Patents Assigned to Altergy Systems, Inc.
  • 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