Abstract: An integrated thermal management system for fuel cell mobility vehicles, may include a hydrogen tank configured to store hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell stack, a first turbine rotated by the pressure of the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen tank, a refrigerant circulation line configured such that a refrigerant circulates therealong and a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator are provided thereon, a second turbine mounted in the refrigerant circulation line and rotated by the high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor, and a blower configured to pressurize ambient air using the rotation force of the first turbine, the second turbine or an electric motor and to supply the pressurized ambient air to an indoor air conditioning unit or the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A pressure vessel system for a vehicle includes a pressure vessel and a fuel line. The system also includes a blocking unit which, in an inoperative state, prevents fuel from passing out of the pressure vessel into the fuel line. A control unit for the blocking unit is designed, under the action of electrical energy, to transfer the blocking unit from the inoperative state into an active state in which fuel can pass out of the pressure vessel into the fuel line. Furthermore, the system includes an electrically conducting connection to an electrical system of the vehicle via which electrical energy can be provided for controlling the blocking unit. In addition, the system includes an access interface unit via which electrical energy for controlling the blocking unit can be provided from an external energy supply if no electrical energy is available from the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems and related methods. The systems include a hydrogen-producing region configured to produce a mixed gas stream from a feedstock stream, a hydrogen-separation membrane module having at least one hydrogen-selective membrane and configured to separate the mixed gas stream into a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream, and an oxidant delivery system configured to deliver an oxidant-containing stream to the hydrogen-separation membrane module in situ to increase hydrogen permeance of the hydrogen-selective membrane.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method includes setting a target purge degree of an anode gas and a target opening degree of an air pressure control valve and determining whether a fuel cell stack is in a power generation stop state. When the fuel cell stack is in the power generation stop state, when the anode gas is purged from the anode based on the target purge degree and the target opening degree, whether hydrogen in the anode gas will flow backwards to a stack enclosure is determined. When the hydrogen flows backwards, at least one of the target purge degree and the target opening degree to a level at which the backflow of the hydrogen is prevented is modified, and the anode gas from the anode based on the modified target purge degree and the modified target opening degree is purged.

Abstract: A redox mediator-containing electrolyte incorporated into a battery cell is described. The redox mediator-containing electrolyte includes water, at least one hydroxide salt dissolved in the water, and at least one redox mediator incorporated into the water. The at least one redox mediator increases at least one of a rate capability or a cycle life of the battery cell by at least 10%. Also described are battery cells that may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and the redox mediator-containing electrolyte. The battery cells may further include an ion-selective material that diffuses hydroxide ions through the material at a faster rate than at least one of the redox mediators.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a solid oxide fuel cell generating power by using, as fuel, air supplied to a cathode and hydrogen-containing gas supplied to an anode; a combustor generating a combustion exhaust gas by combusting anode-off gas and cathode-off gas discharged from the anode and the cathode, respectively; a reformer steam-reforming a material to generate the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode; a first temperature detector detecting temperatures of the combustion exhaust gas and/or the combustor; and a controller performing, if a temperature detected by the first temperature detector is lower than a preset first threshold while the combustor is forming flame, at least one of operations of: increasing a ratio of air consumed to the air supplied in the cathode; decreasing a ratio of hydrogen-containing gas consumed to the hydrogen-containing gas supplied in the anode; and decreasing an amount of water supplied to the reformer.

Abstract: A control method for a fuel cell system with a gas supplying device configured to supply fuel gas and oxidant gas to a fuel cell, includes a power generating operation step of performing a power generating operation for causing the fuel cell to generate power by controlling the fuel gas and the oxidant gas to be supplied to the fuel cell on the basis of a load required of the fuel cell. Further, the control method includes an autonomous operation step of performing an autonomous operation of the fuel cell when the load drops to or below a predetermined value. In the autonomous operation, power supply from the fuel cell system to the load is stopped and the fuel gas is passed to an anode of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method includes setting a target purge degree of an anode gas and a target opening degree of an air pressure control valve and determining whether a fuel cell stack is in a power generation stop state. When the fuel cell stack is in the power generation stop state, when the anode gas is purged from the anode based on the target purge degree and the target opening degree, whether hydrogen in the anode gas will flow backwards to a stack enclosure is determined. When the hydrogen flows backwards, at least one of the target purge degree and the target opening degree to a level at which the backflow of the hydrogen is prevented is modified, and the anode gas from the anode based on the modified target purge degree and the modified target opening degree is purged.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle with a fuel cell unit, specifically, a vehicle with a configuration in which a fuel cell unit is arranged anterior to a dashboard as well as a toe board located below the dashboard, where the fuel cell unit is arranged to be prevented from colliding with the toe board upon occurrence of unforeseen impact on the fuel cell unit. The fuel cell unit includes at least a fuel cell group, a stack manifold provided on the fuel cell group on the vehicle rear side, and an air valve device fixed to the stack manifold. The stack manifold has a recess portion formed in a part thereof. The air valve device is fixed to the stack manifold with at least a part of the air valve device received within the recess portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustor-independent fluidized bed indirect gasification system for technology for obtaining high quality synthetic gas through effective indirect gasification of low quality fuels, such as biomass/waste/coal, having various properties, and provides a combustor-independent fluidized bed indirect gasification system comprising: a pre-processor having a sorter 500; a gasifier 300 to which a first fuel sorted in the pre-processor is supplied; a combustor 100 to which a second fuel sorted in the pre-processor is supplied; and a riser 200 connecting the gasifier 300 and the combustor 100 and having functions of increasing the temperature of a bed material and transferring the bed material therein.

Abstract: An anode-side separator 120 includes first grooves 202 and second grooves 204 that are formed alternately, by formation of a plurality of pit-and-bump stripes provided by press molding, in a separator central region 121 opposed to a power generation region 112 of a MEGA 110. Terminal first grooves 202t is extended at an upper edge of the separator central region 121 in which the first grooves 202 and the second grooves 204 are formed. The terminal first grooves 202t include a depressed corner recess 202tb made shallower in groove depth in a corner portion of the separator central region 121 on a fuel-gas supply hole side. The depressed corner recess 202tb connects between the second grooves 204 that extend below the terminal first grooves 202t, and the outer edge portion 123.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices comprising electrocatalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The electrocatalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These electrocatalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCOO)?, HCOOH, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the electrocatalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor and a CO2 electrolyzer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a compressor for supplying the cathode gas to the fuel cell, an anode gas discharge system for discharging anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell into a cathode gas flow passage, a pulsating operation control unit for causing a pressure of the anode gas to pulsate based on an operating state of the fuel cell, a purge control unit for purging the anode off-gas into the cathode gas flow passage based on an impurity concentration of an anode of the fuel cell and a pressure of the anode, and a compressor control unit for controlling the compressor based on a purge flow rate controlled by the purge control unit, and the purge control unit for setting the pressure of the anode to a predetermined value determined according to a pulsating state of the anode gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator, a fuel cell for use in the hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system are disclosed. The hydrogen generator includes a housing and a plurality of fuel pellets disposed in the housing. Each fuel pellet includes a hydrogen-containing reactant that will react to release hydrogen gas when heated. The hydrogen generator also includes a plurality of heating elements extending into the plurality of fuel pellets to generate heat to selectively heat one or more fuel pellets to initiate a reaction to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen generator further includes a plurality of electrical contacts operatively coupled to the plurality of heating elements to selectively supply electrical power to the plurality of heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention enables a fuel cell to be stably started by minimizing a lack of air in a gas turbine when starting the fuel cell.

Abstract: A power management system 1 is provided with an HEMS 500 connected to an SOFC unit 100 and a load 400. The power management system comprises: a reception unit 510 that acquires power consumption of the load; and a transmission unit 520 that notifies the SOFC unit 100 of pseudo power consumption that is obtained by adding a predetermined offset to the power consumption acquired by the a reception unit 510. The SOFC unit 100 controls power output from the SOFC unit 100 to follow the pseudo power consumption.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell to generate electric power; a casing accommodating at least the fuel cell, the casing including an air inlet and an exhaust outlet; a supply passage connected to the air inlet, to introduce external air into the casing; an exhaust passage connected to the exhaust outlet, to exchange heat with the supply passage and discharge at least air inside the casing; an air supply device to introduce the external air into the casing; a temperature detector to detect a temperature; and a controller configured to control at least the air supply device. If the temperature detected by the temperature detector after the controller has caused the air supply device to operate is lower than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, the controller reduces an amount of air supplied by the air supply device and causes the air supply device to continue operating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system capable of preventing excess temperature rises while increasing overall energy efficiency. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell system, including: a fuel cell module, a fuel supply device, a heat storing material, and a controller which, based on power demand, increases the fuel utilization rate when output power is high and to lower it when output power is low, and changes the electrical power actually output at a delay after changing the fuel supply amount. The controller has a stored heat estimating circuit for estimating the surplus heat based on fuel supply and on power output at a delay relative thereto. When a utilizable amount of surplus heat is accumulated in the heat storage material, the fuel supply is reduced so that the fuel utilization rate increases relative to the same electrical power.

Abstract: A control device includes a combustion apparatus temperature comparison unit for comparing a temperature of a combustion apparatus and a combustion apparatus temperature range, a combustion apparatus flame-out determination unit for determining whether flame-out occurs in the combustion apparatus based on a comparison result by the combustion apparatus temperature comparison unit, and a combustion apparatus control unit for starting or stopping operation of a start-up combustor based on a determination result by the combustion apparatus flame-out determination unit.

Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. In some embodiments, the gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. In another embodiment, the self-regulating gas generator uses bang-bang control, with the element(s) exposing a catalyst, contained within the chemical supply chamber, to the chemical supply in ON and OFF states according to a self-adjusting duty cycle, thereby generating and outputting the gas in an orientation-independent manner. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices comprising electrocatalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The electrocatalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These electrocatalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the electrocatalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor.

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.

Abstract: A fuel cell system equipped with a fuel cell, a pressure control unit, and an exhaust. The pressure control unit is provided on the fuel gas flow path in which the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell flows, and it is able to control the pressure of the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is provided on the fuel exhaust gas flow path in which the fuel exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell flows, and when the valve is opened, at least a portion of the fuel exhaust gas can be exhausted to outside the fuel exhaust gas flow path. The pressure control unit is controlled, so that before opening the exhaust valve, the pressure of the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell is decreased beyond what it was up to that point. Then, when the pressure of the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell is the decreased first pressure, the exhaust valve is opened.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (1), particularly for supplying a fuel cell, is described comprising a supply (3, 29) of a fuel, i.e. a chemical hydride, which can be hydrolyzed to be reacted in a reaction chamber (14, 33) communicating with the first supply (3, 29) to produce hydrogen gas and an at least partially liquid exhaust reaction product, the reaction chamber communicating with outlet pathways (16, 17) for the hydrogen gas and for the exhaust reaction product, the latter (17) leading to a supply of an absorbent material (21) suitable for immobilizing the exhaust reaction product.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a pressurized volume of oxygen in a cathode plumbing of a fuel cell system. The system and method includes calculating an air/oxygen balance that is based on an air balance and an oxygen balance in the cathode plumbing. The system and method further include determining the number of moles of oxygen available for fuel cell chemical reactions using the calculated air/oxygen balance and drawing current from a fuel cell stack using the moles of oxygen available for fuel cell chemical reactions.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon, with which a hydrocarbon is produced at a high yield even under the condition of an ordinary temperature and an ordinary pressure. A method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon, in which carbon dioxide is reduced to produce the hydrocarbon, the method includes a step of producing the hydrocarbon by bringing magnesium or a magnesium compound such as magnesium oxide into contact with water and the carbon dioxide and reducing the carbon dioxide. Examples of the magnesium compound include magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, and basic magnesium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon, the method including bringing metal Mg into contact with water and carbon dioxide and reducing the carbon dioxide. In the method, one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Group 8 elements, Group 9 elements, B, C, S, Ca, V, Mn, Ni, Ge, Zr, Nb, Pd, Ag, Sn, Pt, Au, and Ce are used as combination element(s), and the contact is effected under presence of one or more of simple substance(s) of the combination element(s), water-soluble compound(s) of the combination element(s), and ion(s) of the combination element(s).

Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes a cartridge including a plurality of pellets stacked within a casing, each pellet containing a hydrogen containing material capable of releasing hydrogen gas when heated; a compartment including a hydrogen outlet through a housing and as cavity within the housing within which the cartridge can be removably disposed; and an induction heating system. The induction heating system includes a plurality of secondary coils within the cartridge casing, with each secondary coil in contact with one or more of the pellets. The induction heating system also includes at least one primary coil within the compartment housing. The induction heating system provides an electromagnetic field from a flow of the current in the primary coil, induces an electric current in the secondary coil, and producing heat to heat the pellets.

Abstract: The current invention is a fuel cell controller that includes a first control loop, where the first control loop is disposed to adjust a fuel cell current to regulate a hydrogen output pressure from the fuel cell to a pressure target valve, and further includes a second control loop disposed to adjust a hydrogen flow rate from a hydrogen generator to match a DC/DC power output to a power target value.

Abstract: A device using needed hydrogen gas flow and electricity for operation obtained from a fuel cell power supply. Also, water generated by the fuel cell may be recycled for hydrogen generation which may be used by the device and in turn expanded by the fuel cell for further electrical power generation. The device may be a gas chromatograph, a fluid calibration mechanism, a flame ionization detector, or the like.

Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus includes a burner, a combustion tube provided so as to surround flame of the burner, a reforming unit provided so as to surround the tube, an exhaust gas flow path provided so as to pass through between the tube and the unit, fold back at the other side of the unit, and extend through outside of the unit on a predetermined side, a low temperature shift unit provided on one of inside and outside of an extending portion of the flow path that extends on the predetermined side so as to extend along the extending portion, and a preferential oxidation unit provided on the other of the inside and the outside of the extending portion so as to extend along the extending portion.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus including: a first desulfurizer; a second desulfurizer; a reformer to generate a hydrogen-containing reformed gas from a raw material gas from which sulfur has been removed by at least one of the first desulfurizer and the second desulfurizer; and a recycle passage through which a part of the reformed gas generated by the reformer is mixed into the raw material gas to be supplied to the second desulfurizer. After installation or maintenance of the hydrogen generation apparatus, the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer through the first desulfurizer until a catalyst in the second desulfurizer is activated by a mixed gas of the reformed gas supplied through the recycle passage and the raw material gas, and after the catalyst in the second desulfurizer is activated, the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer through the second desulfurizer.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system including a fuel cartridge and a fuel supply module, the fuel cartridge includes at least two ports, wherein a first port from among the at least two ports is a fuel inlet port and a second port from among the at least two ports is a fuel outlet port. The fuel cartridge may also include a fuel pouch or the fuel cartridge itself may be the fuel pouch. The fuel supply module may include a fuel circulation structure that circulates the fuel before the fuel is supplied to the stack. The fuel cell system may be equipped with an electronic apparatus and serve as a source of power.

Abstract: A fuel cell system of the present invention includes: a reformer (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing fuel gas from a material gas and steam; a fuel cell (101) configured to generate electric power by using a fuel gas supplied from the reformer (1); a water tank (3) configured to store water; a water utilizing device configured to utilize the water supplied from the water tank (3); a first water supply unit (5) disposed on a water passage (30) extending from the water tank (3) to the water utilizing device and configured to supply the water in the water tank (3) to the water utilizing device; and a purifier (4) disposed on the water passage (30) and configured to purify the water flowing through the water passage (30), and the purifier (4) is provided such that when a water level of the water tank (3) is a full water level, the purifier (4) is filled with the water by the weight of the water.

Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen producing fuel in a first high pressure chamber. A fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane is disposed in a second low pressure chamber. A water absorbing material provides water vapor to the hydrogen producing fuel, and a plurality of valves control hydrogen provided to the fuel cell from the first high pressure chamber, and exposure of the water absorbing material to ambient and the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: Catalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These catalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, OH?, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, O2, H2, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the catalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a redox flow battery electrolyte is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the processing of raw materials containing sources of chromium ions in a high oxidation state. In some embodiments, a solution of the raw materials in an acidic aqueous solution is subjected to a reducing process to reduce the chromium in a high oxide state to an aqueous electrolyte containing chromium (III) ions. In some embodiments, the reducing process is electrochemical process. In some embodiments, the reducing process is addition of an inorganic reductant. In some embodiments, the reducing process is addition of an organic reductant. In some embodiments, the inorganic reductant or the organic reductant includes iron powder.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting a biomass and biogenic wastes to hydrogen with integrated carbon dioxide capture and storage are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: mixing at least one of a dry solid or liquid or liquid hydroxide and catalysts with a biomass to form a biomass mixture; heating the biomass mixture until the hydroxide and the biomass react to produce hydrogen, carbonate, biochar, and potentially fertilizer; calcining the carbonate or performing double replacement reactions of the carbonate to produce sequestration-ready carbon dioxide and a hydroxide; storing the carbon dioxide produced; transferring the hydrogen produced to a fuel cell; and generating electricity with the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention improves biodiesel production in several ways. Unique combinations of unit operations and flow configurations are disclosed in mobile processing units that are feedstock-flexible and can be dynamically deployed in a distributed way. In some embodiments, a process includes introducing a waste oil and an alcohol into a reactor with an esterification-transesterification enzymatic catalyst. Free fatty acids are reacted with alcohol to produce fatty acid alkyl esters, and glycerides are reacted with alcohol to produce fatty acid alkyl esters and glycerin. A membrane separator removes glycerin, water, and alcohol. Unreacted free fatty acids are then separated and recycled, to generate a product stream with fatty acid alkyl esters. A genset may be provided for combusting glycerin to produce electrical power and thermal heat as co-products. This biodiesel process may be energy self-sufficient, require no external utilities, and avoid direct discharge of wastewater.

Abstract: Biomass is gasified to generate syngas. The syngas is subjected to thermal cracking. Heat from syngas exiting a thermal cracking stage is transferred to syngas entering the thermal cracking stage. Biomass gasification apparatus may include a thermal pathway connected to transfer heat from an outlet of a thermal cracking process to an inlet of the thermal cracking process. Energy efficiency is enhanced. Syngas may be used as fuel for engines or fuel cells, burned to yield heat, or processed into a fuel.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus for effectively generating hydrogen from ammonia and relates to the hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen from ammonia. The apparatus comprises an ammonia oxidation part having ammonia oxidation catalysts which oxidizes ammonia, and an ammonia decomposition part having an ammonia decomposition catalyst which decomposes ammonia to generate nitrogen and hydrogen. The decomposition part is located downstream of the oxidation part in a direction of feed gas flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided with a fuel generation part for generating a fuel gas and a fuel cell part for generating power using the fuel gas. The fuel cell system forces circulation of gas including the fuel gas between the fuel cell part and the fuel generation part. The fuel cell system is provided with a gas circulation volume setting part for setting a circulation volume of gas circulating between the fuel cell part and the fuel generation part so that the circulation volume of gas circulating between the fuel cell part and the fuel generation part is brought to a circulation volume per unit time related to a moment in time, which is determined against an estimated value of power demand per unit time related to the moment in time.

