Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to generate electric power from a chemical hydride. A fuel cartridge produces hydrogen by reacting a liquid with a chemical hydride. A fuel cell stack generates electric power using an oxygen source and the produced hydrogen. An electric power storage device is coupled with the fuel cell stack. The electric power storage device stores and supplies electric power. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the fuel cartridge at a variable rate. A controller calculates a liquid injection rate for the one or more liquid sources based on power demands of an electric load.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and devices that generally relate to silanes and silicides and to uses thereof for hydrogen generation. Methods and devices for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and for other applications such as fuel or a supplementary fuel for internal combustion engines and reducing agents to improve catalyst efficiency are also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present concerns an apparatus (5, 105) for energy production from a hydrocarbon mixture (15) having at least one dehydrogenatable compound, in particular from a hydrocarbon-based fuel, preferably from kerosene, comprising a tank (10, 110) for providing the hydrocarbon mixture (15), and a combustion machine (20, 120) connected to the tank (10, 110) for combustion of hydrocarbons for producing thermal and/or kinetic energy (25, 125, 30, 130).

Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.

Abstract: A power generator comprising a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell stack having an anode exposed to hydrogen from the hydrogen generator and a cathode exposed to an ambient environment. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers are used to promote flow of water away from the cathode. A diffusion path thus separates the fuel cell cathode from the hydrogen generator. In one embodiment, water vapor generated from the fuel cell substantially matches water used by the hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A system for gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock, such as municipal waste, to generate power includes a devolitization reactor that creates char from the feedstock and a gasifier that creates a product gas from both the char and from volatiles released when devolitizing the feedstock. The product gas is reacted in a fuel cell to create electrical energy and process heat. The process heat is used to heat the devolitization reactor and the gasifier. The gasifier comprises a plurality of configurable circuits that can each be tuned to meet the individual needs of the char material being gasified.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel reformer configured to react a raw fuel and oxygen to produce a reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes a fuel cell configured to generate electricity by reacting oxygen at a first electrode and reformed fuel at a second electrode. The fuel cell system further includes a plate member at least partially defining an air chamber wall, an air chamber inlet, and an air chamber outlet. The air chamber is configured to route air to at least one of the fuel reformer and the first electrode of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a PEM stack for providing power to the system in a start up or shut down operating mode and hydrogen to the fuel cell stack in a steady state operating mode.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device comprises a fuel cell assembly, a reformer, a fuel gas supply device, a water supply device, a reforming air supply device, a power generating air supply device, an ignition device, and a control device, the control device controls the fuel gas supply device, the water supply device, the reforming air supply device, the power generating air supply device, and the ignition device to conduct a combustion operation, then supply the fuel gas and the reforming air into the reformer to conduct a partial oxidation reforming reaction (POX) operation, then supply the fuel gas, the reforming air and water into the reformer to conduct an auto-thermal reforming reaction (ATR) operation, and then supply the fuel gas and water into the reformer to conduct a steam reforming reaction (SR) operation, thereby starting the solid oxide fuel cell device, and the control device controls the fuel gas supply device to hold constant the supply flow rate of fuel gas during a predetermined interval

Abstract: A control system and method for a fuel processing system. The control system automates the operation of a fuel processing system by monitoring operating parameters and automatically controlling the operation of the system responsive to the monitored parameters, predefined subroutines and/or user inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible power supply including a hydrogen supply device connected to a flexible fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen supply device includes a moldable hydrogen fuel. In one embodiment, the flexible fuel cell is a sheet structure, and the hydrogen supply device is a flexible flat bag, wherein the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply device are adhered to complete a sheet of a flexible power supply. The sheet of flexible power supply can be put in the pocket of cloth or baggage, or directly sewn on the outside of cap or overcoat.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system and a fuel cell system including the same, the fuel reforming system including: a fuel reformer adapted to produce a reformed gas having hydrogen as a main component from a fuel containing hydrogen; a carbon monoxide (CO) remover adapted to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas; a heat source adapted to supply heat energy to the reformer and the CO remover; and a moving unit adapted to move the heat source between the fuel reformer and the CO remover. With this configuration, the fuel reformer and the CO remover can be directly heated by a heat source. Then, when the temperature of the CO remover reaches a catalyst activation temperature, the heat source can be moved to directly heat only the fuel reformer, thereby enhancing a reforming effect and a power generation efficiency of the fuel reforming system.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, processes and designs are disclosed here for (i) the thorough drying of moist feed materials, (ii) the manufacture of a unique high-hydrogen, low-carbon synthetic gas mixture (“H-Syngas”) from dry feed materials, and (iii) the specialized uses of H-Syngas. H-Syngas may be produced from coal, natural gas, some oils and other feed materials using a special 3-dimensional “3D3P” plasma pyrolysis1 process. To produce this unique high-hydrogen, low-carbon H-Syngas mixture from moist feed materials, they must first be thoroughly dried. Removing water (H2O) prior to the 3D3P step minimizes a major source of oxygen in the H-Syngas reactor. The use of dry or dried feed materials (and the absence of moisture-supplied oxygen during the 3D3P step) limits the formation of certain unwanted oxide by-product gases, including the Greenhouse gases carbon-monoxide (CO) and carbon-dioxide (CO2).

Abstract: A system is described for storing and generating hydrogen and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Abstract: An elongated fuel processor assembly is coupled to a fuel cell stack for producing a reformate for consumption by the fuel cell stack. The elongated fuel processor assembly includes an annular core having a thermal conduction mass for conducting heat, an annular reformer surrounding and supported by the annular core, and a vaporizer surrounding and supported by the annular core.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell system according to the invention comprising; a material gas feeder (1); a reformer (3); a fuel cell (4); a combustor (5); communication passages (6A-6E); and a controller (20), wherein during a shutdown period of the fuel cell (4), the controller (20) determines whether the fuel cell system is in a normal condition where a shutdown operation of the fuel cell (4) is performed; and wherein if the controller (20) determines that the fuel cell system is not in the normal condition, the controller (20) controls the material gas feeder (1) to execute a material gas feed process before a next ignition of the combustor (5), the material gas feed process being performed such that the material gas is supplied to a hydrogen-containing gas flow path constituted by the reformer (3) and the communication passages (6A-6E) located between the reformer (3) and the combustor (5).

Abstract: A method for forming a reinforced rigid anode monolith and fuel and product of such method.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and devices that generally relate to silanes and silicides and to uses thereof for hydrogen generation. Methods and devices for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and for other applications such as fuel or a supplementary fuel for internal combustion engines and reducing agents to improve catalyst efficiency are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of thereof and a second electrode coupled to a generally opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly, and a first conduit for delivering fuel to the first electrode at ambient temperature. The fuel cell system includes a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled thereto assembly, and a fourth electrode coupled to a generally opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly; and a mesh positioned between and in sealing engagement with the second electrode and the third electrode. A second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode for delivering oxidant thereto. The fuel cell system further includes means for providing an electrical potential across the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and an electrical load circuit for using an energy output generated across the second electrode-electrolyte assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal energy management device for a vehicle, namely a vehicle equipped with an electric generator associating and fuel cell and hydrogen reformer, comprising at least one primary circuit circulating a first heat-conducting fluid, such circuit enabling calories to be collected from a thermal source and transported to at least one thermal exchanger wherein said device comprises at least one thermal exchanger constituted by a sorption exchanger, enabling the thermal energy management of vehicles, and namely, armored vehicles.

Abstract: A power system has an energy conversion device and a volume expansion engine. The energy conversion device is configured to receive fuel, implement an electro-chemical process to generate an electrical output, and produce a first exhaust flow. The volume expansion engine is configured to receive the first exhaust flow, combust the first exhaust flow to generate a power output, and produce a second exhaust flow directed into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: The apparatus contains a means to create superheated steam at a temperature of preferably 800° C. The superheated steam is delivered to a catalytic decomposition converter that contains ceramic membranes that function to decompose water H2O into its constituent elements of diatomic hydrogen and oxygen. In one embodiment, a cascade of catalytic cells, one set for hydrogen and one set for oxygen are arranged in a unique “Cascade and Recirculate” configuration that greatly improves the throughput of the catalytic process. Only enough hydrogen is produced and delivered to the fuel cell according to the real time demand. There is no hydrogen storage on board. An electrically heated boiler initializes the process, and thereafter the heat from the exothermic reaction of a high-temperature fuel cell, and a small hydrocarbon burner sustains the operational superheated steam temperature.

Abstract: A process for enhanced photobiological H2 production using transgenic alga. The process includes inducing exogenous genes in a transgenic alga by manipulating selected environmental factors. In one embodiment inducing production of an exogenous gene uncouples H2 production from existing mechanisms that would downregulate H2 production in the absence of the exogenous gene. In other embodiments inducing an exogenous gene triggers a cascade of metabolic changes that increase H2 production. In some embodiments the transgenic alga are rendered non-regenerative by inducing exogenous transgenes for proton channel polypeptides that are targeted to specific algal membranes.

Abstract: A recharger includes a manifold having an input to couple to a hydrogen generating module and an output port to couple to at least one rechargeable fuel cell. A vacuum pump is coupled to the manifold to evacuate the manifold. A valve is coupled to the manifold between the vacuum pump and the input of the manifold.

Abstract: Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell apparatus (1), which fuel cell apparatus comprises a fuel cell unit (2), the fuel cells of which enclose an anode (3) and a cathode (4) and an electrolyte (5) there between, a fuel channel (7) for conveying fuel to the anode (3), and a processing apparatus (10) arranged in conjunction with the fuel channel (7) for producing a hydrogenous fuel gas from an alcohol fuel. In the method alcohol fuel is led to the processing apparatus (10) along the fuel channel (7), hydrogenous fuel gas is produced from the alcohol fuel in the processing apparatus (10), fuel gas is discharged from the processing apparatus (10) to the anode (3), fuel gas is combusted on the anode (3), and exhaust gas generated during the combustion of the fuel gas is led from the anode (3) into the fuel channel (7). Water is mixed with the alcohol fuel in the fuel channel (7) before it is conveyed to the processing apparatus (10).

Abstract: A first embodiment is disclosed, relating to a device including an anode and a cathode. The anode and cathode are placed in a separate anode and cathode compartment. In at least one embodiment of the device, electron transfer takes place from the cathode to a terminal electron acceptor via a redox mediator. In at least one embodiment, the redox mediator includes the Fe (II)/Fe (III) redox couple. According to a further aspect, of at least one embodiment of the invention, relates to a method for generating electric energy with use of the device according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A system for storing and generating hydrogen generally and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses the beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A packaging structure of a low-pressure molded fuel cell comprises a hot melt adhesive layer, which is formed through a low-pressure molding process using a hot melt adhesive that has specific material properties and will become molten when being heated. The molten hot melt adhesive is injected into the cell via injection holes formed on a housing or a mounting element to flow through a C-sectioned flow channel, so as to tightly enclose and bond to edges of the air cathode and separator for the cell. After the hot melt adhesive is solidified, a chemical-resistant hot melt adhesive layer with good sealing and enclosing ability as well as high adhesion strength and elasticity, being bubble removed at controlled pressure and the hot melt adhesive material is formed to firmly bond to the cell components and tightly seal the cell, so as to effectively prevent electrolyte in the cell from leaking.

Abstract: A method for providing hydrogen to a hydrogen-powered device comprises providing a buffer connected to supply hydrogen to the device. The buffer is filled with hydrogen by coupling the buffer to a cartridge containing a predetermined quantity of hydrogen. The hydrogen in the cartridge may be stored in a form having a higher energy density than the hydrogen in the buffer. Systems comprising hydrogen-powered devices that include such buffers are also described.

Abstract: A solution vessel 4 freely changeable in volume is provided inside a reaction chamber 2. As a reactant solution 11 stored in the solution vessel 4 is supplied to a workpiece 3 placed in the reaction chamber 2, the volume of the solution vessel 4 is decreased, and the capacity of the reaction chamber 2 is increased. Thus, a region where hydrogen is generated is increased within a small space.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell unit comprising a plurality of fuel cells, each having one anode and one cathode, the anode adjoining an anode gas compartment and the cathode adjoining a cathode gas compartment, hydrogen being supplied to the anode and an oxidizing agent being supplied to the cathode. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode compartment during a retention time before start-up of the fuel cell system, in which no fuel cell reaction takes place in the fuel cell unit. Hydrogen is stored in an adsorption storage element during fuel cell operation and released to the anode compartment during the retention time.

Abstract: An energy supply system which includes an energy generation part, a hydrogen supply part (2), and a treatment part (5). The energy generation part is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen and generates energies. The hydrogen supply part (2) generates hydrogen through the reaction of water (23) contained in the gas discharged from the energy generation part with a hydrogen-generating substance (21) disposed in an inner part of the supply part (2). The hydrogen-generating substance (21) comprises magnesium. In the treatment part (5), the hydroxide compound (22) resulting from the reaction of the water (23) with the hydrogen-generating substance (21) is supplied to a gas and carbon dioxide contained in the gas is reacted with the hydroxide compound (22) to obtain a carbonate compound (24) and water as a reaction product.