Patents by Inventor Eric T. White

Eric T. White 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).

  • Method and apparatus for a combined fuel cell and hydrogen purification system
    Patent number: 7416800
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation are provided whereby application of a fuel cell is coordinated with a fuel processor and a hydrogen separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: Glen E. Benson, Arne W. Ballantine, John W. Parks, Wieslaw J. Zielinski, Eric T. White, Robert A. Sinuc
  • Fuel cell thermal management system
    Patent number: 7264895
    Abstract: The invention provides fuel cell systems and methods of operation where a fuel cell system is used as a backup power supply in a cold environment where the system must be maintained at a suitable temperature to allow the fuel cell to operate when needed. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thermal protection system for a fuel cell backup power generator. An enclosure houses a fuel cell and a coolant circuit. The coolant circuit is coupled to the fuel cell. A temperature sensor is provided that is adapted to indicate a system temperature. A heater is provided to increase the system temperature when actuated. For example, the heater can be an electric resistive heater or a burner coupled to a combustible fuel supply such as a propane tank. The heater can be located in the interior of the enclosure, in the coolant circuit, etc. A control circuit is provided that is adapted to actuate the heater when the system temperature is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventor: Eric T. White
  • Method and apparatus for a combined fuel cell and hydrogen purification system
    Patent number: 7011903
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation are provided whereby application of a fuel cell is coordinated with a fuel processor and a hydrogen separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: Glen E. Benson, Arne W. Ballantine, John W. Parks, Wieslaw J. Zielinski, Eric T. White, Robert A. Sinuc
  • Method and apparatus for a combined fuel cell and hydrogen purification system
    Publication number: 20040058209
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation are provided whereby application of a fuel cell is coordinated with a fuel processor and a hydrogen separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: Glen E. Benson, Arne W. Ballantine, John W. Parks, Wieslaw J. Zielinski, Eric T. White, Robert A. Sinuc
  • Fuel cell thermal management system
    Publication number: 20030087139
    Abstract: The invention provides fuel cell systems and methods of operation where a fuel cell system is used as a backup power supply in a cold environment where the system must be maintained at a suitable temperature to allow the fuel cell to operate when needed. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thermal protection system for a fuel cell backup power generator. An enclosure houses a fuel cell and a coolant circuit. The coolant circuit is coupled to the fuel cell. A temperature sensor is provided that is adapted to indicate a system temperature. A heater is provided to increase the system temperature when actuated. For example, the heater can be an electric resistive heater or a burner coupled to a combustible fuel supply such as a propane tank. The heater can be located in the interior of the enclosure, in the coolant circuit, etc. A control circuit is provided that is adapted to actuate the heater when the system temperature is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventor: Eric T. White
  • Fuel cell system
    Patent number: 6299996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell system. The system has one operational state in which a fuel gas supply is connected to the anode flow field plates along a flow path. The system also has a different operational state in which the anode flow field plates are disconnected from the fuel gas supply and connected to an oxidant gas supply along a flow path. The fuel cell system can use a valve and a control system to switch the operational state of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. White, Edward W. Nestler, Jr., Chock Karuppaiah