Patents Assigned to LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
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Publication number: 20190148748Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fuel cell system configured to modulate the flow of oxidant through the fuel cell system to maintain a desired temperature at the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system is configured to control the flow of oxidant to maintain the desired temperature in the fuel cell stack based on temperature measurements of fluid outside of the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Francesco Caratozzolo, David Silveira Erel, Alberto Traverso
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Publication number: 20190148752Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fuel cell system configured to modulate the flow of oxidant through the fuel cell system to maintain a desired temperature at the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system is configured to control the flow of oxidant to maintain the desired temperature in the fuel cell stack based on temperature measurements of fluid outside of the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Francesco Caratozzolo, David Silveira Erel, Alberto Traverso
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Publication number: 20190131640Abstract: A fuel cell system and corresponding methods are provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack configured for in-block reforming, as well as a pre-reformer. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack may also include a fuel supply manifold, a fuel exhaust manifold, an oxidant supply manifold, and an oxidant exhaust manifold. The fuel supply manifold may be configured to receive fuel, and to supply the fuel to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The fuel exhaust manifold may be configured to expel fuel exhaust from the fuel cell stack. The oxidant supply manifold may be configured to receive an oxidant and to supply the oxidant to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The oxidant exhaust manifold may be configured to expel oxidant exhaust from the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Robert Hay Cunningham, Gary John Saunders
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Publication number: 20190131641Abstract: A fuel cell system and corresponding methods are provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack configured for in-block reforming, as well as a pre-reformer. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack may also include a fuel supply manifold, a fuel exhaust manifold, an oxidant supply manifold, and an oxidant exhaust manifold. The fuel supply manifold may be configured to receive fuel, and to supply the fuel to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The fuel exhaust manifold may be configured to expel fuel exhaust from the fuel cell stack. The oxidant supply manifold may be configured to receive an oxidant and to supply the oxidant to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The oxidant exhaust manifold may be configured to expel oxidant exhaust from the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Robert Hay Cunningham, Gary John Saunders
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Patent number: 10230127Abstract: A fuel cell stack which is amenable to simple manufacturing processes and is thermally and mechanically compliant. The fuel cell stack reduces the number of components by combing fuel cell tubes to form tube sub-assemblies, the tube sub-assemblies comprising end fittings connected to the fuel cell tubes, the end fittings provided with at least one or preferably a plurality of channels to provide equal distribution of fuel throughout the fuel cell tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Eric Dean
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Patent number: 10167194Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique reducing gas generator. Another embodiment is a unique method for generating a reducing gas. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for generating reducing gas. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Mark Vincent Scotto
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Patent number: 10164277Abstract: A reformer unit and high temperature, pressure, or both variable orifice flow controller is provided. The reformer unit may have a reforming section, a heat exchanging section, and a bypass section. The bypass section provides a flow path for the hydrocarbon-containing fuel around the reforming section and has a variable orifice flow controller positioned in the bypassing flow path.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Michael Jennings, Kevin Hufton
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Patent number: 10158139Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique fuel cell system. Another embodiment is a unique desulfurization system. Yet another embodiment is a method of operating a fuel cell system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fuel cell systems and desulfurization systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Patent number: 10158135Abstract: A reforming unit for a fuel cell system is provided. The reforming unit may comprise a reforming section, a heat exchanging section and a bypass plenum. The reforming section reforms a hydrocarbon containing fuel. The heat exchanging section effects a heat transfer between a fluid flowing therethrough and the fluid flowing through the reforming section, the bypass plenum, or both. The bypass plenum provides a flowpath for the hydrocarbon-containing fuel to bypass the reforming section. The bypass plenum may comprise a flow restrictor in the outlet of the bypass plenum to control the amount of fluid communication between the outlet of the bypass plenum and the outlet of the reforming section.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Michael Jennings, Kevin Hufton
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Publication number: 20180342877Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to systems having a fuel cell and a turbine generator, each capable of providing electrical power to a utility grid, and methods for operating the same. The system may have a main AC bus which is coupleable to the utility grid. The fuel cell may be coupled to main AC bus through an inverter. The turbine generator may be coupled to the main AC bus through a series of inverters, one of which may include the inverter by which the fuel cell is connected to the main AC bus. One or more load banks may be provided to provide a load for electrical power generated from the fuel cell, turbine generator, or both in case the system is disconnected from the utility grid. Further support and backup systems may be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jaeyoo Yoo, Gerard Daniel Agnew, Joseph J. Romayo, Jinha Lee, David Silveira Erel
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Publication number: 20180342876Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to systems having a fuel cell and a turbine generator, each capable of providing electrical power to a utility grid, and methods for operating the same. The system may have a main AC bus which is coupleable to the utility grid. The fuel cell may be coupled to main AC bus through an inverter. The turbine generator may be coupled to the main AC bus through a series of inverters, one of which may include the inverter by which the fuel cell is connected to the main AC bus. One or more load banks may be provided to provide a load for electrical power generated from the fuel cell, turbine generator, or both in case the system is disconnected from the utility grid. Further support and backup systems may be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gerard Daniel Agnew, David Silveira Erel, Jaeyoo Yoo, Joseph J. Romayo, Jinha Lee
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Patent number: 10115974Abstract: In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprising an anode, an electrolyte, cathode barrier layer, a nickelate composite cathode separated from the electrolyte by the cathode barrier layer, and a cathode current collector layer is provided. The nickelate composite cathode includes a nickelate compound and second oxide material, which may be an ion conductor. The composite may further comprise a third oxide material. The composite may have the general formula (LnuM1vM2s)n+1(Ni1-tNt)nO3n+1-A1-xBxOy-CwDzCe(1-w-z)O2-?, wherein A and B may be rare earth metals excluding ceria.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Hwa Young Jung, Minjae Jung, Zhien Liu, Rich Goettler
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Patent number: 10115973Abstract: In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprising an anode, an electrolyte, cathode barrier layer, a nickelate composite cathode separated from the electrolyte by the cathode barrier layer, and a cathode current collector layer is provided. The nickelate composite cathode includes a nickelate compound and second oxide material, which may be an ion conductor. The composite may further comprise a third oxide material. The composite may have the general formula (LnuM1vM2s)n+1(Ni1-tNt)nO3n+1-A1-xBxOy—CwDzCe(1-w-z)O2-?, wherein A and B may be rare earth metals excluding ceria.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Hwa Young Jung, Minjae Jung, Zhien Liu, Rich Goettler
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Patent number: 10109875Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique fuel cell system. Another embodiment is a unique desulfurization system. Yet another embodiment is a method of operating a fuel cell system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fuel cell systems and desulfurization systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Patent number: 10087895Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating an engine. Another embodiment is a unique engine system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Mark Vincent Scotto
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Patent number: 10062909Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising an anode; an electrolyte; cathode barrier layer; and a nickelate composite cathode separated from the electrolyte by the cathode barrier layer; and a cathode current collector layer. The nickelate composite cathode includes a nickelate compound and an ionic conductive material, and the nickelate compound comprises at least one of Pr2NiO4, Nd2NiO4, (PruNdv)2NiO4, (PruNdv)3Ni2O7, (PruNdv)4Ni3O10, or (PruNdvMw)2NiO4, where M is an alkaline earth metal doped on an A—site of Pr and Nd. The ionic conductive material comprises a first co-doped ceria with a general formula of (AxBy)Ce1?x?yO2, where A and B of the first co-doped ceria are rare earth metals. The cathode barrier layer comprises a second co-doped ceria with a general formula (AxBy)Ce1?x?yO2, where at least one of A or B of the second co-doped ceria is Pr or Nd.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Zhien Liu, Hwa Young Jung, Zhengliang Xing, Richard W. Goettler
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Patent number: 10050285Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Zhien Liu
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Patent number: 10044056Abstract: In some examples, solid oxide fuel cell system comprising a solid oxide fuel cell including an anode, an anode conductor layer, a cathode, a cathode conductor layer, and electrolyte, wherein the anode and the anode conductor layer each comprise nickel; and a sacrificial nickel source separate from that of the anode and anode conductor layer, wherein the sacrificial nickel source is configured to reduce the loss or migration of the nickel of the anode and/or the anode current collector in the fuel cell during operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Richard W. Goettler, Liang Xue
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Patent number: 10044048Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Zhien Liu
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Patent number: 10026972Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated planar, series connected fuel cell system having electrochemical cells electrically connected via interconnects, wherein the anodes of the electrochemical cells are protected against Ni loss and migration via an engineered porous anode barrier layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Zhien Liu, Richard Goettler