Patents by Inventor Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
Kandaswamy Duraiswamy 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: 8702910Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The stream may then be processed through a sorbent bed to effectively remove the sulfur compounds.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 8551197Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes an integrated steam reforming reactor. The reactor has an overall cylindrical shape, receives a reformate and separately receiving a combustion gas mixture. The reactor includes a plurality of reforming stages arranged in a stacked series of disc shaped stage configuration, wherein each reforming stage has a disc shaped combustion portion adjacent a disc shaped catalyst pack through which the reformate passes, wherein the reformate is directed axially between stages and radially within each stage; and the combustion mixture is directed radially between groups of stages and circumferentially within each stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Leonard Weschta, Christian Hulteberg
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Patent number: 8491679Abstract: A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Anand S. Chellappa
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Patent number: 8372170Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Publication number: 20130034785Abstract: A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Anand S. Chellappa
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Patent number: 7892321Abstract: An integrated heating system for adding heat to a feed fuel within a module by way of an integrated heating element within the body or casing of the module. The heat may be selectively added to maintain a selected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Diane Lee Aagesen, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Patent number: 7763086Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Publication number: 20100172827Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Patent number: 7670587Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Publication number: 20090220394Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes an integrated steam reforming reactor. The reactor has an overall cylindrical shape, receives a reformate and separately receiving a combustion gas mixture. The reactor includes a plurality of reforming stages arranged in a stacked series of disc shaped stage configuration, wherein each reforming stage has a disc shaped combustion portion adjacent a disc shaped catalyst pack through which the reformate passes, wherein the reformate is directed axially between stages and radially within each stage; and the combustion mixture is directed radially between groups of stages and circumferentially within each stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Leonard Weschta, Christian Hulteberg
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Publication number: 20090166264Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7523724Abstract: A method of and system for reducing engine environmental atmospheric pollution emissions from a vehicle having a combustion engine utilizing hydrocarbon fuel for at least one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power is disclosed. The method basically includes providing an unprocessed bulk fuel storage container and a clean processed fuel tank on the vehicle, supplying the engine for propulsion with fuel from the unprocessed fuel storage container when the vehicle is beyond a predetermined distance from an area having environmental restrictions passing a portion of unprocessed fuel through a desulphurization process to fill a clean fuel storage container while the vehicle is in motion and supplying the combustion engine for one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power from clean fuel in the processed fuel storage container when the vehicle is within an area having environmental restrictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Anand Chellappa
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Publication number: 20090041641Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C., a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C. in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Patent number: 7452405Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7452404Abstract: A process and system for separating a fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream is disclosed. The process includes isolating a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream from the primary fuel stream, evaporating the stage-one permeate stream at a vacuum, and isolating a stage-two permeate stream and a stage-two retentate stream from the stage-one permeate stream. The stage-two retentate stream is a fuel stream containing low concentrations of sulfur compounds. The system includes a fuel supply, a stage-one separator for separating a fuel stream into a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream, a stage-two separator, a first supply line connecting a portion of the fuel supply to the stage-one separator, and a second supply line connecting the stage-one separator permeate stream to the stage-two separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7439273Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Publication number: 20070212293Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Publication number: 20070212295Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Publication number: 20070012184Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Woods
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Publication number: 20060216228Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus for generating hydrogen comprises a first input for mixing a stream of liquid water with a stream of feed gas to produce a feed gas-water mixture stream and a heating mechanism for heating the feed gas-water mixture stream to a temperature sufficient to evaporate the water in the feed gas-water mixture stream to steam to produce a humidified feed-gas stream. A second input is provided for mixing the humidified feed-gas stream with a hydrocarbon fuel to produce a reformer reactant mixture of fuel, oxidant, and steam. A steam-methane reforming component reacts the hydrocarbon fuel and the steam in the reformer reactant mixture in a steam-methane reforming reaction to reform the hydrocarbon fuel in the reformer reactant mixture and produce a hydrogen enriched reformer product gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Richard Woods, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy