Patents Assigned to FuelCell Energy, Inc.
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Patent number: 10312531Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having an anode-side and a cathode-side, said mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from the anode-side and an oxidant supply gas, said mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area receiving and mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured so as to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture; a second area coupled with the first area, the second area receiving to and mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein: the first mixture has a predetermined oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than the oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture; and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture in the second area.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William J. Snyder, Michael P. Quatannens, Dennis R. Farrenkopf
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Publication number: 20190140296Abstract: A carbon dioxide removal system includes: an absorption system including a first absorption stage and a second absorption stage. The first absorption stage includes: a first compressor configured to receive and compress a first carbon dioxide-containing exhaust stream from an anode of a fuel cell, and a first direct contact absorption cooling tower configured to absorb carbon dioxide from the compressed first exhaust stream and lower a temperature of the compressed first exhaust stream using a first solvent stream containing a physical solvent, to generate a second exhaust stream. The second absorption stage includes: a second compressor configured to receive and compress the second exhaust stream from the first absorption stage, and a second direct contact absorption cooling tower configured to absorb carbon dioxide from the compressed second exhaust stream and lower a temperature of the compressed second exhaust stream using a second solvent stream containing a physical solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Fred C. JAHNKE, Matthew LAMBRECH
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Publication number: 20190140298Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one topping fuel cell module including a topping anode portion configured to output a topping anode exhaust, and a topping cathode portion configured to output a topping cathode exhaust; at least one bottoming fuel cell module including a bottoming anode portion configured to output a bottoming anode exhaust, and a bottoming cathode portion configured to output a bottoming cathode exhaust; and an electrochemical hydrogen separation unit configured to receive at least a portion of the topping anode exhaust, to output a hydrogen-rich stream, and to output a CO2-rich stream. The bottoming anode portion is configured to receive the CO2-rich stream from the electrochemical hydrogen separation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ramakrishnan VENKATARAMAN, Mohammad FAROOQUE
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Patent number: 10243226Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell assembly configured to generate a direct current (DC) signal. The fuel cell system also includes one or more inverters coupled to the fuel cell assembly by way of one or more first bus lines. The fuel cell system also includes a variable frequency drive (VFD) coupled to an output of the one or more inverters and configured to receive AC power from the one or more inverters. The VFD is configured to convert the AC power to DC power and to provide the DC power to at least one auxiliary component during a normal operating condition. The fuel cell system further includes one or more second bus lines configured to receive the DC signal via the one or more first bus lines and to provide the DC signal to the VFD to power the at least one auxiliary component during a low voltage ride through condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: George Berntsen, Nicholas Pasquale
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Patent number: 10199665Abstract: A composition for use in forming a fuel cell matrix includes a support material, an electrolyte material, and an additive material that includes a plurality of flakes having an average length in a range of 5 to 40 micrometers and an average thickness of less than 1 micrometer.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Arun Surendranath, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
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Patent number: 10170782Abstract: A high efficiency fuel cell system includes a topping fuel cell assembly that includes a topping cathode portion and a topping anode portion, as well as a bottoming fuel cell assembly that includes a bottoming cathode portion and a bottoming anode portion. The assembly also includes a flue gas generating device configured to provide flue gas to the topping cathode portion and/or the bottoming cathode portion, and an oxidizer assembly configured to (i) oxidize anode exhaust output from the bottoming anode portion with air and/or oxygen to generate carbon dioxide-containing exhaust and (ii) generate waste heat for heating the flue gas before the flue gas is provided to the topping cathode portion and/or the bottoming cathode portion. A separation assembly is configured to receive the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust from the oxidizer assembly and to separate carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Mohammad Farooque, Carla Juhas, Ramakrishnan Venkataraman
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Patent number: 10109869Abstract: A fuel cell matrix for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising a support material and an additive material formed into a porous body, and an electrolyte material disposed in pores of the porous body, wherein the additive material is in a shape of a flake and has an average thickness of less than 1 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Arun Surendranath, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
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Patent number: 10109871Abstract: A method of forming a bipolar separator assembly for use in a fuel cell assembly includes a step of forming an anode-side sub-assembly, which comprises sub-steps of: providing an anode current collector, providing a plate member, first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments, positioning said plate member so that said anode current collector abuts the first surface of the plate member, providing first and second anode wet seal members, and releasably securing the first and second anode wet seal members to the plate member; a step of forming a cathode-side sub-assembly, which comprises sub-steps of: providing a cathode current collector; providing first and second cathode wet seal members; and releasably securing the first and second cathode wet seal members to the cathode current collector; and a step of assembling the cathode-side sub-assembly with the anode-side sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 10109874Abstract: A multi-stage shift reactor includes a vessel having an inner chamber configured to contain a first shift catalyst, the first shift catalyst configured to receive anode exhaust gas form a fuel cell and to output a first shifted gas, and an outer chamber annularly disposed about the inner chamber and configured to contain a second shift catalyst, the second shift catalyst configured to receive the first shifted gas and output a second shifted gas. The shift reactor further includes a water injection port downstream from the inner chamber and packing between the water injection port and the outer chamber, the packing configured to prevent liquid water from passing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Fred C. Jahnke, Matthew Lambrech
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Patent number: 10069149Abstract: An assembly includes (a) an anode-side sub-assembly including: a plate member having first and second opposing surfaces compatible with fuel and oxidant gases, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments, and third and fourth opposing end segments; an anode current collector abutting the first surface of the plate member; and first and second anode wet seal members releasably secured to the plate member so as to form first and second pockets on the first surface of the plate member and (b) a cathode-side subassembly comprising: first and second cathode wet seal members configured to form third and fourth pockets on the second surface of the plate member and to be releasably positioned adjacent said third and fourth opposing end segments; and a cathode current collector cooperating with the first and second cathode wet seal members.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 9847543Abstract: A desulfurizer material for desulfurizing fuel supplied to a fuel cell system, the desulfurizer material comprising one or more manganese oxide materials having an octahedral molecular sieve (OMS) structure, and the desulfurizer material being resistant to moisture and being capable of removing organic sulfur containing compounds and H2S. The desulfurizer material is used in a desulfurizer assembly which is used as part of a fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Jin-Yun Wang, Mohammad Farooque, David Xu, Zachary Sanders
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Patent number: 9812723Abstract: A power producing system adapted to be integrated with a flue gas generating assembly, the flue gas generating assembly including one or more of a fossil fueled installation, a fossil fueled facility, a fossil fueled device, a fossil fueled power plant, a boiler, a combustor, a furnace and a kiln in a cement factory, and the power producing system utilizing flue gas containing carbon dioxide and oxygen output by the flue gas generating assembly and comprising: a fuel cell comprising an anode section and a cathode section, wherein inlet oxidant gas to the cathode section of the fuel cell contains the flue gas output from the flue gas generating assembly; and a gas separation assembly receiving anode exhaust output from the anode section of the fuel cell and including a chiller assembly for cooling the anode exhaust to a predetermined temperature so as to liquefy carbon dioxide in the anode exhaust, wherein waste heat produced by the fuel cell is utilized to drive the chiller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventor: Hossein Ghezel-Ayagh
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Patent number: 9642192Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode for a fuel cell, the method comprising forming a powder bed from a predetermined powder, sintering the powder bed at a first predetermined temperature to form a substrate, and in some embodiments subsequently distributing an electrolyte powder on a surface of the substrate, and impregnating the substrate with electrolyte by heating the substrate with the electrolyte powder thereon to a second predetermined temperature so as to melt and wick the electrolyte into the substrate, thereby forming the electrode for the fuel cell, wherein at least one of the sintering and impregnating is performed by applying induction heating to at least one of said powder bed and said substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Thomas M. Lucas, Weizhong Zhu, Thomas Vailionis
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Patent number: 9548510Abstract: A method of fabricating a fuel cell component for use with or as part of a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: providing a fuel cell component, providing a deposition assembly for depositing loading material particles onto the fuel cell component, and actuating the deposition assembly to cause the deposition assembly to deposit said loading material particles onto said fuel cell component.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Salvador E. Correa, Thomas M. Lucas, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 9502728Abstract: A high efficiency fuel cell system adapted to receive flue gas from a flue gas generating device and to capture carbon dioxide from the flue gas, the high efficiency fuel cell system comprising a topping fuel cell assembly comprising a topping cathode portion and a topping anode portion, a bottoming fuel cell assembly comprising a bottoming cathode portion and a bottoming anode portion, wherein the bottoming anode portion receives anode exhaust output from the topping anode portion, and a separation assembly configured to receive carbon dioxide-containing exhaust and to separate carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust, wherein the carbon dioxide-containing exhaust is one of anode exhaust output from the bottoming anode portion and a gas derived from the anode exhaust output from the bottoming anode portion, and wherein at least one of the topping cathode portion and the bottoming cathode portion receives at least a portion of the flue gas output from the flue gas generating device.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Mohammad Farooque, Carla Juhas, Ramakrishnan Venkataraman
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Patent number: 9478819Abstract: A high efficiency fuel cell system comprising a topping fuel cell assembly comprising a topping cathode portion and a topping anode portion; and a bottoming fuel cell assembly comprising a bottoming cathode portion and a bottoming anode portion, wherein the bottoming anode portion receives anode exhaust output from the topping anode portion and the topping cathode portion receives cathode exhaust from the bottoming cathode portion, and wherein the topping fuel cell assembly has a greater number of fuel cells than the bottoming fuel cell assembly so that the topping fuel cell assembly utilizes more fuel than the bottoming fuel cell assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Matthew Lambrech, Mohammad Farooque, Carla Juhas, Fred C. Jahnke, Ramakrishnan Venkataraman, Michael L. Quatannens
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Patent number: 9306225Abstract: A bipolar separator assembly for use with a fuel cell comprising: a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments which are transverse to the first and second opposing end segments; first and second pocket members situated adjacent the first and second end segments and extending outward of the first surface, the first and second pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of an anode current collector, and third and fourth pocket members situated adjacent the third and fourth end segments and extending outward of the second surface, the third and fourth pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of a cathode current collector, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth pocket members is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably positioned relative to the plate member.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 9190676Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack, the mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from an anode-side of the stack and an oxidant supply gas, the mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture, a second area coupled with the first area for mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein the first mixture has a first oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than a second oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture, and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William J. Snyder, Michael L. Quatannens, Dennis R. Farrenkopf
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Publication number: 20150214564Abstract: A fuel cell matrix for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising a support material and an additive material formed into a porous body, and an electrolyte material disposed in pores of the porous body, wherein the additive material is in a shape of a flake and has an average thickness of less than 1 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Arun Surendranath, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
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Patent number: 9090514Abstract: An expandable refractory for high temperature sealing, the expandable refractory includes un-expanded vermiculite and one or more mixtures of ceramic fibers in a water based refractory binder.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Dennis Robert Farrenkopf, Michael Quatannens