Having Means For Storing Reactant (e.g., Tank, Etc.) Patents (Class 429/462)
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Patent number: 11139487Abstract: An illustrative example fuel cell device includes a cell stack assembly of a plurality of fuel cells that each include an anode and a cathode. A pressure plate is situated near one end of the cell stack assembly. An intermediate component is situated between the end of the cell stack assembly and the pressure plate. The intermediate component includes a porous material in at least two fluid reservoirs and a barrier between the two fluid reservoirs to prevent fluid communication between the reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: DOOSAN FUEL CELL AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Ke Gong, Eric Livaich, Donald J. L. Roy
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Patent number: 8993196Abstract: In a fuel cell system including a fuel cartridge and a fuel supply module, the fuel cartridge includes at least two ports, wherein a first port from among the at least two ports is a fuel inlet port and a second port from among the at least two ports is a fuel outlet port. The fuel cartridge may also include a fuel pouch or the fuel cartridge itself may be the fuel pouch. The fuel supply module may include a fuel circulation structure that circulates the fuel before the fuel is supplied to the stack. The fuel cell system may be equipped with an electronic apparatus and serve as a source of power.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-soo Joung, Hye-jung Cho, Sang-ho Yoon
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Publication number: 20150010842Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell unit comprising an insulating support, and a power generation element comprising, at least, a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and an air electrode, which are sequentially laminated one another, the power generation element being provided on the insulating support, wherein an exposed insulating support portion, an exposed fuel electrode portion, and an exposed electrolyte portion are provided in an fuel electrode cell end portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Naoki WATANABE, Takuya HOSHIKO, Shuhei TANAKA, Masaki SATO, Nobuo ISAKA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Seiki FURUYA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Yasuo KAKINUMA, Osamu OKAMOTO
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Patent number: 8900772Abstract: A fuel cartridge with which liquid leakage through an air induction hole from a fuel tank is able to be prevented and safety is able to be improved is provided. Switching drive for opening and closing an air induction hole 12 is performed by a valve 13 capable of controlling the switching drive according to a control signal. Thereby, air introduction to a fuel tank 100 containing a fuel is able to be controlled. Thus, for example, at the time of high temperature or fuel disorder, by closing the air induction hole 12 by the valve 13, fuel leakage from the fuel tank through the air induction hole of an existing check valve is able to be prevented, and safety is able to be improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kazuaki Fukushima, Yoshiaki Inoue, Yuto Takagi, Atsushi Sato, Jusuke Shimura
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Patent number: 8883370Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises at least one fuel cell with a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell is supplied with liquefied petroleum gas from a supply of liquefied petroleum gas. The liquefied petroleum gas can be directly fed into an anode reaction chamber of the fuel cell without complex reforming. Water vapor is admixed to the liquefied petroleum gas before it enters the anode reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Andreas Schiegl, Reinhard Frank
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Patent number: 8871403Abstract: A fuel cell stack system is configured to uniformly supply a fuel or an electrolytic solution to each of fuel cell elements, and an electronic device using the fuel cell stack system are provided. An electrolytic solution channel allowing an electrolytic solution to flow therethrough is arranged between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode, and a fuel channel allowing a fuel to flow therethrough is arranged outside of the fuel electrode. The electrolytic solution channels and the fuel channels of all fuel cell elements are connected in series to one another. That is, the fuel or the electrolytic solution emitted from an outlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of one fuel cell element enters into an inlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of the next fuel cell element through a connection channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kengo Makita, Shinichi Uesaka, Yasunori Ohto
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Publication number: 20140302408Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 1-alkyl-2-alkyl pyridinium halide (e.g., 1-ethyl-2-methyl pyridinium bromide), 1-alkyl-3-alkyl pyridinium halide (e.g., 1-ethyl-3-methyl pyridinium bromide) or 1-alkyl-3-alkyl imidazolium halide (e.g., 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium bromide) as additives in an electrolyte used in hydrogen/bromine cells, for complexing the elemental bromine formed in such cells. The invention also provides an electrolyte comprising aqueous hydrogen bromide and said additives, and processes for operating an electrochemical flow cell selected from the group consisting of hydrogen/bromine or vanadium/bromine cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Ben-Zion Magnes, Eli Lancry, Mira Bergstein-Freiberg, David Itzhak, Yasmin Herscovitz-Levy, Vered Atiya-Zuckerman
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Patent number: 8841036Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible fuel cell including, one or a plurality of cell sections, and a sealing sheet covering the cell section or sections, wherein the cell section has, at least, a pair of electrode sheets which form an anode and a cathode and at least one of which is accompanied by an oxidoreductase present at a surface thereof, a separator which is disposed between the electrode sheets and which has a proton-permeable membrane, a pair of current collectors which are electrically conductively connected respectively to the electrode sheets with a conductive adhesive, and a fuel reservoir section which is provided at such a position as to make contact with the anode at least and in which a fuel solution containing a fuel component is reserved.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shuji Fujita, Takaaki Nakagawa, Ryuhei Matsumoto, Hideyuki Kumita, Daisuke Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8841038Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a humidifier. The humidifier includes an unreacted gas inlet port connected to an end of an unreacted hydrogen discharge pipeline, which is connected at the other end to a hydrogen outlet port of the fuel cell stack, such that the unreacted hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell stack via the hydrogen outlet port is led by the unreacted hydrogen discharge pipeline into the humidifier. The humidifier regulates the humidity and concentration of the unreacted hydrogen led thereinto, and the unreacted hydrogen is then discharged from the humidifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Jefferson Y S Yang, Feng-Hsiang Hsiao
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Patent number: 8765311Abstract: A fuel cell (1) includes an electromotive unit (2) having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (12), a fuel storage unit (4) storing a liquid fuel, and a fuel supply mechanism (3) supplying the fuel from the fuel storage unit (4) to a fuel electrode (7) of the membrane electrode assembly (12). The membrane electrode assembly (12) has a gas vent hole (17) provided in a manner to penetrate through at least an electrolyte membrane (11) to let a gas component generated on a side of the fuel electrode (7) escape to a side of an air electrode (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Oozu, Yukinori Akamoto, Yuuichi Sato, Genta Oomichi, Hirofumi Kan, Daisuke Watanabe, Nobuyasu Negishi, Yuichi Yoshida, Asako Sato
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Patent number: 8722272Abstract: A fuel cell system module for use in an aircraft includes at least one fuel cell system component. The fuel cell system module is connectable modularly to a fuselage section of the aircraft. A housing element of the fuel cell system module is designed to form a section of an outer skin of the aircraft when the fuel cell system module is in the state connected to the fuselage section of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Andreas Westenberger, Oliver Thomaschweski, Julika Bleil
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Patent number: 8709629Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of redox flow battery systems having modular reactant storage capabilities. Accordingly to various embodiments, a redox flow battery system may include an anolyte storage module configured to interface with other anolyte storage modules, a catholyte storage module configured to interface with other catholyte storage modules, and a reactor cell having reactant compartments in fluid communication with the anolyte and catholyte storage modules. By utilizing modular storage modules to store anolyte and catholyte reactants, the redox flow battery system may be scalable without significantly altering existing system components.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: JD Holding Inc.Inventors: Colin Earl MacKenzie Vincent, Gary Lepp
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Patent number: 8697300Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a power generating cell (C), which has at least two surfaces, a fuel gas being supplied through one of the surfaces and oxygen being supplied through the other surface, thereby generating electric power, a cell holder (6) that holds the power generating cell (c) to face the one of the surfaces inward, whereby forming an inner space together with the power generating cell (C), and a fuel generating section (B) that is arranged in the inner space of the cell holder (6) and generates the fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: ROHM Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Sugimoto, Masaya Yano, Hitoshi Ishizaka
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Publication number: 20140087283Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell unit having a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, a second fuel cell unit having a third fuel cell and a fourth fuel cell, a hydrogen tank coupled to all fuel cells, an oxygen supply unit and an air inlet. Oxidant inlets of the first fuel cell and the fourth fuel cell are couplable with the air inlet. Oxidant inlets of the second fuel cell and the third fuel cell are couplable with the oxidant supply unit couplable with at least one of the oxygen supply unit and the air inlet. Exhaust outlets of the first and fourth fuel cells are couplable with an inert gas outlet. Exhaust outlets of the second and third fuel cells are coupled with an exhaust switching unit couplable with the inert gas outlet and a water outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Ralf-Henning Stolte, Ralf Peck
