From Metal, Alloy, Or Metal-containing Material Patents (Class 429/421)
  • Patent number: 12080929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to energy storage systems and reactors useful in such systems. Inventive reactors comprise a reaction vessel defining an inner volume and a compensation element, whereby said inner volume is filled with a fixed bed that is free of cavities and that comprises particles of formula (I), FeOx (I), where 0?x?1.5; said compensation element is adapted to adjust said inner volume. The reactors are inherently explosion proof and thus suited for domestic use. The systems are useful for compensating long-term fluctuations observed in production of renewable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: ETH Zürich
    Inventors: Wendelin Jan Stark, Urs Benjamin Lustenberger
  • Patent number: 11932078
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an enhanced heat pump are provided. An example embodiment includes a housing, the housing having a particular number of connection ports, each connection port being connected to a component of the electric vehicle, and the connection ports being configured to pass fluid; and a stemshell positioned within the housing, the stemshell comprising a plurality of channels, wherein at least a portion of the channels are in fluidic connection with the connection ports, wherein the stemshell is configured to rotate within the housing, and wherein rotation causes adjustment of the connection ports correspond which correspond to the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Prem Pinto, Daniel F. Hanks
  • Patent number: 11913733
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat transferring device and a heat transferring component thereof. The heat transferring device includes a heat transferring component, a lower plate and a positioning component. The heat transferring component is in a shape of pouch and includes at least one input end and at least one output end to allow a fluid to be inputted and outputted. The lower plate includes at least one first perforation. The positioning component is disposed on an exterior of the heat transferring component. An end of the positioning component is connected to the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ASIA PACIFIC FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Pin Lo, Wen-Yen Huang, Chin-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 11876206
    Abstract: A compact battery unit of refillable aluminum-air battery with concurrent hydrogen utilization system comprises a stack core, an electrolyte circulation system, an air circulation system, a hydrogen fuel battery and hydrogen storage facility. The stack core is assembled by one or more cylindrical cells, a cell base, a cell house, an electrolyte cover, an air cover, a hydrogen cover, an electrolyte outlet sink, a electrolyte inlet chamber, soft pipes and a vibrator. The cylindrical cell is further assembled from a cylindrical cathode and a cylindrical anode. The cylindrical cathode comprises a multi-layer cathode electrode, a support frame and a cathode electric connector. And the cylindrical anode comprises an electric-conductive frame, anode membrane meshes, granular aluminia etc. Strong alkaline electrolyte, such as NaOH, is used to make it possible to mechanically recharge the aluminum-air battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Dai Zhou
  • Patent number: 11876269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery system 1, comprising: at least one electrochemical cell 2 adapted for in charge mode to convert one or more gaseous electrochemical reaction reactant(s) 3 into one or more gaseous electrochemical reaction product(s) 4, at least one storage arrangement 5 for storing said gaseous electrochemical reaction reactants and products, wherein at least one of the gaseous electrochemical reaction product(s) 4 is converted to and stored as at least one chemical reaction product(s) 7,11, where said chemical reaction product(s) 7,11 has a lower gas pressure upon formation than the corresponding gaseous electrochemical reaction product(s) 4, a first fluid communication system 12 between the at least one cell and the at least one storage arrangement 5, wherein the first fluid communication system is configured to form a closed system within the battery system, whereby the battery system is adapted to generate an automatic gas flow between the at least one storage arrangement 5
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Noon Energy
    Inventor: Christopher Ronald Graves
  • Patent number: 11840320
    Abstract: A method of operating a vessel includes providing hydrogen or a fuel mixture containing hydrogen and a hydrocarbon fuel to a power generator disposed on the vessel, and providing power from the power generator to an electrical load of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin Perry, Carl Cottuli, Suminderpal Singh, K. R. Sridhar
  • Patent number: 11757120
    Abstract: Electrochemical devices including electrochemical pumps (ECPs) and fuel cell systems comprising a fuel cell and an ECP are disclosed. In particular, this electrochemical device can be an ECP that comprises an anode, a cathode and an anion exchange polymer separating the anode from the cathode. The ECP can be coupled to a hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cell (HEMFC) that is disclosed herein as a fuel cell system. These devices can be used in methods for removing carbon dioxide from air and for generating electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Yushan Yan, Brian Setzler
  • Patent number: 11742502
    Abstract: A power system for an unmanned surface vehicle includes a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack, where the fuel cell stack includes a fuel inlet. The power system also includes a fuel storage including at least one fuel-storage module fluidly connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel cell stack. The fuel-storage module is a source of energy for the fuel cell. The power system also includes a fuel and thermal management system fluidly connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel cell stack. The fuel and thermal management system includes a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fuel cell stack for removing waste heat produced by the fuel cell stack during operation. The fuel and thermal management system also includes a flow valve, a pressure regulator, and a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Carralero, Jeffrey Scott Willcox
  • Patent number: 11724935
    Abstract: A device for generating a gas by putting a liquid into contact with a catalyst includes an enclosure defining a first chamber for containing the liquid and a second chamber for containing the catalyst. A valve member is mounted to move inside the enclosure between a closed position in which the first chamber and the second chamber are isolated from each other and an open position in which the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid-flow communication. Accordingly, the valve member is connected to an elastically-deformable diaphragm forming a wall of the enclosure. The diaphragm is coupled to an actuator arranged outside the enclosure to deform said diaphragm in such a manner as to move the valve member between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Romain Gonfard, Axel Moskala
  • Patent number: 11637308
    Abstract: A stack case of a fuel cell system includes a case body, a first end cover, and a second end cover. A recess is formed in an upper surface of the case body. An interruption control unit as an electrical equipment unit is placed in the recess. A plurality of first screw holes are formed in one end surface of the case body, and a plurality of second screw holes are formed in the other end surface of the case body. A first screw hole aligned with a recess in a direction in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked together penetrates through the case body from one end surface of the case body to a side surface of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Hideharu Naito
  • Patent number: 11629280
    Abstract: An iron powder for an exothermic composition according to the present invention has a bulk density of 0.3 to 1.5 g/cm3. Furthermore, an exothermic composition according to the present invention contains the iron powder, a carbon material, a halide salt, and water. Furthermore, an exothermic body production method according to the present invention includes: forming a coated member by coating a base material sheet with a flowable exothermic composition containing the iron powder, a carbon material, and water; and adjusting an amount of moisture in the coated member by removing water from the coated member. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a production method for the iron powder (an iron powder for an exothermic composition) including: a reducing step of reducing iron oxide to obtain reduced iron; and a step of milling the reduced iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Taichi Homma, Ryohei Suzuki, Takahiro Maezawa, Tetsuya Tabata
  • Patent number: 11575139
    Abstract: A fuel cell based power generator includes a fuel cell element, an ambient air path configured to receive ambient air and provide the ambient air across a cathode side of the fuel cell element, receive water from the fuel cell element and provide wet air to the water exchanger element, and a fuel cell cooling mechanism associated with the fuel cell element, separate from the ambient air path and configured to cool the fuel cell element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Klein, Steven J. Eickhoff, Paul Bryant Koeneman
  • Patent number: 11505460
    Abstract: Provided is a method for generating hydrogen at a desired rate, using a hydrogen storage material that can be stored and transported safely and inexpensively. The method according to the present invention for producing a silanol compound and hydrogen includes subjecting a hydrosilane compound and water to a reaction with each other in the presence of a solid catalyst to give a silanol compound and hydrogen. The solid catalyst includes hydroxyapatite and gold particles supported on the hydroxyapatite, where the gold particles have an average particle size of 2.5 nm or less. The reaction in the method according to the present invention for producing a silanol compound and hydrogen is preferably performed in an air atmosphere. The reaction in the method according to the present invention for producing a silanol compound and hydrogen can be performed with application of substantially no heat and no activated energy rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: OSAKA UNIVERISTY, DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyotomi Kaneda, Takato Mitsudome, Yasuteru Kajikawa, Yuuichirou Hirai, Keisuke Ono
  • Patent number: 11489195
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte material is composed of Li, M, and X, where M is at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of metalloid elements and metallic elements other than Li, and X is at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I. In the solid electrolyte material, the mathematical formula FWHM/2?p?0.015 is satisfied, where FWHM represents a half bandwidth of an X-ray diffraction peak having the highest intensity within a range of a diffraction angle 2? of not less than 25 degrees and not more than 35 degrees in an X-ray diffraction pattern provided by an X-ray diffraction measurement of the solid electrolyte material; the X-ray diffraction measurement using a Cu-K? ray; and 2?p represents a diffraction angle of a center of the X-ray diffraction peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Sakai, Seiji Nishiyama, Kenta Nagamine
  • Patent number: 11482717
    Abstract: A dehydrogenation method for hydrogen storage materials, which is executed by a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a hydrogen storage material tank, a heating unit, a fuel cell, a pump, a water thermal management unit and a heat recovery unit. The described dehydrogenation method utilizes the heating unit and the heat recovery unit to provide thermal energy to the hydrogen storage material tank, so that hydrogen storage material is heated to the dehydrogenation temperature. The pump extracts hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material tank, so that the hydrogen storage material is under negative pressure (i.e. H2 absolute pressure below 1 atm), according to which the hydrogen storage material is dehydrogenated, and the dehydrogenation efficiency and the amount of hydrogen release are improved. The method n can reduce the dehydrogenation temperature of the hydrogen storage material, and reduce the thermal energy consumption for heating the hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Chieh Shen, Shih-Hung Chan, Fang-Bor Weng, Ho Chun Cheung, Yi-Hsuan Lin, Mei-Chin Chen, Jyun-Wei Chen, Ya-Che Wu, Han-Wen Liu, Kuan-Lin Chen, Jin-Xun Zhang
  • Patent number: 11472298
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an interior chamber apart from a passenger compartment, and a container chamber in which a high pressure gas container is accommodated. A heat generating body is accommodated in the interior chamber. Further, in the vehicle, there are formed introduction ports through which atmospheric air is introduced into the interior chamber, a communication passage that enables communication between the interior chamber and the container chamber, and a lead-out port through which the atmospheric air is led out from the container chamber. The atmospheric air that is introduced into the interior chamber through the introduction ports flows into the container chamber via the communication passage, and furthermore, is led out to the exterior of the container chamber from the lead-out port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Kawase, Naoki Ogiwara, Toshihiko Kanezaki, Takatsugu Koyama
  • Patent number: 11309569
    Abstract: A microwatt fuel cell stack that demonstrates a wide range temperature tolerance, low reactant cross-over and leakage, low internal leakage current, and/or effective water transport is disclosed. Both H2 and O2 may be supplied directly to the fuel cell stack (i.e., dead-ended). One-piece gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) may serve as both the active electrode and manifold port. Water removal may be accomplished by permeation through the membrane to “fins” exposed by notches in the bipolar plates and gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Triad National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Mahlon Scott Wilson
  • Patent number: 11214485
    Abstract: A carbon material that is compact and exhibits an excellent hydrogen storage capacity. A carbon material has a specific surface area of 200 m2/g or less and exhibits a hydrogen storage capacity of 1.5×10?5 g/m2 or more at a hydrogen pressure of 10 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignees: NISSHINBO HOLDINGS INC., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION GUNMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yasuo Imashiro, Rieko Kobayashi, Noriko Osuga, Jun-ichi Ozaki, Hirotaka Kujirai, Setsura Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11201365
    Abstract: An electrochemical direct heat to electricity converter includes a primary thermal energy source; a working fluid; an electrochemical cell comprising at least one membrane electrode assembly including a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode and at least one membrane, wherein the at least one membrane is sandwiched between the first and second porous electrodes and is a conductor of ions of the working fluid; an energy storage reservoir; and an external load. The electrochemical cell operates on heat to produce electricity. When thermal energy available from the primary thermal energy source is greater than necessary to meet demands of the external load, excess energy is stored in the energy storage reservoir, and when the thermal energy available from the primary thermal energy source is insufficient to meet the demands of the external load, at least a portion of the excess energy stored in the energy storage reservoir is used to supply power to the external load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: JOHNSON IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventor: Lonnie G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11155462
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing hydrogen substantially without greenhouse gas emissions, the method including producing a product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon fuel source; separating hydrogen from the product gas to create a hydrogen product stream and a byproduct stream; injecting the byproduct stream into a reservoir containing mafic rock; and allowing components of the byproduct stream to react in situ with components of the mafic rock to precipitate and store components of the byproduct stream in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Serguey Viktorov Arkadakskiy, Humoud W. Al-Utaibi, Noushad Kunnummal, Zeyad Tareq Ahmed, Faisal Salman Al-Jar, Christopher Ellis Stapp
  • Patent number: 11120514
    Abstract: A domestic power plant has a housing which has an external air connection and an output air connection, and comprises a ventilation device with a heat exchanger. The ventilation device is connected to the external air connection such that external air can flow in a first air tract via the heat exchanger, or via an external air bypass past the heat exchanger, into a feed air tract of the domestic power plant. The feed air tract runs at least partially within the housing. The domestic power plant also has an exhaust air tract in which an air volume flow, brought about by the ventilation device, can be propagated within the housing and a fuel cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Andreas Hierl, Dirk Radue, Gunnar Schneider, Uwe Benz, Kevin Schroder, Zeyad Abul-Ella
  • Patent number: 11101479
    Abstract: A system includes a canister and a fuel cell. The canister defines an internal volume configured to have a hydride bed positioned therein. The canister includes at least 1.0 kWH/kg of energy based on a heating value of 120 kJ/g of hydrogen present. The hydride bed includes lithium aluminum hydride, aluminum hydride, or a combination thereof. The hydride bed is configured to release hydrogen gas when heated to a predetermined temperature. The fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen gas from the canister and to use the hydrogen gas as fuel to produce power for a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jason Graetz, Adam E. Sorensen, John J. Vajo
  • Patent number: 10886548
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus configured for the mitigation of hydrogen accumulation within electrochemical systems are generally described. The systems, methods, and apparatus described herein can be, according to certain embodiments, configured to be part of an electrochemical system in which hydrogen is generated (e.g., as a reaction byproduct).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: L3 Open Water Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Milnes, Thomas Humplik, Ian S. McKay
  • Patent number: 10833342
    Abstract: A fuel cell and a membrane electrode assembly used therein. The membrane electrode assembly is a three-dimensional membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell configured as a three-dimensional thin film structure in which an inner space is divided into two intertwined subvolumes by an interface, and the interface is configured as an MEA thin film and a first subvolume of the two subvolumes is provided as a channel for fuel and a second subvolume is provided as a channel for an oxidizer. The fuel cell includes a casing which accommodates the three-dimensional membrane electrode assembly therein and independently communicates with the first subvolume and the second subvolume and includes inlets and outlets for the fuel and the oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: INDUSTRY FOUNDATION OF CHONNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ki Ju Kang, Hoang Xuan Nguyen, Seung Hun Jung, Seung Chui Han
  • Patent number: 10801116
    Abstract: This hydrogen-oxygen reaction device includes a reaction vessel including a reaction region filled with a reaction catalyst which promotes a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, an introduction portion which introduces an hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas having hydrogen or oxygen as a main component into the reaction vessel, a water vapor pipe of which one end portion is inserted into the reaction vessel and which includes a region in contact with the reaction region with at least a part of the region in contact with the reaction region being formed of a water vapor permeable membrane, a discharge portion through which a gas in the reaction vessel is discharged to an outside, and a cooling portion which cools the water vapor pipe outside the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Yusaku Yachi
  • Patent number: 10673082
    Abstract: A system for humidifying a fuel cell includes: a container including an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide; a source of pressurized gas coupled to the container for pressurizing the hydrogen peroxide solution container; and a catalyst reaction chamber including a catalyst for decomposing hydrogen peroxide into a gaseous mixture of water vapor and oxygen. The gaseous mixture of water vapor and oxygen is combined with a flow of reactant oxidant gas to obtain a humidified oxidant gas stream, which is delivered to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel C. Massie
  • Patent number: 10608270
    Abstract: A device for generating gaseous dihydrogen, includes a body defining an inside volume having present therein a storage first compartment defined by a first wall and for receiving a hydrogen storage material; a conveyor second compartment, the first compartment surrounding the second compartment and being separated therefrom by a second wall, a conveyor system being present in the second compartment and configured to transport the hydrogen storage material from an inlet of the second compartment communicating with the first compartment to an outlet of the second compartment; and a recovery support in communication with the outlet of the second compartment and connected to the first and second walls, the support being movable in the first compartment. The device also includes a drive system for actuating the conveyor system and the movement of the recovery support in the first compartment; and a heater system configured to heat the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventors: Nicolas Autrusson, Arnaud Fournet, Thierry Feraille
  • Patent number: 10522844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst which is suitable for use in an anode of a fuel cell. The catalyst comprises (i) nickel metal and (ii) at least one metal selected from transition metals and may optionally also comprise (iii) at least one metal selected from alkaline earth metals. Metals (i), (ii) and, if present, (iii) are supported on (iv) a finely divided electrically conductive carrier. The weight ratio (i):((ii)+(iii)) is at least 3:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Gencell Ltd.
    Inventors: Nino Borchtchoukova, Vyacheslav Feldman, Gennadi Finkelshtain, Slavcho Kirilov Rakovsky, Margarita Valentinova Gabrovska, Dimitrinka Aleksieva Nikolova, Lyubima Pancheva Bilyarska
  • Patent number: 10479679
    Abstract: The system comprises a steam reforming unit to produce hydrogen from exhaust gas supplied, a hydrogen permeable membrane to allow only hydrogen produced by the steam reforming unit to pass through it, a hydrogen storage unit to absorb hydrogen supplied through the hydrogen permeable membrane and release absorbed hydrogen, a fuel cell to generate power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage unit, a gas clean-up unit to clean up residual gases delivered not passing through the hydrogen permeable membrane, and a control unit to control the hydrogen storage unit to absorb or release hydrogen depending on whether the fuel cell is supplied with sufficient hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ATSUMITEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 10283796
    Abstract: A complete fuel cell system (10) is disclosed. The fuel cell system (10) comprises at least two fuel precursors (16, 18) that react to create hydrogen. A solid fuel precursor (18) can be carried in disposable fuel cartridges (100). A passive pressure control system including a dose pump (22) and a pressure equalization system (24, 300, 504) is provided to dose a liquid fuel precursor (16) to the solid fuel precursor (18) in the fuel cartridge (100). The solid fuel precursor (18) may include larger metallic particles coated by another fine metallic particles such that multiple micro galvanic cells are formed on the surface of the larger metallic particles. The fuel cell system (10) may also include a gas buffer (40) that stores produced hydrogen that is unneeded by the fuel cell, a water trapping mechanism (604) and an electronic vent (46) that consumes unneeded hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INTELLIGEN ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Gerard F. McLean, Laura Gill, Jean-Louis Iaconis, Jeremy Schrooten, Mikhail Gurin, Benjamin Tam, Sally Seaman, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 10014534
    Abstract: A fuel cell system, includes: a fuel cell stack that is formed by stacking fuel cells for causing electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas; a fuel gas supply system that is configured to supply the fuel gas to the fuel cell stack from a supply source of the fuel gas; a fuel gas recirculating system that is configured to resupply to the fuel cell stack the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; and a piping member is configured to connect a junction between the fuel gas supply system and the fuel gas recirculating system with the supply source, the piping member having a bent portion that is curved such that a supply direction of the fuel gas from the supply source is reverse to a flowing direction of the fuel gas toward the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michitaro Itoga
  • Patent number: 9985308
    Abstract: Today, energy requiring equipment commonly relies on batteries for power. The excessive weight and size of batteries severely limits their performance. Described herein is a lightweight portable energy system which includes an ultra-high capacity hydrolysable hydride gel cartridge for use in supplying hydrogen gas to hydrogen based energy generators. Hydrolysable hydride reactivity is controlled by tuning the amounts of hydrophilic and hydrophobic content in a polymer gel encapsulant of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gabriel Iftime, Jessica Louis Baker Rivest, Sean R. Garner, Martin J. Sheridan, Saroj Kumar Sahu
  • Patent number: 9966617
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly, an anode separator and a cathode separator disposed at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly, wherein the anode separator includes a hydrogen adsorption portion formed in a hydrogen reaction channel in which hydrogen flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: SungBum Choi
  • Patent number: 9960436
    Abstract: An ion filter life perception device for a fuel cell vehicle is provided to detect a replacement life of a fuel cell ion filter cartridge. The device includes a body part that is installed within an ion filter and has an ion resin filled therein. A checker is disposed within the body part and has a varying position based on a volume of the ion resin. In addition, an elastic member is disposed between a first side end in the body part and the checker to push the checker within the body part by elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hun Woo Park, Sung Wook Na
  • Patent number: 9849433
    Abstract: A hydrogen producing reactor having a pellet core within a containment vessel. The vessel having an exit nozzle surrounding the pellet. At least one elastomeric winding surrounding the containment vessel; and, a water line to deliver fluid to the pellet. Whereby the elastomeric windings compress the containment vessel around the fuel pellet as it is used. Hydrogen and other products produced by the reactor within a cartridge is filtered with a clog-less filter and substantially pure hydrogen is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Jason Stimits, Gaelle Garozzo, Hua Huang, Russell Barton
  • Patent number: 9718679
    Abstract: A Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) structure with integrated heater is disclosed. The MEMS structure with integrated heater comprises a first substrate with cavities, bonded to a second substrate, forming a plurality of sealed enclosures of at least two types. Each of the plurality of sealed enclosures is defined by the first substrate, the second substrate, and a seal-ring material, where the first enclosure type further includes at least one of a gettering element to decrease cavity pressure in the first enclosure type or an outgassing element to increase cavity pressure in the first enclosure type when activated. The first enclosure type further comprises at least one heater integrated into the first substrate adjacent to the gettering element or the outgassing element to adjust the temperature of the gettering element or the outgassing element thereby providing heating to the gettering element or the outgassing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Lim
  • Patent number: 9525186
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator (30) and fuel cell system are disclosed. The hydrogen generator (30) includes a housing (32) and a flexible feed member (56) including a flexible carrier (64) and a hydrogen-containing reactant (62) disposed on the carrier. The flexible feed member (56) may include a reactant having a braided carrier on the outside or a flexible strip having a carrier with reactant disposed thereon. The hydrogen-containing reactant (62) will release hydrogen gas when heated. The hydrogen generator further includes a heating system including a heater (48) and a pinch roller system (40) for feeding the flexible feed member (56) to position the flexible feed member in proximity to the heater (48), such that the heater is capable of heating the hydrogen-containing reactant to release hydrogen gas. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a hydrogen gas input port and a hydrogen generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Russell H. Barton
  • Patent number: 9435489
    Abstract: A system for discharging hydrogen from two or more hydrogen storage vessels (1A, 1B, 1C) containing solid hydrogen storage material. The system includes at least one hydrogen supply line for connecting the hydrogen storage vessels to a hydrogen demand (3), an energy delivery system (6A, 6B, 6C) to provide heat to the hydrogen storage material in each hydrogen storage vessel to desorb hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage material, and one or more supply connection conduits (4A, 4B, 4C) for connecting the supply line or lines to the hydrogen storage vessels (1A, 1B, 1C). Each supply connection conduit has a backflow prevention device (5A, 5B, 5C) to prevent hydrogen in the supply line from flowing back into the hydrogen storage vessels (1A, 1B, 1C). Also disclosed is a system for delivering a supply of hydrogen to a hydrogen supply line including a control system (7) to determine the timing of activation of an energy delivery system based (6A, 6B, 6C) on the hydrogen demand in the hydrogen supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hydrexia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jordan Christopher Pierce, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Stephanie Maya Moroz, Andrew Charles Duguid, Alexander Warner Knight
  • Patent number: 9287570
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell device for use in planar configuration air breathing polymer electrolyte electrochemical devices and to a support plate, gas connection means and clamping means for use in the fuel cell device. The electrochemical device may be use as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. In particular it relates to a planar configuration air breathing polymer electrolyte electrochemical device including at least two fuel cells arranged in series connection on one surface of a support plate, characterized in that the fuel cells (2?, 2?, 2??; 943) are arranged to press against a bearing plate (218; 942), which has an area that is larger than the area of the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MYFC AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundblad
  • Patent number: 9190678
    Abstract: Provided is an alkaline fuel cell, including: a membrane electrode assembly including an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode stacked on a first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode stacked on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane; a first separator stacked on the anode electrode, at least including a fuel receiving portion for receiving a fuel; a second separator stacked on the cathode electrode, at least including an oxidant receiving portion for receiving an oxidant; and an alkaline aqueous solution supply portion for bringing an alkaline aqueous solution into contact with only the anion conductive electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shunsuke Sata
  • Publication number: 20150118588
    Abstract: A complete fuel cell system (10) is described. The fuel cell system (10) comprises at least two fuel precursors (16, 18) that react to create hydrogen. A solid fuel precursor (18) can be carried in disposable fuel cartridges (100). A passive pressure control system including a dose pump (22) and a pressure equalization system (24, 300, 504) is provided to dose a liquid fuel precursor (16) to the solid fuel precursor (18) in the fuel cartridge (100). An outer wall (102) of the fuel cartridge can form a part of the passive pressure control system. The solid fuel precursor may include larger metallic particles coated by another fine metallic particles such that multiple micro galvanic cells are formed on the surface of the larger metallic particles. The fuel cell system may also include a gas buffer (40) that stores produced hydrogen that in unneeded by the fuel cell, and a water trapping mechanism (604). The fuel cell system may also have an electronic vent (46) that consumes unneeded hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SOCIETE BIC
    Inventors: Gerard F. McLean, Laura Gill, Jean-Louis Iaconis, Jeremy Schrooten, Mikhail Gurin, Benjamin Tam, Sally Seaman, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9012097
    Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell is provided by the present invention. In the methods and systems described herein, a source of fuel is partially oxidized to release protons and electrons, without total oxidation to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The partially oxidized fuel can be regenerated, by reduction, when the fuel cell is reversed. Other variations of the invention provide a convenient system for hydrogen storage, including steps for both release and recapture of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Ping Liu, John J. Vajo
  • Publication number: 20150061600
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel cell system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel cartridge, and a supply of pressurized aqueous solution to generate power for portable power electronics. The fuel cartridge includes a top cap with an overmolded face seal gasket that provides an offset injection point on the fuel cartridge. The aqueous solution is delivered into the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen for the fuel cell which then produces power for the user of the electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew P. Wallace, John M. Melack, Michael Lefenfeld
  • Publication number: 20150064585
    Abstract: A storage system for storing hydrogen and providing controlled release of hydrogen gas includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior. The interior is configured to contain liquid lithium hydride, and a portion of the outer wall includes a thermally insulating layer. The storage system also includes a temperature control system configured to maintain the interior at a temperature such that the lithium hydride decomposes to produce hydrogen gas at a substantially equilibrium state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent,, JR., Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood,, JR.
  • Patent number: 8951665
    Abstract: A method for preparing a redox flow battery electrolyte is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the processing of raw materials containing sources of chromium ions in a high oxidation state. In some embodiments, a solution of the raw materials in an acidic aqueous solution is subjected to a reducing process to reduce the chromium in a high oxide state to an aqueous electrolyte containing chromium (III) ions. In some embodiments, the reducing process is electrochemical process. In some embodiments, the reducing process is addition of an inorganic reductant. In some embodiments, the reducing process is addition of an organic reductant. In some embodiments, the inorganic reductant or the organic reductant includes iron powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Imergy Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Majid Keshavarz, Aravamuthan Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 8940426
    Abstract: A device stores electric energy, in particular for the traction supply of a rail vehicle. The device has a plurality of chargeable storage cells with cell poles, a cooling body that is in thermal contact with the storage cells, and a plurality of bridge members, by way of which two of the plurality of storage cells are in electric contact. Accordingly, at least some of the bridge members contact the storage cells on the sides thereof facing the cooling body. A bridge member contains a connecting web having two recesses and two connecting parts, each being introduced into one of the recesses. Each connecting part is connected to a cell pole of a storage cell to be contacted. The connecting parts are fixed non-rotatably and non-displaceably in a connecting web by a releasable tensioning device. Thus the efficiency and service life of the energy storage device can be increased by reducing the thermal resistance between the storage cells and the cooling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Gebhard, Alexander Hahn, Norbert Huber, Michael Meinert, Karsten Rechenberg
  • Patent number: 8932777
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel supply comprising a compressed gas chamber and liquid fuel chamber. A pressure regulator connects the compressed gas chamber to the liquid fuel chamber. The pressure regulator is capable of taking a high pressure input from the compressed gas chamber and providing a substantially constant lower output pressure to the liquid fuel chamber. The pressure of the compressed gas chamber can decrease over time, but the pressure that urges liquid fuel out of the liquid fuel chamber remains substantially at the same level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Société BIC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr
  • Publication number: 20140370406
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel manganese hydrides, processes for their preparation, and their use in hydrogen storage applications. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing manganese dialkyl compounds having high purity, and their use in the preparation of manganese hydrides having enhance hydrogen storage capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: David ANTONELLI
  • Patent number: 8895204
    Abstract: A water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is converted in a fuel cell to provide electricity. The water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes a fuel cell, a water feed tray, and a fuel cartridge to generate power for portable power electronics. The removable fuel cartridge is encompassed by the water feed tray and fuel cell. The water feed tray is refillable with water by a user. The water is then transferred from the water feed tray into the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen for the fuel cell which then produces power for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Andrew P. Wallace, John M. Melack, Michael Lefenfeld
  • Patent number: 8833312
    Abstract: An external combustion engine fuel that converts the expansion force of a fluid vapor to mechanical force. In some embodiments, the external combustion engine utilizes the coolant passages of an internal combustion engine block to shroud the engine block with the heat of fuel combustion when the expanding fluid vapor is directed into the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ZED Power International Corporation
    Inventor: John Berkyto