Abstract: A connector apparatus for an electric charging cable, such as for use with a charging station and an electric vehicle, the connector apparatus comprising: a connector block having a first end and a second end, the first end having one or more connectors configured to pass electrical energy through an electric cable; the electric cable having an end portion that is fixed within the connector block, the electric cable extending out of the connector block from the second end of the connector block and configured to transfer electric current; and a plurality of heat pipes having fixed ends fixed within the connector block and having exposed ends extending out of the second end of the connector block, the plurality of heat pipes configured to dissipate heat from the connector block through the exposed ends of the plurality of heat pipes.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus having a pair of casings hinged in a clamshell arrangement and configured to contain a portion of an electric charging cable, the casings each having an inner space which contains a phase change material for absorbing heat generated during current flow through the electric charging cable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request from a user for a ranking of a plurality of entities, the ranking based on a plurality of ranking metrics for each entity, each entity associated with a profile in a profile database. An entity's associated profile contains information corresponding to each of the plurality of ranking metrics for that entity. The method further includes providing, in response to the request, a user interface comprising a ranking of the plurality of entities.

Abstract: A charging cable apparatus having a connector, an electrically-conductive cable extending from the connector, the cable configured to be connectable to a charging station for receiving a charging current from the charging station, and having a heat pipe with a phase change section having a wicking structure, the wicking structure having a working fluid therein during operation for receiving heat generated during current flow within the cable. The charging cable apparatus may further have an external condensing surface in fluid communication with the phase change section of the heat pipe for accelerating condensation of evaporated working fluid. The charging cable apparatus may be connected to a charging station for charging an electric battery such as a battery of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus having a pair of casings hinged in a clamshell arrangement and configured to contain a portion of an electric charging cable, the casings each having an inner space which contains a phase change material for absorbing heat generated during current flow through the electric charging cable.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for passive thermal-fluids management in a liquid feed fuel cell. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for passive thermal-fluids management in a direct methanol fuel cell having a methanol storage medium and a methanol and water mixing medium. The fuel cell may also include a methanol distribution medium that facilitates uniform distribution of methanol to the mixing medium and the anode, wherein the methanol and water are used for fuel by the direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell system, such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses passive approaches to thermal-fluids management. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that uses a passive fuel delivery system. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively transports water from the cathode or an external source to the anode. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively directs heat to an evaporation pad to facilitate evaporation of fuel. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that provides passive carbon dioxide gas management.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for passive thermal-fluids management in a liquid feed fuel cell. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for passive thermal-fluids management in a direct methanol fuel cell having a methanol storage medium and a methanol and water mixing medium. The fuel cell may also include a methanol distribution medium that facilitates uniform distribution of methanol to the mixing medium and the anode, wherein the methanol and water are used for fuel by the direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for forming an air breathing fuel cell that includes an air permeable cathode layer positioned to be in contact with atmospheric air and an electrically conductive, fuel permeable anode backing layer positioned to be in contact with a mixture of fuel and water, wherein the anode and cathode layers are divided by a pre-swollen electrolyte membrane, and the anode and cathode layers are in contact with electrical current collecting members. The present invention also provides a fuel cell stack consisting of fuel cells of the present invention arranged in a grid-like format within a support frame that is configured to provide electrical connections between the fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for distributing heat in a fuel cell stack through a bipolar interconnection plate that incorporates heat pipe technology within the bipolar plate body to form a bipolar interconnection plate heat pipe combination for improved thermal management in fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for distributing heat in a fuel cell stack through bipolar interconnection plates having one or more heat pipes disposed within the plate.

Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for the human body is provided which uses heat pipes to distribute energy to and from portions of a body to provide heating or cooling by redistributing body heat. The heat pipes are incorporated into a garment, a blanket and a pad which may be used for medical treatment or activities or for activities in environments having extreme temperatures. Supplemental means for heating and cooling are included to improve heating or cooling to a body, and to provide heating or cooling to limited areas of a body.

Abstract: A protective composite liner for installation inside a vessel, such as a supertanker, is proposed with an outer layer of high strength fibers, a middle layer of flexible, high strength, resilient film material, and an inner chemical resistant layer. Means for anchoring the protective composite liner and sensor means for detecting a leak are further provided for use with the liner of the present invention.

Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes micro heat pipes extending radially outward from a heat sink which surrounds a heat source, rapidly conducting thermal energy away from the heat source, improving significantly the storage of thermal energy in the heat sink, and providing a means for later dissipating thermal energy from the heat sink to an ultimate heat sink over a period of time.