By Electrochemical Means Patents (Class 429/422)
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Patent number: 12162772Abstract: A method and system for the offshore production of fuel includes an offshore marine platform on which is mounted an ammonia production unit. The ammonia production unit may produce ammonia utilizing raw materials sourced adjacent the marine platform, including seawater and electricity from offshore wind turbines. The produced ammonia may be subsequently liquified and transported away from the marine platform, or conveyed to a remote location via a seabed pipeline. A portion of the hydrogen produced as part of the ammonia production process may be utilized to operate onboard combustion turbines that can in turn drive electric generators onboard the marine platform to produce electricity.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2024Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Stena Power & LNG Solutions ASInventors: Svein Borge Hellesmark, Göran Hermansson
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Patent number: 12095127Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module having an inlet and an outlet. The fuel cell module receives a fuel stream including gaseous fuel and expels a depleted fuel stream. The system also includes an exhaust processing module disposed relative to the fuel cell module such that waste heat from the fuel cell module is usable by the exhaust processing module. The system is configured to direct a first portion of the depleted fuel stream to the exhaust processing module, where the depleted fuel stream includes depleted fuel and at least one gaseous byproduct including oxygen and carbon dioxide. The exhaust processing module subjects the first portion of the depleted fuel stream to co-electrolysis using the waste heat from the fuel cell module to produce a fuel-enriched stream. The system is configured to direct the fuel-enriched stream to the inlet of the fuel cell module.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: VERSA POWER SYSTEMS LTDInventor: Casy Cloudless Brown
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Patent number: 11945338Abstract: A vehicle power system including a fuel cell auxiliary power unit for providing clean, efficient power to a vehicle. The system generally includes a fuel cell with a first DC output and a heat output, a pressure vessel adapted to contain and provide pressurized hydrogen to the fuel cell, an electrical storage unit with a DC input coupled to the first DC output of the fuel cell. The electrical storage unit also has a second DC output. An inverter is coupled to the second DC output of the electrical storage unit to receive power, the inverter having a first AC output. The system can provide heat, AC power, and DC power to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: BWR Innovations LLCInventors: Timothy R. Springer, Joel A. Jorgenson
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Patent number: 11769874Abstract: An all-solid secondary battery includes a cathode layer; an anode layer; and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode layer and the anode layer. The cathode layer includes a cathode current collector and a cathode active material layer disposed on the cathode current collector, the anode layer includes an anode current collector and a first anode active material layer disposed on the anode current collector, the cathode active material layer includes a porous oxide-based composite solid electrolyte, and the solid electrolyte layer includes a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minsuk Lee
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Patent number: 11746730Abstract: An improved hydrogen oxygen generator used for converting water to hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which is mixed with fuel in a vehicle engine for improved mileage and cleaner burning fuel. The generator includes a water bottle. Water from the water bottle is fed by gravity through a water line, with an inline water line orifice adapter. The water line is connected to a threaded water line nipple. The water line nipple is attached to a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is used for heating the water, in a range of 100 to 150 degrees F., and is connected to a wireless signal receiver, for receiving a remote signal for turning the generator “on” and “off”. A gas generator nipple is attached to the solenoid valve and to a side of an engine manifold. The generator nipple is used for creating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the heater water and then introducing the heated hydrogen and oxygen gas with engine fuel inside the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Inventor: Floyd E. Williams
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Patent number: 11626730Abstract: There is provided a method of determining and utilizing predicted available power resources from one or more renewable power sources for one or more industrial gas plants comprising one or more storage resources. The method is executed by at least one hardware processor and comprises: obtaining historical time-dependent environmental data associated with the one or more renewable power sources; obtaining historical time-dependent operational characteristic data associated with the one or more renewable power sources; training a machine learning model based on the historical time-dependent environmental data and the historical time-dependent operational characteristic data; executing the trained machine learning model to predict available power resources for the one or more industrial gas plants for a pre-determined future time period; and controlling the one or more industrial gas plants in response to the predicted available power resources for the pre-determined future time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Sanjay Mehta, Pratik Misra
