Oxygen And Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/628)
  • Patent number: 11840668
    Abstract: An integrated process for the production of a useful liquid hydrocarbon product comprises: feeding a gasification zone with an oxygen-containing feed and a first carbonaceous feedstock comprising waste materials and/or biomass, gasifying the first carbonaceous feedstock in the gasification zone to produce first synthesis gas, partially oxidising the first synthesis gas in a partial oxidation zone to generate partially oxidised synthesis gas, combining at least a portion of the first synthesis gas and/or the partially oxidised synthesis gas and at least a portion of electrolysis hydrogen obtained from an electrolyser in an amount to achieve the desired hydrogen to carbon monoxide molar ratio of from about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1, and to generate a blended synthesis gas, wherein the electrolyser operates using green electricity; and subjecting at least a portion of the blended synthesis gas to a conversion process effective to produce the liquid hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Velocys Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Ivan Greager, Roger Harris, Rudolph Havenga, Neil King
  • Patent number: 11772969
    Abstract: The solar-powered oxygen production system for hospitals is useful for producing oxygen in hospital settings without the need for an external power source. The system includes one or more photovoltaic (PV) solar panels mounted on the roof of a hospital and an oxygen production system housed within the equipment room of the hospital. The solar panels provide the electrical power needed for the oxygen production system. The solar panels are mounted on the roof using solar panel supports. The number of panels and the power output of each panel can be selected depending on the electrical power requirements of the oxygen production system. The oxygen production system includes an LED for activating a black phosphorous catalyst in the atmospheric air to convert water vapor in the air into hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aisha Al-Olayan, Hessa Al-Mousa, Marwah Al-Mutayib
  • Patent number: 11767777
    Abstract: A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and converting the CO2 into other products is disclosed herein. The process includes capturing CO2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism at a CO2 capture device. The process also includes converting the CO2 emissions into a carbon-based product using catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nataqua, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Kian Motey
  • Patent number: 11757140
    Abstract: Dual-functional energy storage systems that couple ion extraction and recovery with energy storage and release are provided. The dual-functional energy storage systems use ion-extraction and ion-recovery as charging processes. As the energy used for the ion extraction and ion recovery processes is not consumed, but rather stored in the system through the charging process, and the majority of the energy stored during charging can be recovered during discharging, the dual-functional energy storage systems perform useful functions, such as solution desalination or lithium-ion recovery with a minimal energy input, while storing and releasing energy like a conventional energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kyoung-Shin Choi, Dohwan Nam, Margaret Lumley
  • Patent number: 11712652
    Abstract: A process for the production of at least one of amorphous carbon or graphite, preferably of carbon black, from atmospheric air, biogas or flue gas CO2 is given, including at least the following steps: a) isolation of concentrated CO2 of a concentration of at least 50% v/v from atmospheric air, green house air or flue gas preferably by means of a cyclic adsorption/desorption process on amine-functionalized adsorbents; b) conversion of said captured CO2 into a gaseous or liquid saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon by hydrogenation: c) cracking of said saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon to at least one of amorphous carbon or graphite, preferably carbon black, wherein the H2 resulting from step c) is at least partially used in the hydrogenation of step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CLIMEWORKS AG
    Inventors: Alexander Spiteri, Valentin Gutknecht, Jan Andre Wurzbacher, Christoph Gebald
  • Patent number: 11655550
    Abstract: An ink formulation and electrode that enhances hydrogen production, oxygen production, carbon dioxide reduction and other electrocatalytic reactions. Embodiments include an ink formulation with polymer binders having different catalytical precursors and a 3D electrode produced by additive manufacturing from the inventor's ink formulation. Various embodiments of the inventor's apparatus, systems, and methods provide inks that that are 3D-printed into patterns that optimize surface area and flow. The catalytic materials are imbedded into the ink matrix which is then printed into a 3D structure that has architecture that optimizes surface area and flow properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Siwei Liang, Sarah E. Baker, Theodore F. Baumann, Eric B. Duoss, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Cheng Zhu
  • Patent number: 11548522
    Abstract: A head up display (HUD) system includes: a difference module configured to determine a speed difference based on a difference between (a) a present speed of a vehicle and (b) a target speed of the vehicle; a light source configured to, via a windshield of the vehicle, generate a virtual display that is visible within a passenger cabin of the vehicle; and a display control module configured to control the light source to include a visual indicator of the speed difference in the virtual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Szczerba, Omer Tsimhoni, John P. Weiss
  • Patent number: 11447878
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode separated by a channel configured to hold liquid water or water vapor. At least one of the anode and the cathode are porous. The hydrogen generating fuel cell includes a power source electrically connected to the anode and the cathode and an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to emit ultraviolet radiation from the anode to the cathode, the cathode to the anode, or both directions. A hydrogen generating system and a method of generating hydrogen are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: James Bartkowiak
  • Patent number: 11254876
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: InEnTec Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Cohn, Jeffrey E. Surma, Leslie Bromberg
  • Patent number: 11214880
    Abstract: In a water electrolysis system and a control method therefor, when a depressurizing process is performed, pressure reducing valves for high pressure reduce the pressure of a high pressure hydrogen. A first pressure detecting sensor detects, as a first pressure, a pressure of the high pressure hydrogen on a more upstream side than the pressure reducing valves for high pressure. A second pressure detecting sensor detects, as a second pressure, a pressure of the high pressure hydrogen on a more downstream side than a first pressure reducing valve of the pressure reducing valves for high pressure. Based on the first pressure or the second pressure, a controller controls a degree of opening of a depressurization control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Yuta Hoshi, Yukihiro Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11118273
    Abstract: A brine electrolysis system for producing pressurized chlorine and hydrogen gases. In its basic configuration, the brine electrolysis system may comprise: two liquid storage tanks for storing two liquid reactants; a tank having two interior spaces separated by a diaphragm for receiving the liquid reactants; two pumps for regulating the flow of the liquid reactants from the liquid storage tanks to the interior spaces of the tank, two open-bottom cylinders for storing and dispensing two gases; an electrolysis stack assembly for converting the liquid reactants into two gases; and two submersible pumps for pumping each liquid reactant into an electrolysis stack assembly. Each open-bottom cylinder may comprise a float sensor for determining the amount of fluid entering its cylindrical space. The system may further comprise controllers for regulating ionic concentrations within the two interior spaces. Dispense lines and valves may be utilized to release the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Benjamin Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11050078
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of hydrogen generation and electrolyte regeneration as independent operations in separate redox flow cells. The operations can be decoupled by using an energy-bearing redox pair that electrochemically bears energy facilitating flexible, efficient hydrogen generation. In one example, the hydrogen generation redox flow cell can include a liquid, energy-bearing electrolyte solution in which at least one species of an energy-bearing redox pair is dissolved, to decouple the hydrogen evolution reaction from the reaction at the opposite electrode (e.g., the oxygen evolution reaction of conventional direct water electrolysis). Each species of the energy-bearing redox pair is associated with a standard electrode potential within the water electrolysis window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Dongping Lu, Yuyan Shao, Qian Huang
  • Patent number: 10995985
    Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a gas flow channel, a first hollow fiber module, a second hollow fiber module, a gas driver and a control unit. The gas flow channel is used to accommodate an article and has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first and second hollow fiber modules are disposed at the first and second terminals respectively to adsorb water or to be electrified to desorb water. The gas driver disposed in a gas flow path of the gas flow channel drives the gas flowing into the gas flow channel through the first hollow fiber module and flowing out from the gas flow channel through the second hollow fiber module, or flowing into the gas flow channel through the second hollow fiber module and flowing out from the gas flow channel through the first hollow fiber module. The control unit provides power to the first and second hollow fiber modules and controls the gas driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chin-Chih Tai, Yi-Shan Lee, Yun-Hsin Wang, Cheng-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 10995009
    Abstract: The production of NH3, Urea, UAN, and DAP, starting from inherently intermittent renewable energy, such as photovoltaic and wind power, is made economical by use of molten salt thermal energy storage (ESS) and water electrolyzer (WE) concentrated oxygen. The process inputs and equipment apply air; hydrogen-containing fuel, such as biomass; WE (concentrated O2 and H2 producing); thermal ESS equipped with a turbine and generator to steady the electricity input to the WE; and an ammonia plant. The thermal ESS enables minimally sized process equipment including, the WE, the air separation unit and less hydrogen storage. The concentrated oxygen from the water electrolyzer uniquely enables high-temperature thermal ESS input, water and CO2 collection and other fertilizer products, including Urea, UAN and DAP. DAP production is facilitated by using WE high-purity O2 oxidation and ammonium nitrate is similarly facilitated by anhydrous NH3 oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher Papile
  • Patent number: 10907261
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system for carbon dioxide electrolysis comprising: an anode and a cathode both connected to a voltage supply, wherein the cathode comprises a gas diffusion electrode adjoined by a gas space and a cathode space; an electrolyte circuit; a gas supply delivering carbon dioxide to the gas space; wherein the gas space has an outlet for an electrolyte, carbon dioxide, and product gases produced by electrolysis; a return connection connecting the outlet to the gas supply; and a pump for circulation of carbon dioxide and product gas in the gas space and the return connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Philippe Jeanty, Erhard Magori, Christian Scherer, Angelika Tawil, Kerstin Wiesner-Fleischer, Oliver von Sicard
  • Patent number: 10767272
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system is equipped with a water electrolysis device, a water supply passage, a hydrogen supply passage, a gas-liquid separator, a first water drainage passage, a first water drainage valve, a second water drainage valve, a determination unit, and a valve control unit. In a method of stopping operation of the water electrolysis system, in a water drainage step, in the case that the determination unit determines that operation of the water electrolysis device has been stopped, the first water drainage valve is controlled to be placed in a valve open state, thereby draining liquid water from the gas-liquid separator into the first water drainage passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Daisuke Kurashina, Yukihiro Fukushima
  • Patent number: 10759728
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process and system for the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from a feedstock comprising H2 and COx, wherein x=1-2. The process according to the invention comprises (a) subjecting the gaseous mixture comprising synthesis gas originating from step (c) to DME synthesis by contacting it with a catalyst capable of converting synthesis gas to DME to obtain a gaseous mixture comprising DME; (b) subjecting a gaseous mixture comprising the gaseous mixture originating from step (a) to a separation-enhanced reverse water gas shift reaction; and (c) subjecting the gaseous mixture originating from step (b) to DME/synthesis gas separation to obtain DME and a gaseous mixture comprising synthesis gas, which is recycled to step (a). Herein, the feedstock is introduced in step (a) or step (b) and the molar ratio of H2 to COx in the gaseous mixture which is subjected to step (b) is at least (x+0.8). Also a system for performing the reaction according to the invention is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Franciscus Petrus Felix Van Berkel, Hendricus Adrianus Johannes Van Dijk, Paul Dean Cobden, Willem Gerrit Haije, Jaap Ferdinand Vente
  • Patent number: 10597789
    Abstract: An oxyhydrogen gas supply equipment includes a gas supply unit, an allocating unit and a mixing unit. The gas supply unit includes an electrolysis device, and an oxygen gas delivery pipeline and a hydrogen gas delivery pipeline that are connected to the electrolysis device. The allocating unit includes a buffer tank connected to the oxygen gas delivery pipeline, and a throttle valve connected to the buffer tank and operable to regulate oxygen gas output therefrom. The mixing unit includes a mixing tank connected to the hydrogen gas delivery pipeline and throttle valve, an output pipeline connected to the mixing tank, and a detector for detecting oxygen gas content inside the mixing tank to regulate the oxygen gas output from the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: EPOCH ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 10486986
    Abstract: The electrolyzed water-generating apparatus 1 includes: a first electrode chamber Da; a first water inlet path 4a connected to the first electrode chamber Da to supply the first electrode chamber Da with raw water from outside; a first water outlet path 7a connected to the first electrode chamber Da, and dispensing out of the first electrode chamber Da electrolyzed hydrogen water generated by electrolysis in the first electrode chamber Da; and a charge amount adjuster 10 connected to the electrolysis tank D to adjust an amount of electrical charge to be provided to the electrolyzed hydrogen water. The charge amount adjuster 10 adjusts, based on a flow rate of the raw water, the amount of the electrical charge per unit quantity of the generated electrolyzed hydrogen water through control of an electrolytic current or an electrolytic voltage, so that the adjusted amount of the electrical charge is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: NIHON TRIM CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KOCHI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Katsumi Ishikawa, Daiji Amenomori, Yoshinobu Koizumi, Yasuomi Hamauzu
  • Patent number: 10442688
    Abstract: An ionization chamber is disclosed that can free ions in water creating polarized atoms of hydrogen and oxygen derived from water in the process. The water can be comprised of non-potable waste water. Once the hydrogen and oxygen ions are released, and polarized in the process, the electrons can be aligned such that the end product is the release of hydrogen and the bonding of the oxygen with the free electrons of the other element(s) such as Titanium or Tungsten for example, without high heat or pressure as is normally required. The chamber is comprised of a series of metallic rods, a series of solid nickel mesh plates, a vacuum pump, a dual pulsed D.C. Power supply (from 200-800 VDC pulsed and a low power, ?24 VDC pulsed at 400-600 Hz.), a water bath chamber, a ceramic or Teflon encapsulated feeder assembly, and an R.F. Pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth Stephen Bailey
  • Patent number: 10422045
    Abstract: An improved steel plate alkali electrolyzer uses an anode steel plate, by-polar steel plates, and a cathode steel plate (the number of bi-polar plated is determined by the voltage applied, the formula explained in Claim). The steel plate edges are wrapped with an insulating material to hold them in precise alignment. This unit is housed in a containment vessel, with the anode and cathode steel plates extending past the outside of the containment vessel to make electrical connections outside of liquid filled vessel. Shape and arrangement of the plates enables the gas production to create a circulating electrolyte (without the use of a pump) that produces a cooler operating and more efficient production of Brown's gas per watt, and less expensive to construction than any other known electrolyzer. Design is scalable allowing for a wide range of gas production and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Stanley Wesley Warner
  • Patent number: 10399642
    Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering, processing, containing, and transporting water obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. The ice obtained from the ice source holds unique properties and is processed as a beverage for consumption having unique properties. Further, the resulting product is produced and transported with minimal human alteration and reduced energy input as compared to conventional methods for packaging water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: World's Fresh Waters Pte. Ltd
    Inventors: Allen Szydlowski, Ian Szydlowski, Mickey Fouts
  • Patent number: 10396383
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a cation exchange membrane electrode assembly and an anion exchange membrane electrode assembly. The cation exchange membrane includes a cation exchange membrane, a first cathode electrode disposed on the cation exchange membrane, and a first anode electrode disposed under the cation exchange membrane. The anion exchange membrane electrode assembly includes an anion exchange membrane, a second cathode electrode disposed on the anion exchange membrane, and a second anode electrode disposed under the anion exchange membrane. The cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane partially contact each other, and the first cathode electrode, the first anode electrode, the second cathode electrode, and the second anode electrode do not contact one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hyoung-Juhn Kim, So Young Lee, Jieon Chae, Jong Hyun Jang, Sung Jong Yoo, Jin Young Kim, Hyun Seo Park, Dirk Henkensmeier
  • Patent number: 10164429
    Abstract: An Electrical Power Plant (EPP) derives power through a semi-cone roof and platform serving as a source of distributed electrical/storage energy. Electric power is generated through renewable resource systems mounted upon and within the semi-cone roof. Two paths generate electrical power/heat. A Direct path uses solar panels and wind turbines. An Indirect path has a Compact Solar Heat Generator (CSHG) that generates electrical power and/or heat through a High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE) system to produce hydrogen and oxygen which are fed into Fuel Cells to produce electrical power, pure water and waste heat. The waste heat and pure water are then fed into the Computer Distributer Controller Tank (CDCT) as part of cogenerated energy. These paths are the power input to the EPP that provides a distributed source of electrical/storage power. The CDCT also provides a path for hot water to the Hot Water Heater or Boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Cloyd J. Combs
  • Patent number: 10161053
    Abstract: A control system for an electrolytic cell includes a voltage converter converting an input voltage into a decomposition voltage, a temperature sensor generating a sensed temperature, an electric power sensor generating a sensed voltage, and a control unit storing voltage-temperature characteristics. The control unit determines a voltage that corresponds to the sensed temperature according to one of the voltage-temperature characteristics, and generates, according to a difference between the voltage thus determined and the sensed voltage, a control signal which is provided to the voltage converter such that the decomposition voltage decreases along with increase in the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Jin-Chern Chiou, Pao-Yuan Chang, Yu-Chieh Huang, Chin-Cheng Wu, Huang-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 10151233