Abstract: Two or more methods selected among a steam reforming method, a partial oxidation reforming method, and an autothermal reforming method are defined as i-th reforming method. Functions Fi=fi(P), P=fi?1(Fi), and ?i=gi(P) are obtained in advance. If there is a number i which satisfies FiR?Fimin, the following process (1) is performed when PD?P is satisfied, and the following process (2) is performed when PD>PiM is satisfied. In the process (1), if fi(PD)?FiR is satisfied, Pi*=PD and Fi*=fi(PD), and if fi(PD)>FiR is satisfied, Pi*=(the maximum fi?1(FiR) which is less than PD) and Fi*=FiR. In the process (2), if fi(PiM)?FiR is satisfied, Pi*=PiM and Fi*=fi(PiM), and if fi(PiM)>FiR is satisfied, Pi*=(the maximum fi?1(FiR)) and Fi*=FiR. If there are a plurality of numbers i which satisfy FiR?Fimin, PI*, a reforming method, and FI*, which relate to the number i which provides the maximal ?i=gi(Pi*), are adopted.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (30) and fuel cell system are disclosed. The hydrogen generator (30) includes a housing (32) and a flexible feed member (56) including a flexible carrier (64) and a hydrogen-containing reactant (62) disposed on the carrier. The flexible feed member (56) may include a reactant having a braided carrier on the outside or a flexible strip having a carrier with reactant disposed thereon. The hydrogen-containing reactant (62) will release hydrogen gas when heated. The hydrogen generator further includes a heating system including a heater (48) and a pinch roller system (40) for feeding the flexible feed member (56) to position the flexible feed member in proximity to the heater (48), such that the heater is capable of heating the hydrogen-containing reactant to release hydrogen gas. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a hydrogen gas input port and a hydrogen generator.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a cartridge including a plurality of thermal conductors each having an outer wall assembled together to form a housing. A plurality of fuel pellets provided on the plurality of thermal conductors. Each fuel pellet has a hydrogen-containing reactant that will react to release hydrogen gas when heated. The hydrogen generator also includes a compartment configured to removably contain the cartridge. The hydrogen generator further includes a plurality of heating elements disposed in the compartment such that each heating element is in thermal communication with one of the thermal conductors when the cartridge is disposed within the compartment to generate heat to selectively heat one or more fuel pellets to initiate a reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is converted in a fuel cell to provide electricity. The water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes a fuel cell, a water feed tray, and a fuel cartridge to generate power for portable power electronics. The removable fuel cartridge is encompassed by the water feed tray and fuel cell. The water feed tray is refillable with water by a user. The water is then transferred from the water feed tray into the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen for the fuel cell which then produces power for the user.

Abstract: A system for splitting water and producing hydrogen for later use as an energy source may include the use of a photoactive material including PCCN and plasmonic nanoparticles. A method for producing the PCCN may include a semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis and an exchange of organic capping agents with inorganic capping agents. The PCCN may be deposited between the plasmonic nanoparticles and may act as photocatalysts for redox reactions. The photoactive material may be used in presence of water and sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Production of charge carriers may be triggered by photo-excitation and enhanced by the rapid electron resonance from localized surface plasmon resonance of plasmonic nanoparticles. By combining different semiconductor materials for PCCN and plasmonic nanoparticles and by changing their shapes and sizes, band gaps may be tuned to expand the range of wavelengths of sunlight usable by the photoactive material.

Abstract: A self-contained fuel system for use with a high temperature fuel cell is described to address containment of carbon dioxide evolution. The system utilizes a slurry containing calcium carbide and calcium hydride that is pumped into a water reservoir. The resulting hydrolysis reaction generates acetylene, hydrogen and water-soluble calcium hydroxide. The acetylene and hydrogen are catalytically converted to synthesis gas, which is used by a fuel cell to generate electricity. Carbon dioxide exhaust from the fuel cell is reacted with calcium hydroxide to form a storable solid, calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed method of load-following operation of fuel-cell system comprises pre-determining functions F=f(P) and P=f?1(F), wherein P is the electric output and F is the fuel flow-rate required to output P. If reformable flow-rate FR<Fmin (the minimum flow-rate value), power generation is stopped. If FR?Fmin and if required output PD?maximum power output PM, (1) is performed; and if FR?Fmin and if PD>PM, (2) is performed. (1) If f(PD)?FR, the output is set at PD, and the fuel flow-rate is set at f(PD); and if f(PD)>FR, the output is set at the maximum value of P lower than PD and computed using P=f?1(FR), and the fuel flow-rate is set at FR. (2) If f(PM)?FR, the output is set at PM, and the fuel flow-rate is set at f(PM); and if f(PM)>FR, the output is set at the maximum value of P computed using P=f?1(FR), and fuel flow-rate is set at FR.

Abstract: A gas turbine power generation system having a carbon production apparatus and a carbon fuel cell to generate electricity. The carbon production apparatus is functionally connected to the fuel cell to provide carbon to the fuel cell to generate electricity. The system is configured to power the carbon production apparatus with a portion of the electricity generated from the fuel cell.