Patents by Inventor Vijay Srivatsan

Vijay Srivatsan 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: 20240154136
    Abstract: A cross-flow interconnect and a fuel cell stack including the same, the interconnect including fuel inlets and outlets that extend through the interconnect adjacent to opposing first and second peripheral edges of the interconnect; an air side; and an opposing fuel side. The air side includes an air flow field including air channels that extend in a first direction, from a third peripheral edge of the interconnect to an opposing fourth peripheral edge of the interconnect; and riser seal surfaces disposed on two opposing sides of the air flow field and in which the fuel inlets and outlets are formed. The fuel side includes a fuel flow field including fuel channels that extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, between the fuel inlets and outlets; and a perimeter seal surface surrounding the fuel flow field and the fuel inlets and outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Michael GASDA, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Robert M. HINTZ, Swaminathan VENKATARAMAN, Padiadpu Shankara ANANTHA, Emad EL BATAWI, Cheng-Yu LIN, Sagar MAINKAR, Gilbert RICHARDS, Jonathan SCHOLL
  • Publication number: 20240104907
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates select data (e.g., sensor data and/or depth values generated using sensor data). In some examples, techniques for determining whether to use sensor fusion are provided. In some examples, techniques for determining whether to use a voting mechanism are provided. In some examples, techniques for responding to different types of decisions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Fernando A. MUJICA, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Muhammad Umair SIDDIQUE
  • Publication number: 20240104895
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates select data (e.g., sensor data and/or depth values generated using sensor data). In some examples, techniques for determining whether to use sensor fusion are provided. In some examples, techniques for determining whether to use a voting mechanism are provided. In some examples, techniques for responding to different types of decisions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Fernando A. MUJICA, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Muhammad Umair SIDDIQUE
  • Patent number: 11916263
    Abstract: A cross-flow interconnect and a fuel cell stack including the same, the interconnect including fuel inlets and outlets that extend through the interconnect adjacent to opposing first and second peripheral edges of the interconnect; an air side; and an opposing fuel side. The air side includes an air flow field including air channels that extend in a first direction, from a third peripheral edge of the interconnect to an opposing fourth peripheral edge of the interconnect; and riser seal surfaces disposed on two opposing sides of the air flow field and in which the fuel inlets and outlets are formed. The fuel side includes a fuel flow field including fuel channels that extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, between the fuel inlets and outlets; and a perimeter seal surface surrounding the fuel flow field and the fuel inlets and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Gasda, Vijay Srivatsan, Robert M. Hintz, Swaminathan Venkataraman, Padiadpu Shankara Anantha, Emad El Batawi, Cheng-Yu Lin, Sagar Mainkar, Gilbert Richards, Jonathan Scholl
  • Publication number: 20230420715
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one electrochemical pump separator to separate hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a fuel exhaust stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: David WEINGAERTNER, Greg YOUNG, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Michael PETRUCHA
  • Patent number: 11705557
    Abstract: Various embodiments include fuel cell interconnects having a fuel distribution portion having an inlet opening, a fuel collection portion having an outlet opening, and a primary fuel flow field containing channels, wherein the fuel distribution portion comprises at least one raised feature defining a fuel distribution flow path, and the fuel distribution flow path is not continuous with the channels in the primary fuel flow field. The at least one raised feature may include, for example, a network of ribs and/or dots. Further embodiments include interconnects having a fuel distribution portion with a variable surface depth to provide variable flow restriction and/or a plenum with variable surface depth and raised a raised relief feature on the cathode side, and/or varying flow channel depths and/or rib heights adjacent a fuel hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Darga, Cheng-Yu Lin, Vijay Srivatsan
  • Publication number: 20220278341