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for maintaining a desired engine coolant level and a relative glycol amount in the engine coolant by using water sourced from on-board vehicle systems. In one example, a method may include supplying water to the engine coolant reservoir in response to the engine coolant level decreasing below a threshold. Also, a relative glycol amount in the coolant may be maintained at a threshold amount by adding water to the coolant in response to a relative glycol increasing above the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, John Eric Rollinger, Kenneth James Miller, Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10145020
    Abstract: A method for upgrading bio-mass material is provided. The method involves electrolytic reduction of the material in an electrochemical cell having a ceramic, oxygen-ion conducting membrane, where the membrane includes an electrolyte. One or more oxygenated or partially-oxygenated compounds are reduced by applying an electrical potential to the electrochemical cell. A system for upgrading bio-mass material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Singaravelu Elangovan, Mukund Karanjikar
  • Patent number: 10144660
    Abstract: Equipment and methods facilitating suitable orientation of salt-water chlorinators (SWCs) relative to the gravitational field of the Earth are detailed. So orienting an SWC in this manner reduces risk that the volume defined by its gas trap would not be accessible to hydrogen gas generated by the SWC in use. An accelerometer may be employed in connection with the SWC to assist in assessing orientation of the SWC relative to the gravitational field of the Earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Remi Deloche, Thierry Michelon, Hwa Heng, Mark Bauckman, Ricky Lo
  • Patent number: 10012133
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for maintaining a desired engine coolant level and a relative glycol amount in the engine coolant by using water sourced from on-board vehicle systems. In one example, a method may include supplying water to the engine coolant reservoir in response to the engine coolant level decreasing below a threshold. Also, a relative glycol amount in the coolant may be maintained at a threshold amount by adding water to the coolant in response to a relative glycol increasing above the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, John Eric Rollinger, Kenneth James Miller, Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9873109
    Abstract: To provide a catalyst, which is formed from a perovskite oxide, for thermochemical fuel production, and a method of producing fuel using thermochemical fuel production that is capable of allowing a fuel to be produced in a thermochemical manner. Provided is a catalyst for thermochemical fuel production, which is used for producing the fuel from thermal energy by using a two-step thermochemical cycle of a first temperature and a second temperature that is equal to or lower than the first temperature, wherein the catalyst is formed from a perovskite oxide having a compositional formula of AXO3±? (provided that, 0???1). Here, A represents one or more of a rare-earth element (excluding Ce), an alkaline earth metal element, and an alkali metal element, X represents one or more of a transition metal element and a metalloid element, and O represents oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamazaki, Sossina M. Haile, Chih-Kai Yang
  • Patent number: 9853538
    Abstract: A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella, Yaron Binder
  • Patent number: 9797052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrolytic splitting of water using a carbon-supported manganese oxide (MnOx) composite. Specifically, the present electrolytic splitting of water is carried under neutral electrolyte conditions with a high electrolytic activity, while using an oxygen evolution reaction (OER)-electrode comprising the present carbon-supported MnOx composite. Next, the present invention relates to a process for producing such a carbon-supported MnOx composite as well as to a composite obtainable by the present process for producing the same and to an OER-electrode comprising the carbon-supported MnOx composite obtainable by the present process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fritz Haber Institut der Max Planck Gesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Schlögl, Katharina Mette, Malte Behrens, Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, Arno Bergmann, Peter Strasser
  • Patent number: 9580821
    Abstract: In a control method of a differential pressure water electrolysis system, a reference water level of a gas-liquid separator for normal operations is set to discharge a liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator to a discharge tube. A depressurization reference water level which is a lower water level than the reference water level is set to discharge the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator to the discharge tube upon depressurizing. A depressurization valve is opened to reduce pressure at a cathode side after operation of a differential pressure water electrolysis device has been stopped, in a state with voltage applied. A permissible water level upper limit value at which an open/close valve is opened is switched from the reference water level to the depressurization reference water level when the depressurization valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Akihiro Noda, Yuji Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 9540739
    Abstract: A high differential pressure water electrolysis system includes a high differential pressure water electrolysis device, a water supply tank, a high pressure gas-liquid separator, a hydrogen outlet line, a drain line, a low pressure gas-liquid separator, a water return line, and a pressure maintaining mechanism. The drain line is to drain a liquid water separated by the high pressure gas-liquid separator. The low pressure gas-liquid separator is disposed in the drain line and has a discharge line via which a gas separated by the low pressure gas-liquid separator is to be discharged. The water return line connects the low pressure gas-liquid separator and the water supply tank. The pressure maintaining mechanism is disposed in the discharge line and configured to maintain a pressure in the low pressure gas-liquid separator to be higher than a pressure in the water supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Aoi Miyake
  • Patent number: 9499452
    Abstract: A primary fuel catalyst used to combust a secondary fuel, the primary fuel comprising the gases produced by water electrolysis. When secondary fuels are combusted by the primary fuel, the by-products include heat, water and other more stable by-product materials. When the secondary fuel is a hazardous waste or a radioactive material and either is bound to thermite before combustion, the by-products are no longer hazardous or have significantly reduced radiation levels after one or more passes. Embodiments of the present invention relate to the method for accelerating the decay of hazardous and/or radioactive waste products, and more particularly they relate to the nuclear transmutation of heavy radioactive elements into lighter ones with shorter half-lives and then finally to stable daughter products. Therefore, the invented process relates to reducing the long-term toxicity of hazardous and/or radioactive waste and to, an economic and effective process facility for doing so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Geoffrey Courtright
  • Patent number: 9365600
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for polynuclear manganese cluster compounds, methods of making, methods of use, method of producing hydrogen and oxygen from water, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Galia Maayan, George Christou
  • Patent number: 9315796
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for activating a catalyst using the photothermal effects of photothermal nanomaterials, and more particularly to a method of activating a catalyst at a temperature, at which the catalyst has low or no activity, by irradiating a catalyst-photothermal nanomaterial composite with light. The method can activate the catalyst by increasing only the temperature around the nanomaterials without substantially changing the temperature of the reaction medium. A catalyst that generally has high activity at room temperature can be activated even at low temperature. Catalysts having high activity only under mild conditions are immobilized on photothermal nanomaterials so that they have activity even under low temperature and extreme conditions. The invention is useful when a catalyst substrate unstable at room temperature is used or a catalytic product unstable at room temperature is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Technology
    Inventors: Min Gon Kim, Taihua Li, Yong Beom Shin
  • Patent number: 9118040
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a water/gas porous separator prepared from a polymeric material and one or more conductive cell components that pass through, or are located in close proximity to, the water/gas porous separator, is provided. The inventive cell provides a high level of in-cell electrical conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Smith, James F. McElroy, Jay W. LaGrange
  • Patent number: 9096940
    Abstract: A high pressure water electrolysis system includes a high pressure water electrolysis device, a hydrogen storage device, a high pressure hydrogen pipe, a branch pipe, a non-return valve, a pressure detector, and a controller. The controller includes a threshold storage device, a threshold determination device, and a solenoid valve opening/closing operation device. The threshold storage device is configured to store a first threshold of a pressure value detected by the pressure detector and a second threshold lower than the first threshold. The threshold determination device is configured to determine whether or not the pressure value detected by the pressure detector has reached the second threshold. The solenoid valve opening/closing operation device is configured to open and close a solenoid valve if it is determined that the pressure value detected by the pressure detector has reached the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Hisashi Nagaoka, Jun Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150144501
    Abstract: A method for conditioning hydrogen includes positioning hydrogen on a suction side of an electrochemical compressor. The hydrogen includes at most a fractional amount of an extraneous species. The electrochemical compressor includes a first electrode on a suction side and a second electrode on a pressure side and is configured to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes. The method further includes transporting ions of the hydrogen through a membrane of the electrochemical compressor via the electrical potential in order to increase a hydrogen partial pressure on the pressure side of the electrochemical compressor and such that the extraneous species remains on the suction side of the electrochemical compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Annika Utz, Kai Weeber, Dietmar Steiner
