Purification Patents (Class 429/410)
  • Publication number: 20150024294
    Abstract: In order to provide a fuel cell device, including a fuel cell stack that includes electrochemically active cathode/electrolyte/anode units, and a reformer for producing a fuel gas for the fuel cell stack from a starting fuel, wherein the fuel cell stack is configured to have the fuel gas produced by the reformer and an oxidizing agent supplied to it, in which the thermomechanical loads in the heating phase are lessened and/or it is made possible to shorten the heating phase, it is proposed that the fuel cell device should include at least one heat transfer device which is configured to have the fuel gas and the oxidizing agent flow through it, upstream of the cathode/electrolyte/anode units of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Kiefer, Andreas Zimmer, Moritz Pausch
  • Publication number: 20150017557
    Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell system includes an air inlet, a hydrogen inlet, an inert gas outlet, a water outlet, an electrical power outlet, at least one low temperature fuel cell and at least one air separator. The air separator is positioned between the air inlet and a cathode of the at least one fuel cell for separating oxygen from the air and feeding the oxygen to a cathode of the at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell is capable of delivering liquid water as a by-product due to the use of substantially pure oxygen and hydrogen in a low temperature operation, such that extraction and condensation requiring cooling capacity is not necessary, The fuel cell system is therefore efficient and compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Claus HOFFJANN, Jens-Dietrich KURRE
  • Patent number: 8932772
    Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a controller is programmed to control a first gas supply mechanism to deliver a first gas containing a fuel gas to a cathode in a pre-stop process performed at a system stop of the fuel cell system. The controller is programmed to control the first gas supply mechanism to stop the delivery of the first gas in a first state where a partial pressure difference between an anode and the cathode with respect to at least the fuel gas of remaining gases in the anode and in the cathode is reduced to or below a preset reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kumei, Manabu Kato, Michihito Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150004503
    Abstract: To restrain the leakage of an exhaust gas from inside of a fuel cell module to the outside of a fuel cell system. A simplified airtight housing 4 constituting a SOFC system accommodates a fuel cell module 1, an exhaust gas processing unit 2, and a heat exchanger 3. A SOFC package 7 accommodates the housing and defines and forms an auxiliary machinery compartment 8 around the housing. The housing has an intake hole 41. A blower 17a disposed in the housing draws in air from the inside of the housing and supplies the air to air electrodes of fuel battery cells in the module through a cathode air supply passage 17. The suction of the air from the inside of the housing by the blower maintains the inside of the housing at a pressure that is lower than the pressure in the area surrounding the housing (the compartment).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATON
    Inventors: Satoru Yamamoto, Yasushi Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20150004502
    Abstract: Provided is a cooling structure for vehicle electrical components that is capable of solving problems due to water contained in intake air. Air used in an electricity generation reaction and air necessary for self-cooling is supplied to a fuel cell stack (11) via an intake duct (2). Dust and chemical substances in the air are removed by a dust/chemical substance filter (3) provided on the fuel cell stack (11) side within the intake duct (2). Furthermore, air and water are primarily separated by a water filter (4) provided in the intake duct (2) upstream by a prescribed distance in the air flow direction from the dust/chemical substance filter (3). Therefore, water in the intake air does not reach the dust/chemical substance filter (3) and the fuel cell stack (11), and various problems due to water contained in the intake air can be solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kengo Ikeya, Shiro Matsumoto, Damian Patrick Davies, Nathan Grange
  • Publication number: 20140377672
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by using a raw material; a hydro-desulfurizer configured to remove a sulfur compound in the raw material; a recycle passage through which the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the raw material before the raw material flows into the hydro-desulfurizer; a booster configured to supply the raw material to the reformer; a raw material supply passage through which the raw material to be supplied to the reformer flows; and an ejector which is disposed on the raw material supply passage provided downstream of the booster and upstream of the hydro-desulfurizer and into which the hydrogen-containing gas flows from the recycle passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Tamura, Koichi Kusumura, Yoichi Midorikawa, Yoshihiro Mori, Kouhei Tsuyuguchi
  • Publication number: 20140377671
    Abstract: A fuel cell purge apparatus for a fuel cell system has a separator defining a chamber for receiving a recirculated fuel stream including a fluid and impurities. The apparatus has a drain conduit with an outer passage connected to the chamber. The outer passage forms a fluid trap to collect the fluid. The drain conduit also has an inner passage nested within the outer passage through the fluid trap for delivering the impurities to a purge valve. The inner passage has a free end extending into the chamber of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Milos Milacic, Kurt David Osborne
  • Patent number: 8916300
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which ammonia is used as a fuel source for solid oxide fuel cell systems. In the various aspects a high temperature fuel cell stack exhaust stream is recycled through one or more separation or conversion devices to create a purified recycled fuel exhaust stream that is recycled back into the fuel inlet stream of the high temperature fuel cell stack. In various aspects a nitrogen separator may remove nitrogen from the recycled fuel cell stack exhaust stream, a water separator may remove water from the recycled fuel cell stack exhaust stream, and/or an ammonia reactor and hydrogen separator may be used to condition the fuel inlet stream of the high temperature fuel cell stack. In a further aspect a molten carbonate fuel cell and/or Sabatier reactor may be used to condition the fuel inlet stream of the high temperature fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: James McElroy, Arne Ballantine, Matthias Gottmann
  • Publication number: 20140363749
    Abstract: A method for desulphurization of a liquid fossil fuel to be used in connection with a fuel cell is performed in a system comprising an evaporator unit (1), wherein the liquid fuel is first evaporated, a fixed bed reactor (2) in the form of a gas-phase hydro-desulphurizer, where the fuel is treated with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure over a highly active hydro-cracking (HAHT) catalyst, whereby sulphur species are converted to H2S, an adsorber (3), where the produced hydrogen sulphide can be adsorbed on a catalytic bed, and a fuel reformer (4), in which the fuel product is converted to syngas to be fed to an SOFC system (6). The evaporator unit (1) comprises a liquid spraying device, preferably in the form of a piezoelectric spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Topsøe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Hassan Modarresi, Thomas Rostrup-Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140349200
    Abstract: [TECHNICAL PROBLEM] The present invention relates to a method for highly efficiently decomposing and purifying biomass, organic/inorganic compounds, waste, waste fluids, and environmental pollutants, by harnessing a catalyst action without applying any light, and simultaneously generate electricity. [SOLUTION TO PROBLEM] In the invention, first provided a composite three-layered anode which has a constitution of conductive electrode base layer, porous semiconductor layer, and catalyst layer, and then immersed the composite anode in a liquid phase such as an aqueous solution or suspension that contains as the fuel at least one of or a mixture of biomass, biomass waste, and organic/inorganic compounds, and a counter cathode is disposed for oxygen reduction in the liquid phase, and oxygen is supplied into the liquid phase and thereby conducted the fuel cell reaction and the fuel is decomposed and electricity is generated without applying external energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Institute of Biophotochemonics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masao Kaneko, Hirohito Ueno, Junichi Nemoto, Yuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 8895199
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system using waste hydrogen generated from a sea water electrolyzing apparatus, the fuel cell system including: a sea water electrolyzing apparatus carrying out electrolysis of sea water used as cooling water in a nuclear power generation system to produce a chlorine-containing material; a hydrogen conveying line linked to one side of the sea water electrolyzing apparatus to convey waste hydrogen generated during the electrolysis; and a fuel cell linked to the hydrogen conveying line to generate electricity by using the waste hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen conveying line as fuel. The fuel cell system generates electricity by using waste hydrogen, which, otherwise, is totally discarded after being generated secondarily from the sea water electrolyzing apparatus, as fuel for the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: XFC Inc.
    Inventors: Ju-Hyung Lee, Jong Won Choi, Suk-Won Cha, Ik Whang Chang
  • Patent number: 8895198
    Abstract: An air CO2 filtration assembly or system is provided that includes CO2 filters or traps designed and configured with a limited, but high capacity, volume to maximize filtration/absorption of CO2 from an air stream supplied to an alkaline fuel cell to thereby minimize the CO2 level in the air stream fed into the fuel cell cathode. The CO2 filters or traps include at least one thermally regenerative CO2 chemical filter or trap arranged in a tandem configuration with a strongly bonding CO2 chemical filter or trap. The combination of the two types of filters or traps sequentially filter/absorb CO2 from the air stream and reduce the level of CO2 in the air stream fed into the cathode. The air CO2 filtration assembly or system may be used in conjunction with electrochemical purging of the alkaline fuel cell that enables removal of CO2 from the fuel cell by anodic decomposition of accumulated carbonate ions in the fuel cell anode and release of CO2 through the anode exhaust stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cellera, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimson Gottesfeld
  • Publication number: 20140342251
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140342252
    Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Gilbert Richards, David Trevisan, Michael Lee, Jessica Mahler, Ross Parker, Alex Clarabut, Chad Pearson, Arne Ballantine, David Weingaertner, Jason Hixson, Fred Mitlitsky
  • Publication number: 20140322619
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a fuel cell system includes an anode supply circuit is configured for delivering an anode source fluid to anode components. The anode supply circuit includes a primary supply path, a desulfurizer situated along the primary supply path, and a pre-reformer downstream of the desulfurizer and upstream of the anode components. The pre-reformer converts a portion of anode source fluid into an anode reactant and yields a reformed source fluid that includes the anode reactant. A first feedback path carries anode exhaust fluid from the anode components such that at least some heat associated with the anode exhaust fluid facilitates the pre-reformer converting at least some anode source fluid into the anode reactant. A second feedback path carries at least a portion of the reformed source fluid to be mixed with the anode source fluid provided to the desulfurizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Yao LIN, Kazuo SAITO, Raghothama Madhusudana RAO, Sandeep Kisan GOUD
  • Publication number: 20140322620
    Abstract: This invention provides a compact safety type fuel cell system, including an enclosure and the electronic control system, electric isolation board, gas isolation board, fuel cell stack system, hydrogen delivery device installed in the enclosure. The electric isolation board divides the inside of the enclosure into electronic control system space and fuel cell stack working space, the gas isolation board divides the fuel cell stack working space into hydrogen side space and air inlet space, the air inlet space and the air inlet port of the fuel cell stack system are connected, the fuel cell stack system enclosure connects with the gas isolation board hermetically. This invention achieves electric isolation in a limited space and the effective isolation between air and hydrogen, which can directly replace the lead-acid cell system on battery-powered forklift being widely used now, requires no forklift redesign due to such problems as insufficient placing space, etc. and facilitates upgrading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Infintium Fuel Cell Systems (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xuxu Ge
  • Publication number: 20140302409
    Abstract: Fuel cell structure and method of producing electrical energy from a methanol-based initial material. The fuel cell structure is comprised of a fuel cell for decomposing hydrocarbon-based fuel in order to produce electrical energy, a fuel tank from which fuel can be fed into the fuel cell, and a treatment unit for decomposition products, into which unit it is possible to direct the decomposition products of the fuels. The fuel tank and the treatment unit are at least partly separated from each other by a movable wall, and the wall is arranged to move to even out the pressure difference and the volume difference between the fuel tank and the treatment unit. The movable wall makes it possible to remove disadvantageous pressure differences between the fuel tank and the treatment unit, in which case a continuous feed of fuel into the fuel cell is achieved, which feed continues until either the fuel is expended or the treatment of the decomposition products is brought to an end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: STIFTELSEN ARCADA
    Inventor: Mikael Paronen
  • Publication number: 20140295301
    Abstract: The present invention provides in embodiments a method for purification of inlet gas/liquid streams in a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, the fuel cell or electrolysis cell comprising at least a first electrode, an electrolyte and a second electrode, the method comprising the steps of: —providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and/or providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and —purifying the gas/liquid streams towards the first and second electrode; wherein the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode and/or the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode comprises a material suitable as an electrolyte material and a material suitable as an electrode material, and wherein the material suitable as an electrolyte material and a mat
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventors: Sune D. Ebbesen, Mogens Bjerg Mogensen
  • Publication number: 20140287331
