Patents by Inventor Hiroki Homma

Hiroki Homma 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: 20230287582
    Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device includes: an electrode layer including a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and an anode that are stacked in this order; a first flow path structure including an anode-specific flow path as a passage for an electrolytic solution defined by a surface on one side and a cathode-specific flow path as a passage for an electrolytic solution containing dissolved carbon dioxide defined by a surface on the other side; and a second flow path structure including an anode-specific flow path as a passage for an electrolytic solution defined by a surface on one side and a cathode-specific flow path as a passage for an electrolytic solution containing dissolved carbon dioxide defined by a surface on the other side. The first flow path structure, the electrode layer, the second flow path structure, and the electrode layer are stacked in this order repeatedly to form an electrolytic cell stacking structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Hiroshi OIKAWA, Hiroki HOMMA
  • Publication number: 20230201806
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst composition that partially oxidizes a hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the catalytic activity of which is unlikely to deteriorate even when the catalyst composition is exposed to a high temperature, and the present invention provides a catalyst composition that partially oxidizes a hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, including: a carrier that contains ?-alumina; and a supported components that are supported on the carrier, wherein the supported components includes at least one platinum group element, a Ce oxide, and a Zr oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Jun SAWADA, Wataru ISHII, Daisuke KURASHINA, Hiroki HOMMA, Takamitsu KINO
  • Patent number: 11476473
    Abstract: A reformer and an evaporator of a fuel cell module are provided adjacent to each other. An exhaust gas combustion chamber which combusts a fuel exhaust gas and an oxygen-containing exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell to produce a combustion exhaust gas includes a first chamber and a second chamber connected to each other, and a combustion chamber outlet for discharging the combustion exhaust gas in the exhaust gas combustion chamber. At least part of an outer wall surface of the first chamber faces the evaporator with clearance. At least part of a wall forming the second chamber is a common wall shared with the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Yuki Yoshimine, Yukihisa Kanao
  • Patent number: 11362358
    Abstract: In a fuel cell module, a reformer and an evaporator provided adjacent to each other each extend to surround at least part of outer periphery of an exhaust gas combustion chamber as viewed in the direction of arrangement of the reformer and the evaporator. An auxiliary device case surrounds the outer periphery of the reformer and the evaporator with clearance. Both ends of the evaporator in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The evaporator and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a first connector section at one position. The evaporator and the reformer are connected only by a second connector section at one position. Both ends of the reformer in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The reformer and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a third connector section at one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Publication number: 20210043954
    Abstract: In a fuel cell module, a reformer and an evaporator provided adjacent to each other each extend to surround at least part of outer periphery of an exhaust gas combustion chamber as viewed in the direction of arrangement of the reformer and the evaporator. An auxiliary device case surrounds the outer periphery of the reformer and the evaporator with clearance. Both ends of the evaporator in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The evaporator and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a first connector section at one position. The evaporator and the reformer are connected only by a second connector section at one position. Both ends of the reformer in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The reformer and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a third connector section at one position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Publication number: 20210043950
    Abstract: A reformer and an evaporator of a fuel cell module are provided adjacent to each other. An exhaust gas combustion chamber which combusts a fuel exhaust gas and an oxygen-containing exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell to produce a combustion exhaust gas includes a first camber and a second chamber connected to each other, and a combustion chamber outlet for discharging the combustion exhaust gas in the exhaust gas combustion chamber. At least part of an outer wall surface of the first chamber faces the evaporator with clearance. At least part of a wall forming the second chamber is a common wall shared with the reformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Yuki Yoshimine, Yukihisa Kanao
  • Patent number: 10826096
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system for preventing carbon deposition in a fuel cell stack to be supplied with reformed gas. A fuel cell system 10A of the present invention includes a partial oxidation reformer 22 for partially oxidizing raw fuel to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a shift reactor 23 for shift reacting the carbon monoxide with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen, a fuel cell stack 20 for generating electric power by electrochemical reaction between oxidant gas and the hydrogen which is produced in at least one of the partial oxidation reformer 22 and the shift reactor 23, and an exhaust gas recirculation pipe P6 for supplying steam contained in exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack 20 to the shift reactor 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Mizuno, Shigeru Toda, Keiji Tsukamoto, Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 10297854
    Abstract: A fuel cell of a fuel cell stack includes a power generation reaction area, a marginal area around the power generation reaction area, and a first reactant gas flow area and a second reactant gas flow area. The first reactant gas flow area and the second reactant gas flow area are provided outside the power generation reaction area and inside the marginal area. The fuel cell stack includes a first load applying unit configured to apply a first load to the marginal area in the stacking direction and a second load applying area configured to apply a second load to the power generation reaction area in the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Tsukamoto, Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 10170776
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes combustion gas channel members connected to a combustor and extending upward along the fuel cell stack. The combustion gas channel members have combustion gas channels, and combustion gas ejection holes. A combustion gas produced in the combustor flows through the combustion gas channels upward, and the combustion gas ejection holes are connected to the combustion gas channels for releasing the combustion gas toward side surfaces of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Keiji Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20170288246
