Patents by Inventor Chiou-Chu Lai
Chiou-Chu Lai has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8609297Abstract: A connecting structure of a flat fuel cell assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells, each of which has a membrane electrode assembly with an anode, a proton exchange membrane and a cathode combined. Two conductive nets are attached to the surfaces of the anode and the cathode of each membrane electrode assembly by thermosetting adhesive and heat pressing to collect and transmit electrons.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Yeu-Shih Yen, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ju-Pei Chen, Shu-Chen Huang, Ku-Yin Ka
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Patent number: 8501491Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit, wherein a method of estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a consumption rate of the reactive gas in the cathode includes measuring a concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a relationship between the concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and time.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Patent number: 8460936Abstract: An apparatus of measuring concentration of fuel including a catalyst layer, a diffusion layer, a fuel chamber, a reactive gas chamber, and a sensor is provided. The diffusion layer is connected to the catalyst layer. The fuel chamber is suitable for containing a fuel. The diffusion layer is between the fuel chamber and the catalyst layer. The reactive gas chamber is suitable for containing a reactive gas. The catalyst layer is between the reactive gas chamber and the diffusion layer. The fuel diffuses to the catalyst layer via the diffusion layer such that a combustion reaction of the fuel and the reactive gas is conducted in the catalyst layer to consume the reactive gas and generate a gaseous product. The sensor is disposed on the reactive gas chamber for measuring the concentration of the reactive gas or the concentration of the gaseous product in the reactive gas chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Patent number: 8293418Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a fuel supply control system to control a fuel cell system to work in a predetermined temperature range by controlling a fuel supply rate. The fuel supply control system includes a fuel supply controller and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply controller calculates a temperature variation slope to generate a first fuel supply rate by increasing or decreasing the predetermined fuel supply rate according to the relationship of system temperature and predetermined working temperature, and controls a fuel delivering rate of the fuel supply device according to the first fuel supply rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chiou-Chu Lai, Bin-Chen Wei, Shih-Hao Liang, Yin-Wen Tsai
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Publication number: 20120156586Abstract: A fuel distribution structure including a first material layer, a second material layer, a flow channel layer and a filler is provided. The first material layer has a fuel inlet, the second material layer has a plurality of fuel outlets, the flow channel layer has a patterned flow channel, wherein the fuel inlet and the fuel outlets are covered by a distribution range of the patterned flow channel, and the filler is disposed in the patterned flow channel. In addition, a fuel cell having the above-mentioned fuel distribution structure is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ching-Jung Liu, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20120133331Abstract: A method for checking and modulating battery capacity and power based on charging/discharging characteristics is provided. In terms of discharge, a relationship between an open circuit voltage and an output electric capacity of a battery is measured to obtain a first characteristic curve. A relationship between a voltage and the output electric capacity of a battery at a predetermined maximum charge/discharge current rate is measured to obtain a second characteristic curve. A characteristic boundary line passing the first and the second characteristic points respectively selected from the first and the second characteristic curves is established. A voltage value corresponding to the first characteristic point is higher than a voltage value corresponding to the second characteristic point. The first and the second characteristic curves, and the characteristic boundary line define an operation range. The battery is charged/discharged within the operation range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Welkin Ling, Chein-Chung Sun, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20120052351Abstract: A battery with a soaking plate for a thermally and electrically conductive channel includes a plurality of battery rolls and two cap assemblies. Each of the battery rolls includes a central member and at least one electrode piece. Each of two ends of the central member has a bending portion. The electrode piece at least includes a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer. The electrode piece is winding around the central member. The battery rolls are disposed in parallel, and the bending portions at the two ends are formed as terminal disposed portions. The two cap assemblies are disposed at the terminal disposed portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Sheng-Fa Yeh, Chiou-Chu Lai, Chin-Chuan Chang, Deng-Tswen Shieh, Chich-Lun Lo, Shu-Ping Lin, Chun-Jui Hung, Li-Lun Liu
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Publication number: 20120052350Abstract: A central soaking member of a battery roll includes a main portion, a first electrode convergence member, a second electrode convergence member, and a connection member. The main portion is formed by a highly thermally conductive material. The first electrode convergence member and the second electrode convergence member are respectively disposed at two ends of the main portion. The connection member is formed by a highly thermally conductive and electrically insulative material, and is disposed between the main portion and the first electrode convergence member to connect the main portion and the first electrode convergence member. A temperature difference inside the battery is decreased, uniform temperature distribution inside the battery is achieved, and thermal runaway is prevented by using the central soaking member formed by a highly thermally conductive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Sheng-Fa Yeh, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Patent number: 7972864Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Patent number: 7829210Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell module, at least a cathode gas supply unit in contact with the cathode, at least one gas delivery unit and at least one anode fuel supply unit in contact with the anode. The fuel cell module comprises at least one fuel cell having one anode and one cathode. The cathode gas supply unit comprises at least one gas input port for receiving cathode gas and at least one gas exit for exhausting the cathode gas. The gas delivery unit guides the cathode gas to the gas input port. The anode fuel supply unit having a fuel comprises at least one fuel input port for receiving a resupplied fuel and at least one cathode gas input port for receiving the cathode gas from the gas exit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Patent number: 7821225Abstract: The invention provides a power management method for a hybrid power supply, comprising providing a primary power source, providing a rechargeable battery, providing a DC-DC converter, acquiring an amount of the power stored in the rechargeable battery, and when the energy level of the rechargeable battery does not exceed a first predetermined value, the DC-DC converter controls the primary power source to output a first value of a first electrical parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Yuh-Fwu Chou, Chiou-Chu Lai, Sheng-Yong Shen
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Publication number: 20100159299Abstract: A passive fuel cell assembly including a membrane electrode assembly, an anode current collector, a cathode current collector, a hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer, and a gas-liquid separation layer is provided. The anode current collector and the cathode current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer is disposed on the anode current collector. The gas-liquid separation layer is disposed on the hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer, such that the hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer is disposed between the gas-liquid separation layer and the anode current collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ching-Jung Liu, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20100136697Abstract: An apparatus of measuring concentration of fuel including a catalyst layer, a diffusion layer, a fuel chamber, a reactive gas chamber, and a sensor is provided. The diffusion layer is connected to the catalyst layer. The fuel chamber is suitable for containing a fuel. The diffusion layer is between the fuel chamber and the catalyst layer. The reactive gas chamber is suitable for containing a reactive gas. The catalyst layer is between the reactive gas chamber and the diffusion layer. The fuel diffuses to the catalyst layer via the diffusion layer such that a combustion reaction of the fuel and the reactive gas is conducted in the catalyst layer to consume the reactive gas and generate a gaseous product. The sensor is disposed on the reactive gas chamber for measuring the concentration of the reactive gas or the concentration of the gaseous product in the reactive gas chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20100068584Abstract: A flat fuel cell assembly including a MEA, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector, a gas barrier material layer, a case, and at least one air baffle is provided. The cathode porous current collector and the anode porous current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the MEA. The gas barrier material layer is disposed at a side of the cathode porous current collector and has at least one opening for exposing a surface of the cathode porous current collector. The case is disposed at a side of the MEA, the gas barrier material layer is disposed between the case and the MEA, and an air channel is located between the gas barrier material layer and the case. Additionally, the air baffle disposed within the air channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ching-Jung Liu
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Publication number: 20100055515Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a fuel supply control system to control a fuel cell system to work in a predetermined temperature range by controlling a fuel supply rate. The fuel supply control system includes a fuel supply controller and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply controller calculates a temperature variation slope to generate a first fuel supply rate by increasing or decreasing the predetermined fuel supply rate according to the relationship of system temperature and predetermined working temperature, and controls a fuel delivering rate of the fuel supply device according to the first fuel supply rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chiou-Chu Lai, Bin-Chen Wei, Shih-Hao Liang, Yin-Wen Tsai
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Publication number: 20090134879Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20090136792Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit, wherein a method of estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a consumption rate of the reactive gas in the cathode includes measuring a concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a relationship between the concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
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Publication number: 20090068518Abstract: A passive fuel cell system including at least one cell unit, an anode fuel supplying unit, a cathode fuel supplying unit, and a heat-conductive material layer is provided. The cell unit includes a cathode current collector, an anode current collector, and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between them. The anode fuel supplying unit is disposed on a side of the anode current collector, and the cathode fuel supplying unit is disposed on a side of the cathode current collector. The heat-conductive material layer is disposed between the cathode current collector and the cathode fuel supplying unit and/or between the anode current collector and the anode fuel supplying unit. And, a portion of the heat-conductive material layer extends to the outside of a cell system reaction area defined by the cell unit, the anode fuel supplying unit, and the cathode fuel supplying unit along a direction parallel to the cell unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ying-Ying Hsu, Chiou-Chu Lai, Yin-Wen Tsai, Chun-Ho Tai
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Publication number: 20080096092Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided, comprising a cell unit capable of gas exhausting. The cell unit comprises an anode current collector and a cathode current collector. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is interposed between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector. A frame is formed to surround the MEA, the anode current collector, and the cathode current collector. A hydrophilic gas-blocking layer is disposed adjacent to an anode side of the MEA, underlying the MEA and the frame. A hydrophobic gas-penetrating layer is disposed under the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer. At least one gas exhaust is disposed in the frame, exposing a part of the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer and contacting the area surrounding adjacent to the cell unit for exhausting a gas produced by the MEA from the cell unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Yin-Wen Tsai, Ying-Ying Hsu
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Publication number: 20080096091Abstract: A flat fuel cell assembly including a membrane electrode assembly, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector and a gas barrier material layer is provided. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton conducting membrane, an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed respectively on two sides of the proton conducting membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer disposed respectively on the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The cathode porous current collector is disposed on one side of the cathode gas diffusion layer. The anode porous current collector is disposed on one side of the anode gas diffusion layer. The gas barrier material layer having at least an opening exposing the surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer is disposed on the cathode gas diffusion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ying-Ying Hsu, Yin-Wen Tsai