Tubular Or Cylindrical Configuration Patents (Class 429/466)
  • Patent number: 11749824
    Abstract: Provided are a metal plate configured such that sufficient strength and performance are ensured and the workability and cost of mass production are improved, and an electrochemical element and the like including the metal plate. A metal plate 1 includes a thick portion 110, and a thin portion 120 that is thinner than the thick portion 110. The thin portion 120 is provided with a penetration space 1c passing through the thin portion 120 in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Echigo, Hisao Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 11581558
    Abstract: A fuel cell system configured to enhance the life of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell system a fuel cell, an oxidant gas supplier configured to supply oxygen-containing oxidant gas to a cathode of the fuel cell, a fuel gas supplier configured to supply hydrogen-containing fuel gas to an anode of the fuel cell, an oxygen partial pressure estimator configured to estimate an oxygen partial pressure of the cathode of the fuel cell, a hydrogen partial pressure estimator configured to estimate a hydrogen partial pressure of the anode of the fuel cell, and a controller, wherein the controller calculates a target hydrogen partial pressure by a given equation (1), and wherein the controller controls the hydrogen partial pressure of the anode to the target hydrogen partial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinichi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10943766
    Abstract: A power feed member having high heat insulation and capable of transmitting a power at a low loss is provided. The power feed member configured to supply a power includes a first conductive member; a second conductive member; and a connecting member configured to electrically connect the first conductive member and the second conductive member. At least a part of the connecting member is formed of a porous metal or multiple bulk metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Shunichi Ito, Shinji Himori, Etsuji Ito, Naokazu Furuya, Gen Tamamushi
  • Patent number: 10480083
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a steam electrolysis cell of which current efficiency is high and by which hydrogen can be efficiently produced, and a method for producing hydrogen using the steam electrolysis cell. The steam electrolysis cell according to the present invention is characterized in comprising an anode layer, a cathode layer, and a proton conducting oxide electrolyte layer between the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the anode layer comprises a perovskite oxide, and the perovskite oxide comprises Ba and Co.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuninori Miyazaki, Masatoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10135082
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell outputting a current; a supply unit supplying oxidant gas; a flow-amount measurement unit measuring a flow amount of the oxidant gas; and a controller that feed-back controls the supply unit such that a measured flow-amount value converges toward a target flow-amount value, wherein the controller determines an acceptable current value in accordance with the measured flow-amount value, restricts the current to the acceptable current value or less, controls the current in accordance with a requested current value of the fuel cell; and performs a changing-suppression processing, when a condition continues for a predetermined period, the condition including that a changing width of the requested current value is equal to or less than a first value and a difference between the requested current value and the acceptable current value is equal to or less than a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiko Kaneko, Yoshiaki Naganuma, Yutaka Tano, Yohei Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10003082
    Abstract: Provided is an electrode catalyst material that has an increased reduction rate of a nickel catalyst and thus an improved catalytic function in a fuel cell. The electrode catalyst material for fuel cells contains nickel oxide and cobalt oxide. The electrode catalyst material contains a cobalt metal component in an amount of 2 to 15 mass % with respect to the total mass of a nickel metal component and the cobalt metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Naho Mizuhara, Masatoshi Majima, Takahiro Higashino, Aiko Tominaga, Junji Iihara
  • Patent number: 9508996
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for a solid oxide fuel cell, which electrically connects tubular solid oxide fuel cells to each other. The connector includes a conductive body part having a first electrode contact groove and a second electrode contact groove. A first electrode contact part is formed on the top surface of the body part to receive at least a portion of an exposed first electrode portion and second electrode portion of a first solid oxide fuel cell, and is electrically connected to the first electrode of the first solid oxide fuel cell. A second electrode contact part is formed at the bottom surface of the body part so as to receive at least a portion of exposed first electrode portion and second electrode portion of a second solid oxide fuel cell, and is electrically connected to the second electrode of the second solid oxide fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MICO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Moon Han, Song Ho Choi, Chong Sik Lim
  • Patent number: 9005836
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack is disclosed. The SOFC may include an oxidizing agent flow path fluidly connecting a first oxidizing agent chamber and a second oxidizing agent chamber. The first oxidizing agent chamber may include an oxidizing agent supply pipe through which an oxidizing agent is flowed from an outside thereof. The second oxidizing agent chamber may perform a reduction reaction on the oxidizing agent received from the first oxidizing agent chamber. In operation, a fluid flows between the first and second oxidizing agent chambers, and may be provided to an outside of the second oxidizing agent chamber. Further, the structure of the flow path may allow heat to be conducted from the second oxidizing agent chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Jun Kong, Duk Hyoung Yoon, Tae-Ho Kwon
  • Patent number: 8993195
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a unit cell, a cell fixing member and a welding portion. The unit cell includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end portion of the electrolyte layer, and a coating layer formed by coating a mixture of ceramic and metal on the exposed end portion of the electrolyte layer. The cell fixing member includes a flow tube inserted into the unit cell, a fixing tube provided to an outside of the flow tube, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing tube and the flow tube to each other and to restrict an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer. The welding portion fixes and seals the coating layer and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing tube to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Won Suh, Ho-Jin Kweon
  • Patent number: 8962209
    Abstract: Fuel cell devices and systems are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices include a ceramic support structure having a length, a width, and a thickness. A reaction zone positioned along a portion of the length is configured to be heated to an operating reaction temperature, and has at least one active layer therein comprising an electrolyte separating first and second opposing electrodes, and active first and second gas passages adjacent the respective first and second electrodes. At least one cold zone positioned from the first end along another portion of the length is configured to remain below the operating reaction temperature. An artery flow passage extends from the first end along the length through the cold zone and into the reaction zone and is fluidicly coupled to the active first gas passage, which extends from the artery flow passage toward at least one side. The thickness of the artery flow passage is greater than the thickness of the active first gas passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
  • Patent number: 8962211
    Abstract: A device and method of forming a power generator includes a container, a fuel cell stack within the container, a metal hydride hydrogen producing fuel within the container, wherein the fuel cell stack is sandwiched between the container and an anode support surrounding the fuel and in close thermal contact with the fuel. The fuel cell stack has a cathode electrode for exposure to oxygen and an anode electrode for exposure to hydrogen. A cathode is electrically coupled to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on an outside of the container. An anode is electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8951691
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. In one aspect, the solid oxide fuel cell stack includes unit cells, an external collector, a first stack collecting member, a cap, and a suspension member. The external collector contacts an outer periphery of each of the unit cells and electrically connects the unit cells to each other. The first stack collecting member is positioned to collect current from a distal unit cell. A cap is provided in one end of the distal unit cell. The suspension member has one side thereof suspended from the cap and the other side fixed to the first stack collecting member to distribute weight of the first stack collecting member. Structural stability of a stack collector may be maintained even at oxidizing atmosphere of high temperature when driving the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyu-Jong Bae, Sang-Jun Kong, Hyun Soh, Tae-Ho Kwon, Kwang-Jin Park, Duk-Hyoung Yoon, Young-Sun Kwon
  • Patent number: 8940456
    Abstract: A manufactured fuel cell includes: a unit cell including a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding an outer circumference of the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end of the electrolyte layer; a plating layer around an outer circumference of the exposed electrolyte layer; a cell coupling member including a passage pipe inserted into the unit cell and forming a continuous passage from the inside of the unit cell, a coupling pipe provided outside of the passage pipe to form a space accommodating an end of the unit cell from the passage pipe, and a connecting unit connecting the coupling pipe with the passage pipe and restricting an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer; and a welding portion fixing and sealing the plating layer and an inner circumference of the coupling pipe with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan-Dee Kim, Jun-Won Suh, Young-Sun Kwon, Ho-Jin Kweon
  • Patent number: 8936888
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
  • Patent number: 8932779
    Abstract: A device for a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell includes an integral one-piece construction of a current collector and a manifold. The device eliminates the need for a brazing or thermal bonding process for joining the manifold with the current collector, and thus makes it possible to prevent breakdown of the junction formed between the manifold and the current collector, which can lead to gas leakage through the junction, and thus can be used for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sun-Dong Kim, Doo-Won Seo, In-Sub Han, Ji-Haeng Yu, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo
  • Patent number: 8927162
    Abstract: The present invention comprises fuel cells 84 disposed within a fuel cell module 2, a reformer 20, a reformer temperature sensor 148 for detecting a reforming state temperature, and a control section 110 for controlling the operation of the fuel cell module. The control section prohibits the normal startup POX and executes a restart control different from the normal startup POX when the reforming state temperature is at least in a high temperature region within the POX temperature band in a state in which the operation of the solid oxide fuel cell module is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Akagi, Naoki Watanabe, Shuichiro Saigan, Nobuo Isaka
  • Patent number: 8927172
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells which are stacked one on top of another. Each unit cell includes a flat-tubular electrode support made of a porous conductive material. A first-gas flow channel is formed in the electrode support in a longitudinal direction thereof. First gas flows along the first-gas flow channel. A second-gas flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support. Second-gas flows along the second-gas flow channel. A connection hole is formed on each of opposite ends of the first-gas flow channel of each of the unit cells and communicates with the first-gas flow channel of the adjacent unit cell so that the first gas flows along the unit cells in a zigzag manner in the longitudinal directions of the unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sun-Dong Kim, Ji-Haeng Yu, In-Sub Han, Doo-Won Seo, Kee-Seog Hong, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo
  • Publication number: 20150004520
    Abstract: The present invention is a manufacturing method for a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus in which multiple fuel cells are adhered and affixed to a first affixing member attached within a fuel cell module, the method includes steps of: inserting one end portion of each fuel cell into respective insertion holes provided in a first affixing member; respectively positioning one end portion of each fuel cell inserted into each insertion hole relative to a fuel cell module; respectively positioning the other end portion of each fuel cell at a predetermined position relative to the fuel cell module; applying ceramic adhesive onto the first affixing member into which each of the fuel cells is inserted; and hardening the applied ceramic adhesive and affixing each of the fuel cells to the first affixing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Shuhei TANAKA, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Takuya HOSHIKO, Masaki SATO, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Osamu OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8859162
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jai Hyoung Gil, Kyong Bok Min, Jong Ho Chung, Jong Sik Yoon, Eon Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8835072
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell stack may include a cell array, a pair of planar current collecting members, first and second terminal portions, and a pair of electric insulating members. A plurality of interconnector-type unit cells may be electrically connected in parallel to form a bundle, and a plurality of bundles may be electrically connected in series. The pair of the planar current collecting members may be electrically connected electrically to the plurality of bundles and configured to collect current. The first and second terminal portions contact the current collecting members. The pair of insulating members has first through-holes through which the first and second terminal portions pass, and to the insulating members are formed outside the pair of the current collecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Park, Jun-Won Suh, Sang-Jun Kong
  • Patent number: 8802322
    Abstract: An interconnecting-type solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell includes a unit cell, a first current collecting member, a first insulating member, and a second current collecting member. The unit cell has a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer sequentially formed from an inside thereof, and has an interconnector configured for electrical connection to the first electrode layer and exposed to an outside thereof in a state in which the interconnector is insulated from the second electrode layer. The first current collecting member is formed on an outside of the interconnector and configured to collect current. The first insulating member is formed on an outside of the first current collecting member. The second current collecting member is wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second electrode layer and an outside of the first insulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-Hyoung Yoon, Sang-Jun Kong, Tae-Ho Kwon, Kwang-Jin Park, Gyu-Jong Bae, Hyun Soh, Young-Sun Kwon
  • Patent number: 8722281
    Abstract: There are provided a fuel cell capable of suppressing damage to an end thereof, and a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that include the fuel cell. In a fuel cell (1) wherein a fuel electrode layer (3) is formed on one of opposite main surfaces of a solid electrolyte layer (4) and an air electrode layer (5) is formed on the other of the main surfaces, and electric power is generated by utilizing a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, an oxidation suppression layer (10) is located closer to the fuel electrode layer (3) than at least the solid electrolyte layer (4) on one end of the fuel cell (1), the oxidation suppression layer (10) being composed mainly of silicate containing at least one of elements belonging to Group 2 on the periodic table. This makes it possible to provide a fuel cell (1a) capable of suppressing damage to and oxidation of one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 8709675
    Abstract: The fuel cell base module stacking structure has large compactness, very litte ohmic losses and ease as for implementing the seal of the assembly. It consists of a concentric stack of several fuel cell base cells each consisting on either side of an interconnector (24) sandwiching an anode (21), an electrolyte (22) and a cathode (23), each cell being thereby placed upon each other. The module is completed with two cases for distributing combustible gases. Application to gas fuel cells of the SOFC type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Damien Gallet, Franck Blein, Jean-Luc Sarro
  • Patent number: 8709674
    Abstract: A plurality of tubular solid oxide fuel cells are embedded in a solid phase porous foam matrix that serves as a support structure for the fuel cells. The foam matrix has multiple regions with at least one property differing between at least two regions. The properties include porosity, electrical conductivity, and catalyst loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council Inc.
    Inventors: Partho Sarkar, Mark Richardson, Luis Yamarte
  • Patent number: 8697307
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a cell array in which M interconnector unit solid oxide fuel cells are connected in parallel to form a bundle, and N bundles are connected in series; a first plate-shaped current collecting member connected to a first bundle of the N bundles, the first current collecting member including a first terminal, and a second plate-shaped current collecting member connected to an Nth bundle of the N bundles, the second current collecting member including a second terminal; and a first elastic insulating member adjacent to the first current collecting member, the first insulating member having a first opening, a second elastic insulating member adjacent to the second current collecting member, the second insulating member having another first opening, and the first terminal passes through the first opening and the second terminal portion through the other first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Park, Hyun Soh, Tae-Ho Kwon
  • Patent number: 8658327
    Abstract: Various aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology are described. One specific application includes a seal for connecting an outer surface of a fuel cell to a cell manifold that supports the fuel cell and delivers a fuel mixture to an inside portion of the fuel cell. The seal also separates the fuel mixture from the outer surface at the seal. And the seal is electrically conductive to allow flow of electric current between the outer surface and the cell manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Acumentrics Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Mook, Kevin H. Negrotti, Hugh L. Smith, Norman F. Bessette, Kenneth Shown, Timothy Near, Raymond England
  • Patent number: 8652693
    Abstract: A reformer including a vaporization part provided with a supply port through which raw fuel is supplied, the supply port being provided at a central section of a tubular container; and reforming parts provided at both sides of the container, each reforming part containing reforming catalyst that reforms the raw fuel that flows into the reforming part from the vaporization part into fuel gas and provided with a fuel-gas supply port through which the fuel gas is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Takashi Ono
  • Patent number: 8628891
    Abstract: A system and method for electrically interconnecting a plurality of fuel cells to provide dense packing of the fuel cells. Each one of a plurality of fuel cells has a plurality of discrete electrical connection points along an outer surface. Electrical connections are made directly between the discrete electrical connection points of adjacent fuel cells so that the fuel cells can be packed more densely. Fuel cells have at least one outer electrode and at least one discrete interconnection to an inner electrode, wherein the outer electrode is one of a cathode and an anode and wherein the inner electrode is the other of the cathode and the anode. In tubular solid oxide fuel cells the discrete electrical connection points are spaced along the length of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Acumentrics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Brown, Norman F. Bessette, II, Anthony F. Litka, Douglas S. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8617761
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cell unit and a manifold capable of collecting electric current. The cell unit includes a tube support composed of a conductive material, a unit cell laminated on an outer surface of the tube support, and a current collection layer laminated on an outer surface of the unit cell. The manifold includes an inner tube supplying gas into and electrically connected with the tube support, and an outer tube provided outside the inner tube and electrically connected with the current collection layer. By the provision of a current-collectable manifold, a separate metal form or metal wire for current collection is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hyuk Jang, Jong sik Yoon, Eon Soo Lee, Jong Ho Chung, Jae Hyoung Gil, Sung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 8614026
    Abstract: Fuel cell devices and fuel cell systems are provided. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell devices may include one or more active layers containing active cells that are connected electrically in series. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell devices include an elongate ceramic support structure the length of which is the greatest dimension such that the coefficient of thermal expansion has only one dominant axis coextensive with the length. In certain embodiments, a reaction zone is positioned along a first portion of the length for heating to a reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is positioned along a second portion of the length for operating below the reaction temperature. There are one or more gas passages, each having an associated anode or cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
  • Patent number: 8586252
    Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Acumentrics Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Edward Fernandes, Michael S. Brown, Praveen Cheekatamarla, Thomas Deng, James Dimitrakopoulos, Anthony F. Litka
  • Patent number: 8580459
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes plural single cells and first sidewalls disposed on the outer side of a cell stack including the plural single cells. In the first sidewalls, holes for supplying the reactive gas to the cell stack are formed. The single cells are disposed in a row shape along a jetting direction (lateral direction) of the reactive gas jetted from the holes. The holes are formed such that a part of the reactive gas jetted from the holes brushes against at least the single cells disposed in positions closest to the first sidewalls and the remaining part of the reactive gas does not brush against the single cells disposed in the closest positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Akagi, Naoki Watanabe, Shuichiro Saigan, Nobuo Isaka
  • Publication number: 20130288150
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel cell elements including at least one electronically conductive layer and an ion conductive layer. The fuel cell elements can have a tubular cross-section or an enclosed cross-section of another shape. Also disclosed is an assembly of fuel cell elements to form cell tubes and stacks of such fuel cell elements or cell tubes. Fuel cell elements, or cell tubes, or stacks thereof can also be used as an electrolyser. Further disclosed are methods of making such fuel cell elements, cell tubes and stacks thereof, as well as methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GARAL PTY LTD
    Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Garry Chambers
  • Patent number: 8535846
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a stack structure composed of fuel cell units with current collectors between the fuel cell units, a casing housing the stack structure, and a gas flow-regulating member provided in a gap between the casing and the stack structure. The fuel cell unit includes: a cell plate which holds at least one cell and has a gas introduction hole for one of fuel gas and air; and a separator plate which has a gas introduction hole for the one of the fuel gas and the air. The casing introduces the other of the fuel gas and the air via a gas introduction portion and flows the other gas to a gas discharge portion. The gas flow-regulating member guides the other gas to the gas discharge portion through the current collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiko Kushibiki, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Shigeo Ibuka, Hirokazu Komatsu, Yasushi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20130236806
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell tubes, each fuel cell tube being configured to input fuel at an inlet opening and output exhaust at an exhaust opening. The fuel cell system further includes a current collecting, system comprising an interconnect member disposed through the exhaust opening. The interconnect member electrically connects an inner electrode of a first fuel cell tube to an electrode of a second fuel cell tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ULTRA ELECTRONICS, AMI
    Inventors: Aaron Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
  • Patent number: 8530112
    Abstract: An electricity generation device includes: a tubular fuel cell having an electrolyte layer sandwiched between inside and outside electrodes to which a fuel gas is supplied, the fuel cell having an interior formed as an inside channel for the fuel gas; a cover pipe arranged around the fuel cell with a gap provided between the outside electrode and the cover pipe; a connecting member connecting the fuel cell and the cover pipe to each other and permitting an outside channel for the fuel gas to be formed around the fuel cell by making use of the gap; and a fuel gas pipe connected to each of opposite ends of the cover pipe and forming a flow path for the fuel gas in cooperation with the cover pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Yasuyuki Uchiyama, Seigou Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8524413
    Abstract: A manifold for distributing and supplying a fluid to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cells. The manifold may include at least one opening disposed at one side surface of a housing to allow the fluid to flow into the housing therethrough. A plurality of second openings are disposed at another side surface of the housing to allow the fluid to be discharged out from the housing therethrough. A porous member is disposed to partition an internal space of the housing between the first opening and the plurality of second openings. In the manifold, the porous member is formed so that the first opening ratio per unit area at a first portion positioned adjacent to the first opening varies with increasing distance toward a second portion positioned distant from the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Jun Kong, Duk-Hyoung Yoon, Tae-Ho Kwon
  • Patent number: 8524417
    Abstract: An electricity generation device (1) using a fuel cell (2) having a fuel electrode (5) and an air electrode (6) to which a fuel gas and air are supplied, respectively, includes: a fuel gas conduit (3) through which the fuel gas flows; a cover (9) configured to cover an outside of the fuel gas conduit (3) and cooperating with a peripheral wall (8a) of the fuel gas conduit (3) to form an air passage (4) therebetween, the air passage extending along the fuel gas conduit (3); an air inlet hole (10) formed through the cover (9) to allow air to flow into the air passage (4); and an air outlet hole (11) provided downstream of the air electrode exposed to the air passage (4), to cause the fuel gas conduit (3) and the air passage (4) to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Yasuyuki Uchiyama, Seigou Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8497047
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-6 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 0-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La. Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Gutzon Larsen, Christian Olsen, Marie Drejer Jensen
  • Patent number: 8486585
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a solid oxide fuel cell, the electrode assembly including a porous ceramic oxide matrix and an array of fluid conduits. The porous ceramic oxide matrix includes a labyrinth of reinforcing walls interconnected to one another. Each of the fluid conduits is formed from the porous ceramic oxide matrix and has an external surface with a plurality of struts projecting outwardly therefrom and an internal surface defining a first passage for flowing a first fluid therethrough. The struts are configured to connect the fluid conduits to one another and the external surfaces and the struts define a second passage around the fluid conduits for flowing a second fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Peter R. Strutt, Bernard H. Kear
  • Patent number: 8475969
    Abstract: High power density generators are formed with a flexible multi-layered structure. The structure includes a fuel layer with a separate fuel cell stack adjacent to each side of the fuel layer. The structure can be flexible and formed into a variety of shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8460838
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell module contains a plurality of integral bundle assemblies, the module containing a top portion with an inlet fuel plenum and a bottom portion receiving air inlet feed and containing a base support, the base supports dense, ceramic exhaust manifolds which are below and connect to air feed tubes located in a recuperator zone, the air feed tubes passing into the center of inverted, tubular, elongated, hollow electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells having an open end above a combustion zone into which the air feed tubes pass and a closed end near the inlet fuel plenum, where the fuel cells comprise a fuel cell stack bundle all surrounded within an outer module enclosure having top power leads to provide electrical output from the stack bundle, where the fuel cells operate in the fuel cell mode and where the base support and bottom ceramic air exhaust manifolds carry from 85% to all 100% of the weight of the stack, and each bundle assembly has its own control for vertical and horizont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Gillett, Paolo R. Zafred, Matthew W. Riggle, Kevin P. Litzinger
  • Publication number: 20130143140
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes cylindrical fuel cells and a current collector. The fuel cells are inserted into the current collector so that the fuel cells are connected in parallel to each other. The current collector includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate includes protruding parts each having a slot. An upper connection part connects the protruding parts in parallel to each other. The lower plate has a mesh structure and has semicircular support parts corresponding to the respective protruding parts. A lower connection part connects the semicircular support parts in parallel to each other. The solid oxide fuel cell unitizes connection between the fuel cells and current collection, thus simplifying a current collecting process, and minimizing a connection loss that may be induced in connection between the fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Sik Yoon, Jong Ho Chung, Eon Soo Lee, Jai Hyoung Gil, Sung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 8455148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable to improve heat exchange efficiency with a plurality of tubular cells. The fuel cell of the present invention comprises: a plurality of tubular cells; heat exchangers arranged at the outside of the tubular cells, wherein at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of said tubular cells and the peripheral surface of said heat exchangers have face contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Shigeaki Murata, Masahiro Imanishi, Yoshihisa Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130089804
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell stack may include a cell array, a pair of planar current collecting members, first and second terminal portions, and a pair of electric insulating members. A plurality of interconnector-type unit cells may be electrically connected in parallel to form a bundle, and a plurality of bundles may be electrically connected in series. The pair of the planar current collecting members may be electrically connected electrically to the plurality of bundles and configured to collect current. The first and second terminal portions contact the current collecting members. The pair of insulating members has first through-holes through which the first and second terminal portions pass, and to the insulating members are formed outside the pair of the current collecting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin PARK, Jun-Won SUH, Sang-Jun KONG
  • Publication number: 20130078546
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a solid oxide fuel cell and a solid oxide fuel cell module. The solid oxide fuel cell includes: a unit cell including an anode, an electrolyte formed to surround the outer circumference of the anode and having a first opening part exposing the anode in a longitudinal direction, a cathode formed to surround the outer circumference of the electrolyte and having a second opening part corresponding to the first opening part, and a connector formed to cover the first opening part; a first current collecting member formed to be contacted with the anode; an insulating member formed to cover the first current collecting member; a second current collecting member formed to be contacted with the cathode; and a fixing unit integrating and fixing the first current collecting member, the insulating member, and the second current collecting member with the unit cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Han KIM, Jong Ho CHUNG, Eon Soo LEE, Jong Sik YOON
  • Patent number: 8389180
    Abstract: Electrolytic/fuel cell bundles and systems including such bundles include an electrically conductive current collector in communication with an anode or a cathode of each of a plurality of cells. A cross-sectional area of the current collector may vary in a direction generally parallel to a general direction of current flow through the current collector. The current collector may include a porous monolithic structure. At least one cell of the plurality of cells may include a current collector that surrounds an outer electrode of the cell and has at least six substantially planar exterior surfaces. The planar surfaces may extend along a length of the cell, and may abut against a substantially planar surface of a current collector of an adjacent cell. Methods for generating electricity and for performing electrolysis include flowing current through a conductive current collector having a varying cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James S. Herring, Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8361672
    Abstract: A tubular fuel cell including: a center support member made from a wire rod; an electrolyte layer formed upon the outside of the center support member; an outer circumferential support member disposed between the center support member and the electrolyte layer, and which is made from a wire rod; a catalyst layer formed upon the outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential support member, and that is in contact with the electrolyte layer; and an auxiliary outer circumferential support member provided between the center support member and the outer circumferential support member, and which is made from a wire rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Imanishi, Haruyuki Nakanishi, Naoto Yoda
  • Patent number: 8361671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte fuel-cell device wherein a plurality of fuel cells are formed on a single plate. A plurality of cathode layers are formed on one surface of the flat plate-like solid electrolyte substrate, and a plurality of anode layers on the opposite surface thereof, and each fuel cell is formed from a pair of the cathode layer and the anode layer. An electromotive force extracting lead wire is attached to the cathode layer, and a lead wire is attached to the anode layer. The plurality of fuel cells are connected in series by electrically connecting the cathode layer of one fuel cell to the anode layer of an adjacent fuel cell. Flames formed by combustion of a fuel such as a methane gas are supplied to the entire surface of each anode layer, and air is supplied to each cathode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130022889
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell stack in which the diameter of holes of a separator is formed larger than the diameter of respective unit cells, so that a plurality of unit cells may be easily coupled to the separator. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of electrically connected unit cells, a separator having a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of unit cells. Each hole may have a diameter larger than a respective diameter of the unit cells, which allows one side of the unit cell to pass through the hole. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of fixing members seated on the separator at one side of the unit cells and surrounding an outside of at least one unit cell. The fuel cell stack may include a sealing agent formed along the outside of the unit cell to close the holes. During operation, the fuel cell stack with the above configuration may prevent damage to the unit cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-Ho KWON, Sang-Jun KONG, Kwang-Jin PARK, Duk-Hyoung YOON, Hyun SOH