Producing Reactant Patents (Class 429/416)
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Patent number: 8822094Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heavy hydrocarbon fuel source, and a fractionator configured to separate light ends from heavy ends of a heavy hydrocarbon fuel provided from the heavy hydrocarbon fuel source.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Swaminathan Venkataraman, Arne Watson Ballantine, David Weingaertner
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Patent number: 8822097Abstract: A power generator includes a fuel container adapted to hold a hydrogen containing fuel. A sliding valve is coupled between a fuel cell and a fuel container. A pressure responsive actuator is coupled to the two stage valve and the fuel container.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20140238316Abstract: A hydrogen generator that can be operated in a broad temperature range is disclosed, which comprises a first ammonia conversion part having a hydrogen-generating material which reacts with ammonia in a first temperature range so as to generate hydrogen; a second ammonia conversion part having an ammonia-decomposing catalyst which decomposes ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen in a second temperature range; an ammonia supply part which supplies ammonia; and an ammonia supply passage which supplies ammonia from said ammonia supply part to the first and second ammonia conversion parts. The first temperature range includes temperatures lower than the second temperature range, and hydrogen is generated from ammonia by selectively using the first and second ammonia conversion parts. An ammonia-burning internal combustion engine and a fuel cell having the hydrogen generator are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kyoichi TANGE, Norihiko NAKAMURA, Haruyuki NAKANISHI, Hidekazu ARIKAWA
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Patent number: 8814983Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for delivery of a target material and/or energy. The system includes a source configured to provide a mixture containing the target material and a non-target material, a delivery conduit coupled to the source to receive the mixture from the source, and an in-line extraction device concentric to the delivery conduit. The in-line extraction device is configured to selectively extract the target material and/or energy from the mixture in the delivery conduit and to delivery it to a downstream facility.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8815455Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a water evaporation unit configured to mix water with a raw gas; a burner; a combustion exhaust gas flow channel provided on an inner side than the water evaporation unit and through which a combustion exhaust gas from the burner flows; a reforming catalyst layer configured to produce a reformed gas; and a carbon monoxide reduction unit configured to reduce an amount of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas. The water evaporation unit includes a flow channel member defining a flow channel through which the raw gas and the water flow. A pitch of the flow channel member is changed according to at least one of an amount of heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas flow channel and the water evaporation unit and an amount of heat exchange between the water evaporation unit and the carbon monoxide reduction unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Akira Maenishi, Yuuji Mukai, Hiroki Fujioka
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Publication number: 20140227620Abstract: A flow battery includes at least one cell that has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and an electrolyte separator layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. A reactant material is stored within a storage portion and selectively delivered to the at last one cell. At least one reactant material is present in a solid phase in the storage portion and is present in a liquid phase in the at least one cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Michael L. Perry
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Patent number: 8802307Abstract: A process for the production of dihydrogen from hydrogenated silicon by bringing the hydrogenated silicon into contact with an alkaline solution. Devices of the fuel cell type using this hydrogen production method are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Universite de Franche-ComteInventor: Bernard Gauthier-Manuel
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Patent number: 8795912Abstract: Processes and systems for operating molten carbonate fuel cell systems are described herein. A process for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell system includes providing a hydrogen-containing stream comprising molecular hydrogen to an anode portion of a molten carbonate fuel cell; controlling a flow rate of the hydrogen-containing stream to the anode such that molecular hydrogen utilization in the anode is less than 50%; mixing anode exhaust comprising molecular hydrogen from the molten carbonate fuel cell with a hydrocarbon stream comprising hydrocarbons, contacting at least a portion of the mixture of anode exhaust and the hydrocarbon stream with a catalyst to produce a steam reforming feed; separating at least a portion of molecular hydrogen from the steam reforming feed; and providing at least a portion of the separated molecular hydrogen to the molten carbonate fuel cell anode.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jingyu Cui, Erik Edwin Engwall, John William Johnston, Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Scott Lee Wellington
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Patent number: 8785064Abstract: A scalable endothermic reaction apparatus, system and method captures, concentrates, and converts atmospheric heat and humidity into diatomic hydrogen and stoichiometric oxygen for use within an exothermic device such as an engine, a turbine, or a fuel cell. No nitrogen or carbon compounds are introduced into the process utilized by the apparatus. All operating matter and energy utilized in the process is recycled in a closed loop system. Energy emitted from the exothermic device as waste is captured and immediately returned as waste hot water to the endothermic device. The waste output of the work-producing device is thus an exploitable asset that can be repeatedly returned in service through the endothermic device, without any emissions from an exhaust or tailpipe in the system. At peak efficiency, the exothermic and endothermic processes are formed as an apparatus that is thermally sealed in a free-standing and self-sustaining operating package.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Brian Hughes Barron
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Patent number: 8785065Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for generating hydrogen, containing a composite metal of iron and nickel, the catalyst used in a decomposition reaction of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine and hydrates thereof; and a method for generating hydrogen, including contacting the catalyst for generating hydrogen with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine and hydrates thereof. According to the invention, hydrogen can be efficiently generated with improved selectivity in the method for generating hydrogen that utilizes the decomposition reaction of hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Qiang Xu, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Ashish Kumar Singh
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Patent number: 8771895Abstract: A method that employs a model based approach to determine a maximum anode pressure set-point based on existing airflow in the exhaust gas line. This approach maximizes anode flow channel velocity during bleed events while meeting the hydrogen emission constraint, which in turn increases the amount of water purged from the anode flow channels to increase stack stability.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Manish Sinha, Seth E. Lerner, Patrick Frost, Victor W. Logan, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan
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Patent number: 8771888Abstract: Provided is a fuel-cell system and a method of operating the fuel-cell system, wherein functions F=f(P) and P=f?1(F) of electrical output P and fuel flow-rate F required to output P are beforehand obtained, and a reformable fuel flow-rate FR is calculated from the temperature of reforming catalyst layer. When FR?Fmin, if the output demand PD?maximum output PM, and when f(PD)?FR, F is set to f(PD); and when f(PD)>FR, the P is set to the maximum value within a range of less than PD amongst P calculated from P=f1(FR), and F is set to FR. When PD>PM, and when f(PM)?FR, the cell output is set to PM, and F is set to f(PM). When f(PM)>FR, the cell output is set to the maximum value amongst P calculated from P=f1(FR), and F is set to FR.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy CorporationInventor: Susumu Hatada
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Publication number: 20140178780Abstract: Apparatus for generating hydrogen gas are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for generating hydrogen gas may include a first chamber; a first mixture comprising a chemical hydride and a catalyst disposed within the first chamber; a second chamber coupled to the first chamber; a connector; a third chamber coupled by the connector to the second chamber, wherein the third chamber is fluidly coupled to the first chamber; a sealing element coupled to at least one of the second chamber or the third chamber; an outlet fluidly coupled to the first chamber; and a resilient member disposed within the third chamber and configured to control the flow of water into the first chamber via movement of the resilient member in response to hydrogen gas pressure within the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY ATTN: RDRL-LOC-IInventor: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY ATTN; RDRL-LOC-1
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Patent number: 8758950Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a reforming unit, a carbon monoxide decreasing unit, a fuel cell, a burner unit, a raw gas supply device, and a heating unit. The heating unit is controlled at a start-up operation of the fuel cell system, so as to adjust an amount of a desorbed raw gas desorbed out of components of the raw gas adsorbed to at least one of a reforming catalyst and a carbon monoxide decreasing catalyst such that a ratio of an amount of combustion air to an amount of a raw gas in the burner unit falls within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tatsui, Kiyoshi Taguchi
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Patent number: 8758951Abstract: A continuous coal electrolytic cell for the production of pure hydrogen without the need of separated purification units Electrodes comprising electrocatalysts comprising noble metals electrodeposited on carbon substrates are also provided. Also provided are methods of using the electrocatalysts provided herein for the electrolysis of coal in acidic medium, as well as electrolytic cells for the production of hydrogen from coal slurries in acidic media employing the electrodes described herein. Further provided are catalytic additives for the electro-oxidation of coal. Additionally provided is an electrochemical treatment process where iron-contaminated effluents are purified in the presence of coal slurries using the developed catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Ohio UniversityInventor: Gerardine Botte
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Publication number: 20140170511Abstract: A method for producing electric power and regenerating an aqueous multi-electron oxidant (AMO) and a reducer in an energy storage cycle is provided. A discharge system includes a discharge unit, an acidification reactor, and a neutralization reactor. The acidification reactor converts an oxidant fluid including the AMO into an acidic oxidant fluid. The discharge unit generates electric power and a discharge fluid by transferring electrons from a positive electrode of an electrolyte-electrode assembly (EEA) to the AMO and from a reducer to a negative electrode of the EEA. The neutralization reactor neutralizes the discharge fluid to produce a neutral discharge fluid. The regeneration system splits an alkaline discharge fluid into a reducer and an intermediate oxidant in a splitting-disproportionation reactor and releases the reducer and a base, while producing the AMO by disproportionating the intermediate oxidant. The regenerated AMO and reducer are supplied to the discharge unit for power generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Ftorion, Inc.Inventor: Yuriy Vyacheslalovovich Tolmachev
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Publication number: 20140162153Abstract: As integrated fossil fuel power plant and a method of operating the power plant is provided. The integrated fossil fuel power plant includes a gas turbine arrangement and a carbonate fuel cell having an anode side and a cathode side. The operating method for the integrated fossil fuel power plant includes partially expanding combustion gases in the gas turbine arrangement so that the temperature of the partially expanded combustion gases is optimised for reaction in the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell, and feeding the partially expanded combustion gases at the optimised temperature to the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell for reaction in the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: Roberto BOVE
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Patent number: 8748050Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Gerard F McLean, Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
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Publication number: 20140154596Abstract: A hydrogen generator including an initiator assembly having one or more contact members within a compressible member, and a removable fuel unit adjacent a surface of the compressible member. The fuel unit contains a hydrogen containing material that can release hydrogen gas when heated and an exothermic mixture that can react exothermically upon initiation by the initiator assembly. When no fuel unit is in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is uncompressed and the contact members are at or below its surface, and when a fuel unit is disposed in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is compressed so the contact members extend beyond the surface to make thermal contact with the fuel unit. Energy from the initiator assembly is conducted by the contact members to corresponding quantities of the exothermic mixture to initiate an exothermic reaction, providing heat for the release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen containing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Mark D. Vandayburg
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Patent number: 8722011Abstract: In a method by which hydrogen supplied as a combustion aid to an ammonia combustion engine is produced from ammonia, the filling amount of a decomposition catalyst in an ammonia decomposition apparatus is reduced. The method includes an ammonia decomposition apparatus that produces hydrogen as a combustion aid and an ammonia oxidation apparatus that allows a part of introduced ammonia to react with oxygen for combustion by action of an oxidation catalyst in order to supply the heat needed for the ammonia decomposition reaction, wherein the amount of ammonia and the amount of air introduced into the oxidation apparatus are controlled in accordance with the entrance temperature of an ammonia oxidation catalyst layer, so as to set the ammonia decomposition ratio in the ammonia decomposition apparatus to be 40 to 60% at all times.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Zosen CorporationInventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Takuma Mori, Sadao Araki
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Publication number: 20140116490Abstract: An electricity generation apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a plasma container for containing a plasma sustained by radioactive decay. The plasma container has an inlet through which, in use of the apparatus, water can be introduced to the plasma container, and an outlet through which, in use of the apparatus, material can be expelled from the container. The exhausted material can include hydrogen and oxygen resulting from the dissociation of water molecules caused by interactions within the plasma. A separator can separate hydrogen from the material exhausted from the plasma container, which separator is coupled to the outlet, and a generator can generate electricity using the hydrogen as a fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plcInventor: Russell Alan Morgan
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Publication number: 20140106249Abstract: A power generator includes a hydrogen producing fuel and a hydrogen storage element. A fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separates the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is positioned between the hydrogen storage element and the hydrogen producing fuel and the fuel cell. Hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell from the hydrogen storage element if demand for electricity exceeds the hydrogen producing capacity of the hydrogen producing fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 8697300Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a power generating cell (C), which has at least two surfaces, a fuel gas being supplied through one of the surfaces and oxygen being supplied through the other surface, thereby generating electric power, a cell holder (6) that holds the power generating cell (c) to face the one of the surfaces inward, whereby forming an inner space together with the power generating cell (C), and a fuel generating section (B) that is arranged in the inner space of the cell holder (6) and generates the fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: ROHM Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Sugimoto, Masaya Yano, Hitoshi Ishizaka
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Patent number: 8697027Abstract: Methods and systems of providing a source of hydrogen and oxygen with high volumetric energy density, as well as a power systems useful in non-air breathing engines such as those in, for example, submersible vehicles, is disclosed. A hydride reactor may be utilized in forming hydrogen from a metal hydride and a peroxide reactor may be utilized in forming oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. The high temperature hydrogen and oxygen may be converted to water using a solid oxide fuel cell, which serves as a power source. The power generation system may have an increased energy density in comparison to conventional batteries. Heat produced by exothermic reactions in the hydride reactor and the peroxide reactor may be transferred and utilized in other aspects of the power generation system. High temperature water produced during by the peroxide reactor may be used to fuel the hydride reactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Ighor K. Uzhinsky, Gary K. Lund, John C. Leylegian, Florin Girlea, Jason S. Tyll, Lawrence G. Piper, Marten Byl, Wallace Chinitz
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Patent number: 8673510Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for maintaining hydrogen-selective membranes during periods of inactivity. These systems and methods may include heating and maintaining at least the hydrogen-selective membrane of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing system in a thermally buffered state and/or controlling the chemical composition of the gas streams that may come into contact with the hydrogen-selective membrane. Controlling the chemical composition of the gas streams that may come into contact with the hydrogen-selective membrane may include maintaining a positive pressure of an inert, blanket, reducing, and/or non-oxidizing gas within the membrane separation assembly and/or periodically supplying a reducing gas stream to the membrane separation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: DCNS SAInventor: William A. Pledger
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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: 8663857Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a continuous flow of hydrogen by catalyzed hydrolysis of a complex hydride, which comprises at least adding continuously and at constant rate a fuel solution to a reactor comprising a complex hydride stabilized on a hydroxide on a cobalt boride catalyst that is added in excess inside said reactor. Sodium borohydride is preferably used, the hydroxide is sodium hydroxide and the catalyst is supported on nickel foam. Parameters and optimal conditions to achieve continuous production of hydrogen have been determined, which is essential in the operation of fuel cells. A facility comprising a semi continuous reactor designed to perform the above process, which needs no refrigeration is also an object of the present invention, as well as a washing and reactivation process of a catalyst of the type used in the process mentioned above.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Abengoa Hidrogeno, S.A.Inventors: María de los Ángeles Jiménez Domínguez, María del Mar Jiménez Vega, Belén Sarmiento Marrón, Asunción Fernández Camacho, Gisela Mariana Arzac De Calvo, Enrique Jiménez Roca
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Publication number: 20140057182Abstract: Active metal oxygen battery cells and active metal oxygen battery flow systems are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells and flow systems include an active metal anode and a cathode in contact with an organic liquid phase oxygen-carrying compound for storing and delivering molecular oxygen to the cathode whereon the molecular oxygen is electro-reduced during cell discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: POLYPLUS BATTERY COMPANYInventors: Lutgard C. DeJonghe, Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Vitaliy Nimon
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Patent number: 8658323Abstract: The invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell generation system and a start up method thereof which heat up a reformer and a cell main body without any water and nitrogen gas, and start up for a short time until a power generation and without deteriorating a reliability of the cell. In a solid oxide fuel cell generation system having a power generation cell including an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte membrane, a mixing portion for obtaining a mixed gas by mixing a used fuel gas discharged from the anode with a raw fuel, a reducing combustion gas generating apparatus, and a reforming portion, the reducing combustion gas generating apparatus has a starting burner generating a reducing combustion gas, and the mixing portion, the reducing combustion gas generating apparatus, the reforming portion and the anode are coupled alphabetically from an upstream side.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Fujimura, Hiromi Tokoi, Shin Takahashi
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Patent number: 8652693Abstract: A reformer including a vaporization part provided with a supply port through which raw fuel is supplied, the supply port being provided at a central section of a tubular container; and reforming parts provided at both sides of the container, each reforming part containing reforming catalyst that reforms the raw fuel that flows into the reforming part from the vaporization part into fuel gas and provided with a fuel-gas supply port through which the fuel gas is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Takashi Ono
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Patent number: 8647781Abstract: This invention provides a redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing in fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a redox mediator which is at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially regenerated by, optionally indirect, reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, and a transition metal complex of a multidentate macrocyclic N-donor ligand as a redox catalyst catalysing the regeneration of the mediator.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Acal Energy LimitedInventors: Kathryn Knuckey, David Rochester, Andrew Martin Creeth
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Publication number: 20130344407Abstract: A hydrogen generator is provided for generating hydrogen gas for a fuel cell stack. The hydrogen generator includes a reaction area and a reactant storage area for storing a reactant composition for reacting to generate hydrogen gas. The hydrogen generator also includes a high pH solution contained within a solution storage area. Hydrogen gas is discharged through an outlet that passes through a filter to supply gas to the fuel cell. A predetermined quantity of high pH solution is injected into the reaction area to stop the reaction when electrical power is no longer demanded.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Alvin R. Mick
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Publication number: 20130337351Abstract: The synthesis of single graphene sheets decorated with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, and their uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Lawrence T. Drzal, Inhwan Do, Anchita Monga
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Publication number: 20130337352Abstract: A controller (81) in a fuel cell system (1A) operates a fuel cell (60) in a normal mode or in a special mode which is switched by the controller (81); in which in the normal mode, the fuel cell (60) is operated so as to satisfy at least one of a first operation condition and a second operation condition, the first operation condition being a condition in which an operation time of the fuel cell per unit period is equal to or shorter than a unit allowable operation time defined based on a total durable operation time of at least one of the fuel cell and the auxiliary device, the second operation condition being a condition in which the number of times of operation of the fuel cell per unit time is equal to or less than a unit allowable number of times of operation defined based on a total durable number of times of operation of at least one of the fuel cell and the auxiliary device, and in the special mode, the fuel cell (60) is operated without being limited by at least one of the first operation condition anType: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Shinji Miyauchi, Motomichi Katou
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Publication number: 20130337350Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Fang-Hei Tsau, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Cheng-Yen Chen
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Patent number: 8597841Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Mark Vincent Scotto, Daniel P. Birmingham, Crispin L. DeBellis, Mark Anthony Perna, Gregory C. Rush
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Patent number: 8597848Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell system or the like capable of sufficiently reducing an exhaust hydrogen concentration even in a case where a fuel cell is operated in a state of a low power generation efficiency. A bypass valve is arranged between an oxidation gas supply path and a cathode-off gas channel. In a state in which supply of an oxidation gas to a cathode falls short, pumping hydrogen is included in a cathode-off gas. Therefore, a valve open degree of the bypass valve is regulated, and a flow rate of bypass air is regulated to control the exhaust hydrogen concentration.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Imanishi, Kota Manabe, Tomoya Ogawa, Go Tejima, Yoshiaki Naganuma, Hironori Noto
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Patent number: 8596047Abstract: The vehicle electrocatalyzer for recycling carbon dioxide to fuel hydrocarbons includes a main tubular member having a plurality of tubular catalytic cells, electrically connected in series disposed inside and separated from one another by semipermeable membranes allowing the passage of fluids, but not solids. The electrocatalyzer can be attached in the exhaust system where hydrogen could be generated by the electrolysis of water. Metallic copper, iron, carbonaceous materials (such as activated carbon, carbon nanomaterials, or graphite), metal oxides, or metal-supported catalysts may be used in each catalytic cell. A DC current connected across the cells is used to initiate reaction of the carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas. The resulting hydrocarbons are recycled back to the vehicle engine and used as a makeup fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyInventors: Reyad Awwad Khalaf Shawabkeh, Abdalla Mahmoud Abulkibash, Muhammad A. Al-Saleh
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Publication number: 20130316256Abstract: This fuel cell system monitors the temperature of an off-gas combusting unit detected by a combustor temperature detecting unit in a constant output operation state such as a rated operation state where a sweeping current of a cell stack becomes constant, rather than directly measuring the fuel property, and controls the flow rate of the cathode gas so that the temperature of the off-gas combusting unit reaches a target temperature. Moreover, the fuel cell system determines the fuel property based on the variation of the flow rate of the cathode gas changed until the temperature of the off-gas combusting unit reaches the target temperature and the temperature of the cathode gas. Thus, it is possible to simplify the configuration required for determining whether the fuel property has changed or not as compared to a conventional method of measuring a plurality of factors of the fuel property.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Keisuke Kaneko, Takeshi Ibuka
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Patent number: 8586261Abstract: Techniques for packaging and utilizing solid hydrogen-producing fuel are described herein. The fuel may be in the form of a bonded/compressed powder, granules, or pellets. The fuel is packaged in cartridges having hydrogen-permeable enclosures. In operation, the fuel undergoes a hydrogen-releasing Thermally Initiated Hydrolysis (TIH) reaction. A cartridge may comprise one or more fuel chambers, and several cartridges may be assembled together.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Protonex Technology CorporationInventors: Michael T. Kelly, Jeffrey V. Ortega
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Patent number: 8557457Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes the steps of detecting whether supply of a raw fuel to a fuel cell module is stopped or not, starting supply of water vapor to an electrode surface of an anode based on the temperature of a fuel cell stack when stop of the supply of the raw fuel is detected, starting supply of reverse electrical current to an electrolyte electrode assembly in a direction opposite to electrical current flowing at the time of power generation based on the temperature of the fuel cell stack, stopping the supply of the reverse electrical current at least based on any of the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature of an evaporator, and stopping the supply of the water vapor at least based on any of the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Dan
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Patent number: 8557483Abstract: Fuel cell fuel supplies having single and multiple compartments for storing and containing fuel cell fuel precursor reagents. These fuel supplies allow storage and packaging of precursors for in situ production and use of fuel cell fuel. A method for making fuel cell fuel and a fuel cell system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
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Patent number: 8551302Abstract: Hydrogen generating apparatus that is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generating apparatus has an electrolyzer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a switch, which is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, a flow rate meter, which measures an amount of hydrogen generation in the second electrode, and a switch controller, which receives a set value, compares the amount of hydrogen generation measured by the flow rate meter with the set value, and controls an on/off status of the switch. The amount of hydrogen generation can be controlled by use of on/off time and/or on/of frequency of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Arunabha Kundu, Sung-Han Kim, Kyoungsoo Chae
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Patent number: 8545195Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen generator including a pump for pumping a liquid from a reservoir to a reaction area, where the liquid reacts to produce hydrogen gas, and a fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator and a fuel cell stack. The pump is a diaphragm pump with mechanically operated liquid inlet and outlet valves that are opened by cam-operated pushrods, and the pushrods are isolated from the liquid flowpath through the pump by diaphragms. All valves in the liquid flow path between the liquid reservoir and the reaction area are mechanically operated valves.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventor: Russell H. Barton
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Patent number: 8535838Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Fang-hei Tsau, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Cheng-Yen Chen
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Patent number: 8535835Abstract: A fuel cell module that can accommodate a single fuel cell stack efficiently and that can enhance power generation efficiency, and a fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell module.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Takashi Ono
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Publication number: 20130236801Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for direct amination of hydrocarbons to amino hydrocarbons, comprising (a) the reaction of a reactant stream E comprising at least one hydrocarbon and at least one aminating reagent to give a reaction mixture R comprising at least one amino hydrocarbon and hydrogen in a reaction zone RZ, and (b) electrochemical removal of at least a portion of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the reaction mixture R by means of at least one gas-tight membrane electrode assembly which is in contact with the reaction zone RZ on the retentate side and which has at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane, at least a portion of the hydrogen being oxidized over an anode catalyst to protons on the retentate side of the membrane, and the protons, after passing through the membrane, being partly or fully reacted with an oxidizing agent over a cathode catalyst to give water on the permeate side, and the oxidizing agent originating from a stream O which is contacted with theType: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Bernd Bastian SCHAACK, Alexander Panchenko, Philipp Brueggemann
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Publication number: 20130230784Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: SIGNA CHEMISTRY, INC.Inventors: Andrew P. WALLACE, John M. MELACK, Michael LEFENFELD
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Patent number: 8512901Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature fuel cell system which can be operated with at least one hydrocarbon compound, preferably with methane or a gas containing methane such as natural gas or biogas. It is the object of the invention to increase the efficiency of high-temperature fuel cell systems and to allow a more flexible operation. In the system in accordance with the invention, individual fuel cells are present which are connected electrically in series and form the stacks.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Mihails Kusnezoff, Sebastian Reuber
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Publication number: 20130209903Abstract: 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 residual heat based on fuel supply and on power output at a delay relative thereto. When a utilizable amount of 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventor: TOTO LTD.