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a fuel-cell system, which is attached to at least one further component via a cooling and/or lubricating circuit. A water-based, oil-free coolant and lubricant is used, and a flushing procedure for the fuel cell is initiated when a contamination of the fuel cell by the water-based, oil-free coolant and lubricant is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR Engineering AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Franz MAYR, Erich RAMSCHAK
  • Publication number: 20140287330
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates generally to redox flow batteries and, more specifically, to flow batteries that employ electron-ferrying redox compounds made from polyoxometalates (“POMs”). Embodiments of the present invention employ flow-battery technology that combines the fast electrochemical reaction of a battery with the fuel flexibility of a fuel cell to meet next-generation energy needs of a variety of power applications, including portable electronics used in military and commercial applications and large power modules that provide 550 W or more. To obtain a high-power-density stack, a reduced form of liquid POM is fed to the stack of cells, in certain embodiments of the present invention, where the reduced form of liquid POM is efficiently oxidized into liquid products at the anodes. Air is fed and reduced at the cathodes, generating water as a byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FC & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy James Ohlsen
  • Publication number: 20140272621
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a synthesis process in various manners, including providing hydrogen for use in producing ammonia. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a methanol synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, S. Allen Erickson, Anita S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20140272615
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). At least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272617
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). At least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272620
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell with an excess of reformable fuel relative to the amount of oxidation performed in the anode of the fuel cell. Instead of selecting the operating conditions of a fuel cell to improve or maximize the electrical efficiency of the fuel cell, an excess of reformable fuel can be passed into the anode of the fuel cell to increase the chemical energy output of the fuel cell. This can lead to an increase in the total efficiency of the fuel cell based on the combined electrical efficiency and chemical efficiency of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272619
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). At least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272614
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272616
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). At least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272618
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272628
    Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell, such as a fuel cell assembly, with increased production of syngas while also reducing or minimizing the amount of CO2 exiting the fuel cell in the cathode exhaust stream. This can allow for improved efficiency of syngas production while also generating electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140272613
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells can be operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust can be recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank Hershkowitz, Alessandro Faldi
  • Publication number: 20140272622
    Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a cathode, a cathode conductor layer adjacent the cathode, an electrolyte separated from the cathode conductor layer by the cathode, and an anode separated from the cathode by the electrolyte, wherein the anode, cathode conductor layer, cathode, and electrolyte are configured to form an electrochemical cell, and wherein at least one of cathode or the cathode conductor layer includes an exsolute oxide configured to capture Cr vapor species present in the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengliang Xing, Zhien Liu, Richard W. Goettler
  • Patent number: 8835062
    Abstract: An enclosed separator unit for incorporation into a gas supply device of a fuel cell system, to separate liquid from the gas supply device, includes a separator for separating the liquid. A housing encloses the separator unit which is arranged in a gas space 21 in the housing and/or is in thermal contact with the gas space. A line system is provided for discharging the liquid from the separator, and at least one fluid dynamically active functional component is arranged in the line system, in the gas space 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Baur, Werner Englert, Dietmar Mirsch, Hans-Joerg Schabel
  • Publication number: 20140255805
    Abstract: A desulfurizer material for desulfurizing fuel supplied to a fuel cell system, the desulfurizer material comprising one or more manganese oxide materials having an octahedral molecular sieve (OMS) structure, and the desulfurizer material being resistant to moisture and being capable of removing organic sulfur containing compounds and H2S. The desulfurizer material is used in a desulfurizer assembly which is used as part of a fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jin-Yun Wang, Mohammad Farooque, David Xu, Zachary Sanders
  • Patent number: 8828613
    Abstract: Fuel-cell assemblies containing a membrane electrode assembly, methods for preparing the membrane electrode assembly, and methods for functionalizing catalytic surfaces of catalyst particles in the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell assembly have been described. The fuel-cell assemblies and their membrane electrode assemblies contain cathode catalyst materials having catalytic surfaces that are functionalized with cyano groups to improve catalyst activity. The cathode catalyst materials may include a catalytic metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The cyano groups may be derived from a cyanide source that is electro-oxidized onto the catalytic surfaces. Nonlimiting examples of cyanide sources include amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and serine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jingxin Zhang, Rohit Makharia, Jeanette E. Owejan
  • Publication number: 20140242479
    Abstract: A redox device, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox device, includes at least one redox unit which is provided for carrying out at least one redox reaction with consumption and/or production of a first gas, in particular hydrogen gas, and/or of a second gas, in particular oxygen gas. The redox device includes at least one gas purification unit for freeing the hydrogen gas of contamination by oxygen gas and/or freeing the oxygen gas of contamination by hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Walter JEHLE, Sebastian MARKGRAF, Willigert RAATSCHEN, Joachim LUCAS
  • Publication number: 20140242478
    Abstract: A redox device, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox device, has at least one redox unit, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox unit, which is intended for carrying out at least one redox reaction with consumption and/or production of a first gas, in particular hydrogen gas, and/or of a second gas, in particular oxygen gas. The redox device includes at least one residual gas purification unit which frees at least one residual gas in the redox unit of at least one gas impurity at least in at least one rest mode of the redox unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBH
    Inventors: Walter JEHLE, Joachim LUCAS, Sebastian MARKGRAF
  • Patent number: 8808932
    Abstract: A fuel cell system having an adsorber placed in an air supply path to an air electrode of a fuel cell and receiving a chemical filter for adsorbing impurities contained in air; measurement means for measuring the amount per unit time of air having passed the adsorber; detection means for detecting the density of impurities contained in the air, whose volume has been measured by the measurement means, before it enters the adsorber; estimation means for estimating, based on the amount of the air, the density of the impurities, and adsorption efficiency of the chemical filter, the amount of the impurities adsorbed per unit time by the chemical filter; and output control means for causing a signal to output when an accumulated value of the amount of the impurity exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toyokazu Baika
  • Patent number: 8808931
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward ion exchange filters useful in fuel cell systems, fuel cell systems including ion exchange filters and methods for treating fluid of fuel cells. One embodiment of the invention includes a cartridge containing an anion exchange resin in bicarbonate form. The invention is particularly useful in connection with vehicle mounted fuel cell systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Harlan Robert Goltz, Marvin H. Tegen
  • Publication number: 20140227617
    Abstract: A system and method for managing water produced by fuel cells where this waste water is captured and used for agricultural, industrial or community purposes along with electricity generated by the fuel cells. Water from a coastal (or lake coast) region can be converted by electricity into hydrogen and oxygen gas or hydrogen and chlorine gas with the hydrogen gas being piped to remote regions for conversion into fresh water and electricity by fuel cells. The oxygen or chlorine can be optionally recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Vasilios Dossas, Clifford H. Kraft, Laura Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8802323
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the production of electrical energy from an ammonium (NH4+) containing aqueous liquid comprising (a) separating at least part of the ammonium as ammonium salt or concentrated ammonium salt comprising solution from the ammonium containing aqueous liquid, (b) decomposing at least part of the ammonium salt or salt solution into an ammonia (NH3) comprising gas and one or more other decomposition products, and (c) feeding at least part of the ammonia comprising gas to an fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Katrien Hemmes, Lambert Hooiveld
  • Publication number: 20140220462
    Abstract: [Problem] The object of the invention is to provide the filter device disposed in the moist fluid passage of the fuel cell system in that, water is not adhered and never remains in the filter and when leaving it under the low temperature after the system stops, blockage by freezing the filter can surely be prevented, and the complex control and the heat source such as heaters for the decompression as conventional is unnecessary, and the filter device is cheap and compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicants: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA SAGINOMIYA SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Takeda, Kazuhiko Osawa, Daisaku Inamura, Ichiro Okawara, Takatada Usami, Shinichiro Takemoto
  • Publication number: 20140205920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell system for vehicles and a method for controlling the same which stably maintains an output of a fuel cell by precisely estimating a recirculated hydrogen amount to a stack. A fuel cell system according to the present invention may include: a stack comprising a plurality of unit cells for generating electrical energy by electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizing agent; a blower for recirculating a gas exhausted from the stack so as to supply the gas back to the stack; an ejector for recirculating the gas exhausted from the stack, receiving hydrogen so as to mix the hydrogen to the recirculated gas, and supplying the mixture to the stack; a sensor module for detecting a driving condition of the vehicle; and a control portion for controlling operations of the blower and the ejector by using the driving condition of the vehicle and performance maps of the blower and the ejector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Joon Lee, Yong Gyu Noh, Bu Kil Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140186725
