Patents Assigned to Altergy Systems
  • Patent number: 9029034
    Abstract: A PEM fuel system includes a fuel cell stack comprising one or more PEM fuel cells and fan configured to provide process air to supply oxidizer to and cool the fuel cell stack. The system has an air duct coupled to the fan and the fuel cell stack, and an electrical service load coupled to the fuel cell stack for receiving electrical power generated from reactions within the fuel cell stack. The system further includes as auxiliary electrical load coupled to the fuel cell stack and located within the air duct to reduce potentials across the fuel cell stack. The air duct is configured to direct the flow of air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load to provide cooling air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Altergy Systems
    Inventors: Glen A. Garrettson, David Grupp, Jeremy Dabel
  • Patent number: 7678488
    Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Altergy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerrold E. Franklin, Eric S. Mettler
  • Patent number: 7670707
    Abstract: A laminar electrical contact for fuel cells is disclosed. By optimizing the contact area and pressure between a separator plate and a membrane electrode assembly, the lamina of the present invention improves fuel cell efficiency and performance. The lamina may rest upon compliant members or springs that push the lamina into the adjoining membrane electrode assembly, thereby assuring continuous and robust electrical contact between the separator plate and the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Altergy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerrold E. Franklin, Eric S. Mettler
  • Patent number: 7531916
    Abstract: A power management and protection system is provided for a hybrid fuel cell system. The hybridization includes a fuel cell stack and an energy storage device (ESD) having either batteries, ultracapacitors, or both, in parallel with the fuel cell for delivering power to an electrical load. Voltage and current protection is provided to the stack, ESD, and load by use of a two stage control system. The first stage limits the current drawn from the stack and the charging rate of the ESD and provides for the voltage output to be within an adjustable predetermined range to prevent an over-voltage condition on the ESD and the load and an under-voltage condition in the stack. The second stage limits the current delivered to the load to an adjustable predetermined level, prevents an under-voltage condition on the load, and prevents rapid discharge of the ESD in the case of a short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Altergy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerrold E. Franklin, James M. Oros
  • Patent number: 7183016
    Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Altergy Systems
    Inventor: Jerrold E. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6824911
    Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Altergy Systems
    Inventor: Jerrold E. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6815113
    Abstract: This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Altergy Systems
    Inventors: Jerrold E. Franklin, Eric S. Mettler