  • Publication number: 20150144500
    Abstract: An energy production and distribution system, a hydrogen production and distribution system, and a method are disclosed. The energy production and distribution system may include one or more previously decommissioned maritime resources positioned in floating and/or adjacent disposition with a body of water. An electricity generating apparatus may be disposed in an off-grid configuration on each of the maritime resources to generate electricity. Electrolysis electrodes may be electrically coupled with the electricity generating apparatus and may disposed to make contact with water in the body of water to perform an electrolysis operation to separate hydrogen from the water using the generated electricity. A hydrogen capturing element may disposed to capture the hydrogen separated from the water. A storage container may hold the hydrogen, and a conduit may be provided to transfer the hydrogen from the hydrogen capturing element to the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Guy L. James
  • Patent number: 9040012
    Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 9034167
    Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen generation system includes an electrolyzer cell, a servo integrated controller, a power control module, a voltage/current feedback device and a temperature feedback device. Servo closed loop control is used to efficiently and effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Evergreen First Start Incorporated
    Inventors: Timm J. Finfrock, James D. Hill, David A. Bateman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9027342
    Abstract: A supplementary intercooler cools engine air after it has passed through the turbocharger of a vehicle's turbocharged internal combustion engine, but before it enters the engine. The unit has an inlet for capturing the turbo's air charge and an outlet for routing the air charge to the engine after passing through the intercooler. A container stores water until it is needed and a water pump transfers water from the container to the unit. This loosened bond of water is then sprayed on capacitor plates under turbo pressure to be converted into hydrogen and injected into the air intake stream making it a totally “hydrogen-on-demand” intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Nicholas Frederick Foy, Ursula Meta Foy
  • Patent number: 9011651
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8999135
    Abstract: A PEM water electrolyzer module and method comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening, at least one oxygen degassing chamber opening, and at least one hydrogen gas collection manifold opening, extending through the structural plate between opposite end faces. The structural plates are arranged in face to face juxtaposition between opposite end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Hinatsu, Michael C. Stemp
  • Publication number: 20150090603
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen production unit for electrolyzing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen (the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen being higher than that of the oxygen), and a gas-liquid separation unit for removing water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen. The gas-liquid separation unit is placed on a hydrogen pipe for discharging the high-pressure hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen production unit. In addition, the water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe for transferring dewatered high-pressure hydrogen from the gas-liquid separation unit, a cooling unit, which is placed on the high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe and is capable of variably controlling the temperature of the high-pressure hydrogen to adjust the humidity of the high-pressure hydrogen, and a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Daisuke KURASHINA, Koji NAKAZAWA, Hisashi NAGAOKA, Hiroyuki ISHIKAWA, Yuji YAMAKAWA, Jun TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8986518
    Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cleanworld Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
  • Patent number: 8974646
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable hydrogen-rich water generator that includes a separable drinking cup, an electrolytic cell which includes an anode, a cathode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, etc. and is disposed at the bottom of the drinking cup, a reservoir base on which the drinking cup is mounted and in which an anode reaction of the electrolytic cell is generated, a float valve which allows water to be continuously supplied at a certain water level from a water tank, and a power supply to apply direct current power to the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Inchol Park, Ilbong Kim
  • Publication number: 20150065688
    Abstract: A method for generating layered structures is disclosed. The method comprises reacting an azide-functionalized material with an alkyne-functionalized material, one of which can be a nanoparticle or a microparticle and the other can be a substrate or another nanoparticle or microparticle. The method also includes generating layered structures having multiple layers which can be built up in multiple azide-alkyne reaction steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Regina Ragan, Sri Sivakumar, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Arun Prakash Upadhyay