Hydrocarbon Feedstock Patents (Class 429/425)
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Patent number: 12095129Abstract: A reforming element for a molten carbonate fuel cell stack and corresponding methods are provided that can reduce or minimize temperature differences within the fuel cell stack when operating the fuel cell stack with enhanced CO2 utilization. The reforming element can include at least one surface with a reforming catalyst deposited on the surface. A difference between the minimum and maximum reforming catalyst density and/or activity on a first portion of the at least one surface can be 20% to 75%, with the highest catalyst densities and/or activities being in proximity to the side of the fuel cell stack corresponding to at least one of the anode inlet and the cathode inlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignees: EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING COMPANY, FUELCELL ENERGY, INCInventors: Everett J. O'Neal, Lu Han, Carla S. Pereira, Rodrigo F. Blanco Gutierrez, Timothy M. Healy, Carl A. Willman, Hossein Ghezel-Ayagh, Frank J. Dobek, Jr.
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Patent number: 12005392Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for separating a target species (e.g., CO2) from a gas mixture (e.g., gas stream) via an electrochemical process.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sahag Voskian, Trevor Alan Hatton
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Patent number: 12003007Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising (i) at least one fuel cell stack (30) comprising at least one intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell, and having an anode inlet (41) and a cathode inlet (61) and (ii) a reformer (70) for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to a reformate, and a reformer heat exchanger (160); and defining: an anode inlet gas fluid flow path from a fuel source (90) to said reformer (70) to said fuel cell stack anode inlet (41); a cathode inlet gas fluid flow path from an oxidant inlet (140, 140?, 140?) through at least one cathode inlet gas heat exchanger (110, 150) to said reformer heat exchanger (160) to said fuel cell stack cathode inlet (61); wherein said at least one cathode inlet gas heat exchanger (110, 150) is arranged to heat relatively low temperature cathode inlet gas by transfer of heat from at least one of (i) an anode off-gas fluid flow path and (ii) a cathode off-gas fluid flow path; wherein said reformer heat exchanger is arranged for heating said anode inlet gas from said relativeType: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Ceres Intellectual Property Company LimitedInventors: Oliver John Postlethwaite, Simone Stefano Dozio, Simone Bertoni, Paul Adrian Barnard
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Patent number: 12000291Abstract: A hydrogen dispensing system includes a hydrogen storage tank for storing hydrogen gas, a turboexpander generator fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage tank, and a dispenser fluidly connected to the turboexpander generator. The turboexpander generator receives a flow of the hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage tank at an inlet of the turboexpander generator, reduces a pressure and a temperature of the flow of hydrogen gas, and outputs the hydrogen gas to the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Sapphire Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Earl
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Patent number: 11898750Abstract: A method for controlling a catalytic combustion apparatus having a heater capable of heating fuel to be supplied to a catalyst includes a step of supplying oxidant gas to the catalytic combustion apparatus, and an injection step of injecting the fuel into the catalytic combustion apparatus. The injection step also includes an electric power feeding step of supplying electric power to the heater, and a setting step of setting an injection amount of the fuel to be injected into the catalytic combustion apparatus in response to output of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Susumu Maeshima, Tadaki Mano, Hiroyuki Wada, Masamitsu Satake
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Patent number: 11843139Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell module including a housing and a fuel cell housed in the housing, the fuel cell generating electric power with use of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas; and a heat exchanger which carries out heat exchange between a medium and exhaust gas from the fuel cell module, the heat exchanger being arranged laterally to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignees: KYOCERA Corporation, DAINICHI CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Mitsutaka Shimada, Kyosuke Yamauchi, Takayuki Maruyama, Tatsuya Kanbayashi
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Patent number: 11811117Abstract: An air supply system, comprising at least two air blowers and at least two communication valves; wherein one air blower is connected to a main air passage through the corresponding communication valve; and at least one other is connected to a reformer air passage and a stack air passage through at least one other communication valve, respectively. At least two air blowers are provided to connect the at least two communication valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Inventors: Changming Hu, Youpeng Chen, Xiaowen Sun, Xiao Yu
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Patent number: 11784329Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a stack of fuel cells, a cathode recuperator configured to heat air using cathode exhaust output from the stack, and an air inlet baffle disposed between the cathode recuperator and the stack and containing at least two rows of apertures which are separated along a vertical direction and configured to provide the heated air output from the cathode recuperator to plural areas of the stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Nilanjana Basu, Nandan Joshi, Hemant Gedam, Kyle Kekelis, David Edmonston
