Patents by Inventor Frank Stefani

Frank Stefani 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: 10622681
    Abstract: An energy storage assembly includes the following: at least one electrochemical cell, wherein the at least one electrochemical cell comprises an anode that is liquid during operation, an electrolyte that is liquid during operation, and a cathode that is liquid during operation; and a magnetic field-generating structure disposed outside the at least one electrochemical cell for generating a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field-generating structure is configured such that the generated magnetic field penetrates the at least one electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Stefani, Vladimir Galindo, Norbert Weber, Tom Weier, Gunter Gerbeth
  • Patent number: 9608296
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell assembly has electrochemical cells of large diameter and high storage capacity, making it particularly useful for stabilization of electric supply systems. The assembly includes at least one electrochemical cell composed of a layer of: a liquid metal or liquid metal alloy forming the cathode, a liquid electrolyte layer, and a layer of a liquid metal or liquid metalloid forming the anode. An electrically insulating inner tube is provided along the vertical axis of the assembly, the presence of which prevents the occurrence of the Tayler instability or other instabilities caused in the liquids by the current flow, and thus prevents the intermixing of the liquids. Another very efficient option for increasing the maximum current of the cell is that of conducting a current having a suitable direction and intensity through the interior of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM DRESDEN-ROSSENDORF E.V.
    Inventors: Frank Stefani, Tom Weier, Gunter Gerbeth
  • Publication number: 20160261008
    Abstract: An energy storage assembly includes the following: at least one electrochemical cell, wherein the at least one electrochemical cell comprises an anode that is liquid during operation, an electrolyte that is liquid during operation, and a cathode that is liquid during operation; and a magnetic field-generating structure disposed outside the at least one electrochemical cell for generating a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field-generating structure is configured such that the generated magnetic field penetrates the at least one electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Frank STEFANI, Vladimir GALINDO, Norbert WEBER, Tom WEIER, Gunter GERBETH
  • Publication number: 20130059176
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell assembly has electrochemical cells of large diameter and high storage capacity, making it particularly useful for stabilization of electric supply systems. The assembly includes at least one electrochemical cell composed of a layer of: a liquid metal or liquid metal alloy forming the cathode, a liquid electrolyte layer, and a layer of a liquid metal or liquid metalloid forming the anode. An electrically insulating inner tube is provided along the vertical axis of the assembly, the presence of which prevents the occurrence of the Tayler instability or other instabilities caused in the liquids by the current flow, and thus prevents the intermixing of the liquids. Another very efficient option for increasing the maximum current of the cell is that of conducting a current having a suitable direction and intensity through the interior of the inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Frank Stefani, Tom Weier, Gunter Gerbeth