    Abstract: A fuel cell system and a method of purging the same are provided. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack that includes a fuel electrode and an air electrode as well as an air supply unit that supplies air of a blower to the air electrode via a humidifier through an air supply line. A water trap collects condensed water that is generated at the fuel electrode, and a drain valve that is installed within a drain line between the water trap and the humidifier is also provided. A purge valve is installed at a purge line that is branched from the drain line between the fuel cell stack and the water trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyunjae Lee, Jong Hyun Lee, Deukkeun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8765311
    Abstract: A fuel cell (1) includes an electromotive unit (2) having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (12), a fuel storage unit (4) storing a liquid fuel, and a fuel supply mechanism (3) supplying the fuel from the fuel storage unit (4) to a fuel electrode (7) of the membrane electrode assembly (12). The membrane electrode assembly (12) has a gas vent hole (17) provided in a manner to penetrate through at least an electrolyte membrane (11) to let a gas component generated on a side of the fuel electrode (7) escape to a side of an air electrode (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Oozu, Yukinori Akamoto, Yuuichi Sato, Genta Oomichi, Hirofumi Kan, Daisuke Watanabe, Nobuyasu Negishi, Yuichi Yoshida, Asako Sato
  • Patent number: 8748053
    Abstract: A system for bleeding the anode side of first and second split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting, where each split stack includes a bleed valve. The system determines that one or both of the bleed valves is stuck in an open position if there is flow through an orifice and a bleed has not been commanded. A shut-off valve is then used to provide the bleed if the cathode exhaust gas is able to dilute the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas. An outlet valve between the first and second split stacks is used to bleed the anode exhaust gas if the cathode exhaust gas is not significant enough to dilute the hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas. If the first or second bleed valve is stuck in the closed position, then the outlet valve is used to provide the bleed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Abdullah B. Alp, Prasad Gade, Jon R. Sienkowski
  • Publication number: 20140154595
    Abstract: An anaerobic aluminum-water electrochemical cell includes electrode stacks, each electrode stack having an aluminum or aluminum alloy anode, and at least one solid cathode configured to be electrically coupled to the anode. The cell further includes a liquid electrolyte between the anode and the at least one cathode, one or more physical separators between each electrode stack adjacent to the cathode, a housing configured to hold the electrode stacks, the electrolyte, and the physical separators, and a water injection port, in the housing, configured to introduce water into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ian Salmon McKay, Ruaridh R. Macdonald, Thomas B. Milnes
  • Publication number: 20140147758
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell system that is capable of improved power generating performance and reduced size, and furthermore, is very safe. The system includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a fuel tank, a liquid collecting tank, a two-liquid-joining unit, a first fuel supply unit, a second fuel supply unit, and a fuel filter. The fuel tank stores a liquid fuel. The liquid collecting tank stores a liquid discharged from at least one of an anode or a cathode in the MEA, as a collected liquid. The two-liquid-joining unit prepares a diluted fuel by mixing the liquid fuel and the collected liquid. The first fuel supply unit supplies the liquid fuel to the two-liquid-joining unit. The second fuel supply unit supplies the diluted fuel to the anode. The fuel filter, disposed between the two-liquid-joining unit and the anode, removes impurities in the diluted fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Akiyama, Masaki Mitsui, Isamu Kawata
  • Patent number: 8735008
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by reacting oxidant and mixed fuel, and for discharging non-reacted fuel, oxidant, moisture, and carbon dioxide; a mixer for preparing the mixed fuel by mixing at least a portion of the non-reacted fuel, oxidant and moisture with concentrated fuel and for supplying the mixed fuel to the fuel cell stack; a fuel supply unit for supplying the concentrated fuel to the mixer; an oxidant supply unit for supplying the oxidant to the fuel cell stack; a first heat exchanger between an outlet of the fuel cell stack and the mixer; and a second heat exchanger between the mixer and an inlet of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-Kee Yoon, Young-Soo Joung, Jung-Kurn Park, Hye-Jung Cho, In-Seob Song
  • Patent number: 8722258
    Abstract: An open type fuel cell system is provided including a recirculating unit that recirculates hydrogen discharged from a main fuel cell into the main fuel cell and a reproducing unit that removes water and impurities produced in operation of the main fuel cell. The open type fuel cell system is adapted so that it does not discharge hydrogen supplied to a main fuel cell into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Cheol Nam Yang, Yong-Soo Jeong, Chang Rae Lee, Sung-Mo Moon
  • Patent number: 8715868
    Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is described. The fuel cell includes a twin-cell electrochemical filter. A flow of reformate H2 and pulse potential are switched between each respective filter cell such that when CO-contaminated H2 is fed to one filter cell, generally simultaneously a pulse potential is applied to the other filter cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventor: John W. Weidner