Patents by Inventor Frano Barbir
Frano Barbir 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: 11239481Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an electrochemical device having at least one operating organ, comprising the steps of: receiving measurements related to the operation of the electrochemical device, and estimating at least diagnostics data based on said measurements, estimating prognostics data based on said diagnostics data and providing operation instructions to control said operating organ of the electrochemical device, said operation instructions being optimized with respect to said estimated diagnostics and prognostics data.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: STIFTELSEN SINTEF, ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE, ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DE MECANIQUE ET DES MICROTECHNIQUES, UNIVERSITY OF SPLIT, FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, ZENTRUM FUR SONNENENERGIE- UND WASSERSTOFF-FORSCHUNG BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, DANTHERM POWER A.SInventors: Federico Zenith, Johannes Tjonnas, Ivar J. Halvorsen, Angelo Esposito, Rafael Gouriveau, Elodie Lechartier, Frano Barbir, Dario Bezmalinovic, Merle Klages, Joachim Scholta, Alan Menard, Thomas Pedersen, Marie-Cecile Pera, Daniel Hissel, Christoph Kandler, Philippe Mocoteguy
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Publication number: 20170237096Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an electrochemical device having at least one operating organ, comprising the steps of: receiving measurements related to the operation of the electrochemical device, and estimating at least diagnostics data based on said measurements, estimating prognostics data based on said diagnostics data and providing operation instructions to control said operating organ of the electrochemical device, said operation instructions being optimized with respect to said estimated diagnostics and prognostics data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2015Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Federico Zenith, Johannes Tjonnas, Ivar J. Halvorsen, Angelo Esposito, Rafael Gouriveau, Elodie Lechartier, Frano Barbir, Dario Bezmalinovic, Merle Klages, Joachim Scholta, Alan Menard, Thomas Pedersen, Marie-Cecile Pera, Daniel Hissel, Christoph Kandler, Philippe Mocoteguy
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Publication number: 20070172715Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can include a modular power section, the power section including at least one power module, and at least one modular energy storage section, the energy storage section including at least one reactant storage module. The power section can include a plurality of power modules. Similarly, the energy storage section can include a plurality of reactant storage modules. At least one of the power module and reactant storage module can include fluids quick disconnect fittings to operably couple the module to the fuel cell system to facilitate modular operation. In accordance with a further aspect, the system can further include a regeneration section, the regeneration section having an electrolyzer configured and adapted to dissociate water received from the power module into hydrogen and oxygen by way of a fluids manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Trent Molter, Ken Reifsnider, Frano Barbir
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Patent number: 7159444Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the the gas stream to maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number techniques are illustrated for achieving the humidity control, including, secondary phase separations, mixing the gas with dry air and adjusting of the gas stream temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward Demarest, John Koopman, Norman Schaefer, Andrzej Stanek, Iris Shiroma, Allan Tomasco, Elena Stockton, Frano Barbir, John Zagaja, Thomas Skoczylas, Lawrence Moulthrop
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Patent number: 7153409Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell and hydrogen storage in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrode, the hydrogen storage comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. In one embodiment, the method for operating an electrochemical cell system, comprises introducing water to an oxygen electrode and electrolyzing the water to form oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons, wherein the hydrogen ions migrate to a hydrogen electrode. The hydrogen ions can then be reacted with the electrons to form hydrogen gas that is stored in at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Frano Barbir
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Publication number: 20060199055Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode with a membrane disposed therebetween to form a membrane electrode assembly, a bipolar plate disposed on a side of the membrane electrode assembly, and a thermistor element disposed proximate an edge of the bipolar plate. In one embodiment, a method of cooling an electrochemical cell comprises: radiating heat from a fin extending from an edge of a flow field support member of the electrochemical cell and flowing air along the fin to convectively remove heat from the flow field support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Robert Byron, Matt Stone, Bhaskar Balasubramanian
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Publication number: 20060199056Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell comprises: a membrane electrode assembly comprising a first active area and an opposingly positioned second active area, and a flow field support member disposed adjacent to said membrane electrode assembly. Each of the active areas comprises an electrode, and has a length to width ratio configured such that, during use of the electrochemical cell, a temperature differential measured across the shortest distance from a center of the active areas to an edge of the active areas is less than about 15° C. The flow field support member has a flow region that aligns with either the first active area or the second active area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Robert Byron, Matt Stone, Bhaskar Balasubramanian
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Publication number: 20060199067Abstract: In one embodiment a compression device comprises: a base plate having a surface, a spring support plate, a resilient member, a manifold, and a side plate. The resilient member is disposed between the spring support plate and the base plate in compressible mechanical communication with the base plate to enable a force to be imparted to the base plate in a direction normal to the surface. The side plate is disposed from the spring support plate to the manifold, wherein the side plate physically engages a periphery of the manifold and a periphery of the spring support plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Robert Byron, Matt Stone, Bhaskar Balasubramanian
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Patent number: 7006898Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power system is disclosed. A plurality of sensor signals each representative of an operating characteristic of a power system module are received at a common data bus. The sensor signals are received and analyzed at a controller for the presence of an abnormal operating condition, and in response thereto it is determined whether an operational adjustment of the power system module is desirable. In response to the existence of a desirable adjustment condition, the operation of the power system module is automatically adjusted. A sensor of the plurality of sensors is arranged for providing an operating characteristic that is derivable from one or more of the other sensors, which include a different type of sensor, thereby providing redundant system information for determining whether an operational adjustment of the power system module is desirable.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Stephen C. Porter, Mark A. Lillis
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Patent number: 6994929Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell stack comprising a fuel cell having a fuel cell hydrogen inlet and a fuel cell hydrogen outlet, and a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen outlet, wherein the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor comprises electrodes in electrical communication with an electricity source, and a compressed hydrogen outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen inlet. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electrochemical cell system comprises: introducing hydrogen feed to a fuel cell at a feed rate of greater than stoichiometry, directing excess hydrogen from the fuel cell to a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor, electrochemically compressing the excess hydrogen to compressed hydrogen, and recirculating the compressed hydrogen gas to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Matt Stone
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Publication number: 20050278076Abstract: A fuel cell power system has a plurality of fuel cell power modules, a plurality of local controllers, and a master controller. Each fuel cell power module includes a fuel cell for generating electrical power, and each local controller controls one respective fuel cell power module. The master controller controls the local controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2005Publication date: December 15, 2005Inventors: Frano Barbir, Stephen Porter, Mark Lillis
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Publication number: 20050012638Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power system is disclosed. A plurality of sensor signals each representative of an operating characteristic of a power system module are received at a common data bus. The sensor signals are received and analyzed at a controller for the presence of an abnormal operating condition, and in response thereto it is determined whether an operational adjustment of the power system module is desirable. In response to the existence of a desirable adjustment condition, the operation of the power system module is automatically adjusted. A sensor of the plurality of sensors is arranged for providing an operating characteristic that is derivable from one or more of the other sensors, which include a different type of sensor, thereby providing redundant system information for determining whether an operational adjustment of the power system module is desirable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Frano Barbir, Stephen Porter, Mark Lillis
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Publication number: 20040142215Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell stack comprising a fuel cell having a fuel cell hydrogen inlet and a fuel cell hydrogen outlet, and a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen outlet, wherein the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor comprises electrodes in electrical communication with an electricity source, and a compressed hydrogen outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen inlet. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electrochemical cell system comprises: introducing hydrogen feed to a fuel cell at a feed rate of greater than stoichiometry, directing excess hydrogen from the fuel cell to a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor, electrochemically compressing the excess hydrogen to compressed hydrogen, and recirculating the compressed hydrogen gas to the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Frano Barbir, Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Matthew Stone
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Publication number: 20040099045Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the the gas stream to maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number techniques are illustrated for achieving the humidity control, including, secondary phase separations, mixing the gas with dry air and adjusting of the gas stream temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Proton Energy SystemsInventors: Edward Demarest, John Koopman, Norman Schaefer, Andrzej Stanek, Iris Shiroma, Allan Tomasco, Elena Stockton, Frano Barbir, John Zagaja, Thomas Skoczylas, Lawrence Moulthrop
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Publication number: 20040018407Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a membrane electrode assembly comprises a first active area and an opposingly positioned second active area with a flow field support member disposed adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly. Each of the active areas comprise electrodes, and each of the active areas have length to width ratios such that a temperature differential measured across the shortest distance from a center of each of the active areas to an edge of the active areas is less than about 15° C. The flow field support member includes a flow region that aligns with either the first or second active areas of the membrane electrode assembly. A method of cooling an electrochemical cell comprises radiating heat from fins extending from edges of a flow field member of the electrochemical cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Frano Barbir, Robert H. Byron, Matt Stone, Bhaskar Balasubramanian
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Publication number: 20040011668Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell and hydrogen storage in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrode, the hydrogen storage comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. In one embodiment, the method for operating an electrochemical cell system, comprises introducing water to an oxygen electrode and electrolyzing the water to form oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons, wherein the hydrogen ions migrate to a hydrogen electrode. The hydrogen ions can then be reacted with the electrons to form hydrogen gas that is stored in at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Frano Barbir
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Patent number: 6617065Abstract: In a fuel cell system, sufficient water to supply the consumption needs of the system, particularly by the system humidifiers and fuel processor, can be obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cell stack without the use of a condenser, by controlling the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack. The operating temperature can be controlled, for example, using a controller that monitors water level in the process water reservoir and increases or decreases the operating temperature through control of the fuel cell cooling system to maintain the water level within a predetermined range representative of neutral water balance in the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Frano Barbir, Jay K. Neutzler
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Patent number: 6551736Abstract: A fuel cell collector plate can be provided with one or more various channel constructions for the transport of reactants to the gas diffusion layer and the removal of water therefrom. The outlet channel can be arranged to have a reduced volume compared to the inlet channel, in both interdigitated and discontinuous spiral applications. The land width between an inlet channel and outlet channel can be reduced to improved mass flow rate in regions of deleted reactant concentrations. Additionally or alternatively, the depth of the inlet channel can be reduced in the direction of flow to reduce the diffusion path as the concentration of reactant is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Gurau, Frano Barbir, Jay K. Neutzler
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Publication number: 20030031902Abstract: In a fuel cell system, sufficient water to supply the consumption needs of the system, particularly by the system humidifiers and fuel processor, can be obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cell stack without the use of a condenser, by controlling the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack. The operating temperature can be controlled, for example, using a controller that monitors water level in the process water reservoir and increases or decreases the operating temperature through control of the fuel cell cooling system to maintain the water level within a predetermined range representative of neutral water balance in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Frano Barbir, Jay K. Neutzler
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Patent number: 6207312Abstract: A self-humidifying polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell assembly has an ion-exchange membrane interposed between hydrogen and oxygen diffusion layers to form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA is in turn interposed between a pair of current collector plates having flow field channels for flowing the reactants adjacent the respective diffusion layers to produce corresponding anodic and cathodic electrochemical reactions. Various embodiments of the assembly incorporate one or more of the following features: interdigitated flow field channels, countercurrent reactant flows, opposing channel alignment, and uncatalyzed membrane hydration enhancement zones.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Energy Partners, L.C.Inventors: Robert Kenneth Wynne, Jay Kevin Neutzler, Frano Barbir, Vladimir Gurau, Walter Edward Pierce, III