    Abstract: A cross-flow interconnect and a fuel cell stack including the same, the interconnect including fuel inlets and outlets that extend through the interconnect adjacent to opposing first and second peripheral edges of the interconnect; an air side; and an opposing fuel side. The air side includes an air flow field including air channels that extend in a first direction, from a third peripheral edge of the interconnect to an opposing fourth peripheral edge of the interconnect; and riser seal surfaces disposed on two opposing sides of the air flow field and in which the fuel inlets and outlets are formed. The fuel side includes a fuel flow field including fuel channels that extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, between the fuel inlets and outlets; and a perimeter seal surface surrounding the fuel flow field and the fuel inlets and outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Michael GASDA, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Robert M. HINTZ, Swaminathan VENKATARAMAN, Padiadpu Shankara ANANTHA, Emad EL BATAWI, Cheng-Yu LIN, Sagar MAINKAR, Gilbert RICHARDS, Jonathan SCHOLL
  • Patent number: 11355762
    Abstract: A cross-flow interconnect and a fuel cell stack including the same, the interconnect including fuel inlets and outlets that extend through the interconnect adjacent to opposing first and second peripheral edges of the interconnect; an air side; and an opposing fuel side. The air side includes an air flow field including air channels that extend in a first direction, from a third peripheral edge of the interconnect to an opposing fourth peripheral edge of the interconnect; and riser seal surfaces disposed on two opposing sides of the air flow field and in which the fuel inlets and outlets are formed. The fuel side includes a fuel flow field including fuel channels that extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, between the fuel inlets and outlets; and a perimeter seal surface surrounding the fuel flow field and the fuel inlets and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Gasda, Vijay Srivatsan, Robert M. Hintz, Swaminathan Venkataraman, Padiadpu Shankara Anantha, Emad El Batawi, Cheng-Yu Lin, Sagar Mainkar, Gilbert Richards, Jonathan Scholl
  • Patent number: 11217797
    Abstract: Various embodiments include fuel cell interconnects having a fuel distribution portion having an inlet opening, a fuel collection portion having an outlet opening, and a primary fuel flow field containing channels, wherein the fuel distribution portion comprises at least one raised feature defining a fuel distribution flow path, and the fuel distribution flow path is not continuous with the channels in the primary fuel flow field. The at least one raised feature may include, for example, a network of ribs and/or dots. Further embodiments include interconnects having a fuel distribution portion with a variable surface depth to provide variable flow restriction and/or a plenum with variable surface depth and raised a raised relief feature on the cathode side, and/or varying flow channel depths and/or rib heights adjacent a fuel hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Darga, Cheng-Yu Lin, Vijay Srivatsan
  • Publication number: 20210273242
    Abstract: Various embodiments include fuel cell interconnects having a fuel distribution portion having an inlet opening, a fuel collection portion having an outlet opening, and a primary fuel flow field containing channels, wherein the fuel distribution portion comprises at least one raised feature defining a fuel distribution flow path, and the fuel distribution flow path is not continuous with the channels in the primary fuel flow field. The at least one raised feature may include, for example, a network of ribs and/or dots. Further embodiments include interconnects having a fuel distribution portion with a variable surface depth to provide variable flow restriction and/or a plenum with variable surface depth and raised a raised relief feature on the cathode side, and/or varying flow channel depths and/or rib heights adjacent a fuel hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel DARGA, Cheng-Yu LIN, Vijay SRIVATSAN
  • Patent number: 10962492
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and/or estimating a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a component of a fuel cell system. A CTE measurement technique includes securing a measurement member over a surface of the component via a seal having a melting point, heating the seal above its melting point of the seal, cooling the component, measurement member and seal to a second temperature below the melting point of the seal, and determining the CTE of the component based on the change in the span of the measurement member after cooling. A fuel cell component characterization technique includes measuring an electrical resistivity (ER), conductivity (EC), resistance or conductance of the component, measuring at least one additional property of the component which, together with ER, EC, resistance or conductance, correlates to the CTE of the component, and sorting the component based on the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng-Yu Lin, Daniel Darga, Michael Groesch, Harald Herchen, Vijay Srivatsan
  • Publication number: 20190372132
