Oxide Patents (Class 429/495)
  • Patent number: 9695519
    Abstract: A positive electrode catalyst, for use in a positive electrode in a device provided with the positive electrode and a negative electrode, in which a reaction represented by 4OH??O2+2H2O+4e? is performed on a side of the positive electrode. The positive electrode catalyst includes a layered metal oxide, wherein the layered metal oxide is a Ruddlesden-Popper type layered perovskite represented by (La1-xAx) (Fe1-yBy)3(Sr1-zCz)3O10-a wherein, A is a rare earth element other than La, B is a transition metal other than Fe, and C is an alkaline earth metal other than Sr; and x satisfies an expression: 0?x<1, y satisfies an expression: 0?y<1, z satisfies an expression: 0?z<1, and a satisfies an expression: 0?a?3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: SANTOKU CORPORATION, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nobuaki Ohguri, Hiroshi Takano, Tadatoshi Murota, Motofumi Matsuda, Tatsuya Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 9660273
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprising an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. In this fuel cell at least one electrode has been modified with a promoter using liquid phase infiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: David M. Bierschenk, Ying Liu, Mingfei Liu, Ting He
  • Patent number: 9660270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production method that can produce a garnet-type compound containing zirconium and lithium, the compound being in the form of fine particles, with high productivity. The method produces a garnet-type compound containing Zr, Li, and element M1 (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Sc, Y, and Ce) as constituent elements. The method includes a first step of (1) mixing a first raw material and a second raw material to obtain a precipitate, the first raw material being a solution containing a zirconium carbonate complex and having a pH of at least 7.0 and not more than 9.5, and the second raw material containing a compound containing the above element M1 as a constituent element; and (2) a second step of mixing the precipitate and a third raw material containing Li as a constituent element to obtain a mixture, and then firing the mixture at a temperature of less than 1,000° C. to obtain a fired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: DAIICHI KIGENSO KAGAKU KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kousuke Noi, Sadahiro Yagishita
  • Patent number: 9590261
    Abstract: Provided is solid electrolyte utilizing a composite oxide of a RP-type structure, that is useful for achieving strong electromotive force and enhanced current-voltage characteristics of a fuel battery, has enhanced ion conductivity and sufficiently inhibited electronic conductivity, and is capable of intercalation of a large amount of water or hydrogen groups, as well as a solid electrolyte membrane, a fuel battery cell, and a fuel battery. The solid electrolyte and the solid electrolyte membrane of the present invention has been obtained by subjecting a particular composite oxide of a RP-type structure or a membrane thereof to a treatment of at least one of hydroxylation and hydration, and has a property that the mass determined by TG measurement at 400° C. is less than that at 250° C. by not less than 4.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: SANTOKU CORPORATION, National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Motofumi Matsuda, Tadatoshi Murota, Tatsuya Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 9520627
    Abstract: A device includes a membrane that is: (i) impermeable to oxygen, and (ii) insoluble in at least one polar solvent; and ion conducting particles in the membrane. At least some of the particles extend from a first side of the membrane to an opposed second side of the membrane. The thickness of the membrane is 15 ?m to 100 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naga Phani B. Aetukuri, Mark W. Hart, Ho-Cheol Kim, Shintaro Kitajima, Leslie E. Krupp, Bryan D. McCloskey, Robert D. Miller, John Campbell Scott, Winfried Wilcke
  • Patent number: 9413024
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode. The electrolyte and/or electrode composition includes zirconia stabilized with (i) scandia, (ii) ceria, and (iii) at least one of yttria and ytterbia. The composition does not experience a degradation of ionic conductivity of greater than 15% after 4000 hrs at a temperature of 850° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tad Armstrong, Emad El Batawi, Martin Janousek, Manoj Pillai
  • Patent number: 9343746
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to SOFC with a multilayer structure comprising a porous ceramic cathode, optionally a cathodic triple phase boundary layer, a bilayer electrolyte comprising a cerium oxide comprising layer and a bismuth oxide comprising layer, an anion functional layer, and a porous ceramic anode with electrical interconnects, wherein the SOFC displays a very high power density at temperatures below 700° C. with hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuels. The low temperature conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy allows the fabrication of the fuel cells using stainless steel or other metal alloys rather than ceramic conductive oxides as the interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Wachsman, Heesung Yoon, Kang Taek Lee, Matthew Camaratta, Jin Soo Ahn
  • Patent number: 9093692
