Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell hot box for improving the system efficiency of a fuel cell, wherein all of a fuel cell stack part, an afterburner, a reformer, and an air-heat exchange unit are provided inside a main chamber, fuel may be reformed and preheated using heat of the fuel cell stack part and heat of combustion gas generated by the afterburner, and at the same time, air may be also preheated. Thus, wasting energy can be prevented, the lifetime of the entire system can be increased by cooling the fuel cell stack part and increasing the durability of the fuel cell stack part against thermal stress, and a plurality of fuel cell stack parts share the center chamber, thereby simplifying a configuration of the fuel cell hot box.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that includes an anode and a cathode and generates electricity by reducing a mediator at the cathode; a regenerator that oxidizes the mediator reduced by the cathode; a first path that leads from the cathode to the regenerator and through which the mediator reduced by and discharged from the cathode is guided to the regenerator; a second path that leads from the regenerator to the cathode and through which the mediator oxidized at the regenerator is returned to the cathode; and a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid being a fluid flowing in the first path and containing the mediator reduced by cathode, and the second fluid being a fluid flowing in the second path and containing the mediator oxidized at the regenerator.

Abstract: An osmotic energy conversion system includes a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet, an MXene lamellar membrane located inside the housing and configured to divide the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, and first and second electrodes placed in the first and second chambers, respectively, and configured to collect electrical energy generated by a salinity-gradient formed by first and second liquids across the MXene lamellar membrane. The first chamber is configured to receive the first liquid at the first inlet and the second chamber is configured to receive the second liquid at the second inlet. The first liquid has a salinity lower than the second liquid, and the MXene lamellar membrane includes plural nanosheets of MXene stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel supplying apparatus, for a direct carbon fuel cell, which has improved output density by ensuring the flow properties of an anode medium. The fuel supplying apparatus for a direct carbon fuel cell comprises: a flow pipe which forms it cylindrical flow path in the vertical direction around a tube-shaped cell contained in an anode medium in which a carbon fuel is mixed; and a bubbling means which provides a gas from below the flow pipe to the inside of the anode medium and thus enables the anode medium to flow by the vertical flow of the gas. Consequently, the anode medium is provided to the anode of the tube-shaped cell by the flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel supplying apparatus, for a direct carbon fuel cell, which has improved output density by ensuring the flow properties of an anode medium. The fuel supplying apparatus for a direct carbon fuel cell comprises: a flow pipe which forms a flow path around a tube-shaped cell contained in an anode medium in which a carbon fuel is mixed; and a bubbling means which provides a gas from below the flow pipe to the inside of the anode medium and thus enables the anode medium to flow by the upward movement of the gas. Consequently, the carbon fuel is forcibly provided to the anode of the tube-shaped cell by the flow of the anode medium which is linked with the upward movement of the gas.

Abstract: An energy storage device for a reversible storage of energy has a reversibly designed metal/metal oxide storage unit for indirectly storing energy in form of a fluid material and a reversibly designed electrolysis device for providing and using the fluid material in an electrolysis reaction. The metal/metal oxide storage unit is disposed spatially separated from the electrolysis device. A fluid exchanging unit is provided for exchanging the fluid material between the reversibly designed metal/metal oxide storage unit and the electrolysis device, and a heat exchanging unit is provided for exchanging thermal energy between the metal/metal oxide storage unit and the electrolysis device. Further, a method for a reversible storage of energy is provided.

Abstract: A power plant includes a boiler, a steam turbine, a generator driven by that steam turbine, a condenser, a post combustion processing system and an energy storage system including at least one electrochemical cell to store excess electrical energy generated by the generator during period valley demand and release thermal energy for power plant operations at other times.

Abstract: A solid oxide redox flow battery is disclosed. The battery includes a solid oxide electrochemical cell integrated with a redox couple bed having a porous nanostructure with metal. The redox couple bed is configured to receive steam resulting in oxidation of the metal to produce hydrogen and the discharge of electricity from the battery. The redox couple bed in the discharged battery is further configured to receive hydrogen produced from the solid oxide electrochemical cell resulting in reduction of the metal oxide and recharge of the battery.

Abstract: A flow battery system includes an ON mode, and OFF mode and a STANDBY mode. The ON mode enables access to a full energy capacity of the flow battery system with regard to an amount of electric power that can be drawn from or stored to the flow battery system. The OFF mode disables access to the full energy capacity and the STANDBY mode enables access to a portion of the full energy capacity.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for applications such as electrochemical fuel cells, or electrochemical cell gas sensors used for detection of target gas species in environments containing or susceptible to presence of same. The electrochemical cell utilizes an ionic liquid as an electrolyte medium, thereby achieving a broader range of operational temperatures and conditions, relative to electrochemical cells utilizing propylene carbonate or other conventional electrolytic media.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell power system comprising: supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to a fuel processing system; supplying air and water to the fuel processing system; supplying a hydrogen-rich reformate from the fuel processing system to a fuel cell stack; supplying an anode waste gas from the fuel cell stack to a burner; drawing a load from the at least one fuel cell stack; and detecting an operating temperature of the fuel reformer; wherein supplying air and water to the fuel processing system comprises adjusting an amount of air and water to be supplied based on the load drawn from the fuel cell stack; and supplying the hydrocarbon fuel to the fuel processing system comprises adjusting an amount of hydrocarbon fuel to be supplied based on the detected operating temperature of the fuel reformer.

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.

Abstract: The multi-section cathode air heat exchanger (102) includes at least a first heat exchanger section (104), and a fixed contact oxidation catalyzed section (126) secured adjacent each other in a stack association. Cool cathode inlet air flows through cool air channels (110) of the at least first (104) and oxidation catalyzed sections (126). Hot anode exhaust flows through hot air channels (124) of the oxidation catalyzed section (126) and is combusted therein. The combusted anode exhaust then flows through hot air channels (112) of the first section (104) of the cathode air heat exchanger (102). The cool and hot air channels (110, 112) are secured in direct heat exchange relationship with each other so that temperatures of the heat exchanger (102) do not exceed 800° C. to minimize requirements for using expensive, high-temperature alloys.

Abstract: A combined generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a natural gas synthesizing apparatus for receiving coal and oxygen, generating synthetic gas by a gasifier, and permitting the synthetic gas to pass through a methanation reactor so as to synthesize methane; a fuel cell apparatus for receiving fuel that contains methane from the natural gas synthesizing apparatus and generating electrical energy; and a generating apparatus for producing electrical energy using the fluid discharged from the fuel cell apparatus

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.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an ammonia operated fuel cell system including an alkaline membrane fuel cell (AMFC) having an anode, and an ammonia thermal cracker including a combustion chamber, the cracker being in gas communication with an ammonia source, and configured to provide a supply of H2 directly to the AMFC anode.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system has a carbon monoxide generator using ultraclean coal or graphite, which includes a carbon supply unit, a carbon dioxide supply unit, a carbon monoxide generating unit, and a fuel cell unit. The carbon monoxide generating unit supplies CO to the anode of the fuel cell unit, and CO2 discharged from the fuel cell unit is recycled to the carbon dioxide supply unit. Because ultraclean coal or graphite is used, a separate reformer does not need to be used, and thus energy can be produced with high efficiency even at low costs. Because CO2 discharged from the solid oxide fuel cell, which uses carbon monoxide as a fuel, after a fuel cell reaction, is reused as reactant gas, carbon dioxide is not emitted into the atmosphere. Gasification can be smoothly achieved by the carbon monoxide generating unit including heating powder or a heating reaction chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell stack (1) composed by stacking a plurality of single cells, each single cell having: a membrane electrode assembly in which electrode catalyst layers (3) and gas diffusion layers (4) are disposed on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane (2) formed of a gel electrolyte with a sol-gel phase transition temperature; and separators (5) disposed on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly; and a temperature adjusting apparatus (12) which adjusts a temperature of the electrolyte membrane in the single cell. In such a way, a defect such as a pinhole that has occurred in the electrolyte membrane (2) can be solved.

Abstract: An integrated dry gas fuel cell (IDG-FC) is provided. The IDG-FC includes at least one solid oxide fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The IDG-FC further includes a conversion bed, where carbon dioxide gas is provided to the conversion bed to convert carbon monoxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas. Solid carbonaceous fuel is provided to the conversion bed to promote the gas conversion. The carbon monoxide is provided as fuel to the anode, and air is supplied to the cathode to provide oxygen for oxidation of the carbon monoxide at the anode to generate electric power. This new process does not require water, and supplies the oxygen required for the oxidation reaction through an ionically selective solid oxide electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell stack, a fuel inlet conduit, and a fuel heat exchanger containing a fuel reformation catalyst. The fuel heat exchanger is connected to the fuel inlet conduit and to at least one fuel cell system exhaust conduit which in operation provides a high temperature exhaust stream to the fuel heat exchanger. The fuel heat exchanger is thermally integrated with an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO) exhaust conduit such that in operation an ATO exhaust stream in the ATO exhaust conduit heats a fuel inlet stream passing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel cell system a includes a cooling water temperature raising unit that raises the temperature of a fuel cell stack by passing discharge gas of a process burner or hydrogen gas of a fuel processing unit and cooling water that is heated by the discharge gas of the process burner through flow paths formed on opposing surfaces of cooling separators formed of a metal and installed between a plurality of cells in the stack. Thus in the fuel cell system, when the temperature of the stack needs to be rapidly raised, for example, during a start up operation of the fuel cell system, the temperature of the stack can be rapidly raised using discharge gas at a high temperature or combustion heat of hydrogen gas, and heated cooling water, and thereby, significantly reducing the time required for the fuel cell system to be in regular operation.

Abstract: A method for collaborative navigation comprises initializing a conditionally independent filter on a local platform, propagating the conditionally independent filter forward in time, and when a local measurement has been made, updating the conditionally independent filter with the local measurement. When a common measurement has been made, the conditionally independent filter is updated with the common measurement, and a determination is made whether a remote conditioning node has arrived from a remote platform. If a remote conditioning node has arrived, a determination is made whether the remote conditioning node needs to be fused with a local conditioning node of the conditionally independent filter. If the remote conditioning node needs to be fused, a node-to-node fusion is performed in the conditionally independent filter to merge the remote conditioning node with the local conditioning node to produce a merged conditioning node.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electric power with a fuel gas and an oxygen gas fed to the fuel cell and to discharge exhaust gas including CO2 as a result of generating the electric power; a CO extraction part configured to reduce the CO2 in the exhaust gas fed to the CO extraction part to CO, the CO extraction part including a processing container fed with the exhaust gas and a CO2 adsorbing member provided in the processing container and formed of an oxide having an oxygen deficiency; and a CO recycling part configured to feed the extracted CO to the fuel cell as part of the fuel gas.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and method for producing hydrocarbons from biomass. Certain embodiments of the method are particularly useful for producing substitute natural gas from forestry residues. Certain disclosed embodiments of the method convert a biomass feedstock into a product hydrocarbon by hydropyrolysis. Catalytic conversion of the resulting pyrolysis gas to the product hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide occurs in the presence of hydrogen and steam over a CO2 sorbent with simultaneous generation of the required hydrogen by reaction with steam. A gas separator purifies product methane, while forcing recycle of internally generated hydrogen to obtain high conversion of the biomass feedstock to the desired hydrocarbon product. While methane is a preferred hydrocarbon product, liquid hydrocarbon products also can be delivered.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell stack, a fuel inlet conduit, and a fuel heat exchanger containing a fuel reformation catalyst. The fuel heat exchanger is connected to the fuel inlet conduit and to at least one fuel cell system exhaust conduit which in operation provides a high temperature exhaust stream to the fuel heat exchanger. The fuel heat exchanger is thermally integrated with an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO) exhaust conduit such that in operation an ATO exhaust stream in the ATO exhaust conduit heats a fuel inlet stream passing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The fuel cell system in accordance with the invention is used for the generation of current and heat from liquid and gaseous fuels. Said system comprises a reformer and a fuel cell stack having an operating temperature above 120° C. and providing exhaust heat that is utilized for the generation of steam in the evaporation channels (2). The evaporation channels (2) are arranged so as to be in direct thermal contact with the stack (1) that is to be cooled. A pressure-maintaining device at the outlet of the evaporation channels (2) is disposed to adjust the pressure in said channels to a value that results in the desired stack temperature.

Abstract: An electric power generation device includes a cell body and a secondary electric power generator. The cell body has an electrolyte, a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The secondary electric power generator is joined to at least one of the fuel and air electrodes and includes P- and N-type thermoelectric conversion members. With the electric power generation device, the cell body generates electric power at temperatures higher than or equal to an power generation start temperature, and at the same time, the P- and N-type thermoelectric conversion members joined to the cell body and functioning as a thermocouple produce electric power by utilizing the Seebeck effect.

Abstract: A thermally integrated fuel cell system includes a stack zone, a burner zone and a low temperature zone. The fuel is combined with steam and passed sequentially through a primary reformer and a secondary reformer or a radiative fuel heat exchanger. Air may be passed sequentially through an afterburner heat exchanger and a radiative air heat exchanger such that the radiative heat exchanger may be used to heat the stack zone. The stack exhaust is combusted in an afterburner. Afterburner exhaust heats the primary reformer, the high temperature air heat exchanger, the low temperature air heat exchanger and steam generator. The stack zone includes the stacks, the secondary reformer and the radiative heat exchanger. The burner zone includes the afterburner which includes a start burner, the primary reformer and the high temperature air heat exchanger. The low temperature zone includes the low temperature air heat exchanger and a steam generator.

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.

Abstract: A cogeneration system having flexible and controllable cogeneration loops. There is a first cogeneration loop to recover heat from a fuel cell power module, thereby producing a heat to electricity ratio between 0 and approximately 1.0. There is a second cogeneration loop to produce supplemental thermal energy for hot water generation and/or space heating. This loop can be connected or disconnected via switching valves depending on the thermal demands of hot water and/or space heating. This loop can also be useful to control the fuel processor temperature to prevent it from being overheated in cases when the fuel cell has low fuel utilization efficiency. With this second loop, it becomes possible to adjust the heat to electricity ratio at any desirable levels such as more than 2. It is also possible to produce the hot water at a higher temperature or superheated steam, which would have been difficult if only the first loop is used.

Abstract: A thermally integrated fuel cell system includes a stack zone, a burner zone and a low temperature zone. The fuel is combined with steam and passed sequentially through a primary reformer and a secondary reformer or a radiative fuel heat exchanger. Air may be passed sequentially through an afterburner heat exchanger and a radiative air heat exchanger such that the radiative heat exchanger may be used to heat the stack zone. The stack exhaust is combusted in an afterburner. Afterburner exhaust heats the primary reformer, the high temperature air heat exchanger, the low temperature air heat exchanger and steam generator. The stack zone includes the stacks, the secondary reformer and the radiative heat exchanger. The burner zone includes the afterburner which includes a start burner, the primary reformer and the high temperature air heat exchanger. The low temperature zone includes the low temperature air heat exchanger and a steam generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction device including: a reactor, a heat insulating container housing the reactor, a pipe penetrating a wall of the insulating container to connect the reactor to an outside of the insulating container, wherein the wall of the heat insulating container includes at least two regions each having a different infrared absorptivity, and the region of the wall of higher infrared absorptivity is disposed on the same plane of the wall where the pipe penetrates. Also disclosed are a fuel cell device and an electronic apparatus using the reaction device.

Abstract: A system including a fuel cell and an internal-combustion engine, particularly for a motor vehicle. Preferably, exhaust gas from the internal-combustion engine flows at least essentially around the fuel cell. Exhaust gas from the internal-combustion engine may also flow around an afterburner for the fuel cell exhaust gas and/or around a reformer for processing fuel. The fuel cell and/or afterburner and/or reformer may be arranged downstream of a purification system for the internal-combustion engine exhaust gases and may be essentially inside a pipe or the like carrying the latter. The fuel cell and the reformer may also be arranged upstream of an exhaust gas purification system. Part of the fuel cell exhaust gas flow may be fed to the internal-combustion engine for combustion, and exhaust gases from the fuel cell and/or the internal-combustion engine may transfer heat with the air for the fuel cell.

Abstract: Combinations of catalyst and compound are described that are suitable for use in a thermally regenerative fuel cell. Such combinations offer greater than 99% selectivity and accordingly they cycle through a reversible dehydrogenation process with substantially no loss due to byproduct formation. Combinations of secondary benzylic alcohols and Pd/SiO2 catalysts offer levels of by-products that are undetectable by NMR and GC analysis. With such TRFC, thermal energy can be converted into electric energy in a moving vehicle without the requirement of storage of H2, and its safety issues. Instead, a catalytic amount of H2 is cycled through the system and used to generate electric energy.

Abstract: A power generator has a hydrogen source, such as a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an MCFC power generation system and a method for operating the same enabling significant reduction of CO2 emission or substantially zero CO2 emission by minimizing the equipment added to a general power generation facility to a minimum, enabling both high power generation efficiency and high heat recovery efficiency, enabling adjustment of the voltage and output of the fuel cell in a certain range by adjusting the cathode gas composition, enabling great variation of the ratio between the heat and electricity, and thereby enabling variable thermoelectric operation. The MCFC generation system includes a cathode gas circulation system in which the cathode gas is circulated by a cathode gas recycle blower, and a closed loop is formed. Oxygen consumed by power generation is supplied from an oxygen supply plant, and CO2 is supplied from recycled CO2. Combustible components in anode exhaust are burned with oxygen, the resultant gas is cooled, and water is removed.

Abstract: Improved water distribution can be obtained within the cells of a fuel cell series stack by maintaining a suitable temperature difference between the cathode and anode sides of each cell in the stack during shutdown. This can be accomplished by thermally insulating the “hot” end and sides of the stack and by providing a thermal mass adjacent to the “hot” end.

Abstract: Liquid cooling apparatus for a fuel cell device, which is configured as an independent unit and by means of which the fuel cell device can be provided with cooling liquid and heated liquid can be removed from the fuel cell device, comprising an inlet connection for liquid, an outlet connection for liquid, a radiator, at least one fan, which is speed-controlled and directed at the radiator, and a temperature-controlled two-way valve, wherein a first path passes through the radiator and a second path by-passes the radiator and a mass flow distribution of the liquid into the first path and the second path can be adjusted by the two-way valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating hydrogen for an on-board device comprising a system for regenerating the material consumed by the generation of hydrogen.

Abstract: Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.

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 fuel cell system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electric power with a fuel gas and an oxygen gas fed to the fuel cell and to discharge exhaust gas including CO2 as a result of generating the electric power; a CO extraction part configured to reduce the CO2 in the exhaust gas fed to the CO extraction part to CO, the CO extraction part including a processing container fed with the exhaust gas and a CO2 adsorbing member provided in the processing container and formed of an oxide having an oxygen deficiency; and a CO recycling part configured to feed the extracted CO to the fuel cell as part of the fuel gas.