Humidification Or Dehumidification Patents (Class 429/413)
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Publication number: 20140162150Abstract: A humidifying apparatus of a fuel cell is provided that includes a housing, a hollow fiber membrane module, valve, a sensor, and a controller. More specifically, a hollow fiber membrane module is disposed inside a housing. This housing has a first inlet and a first outlet formed in both side surfaces of an outer circumferential surface of the housing, and a second inlet and a second outlet formed at one side and an opposite side of the housing. Additionally, a valve is mounted in the first outlet of housing and a sensor is configured to sense a control factor of a fuel cell stack. A controller is also configured to output a control signal to adjust how much the valve is opened or closed according to a sensing signal from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Hyunyoo Kim, Hyuck Roul Kwon
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Patent number: 8748047Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel cell system having recirculation blower arranged in a fuel cell circuit, fuel discharged from the anode exhaust is fed back to the inlet side of the fuel cell system via the recirculation blower. The direction of flow in the fuel return line is reversed in at least a portion of the return line, in an alternating manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Thomas Baur, Cosimo Mazzotta, Andreas Knoop
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Publication number: 20140147759Abstract: A system and method for estimating an amount of carbon support loss in fuel cells of a fuel cell stack in a vehicle, for example, during vehicle off-times. The system and method include estimating an amount of time that a hydrogen concentration in the fuel cell stack is zero and calculating an amount of carbon loss based on the amount of time that the hydrogen concentration in the fuel cell stack is zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Andrew J. Maslyn, Paul Taichiang Yu, Rohit Makharia
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Patent number: 8735008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Kee Yoon, Young-Soo Joung, Jung-Kurn Park, Hye-Jung Cho, In-Seob Song
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Patent number: 8734970Abstract: Actuators are attached with plates of a fuel cell stack. Electrical power is provided to the actuators to drive the actuators to mechanically excite the plates to agitate liquid water restricting or blocking flow fields formed in the plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: George Steven Saloka, Allen H. Meitzler
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Patent number: 8728673Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A detector, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, and a water supply apparatus are provided in the fluid supply section. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module section. A power converter and a control device are provided in the electrical equipment section. The module section is interposed between the fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Patent number: 8728672Abstract: The moisture state of a fuel cell is determined without causing any variation in the supply state of the reactant gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. An output current control section temporarily performs a current sweep while maintaining the amount of oxidant gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. A resistance component calculation section calculates the resistance component in the fuel cell by using an output current value and an output voltage value of the fuel cell being that of when the current sweep is temporarily performed. A moisture content calculation section calculates the moisture content in the fuel cell by using the resistance component. A moisture content determination section determines whether or not the moisture content is equal to or lower than a dry state threshold value. A moisture content increasing processing section performs a moisture content increasing process when the moisture content is equal to or lower than the dry state threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomotaka Ishikawa, Keigo Suematsu, Nobuo Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140134506Abstract: A proton exchange membrane with self-humidifying characteristics having proton conducing polymer nanofibers with hygroscopic characteristics and a second polymer impregnated into voids between the nanofibers to form a self-humidifying proton exchange membrane. Also disclosed is a proton exchange membrane having polymer or inorganic material nanofibers with hygroscopic characteristics and a proton conducting second polymer impregnated into voids between the nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventor: Francis John Kub
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Publication number: 20140134507Abstract: A humidifier has a housing in which a moisture exchanger is arranged. The moisture exchanger has water-permeable and/or water-vapor permeable hollow fibers. The hollow fibers separate a first flow path and a second flow path from each other. A spacer secures the hollow fibers in a defined position within the housing. The spacer contains a moisture storage medium that is at least partially made of a superabsorbent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBHInventor: Michael Fasold
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Patent number: 8722268Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a cell voltage monitor, a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen supply channel, an ejector, a hydrogen off-gas channel, a purge valve, a compressor, an air supply channel, a pressure control unit for controlling air pressure, a pilot pressure input channel branching off from the air supply channel and inputting the air pressure to the ejector as pilot pressure, and a control unit for controlling the purge valve and the pressure control unit. The ejector includes a pressure control mechanism which increases the ejector's secondary-side pressure by increasing the area of the nozzle's ejecting hole when the pilot pressure input from the pilot pressure input channel rises. When electricity generation status of the fuel cell stack is judged to be poor, the control unit opens the purge valve after raising the air pressure and the pilot pressure by using the pressure control unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chihiro Wake, Koichiro Miyata, Jumpei Ogawa
