Abstract: A reactor system for thermally treating a hydrocarbon-containing stream, that includes a pressure containment vessel comprising an interior chamber and a heat transfer medium that converts electrical current to heat and is positioned within the interior chamber of the pressure containment vessel, wherein the heat transfer medium comprises a first end face, a second end face, and channels extending between the first end face and the second end face. A process for thermally treating a hydrocarbon-containing stream includes introducing the hydrocarbon-containing stream into the reactor system, pressurizing the pressure containment vessel and the heat transfer medium without heating the pressure containment vessel or the heat transfer medium, supplying electrical current to the heat transfer medium, converting the electrical current to heat, heating the hydrocarbon-containing stream, and converting the hydrocarbon-containing stream to an effluent stream.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrocarbon product and hydrogen gas comprises introducing CH4 to a positive electrode of an electrochemical cell comprising the positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a proton-conducting membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The proton-conducting membrane comprises an electrolyte material having an ionic conductivity greater than or equal to about 10?2 S/cm at one or more temperatures within a range of from about 150° C. to about 600° C. A potential difference is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrochemical cell to produce the hydrocarbon product and the hydrogen gas. A CH4 activation system and an electrochemical cell are also described.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an electrochemical catalyst which contains: a metal oxide that is composed of one or more compounds selected from among zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, yttrium oxide, gadolinium oxide, samarium oxide, cobalt oxide and scandium oxide; and a metal variant, which has a valence that is different from the valence of the metal that constitutes the metal oxide.

Abstract: A method of producing methanol from methane in which hot-electrons generated under an external electric field in a process taking place in a multi-layer heterostructure comprising a nanoporous layer drive the conversion from methane to methanol. The structure generates hot electrons by providing spatial enhancement of the electric field, and purges hot holes which are created when hot electrons depart. This combination enhances heterogeneous catalysis of the conversion reaction.

Abstract: A method of carbon dioxide hydrogenation comprises introducing gaseous water to a positive electrode of an electrolysis cell comprising the positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a proton-conducting membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The proton-conducting membrane comprises an electrolyte material having an ionic conductivity greater than or equal to about 10-2 S/cm at one or more temperatures within a range of from about 150° C. to about 650° C. Carbon dioxide is introduced to the negative electrode of the electrolysis cell. A potential difference is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrolysis cell to generate hydrogen ions from the gaseous water that diffuses through the proton-conducting membrane and hydrogenates the carbon dioxide at the negative electrode. A carbon dioxide hydrogenation system is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high temperature-type unitized regenerative fuel cell using water vapor, which exhibits high hydrogen (H2) production efficiency and superior power generation ability.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture system for removing carbon dioxide from a flue gas produced by a combustion power plant. The system includes an electrolyzer cell configured to receive a flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and output a first exhaust stream comprising an enriched flue gas comprising carbon dioxide. The system further includes a fuel cell configured to receive the first exhaust stream and output a second exhaust stream comprising carbon dioxide. The second exhaust stream contains a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than the first exhaust stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for treating a liquid with a plasma, wherein the device (10) has a high-voltage electrode (20) as well as a liquid-permeable ground electrode device (30). The ground electrode device (30) has a flat, conductive region (32) and a porous region (34) arranged on the flat, conductive region (32), wherein the conductive region (32) is liquid-permeable along its flat extension. A discharge space (40) is formed between the ground electrode device (30) and the high-voltage electrode (20). A first dielectric (50) is arranged on the high-voltage electrode (20) so that a plasma can be generated in the discharge space (40) by means of a dielectric barrier discharge. Moreover, the device (10) has an initial flow volume (60) into which the liquid (12) can be conducted, and that is surrounded by a wall (62).

Abstract: Among other things, a device for use in electrolyzing water is described. The device comprises an electrolysis unit that includes a chamber, an ion exchange structure in the chamber, a cathode, an anode, a high pressure chamber, and a reservoir. The chamber is separated by the ion exchange structure into a first compartment and a second compartment. The cathode is in the first compartment and the anode in the second compartment. The reservoir is disposed in the high pressure chamber for storing water to be supplied to the chamber of the electrolysis unit. In some implementations, the ion exchange structure is a proton exchange membrane.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling the time dependent transfer of electrical power between a first electrical network and a second electrical network is disclosed. The first electrical network is operable to provide instantaneous electrical power to the second electrical network located at a location, the second electrical network includes electrical generating capacity at the location based on stored energy accessible at die location. The method and system involves receiving at the second electrical network pricing information from the first electrical network, the pricing information associated with the future supply of electrical power by the first electrical network to the second electrical network and then modifying substantially in real time the transfer of electrical power between the first and second electrical networks in accordance with the pricing information and the electricity demand characteristics of the location.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power management system (e.g., a power management for a fuel cell or a fuel cell system) includes a fuel cell to generate an electrical power output; a metastable hydrogen carrier to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell; a heater coupled with the metastable hydrogen carrier; and a controller coupled to the heater to control a rate of hydrogen release from the metastable hydrogen carrier. A method of operating a fuel cell system includes controlling an electrical power input to a heater utilizing a controller; heating a metastable hydrogen carrier to a temperature by the heater and to generate hydrogen to feed a fuel cell. The heater is coupled to the controller, and the controller controls the electrical power input to the heater according to a relationship between a rate of hydrogen release and the temperature and a composition of the metastable hydrogen carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for an in-vivo power generation comprises a fuel convertor for converting glucose in a fluid to a hydrogen rich, low carbon fuel such as ethanol or methanol by the action of a bioenzyme on the glucose in the CSF. The fluid can be any one of cerebro spinal fluid, urine and glucose solution. The apparatus further comprises a biofuel cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber with a membrane assembly sandwiched between them. The membrane assembly comprises a cathode, an anode and a proton exchange membrane. The cathode is coated with an enzyme laccase, which enables extraction of oxygen when the fluid is passed through the cathode chamber. The oxygen from the cathode chamber and the hydrogen in the hydrogen rich fuel from the anode chamber diffuses through the proton exchange membrane and reacts at an ionic level to result in water and electrical power.

Abstract: A biohybrid dual chamber fuel cell and method for producing sustainable electrical power from unprocessed biomass include a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for processing the biomass into a clean fuel, a direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) operatively connected to the microbial fuel cell for oxidizing the clean fuel to generate electrical power and a separation barrier in the form of a reverse osmosis membrane disposed intermediate the MFC and the DAFC which prevents the diffusion of impurities from the MFC into the DAFC and the return flow of oxidation by-products from the DAFC into the MFC.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrocarbons using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and a Fischer-Tropsch unit in a single microtubular reactor is described. This method can directly synthesize hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water. The method integrates high temperature co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2 and low temperature Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process in a single microtubular reactor by designation of a temperature gradient along the axial length of the microtubular reactor. In practice, methods disclosed herein can provide direct conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons for use as feedstock or energy storage.

Abstract: Fuel cells utilizing liquid sodium-potassium alloy (NaK) reducing agent and fuel cell systems including the same. The fuel cells include a housing defining a housing volume and a reducing agent-containment structure defining a reducing agent-containment volume. The fuel cells also include a volume of NaK reducing agent extending within the reducing agent-containment volume and an anode conductor extending in electrical contact with the NaK reducing agent such that the NaK reducing agent forms at least a portion of an anode electrode of the fuel cell. The fuel cells further include a cathode electrode that extends within the housing volume and is spaced-apart from the NaK reducing agent, an electrolyte present within the housing volume, and an oxidizing agent supply structure configured to provide an oxidizing agent to the housing volume.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon generation system that combines a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and a Fischer-Tropsch unit in a single microtubular reactor is described. This system can directly synthesize hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water. High temperature co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2 and low temperature Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process are integrated in a single microtubular reactor by designation of a temperature gradient along the axial length of the microtubular reactor. The microtubular reactor can provide direct conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons for use as feedstock or energy storage.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supply system, which in turn can comprise a first appliance energy source supply subsystem and a second appliance energy source supply subsystem. The first appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to make available a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle, and the second energy source can be different from the first energy source. Further, the first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drive system, and the first drive system can be configured to use the second energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A method for co-processing H2S and CO2 in an electrolyzer includes feeding a first gas stream having H2S to an anode and feeding a second gas stream having CO2 to a cathode. The H2S is split into hydrogen and elemental sulfur. The hydrogen is transferred from the anode to the cathode, and the CO2 is hydrogenated with the transferred hydrogen. A method for producing electricity in a fuel cell includes feeding a first gas stream having H2S and CO to an anode, and feeding a second gas stream having oxygen to a cathode. The H2S and CO forms hydrogen and carbonyl sulfide. The hydrogen is transferred from the anode to the cathode. The transferred hydrogen is oxidized with the oxygen of the second gas stream, and electricity formed from the oxidation is collected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and compensating for expansion of rechargeable batteries over time. An expansion detector may be coupled to or positioned proximate a rechargeable battery to monitor for expansion thereof. After expansion exceeding a selected threshold is detected, the expansion detector may report the expansion to an associated processing unit. The processing unit may undertake to arrest further rechargeable battery expansion by modifying or changing one or more characteristics of charging and/or discharging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery. For example, the processing unit may charge the rechargeable battery at a lower rate or with reduced voltage after detecting expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a regenerative fuel cell comprising an anionic membrane capable of selectively passing anions, wherein the pH of the anolyte and/or catholyte is at least 10. The present invention also relates to a method of operating a regenerative fuel cell comprising an anionic membrane capable of selectively passing anions, wherein the pH of the anolyte and/or catholyte is at least 10.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems comprising hydrodynamic cavitation, microwave irradiation, and at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis, providing feedstock purification of at least one of water, fluid and mineral. Contaminants, broken down and chemically degraded into smaller and more volatile substances by hydrodynamic cavitation are ultimately destroyed in the course of one or more sonoelectrolysis steps. In various embodiments, at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis is irradiated with microwaves in order to heat the sonoplasma present within acoustic cavitation bubbles to temperatures sufficient to destroy contaminants therein.

Abstract: An electrolyzer apparatus for the electrolytic manufacture of elemental F2 from an electrolyte/HF-solution, e.g., KF×1.8 HF, comprising at least one electrolytic cell which contains at least two anodes, often 20 to 30 anodes, a metallic cathodic vessel, and at least two rectifiers such that each anode is allocated to one rectifier. In this manner, each anode can be controlled and regulated individually. Failure of each individual anode, e.g., anode break, causes the production of undesired side products, e.g., of CF4. Any faulty anode can be detected easily, and each anode can be shut off individually, if needed, and repaired.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for producing a first product from a first region of an electrochemical cell having a cathode and a second product from a second region of the electrochemical cell having an anode. The method may include a step of contacting the first region with a catholyte comprising carbon dioxide. The method may include another step of contacting the second region with an anolyte comprising a sulfur-based reactant. Further, the method may include a step of applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to produce a first product recoverable from the first region and a second product recoverable from the second region. An additional step of the method may include removing the second product and an unreacted sulfur-based reactant from the second region and recycling the unreacted sulfur-based reactant to the second region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making calcium oxide electrolytically using calcium carbonate as a starting material. In a direct process, the present invention involves heating calcium carbonate to a temperature greater than its melting point or heating a molten mixture containing calcium carbonate; and subjecting the molten calcium carbonate or molten mixture to electrolysis to generate calcium oxide and oxygen, and a reduced carbon product. In an indirect process, the present invention involves heating solid calcium carbonate in a closed container to cause thermal decomposition to calcium oxide, and directing the evolved hot carbon dioxide byproduct into a molten carbonate solution, and subjecting the hot carbon dioxide molten mixture to electrolysis to generate solid carbon and oxygen, and a reduced carbon product.

Abstract: A method for producing electric power from hydrogen and hydrogen from electric power, comprising: a reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage comprising a fuel cell stack to produce electric power from stored hydrogen and an electrolytic cell stack to produce hydrogen from electric power; a hydrogen pressure modification stage to modify the pressure of hydrogen supplied to or produced from the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage; an electric power management and conditioning stage to condition electric power from/to the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage; and a management stage to differentially manage the operation of the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage, the hydrogen pressure modification stage and the electric power management and conditioning stage according to whether the system produces electric power from hydrogen or hydrogen from electric power and on a user-settable operation management strategy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reversible electrochemical cell, such as an electrolysis cell for water splitting or for conversion of carbon dioxide and water into fuel. The present invention relates also to an electrochemical cell that when operated in reverse performs as a fuel cell. The electrochemical cell comprises gas5 diffusion electrodes and a porous layer made of materials and having a structure adapted to allow for a temperature range of operation between 100-374° C. and in a pressure range between 3-200 bars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sodium oxygen cells comprising (A) at least one anode comprising sodium, (B) at least one gas diffusion electrode comprising at least one porous support, and (C) a liquid electrolyte comprising at least one aprotic glycol diether with a molecular weight Mn of not more than 350 g/mol. The present invention further relates to the use of the invention sodium oxygen cells and to a process for preparing sodium supperoxide of formula NaO2.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for nitrogen recovery from an ammonium including fluid and a bio-electrochemical system for the same. In an embodiment, the method includes providing an anode compartment including an anode; providing a cathode compartment including a cathode, wherein the compartments are separated by at least one ion exchange membrane; providing the ammonium comprising fluid in the anode compartment and a second fluid in the cathode compartment; applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode; and extracting nitrogen from the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus comprises an electrolysis cell to electrolyze a first fluid to generate a product fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also comprises a fuel cell to electrolyze an electrolytic fluid and to heat a second fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also includes a fluid transfer arrangement to transfer the heated second fluid from the fuel cell to the electrolysis cell to provide heat to drive the electrolysis of the first fluid in the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of reacting reaction components. The method comprises electro-chemically reacting reaction components on opposite sides of at least one membrane with at least one catalyst encompassing a respective volume. In another embodiment, the method includes conducting electrolysis, such as electrolysis of water. The apparatus includes at least one membrane with first and second sides encompassing a respective volume. The apparatus further includes at least one catalyst coupled to the first and second sides to electro-chemically react reaction components on the first and second sides in gaseous communication with the at least one catalyst, and a cover coupled to the at least one membrane to separate flow paths on the first and second sides.

Abstract: An efficient method and system for the electrochemical treatment of waste water comprising organic and/or inorganic pollutants is disclosed. The system comprises an electrolytic cell comprising a solid polymer, proton exchange membrane electrolyte operating without catholyte or other supporting electrolyte. The cell design and operating conditions chosen provide for significantly greater operating efficiency.

Abstract: A method of harvesting Group I metals from waste materials, including agitating Group I metal-containing materials in water to define a Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, removing any solid material from the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, and filling the cathode portion of an electrochemical cell with the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution. A current collector is introduced into the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, a steel electrode is operationally connected to the cathode portion, and the cathode portion is operated to deposite Group I metal onto the steel electrode.

Abstract: The one-step hydrolysis of diverse biomaterials including coal, cellulose materials such as lumber and forestry waste, non-food crop waste, lignin, vegetable oils, animal fats and other source materials used for biofuels under mild processing conditions which results in the formation of a liquid fuel product along with the recovery of a high purity CO2 product is provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon comprises providing electrical energy to a first fuel cell comprising an anode, cathode, and polymer electrolyte membrane; electrocatalytically oxidizing a hydrogen source by a first catalyst disposed on the anode to produce protons; and electrocatalytically reducing a hydrocarbonaceous source by the protons and a second catalyst disposed on the cathode to produce a hydrocarbon fuel composition, wherein the first and second catalysts are each a solid catalyst, and the anode and cathode are separated by the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous co-generation of electric energy and hydrogen by totally electrochemical means which includes an electricity storage phase by electrolysis of an electrolysable metal solution and formation of a hydrogen-electrolysable metal battery cell and, an electricity recovery and hydrogen generation phase by operation of said battery cell. The electrolysable metal is chosen from zinc, nickel and manganese.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed includes a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments, wherein one compartment is communicated with a hydrogen source and the other compartment is communicated with the hydrocarbon feed to be treated, wherein the membrane comprises a palladium membrane which is modified to have an additional amount of a mix of palladium and other metals (Ni, Ag, Co and Au) between about 4.62*10?3 and 1.62*10?2 g/cm2; and a power source connected across the hydrogen source compartment to generate a current across same, whereby atomic hydrogen is formed from the hydrogen source at a surface of the membrane and diffuses across the membrane to react with the hydrocarbon feed. A process using this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel by combining the fuel with a gas comprising both oxygen and steam, and passing the resulting mixture through a plasma generated by a microwave plasma generator between opposed electrodes. At least one of the electrodes defines a duct for outflow of gaseous material from the vicinity of the plasma, and the gas mixture emerging from the outflow duct contains hydrogen. The fuel undergoes partial oxidation and steam reforming, the reactions being initiated by the plasma rather than by a catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing electrolytic decomposition products of water by effecting a DC potential across a membrane comprising ripstop nylon interposed between an anode and a cathode. In electrolyzer mode, the electrochemical process produces hydrogen as well as oxygen products. In fuel-cell mode, the electrochemical process produces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an energy supply using a renewable energy source is provided comprising: providing a first source of renewable energy, wherein the first source of renewable energy is intermittent or does not provide a sufficient amount of energy; providing energy from the first source of renewable energy to an electrolyzer to produce an energy carrier through electrolysis; selectably reversing the electrolyzer for use as a fuel cell; and providing the energy carrier to the electrolyzer for the production of energy.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the pH value of a liquid. The system and method excite the liquid molecules in the liquid by light with a predetermined wavelength and an intensity component, transmitted through the liquid in a predetermined wavelength range, of the light used for excitation is captured. This intensity component is used to produce a wavelength/intensity absorption characteristic and this absorption characteristic is related to a reference absorption characteristic associated with a specific pH value of the liquid. The system and method thus can be used to obtain drinking water from a fuel for aircraft.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to liquid anodes and fuels for production of metals from their oxides. In one aspect, the invention relates apparatuses for producing a metal from a metal oxide comprising a cathode in electrical contact with an electrolyte, a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, a fuel inlet, and a power supply for establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for production of metals from their oxides comprising providing a cathode in electrical contact with a molten electrolyte, providing a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the molten electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, providing a fuel inlet, delivering a gaseous fuel comprising hydrogen to the liquid metal anode via the fuel inlet, and establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: In the magnesium recovery method and magnesium recovery apparatus, anode electrolyzed water (7a) and cathode electrolyzed water (7b) produced by electrolysis of seawater are separated, alkaline material is inputted into the anode electrolyzed water to adjust pH, magnesium is precipitated as magnesium hydroxide in the cathode electrolyzed water, and recovered, and the anode electrolyzed water after pH adjustment and cathode electrolyzed water after carbonate fixation are intermixed, and discharged in a state where a pH of the intermixed water is identical to a pH of the seawater. As a result, magnesium can be recovered from seawater while minimizing impact on the environment.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for use in a reversible fuel cell comprises an ion conductive membrane having first and second surfaces; a first electrocatalyst layer in contact with the first surface of the membrane, such first electrocatalyst layer comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG1i). A second electrocatalyst layer is placed in contact with the second surface of the membrane, such second electrocatalyst layer comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2i).

