Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique electrochemical cell stack which employs an electrically conductive pressure pad. The pressure pad is composed of material compatible with the electrochemical cell environment and is disposed on the high pressure side of the membrane assembly, in intimate contact with the high pressure side screen pack.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 7, 1999
Date of Patent:
April 2, 2002
Assignee:
Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Jason K. Shiepe, Mark E. Dristy, Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr.
Abstract: The present invention is an integrated screen comprising a screen portion having openings and an integral protector edge disposed about the periphery of the screen portion. This integrated screen protector edge can be utilized individually as the membrane support/flow field in an electrochemical cell or in conjunction with one or more subsequent screen layers. When utilized with subsequent screen layers, the integrated screen protector edge is disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the membrane assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 16, 1999
Date of Patent:
August 7, 2001
Assignee:
Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert H. Byron, Jr., Trent M. Molter, Mark E. Dristy
Abstract: The electrochemical gas purifier system consists of a cell module with accessory components mounted in a single framework. The module consists of a number of single cells each capable of purifying and ultimately producing hydrogen gas at pressures exceeding 2000 psi. The process comprises introducing a contaminated hydrogen stream to a cell comprising an anode and a cathode with an electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. The hydrogen is oxidized on the anode to protons which electrochemically migrate across the membrane to the cathode where they recombine with electrons which have passed through an external power source. The contaminants exit the anode side of the cell while the purified hydrogen exits the cathode side of the cell.
Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 30, 1998
Date of Patent:
September 12, 2000
Assignee:
Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Robert J. Friedland, Mark E. Dristy
Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 26, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 8, 2000
Assignee:
Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Robert J. Friedland
Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique, compact hydrogen electrochemical system which eliminates the need for explosion-proof equipment. This system merely separates the electrical equipment from the hydrogen source with a wall, but employs a positive pressure, of about 0.1 inches water column, air purge throughout the system to prevent the introduction of hydrogen gas to the electrical equipment and to recover and use waste heat.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 9, 1999
Assignee:
Proton Energy Systems
Inventors:
Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., A. John Speranza, Robert H. Byron, Jr.