Elemental Hydrogen Patents (Class 423/648.1)
  • Publication number: 20130130138
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus (100) includes: a reformer (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by causing a reforming reaction of a raw material; a combustor (2) configured to heat the reformer; and a controller (5) configured to set a controlled temperature of the reformer to a first temperature when an oxygen concentration in the raw material is in a first state where the oxygen concentration is relatively low, and change the controlled temperature of the reformer to a second temperature higher than the first temperature when the oxygen concentration in the raw material is in a second state where the oxygen concentration is relatively higher than the oxygen concentration in the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunihiro Ukai, Tomoya Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20130129589
    Abstract: The application relates to a process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream by catalytic direct oxidation without employing the combustion step of a Claus process. The process is particularly suitable for desulfurization of gas streams that contain hydrogen and allows sulfur recovery efficiency of better than 99%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ITS REAKTORTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: ITS Reaktortechnik GmbH
  • Patent number: 8444723
    Abstract: Provided is a fluidized bed gasification method wherein an amount of solid particles to be circulated in a fluidized bed combustion furnace is controlled to enhance gasification efficiency in the furnace. It is the fluidized bed gasification method with fluidized bed combustion and gasification furnaces 30 and 43, char and solid particles produced upon gasification of raw material 51 in the gasification furnace 43 being circulated to the combustion furnace 30. A circulated amount of the solid particles in the combustion furnace is controlled by varying the same in a range of 6 to 30 with respect to an air flow rate, thereby facilitating heat transmission to the raw material 51.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Fujimori, Hidehisa Tani, Toshiyuki Suda, Yoshiaki Matsuzawa, Kenichiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 8444724
    Abstract: A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Douglas, Ronald W. Herbanek, David L. Breton, Steven E. Chichester
  • Patent number: 8440165
    Abstract: A method includes operating a gas loading system with a source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen, a gas loading chamber containing a number of metallic nanoparticles, the metallic nanoparticles being selected to provide for a predetermined hydrogen cluster formation density, a vacuum system, and a valve system in communication with the gas loading chamber, the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen and the vacuum system; providing the gas loading chamber with a first quantity of the one or more isotopes of hydrogen from the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen; monitoring an operating temperature; and cycling a loading pressure of the gas loading chamber using the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen in response to providing the gas loading chamber and monitoring the operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NPL Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Miley, Xiaoling Yang
  • Patent number: 8440154
    Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fahs Stagemyer, LLc
    Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D. W. Fahs
  • Publication number: 20130115161
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for storing hydrogen, a method for generating hydrogen, a hydrogen storing device, and a hydrogen generating device. In a disclosed method for storing hydrogen, water that is treated so as to include hydrogen ions in a state the ions can be changed into protium is prepared, and hydrogen is stored by supplying a hydrogen-containing substance or a substance that generates hydrogen, for example, Mg, into the water. Preferably, the hydrogen-containing substance is sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Preferably, the water is ionized hydrogen water treated with a metal hydride, and the metal hydride is at least one among an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a group 13 metal, and a group 14 metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TAANE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TAANE CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130101502
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for reducing and/or harvesting drag energy from transport vehicles. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a mobile transport platform, a donor substance source carried by the platform, and a thermochemical reactor carried by the platform and coupled to the donor substance. The reactor is configured to carry out a non-combustion dissociation process that dissociates the donor substance into a first constituent and a second constituent. An energy extraction system carried by the transport platform and positioned to extract energy from an airstream passing the transport platform is coupled to the reactor to provide energy for the dissociation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8425149
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Francis Drnevich
  • Patent number: 8419829
    Abstract: A method and system for coal-to-liquids (CTL) conversion is provided. The system includes a coal gasifier configured to partially oxidize a coal fuel stream to generate a flow of synthesis gas (syngas), a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactor configured to receive the flow of syngas and to generate a stream of tail gas, and an absorber coupled in flow communication downstream of the FT reactor and configured to receive the stream of tail gas. The absorber is further configured to generate a first flow including carbon dioxide, C2 hydrocarbons, and higher boiling gas components (C3+) and a second flow including C1, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The system also includes a first membrane separator including a selective membrane configured to separate the second flow from the absorber generating a permeate flow of hydrogen and a non-permeate flow of combustion turbine fuel gas including methane and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8418435
    Abstract: Aluminum is treated with an agent to prevent passivation of the aluminum during oxidation. The passivation preventing agent is a metal alloy containing gallium, preferably a eutectic alloy of gallium, indium and tin. The surface of the metallic aluminum is wetted with the eutectic alloy, suitably by scouring and/or immersion. The treated aluminum may be mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide or other suitable oxidizer in a controlled manner to produce hydrogen, heat, steam or oxygen for the use in power generation or chemical reactions. The passivation removal agent can be used in small quantities and is readily recoverable following the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Nagi Hatoum
  • Patent number: 8418841
    Abstract: A system for reversibly storing hydrogen includes a storage tank with an internal volume with a thermally conducting composite material situated within the storage tank and having a three-dimensional and interconnected framework of a conductive metal within the internal volume of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Yang, Donald J. Siegel, Andrea Pulskamp, Andrew Robert Drews, Shinichi Hirano, Christopher Mark Wolverton
  • 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: 8420267
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems of producing hydrogen using ammonia borane, which has a high hydrogen density while being stable and easily stored. Ammonia borane may be exothermically reacted with a strong oxidizer, such as a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. The reaction between ammonia borane and the strong oxidizer may occur spontaneously and may produce heat. Unreacted ammonia borane may be exposed to and thermally decomposed using the heat produced during the exothermic reaction between ammonia borane and the strong oxidizer. The heat may be retained by performing the reactions in a vessel or reactor including a material capable of retaining the heat. A high gravimetric hydrogen yield is obtained from the reaction of ammonia borane with hydrogen peroxide and the thermal decomposition of unreacted ammonia borane. Hydrogen production using the methods and systems may yield a high gravimetric hydrogen content of at least about 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Ighor K. Uzhinsky, Fernando Aguirre, Anthony G. Castrogiovanni
  • Publication number: 20130089493
    Abstract: Provided are: a device and method for generating hydrogen from a hydrogen reservoir, whereby it is possible to produce two weight equivalents of the weight equivalent of the hydrogen which can be emitted from ammonia borane-based compounds, in other words a hydrogen storage capacity of 13.0%, in a short time at low temperature; a catalyst used with the same; and a device for using emitted hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: YOUL CHON CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Yun Shin, Nok Jung Song, Sung Kwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20130086884
    Abstract: Whereby the spiral channels of the bladeless rotor and stator of the Bezentropic Bladeless Turbine are attached to the Laval nozzle, as well as to any preferred modification of the same nozzle, act as an extension of nozzle's divergent end, transforming it into a Bezentropic Bladeless Turbine, all the while retaining the nozzle's efficiency and efficacy, achieved as a result of the maintenance and sustenance of the mono-directional rectified molecular flow of gas, steam or its combination thereof, emitted by the nozzles into the Bezentropic Bladeless Turbines spiral channels to produce mechanical work or thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Diana Michaels-Christopher
  • Patent number: 8414863
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydrogen. According to the invention, monosilane or polysilane is converted to hydrogen at an elevated temperature with steam or oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SPAWNT Private S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Julius Pretterebner, Norbert Auner
  • Patent number: 8414668
    Abstract: In a coal gasification furnace adapted to feed pulverized coal thereinto by the use of inert carrier gas and gasify the same, any startup burner can be unnecessitated thereby eliminating any startup combustion chamber. Further, even in the use of a startup burner, it is smaller and lighter in weight than conventional startup burners, allowing the startup combustion chamber to be compact and limiting the height of the entirety of the gasification furnace. As a characteristic feature, a pulverized coal fuel supply passageway (23) to a combustor burner (9) is provided at its midstream portion with a startup gas supply passageway (29) for supply of a startup combustible gas (NG1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Yokohama, Hiromi Ishii, Yuichiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8409545
    Abstract: The process that is the object of the invention describes a process whose purpose is to produce a purified synthesis gas from lignocellulosic biomass that includes a pyrolysis stage, a purification stage placed upstream from the partial oxidation stage, and a cooling stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: IFP Energies nouvelles, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Matthieu Rolland, Eric Lemarie, Nicolas Boudet, Jean-Marie Seiler, Sylvie Rouge
  • Patent number: 8409306
    Abstract: A fuel reformer including a reaction container including a first chamber, a first reactor in the first chamber, the first reactor, including a first catalyst, being configured to produce a first reformate by performing a steam reforming reaction on a first fuel, and having a first gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) at a set flow rate, a first heat source thermally connected to the first reactor, and a second reactor connected to the first reactor, the second reactor including a second catalyst, being configured to produce a second reformate having a lower carbon monoxide content than the first reformate, and having a second GHSV greater than the first GHSV at the set flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Hyuk Son, Woo-Cheol Shin, Sung-Chul Lee, Jin-Goo Ahn
  • Publication number: 20130078704
    Abstract: Methods of processing chemicals change their structure, and in particular increase their solubility and/or rate of dissolution, for intermediates and products made from the structurally changed materials. Many of the methods provide materials that can be more readily utilized in reactions or other processes to produce useful intermediates and products, e.g., energy, fuels, foods or materials. Chemicals that are treated using the processes described herein can be used to form highly concentrated solutions. Treatment can change the functionality of the chemical, and thus the polarity of the chemical, which may render the treated chemical soluble in solvents in which the untreated chemical is insoluble or only sparingly or partially soluble. Methods may in some cases increase the solubility of the chemical in water or aqueous media. The chemical may be, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Xyleco, Inc.
    Inventor: Xyleco, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8404605
    Abstract: A method of loading at least one fused silica article with hydrogen. At least one fused silica article is first loaded with an amount of hydrogen so that the hydrogen concentration at the center of the article exceeds a minimum concentration upon completion of loading. An amount of hydrogen is the removed from the fused silica article so that the fused silica article has an average hydrogen concentration that is less than the maximum average concentration limit. The surface region of the fused silica article is then reloaded to ensure that the hydrogen concentration throughout the article is within a predetermined pressure range. A fused silica article comprising hydrogen is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: William Rogers Rosch
  • Patent number: 8404212
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen. One embodiment of such a method comprises providing a storage apparatus having a substrate and a nanostructure mat on at least a portion of a side of the substrate. The nanostructure mat comprises a plurality of nanostructures having a surface ionization state which causes more than one layer of hydrogen to adsorb onto the nanostructures. The method can also include exposing the nanostructure mat to hydrogen such that more than one layer of hydrogen adsorbs onto the nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Washington State University Research Foundation, Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Norton, David McIlroy
  • Patent number: 8404008
    Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output ga
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wootton, Sunggyu Lee, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20130071317
    Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from methanol and water under supercritical temperature and pressure conditions desirably without any catalyst. The hydrogen can be produced in situ on an internal combustion engine using a heat source such as the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to achieve the supercritical temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sunggyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20130071318
    Abstract: Provided is a catalyst for fuel reformation that causes carbon monoxide contained in hydrogen gas, which is produced from a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, to react with hydrogen and thereby to be transformed into methane, while inhibiting methanation of carbon dioxide contained in the hydrogen gas. The selective CO methanation catalyst includes at least one of a halogen, an inorganic acid, and a metal oxo-acid adsorbed or bonded as a carbon dioxide reaction inhibitor to a carbon monoxide methanation active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF YAMANASHI
    Inventor: University of Yamanashi
  • Patent number: 8397508
    Abstract: 1-100 nm metal ferrite spinel coatings are provided on substrates, preferably by using an atomic layer deposition process. The coatings are able to store energy such as solar energy, and to release that stored energy, via a redox reaction. The coating is first thermally or chemically reduced. The reduced coating is then oxidized in a second step to release energy and/or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or other reduced species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Alan W. Weimer, Christopher Perkins, Jonathan Scheffe, Steven M. George, Paul Lichty
  • Publication number: 20130058861
    Abstract: A series of ternary oxide and quaternary oxide catalysts were prepared and evaluated for various reforming processes. Representative examples of these catalysts were found to be active and stable for all the processes tested verifying the “feedstock and process flexible” nature of these catalysts. Thus, feedstock- and process-flexible reforming catalysts for hydrogen and/or syngas production have been developed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: University of Regina
    Inventors: Raphael Idem, Ataullah Khan Mohammed, Hussameldin Ibrahim, Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, Thitinat Sukonket, Mohammed Faysal Ahamed Khan, Protyai Sengupta, Mohammed Abu Zahid, Bappy Saha
  • 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: 8389169
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a water storage container for storing water, a reaction container for receiving a solid fuel that is a mixture of a complex metal hydride and catalysts, and a water supplying source that is connected between the water storage container and the reaction container to supply the water to the reaction container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Jun Kong
  • Patent number: 8388706
    Abstract: A system uses thermal solar energy coupled with microwaves and plasma for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and dihydrogen (H2) from carbonated compounds (biomass, domestic waste, sludge from waste water, fossil coal), wherein the obtained gaseous mixture yields, amongst others, hydrocarbon fuels (olefins, paraffin), esters, and alcohols via a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. In a first step the carbonated compounds are roasted and pyrolized to produce char and dry coal, and a mixture of superheated gases containing CO2, steam, tars and non-condensable volatile materials. The method includes in a second step, and from the pyrolyis products (char or coal, gas mixture), generating a syngas substantially containing a mixture of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen, the mixture being used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis units. After the Fischer-Tropsch step, the synthesis products are separated in a distillation column after heating in solar furnaces of mixed furnaces (solar/microwave).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Nicolas Ugolin
