Patents by Inventor Paul J Berlowitz

Paul J Berlowitz 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: 9553321
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). At least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells can be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: EXXONMOBILE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9520607
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell assembly at increased power density. This can be accomplished in part by performing an effective amount of an endothermic reaction within the fuel cell stack in an integrated manner. This can allow for increased power density while still maintaining a desired temperature differential within the fuel cell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Anita S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20160351931
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell, such as a fuel cell assembly, with increased production of syngas while also reducing or minimizing the amount of CO2 exiting the fuel cell in the cathode exhaust stream. This can allow for improved efficiency of syngas production while also generating electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20160315344
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arranging processing units in a common volume to allow for processing of a fluid flow as part of a mass and/or heat transfer process. Fuel cells are examples of processing units that include separate flow paths for processing two input fluid flows with mass and/or heat transfer between the separate flow paths. The arrangements described herein can allow a gas phase fluid flow to be delivered to a first process flow path of processing units in a common volume. The gas phase fluid flow can be delivered in a relatively uniform manner without the use of an intervening manifold to distribute gas from the common volume into the processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Paul J. Berlowitz, Sandipan K. Das, Thomas A. Badgwell
  • Publication number: 20160310892
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integrating molten carbonate fuel cells with a fired heater for production of electrical power while also reducing or minimizing the amount of CO2 present in the flue gas generated by the fired heater. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated for use with fired heater so that at least a portion of the flue gas from fired heater flows through cathodes of the fuel cells and at least a portion of the cathode exhaust is returned to a convection section of the fired heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A. Badgwell, Frank Hershkowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Paul J. Berlowitz
  • Publication number: 20160293985
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process in various manners, including providing synthesis gas for use in producing hydrocarbonaceous carbons. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during the synthesis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9455463
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell, such as a fuel cell assembly, with increased production of syngas while also reducing or minimizing the amount of CO2 exiting the fuel cell in the cathode exhaust stream. This can allow for improved efficiency of syngas production while also generating electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9419295
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell at conditions that can improve or optimize the combined electrical efficiency and chemical efficiency of the fuel cell. Instead of selecting conventional conditions for maximizing the electrical efficiency of a fuel cell, the operating conditions can allow for output of excess synthesis gas and/or hydrogen in the anode exhaust of the fuel cell. The synthesis gas and/or hydrogen can then be used in a variety of applications, including chemical synthesis processes and collection of hydrogen for use as a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9397355
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process in various manners, including providing synthesis gas for use in producing hydrocarbonaceous carbons. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during the synthesis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9362580
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating molten carbonate fuel cells in a refinery setting. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be used to provide hydrogen to various refinery processes, including providing hydrogen in place of using a carbon-based fuel for various combustion reactions. In a further aspect, CO2-containing streams generated by refinery processes can also be used as input streams to the molten carbonate fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Anita S. Lee, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9343763
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a synthesis process in various manners, including providing hydrogen for use in producing ammonia. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a methanol synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, S. Allen Erickson, Anita S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9343764
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a methanol synthesis process. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a methanol synthesis process in various manners, including providing synthesis gas for use in producing methanol. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a methanol synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during methanol synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Anita S. Lee, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9263755
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for iron and/or steel production. The systems and methods can provide process improvements such as increased efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions per ton of product produced, or simplified capture of the carbon emissions as an integrated part of the system. The number of separate processes and the complexity of the overall production system can be reduced while providing flexibility in fuel feed stock and the various chemical, heat, and electrical outputs needed to power the processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Anita S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9257711
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell, such as a fuel cell assembly, with increased production of syngas or hydrogen while also reducing or minimizing the amount of CO2 exiting the fuel cell in the cathode exhaust stream. This can allow for improved efficiency of syngas production while also generating electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9243207
    Abstract: Processes for extracting product molecules from an algae feed are provided. The algae feed represents an input stream, batch sample, or other algae portion suitable for use in product extraction. The product extraction is typically performed at pressures greater than ambient pressure. This allows for improved extraction, including the potential for use of extraction solvents at temperatures greater than the boiling point for the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Peter Domaille, Joe Toporowski, Judit Bartalis, Paul J. Berlowitz, Paul D. Oldenburg
  • Publication number: 20160013502
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integrated operation of molten carbonate fuel cells with turbines for power generation. Instead of selecting the operating conditions of a fuel cell to improve or maximize the electrical efficiency of the fuel cell, an excess of reformable fuel can be passed into the anode of the fuel cell to increase the chemical energy output of the fuel cell. The increased chemical energy output can be used for additional power generation, such as by providing fuel for a hydrogen turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz, Anita S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9178234
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integrated operation of molten carbonate fuel cells with turbines for power generation. Instead of selecting the operating conditions of a fuel cell to improve or maximize the electrical efficiency of the fuel cell, an excess of reformable fuel can be passed into the anode of the fuel cell to increase the chemical energy output of the fuel cell. The increased chemical energy output can be used for additional power generation, such as by providing fuel for a hydrogen turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz, Anita S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20150263364
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integrated operation of molten carbonate fuel cells with turbines for power generation. Instead of selecting the operating conditions of a fuel cell to improve or maximize the electrical efficiency of the fuel cell, an excess of reformable fuel can be passed into the anode of the fuel cell to increase the chemical energy output of the fuel cell. The increased chemical energy output can be used for additional power generation, such as by providing fuel for a hydrogen turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz, Anita S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20150252269
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process in various manners, including providing synthesis gas for use in producing hydrocarbonaceous carbons. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during the synthesis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy A. Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9077006
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz