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).

  • Patent number: 8293418
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chiou-Chu Lai, Bin-Chen Wei, Shih-Hao Liang, Yin-Wen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120156586
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ching-Jung Liu, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20120133331
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Welkin Ling, Chein-Chung Sun, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20120052351
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Fa Yeh, Chiou-Chu Lai, Chin-Chuan Chang, Deng-Tswen Shieh, Chich-Lun Lo, Shu-Ping Lin, Chun-Jui Hung, Li-Lun Liu
  • Publication number: 20120052350
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Fa Yeh, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Patent number: 7972864
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Patent number: 7829210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Patent number: 7821225
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yuh-Fwu Chou, Chiou-Chu Lai, Sheng-Yong Shen
  • Publication number: 20100159299
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ching-Jung Liu, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20100136697
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20100068584
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ching-Jung Liu
  • Publication number: 20100055515
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chiou-Chu Lai, Bin-Chen Wei, Shih-Hao Liang, Yin-Wen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090134879
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20090136792
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20090068518
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ying-Ying Hsu, Chiou-Chu Lai, Yin-Wen Tsai, Chun-Ho Tai
  • Publication number: 20080096092
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Yin-Wen Tsai, Ying-Ying Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080096091
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ying-Ying Hsu, Yin-Wen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080057378
    Abstract: A fuel cell. A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, a cathode electrode, and an anode electrode. The proton exchange membrane is disposed between the cathode and anode electrodes. A cathode porous current collector is disposed on the cathode electrode. An anode porous current collector is disposed on the anode electrode and opposite the cathode porous current collector. A cathode water-absorptive layer is disposed on the cathode porous current collector, absorbing or guiding water at the cathode electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai, Ying-Ying Hsu
  • Publication number: 20060286421
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel supply control system for fuel cells, controlling fuel concentration in a fuel unit. The fuel supply control system comprises a first thermal meter detecting a system temperature of the fuel cell, a fuel supply device comprising a fuel tank storing highly concentrated fuel and a fuel deliver device delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the reaction unit to adjust fuel concentration thereof, and a controller calculating a difference between a predetermined and an environmental temperature, generating a first velocity by adjusting the predetermined fuel supply velocity according to the temperature difference, and setting the delivery velocity of the fuel delivering device according to the first velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Yong Shen, Lan-Feng Chang, Ku-Yen Kang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Publication number: 20060234104
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai