Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/637)
  • Patent number: 8574422
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel by combining the fuel with a gas comprising both oxygen and steam, and passing the resulting mixture through a plasma generated by a microwave plasma generator between opposed electrodes. At least one of the electrodes defines a duct for outflow of gaseous material from the vicinity of the plasma, and the gas mixture emerging from the outflow duct contains hydrogen. The fuel undergoes partial oxidation and steam reforming, the reactions being initiated by the plasma rather than by a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Philip Michael Beech, Stuart Leigh Jones, James Timothy Shawcross
  • Patent number: 8568582
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively removing hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing fluid volume are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM) selectively permeable to hydrogen by exclusively conducting hydrogen ions. The system also includes metal deposited as layers onto opposite sides or faces of the PEM to form a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), each layer functioning as an electrode so that the MEA functions as an electrochemical cell in which the ionic conductors are hydrogen ions, and the MEA functioning as a hydrogen selective membrane (HSM) when located at the boundary between a hydrogen-containing fluid volume and a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory C. Glatzmaier
  • Patent number: 8568573
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising spaced-apart electrode structural support members extending from a first sidewall to a second sidewall, the spaced-apart electrode structural support members each having at least one photoelectrode and counterelectrode coupled to respective terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to a power supply, and at least one ultraviolet light source between the spaced-apart electrode support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
  • Publication number: 20130277229
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel metal complexes useful as catalysts in redox reactions (such as, hydrogen (H2) production). In particular, the invention provides novel transition metal (e.g., cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni)) complexes, in which the transition metal is coupled with N,N-Bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2?-Bipyridine-6-methanamine (DPA-Bpy), 6?-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridin-6-amine (DPA-ABpy), or a derivative thereof. The invention also relates to a method of producing H2 from an aqueous solution by using the metal complex as a catalyst. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a metal complex of the formulae as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: University of Memphis Research Foundation
    Inventor: University of Memphis Research Foundation
  • Patent number: 8562929
    Abstract: A method for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a combustion exhaust gas treatment system is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The ammonia generator, which includes an electrolysis apparatus including an electrolytic flow cell, an alkaline electrolyte composition, and a recirculation system, may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20130256152
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising an anode in an anode region and a cathode in a cathode region, the anode region and the cathode regions separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; an anolyte in flowing fluid communication with the anode, the anolyte comprising water and a redox mediator couple which is at least partially oxidised at the anode in operation of the cell and at least partially reduced by reaction with water after such oxidation at the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ACAL ENERGY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Martin Creeth
  • Publication number: 20130256149
    Abstract: A microbial electrolysis cell having a brush anode is described. A method of producing products, such as hydrogen, at the cathode of the microbial electrolysis cell is also provided. The microbial electrolysis cell is configured in a cylindrical shape having an anode, cathode and anion exchange membrane all disposed concentrically. A brush anode spirally wound around the outside of the cylindrical microbial electrolysis cell is described. The method may include sparging the anode and/or cathode with air in some cases. In addition, CO2-containing gas may be injected into a cathode chamber to reduce pH is some cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Arizona Science and Technology Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Sudeep Popat, Prathap Parameswaran, Cesar Torres, Bruce Rittmann
  • Patent number: 8540856
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating hydrogen. The hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a closed body having a sidewall and two end plates defining a cavity therein. A plurality of electrodes and a plurality of proton exchange membranes are disposed within the cavity. Each proton exchange membrane is sandwiched between two electrodes thereby creating a plurality of hydrogen generating cells disposed along the inner wall of the sidewall. An inflated bladder insures intimate contact between the electrodes and proton exchange membranes. The hydrogen generating cells are operated in series by applying a DC voltage of opposite polarity to electrodes at opposing ends of the cells. Applying the voltage and admitting water into the generator enables hydrogen generation at 12 volts or higher while limiting the potential on each proton exchange membrane to 2 volts thereby protecting the proton exchange membranes from damage or failure by voltage overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Fred T. Mayers, Sr., Edward N. Miller, Fred T. Mayers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130236814
    Abstract: A hydrogen evolution device that liberates hydrogen upon passage of an electric current, wherein an amount of liberated hydrogen is proportional to an amount of the current, includes at least one hydrogen evolution cell including an electrochemically oxidizable anode, a hydrogen cathode and an electrolyte, and at least one heating resistor thermally coupled to the hydrogen cathode directly or via a solid or liquid heat conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: VARTA Microbattery GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Krebs
  • Patent number: 8486239
    Abstract: Methods systems and devices for impeding an anode from being corroded or dissolved are provided. In one example, an electrolysis system includes an anode, the anode disposed on a support including a housing, the housing having an inverted cup on an end, the anode on an interior wall of the inverted cup such that electrical contact with an electrolysis solution is made along a concave portion of the inverted cup. Such an example may further include a cathode, the cathode disposed within a collection pipe such that gas produced at the cathode is retained within a channel of the collection pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130171538
    Abstract: A cell stack with cells adapted to operate as either fuel cells or electrolysis cells comprises cells with a counter-flow of the anode gas relative to the cathode gas on a first part of each cell and a co-flow on a second part of each cell which evens out the temperature profile of the cell and cell stack relative to a co-flow or a counter-flow cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Topsøe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Kresten Juel Nikolaj Laut Jensen, Steen Weichel
  • Publication number: 20130153438
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen gas fuel from water source or waste water source or a combination thereof, which includes the steps of generating electrical power by at least an electrical power supplying means or from a means to supply electrical power, storing the electrical power in at least an electrical power storage means, supplying electricity for pumping the from the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof to a hydrogen fuel electrolyzer while level of the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof within the electrolyzer and pump are controlled, and electrolyzing the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof in the presence of a catalyst solution such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or ethanoic acid, having 2% to 6% v/v% (or any other unit that is appropriate) for a period of at least 0.03 hours to 60 hours to produce hydrogen gas fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG
    Inventor: Universiti Malaysia Pahang
  • Patent number: 8465629
    Abstract: A membrane for use with an electrochemical apparatus is provided. The electrochemical apparatus may include a fuel cell or electrolyzer, for example, an electrolyzer adapted to produce hydrogen. The membrane comprises a fabric made from a synthetic fiber such as nylon where the nylon, in an exemplary embodiment, is woven into ripstop nylon fabric. The electrochemical apparatus is constructed with frames comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which provide support and structure to the membranes as well as to internal electrodes. A method of making an electrochemical apparatus, such as an electrolyzer, containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon is also disclosed, as is a method for producing hydrogen gas with an electrolyzer containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher M. McWhinney, David C. Erbaugh
  • Publication number: 20130140190
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for sorting ions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, ions may be sorted to produce hydrogen gas from water. The apparatus may include a first electric field source, an insulation layer to electrically isolate the first field sources from the water, a first deionization surface within a field line of the first field source; and a conductor connected to the first deionization surface and adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions at the first deionization surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HPT (HYDROGEN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY) AG
    Inventor: HPT(Hydrogen Production Technology) AG
  • Patent number: 8454817
    Abstract: A mechanism of initiating a redox reaction, such as hydrogen gas production by direct-water-splitting, is provided in which a piezoelectric material is mechanically stressed by actively applying a mechanical stress to the material. The mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric material causes an electrical potential build up on the surface of the material due to the piezoelectric properties of the material. When the piezoelectric material stressed in this manner is placed in direct contact with the redox reaction reactant(s), the potential on the polarized surface can be used as chemical driving energy to initiate the reaction, such as to split water and generate hydrogen gas. In this manner the mechanical energy applied to the piezoelectric material, such as vibration energy from natural or man-made sources, can be converted directly into chemical energy to initiate the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Huifang Xu, Kuang-Sheng Hong, Xiaochun Li
  • Patent number: 8454808
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Owens
  • Patent number: 8449734
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO GreenFuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449735
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449733
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449757
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus or hydrogen generating system including a galvanic or first hydrogen generator and a thermally-activated or second hydrogen generator connectable to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Gerard F McLean, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8449754
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449736
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8444847
    Abstract: A method is provided for conducting electrolysis at or below 1.23 V. The method comprises filling an electrolysis reactor having an aluminum anode and a copper cathode with a sufficient amount of solution such that at least a portion of the anode and the cathode are immersed in the solution; the solution comprising water, an electrolyte and a catalyst; and applying a voltage across the reactor of less than or equal to 1.23 V. The solution is comprised of water, aluminum sulfate and an ammonium salt. The method allows for total gas to be produced at a rate in excess of the theoretical maximum 1.06 l/min at a current of 93 amps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Evans, Brian Evans, John Evans, Sr., Randy Evans, John Evans, Jr., Todd E. Starner
  • Publication number: 20130118912
    Abstract: Compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods for water electrolysis and other electrochemical techniques are provided. In some cases, the compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods are for electrolysis which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen, hydrogen, and/or oxygen and/or hydrogen containing species. In some embodiments, the water for electrolysis comprises at least one impurity and/or at least one additive which has little or no substantially affect on the performance of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SUN CATALYTIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sun Catalytix Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130118910
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
  • Patent number: 8419922
    Abstract: A liquid phase process for producing hydrogen gas in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizable reactant with liquid water and at least one alkaline electrolyte to form a mixture having a pH, wherein the pH of the mixture is substantially maintained at a value of about 10.5 or greater and conducting a reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material that permits the movement of electrons. An alternative method produces hydrogen gas from a reaction in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance and half-cell reactions occurring at each of an anode and cathode. Energy transfers, such as thermal and electric, are analyzed and controlled in order to satisfy the thermodynamic energy balance of the reaction for efficient hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GRDC, LLC
    Inventor: Maureen A. Grimes
  • Patent number: 8409422
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis of water. The process involves forming an electrolyte including alkaline ions and the water and generating plasma between electrodes immersed in the electrolyte by applying an electrical potential between the electrodes. The plasma ionizes the electrolyte, thereby generating hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hope Cell Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Vancina
  • Patent number: 8404099
    Abstract: A method for the electrolytic production of hydrogen where radiation excited water from a spent fuel pool of a nuclear power plant is delivered to one or more electrolysers where DC current is applied to pairs of electrodes in the electrolysers to form hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is collected. The collection of hydrogen can be carried out in a grid energy storage system to produce large quantities of hydrogen during low grid demand for electricity with little or no hydrogen during high grid electricity demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: David E. Fowler
  • Patent number: 8398828
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising spaced-apart electrode structural support members extending from a first sidewall to a second sidewall, the spaced-apart electrode structural support members each having at least one photoelectrode and counterelectrode coupled to respective terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to a power supply, and at least one ultraviolet light source between the spaced-apart electrode support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
  • Patent number: 8394543
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical power storage system using hydrogen includes a power generation unit generating power using hydrogen and oxidant gas and an electrolysis unit electrolyzing steam. The electrical power storage system includes a hydrogen storage unit storing hydrogen generated by the electrolysis and supplying the hydrogen to the power generation unit during power generation, a high-temperature heat storage unit storing high temperature heat generated accompanying the power generation and supplying the heat to the electrolysis unit during the electrolysis, and a low-temperature heat storage unit storing low-temperature heat, which is exchanged in the high-temperature heat storage unit and generating with this heat the steam supplied to the electrolysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shoko Suyama, Yoshiyasu Ito, Shigeo Kasai, Yasuo Takagi, Tsuneji Kameda, Kentaro Matsunaga, Masato Yoshino, Daisuke Horikawa, Kazuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 8388818
    Abstract: Lightweight photoelectrochemical system for real-time hydrogen production from water and sunlight, using lightweight multi-junction photo electrodes made from the highly reliable and efficient copper indium selenide thin films, preferably made by low-cost electrodeposition on flexible foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Shalini Menezes
  • Patent number: 8388920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), or a flue gas conditioning system is provided. A method for treating combustion exhaust gas with ammonia is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The electrolysis apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, which may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Patent number: 8366887
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating system is equipped with a water electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen by performing electrolysis on pure water supplied from a pure water supply apparatus, with a back-pressure valve mechanism disposed in a hydrogen outlet port of the water electrolysis unit. The back-pressure valve mechanism is equipped with a first back-pressure valve, which sets a first back pressure, for discharging hydrogen to the outside of a hydrogen supply passage, and a second back-pressure valve, which sets a second back pressure at a higher pressure than the first back pressure, for extracting high-pressure hydrogen into the hydrogen supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8366902
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed at a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, J. Stephen Herring, Michael G. McKellar, Richard A. Wood, Robert A. Carrington, Richard D. Boardman
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130022887
    Abstract: Hydrogen is generated effectively with a small amount of electrolytic energy. Hydrogen is generated by electrolyzing liquid ammonia to which an electrolyte was added, and the generated hydrogen is reacted with oxygen to generate electricity. Since the electrolytic energy of liquid ammonia is small, a large amount of hydrogen can be generated effectively. The electric energy obtained from hydrogen generated by the electrolysis is greater than that required for the electrolysis of liquid ammonia. Therefore, great electric power can be utilized by converting the electric power obtained from small power source thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicants: SOPHIA SCHOOL CORPORATION, HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Kojima, Takayuki Ichikawa, Hiroshi Suzuki, Nobuko Hanada
  • Patent number: 8357269
    Abstract: An intrinsically safe electrolysis system for generating hydrogen gas includes an electrolyzer containing an electrolyte and providing an outlet for generated gasses. An enclosure encloses the electrolyzer and a portion of the gas outlet. A safety interlock mounted within the enclosure and outside the electrolyzer includes a radiative element and a thermal switch, the thermal switch connected in series with a power supply for the electrolyzer and mounted in a proximity to the radiative element so that when a rated current is applied to the radiative element, the thermal switch in response to receiving heat from the radiative element changes state to provide power to the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer may generate hydrogen or oxygen gas as a fuel supplement deliverable to an internal combustion engine via the gas outlet. The electrolyzer may be mounted within a vehicle compartment that may serve as the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart I. Smedley
  • Patent number: 8357270
    Abstract: A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of removing protons and/or producing a base solution comprising hydroxide and carbonate/bicarbonate ions, utilizing carbon dioxide in a cathode compartment that is partitioned into a first cathode electrolyte compartment and a second cathode electrolyte compartment such that liquid flow between the cathode electrolyte compartments is possible, but wherein gaseous communication between the cathode electrolyte compartments is restricted. Carbon dioxide gas in one cathode electrolyte compartment is utilized with the cathode electrolyte in both compartments to produce the base solution with less that 3V applied across the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Thomas A. Albrecht, Nikhil Jalani, Nigel Antony Knott, Valentin Decker, Michael Kostowskyj, Bryan Boggs, Alexander Gorer, Kasra Farsad
  • Publication number: 20130015077
    Abstract: The invention is a unit that produces Hydrogen Gas (Browns Gas (HHO)) that can be used as an assist to diesel and gas engines. The gas is produced from distilled water, using our stainless steel plate design. The patent should apply to the internal plate placement and design. The internal design of the unit allows it to produce significantly more hydrogen, drawing significantly less current or electricity from its power source. The internal design is in the placement of positive, negative and neutral plates to produce the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: James D. Dees, April R. Saldivar
  • Patent number: 8343329
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for hydrogen generation of which the hydrogen overvoltage is sufficiently low and which is not affected by poisoning due to iron ions, and furthermore, of which the durability is superior because during operations and stop-and-start control, the hydrogen overvoltage does not rise and exfoliation of the supported material does not occur. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the aforementioned hydrogen generation electrode and an electrolysis method using the electrode for hydrogen generation as a cathode. An electrode for hydrogen generation is used in which a platinum alloy including platinum and one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, copper, silver, and iron, or an amorphous material of a transition metal element and platinum is supported on a conductive base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shirakura, Akinori Shimono