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Patent number: 8722258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & MaterialsInventors: Cheol Nam Yang, Yong-Soo Jeong, Chang Rae Lee, Sung-Mo Moon
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Patent number: 8722260Abstract: An integrated apparatus includes: a gas-liquid separator that separates a gas and a liquid from a gas-liquid mixture fluid; a diluter disposed below the gas-liquid separator; and a communication pipe that communicates between the gas-liquid separator and the diluter, and that is disposed at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, and that introduces at least the liquid separated from the gas-liquid mixture fluid, into the diluter. The gas-liquid separator, the diluter, and the communication pipe are integrated.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Sekine, Mitsuo Kubota, Yoshinori Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8715869Abstract: A fuel cell, a method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell system, which ensure no dew condensation for a wet reaction gas in the inlet area of gas channels in plates in a fuel cell stack, are provided. Gas channels 2 and heat medium channels are disposed on one surface and the other surface of one plate 1, respectively. Gas channels are disposed on the other plate such that they face the gas channels 2 in the plate 1. A gas inlet header 3 is disposed at the upper part of the gas channel 2 in the plate 1 and a heat medium inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the heat medium channels such that they face the gas inlet header on the other side. Cooling water such as heat medium is supplied from the heat medium supply manifold hole 7 to the heat medium inlet header, thereby warming up the same. The water vapor in the reaction gas (wet fuel gas) is prevented from being condensed in the inlet area of the gas channels 2 by heating up the gas inlet header by the heat conduction.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy CorporationInventors: Takaaki Matsubayashi, Mitsuo Karakane, Yasunori Yoshimoto, Akira Hamada
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Publication number: 20140120436Abstract: A method of managing humidification for a fuel cell power system comprising, supplying air to a cathode inlet stream of a fuel cell. Detecting a fuel cell parameter associated with the humidity of the cathode inlet stream. Selectively operating the fuel cell in either an active humidification mode or a deactive humidification mode based on the fuel cell parameter, wherein the active humidification mode includes adding water to the cathode inlet stream and the deactive humidification mode includes adding no water to the cathode inlet stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.Inventors: Scott Blanchet, Filippo Gambini
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Publication number: 20140120434Abstract: A method for determining membrane humidification by determining the membrane protonic resistance of a fuel cell stack at humidified conditions, and normalizing the base resistance of the fuel cell stack against the base resistance of a reference fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Manish Sinha, Derek R. Lebzelter, John C. Fagley, Megan J. Quick, Rodney J. Rhodes, Sergio E. Garcia, Victor W. Logan
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Publication number: 20140120433Abstract: Assemblies and methods for measuring in-situ membrane fluid crossover are provided. One embodiment of an in-situ fuel cell membrane crossover measurement assembly as disclosed herein comprises an anode fluid supply configured to supply anode fluid to an anode side of a proton exchange membrane; a cathode fluid supply configured to supply cathode fluid to a cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; a collection chamber configured to receive an exhaust from one of the anode side and the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; and means for detecting a crossover fluid in the exhaust. The crossover fluid is from the cathode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the anode side and the crossover fluid is from the anode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the cathode side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: GREGORY DILEO, RAMESHWAR YADAV
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Publication number: 20140120435Abstract: A particle size distribution creating method includes a particle size range determining step, an integrating step of integrating the frequency of appearance of particles within the particle size range determined in the particle size range determining step, a division point determining step of determining particle sizes that provide division points, using the integral of the frequency of appearance obtained in the integrating step, and a typical point determining step of determining the minimum particle size, maximum particle size and the particle sizes of the division points as typical points.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroko Kimura, Naoki Takehiro, Manabu Kato, Kazutaka Kimura
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Patent number: 8709668Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus 100 of the present invention includes: a reformer 4 for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material gas; a raw material gas supplier 13 for supplying the raw material gas to the reformer 4; a methanator 6 for reducing carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas through a methanation reaction; and a controller for controlling the raw material gas supplier 13 to decrease an amount of the raw material gas supplied to the reformer 4 so as to decrease an amount of generation of the hydrogen-containing gas when a temperature of the methanator 6 increases.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Nakajima, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani
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Patent number: 8691458Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the accuracy of estimating a moisture content and suppress an effect of remaining water at the startup of the fuel cell system. A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell including a cell laminate; an estimating unit for estimating a residual water content distribution in the reactant gas flow channel and a moisture content distribution in the electrolyte membrane in a cell plane of each single cell while taking into consideration water transfer that occurs between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode via the electrolyte membrane; and an operation control unit for, based on an estimation result from the estimating unit, setting a scavenging time used in a scavenging process for the fuel cell after the fuel cell system is shut down.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Okuyoshi, Masaaki Matsusue, Masashi Toida
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Publication number: 20140093795Abstract: The reservoirs 2 and 2? preliminarily contain liquid water, which is utilized as the water to be supplied to the polymer membrane. A vapor pressure of the water is set to a predetermined value in the reservoir by controlling the temperature of the reservoirs 2 and 2? individually. Pressure gauges 6 and 6? may be used for setting a vapor pressure of the water. The water which is gasified based on the set vapor pressure in the respective reservoir is supplied to the stack 10 along with oxygen from the reservoir 2, and with hydrogen from the reservoir 2?. This configuration makes it possible to adjust the amount of water contained in the polymer membrane and maintain the moisturization of the polymer membrane without external water supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Japan Aerospace Exploration AgencyInventor: Yoshitsugu SONE
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Publication number: 20140093796Abstract: A wet state control device for fuel cell includes a priority control unit for preferentially controlling either one of a pressure and a flow rate of cathode gas when a wet state of a fuel cell is adjusted, a water temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of cooling water when the wet state of the fuel cell is not completely adjustable by a control of the priority control unit, and a complementary control unit for controlling the other of the pressure and the flow rate of the cathode gas to complement a response delay of the water temperature control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Tetsuya Aoki, Michihiko Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8685577Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module and a condenser apparatus. The condenser apparatus includes a first condenser using an oxygen-containing as a coolant, and a second condenser using hot water stored in a hot water tank as the coolant. Further, the fuel cell system includes a control device for controlling at least one of a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the first condenser and a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the second condenser based on at least any of a water level of the hot water in the hot water tank, a temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank, and a water level of the condensed water in the condenser apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiko Kiyohiro, Tetsuya Ogawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Publication number: 20140087277Abstract: An exemplary device for managing moisture content within a fuel cell includes a reactant distribution plate having a plurality of members that establish reactant flow channels that are open on at least one side of the plate. A wicking layer is against the one side of the plate. The wicking layer includes a first portion that is uninterrupted and covers over at least some of the channels. A second portion of the wicking layer extends along ends of at least some of the members such that sections of the channels coextensive with the second portion are open toward the one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Mason Darling, Paravastu Badrinarayanan
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Patent number: 8673511Abstract: A sodium chloride electrolysis cell (9) receives a portion of its electrical power (47, 48: 50, 51) from a phosphoric acid fuel cell (44) which receives fuel at its anode inlet (43) from a water cooled catalytic reactor (26) that converts oxygen in the byproduct output (19) of the sodium chlorate electrolysis cell to hydrogen and water. A utility grid (53) may provide through a converter (55) power to support the electrochemical process in the sodium chlorate electrolysis cell. Temperature of the water cooled catalytic reactor is determined by the vaporization of pressurized hot water, the pressure of which may be adjusted by a controller (36) and a valve (38) in response to temperature (40).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Antonio M. Vincitore, Peter F. Foley, Derek W. Hildreth, John L. Preston
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Patent number: 8669013Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating electrical power from certain non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks through the integration of catalytic hydromethanation technology with fuel cell technology.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.Inventors: Charles Allen Powell, Pattabhi K. Raman, Earl T. Robinson, Avinash Sirdeshpande
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Patent number: 8663855Abstract: A hydrogen-air fuel cell having a mobile element capable of, in closed position, covering the cell cathode in substantially tight fashion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Énergies AlternativesInventors: Mathieu Roy, Jean-Yves Laurent
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Patent number: 8663854Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell which has an anode, a cathode, and a membrane element. Two electrode chambers are disposed in the fuel cell, and the electrode chambers are an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. An educt flows into the anode chamber and into the cathode chamber by means of a respective incoming stream. According to the invention, it is provided that at least one compensation region is disposed on the end of the membrane element and serves solely to moisten and/or temper at least one of the incoming streams.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Florian Wahl, Sebastian Maass, Uwe Limbeck
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Publication number: 20140057186Abstract: In a method of operating a fuel cell, a voltage difference between voltages of a first unit cell and a second unit cell is detected. Whether the voltage difference is out of a predetermined range is determined. If the voltage difference is determined to be out of the predetermined range, humidity of a first reactant gas before being supplied to a first reactant gas passage is adjusted or humidity of a second reactant gas before being supplied to a second reactant gas passage is adjusted. The first reactant gas passage is provided in a first separator. The first reactant gas is to be supplied to one of first electrodes through the first reactant gas passage. The second reactant gas is to be supplied to another of the first electrodes through the second reactant gas passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji UEHARA, Masahiro MOHRI, Hiromichi YOSHIDA, Kenichiro UEDA, Shinya WATANABE, Akiji ANDO
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Patent number: 8658322Abstract: In a fuel cell system including a stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells, the wet state of electrolyte membranes in the fuel cell stack is detected according to a variation in measurement value of an alternating current impedance (AC impedance) of the fuel cell stack. In an adequate level of water content of the electrolyte membranes, the measurement value of the AC impedance is substantially constant and has a very little variation. In an excess level of water content of the electrolyte membranes, the measurement value of the AC impedance has a significant variation. The AC impedance of the fuel cell stack is determinable by frequency analysis of high-frequency noise generated by an inverter included in the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuyuki Kitamura
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Patent number: 8657266Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit with separator plates and a method of making the same. In such an assembly, an ionomer coating that facilitates moisture transfer from a moisture-rich flowpath to a moisture-deficient flowpath and an underlying separator may both be prepared from continuous, roll-based methods. The ionomer may be applied to a separator assembly as the last processing step such that the handling of the fragile membrane is kept to a minimum.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Annette M. Brenner, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou
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Publication number: 20140050997Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a reactor constructed from a ion-permeable membrane between a cathode space and an anode space. The membrane includes an extended membrane area which extends outside of the area of the cathode and anode spaces. A carrier layer is attached to and supports the membrane extended area, and the carrier layer is arranged with an integrated circuit adjacent to the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: HyEt Holding B.V.Inventors: Peter Jaime Bouwman, Maarten De Bruijne
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Patent number: 8652694Abstract: A water transfer assembly for use in a fuel cell system having an anode and a cathode, the anode being adapted to receive fuel and to output anode exhaust and the cathode being adapted to receive oxidant gas and to output cathode exhaust, the water transfer assembly comprising a first cooling assembly adapted to receive the cathode exhaust and to quench cool the cathode exhaust to recover a first portion of water including non-volatile contaminants from the cathode exhaust and to output cleansed cathode exhaust and the first water portion, and a second cooling assembly adapted to receive the cleansed cathode exhaust and to recover a second water portion from the cleansed cathode exhaust, the second water portion being suitable for humidifying the fuel supplied to the anode.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Fred C. Jahnke, Joseph M. Daly
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Publication number: 20140017581Abstract: A fuel cell including a stack of electrochemical cells and first and second end plates, an inside circuit for flowing deionized water inside the stack connected to an outside circuit for flowing deionized water outside the stack, the deionized water forming a coolant, a circuit for supplying hydrogen to the cells and a circuit for supplying air to the cells, and a casing mounted to the first end plate and forming a tight volume at least partially filled with water where the inside circuit emerges for flowing the coolant. The circuits for supplying air and hydrogen pass through the tight volume and are dipped into the deionized water to exchange heat with the deionized water. A portion of the supply circuit enables air to be humidified with water contained in the tight volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Ene ALtInventors: Delphine Drouhault, Pierre Nivelon
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Patent number: 8623564Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of a compressor in the event that an airflow meter that measures the airflow from the compressor to the cathode input of the stack fails. When a failure of the airflow meter is detected, an algorithm first deactivates the primary feedback control algorithms used to control cathode pressure and flow, and sets the cathode exhaust valve to a fully open position. The speed of the compressor is controlled by an open loop set-point and the airflow from the compressor is estimated by a model using compressor discharge pressure and the compressor speed. The cathode by-pass valve position is determined by calculating the difference between the requested cathode airflow and the modeled compressor output flow. The position of the by-pass valve is then adjusted using the valve characteristics and the compressor discharge pressure. The estimated airflow to the stack is used to control the maximum stack current.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Matthew C Kirklin
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Patent number: 8623561Abstract: The condenser heat exchanger includes a housing that provides a gaseous stream flowpath and a bottom wall. A gaseous stream contains acid. The housing has a fluid inlet configured to introduce a liquid, such as water. A coolant tube is disposed within the housing in the gaseous stream flowpath and provides a coolant path. Acid condenses on and falls from the coolant tube into a collection area that is provided at the bottom wall near the coolant tube. The collection area is configured to maintain storage of a predetermined amount of fluid that includes the liquid, which dilutes the condensed acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Clearedge Power CorporationInventors: Thomas Bruce Avis, Kazuo Saito, Michael T. Lines, Ricardo O. Brown
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Patent number: 8617753Abstract: A fuel cell system (1) which includes: a fuel cell (2) to be supplied with a gas for power generation, the gas unused for the power generation to be discharged out of the fuel cell (2); a circulation flow path (8) through which the discharged gas is resupplied to the fuel cell (2); a variable flow rate circulation pump (6) for circulating the gas through the circulation flow path (8); a valve (7) for discharging the gas in the circulation flow path (8) to the outside thereof; a voltage sensor (22) for measuring voltage of the fuel cell (2); and a controller (32) for controlling the circulation pump (6) and the valve (7). The circulation pump (6) and the valve (7) are controlled based on the voltage (CV) measured by the voltage sensor (22).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Fukuda
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Publication number: 20130344404Abstract: A hybrid humidifier fuel cell for ensuring adequate humidification of a reactant gas stream in a fuel cell stack, during both steady-state, as well as transient operation. The device provides for improved performance through the use a primary humidification and a secondary humidification.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Expoitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Philippe A. COIGNET, Rajeev S. Prabhakar
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Publication number: 20130344405Abstract: A method of using a hybrid humidifier fuel cell for ensuring adequate humidification of a reactant gas stream in a fuel cell stack, during both steady-state, as well as transient operation. The device provides for improved performance through the use a primary humidification and a secondary humidification.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Expoitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Philippe A. COIGNET, Rajeev S. PRABHAKAR
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Patent number: 8614030Abstract: A fuel cell assembly provides for direct water delivery to water injection points in the active area of fluid flow field plates of the assembly. The fluid flow field plate has a plurality of channels formed in the surface thereof which extend across the surface of the plate in a predetermined pattern, defining the active areas of the plate. A distribution foil has a plurality of channels formed in a surface thereof which channels extend from a first edge of the distribution foil to a second edge of the distribution foil. The channels terminate at the second edge at positions substantially coincident with respective ones of the field plate channels at water injection points. A cover foil extends over the distribution foil to enclosed the distribution foil channels and thereby form conduits for the water between the two foils.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Peter D. Hood, Paul L. Adcock
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Patent number: 8614022Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen in response to water vapor. A solid oxide fuel cell is coupled to the hydrogen generator for receiving hydrogen and is coupled to a source of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang
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Publication number: 20130330642Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell which includes a single cell including a membrane electrode assembly which includes an anode electrode provided on one surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane and a cathode electrode provided on the other side of the same, wherein the fuel cell system includes a means for controlling the fuel cell so that relative humidity RHC inside the cathode electrode and relative humidity RHA inside the anode electrode satisfy the following formula (1) at least when the fuel cell is in intermittent operation: RHC>RHA??Formula (1): wherein RHC?100%.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Keisuke Fujita
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Patent number: 8603686Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of a compressor that provides air to the cathode side of a fuel cell stack in the event that a cathode by-pass valve fails. If a by-pass valve failure is detected, a failure algorithm first disengages the normal flow and pressure algorithms used to control the airflow to the cathode side of the stack. Next, the failure algorithm opens the cathode exhaust gas valve to its fully opened position. Then, in response to a stack power request, the compressor control will be put in an open-loop control where a look-up table is used to provide a particular compressor speed for a power request. An airflow meter will measure the airflow to the stack, and the stack current will be limited based on that airflow.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Matthew C Kirklin