    Abstract: A cross-flow interconnect and a fuel cell stack including the same, the interconnect including fuel inlets and outlets that extend through the interconnect adjacent to opposing first and second peripheral edges of the interconnect; an air side; and an opposing fuel side. The air side includes an air flow field including air channels that extend in a first direction, from a third peripheral edge of the interconnect to an opposing fourth peripheral edge of the interconnect; and riser seal surfaces disposed on two opposing sides of the air flow field and in which the fuel inlets and outlets are formed. The fuel side includes a fuel flow field including fuel channels that extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, between the fuel inlets and outlets; and a perimeter seal surface surrounding the fuel flow field and the fuel inlets and outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Michael GASDA, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Robert M. HINTZ, Swaminathan VENKATARAMAN, Padiadpu Shankara ANANTHA, Emad EL BATAWI, Cheng-Yu LIN, Sagar MAINKAR, Gilbert RICHARDS, Jonathan SCHOLL
  • Publication number: 20180217075
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and/or estimating a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a component of a fuel cell system. A CTE measurement technique includes securing a measurement member over a surface of the component via a seal having a melting point, heating the seal above its melting point of the seal, cooling the component, measurement member and seal to a second temperature below the melting point of the seal, and determining the CTE of the component based on the change in the span of the measurement member after cooling. A fuel cell component characterization technique includes measuring an electrical resistivity (ER), conductivity (EC), resistance or conductance of the component, measuring at least one additional property of the component which, together with ER, EC, resistance or conductance, correlates to the CTE of the component, and sorting the component based on the measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Cheng-Yu Lin, Daniel Darga, Michael Groesch, Harald Herchen, Vijay Srivatsan
  • Patent number: 9958406
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and/or estimating a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a component of a fuel cell system. A CTE measurement technique includes securing a measurement member over a surface of the component via a seal having a melting point, heating the seal above its melting point of the seal, cooling the component, measurement member and seal to a second temperature below the melting point of the seal, and determining the CTE of the component based on the change in the span of the measurement member after cooling. A fuel cell component characterization technique includes measuring an electrical resistivity (ER), conductivity (EC), resistance or conductance of the component, measuring at least one additional property of the component which, together with ER, EC, resistance or conductance, correlates to the CTE of the component, and sorting the component based on the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng-Yu Lin, Daniel Darga, Michael Groesch, Harald Herchen, Vijay Srivatsan
  • Patent number: 9673457
    Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vijay Srivatsan, Michael Groesch, Daniel Darga, Matthias Gottmann, Ram Ramanan, Paturi Balaji Narasimha Prasad, Ramesha Guntanur, Ananda Sundararajan, Sachin Parhar
  • Patent number: 9468736
    Abstract: A method of making an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell stack includes providing a chromium alloy interconnect and providing a nickel mesh in contact with a fuel side of the interconnect. Formation of a chromium oxide layer is reduced or avoided in locations between the nickel mesh and the fuel side of the interconnect. A Cr—Ni alloy or a Cr—Fe—Ni alloy is located at least in the fuel side of the interconnect under the nickel mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Darga, Tad Armstrong, Vijay Srivatsan, Harald Herchen, Cheng-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 9368810
    Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Darga, Vijay Srivatsan, Matthias Gottmann, Ram Ramanan, Paturi Balaji Narasimha Prasad, Ramesha Guntanur
  • Publication number: 20150147679
    Abstract: A method of making an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell stack includes providing a chromium alloy interconnect and providing a nickel mesh in contact with a fuel side of the interconnect. Formation of a chromium oxide layer is reduced or avoided in locations between the nickel mesh and the fuel side of the interconnect. A Cr—Ni alloy or a Cr—Fe—Ni alloy is located at least in the fuel side of the interconnect under the nickel mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel DARGA, Tad ARMSTRONG, Vijay SRIVATSAN, Harald HERCHEN, Cheng-Yu LIN
  • Publication number: 20140127602
    Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Srivatsan, Michael Groesch, Daniel Darga, Matthias Gottmann, Ram Ramanan, Paturi Balaji Narasimha Prasad, Ramesha Guntanur, Ananda Sundararajan, Sachin Parhar
  • Publication number: 20140127604
    Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Darga, Vijay Srivatsan, Matthias Gottmann, Ram Ramanan, Paturi Balaji Narasimha Prasad, Ramesha Guntanur