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Patent number: 8679698Abstract: This disclosure relates to module level redundancy for fuel cell systems. A monitoring component monitors a set of operational parameters for a fuel cell group. The fuel cell group includes a set of fuel cell units, each having a set of fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include a set of gas powered fuel cells that convert air and fuel into electricity using a chemical reaction. The monitoring component determines that the set of operational parameters do not satisfy a set of operational criteria, and, in response, a load balancing component adjusts the electrical output capacity of the set of fuel cell units included in the fuel cell group.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Allen Wayne Schade
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Publication number: 20140072898Abstract: Fuel cell components provide fuel cells on a flexible sheet that defines a wall of a flexible plenum. An external support structure limits expansion of the plenum in response to forces exerted by a pressurized reactant. The external support structure may comprise a portion of a housing of a portable device. Cathodes of the fuel cells may be accessible from an outside of the flexible sheet and exposed to ambient air while anodes of the fuel cell are accessible from an inside of the flexible sheet and exposed to a fuel, such as hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Gerard F. McLean, Jeremy Schrooten
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Patent number: 8557462Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system using the same are disclosed. The fuel cell stack may include an electricity generation unit generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of fuel and oxidizer. The fuel cell stack may include a regulation member made of porous materials to disperse coolant flowed in through a cooling channel formed in the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Jin An, Jin-Hwa Lee
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Patent number: 8557478Abstract: A flow path member includes an orifice section, a pressure regulating section, a filter section, and a distribution section joined together integrally, and these components are detachably provided between insulating seals. In the orifice section, orifice holes are formed around a fuel gas supply passage. In the pressure regulating section, a substantially ring shaped pressure regulating chamber is formed. In the filter section, a plurality of filter holes are formed. The orifice holes and the filter holes are connected through the pressure regulating chamber. In the distribution section, a plurality of distribution grooves for distributing the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply passage in a stacking direction to flow along a separator surface, and a circular groove for supplying the fuel gas to the filter section are formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Homma
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Patent number: 8535844Abstract: A fuel cell module structure including a heat exchanger capable of preventing leakage of oxygen containing gas in a flow path and reducing the cost. The module including a power-generating chamber that receives fuel cells and a casing having a generally rectangular shape enclosing the power-generating chamber. Additionally, the right and left side walls and an upper wall of the casing are hollow walls constituted of an outer shell member and an inner shell member disposed parallel to each other with a distance therebetween forming a reaction gas circulation space, the outer and inner shell members are each formed in a U-like cross-sectional shape, and a reaction gas introduction member extends vertically downward from the inner shell member of the upper wall into the power-generating chamber and being communicated with the reaction gas circulation space to introduce a reaction gas into the power-generating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Takashi Ono
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Patent number: 8535837Abstract: There are included a gas-liquid separator (14) that performs gas-liquid separation on fuel exhaust gas exhausted from a fuel cell (11), a combustion section (13) that combusts hydrogen in the separated fuel exhaust gas, a heat exchanger (15) that performs heat exchange on combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion, to condense moisture in the combustion exhaust gas and obtain combustion exhaust gas condensed water, and a degasifier (16) that removes carbon dioxide gas from the combustion exhaust gas condensed water and the fuel exhaust gas condensed water separated in the gas-liquid separator (14), and the degassed condensed water is stored in condensed water tank (18).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Masao Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8492042Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods for providing power to an energy-consuming device and cooling of the energy-consuming device utilizing the endothermic process of desorbing hydrogen gas from a hydride bed. Fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen storage device having a volume of a hydrogen storage material, and a heat exchange system operatively connected to the hydrogen storage device and configured to heat the hydrogen storage material to desorb hydrogen gas therefrom for delivery to the fuel cell stack. The heat exchange system is further configured to deliver a cooled fluid stream to the energy-consuming device for cooling thereof. The cooled fluid stream may be produced, or cooled, by the endothermic desorption of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage device. In some fuel cell systems, the heat exchange system utilizes heat from the energy-consuming device to heat the hydrogen storage material for desorption of hydrogen gas therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: James A. Givens, Arne LaVen
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Patent number: 8475969Abstract: High power density generators are formed with a flexible multi-layered structure. The structure includes a fuel layer with a separate fuel cell stack adjacent to each side of the fuel layer. The structure can be flexible and formed into a variety of shapes.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 8431275Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a surface active agent that reduces the surface tension of the water in the flow field channels. The fuel cell system includes humidifiers that humidify the cathode inlet airflow and the hydrogen anode gas. The surface active agent is mixed with the humidifying water in the humidifiers so that the surface active agent enters the flow field channels to reduce the surface tension of the water therein, thus allowing the water to wick the channels. In one non-limiting embodiment, the surface active agent is ethanol. Ruthenium can be added to the platinum in the catalyst layers of the fuel cells to mitigate the poisoning of platinum by carbon monoxide, which is one of the oxidation products of ethanol on the cathode side of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology OperationsInventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas, Youssef M. Mikhail
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Patent number: 8415039Abstract: An apparatus including at least one electrochemical flow cell in which the electrochemical flow cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a reaction zone between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical flow cell also includes an electrolyte storage reservoir configured to hold a molten salt electrolyte and a gas generated during charging of the at least one electrochemical flow cell and at least one conduit configured to supply the molten salt electrolyte and the gas from the storage reservoir to the at least one electrochemical flow cell. The electrochemical flow cell also includes at least one pump configured to pump the molten salt electrolyte from the storage reservoir to the reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Primus Power CorporationInventors: Gerardo Jose la O', Rick Winter
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Publication number: 20130011755Abstract: A ventilation system for a fuel cell power module is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation enclosure for evacuating fluids from the fuel cell power module, the ventilation enclosure having an air inlet for providing ingress of air to the enclosure. The ventilation system further concludes a ventilation shaft in fluid communication with the ventilation enclosure and an evacuation pump arranged to exhaust fluid from the ventilation enclosure to a desired location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: David George Frank, Vincente Nunes, Claus Andersen, Jacob Schmidt
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Patent number: 8343672Abstract: A catalyst coated electrolyte membrane including an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer at opposite sides thereof, respectively, wherein micro cracks of the anode catalyst layer or cathode catalyst layer occupy 0.01-1 area % of the total area of the respective anode catalyst layer or cathode catalyst layer, a fuel cell including the same, and a method of preparing the catalyst coated electrolyte membrane. In the catalyst coated electrolyte membrane, micro cracks of the cathode catalyst layer or the anode catalyst layer can be minimized and thus the resistance between the electrode catalyst layer and an electrolyte membrane can be minimized, and crossover of a fuel, such as methanol, ethanol, other alcohols, methane, etc., to a cathode electrode can be minimized, and thus the catalyst coated electrolyte membrane has improved performance and durability.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-rae Kim, Seung-jae Lee, Hyuk Chang
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Patent number: 8247132Abstract: Provided are a heat recovery apparatus recovering heat generated from a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and transmitting the heat to a fuel spreader so that a temperature difference between the MEA and the fuel spreader inside a fuel cell is reduced, and a fuel cell having the heat recovery apparatus. The fuel spreader supplies fuel having a uniform concentration to the MEA through the heat recovery apparatus, so that a fuel cell having a reduced total volume, a stable performance, and increased energy efficiency can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jinho Kim, Jae-yong Lee, Kyung-hwan Choi, Lei Hu
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Patent number: 8247134Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a medium member. Unit areas are formed at both sides of the medium member. The unit areas include outlets and inlets which allow a fuel to flow. First path members which have first flowpaths for circulating the fuel are disposed at the unit areas. Membrane-electrode assemblies are connected to the respective first path members. Second path members which have second flowpaths for circulating air are connected to the respective membrane-electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Jin An, Hee-Tak Kim, Seung-Shik Shin, Yeong-Chan Eun, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Patent number: 8246796Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 8227129Abstract: An efficient and passive micro fuel cell includes an anode plate, a reaction plate, a cathode plate and a condensation plate. The anode plate draws a dilute solution of methanol from a fuel tank to delivery to a series of upper oxidation reaction room through micro-channels by thermal capillarity. The condensation plate separates carbon dioxide and vapor from each other. Meanwhile, the methanol solution is delivered to a plurality of lower oxidation reaction rooms. Protons pass through the inner walls of the reaction holes and a porous membrane layer and arrive in the lower reduction reaction rooms. The lower reduction reaction rooms and the lower oxidation reaction rooms have reaction holes whose inner walls have carbon nanotubes and catalysts. A plurality of upper reduction reaction rooms delivers oxygen for the reduction reaction and drains the reduced water at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventor: Fan-Gang Tseng
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Patent number: 8211579Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a proton-exchange membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. An exhaust anode gas exhausted from an outlet of the anode is directed back to an inlet of the anode. Hydrogen is added to the exhaust anode gas before the exhaust anode gas reaches the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Igarashi, Masatoshi Iio, Seiho Sugawara, Atsushi Ooma, Takashi Iimori, Mitsuhiro Kokubo, Takashi Fukuda
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Patent number: 8211582Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell body that includes a middle plate and an electricity generating unit that generates electricity by a reaction of air and fuel. The middle plate includes a plurality of unit sections, a supply passage formed inside the middle plate, a supply opening for supplying the fuel to the supply passage, a plurality of inlet openings formed on the unit sections, a discharge passage formed inside the middle plate, a plurality of outlet openings formed on the unit sections, and a discharge opening for discharging the fuel from the discharge passage. The fuel is supplied to the unit sections through the inlet openings, and the fuel discharged from the unit sections being discharged to the discharge passage through the outlet openings. In one embodiment, an opening area of an inlet opening become smaller as the inlet opening is located farther from the supply opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Inhyuk Son, Dongmyung Suh
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Patent number: 8197988Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure tank configured to store hydrogen and includes a metal hydride (MH) tank capable of storing hydrogen, mounted therein. First and second solenoid valves are provided at both ends of the high pressure tank. A fuel cell stack is then connected to the buffer tank so that hydrogen from the high pressure tank or the MH tank is supplied to the stack through the buffer tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Hyun Kim, Hoon Hee Lee, Hyung Ki Kim
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Patent number: 8092955Abstract: The present invention provides improved, low-cost fuel cells having reduced fuel crossover, reduced sensitivity to metal ion impurities and ability to operate under a broad range of temperatures. The invention further provides improved methods for catalyst preparation and a new integrated flow field system for use in H2/O2 fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Tel-Aviv Univrsity Future Technology Development L.P.Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Tair Duvdevani, Avi Melman, Adi Aharon
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Patent number: 8071257Abstract: A fuel cell including a fuel cartridge with a fuel storage portion and a fuel feed opening and a fuel cell body with an output terminal and a power generation portion. The fuel cell comprises a wiring portion for electrically connecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body with each other when the fuel cartridge is mounted to the fuel cell body to place a fuel in a state in which the fuel is feedable from the fuel cartridge to the fuel cell body and for electrically disconnecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body when the fuel cartridge is removed from the fuel cell body.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kubota, Motokazu Kobayashi, Keiko Abe
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Patent number: 8039161Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises chlorine, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-chloride electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a chlorine reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Primus Power CorporationInventor: Rick Winter
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Patent number: 7985511Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct oxidation fuel cell system including at least one electricity generating element including at least one membrane-electrode assembly which includes an anode and a cathode on opposite sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and a separator. The direct oxidation fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidant. An oxidant supplier supplies the electricity generating element with the oxidant. A fuel supplier supplies the anode with a combination of fuel and hydrogen to provide improved power output.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: In-Hyuk Son, Si-Hyun Lee, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Patent number: 7977001Abstract: Fuel concentration near a power generator of a DMFC is adjusted by decreasing current taken from the DMFC when the concentration near the power generator of the DMFC is higher than an optimum value and increasing the current taken from the DMFC when the concentration near the power generator of the DMFC is lower than the optimum value. Since the fuel does not come into direct contact with the power generator in the DMFC in a portion from a cartridge to the power generator in the DMFC, drying of the fuel is suppressed. By providing an auxiliary tank capable of storing fuel, concentration of methanol supplied near the power generator of the DMFC is lowered upon activation after long-time storage.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuaki Norimatsu, Akihiko Kanouda, Mutsuml Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7960062Abstract: A fuel cell system is described having a fuel cell stack including a PEM fuel cell having an anode and a cathode, the fuel cell stack further including an anode outlet and an anode inlet, a hydrogen storage device in communication with the anode inlet and configured to supply a hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack, and an accumulation reservoir in communication with the anode outlet of the fuel cell stack. The accumulation reservoir is configured to accumulate a quantity of water and an exhaust stream including the hydrogen gas during a purge event and resupply the exhaust stream to the fuel cell stack after the purge event is complete. The accumulation reservoir can be a second fuel cell stack. A method of operating the fuel cell system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jon P. Owejan, John C. Fagley, Steven G. Goebel
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Publication number: 20110129745Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods for providing power to an energy-consuming device and cooling of the energy-consuming device utilizing the endothermic process of desorbing hydrogen gas from a hydride bed. Fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen storage device having a volume of a hydrogen storage material, and a heat exchange system operatively connected to the hydrogen storage device and configured to heat the hydrogen storage material to desorb hydrogen gas therefrom for delivery to the fuel cell stack. The heat exchange system is further configured to deliver a cooled fluid stream to the energy-consuming device for cooling thereof. The cooled fluid stream may be produced, or cooled, by the endothermic desorption of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage device. In some fuel cell systems, the heat exchange system utilizes heat from the energy-consuming device to heat the hydrogen storage material for desorption of hydrogen gas therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: James A. Givens, Arne LaVen
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Patent number: 7939217Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) comprising: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including an anode, a cathode, and a membrane disposed therebetween; a spacer surrounding the anode, having supply holes to supply methanol to the anode; and a flow control member to control the supply of the methanol. The flow control member includes a porous support and/or a methanol transmissive layer. The methanol transmissive layer comprises a fluorine polymer, a hydrocarbon polymer, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joon-hee Kim, Kyoung-hwan Choi, Sang-kyun Kang, Jin-ho Kim
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Patent number: 7935457Abstract: An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventor: Gordon G. Guay
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Publication number: 20110097632Abstract: In an air supply unit for a fuel cell stack comprising a compressor for compressing air that is fed via a feed line to the fuel cell stack and to a turbine to which also exhaust gas of a combustion chamber can be supplied and wherein an exhaust gas from the combustion chamber is supplied to the turbine, the feed line to the fuel cell stack is in communication with a branch line by way of which compressed air can be fed also to the combustion chamber. The invention further relates to a method for operating an air supply unit for the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Manfred Stute
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Patent number: 7927753Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which at least one fluid fuel is transported from a fuel reservoir via a fluid distribution structure to a membrane electrode assembly, the transport of the fuel being effected passively, i.e. without convection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding direct oxidation fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V., Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat-FreiburgInventors: Steffen Eccarius, Christian Litterst, Peter Koltay
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Patent number: 7906246Abstract: A powdered fuel cell includes current collectors, fuel chambers, porous membranes, electrolyte chambers and gas diffusion electrodes. The porous membranes pass oxide the formed from the reacted fuel through the holes thereof and block the unreacted powdered fuel; the electrolyte chambers provide the storage space for electrolyte so as to conduct ions and provide the collection space for the reacted oxide; and the gas diffusion electrodes, each has one side surface thereof for an oxidizing agent incoming and outgoing and catalyzed to acquire electron and ion conduction, wherein one of the current collectors and one of the gas diffusion electrodes are connected by posts, saving outer wires and being connected directly to the anode and the cathode as a loop. Thus, a power supply being capable of electricity conversion and storage and movable is realized.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventor: I-Chuan Lin
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Patent number: 7883815Abstract: A fuel cell is equipped with a fuel cell main body, a liquid fuel-storing tank for storing a liquid fuel and a fuel-supplying member which has a penetrating structure and is connected with the liquid fuel-storing tank and which supplies the liquid fuel to the liquid fuel main body, wherein the liquid fuel-storing tank is provided with a liquid fuel reservoir comprising a cylindrical fuel-storing vessel for storing the liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part provided at a lower part of the fuel-storing vessel and having a fuel discharge valve and a follower which is disposed at a rear end of the liquid fuel stored in the fuel-storing vessel and which moves as the liquid fuel is consumed, a housing box member which encompasses at least a part of the liquid fuel reservoir via a space part in the periphery of the liquid fuel reservoir and whose rear end part is closed and pressurized gas which is filled in the space part.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignees: Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihisa Suda, Kouji Nishimura, Takahiro Osada, Kunitaka Yamada, Toshimi Kamitani, Yasunari Kabasawa
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Patent number: 7855024Abstract: A compartmentalized storage tank is disclosed. The compartmentalized storage tank includes a housing, a first fluid storage section disposed within the housing, a second fluid storage section disposed within the housing, the first and second fluid storage sections being separated by a movable divider, and a constant force spring. The constant force spring is disposed between the housing and the movable divider to exert a constant force on the movable divider to cause a pressure P1 in the first fluid storage section to be greater than a pressure P2 in the second fluid storage section, thereby defining a pressure differential.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Michael Piecuch, Luke Thomas Dalton
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Patent number: 7846609Abstract: A module-type fuel cell system including a power module includes a generator installed inside and a power housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the generator generates electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction of an oxidizing agent with a hydrogen-containing fuel; a fuel supply module including a fuel supply unit installed inside and a power housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the fuel supply unit supplies a hydrogen-containing fuel to the generator; an oxidizing agent supply module including an oxidizing agent supply unit installed inside and an oxidizing agent supply housing having connection holes formed sideward, wherein the oxidizing agent supply unit supplies an oxidizing agent to the generator; and a recovery module including a storage space formed therein and a recovery housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the storage space recovers an unreacted fuel generated in the generator, wherein thType: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-kurn Park, Dong-hyun Kim, Eun-suk Cho
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Patent number: 7833672Abstract: A modular direct methanol fuel cell system includes a housing having a pump for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel cell stack and a system controller for electronically controlling the modular direct methanol fuel cell system. An integrated processor is contained in the housing, the integrated processor integrating a water condenser and a gas/liquid stream separator. A first fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding air and fuel exiting from the fuel cell stack to the integrated processor. A second fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding a fuel mixture from the integrated processor to the fuel cell stack. The direct methanol fuel cell system also includes a third fluid connection unit for feeding pure fuel from the fuel tank to the integrated processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Germany GmbHInventors: Matthias Bronold, Diego Larrain, Stefan Mergel
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Patent number: 7829240Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle is disclosed having a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is disposed on an undercarriage of the vehicle and has a substantially conical shape to militate against interference with a function of a suspension system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: David A. Young, James W. Dandalides