Utilizing Inorganic Solid Electrolyte Patents (Class 205/629)
  • Patent number: 11469430
    Abstract: An electrode comprising galvanic membranes having a thickness defined by an average length of vectors normal to a membrane first surface and extending to where said vectors intersect a membrane uncompressed second surface; a non-porous metal sheet having first and second surfaces; a non-porous dielectric sheet having first and second surfaces; square weave metal wire screens having a wire diameter slightly greater than one half the at least one galvanic membrane thickness dimension; wherein, at least one galvanic membrane is adjacent the metal wire screen on the at least one galvanic membrane first and second surfaces in a stack of membranes and screens; the metal wire screen is adjacent the first surface of the non-porous dielectric sheet; the second surfaces of non-porous metal sheets have a sustained pressure of at least 7 million Pascal; and; the metal wire screen is collectively in incompressible vertical alignment with another metal wire screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC
    Inventor: Halbert P. Fischel
  • Patent number: 11332832
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the management of fluids required to operate a fixed or mobile installation, the method including an operation of the anodic oxidation of a solution of hydrogen peroxide (P) for the purpose of producing oxygen, water and hydrogen cations by subjecting the solution to an electric current produced by an electrical power source. Also disclosed is a device that makes it possible to implement the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Morou Boukari, Marc Auriol
  • Patent number: 10081872
    Abstract: A hydrogen production system that achieves a highly-efficient hydrogen production operation even when a time-varying electric power source is used is provided. A hydrogen production system includes a capacitor inputting electric power energy from a renewable power supply, and storing electric power, a pulse voltage generation unit generating a pulse voltage having a set amplitude and a set cyclic period by using the electric power stored in the capacitor, and an electrolytic cell applying the generated pulse voltage, and generating hydrogen by high temperature steam electrolysis by using steam supplied into the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masafumi Komai, Masahiko Yamada, Tsuneji Kameda, Yuko Kawajiri, Seiji Fujiwara, Hisao Watanabe, Hiroyuki Yamauchi, Yasuo Takagi
  • Patent number: 9435111
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing physical assets for civil and/or industrial facilities on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same. Such a kit allows in fact to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be applied on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, thus advantageously and significantly reducing, either the costs and the volume and bulk of the materials. The process comprises the steps of enriching the regolite present in the soil in ilmenite or in iron oxides, then mixing it with aluminum powder and sending the resulting mixture to a reaction chamber for the obtention of constructive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: Università degli Studi di Cagliari Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Materiali, A.S.I Agenzia Italiana Spaziale
    Inventors: Giacomo Cao, Alessandro Concas, Massimo Pisu, Roberto Orru′, Roberta Licheri, Gianluca Corrias, Claudio Zanotti
  • Patent number: 9011650
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. While the catholyte compartment houses a primary cathode, the anolyte compartment houses an anode and a secondary cathode. In some cases, a current is passed through the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydrogen gas. In other cases, a current is passed between the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas. In still other cases, hydrogen peroxide is channeled between the secondary cathode and the membrane to form hydroxyl ions. In yet other cases, the cell includes a diffusion membrane disposed between the secondary cathode and the anode. In each of the aforementioned cases, the cell functions to maintain the pH of a fluid contacting the membrane at an acceptably high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Ashok V. Joshi
  • Publication number: 20140284220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating hydrogen and oxygen adsorbates by steam electrolysis at 200 to 800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Béatrice Sala, Frédéric Grasset, Olivier Lacroix, Abdelkader Sirat, Kamal Rahmouni, Michel Keddam, Hisasi Takenouti, Dominique Goeuriot, Baroudi Bendjeriou, Philippe Colomban, Arie Van Der Lee, José Grégorio Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20140287341
    Abstract: A novel modified anode/electrolyte structure for a solid oxide electrochemical cell is an assembly comprising (a) an anode consisting of a backbone of electronically conductive perovskite oxides selected from the group of doped strontium titanates and mixtures thereof, (b) a scandia and yttria-stabilised zirconium oxide electrolyte and (c) a metallic and/or a ceramic electrocatalyst in the shape of interlayers incorporated in the interface between the anode and the electrolyte. This assembly is first sintered at a given temperature and then at a lower temperature in reducing gas mixtures. These heat treatments resulted in a distribution of the metallic and/or ceramic interlayers in the electrolyte/anode backbone junction taking place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Jens Høgh, Eugen Stamate
  • Patent number: 8815063
    Abstract: A high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes a plurality of unit cells each having an anode separator, a cathode separator, and a membrane electrode assembly which is sandwiched between the anode separator and the cathode separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode current collector and a cathode current collector which are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. An electrically-conductive member is interposed between the cathode separator and disc springs and between a plate member and the cathode current collector so as to integrally extend from a region between the cathode separator and the disc springs to a region between the plate member and the cathode current collector. The electrically-conductive member includes an electrically-conductive path which electrically connects the cathode separator with the cathode current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe
  • Patent number: 8591718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a carbon monoxide containing product in which cathode and anode sides of an electrically driven oxygen separation device are contacted with carbon dioxide and a reducing agent, respectively. The carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide through ionization of oxygen and the reducing agent lowers the partial pressure of oxygen at the anode side to partially drive oxygen ion transport within the device through the consumption of the oxygen and to supply heat. The lowering of oxygen partial pressure reduces voltage and therefore, electrical power required to be applied to the device and the heat is supplied to heat the device to an operational temperature and to the reduction of the carbon dioxide occurring at the cathode side. The device can be used as part of an integrated apparatus in which the carbon dioxide is supplied from a waste stream of a process plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Lane, Gervase Maxwell Christie, Dante Patrick Bonaquist
  • Patent number: 8361304
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for producing high-pressure hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water and a casing. The casing defines therein an accommodating chamber accommodating the water electrolysis apparatus etc. therein, first electric component compartments separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a controller and an electrolysis power supply therein, the first electric component compartments having first fans for introducing external air, and a second electric component compartment separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a relay, the second electric component compartment being connected to the first electric component compartments by a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Yoshida, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Jun Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8262896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam 20 with a proton conducting membrane 7 supported on a porous redox stable substrate 8, through said substrate 8. The membrane 7 is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode 15 coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode 9,11 coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam 20, into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode 15. The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen 23 at the cathode 9, 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Angela Kruth, Cristian Daniel Savaniu, Shanwen Tao
  • Publication number: 20120171587
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conducting materials such as mixed ionically and electrically conducting materials. A variety of materials, material compositions, materials with advantageous ratios of ionically and electrically conducting components, structures including such materials, and the like are provided in accordance with the invention. In one aspect, the invention relates to conducting ceramics for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for hydrogen gas generation from a gasified hydrocarbon stream. One aspect of the invention provides a material comprising a first phase comprising a ceramic ionic conductor, and a second phase comprising a ceramic electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CTP Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Shindle, Scott C. Rackey, Gonghou Wang, Reinder J. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20120129079
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a high differential pressure electrochemical cell which encompasses a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, said chambers being separated by a membrane, the membrane being ion-conductive, in particular proton-conductive, and electrically insulating, the membrane having a first surface in the high pressure chamber and a second surface in the low pressure chamber, the first surface being provided with a first electrode, and the second surface being provided with a second electrode, the first and second electrodes being electroconductively connected to each other via an electric circuit, wherein the membrane comprises at least two ion-conductive layers, wherein at least one of said ion-conductive layers is electrically insulating and at least one of said ion-conductive layers is electrically conductive. The high differential pressure electrochemical cell preferably is an ionic gas compressor, an ionic gas decompressor, or a high pressure electrolyser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HYET HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Middelman, Marleen Middelman-Koornneef
  • Patent number: 8163158
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell is controlled for operation under varying electrical power supply conditions. A flow of feed stock to the cell includes an electrolysis reactant at a controlled concentration. A varying amount of electrical power is supplied to the cell to produce an electrolysis reaction that generates a first reaction product at a first side of the cell and a second reaction product at a second side of the cell. The reactant concentration is adjusted as the electrical power varies to substantially maintain the cell at its thermal neutral voltage during cell operation. The cell may be used in an electrolysis system powered by a renewable energy source with varying power output (e.g., wind, solar, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ENRG, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 8070922
    Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a monolithic body having first and second channels extending longitudinally therein. An electrode is operatively disposed in the first channels and a counter-electrode is operatively disposed in the second channels. The second channels are formed in the monolithic body so each second channel is electrically isolated from, yet adjacent to a first channel, resulting in an alternating configuration of first and second channels. The first channels have fluid or oxygen flowing therethrough, while the second channels have the other of oxygen or fluid flowing therethrough. An output manifold, having an oxygen collection area separated from a fluid collection area, operatively engages with the monolithic body. The oxygen collection area receives substantially pure oxygen from one of the second or first channels, and the fluid collection area receives oxygen-depleted fluid from the other of the first or second channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Oxus America, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Nelson, Gerald R. Stabel, Joshua J. Titus, Alfred R. Webster
  • Patent number: 8048276
    Abstract: Solid oxide stacks used as fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen or other sources. By an electrolysis process such standard fuel cells can be operated in order to create hydrogen or other electro chemical by-products. Unfortunately stacks generally operate at relatively high temperatures which will be difficult to sustain purely on economic grounds. In such circumstances less efficient operation can be achieved at lower temperatures where the air-specific resistance is higher by balancing with the electrical power input in order to cause the disassociation required. In such circumstances by provision of an incident heat source, whether that be through a heat exchanger heating the compressed air flow, or recycling of a proportion of exhaust from the stack, or combustion of a product from stack disassociation the result will be a sustaining electrolysis operation reducing the amount of expensive electrical supply required to achieve dissociation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Cristiano Balestrino, Gerard D. Agnew, Michele Bozzolo
  • Patent number: 7964068
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a membrane-electrode assembly having a first electrode having a shape of a rod-form or a cylindrical-form, a strip-form diaphragm covering the periphery of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on a surface of the strip-form diaphragm; an electrolytic unit containing the membrane-electrode assembly; an electrolytic water ejecting apparatus containing the electrolytic unit; and a method of sterilization using the membrane-electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Permelec Electrode Ltd., Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kitaori, Kota Sekido, Genzo Yamane, Katsumi Hamaguchi, Hozumi Tanaka, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Patent number: 7914660
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling the pH of a solution using electrolysis in a microfluidic device comprising an electrolysis device including an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a partition membrane between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, wherein the anode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet through which an anode chamber solution enters and is discharged from the anode chamber, respectively, and an electrode, and the cathode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet through which a cathode chamber solution enters and is discharged from the cathode chamber, respectively, and an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Joon-ho Kim, Chang-eun Yoo, Kyu-youn Hwang, Hee-kyun Lim
  • Patent number: 7906006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam (20) with a proton conducting membrane (7) supported on a porous redox stable substrate (8), through said substrate (8). The membrane (7) is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode (15) coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode (9, 11) coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam (20), into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode (15). The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen (23) at the cathode (9, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Angela Kruth, Cristian Daniel Savaniu, Shanwen Tao
  • Patent number: 7491309
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and a method for the production of hydrogen. The system advantageously combines an independent high temperature heat source with a solid oxide electrolyzer cell and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the molecular components such as hydrogen derived from the electrolysis. A portion of the hydrogen generated in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell is recombined with steam and recycled to the solid oxide electrolyzer cell. The oxygen generated on the anode side is swept with compressed air and used to drive a gas turbine that is in operative communication with a generator. Electricity generated by the generator is used to drive the electrolysis in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Maxwell Peter, Chellappa Balan, James Anthony Ruud, Stephane Renou, Kenneth Walter Browall
  • Patent number: 7381313
    Abstract: A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup of the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cara Suzanne Libby, Richard Scott Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7351316
    Abstract: Water electrolysis device determining stable isotopic composition of water and a water electrolysis method for stable isotopic composition of water capable of analyzing many samples easily, safely and at low cost in very short time, and rapidly analyzing 17O are provided. The water electrolysis device performing mass spectrometry of hydrogen or oxygen stable isotopic composition includes a proton exchange membrane of fluorocarbon polymer plated non-electrolytically with platinum, iridium, rhodium or iridium-rhodium alloy, and a cathode and an anode of porous titanium plated with platinum and sandwiching the proton exchange membrane, wherein water electrolyzes by introduction into the anode side chamber and supplying DC current between the anode and the cathode, and oxygen gas generated at the anode and hydrogen gas generated at the cathode respectively flows into an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Naohiro Yoshida, Osamu Abe, Ryu Uemura, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7244771
    Abstract: A commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system for efficiently producing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products. The major volatile by product of most fermentation processes is carbon dioxide. The commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system generally includes commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system for producing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products. The composition includes providing wind and/or solar generated energy to a electrolysis unit, providing water to the electrolysis unit, separating the water within the electrolysis unit into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, supplying the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas to a turbine, sending the hydrogen gas, heated carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, producing ethanol and methanol within the Fischer-Tropsch reactor and collecting the mixture of ethanol and methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Gary F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7238728
    Abstract: A commercial production of synthetic fuel from fiber system for reducing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products from fibrous plant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Gary F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7153409
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell and hydrogen storage in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrode, the hydrogen storage comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. In one embodiment, the method for operating an electrochemical cell system, comprises introducing water to an oxygen electrode and electrolyzing the water to form oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons, wherein the hydrogen ions migrate to a hydrogen electrode. The hydrogen ions can then be reacted with the electrons to form hydrogen gas that is stored in at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Frano Barbir
  • Publication number: 20040232004
    Abstract: Pure water 3 is made to pass through a carbon dioxide contact mechanism 8, to become carbonated water 6, and is supplied to the ozone gas and hydrogen gas generation section 1, so the concentration of generated ozone gas become stable at all time. As a result, the concentration of the generated ozone gas is high and stable at all times, and high concentration can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Isao Sawamoto, Takazou Hirose, Takayuki Jizaimaru
  • Patent number: 6790414
    Abstract: An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: InventQjaya Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Tsepin Tsai, Sadeg M. Faris
  • Patent number: 6783885
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Trent M. Molter
  • Publication number: 20040124095
    Abstract: High-purity hydrogen is recovered from a pyrolysis gas, composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, produced by pyrolysis of an organic material such as biomass. A method for producing such high-purity hydrogen includes supplying a reducing gas produced by pyrolysis of an organic material to an anode side of a high-temperature steam electrolyzer having a diaphragm comprising solid oxide electrolyte; and supplying steam to a cathode side of the high-temperature steam electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen by electrolytic action. The oxygen produced in the cathode side of the high-temperature electrolyzer passes through the diaphragm and reacts with the reducing gas to create concentration gradient of oxygen ion, thus lowering electrolysis voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujimura, Chi Matsumura, Takahiro Oshita, Kanichi Ito
  • Patent number: 6613215
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Patent number: 6544404
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation of oxygen from an oxygen-containing fluid using novel membranes, formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating. The process exhibits exceptionally high rates of oxygen flux. The process uses membranes that are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, which are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25° C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Mazanec, Thomas L. Cable
  • Patent number: 6541159
    Abstract: A solid-state hydroxide (OH−) conductive membrane provides up to five times higher ionic conductivity and surface oxygen exchange rate than conventional MIEC membranes, while operating at significantly lower temperatures and providing reduced overall system cost. The hydroxide conductive membrane utilizes a porous ceramic backbone, pores of which are injected with an electrolyte. A catalyst is provided as discrete layers disposed at the anode and cathode. The membrane of the present invention may be utilized in combination with an external voltage source to drive the oxygen generating reaction. Alternatively, the pores may be metallized and a pressure gradient utilized to drive the reaction. The membrane thus provides discrete materials to provide ionic conduction, electronic conduction, and structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventors: Lin-Feng Li, Wayne Yao, Muguo Chen
  • Patent number: 6471850
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Trent M. Molter
  • Patent number: 6383361
    Abstract: A fluid management system for use in water electrolysis systems for filtering the system water and recombining hydrogen and oxygen. The fluid management system includes a phase separation tank having a filter containing a catalyzed ion exchange resin. Hydrogen/water mixture and an oxygen/water mixture are introduced into the resin where hydrogen is recombined with oxygen to produce recovered water. Trace contaminant ions and particles are removed from the water by the ion exchange resin and the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Trent M. Molter, Robert J. Friedland
  • Publication number: 20010050234
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is disclosed, wherein a MEA is provided within a vessel. The MEA includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The vessel is disposed around the MEA, and defines a first storage area in fluid communication with the first electrode. The MEA defines a second storage region in fluid communication the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jason K. Shiepe