Patents by Inventor Philippe SZYNAL

Philippe SZYNAL 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: 20240339646
    Abstract: A clamping system for an electrochemical module including a stack of electrochemical cells and interconnectors and two stiffening plates at the ends of the stack. The clamping system exerts a compressive force on the stack in the longitudinal direction. Each stiffening plate includes eight holes orthogonal to the stiffening plates and distributed along the edges of the stiffening plates. The clamping system includes eight clamping devices. Each clamping device includes a column configured to mechanically connect to the stiffening plates, and each column extends into the space between the stiffening plates. Each clamping device also includes first and second elements screwed into each of the stiffening plates, fastening the column to the stiffening plates and allowing adjustment of the tension applied to the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Karl VULLIEZ, Mathieu MONTEREMAND, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Patent number: 11888183
    Abstract: An electrochemical device may be formed by assembly by stacking preassembled modules, each of these modules being produced as a usual stack of electrochemical cells. The manufacture of preassembled modules can make it possible to produce electrochemical devices with a large number of electrochemical cells, without the bracing problems present and excessive crushing courses that are encountered in the cell stacks according to the prior art, i.e., in a single block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Stéphane Di Iorio, Thibault Monnet, Bruno Oresic, Philippe Szynal
  • Patent number: 11283098
    Abstract: A coupling system for high-temperature tight coupling of a stack having SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxides is described. The system includes a threaded hollow connector, a smooth hollow connector, and a threaded nut. The threaded hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe and is intended to be attached to the gas inlet/outlet pipe. The smooth hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe of the stack and is intended to be attached to the inlet/outlet pipe. The threaded nut engages with the threaded hollow connector to form a screw/nut system, slides relative to the smooth hollow connector, and includes a first threaded portion and a second smooth portion in sliding contact with the smooth hollow connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel Planque, Bruno Oresic, Guilhem Roux, Charlotte Bernard, Philippe Szynal
  • Publication number: 20220052353
    Abstract: An electrochemical device may be formed by assembly by stacking preassembled modules, each of these modules being produced as a usual stack of electrochemical cells. The manufacture of preassembled modules can make it possible to produce electrochemical devices with a large number of electrochemical cells, without the bracing problems present and excessive crushing courses that are encountered in the cell stacks according to the prior art, i.e., in a single block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Stéphane DI IORIO, Thibault MONNET, Bruno ORESIC, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Patent number: 11228047
    Abstract: A system for overheating gases at the inlet of a SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack, the stack including a main body that has first and second zones separated by a median plane, and inflow and outflow conduits, the zones include gas circulation circuits extending in the form of a spiral and communicating by means of a passage passing through the main body. A gas flow to be heated entering the inflow conduit circulates in the first gas circulation circuit and passes through the passage to then circulate in the second gas circulation circuit and in the conduit for the outflow of the reheated gases in order to reach the inlet of the SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel Planque, Charlotte Bernard, Magali Reytier, Guilhem Roux, Philippe Szynal
  • Patent number: 11108061
    Abstract: A clamping chamber in a reactor or fuel cell architecture having a stack of elementary units is above the clamping fittings. The clamping chamber, in which a gas other than the reactive gases will flow, is substantially at the same pressure as the reactive gases in the stack. The pressure of the gas flowing in the clamping chamber above the stack of elementary units will then balance the pressure created by the reactive gases and the gases produced within the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Charlotte Bernard, Guilhem Roux, Philippe Szynal
  • Publication number: 20200212454
    Abstract: A clamping chamber in a reactor or fuel cell architecture having a stack of elementary units is above the clamping fittings. The clamping chamber, in which a gas other than the reactive gases will flow, is substantially at the same pressure as the reactive gases in the stack. The pressure of the gas flowing in the clamping chamber above the stack of elementary units will then balance the pressure created by the reactive gases and the gases produced within the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali REYTIER, Charlotte BERNARD, Guilhem ROUX, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Patent number: 10597788
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production or a heat-transfer gas circuit for the heat management/regulation of the stack of an HTE reactor or an SOFC fuel cell by removing certain cells in certain areas of the stack in order to replace them with electrical contact elements that allow the heat transfer gas to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Philippe Szynal
  • Publication number: 20190372137
    Abstract: A system for overheating gases at the inlet of a SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack, the stack including a main body that has first and second zones separated by a median plane, and inflow and outflow conduits, the zones include gas circulation circuits extending in the form of a spiral and communicating by means of a passage passing through the main body. A gas flow to be heated entering the inflow conduit circulates in the first gas circulation circuit and passes through the passage to then circulate in the second gas circulation circuit and in the conduit for the outflow of the reheated gases in order to reach the inlet of the SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel PLANQUE, Charlotte BERNARD, Magali REYTIER, Guilhem ROUX, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Publication number: 20190326621