  • Patent number: 8337766
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting ions in order to produce hydrogen gas from water. A first electric field source is electrically isolated from water by an insulating layer. A first conductive deionization surface is positioned within a field line of said first electric field source. An electric conductor is connected to said first conductive deionization surface and is adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions located on the first conductive deionization surface. Hydrogen is produced on said first conductive deionization surface when said first conductive deionization surface is positioned within the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: HPT (Hydrogen Production Technology) AG
    Inventor: David Haitin
  • Patent number: 8329020
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing pure water supplied from a pure water supply apparatus to produce high-pressure hydrogen. A pressure releasing device is connected between a pipe of the water electrolysis apparatus and a check valve connected to the inlet port of a gas-liquid separator, for releasing the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus independently from the gas-liquid separator. The pressure releasing device has a bleeder passage including a pressure reducing valve and a solenoid-operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8318130
    Abstract: A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte, wherein at least one bicarbonate composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon, for example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g., co-current and countercurrent stream flow and alternative tower sequence arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: COP Energy Technologies LLC, GRDC, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick G. Grimes, Maureen A. Grimes, legal representative, Richard J. Bellows
  • Publication number: 20120279871
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Gotheil-Yelle
  • Patent number: 8303782
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus is disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first hydrogen generating unit, which has a first electrode generating hydrogen by decomposing an electrolyte aqueous solution; a second hydrogen generating unit, which has a second electrode that is placed adjacent to the first hydrogen generating unit and surface thereof is formed with a super absorbent polymer that is gelled when water is absorbed; a solution separation membrane interposed between the first hydrogen generating unit and the second hydrogen generating unit; a reactor accommodating the first hydrogen generating unit, the second hydrogen generating unit and the solution separation membrane; and a hydrogen vent being formed on one side of the reactor, which is adjacent to the second hydrogen generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo-Sung Ku, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae, Jae-Hyoung Gil
  • Patent number: 8303781
    Abstract: A method using an electrolytic cell to electrolyze urea to produce at least one of H2 and NH3 is described. An electrolytic cell having a cathode with a first conducting component, an anode with a second conducting component, urea and an alkaline electrolyte composition in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode is used to electrolyze urea. The alkaline electrolyte composition has a hydroxide concentration of at least 0.01 M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20120273366
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes a new type of chemical reactor, described as hydrogen or oxygen electrochemical pumping catalytic membrane reactor. This new type of reactor is suitable for increasing the selectivity and the conversion rate of dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, deoxidation and oxidation reactions and namely in the direct amination reaction of hydrocarbons. This reactor can be used for the production of several chemical compounds, such as the direct amination of hydrocarbons and in particular for the synthesis of aniline from benzene. The disclosed subject matter includes a device and process wherein hydrogen is removed by electrochemical pumping of the hydrogen formed or by oxygen pumping so, as hydrogen is formed, it is oxidized. This new reactor exhibits benzene to aniline conversion higher than 40%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Adélio Miguel Magalhães Mendes
  • Patent number: 8287716
    Abstract: The desalination system and method places water from the sea under electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. The system has a chamber that is filled with the hydrogen gas displacing other gases. Once the chamber is filled with only hydrogen gas, the oxygen is introduced to form water vapor within the chamber. Liquid water collects on the lower surface of the chamber, and water vapor condenses on the sidewalls. The condensation creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, causing further water to evaporate from the liquid water on the lower end of the chamber. The condensate is desalinated water, which may be collected. Condensation may be assisted through cooling the wall. The hydrogen and oxygen mix in the chamber undergoes a reaction through electrical spark generation from a spark plug to create the water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Jihad Hassan Al-Sadah
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Patent number: 8268139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen generation apparatus using chemical hydride. The present invention features an electrolyte including chemical hydride and a catalyst that is inserted between metal electrodes, wherein the hydrogen is generated in a unit cell by hydrolysis of the hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hee Yeon Ryu, Gyu Jin Jang