Patents Assigned to LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
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Patent number: 10014531Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a cathode, a cathode conductor layer adjacent the cathode, an electrolyte separated from the cathode conductor layer by the cathode, and an anode separated from the cathode by the electrolyte, wherein the anode, cathode conductor layer, cathode, and electrolyte are configured to form an electrochemical cell, and wherein at least one of cathode or the cathode conductor layer includes an exsolute oxide configured to capture Cr vapor species present in the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Zhengliang Xing, Zhien Liu, Richard W. Goettler
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Patent number: 10003083Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell including an anode; electrolyte; and cathode separated from the anode by the electrolyte, wherein the cathode includes a Pr-nickelate based material with (Pr1-xAx)n+1(Ni1-yBy)nO3n+1+? as a general formula, where n is 1 as an integer, A is an A-site dopant including of a metal of a group formed by one or more lanthanides, and B is a B-site dopant including of a metal of a group formed by one or more transition metals, wherein the A and B-site dopants are provided such that there is an increase in phase-stability and reduction in degradation of the Pr-nickelate based material, and A is at least one metal cation of lanthanides, La, Nd, Sm, or Gd, B is at least one metal cation of transition metals, Cu, Co, Mn, Zn, or Cr, where: 0<x<1, and 0<y?0.4.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignees: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc., University of South CarolinaInventors: Hwa Young Jung, Zhengliang Xing, Zhien Liu, Richard W. Goettler, Xiao-Dong Zhou, Emir Dogdibegovic
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Publication number: 20180138523Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: May 17, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhien Liu, Richard Goettler
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Patent number: 9972855Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system (10) comprises a solid oxide fuel cell stack (12) and an electrochemical device (14). The solid oxide fuel cell stack (12) comprises at least one solid oxide fuel cell (16) and each solid oxide fuel cell (16) comprises an electrolyte (18), an anode (20) and a cathode (22). An oxidant supply (24) is arranged to supply oxidant to the cathode (22) of the at least one solid oxide fuel cell (16) and a fuel supply (26) is arranged to supply fuel to the anode (20) of the at least one solid oxide fuel cell (16). The electrochemical device (14) comprises an electrolyte (34), an anode (36) and a cathode (38). Means (28, 50, 52) to supply a portion of the unused fuel from the anode (20) of the at least one solid oxide fuel cell (16) to the anode (36) of the electrochemical device (14), means (32, 50, 58) to supply a portion of the unused fuel from the anode (20) of the at least one solid oxide fuel cell (16) to the cathode (38) of the electrochemical device (14).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Gerald Daniel Agnew
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Publication number: 20180123150Abstract: A fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell and a cathode loop for recycling a portion of an unused oxidant from the fuel cell for reuse in the same fuel cell is presented. The cathode loop may comprise an oxidant inlet manifold in the fuel cell configured to supply oxidant to the fuel cell, an oxidant exhaust manifold in the fuel cell configured to receive unused oxidant from said fuel cells, and a cathode ejector configured to receive oxidant from an oxidant source and the oxidant exhaust manifold and to supply oxidant to the oxidant inlet manifold, wherein a portion of said unused oxidant is supplied directly to said oxidant inlet manifold from said oxidant exhaust manifold via said cathode ejector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventor: Michele Bozzolo
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Publication number: 20180123151Abstract: A fuel cell system having a cathode, anode and auxiliary loop is provided. The anode loop may be configured to deliver reformed and unreformed fuel to the fuel cells. Unreformed fuel may be provided to the fuel cells by bypassing a portion of the fuel around a reformer. The unreformed fuel may be reformed in the fuel cell block. The cathode loop may direct a portion of oxidant exhausted from said fuel cells back to the fuel cell through a cathode ejector. The ejector may be supplied with pressurized oxidant that may be heated prior to entering the cathode ejector. The auxiliary loop may combust unused fuel and oxidant to provide the heat transferred to the oxidant prior to the oxidant entering the cathode loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Robert Cunningham, Eric Dean, Gerry Agnew, Michele Bozzolo
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Publication number: 20180115002Abstract: A fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack, comprising an anode portion and a cathode portion, a source of hydrocarbon fuel, and a reformer unit having one or more cold-side, reforming passages, a fuel supply conduit, a reformate exhaust conduit, one or more hot-side channels, a cathode exhaust conduit, a cathode inlet conduit, one or more bypass channels having non-reforming passages for fuel to bypass the cold-side channels, and a flow controller for controlling the flowrate in the bypass channels, and methods for operating the same, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Cunningham, Eric Dean, Michael Jennings
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Publication number: 20180108929Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating a fuel cell system. Another embodiment is a unique system for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel. Another embodiment is a unique fuel cell system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fuel cell systems and steam reforming systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Publication number: 20180053949Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard Goettler, Zhien Liu
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Publication number: 20180034093Abstract: A fuel cell unit with a plurality of fuel cells defining a longitudinal axis and a main flow direction coaxial to the longitudinal axis. Fuel cell inlets and fuel cell outlets are arranged at opposite ends of the fuel cell unit and in line with the main flow direction. Also, a component comprising first fluid conduits arranged parallel to the main flow direction, the first fluid conduits comprising first fluid inlets and first fluid outlets arranged at opposite ends of the component and in line with the main flow direction. The component is arranged adjacent the fuel cell unit such that at least one of the first fluid inlets and the first fluid outlets of the component are arranged adjacent at least one of the fuel cell outlets and the fuel cell inlets such that a fluid flow may flow substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus in the first fluid conduits of the component and in the fuel cell unit and when passing from the component to the fuel cell unit or vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Yves De Vos, Jean-Paul Hubert Janssens, Michele Bozzolo, Robert Cunningham, Eric Dean
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Patent number: 9874158Abstract: 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: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS, INCInventor: Mark Vincent Scotto
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Patent number: 9876244Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating a fuel cell system. Another embodiment is a unique system for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel. Another embodiment is a unique fuel cell system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fuel cell systems and steam reforming 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: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Publication number: 20180019490Abstract: A fuel cell system and method is provided to control the volumetric ratio of a reformate and unreformed hydrocarbon fuel supplied to a fuel cell configured for in-stack reforming. The system includes a reformer having a number of high and low steam reforming activity channels which provide a full equilibrated fuel stream and a fuel stream having hydrocarbon levels slight lower than the hydrocarbon levels of the hydrocarbon fuel supplied to the reformer, respectively. The fuel streams can be mixed and supplied to the fuel cell to provide in-stack reforming while reducing or inhibiting the formation of carbon in the fuel stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Gerry D. Agnew, John R. Budge, Robert H. Cunningham, Eric Dean
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Publication number: 20180019494Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell system may comprise one or more solid oxide fuel cells. One or more of the fuel cells may be operated in a fuel cell mode under an average current density of 100 to 1000 mA/cm2 for a period of at least five hundred hours. The method may further comprise operating at least one of the fuel cells in an electrolyzer mode under an average current density from 100 to 1500 mA/cm2, which may be applied for at least one hour. The ratio of the average current density in the electrolyzer mode to the average current density in the fuel cell mode may be at least one but no more than two and one-half.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Zhien Liu, Joe Deering
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Patent number: 9843054Abstract: 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: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard Goettler, Zhien Liu
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Publication number: 20170352888Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of changing the porosity of the anode is presented. The anode is formed from a composition comprising nickel oxide, a doped ceria, and a stabilized zirconia wherein the weight percentage of the nickel oxide is greater than twenty-five percent. The anode may comprise a single or multiple layers, and may comprise at least one of gadolinia doped ceria (GDC), samaria doped ceria (SDC), or lanthania doped ceria (LDC); and at least one of Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) or scandia stabilized zirconia (ScSZ). The anode may comprise multiple layers. Each layer may comprise a composition having the general formula NiOx-(doped ceria)y wherein x and y are weight percentages of the composition, and wherein 25<x<100, and 25<y<100, and wherein each successive layer contains more nickel than the preceding layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Shung Ik Lee, Minjae Jung, Younghee Cho, Zhien Liu
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Patent number: 9809453Abstract: In some examples, a method for treating a reforming catalyst, the method comprising heating a catalyst metal used for reforming hydrocarbon in a reducing gas mixture environment. The reducing gas mixture comprises hydrogen and at least one sulfur-containing compound. The at least one sulfur-containing compound includes one or more of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbonyl disulfide and organic sulfur-containing compounds such as thiophenes, thiophanes, sulfides (RSH), disulfides (RS2R?), tri-sulfides (RS3R?) and mercaptans (RSR?).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Publication number: 20170237099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Publication number: 20170237100Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Budge
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Patent number: 9666885Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system (10) comprises a solid oxide fuel cell stack (12) and a gas turbine engine (14). The solid oxide fuel cell stack (12) comprises a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (16). The gas turbine engine (14) comprises a compressor (24) and a turbine (26). The compressor (24) supplies oxidant to the cathodes (22) of the fuel cells (16) via an oxidant ejector (60) and the oxidant ejector (60) supplies a portion of the unused oxidant from the cathodes (22) of the fuel cells (16) back to the cathodes (22) of the fuel cells (16) with the oxidant from the compressor (24). The fuel cell system (10) further comprises an additional compressor (64), an additional turbine (66), a cooler (70) and a recuperator (72). The compressor (24) supplies oxidant via the cooler (70) to the additional compressor (64) and the additional compressor (64) supplies oxidant to the oxidant ejector (60) via the recuperator (72).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Cristiano Balestrino