    Abstract: A coupling system for high-temperature tight coupling of a stack having SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxides is described. The system includes a threaded hollow connector, a smooth hollow connector, and a threaded nut. The threaded hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe and is intended to be attached to the gas inlet/outlet pipe. The smooth hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe of the stack and is intended to be attached to the inlet/outlet pipe. The threaded nut engages with the threaded hollow connector to form a screw/nut system, slides relative to the smooth hollow connector, and includes a first threaded portion and a second smooth portion in sliding contact with the smooth hollow connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel PLANQUE, Bruno ORESIC, Guilhem ROUX, Charlotte BERNARD, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Patent number: 10263264
    Abstract: A heat exchanger can be integrated into an interconnector that can be used in both a SOFC fuel cell and an EHT electrolyser, which allows a heat-transfer fluid different from that in the reactive and drainage gas circuits to be circulated from the inlet of the reactor, thereby allowing the best possible management of the exothermic operating modes of the SOFC cell and the exothermic or endothermic operating modes of the EHT electrolyser and the SOFC cell, especially in the absence of current for the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Nicolas Bardi, Charlotte Bernard, Julie Mougin, Philippe Szynal
  • Publication number: 20180202055
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production or a heat-transfer gas circuit for the heat management/regulation of the stack of an HTE reactor or an SOFC fuel cell by removing certain cells in certain areas of the stack in order to replace them with electrical contact elements that allow the heat transfer gas to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES AL TERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali REYTIER, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Patent number: 9920437
    Abstract: A method for high-temperature electrolysis of steam and another gas to be electrolyzed, chosen from carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, implemented in an electrolysis reactor includes a stack of elementary electrolysis cells each made of a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte inserted between the cathode and the anode, and a plurality of electric and fluid interconnectors each arranged between two adjacent elementary cells with one of the surfaces thereof in electric contact with the anode of one of the two elementary cells and the other one of the surfaces thereof in electric contact with the cathode of the other one of the two elementary cells. The steam is supplied and distributed to the cathode of one of the two adjacent elementary cells and either carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxide is supplied and distributed to the cathode of the other one of the two elementary cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Jérôme Aicart, Jérôme Laurencin, Marie Petitjean, Michel Planque, Philippe Szynal
  • Patent number: 9917311
    Abstract: The invention relates essentially to an electrical insulation and sealing surround for distributing gases in a high temperature steam electrolyzer of SOEC type or in a fuel cell of SOFC type. According to the invention, some of the functions of sealing, distributing gases and providing electrical insulation between interconnectors are grouped together within one and same component in the form of a surround made of electrically insulating material, the recessed zones of which serve to support the actual sealing gaskets, making them easier to use and to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel Planque, Stéphane Di Iorio, Magali Reytier, Philippe Szynal
  • Publication number: 20170279134
    Abstract: A heat exchanger can be integrated into an interconnector that can be used in both a SOFC fuel cell and an EHT electrolyser, which allows a heat-transfer fluid different from that in the reactive and drainage gas circuits to be circulated from the inlet of the reactor, thereby allowing the best possible management of the exothermic operating modes of the SOFC cell and the exothermic or endothermic operating modes of the EHT electrolyser and the SOFC cell, especially in the absence of current for the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali REYTIER, Nicolas BARDI, Charlotte BERNARD, Julie MOUGIN, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Publication number: 20150329979
    Abstract: A method for high-temperature electrolysis of steam and another gas to be electrolysed, chosen from carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, implemented in an electrolysis reactor includes a stack of elementary electrolysis cells each made of a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte inserted between the cathode and the anode, and a plurality of electric and fluid interconnectors each arranged between two adjacent elementary cells with one of the surfaces thereof in electric contact with the anode of one of the two elementary cells and the other one of the surfaces thereof in electric contact with the cathode of the other one of the two elementary cells. The steam is supplied and distributed to the cathode of one of the two adjacent elementary cells and either carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxide is supplied and distributed to the cathode of the other one of the two elementary cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali REYTIER, Jérôme AICART, Jérôme LAURENCIN, Marie PETITJEAN, Michel PLANQUE, Philippe SZYNAL
  • Publication number: 20150333342
    Abstract: The invention relates essentially to an electrical insulation and sealing surround for distributing gases in a high temperature steam electrolyser of SOEC type or in a fuel cell of SOFC type. According to the invention, some of the functions of sealing, distributing gases and providing electrical insulation between interconnectors are grouped together within one and same component in the form of a surround made of electrically insulating material, the recessed zones of which serve to support the actual sealing gaskets, making them easier to use and to maintain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Commissariat A' L'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Michel PLANQUE, Stéphane DI IORIO, Magali REYTIER, Philippe SZYNAL