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxide-ion conductor having the general formula La2Ge1?xCrxMgO6?0.5x, where 0<x<1 and M=Cr, Sc, Ga and In or a mixture thereof. The present disclosure further relates to composite materials containing such oxide-ion conductors and to devices containing such oxide-ion conductors or composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: John B. Goodenough, Preetam Singh
  • Publication number: 20150147677
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for a low temperature operating solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) are provided. The SOFC includes a Sr0.8La0.2TiO3 (SLT) support layer, a (La0.9Sr0.1)0.98(Ga0.8Mg0.2)O3-? (LSGM) electrolyte layer and?a cathode layer disposed on top of said electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Scott A. Barnett, Zhan Gao, Elizabeth C. Miller
  • Patent number: 9005844
    Abstract: On each of upper and lower surfaces of a flat-plate-like support substrate having a longitudinal direction and having fuel gas flow channels formed therein, a plurality of power-generating elements A connected electrically in series are disposed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. On each of the upper and lower surfaces of the support substrate, a plurality of recesses are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. Each of the recesses is a rectangular-parallelepiped-like depression defined by four side walls arranged in a circumferentially closed manner and a bottom wall. That is, in the support substrate, frames are formed to surround the respective recesses. Fuel electrodes of the power-generating elements A are embedded in the respective recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Takashi Ryu, Toshiaki Kuno, Tadashi Otagiri
  • Patent number: 9005845
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a unit cell, which includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer that are sequentially laminated from an inner region to an outer region of the unit cell; and an interconnector electrically connected to the first electrode layer, exposed to outside of the unit cell, and electrically insulated from the second electrode. The solid oxide fuel cell further includes a first porous current collector on an outer surface of the second electrode layer; a first adhesive layer interposed between the first porous current collector and the second electrode layer; a second porous current collector on an outer surface of the interconnector; and a second adhesive layer interposed between the second porous current collector and the interconnector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Sun Kwon, Jan-Dee Kim, Seung-Tae Lee, Jun-Won Suh
  • Publication number: 20150099199
    Abstract: The invention discloses general apparatus and methods for electrochemical energy conversion and storage via a membraneless laminar flow battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery includes a flow-through porous anode for receiving a fuel and a porous electrolyte channel for transporting an electrolyte adjacent to the porous anode; a flow-through porous cathode is provided for transporting an oxidant; and a porous dispersion blocker is disposed between the electrolyte channel and the porous cathode, which inhibits convective mixing while allowing molecular diffusion and mean flow. Pore structure properties are selected for tuning convective dispersion, conductivity or other macroscopic properties. Specific materials, reactants, fabrication methods, and operation methods are disclosed to achieve stable charge/discharge cycles and to optimize power density and energy density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Martin Z. Bazant, William Allan Braff, Cullen Richard Buie, Matthew Suss, Laura M. Gilson, Kameron Confortl
  • Publication number: 20150099212
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprising an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. In this fuel cell at least one electrode has been modified with a promoter using gas phase infiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Bierschenk, Ying Liu, Mingfei Liu, Ting He
  • Publication number: 20150093683
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a chromium-containing metal support, a ceramic electrode layer on the metal support and an electroconductive ceramic layer between the chromium-containing metal support and the ceramic electrode layer. The electroconductive ceramic layer includes a ceramic material selected from lanthanum-doped strontium titanate and perovskite oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jean Yamanis, Tianli Zhu, Neal Magdefrau, Mark A. Hermann
  • Patent number: 8980498
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack that has a separator arranged between fuel cells, the separator including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 8968962
    Abstract: A reduction process is performed to each fuel electrode layer by supplying a reduction gas into each fuel channel 22 in the state in which a perimetric portion of a sheet body 11 is held to be sealed by perimetric portions of an upper support member 122 and a lower support member 121. In the case of a small-sized fuel cell in which the thickness of the sheet body 11 is 20˜500 ?m, the fuel electrode layer is greater in thickness than the solid electrolyte layer and the air electrode layer, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the plane portion 12a of each support member 12 is 1˜100 cm2, a ratio of a warpage of not more than 0.05 cm?1 on the sheet body with respect to the area of the orthogonal projection can be achieved at room temperature after the reduction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Natsumi Shimogawa, Masayuki Shinkai, Toshiyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20150056537
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a main body which is formed by stacking a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer, in which the surface of one of the cathode and anode layers serves as a first main surface, and the surface of the other layer serves as a second main surface; a first current collector in contact with the first main surface; and a second current collector in contact with the second main surface. As viewed in a thickness direction, at least a portion of the boundary of a second region of the second current collector corresponding to the second main surface is located within a first region of the first current collector corresponding to the first main surface, and the remaining portion is located within the first region or on the boundary of the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yagi, Nobuyuki Hotta, Hideki Ishikawa, Hideki Uematsu, Hiroya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8962217
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell which can obtain a sufficiently high electromotive force even under a low-temperature condition such as room temperature without using a deleterious substance or platinum. This fuel cell uses an electrolyte layer containing a layer-shaped metal oxide which has been subjected to the steam treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Wataru Ueda, Tatsuya Takeguchi
  • Publication number: 20150050580
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a ceramic of formula Ba2(1-x)M2xIn2(1-y)M?2yO4+?(OH)?? where M represents at least one metal cation with an oxidation number II or III or a combination thereof, M? represents at least one metal cation with an oxidation number III, IV, V or VI or a combination thereof, 0?x?1, 0?y?1, ??2 and 0<???2, as solid proton-conducting electrolyte in an electrochemical device, in particular a fuel cell, an electrolytic cell, a membrane separating hydrogen from a gas mixture, or also a hydrogen detector, at an operating temperature of said electrochemical device preferably comprised between 200° C. and 600° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Philippe Stevens, Olivier Joubert, Yves Piffard, Maria Teresa Caldes-Rouillon, Thibaud Delahaye
  • Publication number: 20150050579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium and high-temperature carbon-air cell, which include a solid oxide fuel cell, a CO2 separation membrane and a carbon fuel. The solid oxide fuel cell is a tubular solid oxide fuel cell with one end closed, the carbon fuel is placed inside the tubular solid oxide fuel cell, and the CO2 separation membrane is sealed at the open end of the solid oxide fuel cell. In the carbon-air cell, with carbon as fuel and oxygen in the air as an oxidizing gas, electrochemical reactions occur. The carbon-air cell of the present invention has a novel structural design, and can achieve electricity generation with the solid oxide fuel cell without externally charging a gas, and at the same time, CO2 generated inside the solid oxide fuel cell can be discharged from the system through the CO2 separation membrane in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: NANJING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ran Ran, Huangang Shi, Binbin Yang, Guangming Yang, Chao Li, Zongping Shao
  • Publication number: 20150050578
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxide-ion conductor having the general formula La2Ge1?xCrxMgO6?0.5x, where 0<x<1 and M=Cr, Sc, Ga and In or a mixture thereof. The present disclosure further relates to composite materials containing such oxide-ion conductors and to devices containing such oxide-ion conductors or composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: John B. Goodenough, Preetam Singh
  • Patent number: 8951692
    Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes sandwiching sections that sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, bridge sections, and a reactant gas supply section. The electrolyte electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are formed in each of the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas supply channel, a fuel gas return channel, and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel are formed in each of the bridge sections. A fuel gas supply passage, a fuel gas discharge passage, and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage extend through the reactant gas supply section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takafumi Kotani
  • Patent number: 8940454
    Abstract: A direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell and method for generating electrical energy from a solid-state organic fuel. The fuel cell includes a cathode provided with an electrochemical-reduction catalyst that promotes formation of oxygen ions from an oxygen-containing source at the cathode, an anode provided with an electrochemical-oxidation catalyst that promotes direct electrochemical oxidation of the solid-state organic fuel in the presence of the oxygen ions to produce electrical energy, and a solid-oxide electrolyte disposed to transmit the oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode. The electrochemical oxidation catalyst can optionally include a sulfur resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: Steven S. C. Chuang
  • Patent number: 8936888
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
  • Publication number: 20150010842
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Naoki WATANABE, Takuya HOSHIKO, Shuhei TANAKA, Masaki SATO, Nobuo ISAKA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Seiki FURUYA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Yasuo KAKINUMA, Osamu OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8928328
    Abstract: A testing device for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is disclosed. The testing device which combines the original cell housing with a four-point probe equipment is set for measuring SOFC MEA. The current collectors on anode and cathode in the original cell housing are respectively replaced by four independent probe units. They are not only to collect current but also to become measuring probes. Therefore, the lateral impedance of anode and cathode can be measured. Furthermore, the local characteristics are examined by open circuit voltage (OCV), I-V curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results show that the lateral impedance is substantially varied with temperatures. The distributions of OCV, current density, EIS and cell voltage in long-term test at the center of the cell are different from the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Cheng, Yaw-Hwa Shiu, Yung-Neng Cheng, Ruey-Yi Lee
  • Publication number: 20150001436
    Abstract: An oxide represented by Formula 1: (Sr2-xAx)(M1-yQy)D2O7+d, ??Formula 1 wherein A is barium (Ba), M is at least one selected from magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), Q is a Group 13 element, D is at least one selected from silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), 0?x?2.0, 0<0?1.0, and d is a value which makes the oxide electrically neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Chan KWAK, Tae-gon KIM, Sang-mock LEE, Doh-won JUNG
  • Patent number: 8921003
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell including a metal frame, a pre-treated porous metal substrate, an anode layer, an electrolyte layer, a cathode interlayer and a cathode current collecting layer is provided. The pre-treated porous metal substrate is disposed inside the metal frame. The anode layer is disposed on the porous metal substrate. The electrolyte layer is disposed on the anode layer. The cathode interlayer is disposed on the electrolyte layer. The cathode current collecting layer is disposed on the cathode interlayer. The anode layer is porous and nano-structured. Moreover, a manufacturing method of the solid oxide fuel cell mentioned above is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Chang-Sing Hwang, Chun-Huang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8906560
    Abstract: Organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are provided which display high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range. Electrodes for fuel cells which include the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are also provided. The invention also advantageously provides electrolyte membranes for fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors, and fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-Jin Lee, Tae-young Kim, Pil-won Heo
  • Patent number: 8889313
    Abstract: An electrolyte plate for an electrochemical system including a first face and a second face, being opposite each other, of largest surface area, the first face including linear parallel ribs and the second face including linear parallel ribs. The plate thus exhibits an increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Stephane Di Iorio, Thibaud Delahaye
  • Patent number: 8877400
    Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cell that comprises a cell core and a thermal exchanger suitable for supplying said cell core with a fluid at a given temperature required for its operation, wherein the exchanger comprises a cold fluid circuit and provides a thermal interface with a hot fluid circuit, the cold fluid circuit supplying the fluid inlet of the cell core and the hot fluid circuit being supplied by the fluid outlet of the cell core, characterized in that the thermal exchanger is provided concentrically relative to the cell core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, SNECMA
    Inventor: Jean-François Fourmigue
  • Patent number: 8865367
    Abstract: Provided is a gas decomposition component that employs an electrochemical reaction and can have high treatment performance, in particular, an ammonia decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a MEA 7 including a solid electrolyte 1 and an anode 2 and a cathode 5 that are disposed so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte; Celmets 11s electrically connected to the anode 2; a heater 41 that heats the MEA; and an inlet 17 through which a gaseous fluid containing a gas is introduced into the MEA, an outlet 19 through which the gaseous fluid having passed through the MEA is discharged, and a passage P extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the Celmets 11s are discontinuously disposed along the passage P and, with respect to a middle position 15 of the passage, the length of the Celmets disposed is larger on the side of the outlet than on the side of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8859161
    Abstract: A proton-conductive inorganic thin film including an inorganic proton conductor, a method of forming the proton-conductive inorganic thin film, and a fuel cell including the proton-conductive inorganic thin film as an electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pil-won Heo, Sang-kyun Kang, Tae-young Kim, Jin-su Ha
  • Publication number: 20140295318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and further has a strontium element concentration of 0.02 mass % to 1 mass % both inclusive in terms of SrO based on the mass of the forsterite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Osamu OKAMOTO, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Nobuo ISAKA, Masaki SATO, Shuhei TANAKA, Takuya HOSHIKO, Naoki WATANABE
  • Patent number: 8846270
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a plurality of sub-cells. Each sub-cell includes a first electrode in fluid communication with a source of oxygen gas, a second electrode in fluid communication with a source of a fuel gas, and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode. The SOFC further includes an interconnect between the sub-cells. In one embodiment, the SOFC has a first surface in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell and a second surface that is in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell; and the interconnect consists essentially of a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. In another embodiment, the interconnect includes a first layer in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell, and a second layer in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell. The first layer includes an electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of an metal, a metal alloy and a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeshwanth Narendar
  • Publication number: 20140287345
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell is described. The method includes synthesizing a composition comprising perovskite and applying the composition on an electrolyte support to form both an anode and a cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventors: Fanglin Chen, Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 8841044
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell, including: a unit cell; a current collector formed in a flat shape having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a groove formed in a thickness direction so as to receive the unit cell therein; and a circular support member formed between the first surface and the second surface of the current collector, wherein the support member is provided in plural, and the support members for respective regions have different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Ho Chung, Jai Hyung Gil, Kyong Bok Min, Jong Sik Yoon, Eon Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8841042
    Abstract: A large, scalable SOFC system based on modules, which may be connected in series on the cathode gas side. The fuel cell stacks are aligned side by side and assembled into a stack module with cathode inlets on one face of the module and the cathode outlets on the other face of the module. The stack modules are serially connected in a simple manner by placing the stack modules one after the other, so that the outlet face of the first module faces the inlet face of the second module and so on. In the chamber between two stack modules, the air is cooled for example by addition of cold quench air or by a heat exchanger. This offers compactness, simple stack/system interface and improved system performance. The modules are designed for manufacturability, well-balanced heat management and high fuel utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Niels Erikstrup, Harald Usterud, Sune Danø
  • Patent number: 8841043
    Abstract: Provided is an interconnector material which is chemically stable in both oxidation atmospheres and reduction atmospheres, has a high electron conductivity (electric conductivity), a low ionic conductivity, does not contain Cr, and enables a reduction in sintering temperature. The interconnector material is arranged between a plurality of cells each composed of an anode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer stacked sequentially, and electrically connects the plurality of cells to each other in series in a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The interconnector is formed of a ceramic composition represented by the composition formula La(Fe1-xAlx)O3 in which 0<x<0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Takata, Michiaki Iha
  • Patent number: 8835069
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module having a solid-oxide fuel cell and a reformer adapted to perform steam reforming of a fuel gas supplied to the solid-oxide fuel cell, a water supplying unit and a control unit. The controller unit is adapted to control, at least during start up of the fuel cell system switching of a pulse pump from a stop state to a pumping state to start pumping of water, and to change the pulse pump to a normal control state after performing a start-operation-control which sets a feed flow rate of the pulse pump higher for a predetermined time than a feed flow rate of the water during the normal control state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Ooe, Kiyotaka Nakano, Yoshiyuki Kawamura, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Tsukasa Shigezumi
  • Patent number: 8822102
    Abstract: A manifold device for a tube type solid oxide fuel cell including a manifold body including at least one of a first opening for fluid inflow and a second opening for fluid outflow; at least one of a first manifold unit in the manifold body, the first manifold unit distributing fluid flowing in the first opening portion into channels, and a second manifold unit in the manifold body, the second manifold unit integrating fluid flowing in channels out to the second opening; and a plurality of tube type ports, each tube type port having a tube type body contacting and protruding from an outer surface of the manifold body, being connected to and in fluid communication with the channels, and including a heat interception unit in a portion of the tube type body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Won Suh
  • Publication number: 20140242493
    Abstract: A direct carbon fuel cell DCFC system (5), the system comprising an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell (10) comprising a cathode (30), a solid state first electrolyte (25) and an anode (20), wherein, the system further comprises an anode chamber containing a second electrolyte (125) and a fuel (120). The system, when using molten carbonate as second electrolyte, is preferably purged with CO2 via purge gas inlet (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Gael Corre, Cairong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20140234751
    Abstract: There are provided a solid oxide fuel cell capable of firmly sealing an anode while simultaneously securing rigidity of an anode support structure, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solid oxide fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer, a cathode provided on one surface of the electrolyte layer, an anode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte layer, and at least one reinforcing member disposed within the anode to reinforce rigidity thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Ho CHUNG, Sung Han KIM, Jong Sik YOON, Bon Seok KOO
  • Publication number: 20140234752
    Abstract: A composite metal oxide represented by the formula Ma1?xMbxMcO4+x/2, wherein Ma is at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals, Mb is at least one element selected from lanthanoids, Mc is at least one element selected from Mo and W, and x is from about 0.1 to about 0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Chan KWAK, Sung-jin AHN, Doh-won JUNG
  • Patent number: 8802323
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the production of electrical energy from an ammonium (NH4+) containing aqueous liquid comprising (a) separating at least part of the ammonium as ammonium salt or concentrated ammonium salt comprising solution from the ammonium containing aqueous liquid, (b) decomposing at least part of the ammonium salt or salt solution into an ammonia (NH3) comprising gas and one or more other decomposition products, and (c) feeding at least part of the ammonia comprising gas to an fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Katrien Hemmes, Lambert Hooiveld
  • Patent number: 8802321
    Abstract: The present invention provides a graded multilayer structure, comprising a support layer (1) and at least 10 layers (2, 3) forming a graded layer, wherein each of the at least 10 layers (2, 3) is at least partially in contact with the support layer (1), wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) differ from each other in at least one property selected from layer composition, porosity and conductivity, and wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) are arranged such that the layer composition, porosity and/or conductivity horizontally to the support layer (1) forms a gradient over the total layer area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Peter Halvor Larsen, Peter Vang Hendriksen, Soren Linderoth, Mogens Mogensen
  • Publication number: 20140212789
    Abstract: To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro ITO
  • Patent number: 8790847
    Abstract: A method of producing a reversible solid oxide cell. The method includes the steps of tape casting an anode support layer on a support (1); tape casting an anode layer on a support (2); tape casting an electrolyte layer on a support (3); and either laminating said anode layer on top of said anode support layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said electrolyte layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure; or laminating said anode layer on top of said electrolyte layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said anode support layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Peter Halvor Larsen, Karen Brodersen
  • Publication number: 20140199614
    Abstract: A composite including: a nickel compound represented by Formula 1: Ni1-xM1xOy??Formula 1 wherein M1 is silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), molybdenum (Mo), or a combination thereof, and 0?x?0.3 and 0?y?3; and a yttria-stabilized zirconia including cerium (Ce), titanium (Ti), or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-hee YEON, Chan KWAK, Doh-won JUNG, Sung-jin AHN, Hee-jung PARK
  • Publication number: 20140193743
    Abstract: A ceramic layer, especially for use in solid oxide cell (SOC) technology, is densified in a method comprising (a) providing a multilayer system by depositing the porous ceramic layer, which is to be densified, onto the selected system of ceramic layers on a support, (b) pre-sintering the resulting multilayer system at a temperature T1 to consolidate a sintered, but porous layer, (c) impregnating a solution or suspension of one or more sintering aids directly into the layer to be densified, (d) evaporating the solution or suspension of step (c) to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of the sintering aid(s) in the porous layer surface and (e) performing a thermal treatment at a temperature T2, where T2>T1, to obtain densification of and grain growth in the porous layer formed in step (b). The method makes it possible to obtain dense ceramic layers at temperatures, which are compatible with the other materials present in a ceramic multilayer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET
    Inventor: Vincenzo Esposito