao Tang, Jiao Lei, Zhankui Zhang, Haiyu Yang, Yun Li
  • Patent number: 8945784
    Abstract: There are provided a hydrogen production apparatus and a hydrogen producing method that can easily bring the temperature of a gas to be supplied to a preferential oxidation catalyst bed to a proper range without the necessity of flow rate control of a cooling medium, and a fuel cell system which is relatively inexpensive and can easily realize stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Sato, Emi Kato, Takaya Matsumoto, Masataka Kadowaki, Ryuji Yukawa, Takuya Kajita