Abstract: A method for electrochemically converting a carbon dioxide gas into expected products includes using a member reactor. In the method, a membrane reactor includes a cavity, a solid electrolyte membrane separator, a cathode, an anode, and a fuel cell is provided. A cathode electrolyte and the carbon dioxide gas are passed through the cathode, and an anode electrolyte and an anode active material are passed through the anode chamber at the same time. An electrolytic voltage is applied to decompose the carbon dioxide gas into expected products. The expected products include a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas which are fed back to the fuel cell to generate electric power.

Abstract: A fuel purification system includes a fuel cell stack and a fuel purification unit, such as a distillation unit. The fuel cell stack is adapted to provide heat to the fuel purification unit, and the fuel purification unit is adapted to provide a purified fuel to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An energy storage device for a reversible storage of energy has a reversibly designed metal/metal oxide storage unit for indirectly storing energy in form of a fluid material and a reversibly designed electrolysis device for providing and using the fluid material in an electrolysis reaction. The metal/metal oxide storage unit is disposed spatially separated from the electrolysis device. A fluid exchanging unit is provided for exchanging the fluid material between the reversibly designed metal/metal oxide storage unit and the electrolysis device, and a heat exchanging unit is provided for exchanging thermal energy between the metal/metal oxide storage unit and the electrolysis device. Further, a method for a reversible storage of energy is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, wherein a means for reducing the concentration of unreacted alcohol is disposed on the cathode exhaust gas side. This means comprises in particular an additional electrochemical cell, to which a voltage is applied and which at least partially converts the unreacted alcohol into CO2 and hydrogen or water by way of an electrochemical reduction reaction. Since the concentration of unreacted alcohol is generally low, the loss of power required for the additional reduction reaction does not result in any notable impairment of the efficiency of the fuel cell stack. The invention is thus not limited to direct-methanol fuel cells, but may also be similarly applied to high-temperature fuel cells, and particularly to high-temperature PEM fuel cells, in which the additional electrochemical cell disposed on the cathode exhaust gas side is advantageously able to convert the residual CO.

Abstract: Process for operating a high temperature fuel cell stack, the process comprising the following steps: b) connecting the fuel cell stack in parallel to a power supply unit at a predefined temperature and/or voltage of the fuel cell stack, h) applying a voltage from the power supply unit of between 700 to 1500 mV per fuel cell across the fuel cell stack irrespective of the electro-motive force of the fuel cell stack, i) heating up the fuel cell stack from the predefined temperature to operation temperature while maintaining the voltage per fuel cell the power supply unit, j) maintaining the fuel cell stack at or above a predetermined operation temperature and/or above a predetermined voltage until the fuel cell stack is to be put into operation, k) supplying fuel to the fuel cell stack, l) disconnecting the power supply unit followed by m) connecting a power-requiring load to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A system and method for converting, receiving, and/or storing energy to, amongst other things, (i) generate hydrogen and chlorine gas, and sodium hydroxide using, for example, a chlor-alakali processing apparatus; (ii) generate hydrochloric Acid (HCl) using, for example, a novel HCl fuel cell; (iii) utilize HCl as a catalyst to hydrolyze cellulosic material into basic sugar water and HCl solution; (iv) utilize an acid/base neutralization combined with electrolysis as a precursor to separating HCl from a sugar water and HCl solution; (v) convert HCl to hydrogen and chlorine gas; (vi) provide a method by which HCl and heated water can be used in the transformation of cellulosic materials into sugars for fermentation into ethanol and/or butanol (vii) provide a method by which acidic waste and additional biomass can be processed through a bio-reactor into methane, fatty acids, and fertilizer; and/or (viii) provide for the desalinization of salt water/brine.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supply system, which in turn can comprise a first appliance energy source supply subsystem and a second appliance energy source supply subsystem. The first appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to make available a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle, and the second energy source can be different from the first energy source. Further, the first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drive system, and the first drive system can be configured to use the second energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.