Patents by Inventor James Daniel Smith

James Daniel Smith 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: 10203735
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a power module comprising at least one fuel cell generator for powering a load, and a bypass mechanism having a first, normally-open fast-acting switch that closes in 1-250 msec, and a second, normally-open switch in parallel with the first switch, the bypass mechanism being electrically connected between the load and a second power source, such as a grid source, where the first switch is configured to close in response to a fault event such that when the first switch is closed power to the load is provided from the second power source through the first switch, and the second switch closes after a predetermined time such that power to the load from the second source is provided through the second switch. Additional methods and systems include providing power to a plurality of loads using fuel cell power generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Gross, James Daniel Smith, Rajesh Gopinath, Arne Ballantine
  • Patent number: 9972852
    Abstract: Various embodiments enable the operation of fuel cell system support equipment using variable frequency drives and power from fuel cells and/or grid power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Chad Pearson, Rajesh Gopinath, Carl Cottuli, James Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 9190681
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20150162632
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 8986900
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20140093802
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 8652697
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20140009003
    Abstract: Various embodiments enable the operation of fuel cell system support equipment using variable frequency drives and power from fuel cells and/or grid power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Chad Pearson, Rajesh Gopinath, Carl Cottuli, James Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20130253716
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a power module comprising at least one fuel cell generator for powering a load, and a bypass mechanism having a first, normally-open fast-acting switch that closes in 1-250 msec, and a second, normally-open switch in parallel with the first switch, the bypass mechanism being electrically connected between the load and a second power source, such as a grid source, where the first switch is configured to close in response to a fault event such that when the first switch is closed power to the load is provided from the second power source through the first switch, and the second switch closes after a predetermined time such that power to the load from the second source is provided through the second switch. Additional methods and systems include providing power to a plurality of loads using fuel cell power generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Gross, James Daniel Smith, Rajesh Gopinath, Arne Ballantine
  • Publication number: 20100216043
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, David McKenzie, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith