Tubular Or Cylindrical Configuration Patents (Class 429/466)
-
Patent number: 8354202Abstract: A fuel cell includes a ceramic component and a sealing component. The sealing component includes a first glass-ceramic layer over the ceramic component and a second glass-ceramic layer over the first glass-ceramic layer, each of the first and the second glass-ceramic layers independently including between about 0.5% and about 50% glass phase content by volume. The first glass-ceramic layer includes a higher glass phase content than the second glass-ceramic layer, and between about 0.5% and about 10% glass stabilizer component by weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Gilles Querel, Shailendra S. Parihar, George K. Parker, Patrick Garnier
-
Patent number: 8343689Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of tubes, with each tube including an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte, A mechanically compliant anode current collector is associated with each tube. An interconnect portion may be attached to the anode current collector. A cathode current collector is also associated with each tube. The interconnect portion provides an oxygen barrier between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Crumm, Quinlan Y. Shuck, Jonathan R. Rice
-
Publication number: 20120321974Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell module includes a fuel cell tube comprising an inner anode, an outer cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the inner anode and the outer cathode. The inner anode includes a plurality of hollow rod current conducting members embedded in a bulk anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: ADAPTIVE MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
-
Patent number: 8309271Abstract: A tubular fuel cell comprises a cylindrical internal electrode having electrical conductivity, a lamination of a first catalytic layer, an electrolytic layer, and a second catalytic layer laminated in that order on an outer circumferential surface of the internal electrode, and an electrically conductive exterior coil wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second catalytic layer. The tubular fuel cell further comprises an electrically conductive spacer which has an outside diameter greater than that of the exterior coil.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Terada, Yukihisa Katayama, Hirokazu Ishimaru, Yuichiro Hama
-
Patent number: 8309270Abstract: The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cell systems featuring a novel design that provides improved thermal management of the system. The solid oxide fuel cell systems disclosed include gas channeling features that regulate the temperature of local areas of the system and protect thermal-sensitive current collection elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: CP SOFC IP, LLCInventors: Caine Finnerty, Charles Robinson
-
Patent number: 8298717Abstract: A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Akira Kawakami
-
Patent number: 8288052Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell that includes, hollow structural bodies each provided with an internal space for reacting a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, each hollow structural body including, a separator having a perimeter wall section that follows along a rim, a cell plate having an electricity-generating cell having its outer perimeter joined to the separator such that a space for a gas to flow through is formed between the separator and the cell plate, a gas supply manifold to supply one of the reactant gases, a gas discharge manifold to discharge the reactant gas, and a gas introducing flow passage to introduce said reactant gas from the gas supply manifold to the perimeter wall section of the separator, wherein the reactant gas introduced into the gas introducing passage flows from the vicinity of the perimeter wall section of the separator to the gas discharge manifold.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiko Kushibiki, Fuminori Satou, Naoki Hara, Yasushi Nakajima, Shigeo Ibuka
-
Patent number: 8288055Abstract: A fuel cell stack configured to input raw fuel from a fuel source to produce electrical energy includes a fuel cell comprising an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode. The anode defines an anode chamber, and a hydrogen separation member is disposed within the anode chamber. The hydrogen separation member has a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen separation member defines a raw fuel chamber. The hydrogen separation member transfer hydrogen between the first side and the second side to provide hydrogen fuel to the anode of the fuel cell, while inhibiting the transportation of gas molecules between the first side and the second side.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventors: John W. Halloran, Timothy LaBreche, Shaowu Zha, Aaron T. Crumm
-
Patent number: 8273495Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure is provided which includes an anode, a cathode spaced apart from said anode, an electrolyte in ionic communication with each of said anode and said cathode and a nonconductive frame. The nonconductive frame includes at least two components that support each of said anode, said cathode and said electrolyte and define at least one flowpath for working fluids and for products of electrochemical reaction.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Louis Andrew Schick, Cara Suzanne Libby, John Henry Bowen, Richard Scott Bourgeois
-
Patent number: 8247128Abstract: A fuel cell includes electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. An annular member and a ring foil are provided between the separators. The annular member is provided around an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly, and includes grooves for discharging a first exhaust gas FGoff which has been consumed at an anode to the outside of the electrolyte electrode assembly. The ring foil is provided adjacent to a cathode, and extends from a position between an outer end of the electrolyte electrode assembly to a position between the annular member and the separator.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideichi Yamamura, Tadashi Tsunoda
-
Patent number: 8247129Abstract: A fuel cell provided with a reforming catalyst is located in a high-temperature portion on the anode side to cool the high-temperature portion by means of heat absorption of reforming reaction, or a combustion catalyst is provided in a low-temperature portion on the anode side to heat the low-temperature portion by means of heat generation of combustion reaction, or both of the catalysts are provided, by which the occurrence of variations in temperature in a cell reaction region of anode is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromi Tokoi, Nariyoshi Kobayashi, Shin Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8197985Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, a load applying mechanism, and a casing. The casing contains the fuel cell stack, the fluid unit, and the load applying mechanism. A heat insulating member is provided between the fuel cell stack and the load applying mechanism. The heat insulating member limits heat transmission from the fuel cell stack to the load applying mechanism. The load applying mechanism includes metal springs for applying a load to the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Homma
-
Publication number: 20120122007Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell system, in particular solid oxide fuel cell system (SOFC-System), with several tubular fuel cells, whereby several of these fuel cells respectively have at least one inner electrode, an electrolyte surrounding this/these inner electrode(s) at least in sections and at least one outer electrode surrounding the electrolyte at least in sections, so that the electrolyte spatially separates the inner and the outer electrode(s) from each other, at least two of these fuel cells are located or fixated in or on an electrically conducting carrier and/or contact, which connects—electrically conducting—the inner electrode(s) and/or one/several electrical contact(s) of one/several inner electrode(s) of a first tubular fuel cell or a part of such with the outer electrode(s) and/or one/several electrical contact(s) of one/several outer electrode(s) of a second tubular fuel cell or a part of such, whereby the second tubular fuel cell is preferably located directly adjacent to the fType: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Ezelleron GMBHInventors: Sascha Kuehn, Gerhard Matthias Buchinger, Katrin Klein
-
Patent number: 8173327Abstract: An electrode assembly for a solid oxide fuel cell, the electrode assembly including a porous ceramic oxide matrix and an array of fluid conduits. The porous ceramic oxide matrix includes a labyrinth of reinforcing walls interconnected to one another. Each of the fluid conduits is formed from the porous ceramic oxide matrix and has an external surface with a plurality of struts projecting outwardly therefrom and an internal surface defining a first passage for flowing a first fluid therethrough. The struts are configured to connect the fluid conduits to one another and the external surfaces and the struts define a second passage around the fluid conduits for flowing a second fluid therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventors: Peter R. Strutt, Bernard H. Kear
-
Patent number: 8173322Abstract: An intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell structure capable of operating at from 600° C. to 800° C. having a very thin porous hollow elongated metallic support tube having a thickness from 0.10 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.35 mm, a porosity of from 25 vol. % to 50 vol. % and a tensile strength from 700 GPa to 900 GPa, which metallic tube supports a reduced thickness air electrode having a thickness from 0.010 mm to 0.2 mm, a solid oxide electrolyte, a cermet fuel electrode, a ceramic interconnection and an electrically conductive cell to cell contact layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Huang, Roswell J. Ruka
-
Patent number: 8173292Abstract: A solid battery includes at least either one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode comprising bars of an active material of the electrode and bars of a solid electrolyte of the electrode arranged alternately in such a manner that each of the bars of the active material of the electrode is disposed adjacent to each of the bars of the solid electrolyte of the electrode, and a solid electrolyte constituting a separator and having a plane to which the bars of the active material and the bars of the solid electrolyte of the electrode are disposed in a crossing direction. There is also provided a method for manufacturing an electrode of such solid battery.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Ohara Inc.Inventor: Takashi Kato
-
Patent number: 8168346Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells each include a circular cell plate holding single cells as a solid oxide fuel cells and having a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. A circular separator plate has a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. Sealing members allow the gas intruding openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other and allow the gas exhausting openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiko Kushibiki, Yasushi Nakajima, Shigeo Ibuka, Hirokazu Komatsu, Tatsuya Yaguchi
-
Patent number: 8163433Abstract: A plurality of integral bundle assemblies contain a top portion with an inlet fuel plenum and a bottom portion containing a base support, the base supports a dense, ceramic air exhaust manifold having four supporting legs, the manifold is below and connects to air feed tubes located in a recuperator zone, the air feed tubes passing into the center of inverted, tubular, elongated, hollow electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells having an open end above a combustion zone into which the air feed tubes pass and a closed end near the inlet fuel plenum, where the open end of the fuel cells rest upon and within a separate combination ceramic seal and bundle support contained in a ceramic support casting, where at least one flexible cushion ceramic band seal located between the recuperator and fuel cells protects and controls horizontal thermal expansion, and where the fuel cells operate in the fuel cell mode and where the base support and bottom ceramic air exhaust manifolds carry from 85% to all of the weightType: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Paolo R. Zafred, James E. Gillett
-
Patent number: 8129068Abstract: A first separator and a second separator make up separator bodies having the same shape, which are oriented 180° opposite to each other. The first separator has first sandwiching sections sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, along with fuel gas supply units. A fuel gas supply passage extends in a stacking direction through the fuel gas supply units. The second separator has second sandwiching sections and oxygen-containing gas supply units. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage extends in the stacking direction through the oxygen-containing gas supply units.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Tsunoda
-
Publication number: 20120052405Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell module includes a fuel cell tube comprising an inner anode, an outer cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the inner anode and the outer cathode. The inner anode includes a plurality of hollow rod current conducting members embedded in a bulk anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: ADAPTIVE MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
-
Publication number: 20120021327Abstract: The fuel cell assembly of the present invention comprises a first fuel cell, a second fuel cell disposed adjacent to the first fuel cell, and a current collector for electrically connecting the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell. The first fuel cell and the second fuel cell are respectively furnished with an electrical generating portion for generating electricity, each of the electrical generation portion having a first electrode through the interior of which a first gas flows, a second electrode of a polarity different from the first electrode, on the exterior of which a second gas flows, and an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The current collector distributes and sources the current generated in the first fuel cell generating portion from two different locations on the first electrode on the first fuel cell to the second electrode of the second fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Yousuke Akagi, Shuichiro Saigan, Nobuo Isaka
-
Publication number: 20120015276Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell including a unit cell formed into a structure in which a first electrode, an electrolytic layer and a second electrode are sequentially stacked is disclosed. The unit cell of solid oxide fuel cell may include a plurality of contact grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second electrode and may include current collectors respectively mounted on and in surface contact with the contact grooves of the second electrode. The current collectors may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the unit cell. Current collection efficiency may thus be enhanced. Further, current collectors may be shared by adjacent unit cells, so that it is possible to manufacture a stack with excellent economical efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyun Soh, Young-Kee Kim
-
Publication number: 20120015277Abstract: A bundle-type interconnector is used in a fuel cell. In one embodiment, a bundle-type interconnector includes an interconnector and a plurality of projections. A plurality of accommodating grooves are formed in the interconnector, and the interconnector has conductive connection members that electrically connect the interiors of the accommodating grooves. Each of the projections is inserted into the accommodating groove, and a conductive material is coated on an outer surface of each of the projections. Accordingly, a cell bundle can be configured regardless of opened and closed interconnectors and the connection structure thereof, and maintenance and repair can be easily performed during the operation of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Sang-Jun Kong, Duk-Hyoung Yoon, Tae-Ho Kwon
-
Publication number: 20120015278Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell assembly includes a unit cell including an anode, an electrolytic layer, and a cathode that are sequentially stacked, and an adapter at one end of the unit cell, the adapter being coupled to the anode or the cathode of the unit cell and configured to collect current.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Duk-Hyoung Yoon, Sang-Jun Kong, Hyun-Min Son
-
Patent number: 8097381Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator is provided for electrochemically reacting a fuel gas with a flowing oxidant gas at an elevated temperature to produce power. The generator includes a generator section receiving a fuel gas and a plurality of elongated fuel cells extending through the generator section and having opposing open fuel cell ends for directing an oxidant gas between opposing plena in the generator. A sealant defines a seal on the fuel cells adjacent at least one of the fuel cell ends. The sealant is a modified lanthanum borate aluminosilicate glass composition having a minimal amount of boron oxide and silica, and in which the sealant maintains substantially constant physical characteristics throughout multiple thermal cycles.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Robert Draper, Gong Zhang, Roswell J. Ruka, Kevin P. Litzinger, Paolo R. Zafred, Richard A. Basel
-
Patent number: 8097380Abstract: A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Akira Kawakami
-
Patent number: 8097384Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (400) is made having a tubular, elongated, hollow, active section (445) which has a cross-section containing an air electrode (452) a fuel electrode (454) and solid oxide electrolyte (456) between them, where the fuel cell transitions into at least one inactive section (460) with a flattened parallel sided cross-section (462, 468) each cross-section having channels (472, 474, 476) in them which smoothly communicate with each other at an interface section (458).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Paolo R. Zafred, Robert Draper
-
Patent number: 8088533Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of electrolyte electrode assemblies and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assemblies. A substantially ring shaped stopper is formed integrally with a plate of the separator. The stopper has a guide inclined surface, and the guide inclined surface contacts an anode inclined surface formed in an outer circumferential region of the anode of the electrolyte electrode assembly for preventing exposure of the anode to the exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideichi Yamamura
-
Patent number: 8071251Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module includes a housing that contains a plurality of fuel cell elements called unicells. Each unicell comprises a plurality of microcells. The housing is divided into a plurality of housing sections. A compressible bulkhead disposed between two adjacent housing sections and has a plurality of holes formed therein to allow respective unicells to pass through the bulkhead. A clamp element compresses the bulkhead to form a gas-tight seal between said bulkhead and the unicells.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Microcell CorporationInventors: Raymond R. Eshraghi, John Peter Cavaroc, Mack Lester Nance, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8062798Abstract: A fuel cell generator including a housing defining a plurality of chambers including a generator chamber having first and second generator sections. A plurality of elongated fuel cells extend through the first and second generator sections. An oxidant supply supplies oxidant to at least one of the chambers within the housing in order to provide oxidant to one end of each of the fuel cells. A fuel distribution plenum extends transversely to the elongated fuel cells and is located between the first and second generator sections. The fuel distribution plenum distributes fuel to the first and second generator sections in opposing directions within the generator chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Robert Draper, Paolo R. Zafred, James E. Gillett, Arun K. S. Iyengar, Raymond A. George, Gianfranco DiGiuseppe
-
Patent number: 8048584Abstract: The present invention relates to microfibrous fuel cell sub-bundle structures, fuel cell bundles and fuel cell assemblies formed by such fuel cell sub-bundles and bundles. Specifically, a fuel cell sub-bundle is provided, which comprises multiple microfibrous fuel cells. Each microfibrous fuel cell comprises: (a) a hollow microfibrous membrane separator comprising an electrolyte medium, (b) an inner electrocatalyst layer in contact with an inner surface of such membrane separator, (c) an outer electrocatalyst layer in contact with an outer surface of such membrane separator, and (d) an individual current collector in electrical contact with the inner surface of such membrane separator. Each of such multiple microfibrous fuel cells is in electrical contact with a common current collector at the outer surface of its membrane separator.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Microcell CorporationInventors: Ray R. Eshraghi, Michael W. Riley
-
Patent number: 8043752Abstract: A fuel cell for a fuel cell generator including a housing including a gas flow path for receiving a fuel from a fuel source and directing the fuel across the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an elongate member including opposing first and second ends and defining an interior cathode portion and an exterior anode portion. The interior cathode portion includes an electrode in contact with an oxidant flow path. The exterior anode portion includes an electrode in contact with the fuel in the gas flow path. The anode portion includes a catalyst material for effecting fuel reformation along the fuel cell between the opposing ends. A fuel reformation control layer is applied over the catalyst material for reducing a rate of fuel reformation on the fuel cell. The control layer effects a variable reformation rate along the length of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Roswell J. Ruka, Richard A. Basel, Gong Zhang
-
Patent number: 8034512Abstract: A fuel cell module that includes: a plurality of tubular fuel cells, each of which contains a cylindrically shaped inner electrode that exhibits conductivity, a first catalyst layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second catalyst layer laminated sequentially to the outer peripheral surface of the inner electrode, and an external coil that exhibits conductivity and is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the second catalyst layer in such a manner that a first coil section with a loose winding pitch is sandwiched between second coil sections with a tight winding pitch; and a current collecting member that exhibits conductivity and is provided with a plurality of openings into which the tubular fuel cells can be inserted, wherein the first coil sections and the openings fit together.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Hama, Masaki Terada, Hirokazu Ishimaru, Yukihisa Katayama
-
Patent number: 8003272Abstract: A fuel cell for a microcapsule-type robot uses alcohol or an aqueous alcohol solution as a fuel and was hydrogen peroxide or an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as an oxidizing agent. A microcapsule-type robot also uses the fuel cell. The fuel cell may be used in a microcapsule-type endoscope and have an operating time that is long enough to diagnose human organs. The fuel cell may comprise hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent instead of air or oxygen such that the fuel cell can operate inside the human body. Thus, an oxygen source, which cannot be obtained in a human body, can be easily supplied to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell has higher performance than a fuel cell in which air is used as an oxidizing agent.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyuk Chang, Kyoung Hwan Choi, Christopher Hansung Ko
-
Publication number: 20110195333Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a solid oxide fuel cell tube and a reformer inside the tube. The tube includes a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically connected in series. Each electrochemical cell includes an electrolyte disposed between an interior anode and an exterior cathode. The fuel reformer is configured to convert a hydrocarbon fuel to a fuel cell fuel comprising hydrogen such that hydrogen is provided to an anode of the solid oxide fuel tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ADAPTIVE MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
-
Patent number: 7989113Abstract: There is provided a solid oxide fuel cell module comprising a substrate with an internal fuel flow part provided therein, at least a face thereof, in contact with cells, and interconnectors, being an insulator, a plurality of the cells each made of an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode, stacked in sequence, formed on a surface of the substrate, and the interconnectors each electrically connecting in series the cells adjacent to each other, wherein the respective cells are varied in area along the direction of fuel flow, and solid oxide fuel cell bundled modules using the same. With the solid oxide fuel cell module of a multi-segment type, according to the invention, it is possible to aim at higher voltage and to attain an improvement in power generation efficiency and current collecting efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Matsuzaki, Teruhiro Sakurai, Kenjiro Fujita
-
Patent number: 7989114Abstract: A fuel cell comprising a reaction chamber; a plurality of capillary tubes configured to permit a fuel component to flow there through, the capillary tubes being arranged in bundles in adjacent segments within the reaction chamber; a plurality of electrodes, at least one of the plurality of electrodes passing through each of the plurality of capillary tubes, being against each of the plurality of capillary tubes, or passing through and being against each of the plurality of capillary tubes; and a plurality of counter-electrodes, Each electrode extends beyond ends of its respective capillary tube, and electrodes associated with capillary tubes of a segment are electrically connected to one another at each end at substantially the same electrical potential. Each segment has a wall section to which is attached at least one of the counter-electrodes or wherein the wall section at least partially forms at least one of the counter-electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: White Fox Technologies LimitedInventor: Stephan Rüdiger Blum
-
Patent number: 7972742Abstract: It is an object to shorten current path between an anode and a cathode in a tube type SOFC and thereby to decrease resistance. The tube type fuel cell contains a tube type electrolyte placed between an anode and a cathode, wherein an auxiliary electrode is provided over the entire region of a cell reaction region on at least one of the anode and cathode. The current path is shortened and resistance is decreased, because the anode auxiliary electrode or cathode auxiliary electrode is provided over the entire peripheral surface of the anode or cathode, and the current path in the auxiliary electrode has a greatly increased cross-sectional area.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromi Tokoi, Shin Takahashi, Akira Gunji, Nariyoshi Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 7951314Abstract: A production apparatus for a tubular fuel cell, including a first extruder that supplies a first catalyst layer material to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrically shaped inner electrode that exhibits conductivity, thereby forming a first catalyst layer, a second extruder that supplies an electrolyte layer material to the outer peripheral surface of the first catalyst layer, thereby forming an electrolyte layer, and a third extruder that supplies a second catalyst layer material to the outer peripheral surface of the electrolyte layer, thereby forming a second catalyst layer, wherein by conducting supply of the first catalyst layer material, the electrolyte layer material and the second catalyst layer material in an intermittent manner, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner electrode is left exposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Hama, Masaki Terada
-
Publication number: 20110086287Abstract: A solid oxide fuel stack. In one implementation a solid oxide fuel cell is supported by and electrically coupled to a connector with the solid oxide fuel cell having a first electrode, an electrolyte deposited on the first electrode, a second electrode deposited on the electrolyte, and a metal support arranged on the second electrode. In one implementation the connector has a first member in contact with a portion of the metal support and is arranged to resiliently support the first solid oxide fuel cell by the application of contact pressure to the portion of the metal support.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: IKERLAN, S.COOP.Inventors: Ander Laresgoiti Rementeria, Mireia Olave Irizar, Jaio Manzanedo Gabilondo
-
Patent number: 7914939Abstract: A multi-function bundle having all of the basic support functions integrated therein can be used as a basic building block component, for example, in a fuel cell engine. The multi-function bundle is modular, easy to assemble, and able to withstand the physical and thermal shocks encountered in mobile applications. The multi-function bundle utilizes fully distributed fuel and oxidant supply systems which help to reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells. The multi-function bundle may be comprised of a plurality of fuel cells, an oxidant supply system, a fuel supply system and a support structure which integrates the fuel cells, oxidant supply system, and fuel supply system into a single unit. The oxidant and fuel supply systems may be fully distributed. The fuel supply system may include one or more fuel feed tube assemblies which allow distributed internal fuel reformation and reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Pittsburgh Electric Engines, Inc.Inventors: Owen S. Taylor, Gregory E. Zymboly
-
Patent number: 7892684Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a heat exchanger wrapped around the stack. The fuel cell stack comprises a fuel cell that operates at high elevated temperatures, such as a solid oxide fuel cell; the fuel cell can have a tubular configuration and comprise a pair of concentrically arranged electrode layers sandwiching a concentrically arranged electrolyte layer. The heat exchanger wraps around the fuel cell stack and comprises a flexible, thermally conductive first layer and an overlapping flexible, thermally conductive second layer spaced from the first layer. The first and second layers define adjacent annular oxidant supply and oxidant exhaust channels when wrapped around the stack.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Alberta Innovates - Technology FuturesInventors: Partho Sarkar, Hongsang Rho, Luis Yamarte, Gary Kovacik
-
Patent number: 7887973Abstract: A cell module includes a cell module body having a tube-shape. The cell module body includes a tube-shaped inner electrode and a tube-shaped outer electrode. The inner electrode is within the outer electrode. The inner electrode forms a hollow portion. The cell module also includes a water permeable hollow body arranged within the hollow portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Haruyuki Nakanishi
-
Patent number: 7887975Abstract: A current collector for a fuel cell that includes at least one wire having an inner core of high conductivity metal and an outer cladding of an environmentally isolating material. The current collector may be utilized in both an oxidizing and reducing environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Crumm
-
Patent number: 7875403Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Nano CP, LLCInventor: Caine Finnerty
-
Patent number: 7855027Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell, a fuel cell housing, and a diaphragm. The fuel cell housing includes an endwall and an inlet port extending through said endwall. The inlet port is for admitting a breath sample into the housing. The diaphragm is coupled within the housing such that a cavity is defined between the housing and the diaphragm. The fuel cell is positioned within the cavity and is substantially concentrically aligned with respect to the inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignees: Intoximeters, Inc., Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: David J. Bayer, M. Rankine Forrester
-
Patent number: 7833679Abstract: A fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell cartridge having a container for containing methanol mixed solution fuel and a direct methanol fuel cell on which the fuel cartridge is set the fuel cartridge being provided with a fuel injection nozzle on part of the container and a projection disposed around the fuel injection nozzle; the size of which is determined according to the concentration of methanol of the fuel in the container, and the direct methanol fuel cell being provided with a concavity, which is designed to engage with the projection of the fuel cartridge at a portion where the fuel cartridge is to be set when the concentration of methanol is proper.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinsuke Andoh, Ken Takahashi, Osamu Kubota
-
Patent number: 7811717Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically conductive member for electrically connecting a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells in series and/or parallel to assemble a fuel-cell stack. The electrically conductive member according to the present invention comprises a metal sheet having a three-dimensional porous structure of a continuous skeleton. The electrically conductive member according to the present invention is three-dimensionally strong and is highly elastic and resilient. Therefore, the thickness of the electrically conductive member can be easily re-regulated in the regulation of spacing between the fuel cells. Further, even after baking or power generation, the electrically conductive member is not sintered, and separation easily takes place in the folded interface, and, thus, excellent maintainability can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Kosaku Fujinaga, Takeshi Saito, Toshiya Abe, Motoyasu Miyao
-
Patent number: 7803491Abstract: A solid electrolyte fuel cell configuration provided with a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate formed with a plurality of fuel cells and thereby not having a sealed structure, achieving a reduction of the size and a reduction of the cost, and able to improve the durability and improve the power generation efficiency, a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate, in particular a solid electrolyte fuel cell configuration provided with a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate, a plurality of anode layers formed on one side of the solid electrolyte substrate, and a plurality of cathode layers formed on the side opposite to the one side of the solid electrolyte substrate at positions facing the anode layers, the anode layers and cathode layers facing each other across the solid electrolyte substrate forming a plurality of fuel cells, the anode layers and cathode layers being connected in series.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe, Yasue Tokutake
-
Publication number: 20100239939Abstract: To provide a tube-type fuel cell, which has an electricity-collecting structure that makes it possible to collect electricity in axially-orthogonal directions in an outside electricity collector of single cell constituting the tube-type fuel cell, and whose electricity-collecting distance is so less as to make it possible to be of low resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Hirokazu Ishimaru, Yuichiro Hama