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Patent number: 11611295Abstract: A system to sustain and develop a terrestrial and extraterrestrial economy is provided. A thermodynamic energy component is provided for generating electricity and is in electrical communication with a distributing power grid. A dynamic electrical charging matrix with transportation systems, a habitat, an irrigation and agriculture topology and resources for manufacturing recycling provisions are each also in electrical communication with the distributing power grid. An auxiliary depot is further provided for auxiliary storage of energy-related resources.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: ALANDUSTRIES INCORPORATEDInventor: Stephen Alan Leon
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Patent number: 11549186Abstract: An electrochemical process implements, in a decoupled manner, a first step of electrolysis of an electrolyte to produce gaseous oxygen in a chamber and a second step of electrochemical conversion of H+ ions into gaseous hydrogen in a chamber which contains a liquid phase and a gas phase not dissolved in the liquid phase. Gaseous hydrogen produced in the conversion step is partly present in the gaseous headspace of chamber and as bubbles in the electrolyte, and partly dissolved in the electrolyte which is saturated with hydrogen. The electrolyte has at least one redox pair (A/B) forming at least one intermediate vector enabling the decoupling of the first and second steps. The interface between the gas and liquid phases is increased during the second step to accelerate the diffusion, from liquid phase to gas phase, of the dissolved hydrogen able to supersaturate the electrolyte. Pressurized gaseous hydrogen is then collected.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: ERGOSUPInventors: Vincent Bizouard, Elisa Grindler, Jocelyn Polet
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Patent number: 11492713Abstract: A device for generating hydrogen gas, treated water, and metal-containing nanoparticles. The device includes a vessel containing an electrolyte solution having a preferably iron anode and a preferably copper cathode. A renewable energy source is connected to the anode and the cathode. A valve for disbursing the hydrogen is connected to the hydrogen chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITYInventor: John M. Pisciotta
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Patent number: 11489185Abstract: An generator that uses on the heat of condensation of water vapor as an energy source to produce electrical power. A hygroscopic, membrane electrode assembly is configured having an ion conductive hygroscopic electrolyte sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. One electrode is in contact with the water and the other electrode being in contact with a water vapor source whereby an electrochemical potential differential is produced across an electrical load by the reaction potential of the hygroscopic electrolyte with water vapor relative to the electrolyte's reaction potential with the liquid water. Power is supplied to an external load connected between the electrodes with water vapor being electrolyzed at the electrode that is in contact with water vapor and liquid water being reduced at the electrode that is in contact with liquid water.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Inventor: Lonnie G Johnson
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Patent number: 11267365Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for active cooling of a rechargeable energy storage system. A thermal conditioning system includes a cooling system configured to circulate a coolant to cool the RESS. A controller computes a generated heat amount of the RESS; computes a target temperature of the coolant based on the generated heat amount; and operates actuators of the thermal conditioning system to cool the coolant to the target temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Samanth Kumaraswamy, Charles M. Tomlinson, Brinton Mooberry
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Patent number: 11063275Abstract: A recharger includes a manifold having an input to couple to a hydrogen generating module and an output port to couple to at least one rechargeable fuel cell. A vacuum pump is coupled to the manifold to evacuate the manifold. A valve is coupled to the manifold between the vacuum pump and the input of the manifold. A controller is coupled to control the vacuum pump and the valve, as well as an optional fan.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 10752525Abstract: Methods for reducing and regulating the acidification of water are provided. The method for reducing the acidification of water includes contacting at least one melanin material with the water and catalyzing a reaction between the water, CO2 and/or bicarbonate that produces glucose and increases pH of the water. The acidification of water is regulated by removing the at least one melanin material from the water once a desired pH of the water has been attained. The methods for reducing and regulating the acidification of water are particularly suited for the treatment of seawater that has been acidified by naturally occurring or artificially initiated reactions that increase free hydrogen ions in water, for example absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventor: Arturo Solis Herrera
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Patent number: 10714778Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cells with improved durability and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell including the same. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an antioxidant, Sm-doped cerium oxide in the electrolyte membrane, which has a controlled microstructure through high-temperature heat treatment, thereby providing both superior antioxidant activity and excellent long-term stability.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: InYu Park, Jae Jun Ko, Bo Ki Hong
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Patent number: 10702790Abstract: A sodium carbonate production system for recapturing thermal energy lost during sodium carbonate manufacturing includes a triple effect evaporator apparatus, a thermal energy waste recovery apparatus, and a barometric surface condenser. The thermal energy waste recovery apparatus comprises an ammonia heat exchanger in operational communication with the triple effect evaporator apparatus. An ammonia turbine is in operational communication with the ammonia heat exchanger. An electric generator is in operational communication with the ammonia turbine to produce electricity. An ammonia compressor is in operational communication with the ammonia turbine and the ammonia heat exchanger. The ammonia heat exchanger is in operational communication with the barometric surface condenser.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventor: Warren Abbott
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Patent number: 10494727Abstract: A control system for an electrolytic cell includes a voltage converter converting an input voltage into a decomposition voltage, a temperature sensor generating a sensed temperature, an electric power sensor generating a sensed voltage, and a control unit storing voltage-temperature characteristics. The control unit determines a voltage that corresponds to the sensed temperature according to one of the voltage-temperature characteristics, and generates, according to a difference between the voltage thus determined and the sensed voltage, a control signal which is provided to the voltage converter such that the decomposition voltage decreases along with increase in the sensed temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Jin-Chern Chiou, Pao-Yuan Chang, Yu-Chieh Huang, Chin-Cheng Wu, Huang-Yuan Chang
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Patent number: 10358050Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, which is connected to an in-vehicle electric load, a power storage device, which is connected to the fuel cell stack so as to be connected in parallel to the in-vehicle electric load, a state-of-charge sensor, which detects a state of charge of the power storage device, and circuitry that controls the power generated by the fuel cell stack based on the detected state of charge of the power storage device. The in-vehicle electric load includes a driving motor, which is driven based on operation of an operating member. When the state of charge of the power storage device detected by the state-of-charge sensor falls to or below a threshold value, the circuitry executes a restriction process to apply restriction on driving of the driving motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoya Tomimoto
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Patent number: 10205180Abstract: A passive direct liquid fuel cell is provided, which relates to a fuel cell field, including a current-collector-integrated fuel tank unit and a sealing-fastening-integrated current-collector which are prepared via a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The current-collector-integrated fuel tank unit is fastened with the sealing-fastening-integrated current-collector, and a membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the current-collector-integrated fuel tank unit and the sealing-fastening-integrated current-collector. Because of designs of current collectors, a fuel tank and a sealing fastening manner, an integration of the current collectors, the fuel tank and fasteners is realized. The current-collector-integrated fuel tank unit and the sealing-fastening-integrated current-collector are rapidly formed via the 3D printing technology, so that the whole fuel cell has a compact and simple structure, a lighter weight and a smaller volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITYInventors: Yinshi Li, Yaling He, Yubing Tao
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Patent number: 10096851Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell unit including a solid oxide fuel cell and a mixer, the solid oxide fuel cell including an anode gas passage and a cathode gas passage, the mixer mixing an anode off gas discharged from the anode gas passage and a cathode off gas discharged from the cathode gas passage; a power-generating raw material supply device operative to supply a power-generating raw material to the fuel cell unit; a combustible gas passage, which extends from the power-generating raw material supply device to a downstream end of the anode gas passage; an oxidizing gas supply device operative to supply an oxidizing gas to the cathode gas passage; and a controller operative to, after electric power generation by the fuel cell unit is stopped, control the power-generating raw material supply device to supply the power-generating raw material in a volume more than or equal to a volume of the combustible gas passage to the combustible gas passage, and concurrently control the oxidizing gType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignees: PANASONIC CORPORATION, TOTO LTD.Inventors: Yasushi Kaneko, Shigenori Onuma, Kunihiro Ukai, Akinori Yukimasa, Hiroshi Shirahama, Toshiharu Otsuka, Hiromi Kita, Taiichiro Sakamoto, Toshiharu Ooe
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Patent number: 10079399Abstract: A fuel cell using biogas as a fuel is provided, in which the fuel cell is supplied with a first gas required at a fuel electrode and a second gas required at an air electrode, which are separated from the biogas by a selective permeation method using a separation membrane of a gas-purification separation unit, and supplies gas discharged from the fuel cell along with the biogas to the gas-purification separation unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.Inventors: Choa Mun Yun, Sung Hoon Kim, Won Joon Choi, In Gab Chang
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Patent number: 10033051Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell stack which is able to prevent corrosion from occurring in a separator. The fuel cell stack formed by arranging a terminal on both ends of a cell stacked body in which a plurality of cells including a membrane electrode assembly and separators interposing the membrane electrode assembly therebetween is stacked, includes a rust preventive plate which is arranged between a metal separator and a positive electrode terminal on a high potential side of the cell stacked body, and includes a material more noble than that of the separator in the surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Daisuke Kanno, Makoto Yoshida, Tomoo Yoshizumi, Yu Morimoto
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Patent number: 9761892Abstract: A fuel cell stack (11) includes a plurality of contiguous fuel cells (13), each including a unitized electrode assembly (15) sandwiched between porous, anode (22) and cathode water transport plates (18). In areas where silicone rubber (29) or other elastomer covers edges of the fuel cells in order to form seals with an external manifold (27), adjacent edges of the water transport plates are supplanted by, or augmented with, an elastomer-impervious material (34). This prevents infusion of elastomer to the WTPs which can cause sufficient hydrophobicity as to reduce or eliminate water bubble pressure required to isolate the reactant gases from the coolant water, thereby preventing gaseous inhibition of the coolant pump. A preformed insert (34) may be cast into the water transport plates as molded, or a fusible or curable non-elastomer, elastomer-impervious in fluent form may be deposited into the pores of already formed water transport plates, and then fused or cured.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Audi AGInventor: David R. Boudreau
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Patent number: 9738981Abstract: An electrochemical system includes an electrochemical compressor through which a working fluid that includes a component that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component flows; a sealed vessel in which the electrochemical compressor is housed; an inlet conduit for passing working fluid into the vessel; and an outlet conduit for passing fluid out of the vessel. The working fluid that leaks from the electrochemical compressor is contained within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Xergy IncInventors: Steven Naugler, Bamdad Bahar
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Patent number: 9742017Abstract: The fuel cell (100) includes an oxidant flow plate (212), an adjacent cathode substrate layer (216) having a cathode catalyst (222), a matrix (224) for retaining a liquid electrolyte (230), wherein the matrix (224) is secured adjacent and between the cathode catalyst (222) and an anode catalyst (232). A first anode substrate (102) is secured adjacent the anode catalyst (232), and at least a second duplicate anode substrate layer (108) is secured adjacent the first anode substrate layer (102) for providing greater pore volume for storage of the liquid electrolyte (230) and to limit obstruction of the pore volume of the anode substrates (102, 108). The duplicate anode substrate layer (108) may be partially filled with the liquid electrolyte (230) at the beginning of life of the fuel cell (100).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: DOOSAN FUEL CELL AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Manish Khandelwal, Nicholas Edward Osepowicz
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Patent number: 9644276Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor photoelectrode comprising a first conductive layer; a first n-type semiconductor layer disposed on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer covering the first n-type semiconductor layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer has a first n-type surface region and a second n-type surface region. The first n-type surface region is in contact with the first conductive layer. The second n-type surface region is in contact with the second conductive layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitride semiconductor and an oxynitride semiconductor. The second conductive layer is light-transmissive. The second conductive layer is formed of a p-type oxide conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru Tamura, Kazuhito Hato, Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Yoshihiro Kozawa, Ryosuke Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9620797Abstract: A wet state control device for fuel cell includes a priority control unit for preferentially controlling either one of a pressure and a flow rate of cathode gas when a wet state of a fuel cell is adjusted, a water temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of cooling water when the wet state of the fuel cell is not completely adjustable by a control of the priority control unit, and a complementary control unit for controlling the other of the pressure and the flow rate of the cathode gas to complement a response delay of the water temperature control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsuya Aoki, Michihiko Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9617429Abstract: An air electrode including: a carbonaceous material having an electrolyte-philic ion-dissociative functional group coated on a surface thereof; a lithium salt; and an electrolyte, wherein the carbonaceous material has a specific surface area of about 500 m2/g or greater, and the electrolyte-philic ion-dissociative functional group is electrochemically stable in a voltage range of about 1.5 V to about 4.5 V with respect to lithium.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyunpyo Lee, Dongjoon Lee, Dongmin Im
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Patent number: 9583780Abstract: An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Ricardo Bazzarella
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Patent number: 9556528Abstract: Hybrid thermochemical water splitting systems are disclosed that thermally reduces metal oxides particles to displace some but not all of the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In these hybrid systems, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also, unlike conventional higher temperature systems where the reduction step must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in the proposed hybrid systems can be carried out in air, allowing for thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Richard B. Diver, Jr., Robert D. Palumbo, Nathan P. Siegel, James E. Miller
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Patent number: 9525188Abstract: With regard to at least one unit cell out of a plurality of unit cells, when the at least one unit cell is viewed along a stacking direction of the plurality of unit cells, at least one bonding area out of first to third bonding areas is formed at a position that does not overlap with another bonding area.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuaki Nonoyama
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Patent number: 9127370Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating low pressure hydrogen gas from fuel solutions (i.e., alcohols) without the use of an external power source or external heat source. The apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber for fuel storage having an aperture, (b) a second chamber for the temporary storage of hydrogen gas generated having an aperture, (c) a first electrochemical cell (Cell-1) and (d) a second electrochemical cell (Cell-2). Cell-2 is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber so that its anode is in fluid communication with the first chamber and its cathode is in fluid communication with the second chamber. Cell-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the first chamber from Cell-2 so that the anode therein is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the cathode therein is in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent. The first chamber is sandwiched between Cell-1 and Cell-2.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Patent number: 9040204Abstract: A microbial fuel cell comprising: a first cathode; at least two anodes electrically connected to each other and to the cathode in a reconfigurable manner; and a processor operatively coupled to the anodes and configured to monitor a parameter of each anode to determine if a given anode has been oxygen-contaminated, and further configured to convert an oxygen-contaminated anode into a second cathode by reconfiguring the electrical connections.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Wayne P. Liu, David Bartholomew Chadwick, Kenneth E. Richter, Adriane Q. Wotawa-Bergen, Jeffrey Asher Kagan
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Publication number: 20150140460Abstract: This secondary battery type fuel cell system is provided with a hydrogen generator (1) that generates hydrogen by an oxidation reaction with water and is capable of regeneration by a reduction reaction with hydrogen and a SOFC (5) having an electricity generating function and a water electrolysis function. The system circulates a gas containing hydrogen and water vapor between the hydrogen generation part (1) and SOFC (5). Also provided is a water vapor partial pressure ratio setting section (heater (2), temperature sensor (3), and controller (7)) that sets the water vapor partial pressure ratio for the hydrogen generator (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventor: Masayuki Ueyama
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Publication number: 20150132675Abstract: A circuit applies an electric field to a reforming chamber housing a hydrocarbon-water mixture to cause molecular breakdown and create a feed of hydrogen and carbon and dioxide that can be supplied to fuel cells. The circuit includes a DC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-AC inverter and a transformer to transform available input voltage to a control voltage that can be used to apply the electric field to the mixture in the reforming chamber. The signal supplied to the DC-to-AC inverter is monitored to determine whether enough voltage is supplied to create an electrical discharge in the reforming chamber. If an electrical discharge exists, the variables to the circuit is left alone or decreased until the signal indicates the electrical discharge is no longer present. If no electrical discharge exists, the variable input voltage is increased until an electrical discharge is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: 19th Space Energy, LLCInventor: Babak Fahimi
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Publication number: 20150125718Abstract: An electric field activated fuel cell. Electrodes have sharp tips and are subjected to electric fields to generate ions. Ion conductive media may include polar solvents, liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes and nonpolar solvent with phase transfer catalysts. Charge leaks preferentially from sharp electrode surface tips. Ionized fluid atoms and molecules migrate across the ion conductive media, leading to reaction completion and newly formed products.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Mark Minto
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Publication number: 20150111119Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor photoelectrode comprising a first conductive layer; a first n-type semiconductor layer disposed on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer covering the first n-type semiconductor layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer has a first n-type surface region and a second n-type surface region. The first n-type surface region is in contact with the first conductive layer. The second n-type surface region is in contact with the second conductive layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitride semiconductor and an oxynitride semiconductor. The second conductive layer is light-transmissive. The second conductive layer is formed of a p-type oxide conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: SATORU TAMURA, KAZUHITO HATO, TAKAIKI NOMURA, TAKAHIRO SUZUKI, YOSHIHIRO KOZAWA, RYOSUKE KIKUCHI
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Publication number: 20150111118Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectrochemical cell. The photoelectrochemical cell comprises a semiconductor photoelectrode which functions as a cathode electrode; a counter electrode which functions as an anode electrode; an electrolyte aqueous solution which is in contact with surfaces of the semiconductor photoelectrode and the counter electrode; and a container containing the semiconductor photoelectrode, the counter electrode, and the electrolyte aqueous solution. The semiconductor photoelectrode includes: a first conductive layer; an n-type semiconductor layer disposed on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer which completely covers a surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. The counter electrode is electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is light-transmissive. The second conductive layer functions as a light incident surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: TAKAIKI NOMURA, SATORU TAMURA, RYOSUKE KIKUCHI, YOSHIHIRO KOZAWA, TAKAHIRO KURABUCHI, KAZUHITO HATO
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Patent number: 9012098Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus includes a burner, a combustion tube provided so as to surround flame of the burner, a reforming unit provided so as to surround the tube, an exhaust gas flow path provided so as to pass through between the tube and the unit, fold back at the other side of the unit, and extend through outside of the unit on a predetermined side, a low temperature shift unit provided on one of inside and outside of an extending portion of the flow path that extends on the predetermined side so as to extend along the extending portion, and a preferential oxidation unit provided on the other of the inside and the outside of the extending portion so as to extend along the extending portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy CorporationInventors: Akira Goto, Toshiyuki Unno
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Patent number: 8986898Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: David Gerard Rich, Taha Shabbir Husain Sutarwala
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Publication number: 20150072254Abstract: In a hydrogen producing device, an electrolyte flow path between a plurality of hydrogen producing cells is disposed in a hydrogen production side and in an oxygen production side, separately. Further, an electrolyte flow path is formed through which the electrolyte flows downward from the top between the plurality of hydrogen producing cells, and on the other hand the electrolyte flows upward from the bottom within each hydrogen producing cell. Moreover, a contact point with a produced gas or an atmosphere is provided in a pathway of the electrolyte flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Tatsuo Fujita, Satoru Tamura, Yoshihiro Kozawa
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Publication number: 20150056528Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a reforming chamber housing a hydrocarbon-water mixture and receiving a control voltage signal to cause molecular breakdown of the mixture and create a feed of hydrogen and carbon and dioxide that can be supplied to fuel cells. The reforming chamber includes multiple electrodes positioned across from a ground plane inside a cylindrical support structure. An input tube receives and directs the mixture to the vertical cavity where the mixture rises past the electrodes. Mixture that is not broken down is recycled back to the bottom of the vertical cavity by a fan while the resultant hydrogen and carbon dioxide is allowed to rise to a trap that separates the hydrogen from the carbon dioxide. The hydrogen can then be directed to the fuel cells or other hydrogen-dependent devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: 19TH SPACE ENERGY, LLCInventors: Babak Fahimi, Daniel Christopher Dial
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Patent number: 8956990Abstract: Catalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These catalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, OH?, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, O2, H2, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the catalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Dioxide Materials, Inc.Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Brian Rosen
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Patent number: 8951665Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Imergy Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Majid Keshavarz, Aravamuthan Varadarajan
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Patent number: 8920989Abstract: Fuel reforming apparatus and fuel cell systems including the same are provided. The fuel reforming apparatus includes a reactor main body; a catalyst reaction region inside the reactor main body for generating a reforming gas containing hydrogen by promoting at least a partial oxidation (POX) reaction of a reactant containing a hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidant; and a heat-insulating member inside the reactor main body surrounding the catalyst reaction region for insulating heat generated by the POX reaction.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: In-Hyuk Son
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Patent number: 8920990Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for hydrogen production from water, known as a photoelectrochemical system. The system integrates a semiconductor material and a water electrolyzing material inside a monolithic design, to produce hydrogen directly from water. Natural or synthetic light is used as the main or sole source of energy. The water electrolyzing material is melanins, melanin precursors or melanin derivatives, melanin variants, melanin analogues, natural or synthetic, pure or mixed with organic or inorganic compounds, metals, ions, drugs. The system or light absorbing compound generates enough energy to start, lead and complete the photoelectrolysis reaction. The system can generate hydrogen, oxygen and high energy electrons, and can synthesize water from the union of hydrogen and oxygen, thereby generating electricity. The system can also be coupled to other processes, generating a multiplication effect, and can be used for the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrates, sulphates and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Inventor: Arturo Solis Herrera
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Patent number: 8911910Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides an electrochemical cell system comprising at least one electrochemical cell configured to be connected to a power supply to recharge the cell. The electrochemical cell system comprises a plurality of electrodes and electrode bodies therein. The electrochemical cell system further comprises a switching system configured to permit modifications of the configuration of anodes and cathodes during charging of the electrochemical cell, and a controller configured to control the switching system. The controller is configured to selectively apply the electrical current to a different number of said electrode bodies based on at least one input parameter so as to adjust a rate and density of the growth of the electrodeposited metal fuel.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Fluidic, Inc.Inventors: Ramkumar Krishnan, Cody A. Friesen
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Patent number: 8905983Abstract: A method for providing reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site is further provided according to an illustrative embodiment. The method includes applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site. The method collects exudate drawn from the tissue site in a liquid collection chamber and utilizes the collected exudate in the liquid collection chamber to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Richard Daniel John Coulthard
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Publication number: 20140356743Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: Peter Vanderpan
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Patent number: 8900763Abstract: An electrochemically operable actuator (20), includes a support structure, a flexible membrane sealed against the support structure to form a compartment (108), electrochemical element (101) adapted to generate hydrogen or oxygen gas and to deliver the gas to the inside of the compartment, the electrochemical element including an ion conducting membrane having an electrode on opposing sides thereof, and terminal element for connecting a voltage source to enable applying a potential across the electrodes. The electrochemical element can be a hydrogen pump (101) or an electrolyzer or both. A fuel cell assembly (100) incorporating a valve (V) with an actuator is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: myFC ABInventors: Anders Lundblad, Mahsa Mashoof, Daniel Karlsson, Magnus Lindblom, Raphael Poulain
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Publication number: 20140349204Abstract: An energy unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application stores at least water and hydrogen. The energy unit includes an electrolysis component operable to provide hydrogen from the water, a hydrogen storage component operable to safely and stably store hydrogen in sold form and a fuel cell component operable to produce electricity from the hydrogen. The energy unit may be grouped with other like energy units to provide constant power for desired applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Nicolas Kernene