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system for preventing carbon deposition in a fuel cell stack to be supplied with reformed gas. A fuel cell system 10A of the present invention includes a partial oxidation reformer 22 for partially oxidizing raw fuel to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a shift reactor 23 for shift reacting the carbon monoxide with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen, a fuel cell stack 20 for generating electric power by electrochemical reaction between oxidant gas and the hydrogen which is produced in at least one of the partial oxidation reformer 22 and the shift reactor 23, and an exhaust gas recirculation pipe P6 for supplying steam contained in exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack 20 to the shift reactor 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jun Mizuno, Shigeru Toda, Keiji Tsukamoto, Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 9614233
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a first casing containing the fuel cell stack, and a second casing containing the first casing, an exhaust gas combustor, and a heat exchanger. The exhaust gas combustor has a combustion gas discharge opening opened to a combustion gas chamber formed between the first casing and the second casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Tsukamoto, Shigeru Toda, Hiroki Homma, Hideichi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20170069919
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes combustion gas channel members connected to a combustor and extending upward along the fuel cell stack. The combustion gas channel members have combustion, gas channels, and combustion gas ejection holes. A combustion gas produced in the combustor flows through the combustion gas channels upward, and the combustion gas ejection holes are connected to the combustion gas channels for releasing the combustion gas toward side surfaces of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Keiji Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20160064747
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a first casing containing the fuel cell stack, and a second casing containing the first casing, an exhaust gas combustor, and a heat exchanger. The exhaust gas combustor has a combustion gas discharge opening opened to a combustion gas chamber formed between the first casing and the second casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Keiji Tsukamoto, Shigeru Toda, Hiroki Homma, Hideichi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20150311559
    Abstract: A fuel cell of a fuel cell stack includes a power generation reaction area, a marginal area around the power generation reaction area, and a first reactant gas flow area and a second reactant gas flow area. The first reactant gas flow area and the second reactant gas flow area are provided outside the power generation reaction area and inside the marginal area. The fuel cell stack includes a first load applying unit configured to apply a first load to the marginal area in the stacking direction and a second load applying area configured to apply a second load to the power generation reaction area in the stacking direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Keiji Tsukamoto, Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 9166244
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators. A second plate of the separator includes a second circular disk section, a second elongated plate section, and a second rectangular section. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the second circular disk section. The second rectangular section has a fuel gas inlet for supplying a fuel gas to a fuel gas channel, an outer ridge, and a fuel gas outlet for discharging the fuel gas, and a detour path forming wall bent in a V-shape toward the fuel gas inlet. A fuel gas inlet is formed in the V-shaped inner area of the detour path forming wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ishioka, Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 9123946
    Abstract: A fuel cell of a fuel cell stack includes separators. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply section, a bridge, and a sandwiching section. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the center of the fuel gas supply section, and a fuel gas supply channel is formed in the bridge. A plurality of the fuel cells are stacked together to form a stack body. Side insulating members are provided in parallel with an extension line extending from the bridge, and along both of outer portions of the sandwiching section. The side insulating members suppress heat radiation from the fuel cells, and are used as a reference level for positioning the fuel cells at the time of stacking the fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 9054350
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells. The fuel cell stack includes a lower end plate, a load plate, and a fuel cell support member. The lower end plate is positioned at one end of the stack body in the stacking direction for placing the stack body on the lower end plate. The load plate is provided at the other end of the stack body for applying a load to the stack body in the stacking direction. The fuel cell support member is provided between the load plate and the stack body, and includes a composite layer made of alumina fiber and vermiculite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 9023547
    Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes a sandwiching section, first and second bridges connected to the sandwiching section, a fuel gas supply section connected to the first bridge and an oxygen-containing gas supply section connected to the second bridge. The sandwiching section sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly, and has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel separately. In the sandwiching section, a plurality of first projections are arranged in a zigzag pattern in a direction in which the first bridge extends, and the first projections at least protrude toward the fuel gas channel to contact an anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Tsutomu Takahashi, Tetsuya Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8980495
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, a reformer, and a combustor. The combustor is provided around the heat exchanger. A combustion gas path for supplying a combustion gas produced in the combustor to the heat exchanger and an exhaust gas path for supplying an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack after consumption in power generation reaction are merged at a merger section provided on an upstream side of a heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 8597842
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a reformer, and a combustor for at least heating any of the fuel cell stack, the heat exchanger, the evaporator, and the reformer. The fuel cell module is surrounded by an inner heat insulating layer and an outer heat insulating layer. The inner heat insulating layer is used in a high temperature area, and the outer heat insulating layer is used in a low temperature area. The inner heat insulating layer contains a large amount of metal component in comparison with the outer heat insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Yamamoto, Bunichi Saito, Yukihiko Kiyohiro, Koji Dan, Hiroki Homma