Abstract: A portable heating pack utilizing a supercorroding metallic alloy that produces heat and gaseous hydrogen upon contacting a corroding liquid. The portable heating pack provides for the consumption and/or storage of the gaseous hydrogen rather than venting the gaseous hydrogen from the portable heating pack.

Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit with heat transfer system for a hydrogen powered vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen storage vessel containing a hydrogen storage alloy configured to receive a stream of hydrogen and provide hydrogen for use in powering a vehicle. During refueling a cooling/heating loop is used to remove the heat of hydride formation from the hydrogen storage alloy and during operation of the vehicle the heating/cooling loop is used to supply heat to the hydrogen storage alloy to aid in hydrogen desorption.

Abstract: A scooter powered by a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine fueled by a throttled stream of air into which a controlled amount of hydrogen is injected. A hydrogen fuel control system is used to control the amount of hydrogen injected into the throttled air stream using multiple parameters. The amount of hydrogen present in the hydrogen storage unit is monitored using an on-board hydrogen fuel measurement system utilizing a microcontroller and multiple sensors.

Abstract: An optical data storage device for multi-level recording having: a substrate, and a phase change memory medium supported by the substrate. The phase change memory medium preferably has an alloy with a eutectic crystallization base component and at least one element for enhanced sigma-to-dynamic range. The multi-level data storage device is preferably an optical disk with a single layer of memory material for providing multi-level recording with a sigma-to-dynamic range of less than 2%. The phase change recording alloy is preferably an In:Sb:Te material. Preferably, Sb:Te is present at a ratio at, or near, the eutectic point when combined with 30% or less In. A preferred phase change memory material includes an alloy defined by the formula: Inx(SbnTe100-n)100-x where x is 3-30, and n is 63-82.

Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.

Abstract: A composite hydrogen storage material including 1) an active material having hydrogen storage capacity; and 2) a catalytic material having greater catalytic activity toward the dissociation of molecular hydrogen and/or oxidation of hydrogen than that of said active material having hydrogen storage capacity. Also, a fuel cell employing anodes formed from the composite hydrogen storage material. The fuel cell has the ability to start up instantly and can accept recaptured energy such as that of regenerative braking by operating in reverse as an electrolyzer.

Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit with heat transfer system for a hydrogen powered vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen storage vessel containing a hydrogen storage alloy configured to receive a stream of hydrogen and provide hydrogen for use in powering a vehicle. During refueling a cooling/heating loop is used to remove the heat of hydride formation from the hydrogen storage alloy and during operation of the vehicle the heating/cooling loop is used to supply heat to the hydrogen storage alloy to aid in hydrogen desorption.

Abstract: A double layered oxygen electrode impregnated with an active catalyst material and method of making. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: A fuel cell utilizing parallel flow of a hydrogen stream, an oxygen stream, and an electrolyte solution with respect to the electrodes, while maintaining mechanical support within the fuel cell. The fuel cell utilizes framed electrodes to maintain a high air flow rate and low pressure throughout the fuel cell. The fuel cell is also designed to maintain mechanical support within the fuel cell while the electrodes expand and contract in response to the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen. Gas is predistributed by the compression plates and frames to supply the electrodes with high concentrations of oxygen from air.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas cooled hydrogen storage element which includes a hydrogen storage alloy material in which hydrogen flow channels are provided. The flow channels provide pathways through the hydrogen storage material to allow for high speed hydrogen gas flow. A portion of the high speed hydrogen flow is stored within the storage material which releases its heat of hydride formation. The remainder of the hydrogen flows through the hydrogen storage material at a sufficient mass flow rate to remove the heat of hydride formation. The unit also includes an encapsulant to prevent any loose particles of the storage material from becoming entrained in the high flow rate hydrogen.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine employing a cylinder deactivation strategy during idle or light load conditions. A continuous stream of air is supplied to the hydrogen internal combustion engine. A control system responsive to engine speed and accelerator pedal position calculates a specific amount of hydrogen to inject into the continuous air stream. The resulting stream is combusted in the engine to provide power to the vehicle. During idling or light load conditions, the hydrogen supply to one or more cylinders may cease while maintaining the flow of air to the cylinders. A rechargeable battery and an electric motor receiving power from the battery are used to supplement the hydrogen powered internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrodes operate through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times. The redox couple materials are modified to inhibit dissolution of the materials into the alkaline electrolyte of the fuel cell, and to match the gas phase kinetics of the active redox couple material with its electrochemical kinetics.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: A very low emission hybrid electric vehicle incorporating an integrated propulsion system which includes a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine, a metal hydride hydrogen storage unit, an electric motor, high specific power, high energy density nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and preferably a regenerative braking system. The nickel-metal hydride battery module preferably has a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by: P>1,375−15E, where P is greater than 600 watts/kilogram, where P is the peak power density as measured in Watts/kilogram and E is the energy density as measured in Watt-hours/kilogram.

Abstract: Hydrogen propelled vehicles and fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 10 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 500 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.

Abstract: A low temperature hydrogen storage alloy which is not pyrophoric upon exposure to ambient atmosphere, particularly even after hydrogen charge/discharge cycling.

Abstract: A fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy material which makes it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight percent. The alloys also have extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy absorbs 80 percent of its total capacity within five minutes. The alloys are in particle form where the particles have a size ranging from 30 to 70 microns. The alloys also have a dual phase structure (formed by cooling from the melt at a cooling rate of 103-104° C.). The dual phase structure is such that an intergranular region surrounds a major hydrogen storage phase thus providing the alloys with resistance to sintering during high temperature hydriding/dehydriding cycling thereof. As a result of the dual phase structure, the alloys have an extended cycle life.

Abstract: Heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for a metal hydride hydrogen storage containment unit. The hydrogen storage alloy is preferably divided into compartments having a honeycomb configuration. Heat exchanger tubing is placed through the compartments to promote heat transfer between the hydrogen storage alloy and the exterior environment.