Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/637)
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Publication number: 20140318979Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the steps of: (i) oxidising a mediator at a working electrode to yield an oxidised mediator, and reducing protons at a counter electrode to yield hydrogen; and (ii) reducing an oxidised mediator at a working electrode to yield a mediator, and oxidising water at a counter electrode to yield oxygen. wherein the oxygen generation step is performed non-simultaneously to the hydrogen generation step, and the oxidised mediator of step (i) is used as the oxidised mediator of step (ii), or the mediator of step (ii) is used as the mediator of step (i), and the mediator has a reversible redox wave lying between the onset of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Leroy Cronin, Mark Symes
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Publication number: 20140311917Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing high purity, high pressure hydrogen from a low pressure synthesis gas production process. The low pressure synthesis gas is produced from steam or carbon dioxide reforming of hydrocarbons, autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons or partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. The resulting low pressure synthesis gas mixture is fed to an electro-chemical cell wherein hydrogen is separated from the low pressure synthesis gas mixture and subjected to compression and high pressure; high purity hydrogen is recovered from the electro-chemical cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventor: Satish S. Tamhankar
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Patent number: 8864974Abstract: A hydrogen generator comprising an enclosure, a series of spaced plates contained within the enclosure and defining between them liquidtight cells, with a plate forming a first wall of each cell of a nobler material than a plate forming a second wall of that cell, and where a first place of the series is an anode arranged to be connected to a power supply and the last plate of the series is a cathode arranged to be connected to a power supply, an inlet to each cell arranged to allow an electrolyte to flow into the cell, and an outlet from each cell arranged to allow an electrolyte and hydrogen gas to flow out of the cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Printer Ribbon Inkers P.R.I. LimitedInventor: David Geurts
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Patent number: 8864962Abstract: A feed water addition means for an electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Next Hydrogen CorporationInventors: Michael Stemp, Chris Wilson, Jim Hinatsu
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Publication number: 20140291165Abstract: A method for operating an installation for producing hydrogen including at least one high temperature electrolyzer for producing hydrogen, the electrolyzer including a plurality of elementary cells, each including a cathode and an anode separated by an electrolyte, the elementary cells being separated by an interconnection plate, each interconnection plate defining with an adjacent cathode a cathode compartment and with an adjacent anode an anode compartment, the cathodes being made from a cermet containing nickel, the method including: a) raising a temperature of the cells up to an operating temperature of the electrolyzer comprised between 650° C. and 950° C.; b) applying a potential difference on terminals of the elementary cells at least equal to 0.62 V.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Bertrand Morel
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Publication number: 20140261252Abstract: A combination air pressure system and a gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a solution reservoir tank for supplying a fluid mixture to a gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality concentric tubular electrodes consisting of both anode and cathode tubular electrodes with a series of interposed bipolar electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CFT Global, LLC.Inventor: Kenny Kerstiens
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Patent number: 8828216Abstract: Liquid phase processes for producing fuel in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizable reactant with liquid water and at least one electrolyte to form a mixture and conducting a fuel-producing reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material, wherein the mixture permits the movement or transport of ions and electrons to facilitate the efficient production of the fuel. An alternative embodiment produces fuel in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance according to the half-cell reactions occurring at the anode and cathode. Energy generated and/or required by the system components is directed according to the thermodynamic requirements of the half-cell reactions, thereby realizing improved fuel production efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: GRDC, LLCInventor: Maureen A. Grimes
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Publication number: 20140242478Abstract: A redox device, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox device, has at least one redox unit, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox unit, which is intended for carrying out at least one redox reaction with consumption and/or production of a first gas, in particular hydrogen gas, and/or of a second gas, in particular oxygen gas. The redox device includes at least one residual gas purification unit which frees at least one residual gas in the redox unit of at least one gas impurity at least in at least one rest mode of the redox unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBHInventors: Walter JEHLE, Joachim LUCAS, Sebastian MARKGRAF
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Publication number: 20140234193Abstract: Systems are described for dissolving metal silicates to: produce metal hydroxide; remove carbon dioxide or other acid gases from the atmosphere or other gas mixture by reacting such gases with the metal hydroxide; penetrate or excavate metal silicates; extract metals or silicon-containing compounds from metal silicates; and produce hydrogen and oxygen or other gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Gregory Hudson Rau
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Patent number: 8808529Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for providing a renewable source of material resources is provided comprising: a first source of renewable energy; first stream of materials from a first materials source; an electrolyzer coupled to the first source of renewable energy and the first stream of materials, wherein the electrolyzer is configured to produce a first material resource by electrolysis; a processor for further processing or use or the material resource to produce a second material resource, wherein the processor comprises a solar collector and where the solar collector is configured to provide heat to the first materials resource for disassociation; and a material resource storage coupled to the electrolyzer for receiving the material resource from the electrolyzer or providing the material resource to the processor for further processing or use.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 8808512Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GTA, Inc.Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
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Patent number: 8795481Abstract: A power generation system including an electrolyzer may be optimized taking non-linear operational constraints into account with lower processing requirements than current solutions in real time. A pre-processing module assesses non-linear operational constraints in a low-overhead manner and passes results to an optimization module. The optimization module determines an operating power value constrained in accordance with results from the pre-processing module. A post-processing module uses results from the pre-processing and optimization modules to assemble instructions to control the electrolyzer. As a result, optimization may be performed in real time.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mohammad Reza Dadash Zadeh, Amirhossein Hajimiragha, Michael Joseph Krok
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Patent number: 8784619Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system is provided for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines, more particularly to vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank and the water level in the tank. In the case of gasoline engines, the hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: HNO Green Fuels, Inc.Inventor: Donald W Owens
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Publication number: 20140183054Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: AXINE WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Colleen Legzdins
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Publication number: 20140183053Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid (R—SO3—Na). The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the sulfonic acid desulfoxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: CERAMATEC, INC.Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Justin Pendleton
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Patent number: 8764953Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.Inventors: Jacob Karni, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
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Patent number: 8764966Abstract: Both the reaction of hydride-forming compositions with hydrogen to form hydrides, and the decomposition of such hydrides to release hydrogen may be promoted electrochemically. These reactions may be conducted reversibly, and if performed in a suitable cell, the cell will serve as a hydrogen storage and release device.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 8741123Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus including an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is provided between an anode and a cathode. The water electrolysis apparatus is configured to generate oxygen on a side of the anode and hydrogen on a side of the cathode at a pressure higher than a pressure of the oxygen through electrolysis of water. A gas-liquid separation apparatus separates unreacted water and produced gas discharged from a water outlet of the water electrolysis apparatus. A water circulation apparatus circulates the water between the water electrolysis apparatus and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water circulation apparatus includes a return pipe having an on-off valve and connecting the water outlet and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. A hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the return pipe between the water outlet and the on-off value and extends upward from the water electrolysis apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Masanori Okabe, Hisashi Nagaoka, Koji Nakazawa
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Patent number: 8734632Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: H2 Pump, LLCInventor: Glenn A. Eisman
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Patent number: 8734623Abstract: Techniques for maintenance-free on-demand high-efficient hydrogen generation using a small amount of electricity are described. A piece of foam is provided in the fluid used to generate the hydrogen. The foam, similar to a sponge structure, includes a plurality of open cells to accommodate the fluid. In a sense, the foam has been made to have the maximum contact with the fluid. When applied on with an electrical power (current or voltage), the fluid causes electrolysis and pyrolysis to happen so as to generate hydrogen and oxygen (oxy-hydrogen). Depending on implementation, the electrical power is electronically pulsed electricity and helps drive the fluid in a container to vibrate at an electrical resonance of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Powerquest LLCInventors: Patrick Zuili, Daren Stabinski, Todd Stabinski, George Bitton
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Patent number: 8721868Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a photovoltaic system that provides both electricity and low-grade heat, together with many options of utilizing the energy. The electricity may efficiently be used to drive a high-pressure electrolyzer that produces hydrogen. The hydrogen pressure may be boosted to a final compression of at least 700 bar. In one embodiment the pressure may be boosted using a metal-hydride compressor and stored. The stored high pressure hydrogen may be used to fill fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) tanks. The electricity can also be used to efficiently charge the batteries in an extended range electric vehicle (EREV).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nelson A. Kelly, Thomas L. Gibson, Mei Cai
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Patent number: 8721866Abstract: A method for electrochemical production of synthesis gas from carbon dioxide is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may bubble the carbon dioxide into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbon dioxide into a plurality of components. Step (B) may establish a molar ratio of the components in the synthesis gas by adjusting at least one of (i) a cathode material and (ii) a surface morphology of the cathode. Step (C) may separate the synthesis gas from the solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Liquid Light, Inc.Inventors: Narayanappa Sivasankar, Emily Barton Cole, Kyle Teamey
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Publication number: 20140124380Abstract: A method for producing organic liquid fuels and other valuable products in which an organic compound is provided to an anode electrode having a metal oxide catalyst disposed on an anode side of an electrolyte membrane, thereby producing an organic liquid fuel and/or other valuable organic product and electrons on the anode side. The electrons are conducted to a cathode electrode disposed on a cathode side of the electrolyte membrane, thereby transforming water provided to the cathode side to H2 gas and hydroxide ions. The method is carried out at a temperature less than or equal to about 160° C., preferably at room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Qinbai Fan
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Patent number: 8715583Abstract: Among other things, hydrogen is released from water at a first location using energy from a first energy source; the released hydrogen is stored in a metal hydride slurry; and the metal hydride slurry is transported to a second location remote from the first location.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Safe Hydrogen, LLCInventors: Andrew W. McClaine, Kenneth Brown
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Patent number: 8709229Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid sulfur electrolyzer to generate hydrogen is provided that includes the steps of providing an anolyte with a concentration of sulfur dioxide, and applying a current. During steady state generation of hydrogen a plot of applied current density versus concentration of sulfur dioxide is below a boundary line. The boundary line may be linear and extend through the origin of the graph with a slope of 0.001 in which the current density is measured in mA/cm2 and the concentration of sulfur dioxide is measured in moles of sulfur dioxide per liter of anolyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLCInventors: John L. Steimke, Timothy J. Steeper, David T. Herman
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Patent number: 8709221Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method provides a current regulating device that controls or regulates the current provided to electrolysis chambers that produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. One embodiment of the current regulating device uses the temperature of the fluid in the electrolysis chambers to control the widths of the pulses delivered to the electrolysis chambers to regulate production. Another embodiment of the current regulating device regulates and limits the average current delivered to the electrolysis chambers by adjusting the pulse widths, according to the current demanded during each conduction pulse.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Andrew L. Smith
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Patent number: 8709230Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting ions in order to produce gas from liquid. A first electric field source is electrically insulated from the liquid by an insulating layer. A first conductive deionization surface is positioned in the liquid and within a field line of the first electric field source. An electric conductor is connected to the first conductive deionization surface to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions located on the first conductive deionization surface. The gas is produced on said first conductive deionization surface when said first conductive deionization surface is positioned within the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: HPT (Hydrogen Production Technology) AGInventor: David Haitin
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Publication number: 20140110271Abstract: The process describes performing electrolysis on an alkaline oxygenate mixture to produce hydrogen. In this process the electrolysis does not form any significant amounts of oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANYInventors: Mahaprasad Kar, Sourabh Pansare, John T. Gorke, Edgar Lotero, Neal D. McDaniel, Danielle K. Smith, Dennis G. Schultz, Kristi A. Fjare, Bruce B. Randolph, Sikta Patnaik, Uchenna P. Paul, Madhu Anand
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Patent number: 8702917Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Process Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brent A Simmons, Gunnar T Thordarson, James C. Robertson
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Patent number: 8696876Abstract: A novel electromechanical, chemical, thermal apparatus having the combined properties of a voltage intensifier, a diode and a capacitor for the molecular breakdown of water into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The instant invention uses only water (tap water, distilled water, purified water, etc.) without the need of adding any electrolyte. The system comprises a unique molecular reactor core having conductive inner and outer windings and a molecular reactor control assembly having water level controls via a float switch mechanism and temperature control process serving as the basis for the unique operation of the system. The instant invention provides a novel combination of the molecular reactor core and molecular reactor control assembly, in conjunction with a means for replenishing the water therein, all powered and controlled by simple control circuitry, and having usage implications for various functions, including but not limited to the generation of hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Michael F. Houser
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Publication number: 20140099252Abstract: An approach for supplying hydrogen and/or deuterium to LENR and E-Cat based energy generating systems includes receiving a source material that is rich in hydrogen and/or deuterium. A gaseous form of at least one of those elements is extracted from the source material via electrochemical dissociation, hydrocarbon recovery, or a suitable mechanical process. The gaseous form of the element is preferably filtered to remove water vapor and other impurities before being pressurized and supplied to the energy generating system. Advantages of the approach include enhanced safety and system portability due to elimination of a need for pressurized gas storage tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Marc Kenneth Chason, Daniel Roman Gamota, Rick Latella
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Patent number: 8691070Abstract: An electrolysis system which comprises a generator adapted to hold water and gases with a first and second electrode, a bubbler reservoir connected to the generator via hoses adapted to dispense water from the bubbler reservoir into the generator and adapted to allow oxygen and hydrogen gas from the generator to rise into the bubbler reservoir with dryers adapted to hold water and gases fluidly, deliver oxygen and hydrogen gas, to hold acetic add and gases, and adapted to connect to an engine, allowing hydrogen gas to pass to the engine, and a controller connected with electrodes to provide an electric current so that water in the generator is converted to oxygen and hydrogen gas via standard electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: William J. Burkett, Kenneth Buchanan
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Patent number: 8691068Abstract: Two classes of hybrid/thermochemical water splitting processes for the production of hydrogen and oxygen have been proposed based on (1) metal sulfate-ammonia cycles (2) metal pyrosulfate-ammonia cycles. Methods and systems for a metal sulfate MSO4—NH3 cycle for producing H2 and O2 from a closed system including feeding an aqueous (NH3)4SO3 solution into a photoctalytic reactor to oxidize the aqueous (NH3)4SO3 into aqueous (NH3)2SO4 and reduce water to hydrogen, mixing the resulting aqueous (NH3)2SO4 with metal oxide (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Cunping Huang, Ali T-Raissi, Nazim Muradov
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Patent number: 8685224Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Innovative Energy Systems and Design, LLCInventors: Tony W. Russo, Pamela Restis
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Publication number: 20140080927Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating hydrogen. In this process an aqueous liquid is exposed to carbon dioxide and a current is passed through the aqueous liquid so as to generate hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventor: Russell Beckett
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Publication number: 20140065513Abstract: An ion-conducting composite electrolyte is provided comprising path-engineered ion-conducting ceramic electrolyte particles and a solid polymeric matrix. The path-engineered particles are characterized by an anisotropic crystalline structure and the ionic conductivity of the crystalline structure in a preferred conductivity direction H associated with one of the crystal planes of the path-engineered particle is larger than the ionic conductivity of the crystalline structure in a reduced conductivity direction L associated with another of the crystal planes of the path-engineered particle. The path-engineered particles are sized and positioned in the polymeric matrix such that a majority of the path-engineered particles breach both of the opposite major faces of the matrix body and are oriented in the polymeric matrix such that the preferred conductivity direction H is more closely aligned with a minimum path length spanning a thickness of the matrix body than is the reduced conductivity direction L.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, Jacqueline Leslie Brown, Katherine A. Fink, Atanas Valentinov Gagov, Cameron Wayne Tanner
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Patent number: 8663434Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis device, a gas-liquid separator, a water-amount detector, a hydrogen storage device, a hydrogen storage device, a decompressing device, and a control device. The control device includes a residual capacity calculator, a hydrogen production amount calculator, and an electrolysis termination determiner. The residual capacity calculator is configured to calculate a residual capacity of the hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen production amount calculator is configured to calculate an amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis device in a drainage period in which the amount of water in the gas-liquid separator increases to an upper limit from a lower limit. The electrolysis termination determiner is configured to terminate the water electrolysis process when the amount of hydrogen calculated by the hydrogen production amount calculator is greater than the residual capacity calculated by the residual capacity calculator.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8663448Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: H2 Pump, LLCInventor: Glenn A Eisman
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Publication number: 20140054181Abstract: A hydrogen generating device comprising an anode, a cathode, a housing having an internal cavity and a perforated wall within the cavity electrically connected to the anode or the cathode and separating an end portion of the cavity from a main portion of the cavity. The device includes water in the housing extending continuously from the main portion of the cavity through the perforated wall and into the end portion of the cavity. The housing includes two ends and a perforated wall within the cavity near each end separating end portions of the cavity from a main portion of the cavity, the anode or the cathode extending through one end of the housing through one perforated wall into the main portion of the cavity, through the other perforated wall into the other end portion of the cavity and through the other end of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: HYDRORIPP LLCInventor: Scott Gotheil-Yelle
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Publication number: 20140048423Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONGInventors: Gerhard Frederick Swiegers, David Leslie Officer, Gordon George Wallace
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Publication number: 20140034506Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemically generating an oxidation product and a reduction product may include one or more operations including, but not limited to: receiving a feed of at least one organic compound into an anolyte region of an electrochemical cell including an anode; at least partially oxidizing the at least one organic compound at the anode to generate at least carbon dioxide; receiving a feed including carbon dioxide into a catholyte region of the electrochemical cell including a cathode; and at least partially reducing carbon dioxide to generate a reduction product at the cathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Liquid Light, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Teamey, Jerry J. Kaczur, Narayanappa Sivasankar, Paul Majsztrik, Emily Barton Cole, Andrew B. Bocarsly
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Publication number: 20140027304Abstract: An electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells through which a working fluid flows, and an external electrical energy source electrically connected to the electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode connected to the electrical energy source; a cathode connected to the electrical energy source; an ion exchange membrane disposed between and in electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass an electrochemically motive material of the working fluid from the anode to the cathode, the ion exchange membrane comprising polar ionic groups attached to nonpolar chains; and a non-aqueous solvent comprising polar molecules, the polar molecules of the non-aqueous solvent being associated with and electrostatically attracted to the polar ionic groups of the ion exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: XERGY INCORPORATEDInventors: Bamdad Bahar, Walther Grot, William Parmelee
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Patent number: 8636880Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride, comprising an anode compartment including an anode disposed in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid, a cathode compartment including a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst, and a cation exchange membrane disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada LimitedInventor: Lorne Stolberg
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Patent number: 8632663Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen production device high in light use efficiency and capable of producing hydrogen with high efficiency. The hydrogen production device according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion part having a light acceptance surface and a back surface, a first gas generation part provided on the back surface, and a second gas generation part provided on the back surface, in which one of the first gas generation part and the second gas generation part is a hydrogen generation part to generate H2 from an electrolytic solution, another one thereof is an oxygen generation part to generate O2 from the electrolytic solution, the first gas generation part is electrically connected to the back surface, and the second gas generation part is electrically connected to the light acceptance surface via a first conductive part.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
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Patent number: 8623195Abstract: An electrolyser (100) comprising an electrolysis cell stack (101) inside a pressure vessel (115), wherein the first terminal end plate (107a) of the cell stack is integral with one a closed ends of the pressure vessel, thus forming a stationary head (107) of the cell stack equipped with the fluid and electric connections, and the second terminal end plate (108a) of the cell stack is inside the vessel and is free to move in a longitudinal direction in response to thermal expansion or contraction, thus forming a floating head (108) of the stack. The pressure vessel (115) is preferably pressurized using a gaseous product obtained in the process of electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Casale Chemicals SAInventor: Giancarlo Sioli
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Publication number: 20130334060Abstract: An integrated process for hydrogen gas production includes: a. operating a water electrolysis cell with an external source of electricity to produce oxygen and hydrogen; b. optionally operating an air separation unit to produce additional oxygen for the process; c. introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a membrane wall gasification reactor with an ash-forming material and steam, and oxygen from the electrolysis cell and, optionally, oxygen from the air separation unit to produce hot raw synthesis gas; d. passing the hot raw synthesis gas from the gasification reactor to a steam-generating heat exchanger to produce steam and a cooled raw synthesis gas; e. introducing the steam generated in the heat exchanger into a turbine to produce electricity to operate the electrolysis cell; and f. recovering the hydrogen gas from the water electrolysis cell and, optionally, subjecting the synthesis gas to a water-gas shift reaction to increase the hydrogen content and recovering the hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Omer Refa KOSEOGLU, Jean Pierre BALLAGUET
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Publication number: 20130337368Abstract: An ion-permeable web-reinforced separator, said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator comprising two separator elements separated by an (optionally integrated) substantially hollow by-pass channel, wherein the separator elements each comprise a binder and a metal oxide or hydroxide dispersed therein and the separator elements have a bubble point of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and a back-wash resistance of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and optionally have a specific resistance less than 4 ?-cm at 30° C. in 6M potassium hydroxide solution; an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas, said electrochemical cell comprising said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator; and the use thereof in an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: VITO NVInventors: Willy DOYEN, Yolanda Alvarez Gallego
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Patent number: 8608936Abstract: A device for producing hydrogen in an electric field includes a shaft rotationally coupled via bearings to a vacuum protection housing, which encloses a disc like structure fastened to the shaft that supplies a split medium provided through inlet channels situated at one longitudinal end of the shaft to split cells arranged at a periphery of the disc like structure. Each split cell includes first and second electrodes. To the vacuum protection housing are fastened diffusor-spirals where a produced gas and a material residue from the split cells are provided through a plurality of nozzles, each of which is arranged inside one of the diffusor-spirals with minimal clearance between an outer wall of the nozzle and an inner wall of the associated diffusor-spiral. A rotation of the disk like structure is supported by a gas pressure generated by the produced gas emitted from the nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Åge Jørgen Skomsvold
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Publication number: 20130317959Abstract: An electrolyser operates within an energy system, for example to provide grid services, energy storage or fuel, or to produce hydrogen from electricity produced from renewable resources. The electrolyser may be configured to operate at frequently or quickly varying rates of electricity consumption or to operate at a specified power consumption. In one process of operating an electrolyser, a series of dispatches is received indicating a specified power consumption for a period of time. The dispatches may occur at least once every 30 minutes. The electrolyser is operated according to the dispatches. Hydrogen produced by the electrolyser is discharged to a natural gas system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Nathaniel Ian JOOS, Joseph CARGNELLI
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Patent number: 8591718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Lane, Gervase Maxwell Christie, Dante Patrick Bonaquist