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Patent number: 11757115Abstract: An air compression system for a fuel cell system, the air compression system has a main air compressor with a maximum air flow output approximately equal to a continuous mode air flow requirement of the fuel cell system. The main air compressor weighs less than an air compressor having a maximum air flow output approximately equal to a peak air flow requirement of the fuel cell system such that the weight of the air compression system is reduced compared to a conventional air compression system. The air compression system also includes a supplemental oxygen supply system which is fluidically coupled with the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: ZeroAvia, Inc.Inventors: Valery Miftakhov, Ilya Henry Grishashvili
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Patent number: 11749821Abstract: A fuel cell single unit including: a fuel cell element in which an anode layer and a cathode layer are formed so as to sandwich an electrolyte layer; a reducing gas supply path for supplying a gas containing hydrogen to the anode layer; an oxidizing gas supply path for supplying a gas containing oxygen to the cathode layer; and an internal reforming catalyst layer, which has a reforming catalyst for steam-reforming a fuel gas, in at least a part of the reducing gas supply path is provided. An external reformer, which has a reforming catalyst for steam-reforming the fuel gas, is provided upstream of the reducing gas supply path, and the fuel gas partially reformed by the external reformer is supplied to the reducing gas supply path.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuaki Echigo, Hisao Onishi, Noritoshi Shinke, Yuji Tsuda
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Patent number: 11715835Abstract: An interconnector plate for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system for an aircraft. For better extraction of the energy generated by the fuel cell, an interconnector plate can be attached by form fit to fixing studs of the fuel cell by retaining eyes. The interconnector plate may additionally be secured using glass solder. In preparation for a higher power density, a fuel cell can be produced in ceramic by 3D-printing and has an improved power density because of its helical shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbHInventors: Kristian Zimmermann, Stephan Friedl
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Patent number: 11695130Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided and the fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a fuel processing unit configured to process a raw fuel to produce a fuel gas for the fuel cell; an oxidant gas heating unit configured to heat an oxidant gas for the fuel cell; a combustor configured to combust the raw fuel to produce a combustion gas for use in heating the fuel processing unit and the oxidant gas heating unit; a supply control unit configured to, during a warm-up of the fuel cell, control supply of the raw fuel to the fuel processing unit and the combustor; and a power generation control unit configured to control a power generation state during the warm-up of the fuel cell. When the fuel cell has reached a power generation available temperature, the power generation control unit is configured to cause the fuel cell to perform power generation, and the supply control unit is configured to supply the raw fuel to both the fuel processing unit and the combustor.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsushi Noda, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Hayato Chikugo
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Patent number: 11629056Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for production of carbon nanotubes and H2 using a reaction system configuration that is suitable for large scale production. In the reaction system, a substantial portion of the heat for the reaction can be provided by using a heated gas stream. Optionally, the heated gas stream can correspond to a heated H2 gas stream. By using a heated gas stream, when the catalyst precursors for the floating catalyst-chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) type catalyst are added to the gas stream, the gas stream can be at a temperature of 1000° C. or more. This can reduce or minimize loss of catalyst precursor material and/or deposition of coke on sidewalls of the reactor. Additionally, a downstream portion of the reactor can include a plurality of flow channels of reduced size that are passed through a heat exchanger environment, such as a shell and tube heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Ramesh Gupta, Sumathy Raman, Amrit Jalan, Hugo S. Caram, David C. Dankworth
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Patent number: 11618003Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a diesel reformer system comprising: a diesel autothermal reforming unit; a post-reforming unit disposed downstream of the autothermal reforming unit; a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the post-reforming unit; and a desulfurization unit disposed downstream of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Inventors: Sai P. Katikaneni, Joongmyeon Bae, Jiwoo Oh, Minseok Bae, Dongyeon Kim
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Patent number: 11621647Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, comprising a plurality of circuit portions, and a first connection portion and a second connection portion that are formed of planar conductive materials and connected to any of the circuit portions, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged with respective main surfaces facing each other, the first connection portion and the second connection portion each comprising a circuit connection end connected to the circuit portions, a path restriction portion for restricting a current path in the main surface, directions of currents flowing through the current paths between the path restriction portions and the circuit connection ends are different in the first connection portion and the second connection portion. Directions of currents flowing through the current paths between the path restriction portions and the circuit connection ends are preferably different in the first connection portion and the second connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Sayaka Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11525581Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to a portable, personal device for providing cooking and power and adapted for use with a burner, the device including a plurality of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) coupled together; a microelectronic control circuit connected to at least the MS-SOFCs; a light source coupled to at least the microelectronic control circuit; and at least one USB port coupled to at least the microelectronic control circuit; whereby the device is able to simultaneously provide light and power a personal device.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: U. S. Department of EnergyInventor: Michael C Tucker
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Patent number: 11527766Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved swirl burners, particularly, but not limited to, swirl burners used in fuel cell systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Ceres Intellectual Property Company LimitedInventors: Martin Schmidt, Paul Barnard, Tony Toher, Isaac Cottereau, Michael McLorn, Oliver Postlethwaite, Simone Dozio
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Patent number: 11380914Abstract: A fuel cell system (1) comprising a fuel cell (2), a liquid fuel supply (3) for providing liquid fuel, an evaporator (6) for evaporating the liquid fuel to fuel vapor, a reformer (7) for catalytic conversion of the fuel vapor to syngas for the fuel cell and a burner (8) for heating the reformer (7). The burner (8) comprises a catalytic monolith (21) down-stream of a mixing chamber (31) in which air is mixed with evaporated fuel or rest gas prior to entering the monolith (21). The mixing chamber (31) is surrounded by a sleeve (23), which comprises a plurality of openings (29A, 29B) around the mixing chamber (31) for supply of fuel vapor through the openings (29A, 29B) in the startup phase and for supply of rest gas through the openings (29A, 29B) during normal operation. Optionally, a heat exchanger (17) is provided between the burner (8) and the reformer (7) for reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas from the burner (8) before it reaches the reformer (7).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: fischer Eco Solutions GmbHInventors: Anders Risum Korsgaard, Mads Bang, Morten Hougaard Sørensen
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Patent number: 11309562Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell device (10), wherein the fuel cell device (10) is operated in accordance with a quality characteristic of a fuel that is used. According to the invention, the quality characteristic is determined from a partial analysis of the constituents of the fuel that is used. The invention further relates to a fuel cell device (10) that is operated by means of such a method.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Martin Hering, Stefanie Wahl
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Patent number: 11298653Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for separating a target species (e.g., CO2) from a gas mixture (e.g., gas stream) via an electrochemical process.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sahag Voskian, Trevor Alan Hatton
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Patent number: 11290021Abstract: A multi-function switch has a Junction-Field Effect Transistor (JFET) that outputs a voltage for both charging and timing/sense the synchronous rectifier controller. Current is provided to a synchronous rectifier controller from a JET having its drain conductively coupled to the drain electrode of the secondary side rectifying MOSFET, wherein the current from the source of the JET is used for both timing/sense and powering the synchronous rectifier controller. The JFET is biased for a fixed output with its source to gate voltage at a turn on threshold voltage of the JFET for charging. The JFET is fully conducting from the secondary side of transformer with a small voltage drop across the drain to source electrode of the secondary side rectifying MOSFET for timing/sense.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA SEMICONDUCTOR (CAYMAN) LTD.Inventors: Jian Yin, Qihong Huang
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Patent number: 11251446Abstract: A fuel cell system has a cell (1) that is capable of generating electric power. The cell (1) has a fuel electrode (1a), an air electrode (1b) and an electrolyte (1c). The fuel electrode (1a) is supplied with hydrogen obtained by reforming fuel gas. The air electrode (1b) is supplied with oxygen in the air. The electrolyte (1c) is interposed between the fuel electrode (1a) and the air electrode (1b) to enable oxygen ions to pass through to the fuel electrode (1a). A water vapor retaining mechanism (6) is disposed in a flow path of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode (1a). The mechanism (6) retains water vapor generated in the fuel electrode (1a) during electric power generation by the cell (1). The mechanism (6) enables the water vapor to be mixed with the fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.Inventors: Kentaro Ino, Kenji Ohashi, Kwangjin Jeong, Ryota Hino, Satoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 11239479Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of starting a fuel reformer including a heating element and a subsequent autothermal reformer includes contacting a first fluid comprising oxygen with the heating element, passing the first fluid into the autothermal reformer to preheat a reformer catalyst within the autothermal reformer to a first temperature, reducing flow of the first fluid into the autothermal reformer, introducing a fuel into the autothermal reformer subsequent to preheating the reformer catalyst to initiate a partial oxidation reaction and generating additional heat, increasing flow of the fuel and first fluid to initiate autothermal reforming, and controlling the temperature of the reformer catalyst by supplying a cooling fluid, the first fluid, and the fuel and adjusting flow of each.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Sai P. Katikaneni, Joongmyeon Bae, Jiwoo Oh, Minseok Bae, Dongyeon Kim
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Patent number: 11233252Abstract: A fuel cell case includes: a casing portion provided with a through hole that communicates between an internal space for accommodating a fuel cell stack and outside of the casing portion; a lid portion attached to an outer surface of the casing portion by a first connection portion so as to close the through hole; and a cover portion arranged on the lid portion and attached to the outer surface of the casing portion. It is configured that at least one of the lid portion and the first connection portion is fractured when an internal pressure of the casing portion is increased to be equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure and that the cover portion remains to be attached to the casing portion even after at least one of the lid portion and the first connection portion is fractured.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideyuki Kanazawa, Michitaro Itoga, Hitoshi Hamada
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Patent number: 11205792Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a catalyst combustor configured to receive raw fuel and oxidant and generate combustion gas of the raw fuel; and a control unit configured to control supplying of the raw fuel and the oxidant to the catalyst combustor. The control unit is configured to supply the raw fuel and the oxidant to the catalyst combustor at the time of startup of the fuel cell system, and when a reforming reaction of the raw fuel turns dominant over a combustion reaction of the raw fuel at the catalyst combustor, increase an air-fuel ratio that is a ratio of the oxidant to the raw fuel, compared to the air-fuel ratio before the reforming reaction turns dominant.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoko Arisaka, Shinji Miyagawa
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Patent number: 11201339Abstract: A fuel cell system with a plurality of fuel cell modules connected to form a fuel cell group having first and second electrical supply terminals that terminate to an electrical load; a measuring device connected to the fuel cell modules that measures a load current of the respective fuel cell modules; and a controller that detects a respective operating state of the fuel cell modules. The controller is connected to and controls operation of the fuel cell modules, and detects whether the operating state is in a respective partial load range of the respective fuel cell module. The controller provides a load current demanded by the load in a first partial-load operating mode of the load by operating all fuel cell modules of the fuel cell group such that all of the fuel cell modules are within the respective partial load range of the respective fuel cell module.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: PROTON MOTOR FUEL CELL GMBHInventor: Mathias Reum
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Patent number: 11069907Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a fuel treating unit configured to treat a raw fuel and generate fuel gas for the fuel cell; an oxidant-gas heater configured to heat oxidant gas for the fuel cell; a combustor configured to combust the raw fuel and generate combustion gas to heat the fuel treating unit and the oxidant-gas heater; and a control unit configured to control supplying of the raw fuel to the fuel treating unit and the combustor at the time of warming-up of the fuel cell. The control unit supplies the raw fuel to both of the fuel treating unit and the combustor when the fuel treating unit is at an operable temperature of the fuel treating unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsushi Noda, Hayato Chikugo, Tatsuya Yaguchi
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Patent number: 11005116Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cells having improved durability and a manufacturing method thereof. Hydrogen peroxide, from which a hydroxyl radical is generated, may be removed using an antioxidant having the structure A1-aA?aBO3-? and including strontium or samarium, thereby improving the durability of an electrolyte membrane and an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jung Han Yu, Sukhwan Yun, Jong Kil Oh, In Yu Park, Jae Jun Ko, Bo Ki Hong
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Patent number: 10818947Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices which optimize fuel-cell stack airflow control are described. According to aspects of the present disclosure, actuation of at least one cathode-flow actuator is initialized to an initial state based on a desired oxygen flowrate to operate the fuel-cell stack in a voltage-controlled mode, a stack current produced by the fuel-cell stack is determined that corresponds to operation at the actuation of the cathode-flow actuators, a flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is calculated based on the stack current, the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is compared to the desired oxygen flowrate exiting the fuel-cell stack, and actuation of at least one of the cathode-flow actuators is modified in response to the flowrate of oxygen being different from the desired oxygen flowrate. The modified actuation reduces the difference between the desired oxygen flowrate and the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Biju Edamana, Sergio E. Garcia, Jeffrey J. Gagliardo, J. M. Ellenberger
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Patent number: 10804549Abstract: Provided are: a power generation system that can generate electric power efficiently with a fuel cell; and a method for operating said power generation system. This power generation system comprises: a fuel cell including a plurality of unit fuel cell modules; a gas turbine; various lines for circulating fuel gas, air, discharged fuel gas, and discharged air between the fuel cell and the gas turbine; and a control device. The control device determines the number of said unit fuel cell modules to be operated on the basis of the required power generation amount, and operates the determined number of said unit fuel cell modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Yukimasa Nakamoto, Kazunori Fujita
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Patent number: 10790522Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack, a reformer, and an exhaust gas combustor. The fuel cell module further includes an exhaust gas combustion chamber equipped with the exhaust gas combustor and a preheating unit for heating a raw fuel by combustion exhaust gas produced in the exhaust gas combustor before the raw fuel is supplied to the reformer. The preheating unit forms one surface of the exhaust gas combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukihisa Kanao, Yuki Yoshimine, Tetsuya Ogawa
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Patent number: 10781100Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a reformer and a plurality of fuel cells of solid oxide. The reformer reforms raw fuel to generate fuel gas. The plurality of fuel cells generates electric power by using the fuel gas and oxidant gas. The plurality of fuel cells is arranged in the up-down direction and the right-left direction. The reformer has a cell facing face that faces any of the plurality of fuel cells in the back-and-forth direction. This configuration improves temperature uniformity among the plurality of fuel cells, and as a result, suppresses or prevents a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Hitachi Zosen CorporationInventors: Daisuke Hashimoto, Kyohei Izuma, Kazuki Wakamiya, Kotaro Yagi
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Patent number: 10756359Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a solid oxide fuel cell which generates a power by receiving a supply of an anode gas and a cathode gas. The system comprises a cathode gas supply unit to supply the cathode gas to the fuel cell via a cathode gas supply route; a first burner arranged in the cathode gas supply route, a second burner to burn an anode off-gas and a cathode off-gas, which are discharged from the fuel cell; a first branch path which is branched out from an upstream of the first burner and joins to a downstream of the first burner in the cathode gas supply route; and a second branch path which is branched out from a downstream of the first burner in the cathode gas supply route and joins to a cathode off-gas discharge route through which the cathode off-gas is discharged from the fuel cell to the second burner.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuichi Sato
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Patent number: 10720651Abstract: A cathode electrode for a fuel cell, includes a conductive carrier having pores and a catalyst having a platinum alloy supported in the pores of the conductive carrier, wherein the catalyst has in a pore diameter range of 2 to 6 nm when diameters of the pores is plotted in relation with volumes of the pores a peak value of more than 1 cm3/g and also a BET specific surface area of 1300 m2/g.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryoichi Shimoi, Satoshi Takaichi, Shinichi Miyazaki, Takehiko Okui
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Patent number: 10693158Abstract: A fuel cell system and corresponding methods are provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack configured for in-block reforming, as well as a pre-reformer. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack may also include a fuel supply manifold, a fuel exhaust manifold, an oxidant supply manifold, and an oxidant exhaust manifold. The fuel supply manifold may be configured to receive fuel, and to supply the fuel to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The fuel exhaust manifold may be configured to expel fuel exhaust from the fuel cell stack. The oxidant supply manifold may be configured to receive an oxidant and to supply the oxidant to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The oxidant exhaust manifold may be configured to expel oxidant exhaust from the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Robert Hay Cunningham, Gary John Saunders
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Patent number: 10680261Abstract: A fuel cell system and corresponding methods are provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack configured for in-block reforming, as well as a pre-reformer. The fuel cell stack may include a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack may also include a fuel supply manifold, a fuel exhaust manifold, an oxidant supply manifold, and an oxidant exhaust manifold. The fuel supply manifold may be configured to receive fuel, and to supply the fuel to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The fuel exhaust manifold may be configured to expel fuel exhaust from the fuel cell stack. The oxidant supply manifold may be configured to receive an oxidant and to supply the oxidant to the fuel cell stack for in-block reforming. The oxidant exhaust manifold may be configured to expel oxidant exhaust from the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Robert Hay Cunningham, Gary John Saunders
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Patent number: 10573907Abstract: A load-following fuel cell system for a grid system operating with a high penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources includes a baseload power generation module and a load-following power generation module. The baseload power generation module provides a baseload power to the grid system and includes a high-efficiency fuel cell system. The high-efficiency fuel cell system includes a topping module and a bottoming module. The topping module and the bottoming module are connected in series and the topping module provides an exhaust stream to the bottoming module. The load-following power generation module provides a load-following power to the grid system and includes an energy storage system that separates and stores hydrogen contained in the exhaust stream and a power generation system having one or more fuel cells. The power generation system receives the hydrogen from the energy storage system to provide the load-following power.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Fred Jahnke, Ramakrishnan Venkataraman, George Berntsen, Ludwig Lipp, Pinakin Patel
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Patent number: 10431840Abstract: Provided are a membrane electrode assembly, including a solid electrolyte layer, an anode layer provided on one side of the solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer provided on the other side of the solid electrolyte layer, the anode layer being stacked on the solid electrolyte layer to be pressed thereagainst, the anode layer including a porous anode member having electrical conductivity; and a method for manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., KYUSHU UNIVERSITY, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATIONInventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Hiromasa Tawarayama, Takahiro Higashino, Yohei Noda, Naho Mizuhara, Tatsumi Ishihara
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Patent number: 10381669Abstract: A fuel cell system and method is provided to control the volumetric ratio of a reformate and unreformed hydrocarbon fuel supplied to a fuel cell configured for in-stack reforming. The system includes a reformer having a number of high and low steam reforming activity channels which provide a full equilibrated fuel stream and a fuel stream having hydrocarbon levels slight lower than the hydrocarbon levels of the hydrocarbon fuel supplied to the reformer, respectively. The fuel streams can be mixed and supplied to the fuel cell to provide in-stack reforming while reducing or inhibiting the formation of carbon in the fuel stack.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Gerry D. Agnew, John R. Budge, Robert H. Cunningham, Eric Dean
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Patent number: 10320006Abstract: Disclosed herein are an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, the interconnect including: a conductive core; an oxidation-resistant insulating part receiving therein; and an oxidation-resistant conductive material layer coated on an exposed surface of the conductive core, which is exposed to an external environment by removing a portion of the oxidation-resistant insulating part, so that the interconnect can maintain durability against high-temperature heat generated from a flat type solid oxide fuel cell for a long time and thus have a very small voltage loss due to oxidation even with the use over a long-time period; have no sealing problem and no delaminating problem of a coating film due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion; be inexpensive; and have a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Han Kim, Jong Ho Chung, Jong Sik Yoon, Bon Seok Koo
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Patent number: 10315716Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a high voltage apparatus for a fuel cell, a compressor for an air conditioner disposed under the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell and constituting a module integrated with the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell, and a power control unit separated from the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell, disposed at a vehicle body over the compressor and configured to control an operation of a motor. The compressor and the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell are connected by a single power wiring.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Katano, Tsutomu Shirakawa
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Patent number: 10259516Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a high voltage apparatus for a fuel cell, a compressor for an air conditioner disposed under the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell and constituting a module integrated with the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell, and a power control unit separated from the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell, disposed at a vehicle body over the compressor and configured to control an operation of a motor. The compressor and the high voltage apparatus for the fuel cell are connected by a single power wiring.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Katano, Tsutomu Shirakawa
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Patent number: 10144641Abstract: A method for passively removing water from a stream of hydrogen gas includes receiving a stream of hydrogen gas that is water-saturated, having an initial pressure below about 1 psig and an initial temperature above about 25° C., compressing the stream of hydrogen gas to an elevated pressure, chilling the compressed stream of hydrogen gas to a low temperature, and condensing water from the compressed and chilled stream of hydrogen gas until the water content of the stream of hydrogen gas is below about 100 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Joshua M. Mermelstein
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Patent number: 10029579Abstract: A power supply system includes a fuel cell system having a fuel cell that is mounted on a vehicle, and a controller for controlling the fuel cell system. The controller performs control to operate the fuel cell by switching as appropriate between a driving mode in which the vehicle travels, and an external power supply mode for supplying electric power to an external load. In the driving mode, a first voltage is set as a high-potential avoiding voltage, and in the external power supply mode, a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage is set as the high-potential avoiding voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Michito Norimoto
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Patent number: 10014541Abstract: A method for producing a purified carbon dioxide product suitable for EOR and surplus electricity uses a vaporous hydrocarbon feed and a SOFC system. A SOFC system includes a condensate removal system, an acid gas removal system, a hydrodesulfurization system, a sorption bed system, a pre-reformer, a solid oxide fuel cell, a CO2 separations system and a CO2 dehydration system operable to form the purified carbon dioxide product, where the SOFC system is operable to produce surplus electricity from the electricity produced by the solid oxide fuel cell. A method of operating the pre-reformer to maximize the internal reforming capacity of a downstream solid oxide fuel cell uses a pre-reformer fluidly coupled on the upstream side of a solid oxide fuel cell. A method of enhancing hydrocarbon fluid recovery from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation using a SOFC system.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Aqil Jamal, Thang Pham, Aadesh Harale
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Patent number: 9902287Abstract: A system and a method for managing power on board a vehicle is described herein, that allows power to be provided to electrical equipment of the vehicle in an optimized manner from a plurality of power sources without the charge of the equipment disrupting the electrical network of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: POWIDIANInventor: Jean-Marie Bourgeais
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Patent number: 9806360Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell and to a solid-oxide fuel cell using same, and, more specifically, relates to: a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell, wherein a fuel charging-and-discharging part and an air charging-and-discharging part are provided perpendicularly to a cathode comprised in the solid-oxide fuel cell; and a solid-oxide fuel cell using same.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Ji-Haeng Yu, In-Sub Han, Doo-Won Seo, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo, Sun-Dong Kim
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Patent number: 9806345Abstract: An electrochemical energy conversion device 10 comprising a stack of solid oxide electrochemical cells 12 alternating with gas separators 14, 16, wherein scavenger material selected from one or both of free alkali metal oxygen-containing compounds and free alkaline earth metal oxygen-containing compounds is provided in or on one or more of the positive electrode-side of the cell 12, the adjacent gas separator 14 and any other structure of the device 10 forming a gas chamber 64 between the cell and the gas separator. The invention also extends to the treated cell 12.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: CHAOZHOU THREE-CIRCLE (GROUP) CO., LTD.Inventors: Jihua Qiu, Shuoshuo Chen
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Patent number: 9806344Abstract: An electrochemical energy conversion device 10 comprising a stack of solid oxide electrochemical cells 12 alternating with gas separators 14, 16, wherein scavenger material selected from one or both of free alkali metal oxygen-containing compounds and free alkaline earth metal oxygen-containing compounds is provided in or on one or more of the negative electrode-side of the cell 12, the adjacent gas separator 16 and any other structure of the device 10 forming a gas chamber 66 between the cell and the gas separator. The invention also extends to the treated cell 12.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: CHAOZHOU THREE-CIRCLE (GROUP) CO., LTD.Inventors: Jihua Qiu, Shuoshuo Chen
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Patent number: 9777629Abstract: This power generation system is provided with: a gas turbine (11) having a compressor (21), a combustor (22) and a turbine (23); a first compressed air supply line (26) that supplies compressed air, which has been compressed by the compressor (21), to the combustor (22); a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) (13) having an air electrode and a fuel electrode; a compressed air supply device (61) capable of generating compressed air; and a second compressed air supply line (31) that supplies compressed air, which has been compressed by the compressed air supply device (61) to the SOFC (13). The fuel cell can thus be stably operated regardless of the operating state of the gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Yukimasa Nakamoto, Kazunori Fujita