Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/637)
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Patent number: 7056428Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
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Patent number: 7037414Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell which includes a light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photoanode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photocathode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, and an electrolytic solution disposed entirely between the semiconductor photoanode and the semiconductor photocathode. This is achieved by the use of semiconductor photoelectrodes (photoanodes and photocathodes) which include a proton exchange membrane having an electrolyte facing surface in contact with the electrolytic solution and a light transmissive wall facing surface, and having a photo electro-catalyst disposed on the light transmissive wall facing surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventor: Qinbai Fan
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Patent number: 6994929Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell stack comprising a fuel cell having a fuel cell hydrogen inlet and a fuel cell hydrogen outlet, and a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen outlet, wherein the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor comprises electrodes in electrical communication with an electricity source, and a compressed hydrogen outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen inlet. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electrochemical cell system comprises: introducing hydrogen feed to a fuel cell at a feed rate of greater than stoichiometry, directing excess hydrogen from the fuel cell to a first electrochemical hydrogen compressor, electrochemically compressing the excess hydrogen to compressed hydrogen, and recirculating the compressed hydrogen gas to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frano Barbir, Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Matt Stone
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Patent number: 6991719Abstract: A method for the production and storage of hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced via electrolysis and as the hydrogen is formed it is absorbed into a hydrogen storing cathode. Once the hydrogen storing cathode has become completely hydrided, it is shipped to end users as a metal hydride supply of hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLCInventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar
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Patent number: 6984305Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials by applying an electric potential to the anaerobically decomposed organic materials, including landfill materials and sewage, to form hydrogen, and for decreasing the time required to treat these anaerobically decomposed organic materials. The organic materials decompose to volatile acids such as acetic acid, which may be hydrolyzed by electric current to form hydrogen. The process may be continuously run in sewage digestion tanks with the continuous feed of sewage, at landfill sites, or at any site having a supply of anaerobically decomposed or decomposable organic materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 6955922Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Yan Liu, Hamish Small, Nebojsa Avdalovic
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Patent number: 6912450Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corp.Inventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
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Patent number: 6896789Abstract: A system for producing one or more gases for enhancing combustion in an internal combustion engine, the engine having an intake, the system comprising: an electrolysis cell, for generating one or more combustion enhancing gases under pressure; a gas conduit, for connecting the electrolysis cell to the internal combustion engine; and a flow regulator, operatively connected between the electrolysis cell and the intake of the engine, for regulating a flow of the combustion enhancing gases to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Canadian Hydrogen Energy Company LimitedInventor: Bill Ross
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Patent number: 6890419Abstract: Methods for producing hydrogen gas from organic substances. According to the methods, hydrogen is produced from an electrochemical reaction of an organic substance with water or a base. The instant methods permit the production of hydrogen at lower operating voltages or lower operating temperatures relative to water electrolysis. Operable organic substances include alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced from an electrochemical reaction of methanol in the presence of a base such as NaOH or KOH.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, William Mays
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Patent number: 6857397Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Zagaja, Trent Molter, Lawrence Moulthrop, William Smith
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Patent number: 6855443Abstract: A device in accordance with a present invention includes at least one of a stainless steel anode and transition metal oxide cathode.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Makarand P. Gore
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Publication number: 20040262167Abstract: A heat exchanger design is provided for optimal transfer of thermal energy between a primary reactor-out reformate and a primary reactor-in steam and air. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a prime-surface true counterflow heat exchanger positioned around the primary reactor. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Steven D. Burch, Matthew J. Beutel, Kevin Stukey
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Patent number: 6827838Abstract: A method of separating and recovering 18F from 18O water at high purity and efficiency while maintaining the purity of the 18O water. By using a solid electrode (1) as an anode and a container (electrodeposition vessel) (2) made of platinum as a cathode, 18F in a solution (4) is electrodeposited on the solid electrode surface by applying a voltage. Then, by using the solid electrode (1) on which 18F is electrodeposited as a cathode and a container (recovery vessel) (5) holding pure water therein as an anode, 18F is recovered in the pure water by applying a voltage of opposite polarity to that of the electrodeposition. In this process, little 18O water is lost. The initial concentration of the 18O water is maintained even after the electrodeposition of 18F, so that the 18O water can be repeatedly used as an irradiation target for production of 18F.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: RikenInventors: Toshio Hyodo, Yoshiko Itoh, Fuminori Saito, Yasuyuki Nagashima, Toshikazu Kurihara, Akira Goto, Masayuki Kase, Yasushige Yano, Katsumi Senoo
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Patent number: 6814852Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the electrolysis of fluids in a lab-on-a-chip environment for generating gases. Various lab-on-a-chip embodiments are described along with a method of generating gas in a lab-on-a-chip environment. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a substrate having active circuitry thereon, at least a portion of said active circuitry being readable by a computer; (b) providing an electrolytic cell configured for communication with the active circuitry, said electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode in an electrolytic fluid bath; and (c) generating a gas in the electrolytic fluid bath by creating an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode through the electrolytic fluid bath.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Clayton L. Holstun, David Tyvoll
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Patent number: 6800386Abstract: A process for preparing hydrogen in a fuel processor assembly containing a device for supplying a high voltage electrical discharge within the fuel processor, a first catalytic body disposed within the fuel processor, and a second catalytic body disposed within the fuel processor. Each of the catalytic bodies have different shapes.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Nanoset, LLCInventors: Xingwu Wang, Huihui Duan, Bigang Min
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Patent number: 6783885Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Trent M. Molter
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Patent number: 6780304Abstract: A device as described for the generation of high purity carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) by electrochemical decomposition of aqueous solutions of liquid and solid organic acids. A d.c. power source is used to apply a pre-selected current to an electrochemical cell, consisting of an ion permeable membrane and two electrodes. The generation rate of CO2 and H2 are continuous and proportional to the applied current; it can be stopped instantaneously by interrupting the current. Small battery operated generators can produce propellant CO2 and H2 to deliver fluids from containers other uses include the creation of anaerobic environments in incubation chambers.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
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Patent number: 6770186Abstract: A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem and at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to the hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand. The refuelable hydrogen generator includes at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate the hydrogen fuel from water on demand and a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to the electrochemical reactor. A refueling method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Eldat Communication Ltd.Inventors: Oren Rosenfeld, Jonathan Russell Goldstein, Nimrod Sandeerman
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Publication number: 20040144336Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMSInventors: John Zagaja, Trent Molter, Lawrence Moulthrop, William Smith
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Publication number: 20040118677Abstract: An electrolyzer for generating hydrogen by the electrolytic dissociation of water employs anode and cathode half-cells, separated by a planar polymer-based solid electrolyte, and includes a water reservoir for independently maintaining a desired level of water in the anode and cathode half-cells. A hydrogen exit chimney extends vertically upward from each cathode half-cell and enters a separation chamber; a gas exit passageway therefrom is closed by a separation membrane that allows the passage of H2 but rejects liquid H2O, while a return water passageway enters near the bottom of the cathode half-cell. The half-cells are preferably formed by molded plastic frames that are arranged as a cell stack containing a plurality of electrolytic cells, with flat metal anodes and cathodes being respectively sandwiched about the solid electrolyte membrane in each cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Holger H. Streckert, Linden P. Blue
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Patent number: 6745105Abstract: An energy distribution network is provided including an energy source; a hydrogen production facility connected to the energy source; a recipient for hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility; and a controller. The controller controls the production of hydrogen by the hydrogen production facility based on inputs including energy resource availability.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
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Publication number: 20040074782Abstract: The “atmosphere and seawater hydrogen processor” has the advantage of making hydrogen as needed from the atmosphere and seawater by extracting the moisture from the atmosphere, also the power required in the operation will be generated in the applied application at a much lower cost per kilowatt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Anthony Mark Harris
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Patent number: 6723220Abstract: A level sensing system includes a flow control device disposed in fluid communication with a liquid outlet stream of a hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus and a controller disposed in operable communication with the flow control device. The controller is configured to receive and quantify input data corresponding to a measure of the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. A method of maintaining a liquid level in the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus includes deriving the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis cell, transmitting a value corresponding to the rate of generation to the flow control device, and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid exiting the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus correspondingly with the rate of generation of hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 6712951Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flow field, a cathode/cathode flow field, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20040040862Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: Giner Electrochemical Systems LLCInventors: John A. Kosek, Jose Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
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Patent number: 6685821Abstract: 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 is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the gas generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLCInventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
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Patent number: 6682701Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Yan Liu, Hamish Small, Nebojsa Avdalovic
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Publication number: 20040011668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Frano Barbir
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Publication number: 20030230493Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Takayuki Saito, Yasushi Toma, Akira Fukunaga, Itsuki Kobata
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Publication number: 20030226763Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
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Patent number: 6638413Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an ionically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Lectro Press, Inc.Inventors: Norman L. Weinberg, Klaus Tomantschger, Robert S. Feldstein, J. David Genders, Joseph M. Rait
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Publication number: 20030173229Abstract: An Mg alloy powder is reacted with water to produce hydogen. The Mg alloy powder is produced by hydrogenating an aggregate of Mg alloy particles each having an Mg particle and a plurality of catalyst metal particulates existing on a surface of and within the Mg particle. The catalyst metal particulates are at least one selected from Ni particulates, Ni alloy particulates, Fe particulates, Fe alloy particulates, V particulates, V alloy particulates, Mn particulates, Mn alloy particulates, Ti particulates, Ti alloy particulates, Cu particulates, Cu alloy particulates, Ag particulates, Ag alloy particulates, Ca particulates, Ca alloy particulates, Zn particulates, Zn alloy particulates, Zr particulates, Zr alloy particulates, Co particulates, Co alloy particulates, Cr particulates and Cr alloy particulates. Thus, hydrogen can be produced quickly and in large amounts, and waste liquid is easily treated. Moreover, hydrogen production cost can be reduced using an inexpensive catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Izuru Kanoya, Mitsuya Hosoe, Takanori Suzuki, Takeaki Isobe
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Publication number: 20030175564Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical system, a hydrogen gas fueling system, a cascade system, and methods for using the same. The hydrogen gas fueling system comprises a multiple-stage compressor disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas source, the compressor configured to cool hydrogen gas received at a stage of the compressor, a cascade section comprising at least two hydrogen gas storage zones disposed in fluid communication with the compressor at the outlet of the compressor, and a hydrogen gas dispensing section disposed in fluid communication with the cascade section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Fred Mitlitsky, John F. Boyle, Luke T. Dalton, Blake Myers, Hassan Obahi, Jason K. Shiepe
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Patent number: 6620537Abstract: A hydrocarbon fueled hydrogen generator and hydrogen fueled electric power generating system and apparatus comprising hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer delivery and mixing apparatus, ignition and combustion apparatus igniting the mixture of fuel and oxidizer, apparatus receiving and conducting the gases of combustion through a sulfur absorbing unit and removing sulfur from the gases, a steam reformer unit reforming carbon monoxide gas into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas, a carbon monoxide scavenger unit reforming residual carbon monoxide gas to hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas; apparatus receiving the hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas and operating to liquefy and separate the carbon dioxide gas from the hydrogen gas; and, structure to hold and deliver the liquid carbon dioxide to useful end; and structure to hold and deliver hydrogen gas to the anode of a hydrogen fueled electric power generating fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventors: Ralph C. Struthers, Georges A. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20030168349Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electrochemically generating one or more gases under high pressure, comprising: a container (1, 6) comprising one or more chambers (7, 8) for filling with electrolyte; a first (2, 10) and a second (2, 11) electrode over which a voltage difference can be applied in order to bring about an electrochemical generation in the container (1, 6); wherein the content of a chamber (7, 8) is in the order of magnitude of a few millilitres or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Sebastiaan Bohm, Albert Van Den Berg, Heiko Jan Van Der Linden
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Publication number: 20030146106Abstract: Electrochemical systems and methods of operating the systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for operating an electrochemical system, comprises: forming hydrogen gas in an electrolysis cell, maintaining the hydrogen gas at a temperature sufficient to enable the filling of a hydrogen gas vessel at a rate that would fill a 5 kg vessel with the hydrogen gas in a period of time of less than or equal to about 10 minutes, and introducing the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Fred Mitlitsky
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Publication number: 20030148153Abstract: Disclosed herein are mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus, and methods for dispensing hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus comprises a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet comprises a first valve, a first hydrogen gas output port, a first nozzle, a first display panel in operable communication with the first hydrogen gas output port, and a first hose forming fluid communication between the first hydrogen output port and the first nozzle. The apparatus further comprises: an electrochemical cell disposed in fluid communication with the first outlet, and a mobile platform, wherein the first outlet and the electrochemical cell are mechanically connected to the mobile platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Fred Mitlitsky, John F. Boyle, Luke T. Dalton, Blake Myers, Hassan Obahi, Jason K. Shiepe
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Publication number: 20030141200Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for generating high pressure hydrogen that is able to efficiently and safely generate hydrogen only by electrolysis of water even by using an electric power generated by a frequently varying natural energy such as sunlight without using any compressors. The system comprises an electrolysis cell using polyelectrolyte membranes, particularly a double-polarity multi-layered type electrolysis cell having a specified structure is disposed in a vessel for storing generated hydrogen, preferably for storing cooled hydrogen under a high pressure hydrogen atmosphere. High pressure hydrogen is generated by electrolysis of pure water using the electrolysis cell by suppressing the pressure applied to the cell to a pressure below the pressure resistance of the cell using a differential pressure sensor and pressure controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Mitsubishi CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Harada
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Patent number: 6592741Abstract: A metal hydride is supplied into a reactor while being converted into fine particles. By injecting water from an injector, the metal hydride is hydrolyzed to generate hydrogen. The water supplied to the reactor is water generated by a fuel cell. This allows omission or a size reduction of a water tank for the hydrolysis, and therefore allows a size reduction of the system as a whole. It is possible to adopt a construction in which waste heat from the fuel cell is supplied to pyrolyze the metal hydride, a construction in which heat generated by the hydrolysis is used to pyrolyze another metal hydride, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Shinichi Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20030116443Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for producing hydrogen and a method for producing hydrogen which effectively produce hydrogen in the low humidity atmosphere without humidifier or dehumidifier, and an electrochemistry device and a method for generating electrochemistry energy which generate electrochemistry energy by an oxidation-reduction reaction using hydrogen. A fullerene derivative where a proton (H+) dissociating group is introduced into a fullerene, is used as a composition material of a proton conductor 3, water is supplied to an anode 1 in a vapor or gas state and is electrolyzed, and produced protons (H+) are conducted to a cathode 2 through the proton conductor 3 and converted into hydrogen here. Moreover, hydrogen produced in such a way is decomposed into protons (H+) at the cathode 2, the protons are conducted to the anode 1 through the proton conductor 3 and converted into water there, and then, electrochemistry energy is extracted between the cathode 2 and the anode 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Ryuichiro Maruyama, Hiroshi Miyazawa, Hirofumi Okui, Koichiro Hinokuma
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Patent number: 6576096Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20030098232Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing electrolysis on materials such as water, thereby electrically separating the electrolyte into its elemental components. More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided an apparatus for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that uses a specially prepared cathode in conjunction with incident light energy to increase the efficiency of that process. A preferred embodiment of this apparatus uses the photo collector/cathode which comprises a thin layer of metal, preferably nickel, deposited by electroplating or a similar technique onto a conductive surface (e.g., a sheet of copper metal). During the electrolysis process, the cathode is irradiated with light, thereby reducing the amount of electrical energy necessary to separate a given quantity of electrolytic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: A. Nicholas Roe, Arthur N. Roe
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Publication number: 20030094378Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical cell systems, pressure control systems, and methods for operating those systems. In one embodiment, the electrochemical cell system comprises: an electrochemical cell stack; a phase separation apparatus in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell stack; a water discharge in fluid communication with the phase separation apparatus; a first flow control device and a second flow control device disposed in fluid communication between the phase separation apparatus and water discharge; and a control device in operable communication with a sensor, the first flow control device, and the second flow control device. In one embodiment, the pressure regulating system comprises: means for generating hydrogen; means for sensing a liquid level within a phase separation apparatus disposed in fluid communication with the means for generating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Jason Shiepe
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Publication number: 20030089620Abstract: Methods for producing hydrogen gas from organic substances. According to the methods, hydrogen is produced from an electrochemical reaction of an organic substance with water or a base. The instant methods permit the production of hydrogen at lower operating voltages or lower operating temperatures relative to water electrolysis. Operable organic substances include alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced from an electrochemical reaction of methanol in the presence of a base such as NaOH or KOH.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, William Mays
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Publication number: 20030085135Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy, A. John Appleby
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Publication number: 20030082415Abstract: A storage stable hydrogen cell comprising an anode cap subassembly, cathode can subassembly, and a grommet is disclosed. For one embodiment the cathode in the cathode can subassembly is configured for contact with the electrolyte. The cathode is hydrogen permeable and substantially impermeable to O2, CO2 and water. In turn, the cathode can preclude the passage of O2, CO2 and water into and out of the cell, and simultaneously can facilitate the permeation of hydrogen through at least one aperture in the cell. In another embodiment, a commercially available Zn-air cell is converted into storage stable H2 cells by sealing a membrane structure around the apertures of the Zn-air cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Strahinja K. Zecevic
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Publication number: 20030070938Abstract: This invention provides a system and apparatus with fine control over quantity and volume of water used, and current and charge used, to provide hydrogen and oxygen gas fr other purposes. The system provides for control of temperature and pressure of the produced gas to provide separation of the two gases post-electrolysis, based upon the physical characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen at same pressure and temperature, where one is in a different phase from the other (that is, gas/liquid/solid phase or state), using simple mechanical means. The system also uses small piezo-electric crystals configured to perform a pumping function to deliver the water to the electrolytic means' electrodes, and optionally to collect the produced hydrogen and oxygen as a part of the separation means by providing partial vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Mohammed Mali
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Patent number: 6544400Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Publication number: 20030062268Abstract: 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 is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the gas generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: John A. Kosek, Jose Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
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Patent number: 6533919Abstract: A method for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez