Arrangement Or Process Including Thermal Control Patents (Class 429/433)
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Patent number: 12218389Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of unit cells disposed in a stack. Each unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an anode and a cathode and a bipolar plate having a cathode side defining a recessed pocket in fluid communication with an air port, an anode side, and coolant channels between the cathode and anode sides. The bipolar plate is disposed against the MEA such that the cathode is disposed over the pocket. A flow guide is disposed in the pocket with a front side facing the MEA and a back side facing a bottom of the pocket. The flow guide has a plurality of embossments.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2023Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chunchuan Xu, Zijie Lu, Jun Yang, Daniel E. Wilkosz, Shinichi Hirano
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Patent number: 12126030Abstract: A fuel-cell cell capable of reducing elution of particles with a catalytic function into the electrolyte membrane is provided. A fuel-cell cell according to the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer laminated on a first main surface side of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode gas diffusion layer laminated on the cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer laminated on a second surface side of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer laminated on the anode catalyst layer. The cathode catalyst layer includes a cathode catalyst in which catalyst particles with a catalytic function are carried on a carrier, and the cathode catalyst includes a water-repellent polymer material in at least part of a surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuzo Tsuchida, Ryouhei Seki, Tsutomu Kawashima
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Patent number: 11996572Abstract: A battery module includes: one or more cell assemblies; a main housing comprising a main boundary portion surrounding an accommodation space in which the one or more cell assemblies are positioned; a first plate comprising a first boundary portion coupled with the main boundary portion and a first exposure portion exposed from the main boundary portion and defining a side of a cooling fluid passage for cooling the accommodation space; and a second plate facing the first plate and comprising a second boundary portion coupled with the main boundary portion and a second exposure portion exposed from the main boundary portion and defining an other side of the cooling fluid passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junhyung Lee, Daeyeop Park, Heonhee Kim, Jisoon Lim, Sunghoon Jung
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Patent number: 11742496Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate. The anode plate has hydrogen flow channels on a first side of the anode plate and coolant channels on a second side of the anode plate. The cathode plate has a first side disposed against the second side of the anode plate to cover the coolant channels and has a second side defining a recessed pocket configured to receive a stream of air. A flow guide is disposed in the pocket such that an inlet manifold is formed along a first edge of the flow guide and an outlet manifold is formed along a second edge of the flow guide. The flow guide defines channels extending from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. A plurality of openings is defined by through the flow guide.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chunchuan Xu, Zijie Lu, Jun Yang, Daniel E. Wilkosz, Shinichi Hirano
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Patent number: 11735751Abstract: Presented are intelligent fuel cell systems (FCS) with logic for evacuating water from anode headers of a fuel cell stack, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of operating an FCS includes a system controller confirming the FCS is running and, once confirmed, receiving a bleed request to remove exhaust gas from exhaust output by the anode. Responsive to the bleed request, the controller determines a total bleed valve use (TBVU) indicating prior bleed requests completed by an anode bleed valve, and thereafter determines if the TBVU is less than a maximum bleed valve use (MBVU). If so, the controller responsively commands the bleed valve to bleed the exhaust gas from the anode exhaust. If TBVU is not less than MBVU, the controller commands a header drain valve to bleed the exhaust gas from the anode exhaust and drain water from the anode header.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiaofeng Wang, Sergio E. Garcia, Chad Dubois, Manish Sinha
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Patent number: 11515549Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of recovering performance of a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system of a vehicle. The method includes determining whether the fuel cell stack is in a state in which a stack performance recovery operation is possible based on information collected from the vehicle using a predetermined stack state determination criterion, determining whether the vehicle is in a state in which the stack performance recovery operation is possible based on operation information of a fuel cell system, and performing the stack performance recovery operation upon determining that the fuel cell stack is in the state in which the stack performance recovery operation is possible and that the vehicle is in the state in which the stack performance recovery operation is possible.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Seong Cheol Jeong, Jong Gyun Kim, Dae Jong Kim, Jae Won Jung
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Patent number: 11462752Abstract: A system for managing heat in a mobile charger configured to provide power to an electric vehicle includes the mobile charger. The mobile charger includes a fuel cell stack, a heat reservoir, and a liquid coolant system including one or more liquid coolant loops configured to transfer heat between the fuel cell stack and the heat reservoir. The mobile charger further includes a computerized processor which is programmed to selectively control the liquid coolant system in one of a plurality of a thermal management modes configured to selectively remove heat from the fuel cell stack and provide heat to the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William H. Pettit, Charles E. Freese, V, Margarita M. Mann, Alan B. Martin, Matthew C. Kirklin
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Patent number: 11374231Abstract: The present specification relates to an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell, a method for preparing the same, and a solid oxide fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Inventors: Tai Min Noh, Changseok Ryoo, Daehwan Kim, Kang Taek Lee, Kwangwook Choi, Kwangyeon Park, Dong Woo Joh, Imdadullah Thaheem
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Patent number: 11362344Abstract: A cell stack device includes a manifold and a fuel cell. The manifold includes a gas supply chamber and a gas collection chamber. The fuel cell includes a support substrate and a power generation element portion. The support substrate includes first and second gas channels. The first gas channel is connected to the gas supply chamber, and the second gas channel is connected to the gas collection chamber. The first gas channel is open in the gas supply chamber at a proximal end portion. The second gas channel is open in the gas collection chamber at a proximal end portion. The first and second gas channels are connected to each other on the distal end portion side. The first and second gas channels are configured such that a pressure loss of gas in the first gas channel is smaller than a pressure loss of gas in the second gas channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.Inventors: Risako Ito, Makoto Ohmori, Hirofumi Kan, Yuki Tanaka, Masayuki Shinkai
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Patent number: 11233261Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a reaction layer having a MEA, an anode separator having a gas channel formed at a first side facing the reaction layer and through which a first reactant gas flows, and a cooling channel formed at a second side and through which a coolant flows. The anode separator abuts the reaction layer. A cathode separator abuts anode separator so that a first side of the cathode separator covers the cooling channel. A porous structural unit has a partition wall protruding from the second side of the cathode separator and has a flow path for a second reactant gas to minimize a cooling temperature deviation and improve operational efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Joon Guen Park
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Patent number: 10971745Abstract: A fuel cell reversal event is diagnosed by integrating current density via a controller in response to determine an accumulated charge density. The controller executes a control action when the accumulated charge density exceeds a threshold, including recording a diagnostic code indicative of event severity. The control action may include continuing stack operation at reduced power capability when the accumulated charge density exceeds a first threshold and shutting off the stack when the accumulated charge density exceeds a higher second threshold. The event may be detected by calculating a voltage difference between an average and a minimum cell voltage, and then determining if the difference exceeds a voltage difference threshold. The charge density thresholds may be adjusted based on age, state of health, and/or temperature of the fuel cell or stack. A fuel cell system includes the stack and controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Manish Sinha, Jingxin Zhang, Andrew J. Maslyn
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Patent number: 10547069Abstract: A fuel cell includes power generation cells and an end cell. Each power generation cell has in it a gas passage, through which power generation gas passes. The fuel cell includes an introducing conduit, which distributes and introduces the power generation gas into the gas passages, and a discharging conduit, which merges flows of the power generation gas after passing through the gas passages and discharges the merged flow. The end cell has in it a bypass passage, which connects the introducing conduit and the discharging conduit to each other. The bypass passage is composed of parallel channels, each of which is independently connected to the introducing conduit. The parallel channels include lower parallel channels and upper parallel channels. The pressure loss in each of the lower parallel channels is smaller than the pressure loss in each of the upper parallel channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Kondo, Keiji Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10431784Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for clamping a lithium ion accumulator, which has a lithium ion accumulator cell stack having a top surface, a base surface opposite the top surface and a peripheral surface having four side surfaces, and at least two prismatic lithium ion accumulator cells. The lithium ion accumulator cell stack is clamped by at least one tension strap apparatus which is arranged and tensioned in the region of the peripheral surface, the ends of the tension strap meanwhile being kept free of tension. While free of tension, the ends of the tension strap are connected to each other directly or indirectly by using one or two plates, which are arranged on a side surface or two mutually opposite side surfaces of the peripheral surface. The disclosure further relates to a lithium ion accumulator and a motor vehicle having a lithium ion accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Stefan Pfeiffer, Michael Gless, Axel Bormann, Conrad Bubeck
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Patent number: 10283786Abstract: A bipolar plate, which forms a first polar plate of a first base element of a fuel cell and a second polar plate of a second base element adjacent to the first base element of the fuel cell, includes two parallel plates. Each plate of the parallel plates includes at least one distribution channel formed in a thickness thereof, for distributing fuel or oxidant. Each distribution channel is arranged so that, when the first and second base elements of the fuel cell are stacked together, a flow channel is formed between the two parallel plates, and the flow channel communicates with a cooling fluid supply opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventor: David Olsommer
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Patent number: 10099188Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Ryan Joseph Drake, Andrew Max Schultz, Jessica Roseanne Tumini, Kevin Andrew Wuebben, Jeffrey Alan Blansit, Ariel Chatman Kleczewski
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Patent number: 9923228Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by laminating a plurality of power generating units. The power generating unit includes: a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly; a sealing portion disposed along its outer circumference; a porous body flow path in which oxidant gas supplied to a cathode-side catalytic layer flows; a shielding plate provided between the sealing portion and the porous body flow path; and first, second separator plates configured to sandwich the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly and the porous body flow path therebetween. The shielding plate, the porous body flow path, and the first separator plate making contact with the porous body flow path project into the oxidant exhaust gas discharge manifold determined by the sealing portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Kubo, Hiroki Okabe, Takashi Kondo, Atsushi Ida
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Patent number: 9742023Abstract: A fuel cell contains two or more fluid-supplying internal manifolds and fluid-discharging internal manifolds for each fluid. External manifolds include fluid-supplying external manifolds, which connect to the fluid-supplying internal manifolds, and fluid-discharging external manifolds, which connect to the fluid-discharging internal manifolds, for each fluid. The respective fluid-supplying and fluid-discharging external manifolds are positioned approximately in parallel with each other, extending in the width direction of a cell laminate body.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Hasegawa, Ryuji Fujieda
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Patent number: 9601786Abstract: Leakproofing device for a fuel cell intended to be interposed between an Electrodes Membrane Assembly and a polar or bipolar plate of a fuel cell unit, the device consisting of a rigid frame and of a leakproofing seal integral with the frame, the frame furnished with the leakproofing seal defining a plurality of apertures through the device, the apertures being delimited by the leakproofing seal.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Arnaud Cerceau, Alain Guinebert, Nicolas Jannin, Elisabeth Rossinot, Helene Trouve, Denis Sirac
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Patent number: 9543608Abstract: The present invention provides a novel manufacturing method for a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus in which members of the apparatus are joined together with an adhesive, such as a ceramic adhesive. The method implements first and second types of drying and hardening steps. The first type of step may be called a workable hardening step and gives an assembly of members in the solid oxide fuel cell apparatus structural rigidity to go through assembling of the solid oxide fuel cell apparatus. The second type of step may be called a solvent elimination and hardening step and gives the assembled members property to withstand the operation temperature of the solid fuel oxide cell apparatus. The first type of step is performed at a first temperature lower than a second temperature at which the second type of step is performed. The second type of step is performed only after the first type of step is performed at multiple times.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Nobuo Isaka, Naoki Watanabe, Shuhei Tanaka, Takuya Hoshiko, Masaki Sato, Osamu Okamoto, Shigeru Ando, Seiki Furuya, Yutaka Momiyama, Kiyoshi Hayama
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Patent number: 9487871Abstract: A high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode side separator, a cathode side separator, an anode side element member, a cathode side element member, a high-pressure hydrogen communication hole, a first seal member, and a second seal member. The first seal member is provided between the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an outer circumference edge portion of the anode side separator. The second seal member has a thickness same as a thickness of the anode side element member at a time of operation of the high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus. The second seal member is disposed in an anode chamber to shield between the anode chamber and the high-pressure hydrogen communication hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Nakazawa
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Patent number: 9281534Abstract: A fuel cell (1) includes a stacked body of a membrane electrode assembly (3) and of separators (2). Then, the membrane electrode assembly (3) and the separators (2) are formed into a substantially rectangular shape, the separators (2) include flow passages. Moreover, an aspect ratio R as a ratio (flow passage length/flow passage width) of a flow passage length with respect to a flow passage width is 0.01 or more to less than 2. Furthermore, a horizontal direction equivalent diameter D (mm) of the flow passages satisfies Expression (1): D=B×(R×Acat)1/3??Expression (1) where Acat is a catalyst area (cm2) of the membrane electrode assembly (3), and B is a constant of 0.005 or more to 0.2 or less.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuya Hasegawa, Ryuji Fujieda
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Patent number: 9214682Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by sandwiching a membrane electrode assembly between a first separator and a second separator. A fuel gas flow field is formed in the second separator. An inlet buffer is connected to the inlet of the fuel gas flow field, and an outlet buffer is connected to an outlet of the fuel gas flow field. The inlet buffer is deeper than the outlet buffer. Therefore, the pressure loss in the inlet buffer is smaller than the pressure loss in the outlet buffer.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Sugiura, Yasuhiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 9161802Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for treating tissue located beneath a tissue surface with electromagnetic energy delivered from a treatment electrode. The treatment electrode may include a conductive layer and a plurality of openings extending through the conductive layer. The openings may vary in size or area across the conductive layer, and may vary progressively in size or area with location relative to the electrode perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: SOLTA MEDICAL, INC.Inventor: Piotr J. Przybyszewski
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Patent number: 9029033Abstract: A barrier layer for a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the barrier layer having a thermally insulating layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an electrically conducting layer formed on the first surface of the thermally insulating layer. The thermally insulating layer may include a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the electrically conducting layer may be formed on a second surface of the thermally insulating layer and on the walls of the thermally insulating layer forming the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eric J. Connor, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 9029041Abstract: To an internal vessel that houses cells of a solid oxide fuel cell, an external vessel is further disposed. In the internal vessel, a plurality of planar cells is disposed vertically with a gap between the cells, a mixed gas of a fuel and air is descended from top down through the gap having a predetermined width between the cells, and, at a bottom portion of the housing space, the mixed gas is burned to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Yasue Tokutake, Shigeaki Suganuma, Jun Yoshiike, Fumimasa Katagiri
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Patent number: 9005834Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked cells each having an ionic conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode placed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode placed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, and a conductive separator on which a first refrigerant channel for flow of a refrigerant is formed in center part thereof. The separator comprises penetration holes constituting a manifold which extend in a direction of stacking of the plurality of cells and through which the refrigerant flows and second refrigerant channels for communication between the penetration holes and the first refrigerant channel. A plurality of protrusions that protrude into the penetration holes from parts of wall surfaces of the penetration holes that are located peripherally in connection parts between the penetration holes and the second refrigerant channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Yoshimura, Hirokazu Honkawa, Kenji Arai
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Patent number: 9005785Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided that includes a fuel cell stack and an air compressor in communication with a cathode inlet, a hydrogen source in communication with an anode inlet, and a start-up battery adapted to power the air compressor. The start-up battery is at least one of a low-voltage battery and a high-voltage battery. A power conversion module is in electrical communication with the start-up battery and the air compressor. The power conversion module is adapted to boost a voltage of the start-up battery as desired and power the air compressor at start-up. A controller is in communication with the power conversion module and is adapted to set an air compressor speed based on an available electrical energy. An open-loop method of operating the fuel cell system at start-up is also provided, wherein an anode purge is scheduled based on the available electrical energy from the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Abdullah B. Alp, Akbar Chowdhury, Kristian M. Whitehouse, Matthew K. Hortop, Matthew C. Kirklin
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Patent number: 9005833Abstract: The invention relates to a system having high-temperature fuel cells, for example SOFCs. A reformer connected upstream of the high-temperature fuel cells at the anode side, a start burner for the preheating of the cathodes of the high-temperature fuel cells, an afterburner and an operating heat exchanger are present at the system in accordance with the invention. Oxidizing agent can be supplied to the high-temperature fuel cell cathodes through the operating heat exchanger. In addition, it can be heated with the exhaust gas of the high-temperature fuel cells. Exhaust gas conducted through the operating heat exchanger can flow in an exhaust gas line together with environmental air and can then be conducted away into the environment as cooled exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Sebastian Reuber, Markus Barthel, Mareike Wolter, Stefanie Koszyk, Rico Belitz
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Patent number: 8993137Abstract: An energy storage system, in particular a battery having a plurality of battery cells. These battery cells are accommodated in a first container. The first container is separated from a second container by a separating element, which allows for establishing a pressure difference ?p for expansion of a gas out of the first container into the second container.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Roland Norden, Jochen Fassnacht
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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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Patent number: 8990034Abstract: A health monitoring system for a fuel cell stack using current fuel cell architecture to enable the electronic control unit (ECU) to continue to monitor the health of the fuel cell stack despite a component failure. The system uses an embedded measurement module (EMM) connected to a group of fuel cells in the fuel cell stack to monitor the health of that group of fuel cells. The EMM produces a pulse width modulation signal that is sent to the ECU. A total voltage value for the group of fuel cells is embedded into the calibration signal or end of frame sequence. The ECU uses an algorithm to determine a missing voltage of at least one fuel cell in the event of the component failure of that fuel cell by adding up the cumulative value for each fuel cell reporting their voltage and subtracting that value from the total voltage value found in the end of frame sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, David J. Reed, Kenneth L. Kaye
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Patent number: 8980493Abstract: A circulation pipe for a coolant is connected to a fuel cell. A pump and a heat exchanger are connected to the circulation pipe. A bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the pump. An ion exchanger is connected to the bypass pipe. An electronic cooling device is connected to the bypass pipe on an upstream side of the ion exchanger. The coolant, which is supplied to the ion exchanger, is cooled by the electronic cooling device to a predetermined temperature, so that the ion-exchange resins are prevented from being abnormally heated by the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Imamura, Akishi Morita
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Patent number: 8980489Abstract: A fuel cell type power generation device including: a fuel cell extracting electric power by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel; a first combustor burning an unreacted fuel exhausted from the fuel cell; and a second combustor burning an unburned fuel exhausted from the first combustor.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshihito Terada
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Patent number: 8980487Abstract: The progress of activation of a fuel cell is appropriately transmitted in accordance with the rise of the temperature of the fuel cell, and an estimated time till the completion of the activation is displayed with higher accuracy. To realize this, the current percentage of a fuel cell temperature is displayed on a gauge (G) which displays, as a starting point, the temperature of the fuel cell at the start of the activation and which displays, as an end point, the temperature of the fuel cell at the completion of the activation. The percentage of the temperature is displayed as the estimated time till the completion of the activation, whereby an adverse effect due to a low accuracy in the case of the estimation of the time is eliminated. When the fuel cell is activated for a failure check, the percentage of an actually elapsed time with respect to a time required to complete the failure check may be displayed on the gauge (G).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Umayahara, Atsushi Imai
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Patent number: 8980486Abstract: A fuel cell system 10 removes water retaining in a cathode catalyst layer 217 in a fuel cell 20, after a start-up of the fuel cell 20 and before feed of coolant to the fuel cell 20.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sho Usami, Yasushi Araki, Kazunori Shibata, Shuya Kawahara, Tomohiro Ogawa
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Publication number: 20150050576Abstract: A method of controlling a concentration of a fuel to be supplied to a stack of a fuel cell system, the method including determining a reference concentration of the fuel to be supplied to the stack when the stack is in a normal mode, monitoring temperature of the stack, and controlling the concentration of the fuel to be supplied to the stack, based on a result of the monitoring the temperature of the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Young-jae KIM, Joon-hee KIM, Dae-jong YOO
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Patent number: 8956777Abstract: The multi-section cathode air heat exchanger (102) includes at least a first heat exchanger section (104), and a fixed contact oxidation catalyzed section (126) secured adjacent each other in a stack association. Cool cathode inlet air flows through cool air channels (110) of the at least first (104) and oxidation catalyzed sections (126). Hot anode exhaust flows through hot air channels (124) of the oxidation catalyzed section (126) and is combusted therein. The combusted anode exhaust then flows through hot air channels (112) of the first section (104) of the cathode air heat exchanger (102). The cool and hot air channels (110, 112) are secured in direct heat exchange relationship with each other so that temperatures of the heat exchanger (102) do not exceed 800° C. to minimize requirements for using expensive, high-temperature alloys.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.Inventors: Kazuo Saito, Yao Lin
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Patent number: 8951689Abstract: A fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a circulation channel of a coolant to cool the fuel cells, and an ion exchange resin provided on the circulation channel to maintain electrical conductivity of the coolant. The coolant contains an additive. The ion exchange resin is prepared so that adsorption of the additive on the ion exchange resin is in a saturated state. A fuel-cell vehicle includes the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Showa Water Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Sato, Mikio Yasukawa, Akihiro Sagasaki, Tokio Wada, Yoshito Kato
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Patent number: 8945786Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system, the fuel cell stack including a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, the membrane electrode assemblies being configured to generate electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizer; and a plurality of bipolar plates positioned adjacent to the membrane electrode assemblies and between the membrane electrode assemblies, the bipolar plates including a fuel channel at one side thereof and an oxidizer channel at a second, opposite side thereof, wherein the bipolar plates include a plurality of cooling channels penetrating therethrough, the cooling channels having a curvature along a length thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Jin An, Chi-Seung Lee, Jin-Hwa Lee
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Patent number: 8940448Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell stack; a hydrogen-gas supply device configured to supply hydrogen gas filled in a hydrogen tank into the fuel cell stack along with pressure reduction of the hydrogen gas; an air supply duct configured to supply air into the fuel cell stack; and an air exhaust duct configured to exhaust surplus air from the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen-gas supply device is disposed inside a heat exchange chamber capable of communicating with the air supply duct and the air exhaust duct.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Kengo Ikeya
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Patent number: 8927169Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system and a mobile body capable of restraining freeze in an air cleaner. The fuel cell system includes an air cleaner for cleaning the air to be supplied to a fuel cell and a heater for heating the air cleaner. The air cleaner can be alternatively heated by supplying a refrigerant in a refrigerant piping system to the air cleaner instead of using the heater.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Yumiya
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Systems and methods for regulating fuel cell air flow during low loads or cold temperature operation
Patent number: 8920996Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating fuel cell air flow, such as during low loads and/or cold temperature operation. These systems and methods may include providing a thermal management fluid, such as air, to the fuel cell stack, transferring thermal energy between the thermal management fluid and the fuel cell stack, and varying the flow rate of the thermal management fluid that comes into contact with the fuel cell stack to maintain the temperature of the fuel cell stack within an acceptable temperature range. Varying the flow rate of the thermal management fluid may include varying the overall supply rate of the thermal management fluid within the fuel cell system and/or providing an alternative flow path for the thermal management fluid such that a portion of the thermal management fluid supplied by the fuel cell system does not come into contact with the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: DCNSInventor: David W. Skinkle -
Patent number: 8900766Abstract: A system and method for selectively determining whether a freeze purge should be performed at shut-down of a fuel cell stack. The method includes identifying that the vehicle has been keyed off and then determining whether a stack membrane humidification value is less than a predetermined humidification value that identifies the humidification of membranes in fuel cells in the fuel cell stack. If the stack membrane humidification value is not less than the predetermined humidification value, then the method determines if the ambient temperature is below a predetermined ambient temperature, and if so, performs the freeze purge. If the ambient temperature is not below the predetermined ambient temperature, then the method performs a short non-freeze purge of the flow channels in the fuel cell stack. The method determines a wake-up time for a controller for a next time to determine whether a freeze purge should be performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Aaron Rogahn, Bruce J. Clingerman, Michael Cartwright
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Patent number: 8877396Abstract: A control device of a fuel cell system sets a required output of a fuel cell stack that is required according to a present power demand and predicts the required output and the current according to the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined output state map that is preset. The control device sets an operation state quantity according to the predicted current and the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined operation state quantity map that is preset. The control device includes at least one of a pressure at an air supply port of air that is supplied to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack, a utilization rate of the air at the cathode electrode, a flow rate of a cooling medium that cools the fuel cell stack, and humidity of the air at the air supply port as the operation state quantity.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Fukuma, Yohei Hidaka
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Patent number: 8877399Abstract: Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: David Weingaertner, Michael Petrucha, Martin Perry, David Edmonston, Virpaul Bains, Andy Ta, Navaneetha Krishnan
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Patent number: 8871400Abstract: A fuel cell system of the present invention is a fuel cell system including a fuel cell and includes a medium circulation passage, a heat medium tank, a first circulator, a recovered water tank, a water circulation passage, a second circulator, a water purifier, a temperature detector, and a controller. The heat medium circulation passage and the water circulation passage are configured so as to realize heat exchange between a heat medium and water. The controller executes a circulation operation in which when the temperature detector detects a temperature lower than a first temperature capable of sterilizing microorganisms, the second circulator is caused to operate such that the temperature detected by the temperature detector becomes the first temperature or higher.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Jun Oe, Hiroaki Kan
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Patent number: 8871401Abstract: A fuel cell system suppresses the deterioration of an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. The fuel cell system comprises: a temperature rise speed calculation unit for calculating a target temperature rise speed of the fuel cell using a temperature of the fuel cell and a water content of the fuel cell; and a drive control unit for controlling a drive of the cooling water pump using the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell and the target temperature rise speed calculated by the temperature rise speed calculation unit. The drive control unit controls the drive of the cooling water pump such that a circulation amount of the cooling water is decreased when the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell is below the target temperature rise speed and controls the drive of the cooling water pump such that the circulation amount of the cooling water is increased when the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell is equal to or greater than the target temperature rise speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiaki Naganuma, Hiromi Tanaka, Osamu Yumita, Takayoshi Tezuka, Nobukazu Mizuno, Masashi Fuji
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Patent number: 8869543Abstract: A cooling assembly for cooling a thermal body for an aircraft. The cooling assembly has a Peltier element with a hot side and a cold side. Furthermore, the cooling assembly has a thermal body. The thermal body is arranged in heat-conductive contact with the cold side of the Peltier element. The hot side of the Peltier element is adapted to dissipate thermal energy to an aircraft structure, such that the thermal body may be cooled.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hansgeorg Schuldzig
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Patent number: 8865359Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a fuel cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, a gas diffusion layer disposed over each of the cathode and the anode, a gas flow distributor layer disposed over the gas diffusion layer on both the anode and cathode sides, and optionally a coolant plate disposed over the gas flow distributor layer. The thermal resistance of the combined gas diffusion layer and gas flow distributor layer on the anode and/or cathode side is sufficient to allow the cathode catalyst layer to operate at an elevated temperature to effectively evaporate water produced at the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jon P. Owejan, Paul D. Nicotera, Jason Adam Brodsky
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Patent number: 8859157Abstract: A fuel cell system includes; a fuel cell which generates electricity by using a fuel gas and an oxidant gas as reaction gases; current control means which controls current of a fuel cell; voltage control means which controls voltage of the fuel cell; and heat value control means which calculates a heat value required by the fuel cell system and decides a target current value of the current control means and a target voltage value of the voltage control means so as to generate the calculated necessary heat amount, thereby controlling the heat value. Thus, it is possible to supply a heat required for the fuel cell system without increasing the size of the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kota Manabe, Hiroyuki Imanishi, Tomoya Ogawa