  • Patent number: 8382865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction apparatus having an enhanced connection, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) a reformer (4) in which a reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, a CO remover in which a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, and a connecting portion (6) having a communicating path that communicates between the reforming reaction chamber (31) and the removing reaction chamber (35). The reformer (4) and the CO remover (5) are arranged spaced apart from each other, at least one of which (4, 5) is configured by combining ceramic parts (11, 12) and metal components (15, 16), and the ceramic parts (11, 12) and the metal components (15, 16) are connected with connecting members (18, 20) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Kyocera Corporation, Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Yamamoto, Kaoru Saito, Naotomo Miyamoto, Masaharu Shioya, Toshihiro Hashimoto, Masaaki Miyahara, Atsushi Ogasawara, Ryuji Mori
  • Publication number: 20130042615
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the serious pollution problems from electric power plants that burn coal which may be forced to shut down by virtue of their being uneconomical to be retrofitted with expensive pollution controls. The pollutants from coal-burning power stations comprise SO2, NOx, Hg, Particulate Matter, Ash, and CO2. This invention offers a unique and comprehensive solution that makes possible the prevention of the ill-effects currently caused to health and environment while at the same time would also prevent the closure of these badly needed power generation facilities that provide some 50% of the electricity generated in this country. The herein comprehensive solution converts the six mentioned pollutants into valuable products and thus avoids the discharge of such pollutants into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Richard Owen McCarthy, Terry James Laubis
  • Patent number: 8377416
    Abstract: A method of releasing hydrogen from ammonia borane is disclosed. The method comprises heating an aqueous ammonia borane solution to between about 80-135° C. at between about 14.7 and 200 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) to release hydrogen by hydrothermolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Arvind Varma, Moiz Diwan, Evgeny Shafirovich, Hyun-Tae Hwang, Ahmad Al-Kukhun
  • Patent number: 8372375
    Abstract: For recovering hydrogen with a high recovery from a reformed gas and contributing to downsizing and cost reduction of facilities, a high-purity hydrogen E is obtained by reforming a reformable raw material A through a reforming unit 1 to yield a hydrogen-rich reformed gas B, compressing the hydrogen-rich reformed gas B with a compressor 2, allowing the compressed gas to pass through a PSA unit 3 to remove unnecessary gases other than carbon monoxide by adsorption, and allowing the resulting gas to pass through a carbon monoxide remover 4 packed with a carbon monoxide adsorbent supporting a copper halide to remove carbon monoxide by adsorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Nakao, Takeshi Yamashita, Akitoshi Fujisawa, Keita Yura
  • Patent number: 8372947
    Abstract: Reversible, high density hydrogen storage that provides a mechanism for reversible uptake/storage/release of hydrogen fuel in response to combination of thermal, mechanical, magnetic, electrical, optical or chemical stimuli. Exemplary media are based on natural and/or synthetic composite materials, and potentially can achieve the highest possible storage density, while using a simple, fast and energy-efficient means for hydrogen uptake and release when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Andrei G. Fedorov
  • Publication number: 20130034785
    Abstract: A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Anand S. Chellappa
  • Patent number: 8366796
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Mandich, William B. Schafer, III
  • Patent number: 8366795
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising a carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke and/or coal, treated or otherwise associated with a gasification catalyst, where the catalyst is at least in part derived from a leachate from a biomass char, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Nelson Yee
  • Patent number: 8361175
    Abstract: A method for converting biomass having a water content of at least 50% into gaseous products includes providing a reactor containing supercritical water and a salt melt. The salt melt includes at least one of a salt and a salt mixture. The reactor and the salt melt are heated to the reaction temperature. The biomass is heated to a preheat temperature. The biomass heated to the preheat temperature is fed into the salt melt. The biomass is heated to the reaction temperature so as to commence a conversion of the biomass into the gaseous products, so as to release from the biomass at least one additional salt into the salt melt. An amount of the salt melt containing at least a portion of the at least one additional salt is withdrawn from the reactor and the amount of the withdrawn salt melt is replaced with a fresh salt solution. The gaseous products are removed from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Goldacker, Andrea Kruse, Nicolaus Dahmen
  • Patent number: 8361428
    Abstract: Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson, Donald Anthony
  • Publication number: 20130022536
