Patents by Inventor David Weingaertner

David Weingaertner 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).

  • Publication number: 20110053027
    Abstract: A multi-stream heat exchanger includes at least one air preheater section, at least one cathode recuperator section, and at least one anode recuperator section, wherein each section is a plate type heat exchanger having two major surfaces and a plurality of edge surfaces, a plurality of risers through at least some of the plates, and a plurality of flow paths located between plates. The cathode recuperator section is located adjacent to a first edge surface of the anode recuperator, and the air preheater section is located adjacent to a second edge surface of the anode recuperator section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Martin Perry, Swaminathan Venkataraman, Vlad Kalika
  • Publication number: 20100047637
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes introducing a fuel mixture comprising hydrogen, fuel, and steam at a fuel inlet of the fuel cell system, and operating the fuel cell system to generate electricity. A ratio of hydrogen to carbon from fuel (H2:Cfuel) in the fuel mixture is within a range of 0.25:1 to 3:1, inclusive; and a ratio of steam to carbon (S:C) in the fuel mixture is less than 2:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: James F. McELROY, David Weingaertner, Swaminathan Venkataraman, Stephen Couse
  • Publication number: 20100035109
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell-based power generation system includes providing a plurality of fuel cell systems, each system including a plurality of fuel cell modules, and moving at least one fuel cell module of a fuel cell system with respect to a fuel cell module of another system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Arne Watson Ballantine
  • Publication number: 20100009221
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, and one or more devices which in operation of the system provide an azimuthal direction to one or more anode or cathode feed or exhaust fluid flows in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Stephen Couse, Matthias Gottmann, Martin Perry, Swaminathan Venkataraman, David Weingaertner, Greg Young
  • Publication number: 20090280360
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes characterizing the fuel or fuels being provided into the fuel cell system, characterizing the oxidizing gas or gases being provided into the fuel cell system, and calculating at least one of the steam:carbon ratio, fuel utilization and oxidizing gas utilization based on the step of characterization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Arne Ballantine, Swaminathan Venkataraman
  • Publication number: 20090233154
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects and a multi-material seal comprising a first seal material and a second seal material, where the second seal material first forms an effective seal at a higher temperature than the first seal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, David Weingaertner, Dien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090042068
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO) which is located in a heat transfer relationship with the plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks and the ATO, and at least one heat exchanger located in the base. An ATO exhaust stream and an anode exhaust stream from the fuel cell stacks heat the stack fuel and air inlet streams in a multi-stream heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Swaminathan Venkataraman
  • Publication number: 20090029205
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises at least one fuel cell stack, a CPOX reactor, and a conduit for providing a fuel stream to the at least one fuel cell stack through the CPOX reactor during both a start up and a steady state modes of operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Swaminathan Venkataraman, David Weingaertner, Vlad Kalika
  • Publication number: 20080187794
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, at least one catalytic reactor and at least one venturi. The venturi is fluidly connected to at least one catalytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Vlad Kalika, Clem Wiser
  • Publication number: 20080166604
    Abstract: A power generation system is provided. The power generation system includes a fuel cell controller, at least one fuel cell cluster operably connected to the fuel cell controller and a data server operably connected to the fuel cell cluster. The data server is configured to obtain operational data from the fuel cell cluster. In addition, a model server operably connected to the data server. The model server is configured to model the operational characteristics of the fuel cell cluster during the actual operation of the fuel cell cluster and modify the operation of the fuel cell cluster in real-time, based on the operational data obtained by the data server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: David Weingaertner, Swaminathan Venkataraman
  • Publication number: 20080124590
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system includes at least one oxygen partial pressure sensor or at least one open circuit voltage fuel cell (OCVFC) sensor which is fluidly integrated with said SOFC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Matthias Gottmann, David Weingaertner
  • Publication number: 20070231635
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heavy hydrocarbon fuel source, and a fractionator configured to separate light ends from heavy ends of a heavy hydrocarbon fuel provided from the heavy hydrocarbon fuel source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Swaminathan Venkataraman, Arne Watson Ballantine, David Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 5271693
    Abstract: An Enhanced Deep Soil Vapor Extraction Process and Apparatus utilizes heaters placed into the soil at least to the depth of contamination and a vapor/condensate extraction system that withdraws volatilized contaminant vapors from the subsurface and any condensate that collects in the extraction well. Depending on the rate of formation of condensate in the well, a second conduit may be placed inside the well for the collection and removal of condensate by a downhole pump or a suction device located at ground surface. The process is directed towards contaminants trapped in or below the normal groundwater level. Groundwater extraction wells are also employed to create a "cone of depression", or local draw-down of the groundwater to expose those soils that are normally water saturated and thereby permit decontamination of such soils. Conduits may be placed within the groundwater extraction wells for the purpose of extracting groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Johnson, David A. Weingaertner, Lynton W. R. Dicks, Arthur L. Otermat, Arnold R. Marsden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5233164
    Abstract: A heater blanket for use in soil remediation utilizes a rigid construction which isolates the heater elements from air, water, and contaminant vapors which could act to oxidize, embrittle or otherwise degrade the integrity of the electrical heaters. A rigid structural frame is constructed from a support frame of parallel members which are rigidly connected to a series of support tubes perpendicular thereto. The support tubes enclose and protect the heater elements. One or more heater modules thus constructed may be easily transported to a selected site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Lynton W. R. Dicks, Paul C. Johnson, Arnold R. Marsden, Jr., David A. Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 5221827
    Abstract: A soil heater assembly (SHA) utilizes for example, two or more, 5 ft by 10 ft heating sections rigidly bolted together. Each section contains three NICHROME heating elements encased in ceramic beads which are floatingly pinned to a 4-inch thick ceramic fiber insulation encased in NEXTEL cloth. The heating elements run across the entire length and width of the SHA, spaced approximately three inches apart. The heating sections are pinned to their respective 5 ft by 10 ft stainless steel support frame, which is made out of structural angles and flat bars, with pins running through the four-inch ceramic fiber insulation. Since the insulation is somewhat compressible and the pins are slideable therethrough, i.e. not fixed, the heater elements can move or "float" vertically to accommodate surface irregularities of the soil. Both heating sections and support frames are then positioned side-by-side on the ground, bolted together, and covered by another four inches of fiber insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Marsden, Jr., Arthur L. Otermat, David A. Weingaertner, Paul C. Johnson, Lynton W. R. Dicks, Harvey B. Wilde
  • Patent number: 5193934
    Abstract: An in-situ thermal desorption system utilizes perforated or slotted pipe buried in the soil below the depth of contamination in the soil. The surface of the soil is covered with a layer of permeable insulation (to conserve heat and to provide a gas migration path on top of the soil) and a layer of impermeable material above the insulation. A vapor recovery/treatment system consists of a method of inducing a vacuum between the impermeable layer and the soil surface (e.g., a vacuum pump or an induced draft fan) and a treatment system for the contaminated vapor (e.g., a cold trap, carbon adsorption, or incineration). Fuel and compressed air are fed to a pressurized combustion chamber and combusted, the combustion products flow into the buried pipe and are distributed through the contaminated soil. Heat from the pressurized combustion products causes the organic contaminants within the soil to vaporize, pyrolyze, decompose, or react with oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Johnson, David A. Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 5169263
    Abstract: An improved in-situ soil decontamination heating process utilizes a submerged vapor recovery system comprising perforated or slotted pipes buried in the contaminated soil or below the depth of contamination. The pipes may be buried in a manifold arrangement and may contain thermocouples to monitor temperature. A vapor recovery/treatment system is connected to the buried pipe network and includes a method of inducing a vacuum on the buried pipe network (e.g., a vacuum pump or an induced draft fan) and a treatment system for the contaminated vapor (e.g., a cold trap, carbon adsorption, or incineration). Heat is applied to the soil surface by a relatively flat, surface-conforming, resistance heater. When heat is applied to the soil, a vacuum is induced in the buried pipes. The heat causes the contaminants within the soil to vaporize, pyrolyze, decompose, or react with oxygen. The contaminants and their by-products are swept away by the air into the buried pipe network for further treatment or disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Johnson, David A. Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 5114497
    Abstract: An improved process for the remediation of soil contaminated by the presence therein of organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants which comprises (1) supplying thermal energy to the soil at one or more locations under the surface of the soil, (2) collecting the vapors resulting from contaminant vaporization or decomposition under the influence of the thermal energy, after passage horizontally through the soil, at one or more locations under the surface of the soil and separating from the collected vapors the environmentally undesirable components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Johnson, James D. Colthart, Arthur L. Otermat, David A. Weingaertner, Charles C. Chou, Dallas L. Byers, Stephen M. Stearns, Arnold R. Marsden, Jr., George M. Deeley
  • Patent number: 5012034
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for extracting styrene from a styrene-containing hydrocarbon feedstock by:(a) reacting the feedstock with an anthracene at a temperature ranging of from about 175.degree. to about 275.degree. C. to form a styrene adduct with anthracene,(b) separating the adduct from the feedstock,(c) heating the separated adduct at a temperature of from between about 250.degree. to about 450.degree. C. to produce anthracene and styrene, and(d) individually separating styrene and anthracene from the mixture formed in step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David A. Weingaertner, Lynn H. Slaugh