Oxide Patents (Class 429/495)
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Patent number: 8449702Abstract: A method of making a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes forming a first sublayer of a first electrode on a first side of a planar solid oxide electrolyte and drying the first sublayer of the first electrode. The method also includes forming a second sublayer of the first electrode on the dried first sublayer of the first electrode prior to firing the first sublayer of the first electrode, firing the first and second sublayers of the first electrode during the same first firing step, and forming a second electrode on a second side of the solid oxide electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Emad El Batawi, Patrick Munoz, Dien Nguyen
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Patent number: 8445141Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonic acid group-containing polymer excellent in ion conductivity and durability, a method for producing the same, a resin composition containing the sulfonic acid group-containing polymer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, a polymer electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The sulfonic acid group-containing polymer of the present invention, in a first embodiment, includes a constituent represented by the following chemical formula 1: wherein X represents hydrogen or a monovalent cation species; Y represents a sulfone group or a ketone group; and n represents an arbitrary integer not less than 2.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kota Kitamura, Yoshimitsu Sakaguchi, Hiroki Yamaguchi, Masahiro Yamashita, Kousuke Sasai
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Patent number: 8440367Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell that is resistant to seal delamination is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises, either individually or in combination, a solid electrically non -conductive frame, a seal structure comprising a material capable of preventing a transfer of charge across the seal during fuel cell operation, and a seal comprising a glass frit that is substantially free of oxides of lithium, sodium, or both lithium and sodium. Methods for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Michael Edward Badding, Sasha Marjanovic
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Patent number: 8435683Abstract: The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cells with internal reforming capability. The solid oxide fuel cell generally includes a cathode, an electrolyte, an anode, and a catalyst layer in contact with the anode. The catalyst layer can include a support membrane and a reforming catalyst layer associated with the support membrane. In some embodiments, the reforming catalyst can include one or more partial oxidation reforming catalysts. The present teachings also provide methods of making and operating the solid oxide fuel cells described above.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: CP SOFC IP, LLCInventors: Caine Finnerty, Jun Cai
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Patent number: 8431287Abstract: In a solid electrolyte obtained by sintering a powder, high ionic conductivity and remarkably low moisture permeation applicable to a lithium ion secondary battery or a lithium primary battery are realized. A method for producing a solid electrolyte including the steps of preparing a green sheet containing a lithium ion conductive inorganic material powder; and firing the green sheet, wherein in the step of firing the green sheet, at least one surface of the green sheet is covered by a setter having a porosity of not more than 10% by volume, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Ohara Inc.Inventor: Jun Teramoto
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Publication number: 20130101922Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes ceramic-based materials and a glass-based materials or conductive metals and glass-based materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyong Bok MIN, Jai Hyoung GIL, Eon Soo LEE
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Patent number: 8426074Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell capable of extending the time period over which initial rated output power is maintained, while restraining increases in running cost. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell (1), having a fuel cell module (2) furnished with multiple fuel cell units, a fuel supply device (38), an oxidant gas supply device (45), and a controller (110) for controlling the amount of fuel supplied; the controller is furnished with a degradation determining circuit (110a) for determining degradation, and a fuel correction circuit (110b) for correcting the fuel supply amount based on the degradation determination; when it is determined that the fuel cell module has degraded, the fuel correction circuit executes a correction so that rated output power is maintained, and when the predetermined correction switching condition is satisfied, the fuel correction circuit executes a correction to reduce the fuel cell module rated output power.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Tsukasa Shigezumi, Toshiharu Ooe, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Kiyotaka Nakano, Yoshiyuki Kawamura
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Publication number: 20130095412Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Young-Sun Kwon, Jan-Dee Kim, Seung-Tae Lee, Jun-Won Suh
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Patent number: 8409323Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the electrical power applied to an electrically driven oxygen separation device having one or more composite membrane elements to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed. The composite membrane elements have a resistance increasing during the operation thereof that would act to reduce oxygen output if applied voltage were held constant. In order to increase the time interval for renewing the composite membrane elements, the electrical potential difference is controlled such that the electric current drawn by the elements remains at a substantially constant level by increasing the electrical potential difference as the resistance increases until a predetermined voltage level is reached. Once this level is obtained, the electrical potential difference is maintained at a constant level and the electric current being drawn and the oxygen output is allowed to decay to a predetermined low level after which the element or elements are replaced.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Collins, David F. Suggs, Sadashiv M. Swami, Richard M. Kelly
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Publication number: 20130078541Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
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Patent number: 8394544Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Lawrence A. Chick, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Michael R. Powell, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Greg A. Whyatt
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Publication number: 20130045433Abstract: A fuel cell device including an elongate ceramic substrate having an exterior surface defining an interior ceramic support structure and having a length that is at least 5 times greater than the width and the thickness so as to exhibit thermal expansion along a dominant axis coextensive with the length. The substrate has an active zone and at least one non-active end region. The active zone has an anode and a cathode in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween and the non-active end region lacks the anode and cathode in opposing relation and extends away from the active zone to dissipate heat. The electrolyte, anode and cathode extend within the interior ceramic support structure, the anode and cathode each have an electrical pathway extending from within the interior ceramic support structure to the exterior surface in the non-active end region, and the electrolyte is a ceramic co-fired with the interior ceramic support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
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Patent number: 8377600Abstract: A temperature adjustment member is arranged to control temperature of a reformer independently of temperature of a fuel cell module. The reformer is structured as a three-fluid heat exchanger into which a fluid is introducible whose temperature is higher or lower than exhaust-gas temperature of the fuel cell module. Then, the temperature of the reformer is controlled independently of operation temperature of the fuel cell by introducing the higher-temperature or lower-temperature fluid into the reformer. Also, a high-temperature or low-temperature gas is mixed with the module's exhaust gas, thereby adjusting temperature of the exhaust gas itself. This also controls the temperature of the reformer independently of the operation temperature of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shin Takahashi, Hiromi Tokoi, Akira Gunji, Toshiya Abe, Takeshi Saito
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Patent number: 8377611Abstract: An assembling method of a solid oxide fuel cell, having a stack structure in which sheet bodies and separators are stacked in alternating layers, includes a stacking step, a sealing step, and a reduction process step. In the sealing step, a laminate in which a crystallized glass material is interposed between the perimetric portions adjacent to each other is heated, so that the crystallization rate of the crystallized glass is increased to 0 to 50%. Accordingly, the perimetric portions adjacent to each other are integrated and sealed, and a room for glass softening is left. In the reduction process step, the laminate is heated, and a reduction gas is supplied into a fuel channel, whereby the reduction process is performed to the fuel electrode layer, and the crystallization rate is increased to 70 to 100%. Thus, the assembly of the fuel cell is completed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Natsumi Shimogawa, Masayuki Shinkai, Toshiyuki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20130034796Abstract: The electrolyte sheet for solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has different surface roughnesses between the peripheral region and the region other than the peripheral region at least on one side. The surface roughness Ra(b) in the peripheral region is at least 0.05 ?m and less than 0.3 ?m. The surface roughness Ra(i) in the region other than the peripheral region is at least 0.2 ?m and at most 1.2 ?m. And, the ratio of Ra(i) to Ra(b) (Ra(i)/Ra(b)) is more than 1 and at most 4. Here, the surface roughness Ra(b) and the surface roughness Ra(i) are arithmetic mean roughness values and determined by an optical and laser-based non-contact three-dimensional profile measuring device in accordance with a German standard ‘DIN-4768’.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: NIPPON SHOUKUBAI CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuo Hata
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Patent number: 8367273Abstract: There are disclosed a method for preparation of the solid oxide fuel cell single cell and a single cell with nano (micro) meso porous cathode electrode that are operational from 723 to 1073 K. The cathode electrode of the single cell possesses very large surface area (10-500 m2 g?1) with the hierarchical nano (micro) mesoporous structure, very high catalytic activity and very low oxygen electroreduction activation energy varying from 0.3-0.8 eV at ?0.2 . . . 0 V cathode electrode potential versus porous Pt/O2 reference electrode in air.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Elcogen ASInventors: Enn Lust, Gunnar Nurk, Priit Möller, Indrek Kivi, Silvar Kallip, Alar Jänes, Helsi Kurig
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Patent number: 8367267Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte and at least one cerium oxide compound dispersed therein. In addition, a method of making a fuel cell polymer electrolyte membrane is provided comprising the steps of: a) providing a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte comprising acidic functional groups; b) dispersing therein at least one cerium oxide in an amount so as to provide between 0.01 and 5 percent of the total weight of the polymer electrolyte membrane; and c) thereafter forming a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising said polymer electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock
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Publication number: 20130022895Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cell applications a first layer including a first ion-conducting polymer and nanofibers dispersed therein. The first layer includes a first side and a second side. A second layer is disposed over the first side of the first layer and includes a second ion-conducting polymer without nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman
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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
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Patent number: 8343686Abstract: Tubular objects having two or more concentric layers that have different properties are joined to one another during their manufacture primarily by compressive and friction forces generated by shrinkage during sintering and possibly mechanical interlocking. It is not necessary for the concentric tubes to display adhesive-, chemical- or sinter-bonding to each other in order to achieve a strong bond. This facilitates joining of dissimilar materials, such as ceramics and metals.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Lutgard DeJonghe, Craig Jacobson, Michael Tucker, Steven Visco
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Publication number: 20120328971Abstract: Provided are a solid electrolyte membrane useful in achieving strong electromotive force in a fuel battery, and a fuel battery cell produced with this membrane. The solid electrolyte membrane includes a substrate made of a sheet material and having a plurality of openings penetrating the substrate in its thickness direction, and a solid electrolyte layer provided on at least one of the faces of the substrate. The fuel battery cell includes a solid electrolyte membrane having the solid electrolyte layer on one of the faces of the substrate, and a catalyst layer containing a precious metal and provided on the other of the faces of the substrate, with the solid electrolyte layer and the catalyst layer being in contact with each other in the openings of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicants: NATIONAL UNIV. CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIV., SANTOKU CORPORATIONInventors: Motofumi Matsuda, Tadatoshi Murota, Tatsuya Takeguchi, Wataru Ueda
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Patent number: 8338041Abstract: To provide a reformer that uses a relatively inexpensive granular catalyst and can provide a more uniform temperature distribution in a catalyst bed while suppressing increase in the size of the reformer and the required power and size of an auxiliary machine, and a more compact indirect internal reforming high temperature fuel cell while suppressing increase in cost. A reformer that produces a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-based fuel by a steam reforming reaction has a reactor vessel and a reforming catalyst bed packed with a granular catalyst having steam reforming activity in the reactor vessel, the reformer has a partition plate that divides the reforming catalyst bed into at least two sections, the partition plate has a thermal conductivity higher than effective thermal conductivity of the catalyst bed, and the partition plate extends in the reactor vessel from a part which is at a higher temperature in a rated operation to a part which is at a lower temperature in rated operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Nippon Oil CorporationInventor: Susumu Hatada
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Publication number: 20120308915Abstract: A cathode material for a fuel cell, the cathode material including a first metal oxide having a perovskite structure; and a second metal oxide having a spinel structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Soo-yeon SEO, Kyoung-seok MOON, Huangang SHI, Dengjie CHEN, Zongping SHAO
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Patent number: 8323463Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gervase Maxwell Christie, Jamie Robyn Wilson, Bart Antonie van Hassel
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Publication number: 20120276468Abstract: The invention provides a composition having the formula (I): xXO2.yY2O5, (wherein: 0.5<x<0.7; 0.3<y<0.5; X comprises one or more of silicon, titanium, germanium and zirconium; and Y comprises one or more of phosphorus, vanadium arsenic and antimony), or a hydrate thereof, in which the composition comprises more than 50 wt % or more of crystalline material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: University Court of the University of St AndrewsInventors: Pierrot Sassou Attidekou, John Thomas Sirr Irvine
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Patent number: 8298718Abstract: A proton-conducting structure that exhibits favorable proton conductivity in the temperature range of not lower than 100° C., and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. After a pyrophosphate salt containing Sn, Zr, Ti or Si is mixed with phosphoric acid, the mixture is maintained at a temperature of not less than 80° C. and not more than 150° C., and thereafter maintained at a temperature of not less than 200° C. and not more than 400° C. to manufacture a proton-conducting structure. The proton-conducting structure of the present invention has a core made of tin pyrophosphate, and a coating layer formed on the surface of the core, the coating layer containing Sn and O, and having a coordination number of O with respect to Sn of grater than 6.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuji Zenitani, Takashi Otsuka, Tomoko Suzuki, Tomoyuki Komori
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Publication number: 20120264031Abstract: An electrochemical device having one or more solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), each of the SOFCs including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer positioned between the cathode and anode; and at least one additional component comprising a metallic substrate having an electronically conductive, chromium-free perovskite coating deposited directly thereon. The perovskite coating has the formula ABO3, wherein A is a lanthanide element or Y, and B is a mixture of two or more transition elements, with the A site undoped by any alkaline earth element, and the perovskite coating exhibits limited or no ionic transport of oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Matthew M. Seabaugh, Sergio Ibanez, Scott L. Swartz
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Patent number: 8278232Abstract: A pyrochlore ceramic material and a thermal barrier coating containing pyrochlore ceramic materials are provided. Using the thermal barrier coating in a single or double layer which includes magnesium and/or titanium can improve the spallation behavior and the thermal expansion coefficient of the component onto which the thermal barrier coating is applied.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Malow, Matthias Oechsner
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Patent number: 8268509Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable structure is disclosed, which includes a hydrogen-permeable base in which a fluctuation range of a d value by X-ray analysis measurement is at most 0.05% in a region within 2 ?m deep from a surface, and an oxide proton conductive film formed on a surface thereof. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the hydrogen-permeable structure and a fuel cell using the hydrogen-permeable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Mizuno, Ryoko Kanda, Jin-Joo Park, Satoshi Aoyama, Naoki Ito
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Patent number: 8263288Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid start-up, auxiliary power, and air preheating device of high temperature fuel cell systems, which comprise of a metal sheet, metal mesh plates, insulated ceramic rings and a direct flame SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) positive electrolyte negative assembly (PEN). The metal mesh plates are used to substitute the electrode plates to collect the current. The ribs between the PEN and the metal mesh plates are also for collecting current, while the ceramic ring is an insulator. This device is able to pre-heat gas rapidly and generates power at the same time, it's costless, easy to assemble, rapid start-up, high electric conductivity, excellent sealing and etc. In addition, it can heat up the fuel cell stack rapidly and start up the system without lag.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Shu-Feng Lee, Che-Wun Hong, Chin-Hsien Cheng
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Patent number: 8263280Abstract: The invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having an anode side and a cathode side, an anode tailgas oxidizer for oxidizing an anode exhaust flow from the anode side to produce an oxidized anode exhaust flow, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first inlet for receiving a cathode exhaust flow from the cathode side of the fuel cell stack, a second inlet for receiving the oxidized anode exhaust flow, and a mixing region for combining the cathode exhaust flow and the oxidized anode exhaust flow to produce a combined exhaust flow. An air flow path for supplying air to the fuel cell stack to support an energy-producing reaction in the fuel cell stack extends through the heat exchanger so that heat is transferred from the combined exhaust flow to the air traveling along the air flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Modine Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jeroen Valensa, Liping Cao, Mark G. Voss, Nicholas Siler
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Patent number: 8252479Abstract: The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuniaki Yoshikata, Koichi Mikami, Hirotoshi Sakamoto
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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
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Publication number: 20120202128Abstract: A solid electrolyte including a layered metal oxide represented by the formula (1), (La1-xAx)(Sr1-yBy)3(Co1-zCz)3O10-???(1) [wherein A represents a rare earth element other than La; B represents Mg, Ca, or Ba; C represents Ti, V, Cr, or Mn; 0?x?1, 0?y?1, 0?z<1; and ? represents an oxygen deficiency amount].Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicants: National University Corporation Hokkaido University, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Tatsuya Takeguchi, Hiroki Takahashi, Ayaka Nakamura, Saburo Hosokawa
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Patent number: 8232027Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable structure is disclosed, which includes a hydrogen-permeable base in which a fluctuation range of a d value by X-ray analysis measurement is at most 0.05% in a region within 2 ?m deep from a surface, and an oxide proton conductive film formed on a surface thereof. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the hydrogen-permeable structure and a fuel cell using the hydrogen-permeable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Mizuno, Ryoko Kanda, Jin-Joo Park, Satoshi Aoyama, Naoki Ito
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Publication number: 20120189944Abstract: A solid electrolyte for a solid oxide fuel cell, the solid electrolyte including: a zirconia layer; and a hybrid layer including a hybrid phase according to Formula 1: (1?y)(Ce1-xL?O2)+y(L?MO3)??Formula 1 wherein the hybrid layer is disposed on at least one surface of the zirconia layer, and wherein, L? and L? are each independently at least one element selected from the lanthanide group, M is at least one element selected from aluminum, gallium, Indium, and scandium, x is about 0.0001 to about 0.3, and y is about 0.0003 to about 0.05.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Kyoung-seok MOON, Kyong-bok MIN
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Patent number: 8227119Abstract: A fuel cell system provided with a fuel cell module, a water supply device for supplying water to the fuel cell module, a water container for supplying water to the water supply device, and a condenser for condensing water vapor in the exhaust gas which is discharged from the fuel cell module and supplying the condensed water to the water container. The water container contains therein an ion exchange device for removing impurities which are contained in the water supplied from the condenser. The water supply device is provided below and downstream of the water container. A pressure regulating device for absorbing a pulsation of the water supply device and absorbing the variation in the pressure in the fuel cell module is provided between the water supply device and the fuel cell module.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Yoshimine, Jun Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20120178012Abstract: Disclosed herein are a sealing member for a solid oxide fuel cell and a solid oxide fuel cell employing the same. The sealing member for a solid oxide fuel cell includes: a glass sheet; and mica layers formed on both surfaces of the glass sheet. The sealing member can have excellent airtightness and bonding capability, proper flow characteristics, and high electric resistivity, by constituting the sealing member of the glass sheet and the mica layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyong Bok Min, Jong Ho Chung, Jae Hyuk Jang
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Patent number: 8216738Abstract: A SOFC includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, an anode electrode, and a hydrocarbon fuel inlet. The SOFC is configured for internal reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel at the anode electrode. The SOFC is configured to limit an interaction between the hydrocarbon fuel and the anode electrode adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to limit an area of the anode electrode exposed to the hydrocarbon fuel adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to provide a gradual introduction of the hydrocarbon fuel to the anode electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Versa Power Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Casey Brown, Wei Dong, Vlad Kalika, Scott Sherman, Scott Thompson
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Publication number: 20120156582Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell comprising a solid anion exchange membrane, the method comprising contacting an anode in the fuel cell with urea, ammonia or an ammonium salt and contacting the cathode with an oxidant whereby to generate electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDEInventors: Shanwen Tao, Rong Lan
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Patent number: 8202638Abstract: A fuel processing method for a solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising the steps of: (a) supplying a feed stream comprising ethanol to a methanation reactor containing catalytic material for the methanation of ethanol; (b) processing the feed stream in the methanation reactor under adiabatic conditions to produce an effluent fuel comprising methane; (c) transferring the effluent fuel comprising methane to the anode of a solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising at least one solid oxide fuel cell; (d) providing the cathode of the solid oxide fuel cell stack with an oxygen-containing gas; and (e) converting the fuel comprising methane and the oxygen-containing gas to electricity in the solid oxide fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventors: John Bøgild Hansen, Søren Dahl
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Publication number: 20120141916Abstract: The structured body intended for use for an anode (1) in fuel cells, includes a structure formed by macro-pores and an electrode material. The macro-pores form communicating spaces which are produced by using pore forming materials. The electrode material includes skeleton-like or net-like connected structures of particles which are connected by sintering and which form two reticular systems which interengage: a first reticular system made of ceramic material and a second reticular system which contains metals to effect an electrical conductivity. The electrode material has the properties so that, with a multiple change between oxidizing and reducing conditions, substantially no major property changes occur in the ceramic reticular system, and an oxidization or reduction of the metals occurs in the second reticular system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Sulzer Hexis AGInventors: Gilles Robert, Andreas Franz-Josef Kaiser, Emad Batawi
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Publication number: 20120141906Abstract: There are provided an electrode material for a fuel cell, a fuel cell comprising the same, and a method of manufacturing the fuel cell. The electrode material for a fuel cell comprises an electrode base material and spherical polystyrene particles forming pores on the electrode base material through heat treatment. In the case of the electrode material according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the average particle size and content of the spherical polystyrene particles may be controlled to form pores having a uniform size on a sintering body formed of the electrode base material, and the control of the porosity thereof may be facilitated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Han Wool Ryu, Hong Ryul Lee, Jae Hyuk Jang
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Publication number: 20120141905Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell is provided that includes an anode current collecting layer, a cathode, an electrolyte layer, and an anode active layer. The anode current collecting layer contains Ni or NiO, and an oxide represented by a general formula AEZrO3 where AE is one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Mg, and Ba. The electrolyte layer is disposed between the anode current collecting layer and the cathode. The anode active layer is disposed between the electrolyte layer and the anode current collecting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Taku OKAMOTO, Toshihiro Yoshida, Masaru Nishitoba, Takashi Ryu, Makoto Ohmori
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Patent number: 8182658Abstract: An anode 20 of an electrochemical device 10 is connected to the cathode of a battery 30, and a cathode 22 of the electrochemical device 10 is connected to the anode of the battery. An electrolyte layer 24 containing electrolytes is arranged between the anode 20 and the cathode 22. Electrolyte layer 24 is formed by alternately laminating two types of electrolytes formed in the shape of plates. A first electrolyte is a proton conductor 26, and a second electrolyte is an oxygen ion conductor 28. A purification apparatus 120 includes a plurality of electrochemical devices 10.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Naotaka Koide, Nami Ikeda, Hiroyasu Kawauchi, Yoshifumi Kato
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Patent number: 8178258Abstract: An electrochemical device including an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte membrane has a material of formula La1?xSrxGa1?yMGyO3?0.5(x+y), wherein x and y are independently a value of 0.1 to 0.3, said material having a relative density of at least 90% and including LaSrGaO4 in a percentage of 0.05 vol % to 10 vol %. A method for producing energy and a method for separating oxygen from a gas mixture are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Pirelli & C. S.p.A.Inventors: Agustin Sin Xicola, Elena Roda, Yuri A. Dubitsky, Antonio Zaopo, Enrico Albizzati, Evgeny Kopnin
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Publication number: 20120115067Abstract: A process and apparatus of “Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)-CO2 Energy Conversion Cycle (referred to as SOFC-CO2-ECC)” are invented to adopt CO2 as energy sources from waste/stock gas or convert and fix it in the useful compounds. CO2 is converted into CO and O2 via simultaneously catalytic and electrochemical reactions in SOFC for power generation and CO2 cracking. Furthermore, CO is used either as the fuel in SOFC for power generation or starting materials in the chemical reactors to produce CO-derivatives of energy source materials and useful chemical compounds. Hence, SOFC-CO2-ECC is an active or scientific carbon cycle with zero emission of CO2. Thus, the efficacy of environmental protection via solving the problem of CO2 greenhouse effect is achieved, so as to grasp of the “Right of Carbon Emission Trading” issues.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Maw-Chwain Lee, Chun-Hsiu Wang, Yang-Chuang Chang, Wei-Xin Kao, Tai-Nan Lin, Jen-Chen Chang, Rung-Je Yang, Lin-Song Lee
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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
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Patent number: 8173317Abstract: In a fuel cells power generation system provided with a power generation module having a plurality of fuel cells, the structure is made such that a cross sectional area of at least one of a fuel flow path and an air flow path is larger in an inner portion of the power generation module and smaller in an outer portion thereof. Accordingly, gas tends to flow through the inner portion of the power generation module, a gas flow rate is quickened, and it is possible to uniformize a molar flow rate of the fuel and the air supplied to the fuel cell, even in a state in which a temperature distribution of the module is not uniform within the power generation module.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Gunji, Hiromi Tokoi, Shin Takahashi
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Publication number: 20120100459Abstract: An extreme temperature gasket material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 850° F. is provided. The extreme temperature gasket generally includes an inorganic filler, an inorganic fiber, and an organic binder. In some embodiments, the inorganic filler is from 75 to 90 wt % of the gasket material and can include submicron-sized talc particles. The inorganic fiber can be from 5 to 20 wt % of the gasket material and can include silicic acid fiber. The binder can be a latex emulsion and can be present in the gasket material in the range of from 1 to 5 wt % of the gasket material. The gasket material also can include additives, such as flocculant and defoamer. In some embodiments, the amount of organic material present in the gasket material is limited to less than 5 wt % of the gasket material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GARLOCK SEALING TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sherwin Damdar, James Drago