    Abstract: A hydrogen production process and a reactor for dehydrogenation in which it is possible to mix hydrogen with a raw material for a dehydrogenation reaction easily and simply and suppress a reduction in the performance of a dehydrogenation reaction catalyst when hydrogen is produced by combining the dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydrides or the like with a hydrogen separation membrane. A flow-type reactor for dehydrogenation of an organic compound includes a hydrogen separation membrane selectively permeable to hydrogen; and a dehydrogenation catalyst for promoting a dehydrogenation reaction of an organic compound which can release hydrogen upon the dehydrogenation reaction, including: a reaction side area through which the organic compound can flow and which includes the dehydrogenation catalyst and a permeation side area which is separated from the reaction side area by the hydrogen separation membrane and through which hydrogen that has passed through the hydrogen separation membrane can flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kobori
  • Publication number: 20130011756
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for extracting hydrogen from a biomass compound comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The biomass may include cellulose, lignin, and/or hemicellulose. Water is combined with the compound to produce a wet form of the compound. The wet form of the compound is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the compound dissociate and react, with one reaction product comprising hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is processed to generate electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Proton Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel C. Weaver, Samuel P. Weaver, Daniel C. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8349039
    Abstract: Processes are provided for capturing and recycling carbonaceous fines generated during a gasification process. In particular, the recycled fines are processed into a particulate composition which is useable as a carbonaceous feedstock and is conversion into a gas stream comprising methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl T. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8349289
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for volatilizing fluid fuel to produce synthesis gas by using a metal catalyst on a solid support matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Bradon J. Dreyer, James R. Salge
  • Patent number: 8349035
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Shabbir Ahmed, Dionissios D. Papadias, Sheldon H. D. Lee, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia
  • Publication number: 20130004413
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage material comprises an oxide and a hydride that can react with each other reversibly to produce hydrogen gas. A solid state hydrogen storage device and process of producing and storing hydrogen are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John J. Vajo, Ping Liu
  • Publication number: 20130004800
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a hydrogen generation reaction section for containing a liquid mixture of formic acid and an ionic liquid, and decomposing the formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by heating; and a separation section for separating a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide supplied from the hydrogen generation reaction section into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein after the separation, the hydrogen is sent out of the separation section to an external hydrogen destination, and the carbon dioxide is sent out of the separation section to an external carbon dioxide destination or emitted into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FORMIC ACID-HYDROGEN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru NAKAHARA
  • Patent number: 8343242
    Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for generating electric power and apparatus for use in said method, the apparatus comprising a gasifier for biomass material, such as waste, wood chips, straw, etc., said gasifier being of the shaft and updraft fixed bed type, which from the top is charged with the raw material for gasification and into the bottom of which gasifying agent is introduced, and a gas engine driving an electrical generator for producing electrical power, said gas engine being driven by the fuel gas from the gasifier. By supplying the produced fuel gas directly from the gasifier to the gas engine and controlling the production of the fuel gas in the gasifier in order to maintain a constant electrical output power, the necessity of using a gas holder between the gasifier and the gas engine is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Vølund A/S
    Inventors: Claus Geest, Bjørn Teislev
  • Publication number: 20120315215
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to energy and the production of cost-effective power sources as hydrocarbons and hydrogen, as well as an oxidizer, such as oxygen. In an embodiment, the method of hydrocarbons, hydrogen and oxygen production includes a number of stages, including water saturation with carbon dioxide to form a saturated carbonated water; passing of the carbonated water through the reactor, which contains a catalyst, with the formation of hydrocarbons, hydrogen and oxygen, that subsequently flow into a separator; separation of reaction products from the initial carbonated water in the separator by liquid and gaseous phase separation, while hydrocarbons are separated from the liquid and gaseous phases, and hydrogen and oxygen are additionally separated from the gaseous phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GALADIGMA LLC
    Inventors: Azary Aleksandrovich Barenbaum, Sumbat Nabievich Zakirov, Ernest Sumbatovich Zakirov, Vladimir Aleksandrovich Serebryakov