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Publication number: 20130323613Abstract: A self-humidifying fuel cell is made by preparing a porous substrate, coating the substrate with a zeolitic material (or a graphene derivative) and filling the pores with a mixture of graphene derivative and proton-conducting material (or a proton-conducting material). The coating of the substrate includes selecting a zeolitic material, and applying coating on the pore walls and surface of the porous substrate, to form zeolitic material-coated pores. The resulting composite material is used as a self-humidifying proton-conducting membrane in a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: King Lun YEUNG, Wei HAN, Ho Yee Timothy POON
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Patent number: 8597806Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Joy Roberts, Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
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Publication number: 20130302706Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating electricity using a fuel cell, comprising means for producing fuel gas and oxidant gas, and at least one conditioning unit for one of the fuel and oxidant gases. The conditioning unit comprises at least one means for dehydrating the gas before its storage under pressure, at least one means for storing the gas under pressure, and at least one means for humidifying the gas after it has been taken out of storage. According to the invention, the dehydration means is configured in such a way that, in fuel cell operating mode, it operates at a temperature of at least 60° C. and at least partially humidifies the gas passing through it in fuel cell operating mode, by restoring at least some of the water extracted from the gas that passed through it in the gas production and storage mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventor: David Olsommer
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Patent number: 8580443Abstract: A fuel cell system arrangement is disclosed for controlling an Oxygen-to-Carbon (O/C) relationship by providing water to an anode side fuel recirculation, pumping the provided water to facilitate a water flow, and evaporating water from the facilitated water flow for generating pressurized steam having at least the motive pressure for a steam jet-ejector. The at least one steam jet-ejector can inject at least part of the steam to the fuel cell system, and entrain part of an essentially low pressure anode exhaust gas stream in the anode side gas recirculation and compress the gas mixture to an intermediate pressure of the fuel feed-in stream for controlling the Oxygen-to-Carbon (O/C) relationship in the fuel side of the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Convion OyInventor: Tuomas Hakala
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Patent number: 8580444Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen discharge system for a fuel cell system, which can ensure safety of a fuel cell vehicle by optimizing the dilution of hydrogen discharged from a fuel cell during discharge and ensure silence of the vehicle by reducing noise generated during discharge. For this purpose, the present invention provides a hydrogen discharge system for a fuel cell system including a purge valve for purging hydrogen discharged from a fuel electrode of a fuel cell stack, the hydrogen discharge system including: an ejector mounted to a hydrogen purge line extending from the purge valve to introduce air from the outside; and a post-treatment system connected to an exhaust line of the ejector to remove hydrogen discharged therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyun Joon Lee, Yong Gyu Noh, Bu Kil Kwon
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Publication number: 20130295475Abstract: A fuel cell module has a hydrogen recirculation pump and a controller. The controller receives a signal indicating the response of the pump to changes in the density or humidity of gasses in the hydrogen recirculation loop. The controller is programmed to consider the signal in controlling one or more balance of plant elements that effect the removal of water from the stack. In a process for operating the fuel cell module, the signal is considered when controlling one or more balance of plant elements that effect the removal of water from the stack. For example, an increase in current drawn from a constant speed or voltage recirculation pump indicates an increase in humidity and suggests that water should be removed from the stack, for example by increasing a coolant temperature set point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Hydrogenics CorporationInventor: Paolo FORTE
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Publication number: 20130288141Abstract: A fuel cell, a method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell system, which ensure no dew condensation for a wet reaction gas in the inlet area of gas channels in plates in a fuel cell stack, are provided. Gas channels 2 and heat medium channels are disposed on one surface and the other surface of one plate 1, respectively. Gas channels are disposed on the other plate such that they face the gas channels 2 in the plate 1. A gas inlet header 3 is disposed at the upper part of the gas channel 2 in the plate 1 and a heat medium inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the heat medium channels such that they face the gas inlet header on the other side. Cooling water such as heat medium is supplied from the heat medium supply manifold hole 7 to the heat medium inlet header, thereby warming up the same. The water vapor in the reaction gas (wet fuel gas) is prevented from being condensed in the inlet area of the gas channels 2 by heating up the gas inlet header by the heat conduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Takaaki MATSUBAYASHI, Mitsuo KARAKANE, Yasunori YOSHIMOTO, Akira HAMADA
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Patent number: 8563180Abstract: Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Martin Perry, David Weingaertner, Nilanjana Basu, Michael Petrucha, William David Lyle, Navaneetha Krishnan, Matthias Gottmann