By Electrolysis Patents (Class 429/418)
  • Patent number: 9590262
    Abstract: A reversible fuel cell includes a positive electrode containing manganese dioxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage material, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. Each of the negative electrode and the positive electrode is an electrode for power generation and is also an electrode that applies electrolysis to the electrolyte using electric current to be fed from the outside. This cell is capable of storing electric energy to be supplied at the time of overcharge by converting the electric energy into gas, and is also capable of reconverting the gas into electric energy in order to utilize the electric energy. Accordingly, there are provided a reversible fuel cell and a reversible fuel cell system each of which is excellent in energy utilization efficiency, energy density and load following capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, EXERGY POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tsutsumi, Kaduo Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 9428256
    Abstract: A ship includes: a high-pressure injection engine using fuel gas as fuel to obtain a propulsion power of the ship; a generator engine using fuel gas as fuel to generate electricity; a motor generating a power by using the electricity generated from the generator engine; a propulsion propelling the ship; a main clutch connecting the high-pressure injection engine to the propulsion; an auxiliary clutch connecting the gear box to the propulsion; and a gear box disposed in a front side of the propulsion and power-connected to the main clutch and the auxiliary clutch. The high-pressure injection engine and the motor are selectively power-connected to the propulsion to obtain the propulsion power of the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Kwang Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Jung Han Lee
  • Publication number: 20150147666
    Abstract: A metal-halogen flow battery system includes a stack of flow cells, an electrolyte reservoir and one or more of a concentrated halogen return line fluidly connecting the stack to the reservoir, a venturi, a mixer, a concentrated halogen pump, or a concentrated halogen line heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Russell Cole, Rick Winter, Jonathan Hall, Pallavi Pharkya, Gerardo Jose la O', Lauren W. Hart, Paul Kreiner, Peter Tennessen
  • Publication number: 20150125768
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electrochemical flow cell stack are disclosed. A plurality of frame layers may each have a peripheral gasket channel configured to receive a gasket material. The gasket channel may surround a recessed area having a size and a structure configured to receive an insert layer. Each of the plurality of frame layers may include at least one void area defining a first half-cell chamber of a flow cell. A plurality of insert layers may each be nested within a corresponding frame layers. Each insert layer may include at least one void area defining a second half-cell chamber of the flow cell. A flow cell may be formed by one of the plurality of frame layers and one of the plurality of insert layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald J. MOSSO, Jay E. SHA, Kurt RISIC, Bruce LIN, Jeremy P. MEYERS
  • Publication number: 20150111117
    Abstract: An electrolyte system for a hybrid flow battery has a manganese based anolyte and a manganese based catholyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen M. Lipka, Christopher R. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20150104724
    Abstract: Embodiments of redox flow battery rebalancing systems include a system for reacting an unbalanced flow battery electrolyte with a rebalance electrolyte in a first reaction cell. In some embodiments, the rebalance electrolyte may contain ferrous iron (Fe2+) which may be oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+) in the first reaction cell. The reducing ability of the rebalance reactant may be restored in a second rebalance cell that is configured to reduce the ferric iron in the rebalance electrolyte back into ferrous iron through a reaction with metallic iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: On Kok CHANG, Ai Quoc Pham
  • Publication number: 20150104723
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow battery pack with a monitoring system. The flow battery pack with a monitoring system comprises a battery pack device and a monitoring device. The battery pack device comprises a pole plate, and the pole plate is provided thereon with a measuring port. The monitoring device comprises a measuring probe, and the measuring probe extends to the interior of the battery pack device and is arranged corresponding to the measuring port on the pole plate. The monitoring device is used for monitoring the flow pressure and temperature at the measuring port. According to the technical solution of the present disclosure, a monitoring device is introduced into the interior of a flow battery pack, and the real values of correlative parameters of the interior of the battery pack and the distribution status thereof can be obtained through the monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: DONGFANG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hao Tang, Guangyou Xie, Cong Yin, Zhankui Zhang, Ronggui Wang, Yong Lian
  • Publication number: 20150099199
    Abstract: The invention discloses general apparatus and methods for electrochemical energy conversion and storage via a membraneless laminar flow battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery includes a flow-through porous anode for receiving a fuel and a porous electrolyte channel for transporting an electrolyte adjacent to the porous anode; a flow-through porous cathode is provided for transporting an oxidant; and a porous dispersion blocker is disposed between the electrolyte channel and the porous cathode, which inhibits convective mixing while allowing molecular diffusion and mean flow. Pore structure properties are selected for tuning convective dispersion, conductivity or other macroscopic properties. Specific materials, reactants, fabrication methods, and operation methods are disclosed to achieve stable charge/discharge cycles and to optimize power density and energy density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Martin Z. Bazant, William Allan Braff, Cullen Richard Buie, Matthew Suss, Laura M. Gilson, Kameron Confortl
  • Patent number: 8986898
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for controlling fuel cell operating conditions. The apparatus includes a set of sensors for monitoring the fuel cell operating conditions and a processing unit, in communication with the set of sensors for determining when the fuel cell operating conditions are outside of an acceptable range. When it is determined that the fuel cell operating conditions are outside of the acceptable range, an electrolyzer is activated to electrolyze waste liquid water or water vapor to assist in controlling the fuel cell operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Gerard Rich, Taha Shabbir Husain Sutarwala
  • Publication number: 20150064584
    Abstract: A secondary battery fuel system comprises: a fuel generation member that generates a fuel by a chemical reaction and is renewable by a reverse reaction of the chemical reaction; a fuel cell; a gas circulation line that circulates a gas between the fuel generation member and the fuel cell; an external fuel gas supply line that supplies a fuel gas output from an external gas supply source to the gas circulation line; a gas exhaust line that exhausts the gas from the gas circulation line; first and second open-close parts; and a control part. When switching from power generation employing external fuel gas to either a power generation operation employing circulation gas or a charging operation which regenerates the fuel generation member, the control part closes the gas exhaust line with the second open-close part, and then closes the external fuel gas supply line with the first open-close part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Masayuki Ueyama
  • Patent number: 8968948
    Abstract: A self contained energy generating system that comprises a galvanic battery and a power distribution system. The energy generating system is used to purify water by using a reverse osmosis device that draws in a source of water and transfers electrolytes to the galvanic battery. Upon contact with the electrolyte, the galvanic battery produces energy by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the cathode and anode and transfers energy to the power distribution system, which in turn provides power to the osmosis device. Additionally, the system includes a hydrogen fuel cell to increase the amount of energy generated and a power storage device for storing excess energy generated. The system also includes a controller which is configured to regulate the overall operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michel J. McCluskey, Mark Becker, Michael Pollock, Daniel R. Markiewicz
  • Patent number: 8962201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell apparatus which can continue stable performance, can generate an electric power for a long period, and has a long service life. The fuel cell apparatus comprises: a fuel cell body comprising a power generation unit which can generate an electric power through the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and a hydrogen generation member which can generate hydrogen through the reaction with water produced upon the generation of the electric power and can supply hydrogen generated to the power generation unit; and a reduction control unit which can control so as to reduce the hydrogen generation member that has been oxidized through the reaction with the produced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Shoichi Uratani, Nobuhisa Ishida
  • Publication number: 20150044584
    Abstract: A fuel cell system, provided with: a fuel-generating material which generates a fuel by a chemical reaction and which can be regenerated by a reverse reaction of the aforementioned chemical reaction; a first fuel cell in which gas is circulated with respect to the fuel-generating material; and a second fuel cell for generating power using a fuel gas introduced from an external gas supply source. The amount of heat generated in the second fuel cell performing a power generation operation is transmitted to the first fuel cell preforming an electrolysis operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Ueyama
  • Publication number: 20150037696
    Abstract: This secondary cell-type fuel cell system is provided with: a fuel generation unit which by a chemical reaction generates fuel that is a reducing gas, and which can be regenerated by means of the reverse reaction of said chemical reaction; a power generation and electrolysis unit having a power generation function for generating power using the reducing gas, and an electrolysis function for electrolyzing an oxidized gas which, a product of the aforementioned reverse reaction, is supplied from the fuel generation unit during regeneration of the fuel generation unit; a circulation unit which forcibly circulates a gas containing the reducing gas and/or the oxidized gas between the fuel generation unit and the power generation and electrolysis unit; and a control unit for controlling the circulation unit. Further, the control unit controls the flow rate of the gas circulated by the circulation unit differently during power generation and during charge operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Noda
  • Publication number: 20150024296
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and/or discharging electrical energy that has a cost, which method includes steps of: (a) providing a flow battery system comprising at least one flow battery cell and a controller; (b) operating the flow battery cell at a power density having a first value; and (c) changing the power density at which the flow battery cell is operated from the first value to a second value as a function of the cost of the electrical energy, wherein the power density is changed using the controller, and wherein the second value is different than the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Arun Pandy, Michael L. Perry
  • Publication number: 20150017558
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redox flow battery, and more particularly, a cell frame channel design capable of efficiently distributing an electrolyte. The present invention provides a cell frame of a redox flow battery providing an electrolyte to an electrode, the cell frame of a redox flow battery including: an electrolyte inlet part and an electrolyte outlet part disposed at both side surfaces of the electrode, respectively; a distribution channel connected to the electrolyte inlet part and dividing the electrolyte into a plurality of channels; a buffer channel formed in a shape in which the buffer channel is connected to an end of each distribution channel and a channel width thereof is increased toward the electrode; a mixing zone formed between the buffer channel and the electrode to mix electrolytes flowed from the buffer channels with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Soo-Whan KIM, Tae-Yoon KIM, Myung-Sup UM, Tae-Jung HA, Yoo-Kyung BANG
  • Publication number: 20140370405
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-aqueous redox flow battery comprising a negative electrode immersed in a non-aqueous liquid negative electrolyte, a positive electrode immersed in a non-aqueous liquid positive electrolyte, and a cation-permeable separator (e.g., a porous membrane, film, sheet, or panel) between the negative electrolyte from the positive electrolyte. During charging and discharging, the electrolytes are circulated over their respective electrodes. The electrolytes each comprise an electrolyte salt (e.g., a lithium or sodium salt), a transition-metal free redox reactant, and optionally an electrochemically stable organic solvent. Each redox reactant is selected from an organic compound comprising a conjugated unsaturated moiety, a boron cluster compound, and a combination thereof. The organic redox reactant of the positive electrolyte comprises a tetrafluorohydroquinone ether compound or a tetrafluorocatechol ether compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Lu ZHANG, Jinhua HUANG, Anthony BURRELL
  • Publication number: 20140370404
    Abstract: This redox flow secondary battery has an electrolyte tank (6) containing: a positive electrode cell chamber (2) containing a positive electrode (1) comprising a carbon electrode; a negative electrode cell chamber (4) containing a negative electrode (3) comprising a carbon electrode; and an electrolyte membrane (5) as a barrier membrane that separates/isolates the positive electrode cell chamber (2) and the negative electrode cell chamber (4). The positive electrode cell chamber (2) contains a positive electrode electrolyte containing an active substance, the negative electrode cell chamber (4) contains a negative electrode electrolyte containing an active substance, and the redox flow secondary battery charges and discharges on the basis of the change in valency of the active substances in the electrolytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Akihiro Kato, Naoto Miyake
  • Publication number: 20140370403
    Abstract: A flow battery includes a positive electrode, a positive electrode electrolyte, a negative electrode, a negative electrode electrolyte, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode electrolyte includes water and a first redox couple. The first redox couple includes a first organic compound which includes a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The first organic compound is reduced during discharge while during charging the reduction product of the first organic compound is oxidized to the first organic compound. The negative electrode electrolyte includes water and a second redox couple. The second couple includes a second organic compound including a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The reduction product of the second organic compound is oxidized to the second organic compound during discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sri NARAYAN, Surya G. K. PRAKASH, Bo YANG, Lena Hoober-Burkhardt, Sankarganesh Krishnamoorthy
  • Publication number: 20140363750
    Abstract: This fuel generator is equipped with fine particles of a fuel-generating agent (1) that generates fuel by an oxidation reaction with an oxidizing gas and can be regenerated by a reduction reaction with a reducing gas, and a porous member (3). The fine particles of the fuel-generating agent (1) are dispersed and disposed in the interior of the porous member(3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jun Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140356743
    Abstract: An energy generating apparatus including water molecule separating device, water molecule recombining device, and water molecule recycling device, which generates various energy outputs by various means. The water separating device can be a type of machine of several designs which operates chemically and produces H2 and O2 from the water molecule. It is attached to a water recombining device of several designs which operates chemically and produces several forms of energy when recombining H2 and O2 into the water molecule. There is also a recycling device which is used to return the water molecule and its atoms to the beginning of the cycle which may or may not be used depending upon application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Vanderpan
  • Publication number: 20140349203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-free electrocatalyst for fuel cells, containing an electrically conductive substrate and a catalytically active species, wherein the conductive substrate is an inorganic, multi-component substrate material of the composition 0X1-0X2, in which 0X1 means an electrically non-conductive inorganic oxide having a specific surface area (BET) in the range of 50 to 400 mVg and 0X2 means a conductive oxide. The non-conductive inorganic oxide 0X1 is coated with the conductive oxide 0X2. The multi-component substrate preferably has a core/shell structure. The multi-component substrate material 0X1-0X2 has an electrical conductivity in the range>0.01 S/cm and is coated with catalytically active particles containing noble metal. The electrocatalysts produced therewith are used in electrochemical devices such as PEM fuel cells and exhibit high corrosion stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Barbara Klose-Schubert, Daniel Herein, Marco Lopez, Carsten Becker
  • Publication number: 20140329158
    Abstract: A secondary battery type fuel cell system is provided with: a fuel cell unit which generates oxidation gas during power generation and has a fuel electrode, an oxidant electrode, and an electrolyte sandwiched between the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode; and a fuel generation unit which generates fuel in the form of reducing gas by means of the chemical reaction with the oxidation gas and which can generate and regenerate the oxidation gas by means of the reverse reaction of the aforementioned chemical reaction. In a closed or hermetically-sealed space containing the fuel electrode and the fuel generation unit, the oxidation gas or the reducing gas is forcibly circulated between the fuel cell unit and the fuel generation unit, and the flow direction of the gas flowing along the surface of the fuel electrode is set to be the same during the power generation operation and the charging operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Noda
  • Patent number: 8840764
    Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus comprises an electrolysis cell to electrolyze a first fluid to generate a product fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also comprises a fuel cell to electrolyze an electrolytic fluid and to heat a second fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also includes a fluid transfer arrangement to transfer the heated second fluid from the fuel cell to the electrolysis cell to provide heat to drive the electrolysis of the first fluid in the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Cristiano Balestrino, Gerard D. Agnew, Michele Bozzolo
  • Publication number: 20140272639
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to storing energy in a form that is carbon neutral, storable and transportable, so that it can be used on demand. The present invention provides a process and system for using energy as available to produce carbon from carbon oxide, and then oxidizing the carbon to generate useful energy on demand, while effectively recycling the carbon, oxidant, and carbon oxide used in the process or system. In one embodiment, the present invention effectively stores renewable energy as carbon, transports the carbon, oxidizes the carbon to generate useful energy on demand and recycles the carbon as carbon dioxide. This invention may increase the utilization of renewable energy, especially for electrical power generation, while producing no net carbon dioxide or other air pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Zietlow Innovative Engineering and Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. ZIETLOW
  • Publication number: 20140272640
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for fabricating and implementing multifunctional fuel cells. In one aspect, a multifunctional fuel cell device includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a distance and aligned substantially in parallel, a first conduit and a second conduit coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, substantially perpendicular to the electrodes, and a fluid including an electrolyte, the fluid dispersed between the electrodes, in which an applied electric potential across the first and second conduits induces oppositely charged sides of the first and second electrodes to form a cathode and an anode side of each electrode, thereby extracting energy from the electrolyte and producing a chemical product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8822094
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Swaminathan Venkataraman, Arne Watson Ballantine, David Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 8802308
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell system during an interruption includes identifying a load interruption in which an external load is partially or fully unable to draw electrical power from the fuel cell system. At least a first fuel cell column of the fuel cell system is operated in an electrolysis mode such that the first fuel cell column generates fuel during the load interruption. Power is provided to the first fuel cell column in the electrolysis mode from at least a second fuel cell column of the fuel cell system. The second fuel cell column is operating in a normal power generation operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Arne Ballantine, James F. McElroy
  • Publication number: 20140170511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Ftorion, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuriy Vyacheslalovovich Tolmachev
  • Publication number: 20140093795
    Abstract: The reservoirs 2 and 2? preliminarily contain liquid water, which is utilized as the water to be supplied to the polymer membrane. A vapor pressure of the water is set to a predetermined value in the reservoir by controlling the temperature of the reservoirs 2 and 2? individually. Pressure gauges 6 and 6? may be used for setting a vapor pressure of the water. The water which is gasified based on the set vapor pressure in the respective reservoir is supplied to the stack 10 along with oxygen from the reservoir 2, and with hydrogen from the reservoir 2?. This configuration makes it possible to adjust the amount of water contained in the polymer membrane and maintain the moisturization of the polymer membrane without external water supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Yoshitsugu SONE
  • Publication number: 20140050999
    Abstract: Methods for generating electric power and a discharge fluid from an oxidant and a reducer using a discharge system, and regenerating an oxidant and/or the reducer from the discharge fluid using a regeneration system are provided. A discharge unit of the discharge system generates electric power and the discharge fluid by transferring electrons from a positive electrode of a 5-layer electrolyte-electrode assembly (5EEA) to an aqueous multi-electron oxidant (AMO) and from a reducer to a negative electrode of the 5EEA. The regeneration system neutralizes the discharge fluid to produce a salt form of the discharge fluid. The regeneration system electrolyzes the salt form of the discharge fluid into an intermediate oxidant in an electrolysis-disproportionation reactor and releases the reducer, while producing the AMO by disproportionating the intermediate oxidant. The regeneration system converts a salt form of the AMO into an acid form of the AMO in an ion exchange reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ftorion, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuriy Viacheslavovich Tolmachev
  • Publication number: 20130330644
    Abstract: The present invention provides a regenerative fuel cell comprising an anionic membrane capable of selectively passing anions, wherein the pH of the anolyte and/or catholyte is at least 10. The present invention also relates to a method of operating a regenerative fuel cell comprising an anionic membrane capable of selectively passing anions, wherein the pH of the anolyte and/or catholyte is at least 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Nigel Brandon, Anthony Kucernak, Vladimir Yufit
  • Patent number: 8603685
    Abstract: There is provided a method for the activation of a fuel cell. An exemplary method comprises operating the fuel cell entirely or partially at least briefly in an electrolysis regimen during galvanic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Rheinisch-Westfälisch-Technische Hochschule Aachen
    Inventors: Klaus Wippermann, Heinz Schmitz, Jürgen Mergel, Andrei Kulikovsky, Dirk Uwe Sauer, Birger Fricke, Tilman Sanders
  • Patent number: 8586253
    Abstract: A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: AeroVironment Inc.
    Inventors: Bart D. Hibbs, William M. Parks, Omourtag A. Velev
  • Publication number: 20130252120
    Abstract: An improved system of hardware and controls, known as a Hyper Hub, that absorbs electric power from any source, including hydropower, wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources, chemically stores the power in hydrogen-dense anhydrous ammonia, then reshapes the stored energy to the power grid with zero emissions by using anhydrous ammonia to fuel diesel-type, spark-ignited internal combustion, combustion turbine, fuel cell or other electric power generators, and for other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: John S. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8394543
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical power storage system using hydrogen includes a power generation unit generating power using hydrogen and oxidant gas and an electrolysis unit electrolyzing steam. The electrical power storage system includes a hydrogen storage unit storing hydrogen generated by the electrolysis and supplying the hydrogen to the power generation unit during power generation, a high-temperature heat storage unit storing high temperature heat generated accompanying the power generation and supplying the heat to the electrolysis unit during the electrolysis, and a low-temperature heat storage unit storing low-temperature heat, which is exchanged in the high-temperature heat storage unit and generating with this heat the steam supplied to the electrolysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shoko Suyama, Yoshiyasu Ito, Shigeo Kasai, Yasuo Takagi, Tsuneji Kameda, Kentaro Matsunaga, Masato Yoshino, Daisuke Horikawa, Kazuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 8361664
    Abstract: Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: PolyPlus Battery Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
  • Patent number: 8338055
    Abstract: An electrochemical energy conversion and storage system comprises an electrochemical energy conversion device, in fluid communication with a source of an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water; and a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid; wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary hydroxy groups is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik
  • Publication number: 20120295172
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to electrochemical systems, e.g., a combination of an electrical energy source and an electrical energy storage system having a regenerative fuel cell system, that exhibit operational stability in harsh environments, e.g., both charging and discharging reactions in a regenerative fuel cell in the presence of an acid or a mixture of acids, or a halogen ion or a mixture of halogen ions. The electrochemical systems are capable of conducting both hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs) in the same system. The electrochemical systems have low cost, fast response time, and acceptable life and performance. This disclosure also relates to methods of operating the electrochemical systems containing a regenerative fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Arnon Blum
  • Publication number: 20120276464
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) having a nanotube array structure, and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123); a counter electrode (130) connected to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kuroha, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Noboru Taniguchi, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro
  • Patent number: 8293412
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a solid oxide reversible fuel cell (SORFC) stack that is adapted to generate an exhaust stream containing hydrogen and water vapor from an outlet of the SORFC stack when the SORFC stack is operated in an electrolysis mode, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen pump that is adapted to separate at least a portion of the hydrogen contained in the exhaust stream, a first conduit that is adapted to provide the exhaust stream from the outlet of the SORFC stack into an inlet of the PEM hydrogen pump, and a second conduit that is adapted to provide at least a portion of remaining exhaust stream from an outlet of the PEM hydrogen pump into an inlet of the SORFC stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventor: James F. McElroy
  • Patent number: 8246796
    Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Publication number: 20120183870
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell apparatus which can continue stable performance, can generate an electric power for a long period, and has a long service life. The fuel cell apparatus comprises: a fuel cell body comprising a power generation unit which can generate an electric power through the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and a hydrogen generation member which can generate hydrogen through the reaction with water produced upon the generation of the electric power and can supply hydrogen generated to the power generation unit; and a reduction control unit which can control so as to reduce the hydrogen generation member that has been oxidized through the reaction with the produced water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Shoichi Uratani, Nobuhisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 8221610
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: forming an anode comprising a layered electrocatalyst, the layered electrocatalyst comprising at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support; providing a cathode comprising a conductor; disposing a basic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; disposing a fuel within the basic electrolyte; and applying a current to the anode causing the oxidation of the fuel, forming hydrogen at the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20120171588
    Abstract: High efficiency electricity generation processes and systems with substantially zero CO2 emissions are provided. A closed looping between the unit that generates gaseous fuel (H2, CO, etc) and the fuel cell anode side is formed. In certain embodiments, the heat and exhaust oxygen containing gas from the fuel cell cathode side are also utilized for the gaseous fuel generation. The systems for converting fuel may comprise reactors configured to conduct oxidation-reduction reactions. The resulting power generation efficiencies are improved due to the minimized steam consumption for the gaseous fuel production in the fuel cell anode loop as well as the strategic mass and energy integration schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Liang-Shih Fan, Fanxing Li, Liang Zeng, Deepak Sridhar
  • Publication number: 20120171587
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conducting materials such as mixed ionically and electrically conducting materials. A variety of materials, material compositions, materials with advantageous ratios of ionically and electrically conducting components, structures including such materials, and the like are provided in accordance with the invention. In one aspect, the invention relates to conducting ceramics for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for hydrogen gas generation from a gasified hydrocarbon stream. One aspect of the invention provides a material comprising a first phase comprising a ceramic ionic conductor, and a second phase comprising a ceramic electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CTP Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Shindle, Scott C. Rackey, Gonghou Wang, Reinder J. Boersma
  • Patent number: 8197974
    Abstract: A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: AeroVironment Inc.
    Inventors: Bart D. Hibbs, William M. Parks, Omourtag A. Velev
  • Patent number: 8148023
    Abstract: A technique includes operating an electrochemical cell as a pump, including providing a current to the cell and providing a fuel flow to an anode chamber of the cell. The technique includes communicating an anode exhaust flow from the anode chamber to an oxidizer and controlling the current to regulate a temperature of the oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Schrieber, Jun Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8129057
    Abstract: A technique includes operating a fuel cell, which produces an effluent flow. The technique includes routing the effluent flow through an electrochemical pump to extract fuel from the effluent flow and providing the extracted fuel to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Michael D. Gasda, James F. McElroy
  • Publication number: 20120040262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing, transporting and supplying electrochemical energy, with storage and supply being physically separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Christoph Übler, Dietmar Bender, Moritz Ehrenstein, Andreas Fischer, Günther Huber