Having Diverse Cells Or Diverse Removable Cells In A Support Means Patents (Class 429/9)
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Patent number: 9601789Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, and method of operation, for a fuel cell which uses bubble-based pumping to self-pump the fuel to the anode, and a single, common channel separating the anode from the cathode through which a mixed fuel and electrolyte flow. The fuel cell includes a single channel having two of its sides formed by the anode and the cathode, each having a suitable catalyst. A bubble generating region is formed in the anode and cathode reaction area of the channel. A one-way valve is located upstream of the bubble generating region. A vent for venting bubbles is disposed over a portion of the channel downstream of the bubble generating region. The fuel cell may be advantageously used to build miniature fuel cells for miniature electronic devices, or scaled to build larger fuel cells for larger electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chang-Jin Kim, Janet Hur, Desheng Meng
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Patent number: 9583767Abstract: Methods for making battery electrode system are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a mixture of a polymer binder, an active material and a conductive filler is deposited on a current collector. The deposited mixture is exposed to an external field having a field direction that is normal to a surface of the current collector. The exposure aligns, outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector, the active material and the conductive filler to form a plurality of discrete structures that extend outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector and are respectively aligned with a field line of the external field. Each of the plurality of discrete structures includes some of the active material and some of the conductive filler.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark W. Verbrugge, Tao Xie, Hamid G. Kia
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Patent number: 9478835Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid device comprising: an energy converting unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an energy converting medium arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the energy conversion takes place between the first electrode and the second electrode; an energy charge storing unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte medium; wherein the energy charge is stored between the first and the second electrode; the second electrode of the energy converting unit and the second electrode of the energy charge storing unit being a shared electrode electrically connecting the energy converting unit and the energy charge storing unit; and wherein the shared electrode comprises a metal and a nanostructured material. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such a hybrid device.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Nanyang Technological UniversityInventors: Wai Fatt Mak, Tsyh Ying Grace Wee, Teddy Salim, Madhavi Srinivasan, Subodh Mhaisalkar, Yin Chiang Freddy Boey
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Patent number: 9478816Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly may include a shaped fuel source that is formed into a desired shape. The shaped fuel source may have an outer surface, and a fuel cell may be mounted directly on the outer surface of the shaped fuel source. In some instances, the fuel cell assembly may also include one or more of a cathode cap, an anode cap, a refill port, and an outer shell disposed around an exterior of the fuel cell assembly, but these are not required.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 9425492Abstract: A system includes housing having a positive terminal and a negative terminal and one or more energy storage devices disposed therein. One system includes a first energy storage device that operates at a first state of charge level and a second energy storage device that operates at a second state of charge level. The second state of charge level is greater than the first state of charge level.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ou Mao, Qi Zhang, Thomas M. Watson, Junwei Jiang
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Patent number: 9406967Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a lithium secondary cell with which the concentrated precipitation of metal impurities at the negative electrode is inhibited and short circuiting is unlikely to occur. The production method includes, assembling together the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, and then impregnating the assembly with the nonaqueous electrolyte; charging the assembly within 1 min so that a maximum achieved potential of the positive electrode becomes 3.2 V or more with respect to the redox potential of lithium; allowing the assembly to stand for 10 min or less after the charging has ended; and discharging the assembly within 1 min after the standing step.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hisataka Fujimaki, Katsuyuki Hojo, Tomotaka Hagino, Hiroyuki Kawaki, Shinya Kamada, Hisanao Kojima
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Patent number: 9385706Abstract: A boost converter for driving the gate of n-channel MOSFET power devices is described. The boost converter includes a monitoring circuit and a kick start circuit to quickly bring the boost converter online when required to drive the MOSFET on.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.Inventor: David Deam
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Patent number: 9368819Abstract: An air CO2 filtration assembly or system is provided that includes CO2 filters or traps designed and configured with a limited, but high capacity, volume to maximize filtration/absorption of CO2 from an air stream supplied to an alkaline fuel cell to thereby minimize the CO2 level in the air stream fed into the fuel cell cathode. The CO2 filters or traps include at least one thermally regenerative CO2 chemical filter or trap arranged in a tandem configuration with a strongly bonding CO2 chemical filter or trap. The combination of the two types of filters or traps sequentially filter/absorb CO2 from the air stream and reduce the level of CO2 in the air stream fed into the cathode. The air CO2 filtration assembly or system may be used in conjunction with electrochemical purging of the alkaline fuel cell that enables removal of CO2 from the fuel cell by anodic decomposition of accumulated carbonate ions in the fuel cell anode and release of CO2 through the anode exhaust stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Inventor: Shimshon Gottesfeld
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Patent number: 9356276Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage system including at least a first type of electrochemical cell and a second type of electrochemical cell. The first type of electrochemical cell and the second type of electrochemical cell have different geometries. Also methods of making and using the electrochemical energy storage system.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: AQUION ENERGY INC.Inventor: Jay Whitacre
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Patent number: 9343781Abstract: An Adaptive Current-collector Electrochemical (ACE) system utilizes an array of contact pads and associated current control transistors to control localized current generation in discrete regions of a battery. Each contact pad is formed on a battery electrode (anode or cathode) and coupled to an associated discrete battery region, and is connected by an associated transistor to a current collection plate. Sensors are used to monitor operating parameters (e.g., localized current flow and operating temperature) of each discrete battery region, and a control circuit uses the sensor data to control the operating state of the transistors, whereby localized current flow through each transistor is increased, decreased or turned off according to measured local operating parameters. The control circuit utilizes local control circuits that process local sensor data using “stand-alone” control logic, or a central controller that processes all sensor data and coordinates transistor operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Eric J. Shrader, Robert Sean McHenry
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Patent number: 9325030Abstract: A battery and process of operating a battery system is provided using high hydrogen capacity complex hydrides in an organic non-aqueous solvent that allows the transport of hydride ions such as AlH4? and metal ions during respective discharging and charging steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: Ragaiy Zidan
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Patent number: 9287580Abstract: A lithium-ion battery includes a case, an electrolyte, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an auxiliary electrode. The positive electrode includes a current collector and an active material. The negative electrode includes a current collector and an active material. The auxiliary electrode includes an active material. The electrolyte, positive electrode, and negative electrode are disposed within the case. The auxiliary electrode is configured to selectively couple to the negative electrode to irreversibly absorb lithium from the negative electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventor: Gaurav Jain
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Patent number: 9276285Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly may include a shaped fuel source that is formed into a desired shape. The shaped fuel source may have an outer surface, and a fuel cell may be mounted directly on the outer surface of the shaped fuel source. In some instances, the fuel cell assembly may also include one or more of a cathode cap, an anode cap, a refill port, and an outer shell disposed around an exterior of the fuel cell assembly, but these are not required.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 9276280Abstract: Devices and methods for power generation via combined fuel thermolysis and hydrolysis are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include a housing that includes an air intake, a fuel cartridge adapted to be removably placed within the housing, wherein the fuel cartridge includes a heating element configured to heat a fuel located in the fuel cartridge to cause a release of hydrogen from the fuel, an air conduit disposed about the fuel cartridge in the housing, wherein the air conduit includes a fuel cell portion and a water vapor permeable, hydrogen impermeable membrane portion, and the air conduit is configured to direct oxygen from the air intake to the fuel cell portion and to carry water vapor generated by the fuel cell portion past the membrane portion such that water vapor passes through the membrane portion and causes release of hydrogen from the fuel cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 9269974Abstract: A fuel cell system acquires an operation state of a fuel cell and estimates an IV characteristic that indicates a relationship between a current and a voltage in the fuel cell. At least one of a resistance overvoltage, an activation overvoltage, a current-voltage hysteresis and a concentration overvoltage of the fuel cell is determined from the operation state of the fuel cell, and the IV characteristic is estimated based on the determined result.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaaki Matsusue, Yutaka Tano, Naohisa Tsuchiya, Tadaomi Kinomoto
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Patent number: 9214688Abstract: A fuel cell system for generating power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas to a fuel cell includes a valve provided in the fuel cell system and to be driven by a stepping motor, a stop-time valve control unit for controlling a valve body of the valve to a predetermined initialization position by controlling the stepping motor when a request to stop the fuel cell system is made, and a valve initializing unit for rotating the stepping motor by a predetermined initialization step number smaller than a maximum step number of the stepping motor so that the valve body of the valve moves toward the initialization position when a request to start the fuel cell system is made.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhide Shimada
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Patent number: 9209632Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods of direct cell attachment for battery cells disclosed herein operate without the protection FETs and the protection IC, thereby enabling the direct attachment of battery cells to the system without compromising safety. A charger IC comprises a switching regulator whose output is used to charge the battery through a pass device. In example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods of direct cell attachment, a combination of switching FETs and the pass device are used as a protection device instead of the charge and discharge FETs. During normal operation, the pass device may be used to charge the battery using the traditional battery charging profile. Under fault condition, the switching FETs and pass device may be driven appropriately to protect the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Karthik Kadirvel, III, Steve Harrell, Brian Lum-Shue-Chan
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Patent number: 9209445Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride (hydrogen) hybrid storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a combination negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy electrode and a reversible hydrogen electrode, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a substantially non-porous ion conducting material wherein the alkali conducted is Na, K, or Li. A method of charging and discharging such a hybrid battery is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John Howard Gordon, Sai Bhavaraja
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Patent number: 9168845Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling an operation mode of a fuel cell in a fuel cell vehicle wherein, (a) when a driver-demanded torque is lower than a first torque, and a current state of charge (SOC) in a battery is higher than a first SOC, the operation mode of the fuel cell is converted to a stop mode, and (b) when the driver-demanded torque is higher than a second torque, or the current SOC in the battery is lower than a second SOC, the operation mode is converted to a start mode, wherein the second torque is higher than the first torque and the second SOC is lower than the first SOC.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sang Uk Kwon, Soon Il Jeon
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Patent number: 9168387Abstract: A power supply including: a reserve power source for providing power, the reserve power source including: a liquid reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator having a liquid electrolyte for activating the liquid reserve battery upon a mechanical activation such that the liquid electrolyte is forced from the activator into the liquid reserve battery through a communication between the activator and the liquid reserve battery; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the liquid reserve battery for outputting the produced power; and a mechanical stop for preventing the activator from activating the liquid reserve battery, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired. Where the activator includes a container having the liquid electrolyte contained therein and the activator further includes: a top and a bellow attached on one end to the top and to a portion of the liquid reserve battery at an other end.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLCInventor: Jahangir S Rastegar
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Patent number: 9109286Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a lithium-ion secondary battery suitable for mass production. A lithium-ion secondary battery is manufactured in such a manner that a positive electrode layer is formed on a base including a plane by chemical vapor deposition which is specifically metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, an electrolyte layer is formed on the positive electrode layer, and a negative electrode layer is formed on the electrolyte layer. The positive electrode layer is formed with a MOCVD apparatus. The MOCVD apparatus is an apparatus with which a liquid or a solid of an organic metal raw material is vaporized to produce a gas and the gas is reacted to undergo pyrolysis so that a film is formed. By forming all the layers using sputtering, evaporation, or chemical vapor deposition, a solid lithium-ion secondary battery can also be realized.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Yasuyuki Arai
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Patent number: 9099705Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a secondary cell that receives and stores surplus power by which output of the fuel cell is greater than power demanded of the system if the output is so, and that compensates for shortfall by which the output of the fuel cell is less than the power demanded of the system if the output is so; a voltage measurement portion that measures voltage of the fuel cell; a current measurement portion that measures current of the fuel cell; and a control portion that performs a control such that the voltage of the fuel cell does not exceed or equal a pre-set high-potential avoidance voltage. If a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell declines by at least a pre-determined amount from an early-period level, the control portion re-sets the high-potential avoidance voltage to a value that is smaller than an early-period set value.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomotaka Ishikawa, Hironori Noto, Keigo Suematsu, Koichiro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20150140360Abstract: There is a cell comprising an article comprising a hydrocarbon ionomer. The article may be any element in the cell, such as an interior wall, or a modification to an element, such as a film, a membrane, and a coating. The hydrocarbon ionomer is any polymer with ionic functionality, and not containing halogen or halogen-containing substituents. The hydrocarbon ionomer may also be included in a composition within an element of the cell, such as a porous separator. The cell also comprises a positive electrode including sulfur compound, a negative electrode, a circuit coupling the positive electrode with the negative electrode, an electrolyte medium and an interior wall of the cell. In addition, there are methods of making the cell and methods of using the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Samuel David Arthur, Kostantinos Kourtakis, Brent Wise
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Publication number: 20150140365Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a compressor provided in a cathode gas supply passage configured to feed the cathode gas under pressure to the fuel cell, a bypass passage configured to discharge the cathode gas fed under pressure by the compressor to a cathode gas discharge passage while bypassing the fuel cell, a bypass valve provided in the bypass passage and configured to adjust a flow rate of the cathode gas flowing in the bypass passage, a system stopping unit configured to stop the fuel cell system by performing a predetermined stop sequence process when a request to stop the fuel cell system is made, and a stop-time bypass valve control unit configured to control a valve body of the bypass valve to a predetermined initialization position in parallel with the sequence process during the stop sequence process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Kazuhide Shimada, Hayato Chikugo
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Patent number: 9028989Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yan Zhang, Steven R. Falta, Steven D. Burch, Glenn W. Skala
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Patent number: 9030169Abstract: A battery system and method of providing a state of charge of for the system in one embodiment includes at least one first cell, the at least one first cell having a first battery chemistry exhibiting a first open circuit potential, and at least one second cell in series connection with the at least one first cell, the at least one second cell having a second battery chemistry exhibiting a second open circuit potential, wherein the at least one first cell exhibits an open circuit potential with a center slope that is greater than the center slope of the open circuit potential exhibited by the at least one second cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: John F. Christensen, Jasim Ahmed
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Publication number: 20150111070Abstract: A starting apparatus of a fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell stack that supplies a driving voltage to a motor; a low voltage battery that supplies a starting voltage to an air blower; and a high voltage DC converter that boosts at least one of the driving voltage and the starting voltage and selectively transmits the boosted voltage to the motor and the air blower. A method of starting the fuel cell vehicle includes transmitting the starting voltage to the high voltage DC converter and boosting the starting voltage when entering a starting mode; driving the air blower with the boosted starting voltage; generating the driving voltage according to starting of the fuel cell stack; blocking the starting voltage to the high voltage DC converter if the driving voltage is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage value; and supplying the driving voltage to the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Boung Ho Min, Ho Sung Kang, Ji Tae Kim
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Publication number: 20150104676Abstract: A battery for automotive electrical system comprises a lead battery having an outer shape of a rectangular box and having length longer than the width, and a sub-battery connected in parallel to the lead battery. A first main terminal as a positive electrode terminal and a second terminal as a negative electrode terminal are disposed at both ends adjacent to a long side on an upper surface. The first main terminal as an output terminal of the lead battery is connected to a vehicle lead line, and the second main terminal is connected to the sub-battery. The sub-battery has a structure in which plural cells are stored in an outer case, and the outer case is disposed outside an end portion in the lengthwise direction of the lead battery and adjacent to the second main terminal of the lead battery, and the lead battery and the sub-battery are coupled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Wataru Okada, Masao Saito, Fumio Yasutomi
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Patent number: 9005784Abstract: This device comprises an enclosure and electric connections for connection, in a power supply circuit, with either one of two interchangeable electric power sources, as required. The enclosure delineates a housing accommodating either two primary cells together or a storage battery. A contact for connecting a terminal of one of the primary cells to a terminal of the other primary cell comprises a clamp that is deformable between a first configuration in which each one of two facing branches of the contact is positioned to connect one of said terminals by penetrating into an accommodating volume for accommodating the storage battery, and a second configuration in which the two branches are placed outside said accommodating volume which is left free.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: ZedelInventors: Boris Bouffay, Philippe Berrel
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Publication number: 20150086813Abstract: An energy generating system using capacitive electrodes and a method therefore are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes first electrode and a second electrode compartments. A number of electrolyte compartments are provided between the first and second compartments. The compartments are formed by a number of alternately provided cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes. In use, the electrolyte compartments are alternately filled with a high and low osmotic flow, such that the first and second electrodes are charged with positively or negatively charged ions. A circuit is connected to the at least first and second electrodes for collecting the generated energy; and a switching device is included for switching between the high and low osmotic flows such that the system switches from a first energy generating state to a second energy generating state with the first and second electrodes switching polarity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: David Arie Vermaas, Joost Veerman, Machiel Saakes
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Publication number: 20150064509Abstract: A fuel cell module is configured or operated, or both, such that after a shut down procedure a fuel cell stack is discharged and has its cathode electrodes at least partially blanketed with nitrogen during at least some periods of time. If the fuel cell module is restarted in this condition, electrochemical reactions are limited and do not quickly re-charge the fuel cell stack. To decrease start up time, air is moved into the cathode electrodes before the stack is re-charged. The air may be provided by a pump, fan or blower driven by a battery or by the flow or pressure of stored hydrogen. For example, an additional fan or an operating blower may be driven by a battery until the fuel cell stack is able to supply sufficient current to drive the operating blower for normal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: HYDROGENICS CORPORATIONInventor: Nathaniel Ian Joos
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Publication number: 20150056477Abstract: This invention provides a kind of mixed power supply energy management method for fuel battery, including the following steps: initialization; control the output current of DCDC converting unit according to the measured energy storage device voltage and the actual current outputted by the DCDC converting unit, respond to the energy need resulting from load condition change and at the same time ensure the energy storage device to be in a best charge state; send a current setting instruction to the DCDC converting unit. This invention does not adopt the SOC calculation mode any more, the system no longer relies on the accuracy, reliability of current sensor; and this invention is strongly compatible, highly reliable, strongly practical and stable in output voltage, with the same system being applicable to more vehicles of different models (forklift) and parameter correction being unnecessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Xuxu Ge
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Publication number: 20150054468Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a self-powered internal medical device. An example device may comprise at least an energy generation module and an operations module to at least control the energy generation module. The energy generation module may include a structure to capture certain molecules in the organic body based at least on size, the structure including a surface of the device in which at least one opening is formed. The at least one opening may be sized to only capture certain molecules. The operations module may initiate oxidation reactions in the captured molecules to generate current for device operation or for storage in an energy storage module. Thermoelectric generation circuitry in the energy generation module may also use heat from the reaction to generate a second current. The operations module may control operation of a sensor module and/or communication module in the device based on the generated energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Dmitri E. Nikonov, Michael C. Mayberry, Ian A. Young, Kelin J. Kuhn
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Publication number: 20150050527Abstract: A battery system may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies electrically coupled in series. A first battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a first lithium ion battery cell and a first lead acid battery cell electrically coupled in parallel with the first lithium ion battery cell such that the first lead acid battery cell is configured to resist overcharging and overdischarging of the first lithium ion battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Junwei Jiang, Bernhard M. Metz
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Publication number: 20150050524Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the internal ohmic resistance of a fuel cell system, in which the resistance can be easily measured through a current interruption method even while the fuel cell system is operated. An interrupter and an external energy consumption device are connected in parallel to each other between a fuel cell and a main energy consumption device such that current to the external energy consumption device is applied and interrupted by switching the interrupter on/off even while the fuel cell system is maintained in operation as is, thereby making it possible to easily measure the internal ohmic resistance of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Jae Hoon KIM
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Publication number: 20150050528Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a control valve configured to control a pressure of the anode gas supplied to the fuel cell, the power controller electrically connected to the fuel cell and configured to control an output of the fuel cell based on a power generation required amount for the fuel cell, a pulsation operation control unit configured to increase a pressure of the anode gas downstream of the control valve in accordance with the power generation required amount for the fuel cell and to increase and decrease the pressure of the anode gas periodically, and an output limiting unit configured to limit an output of the fuel cell set by the power controller when the power generation required amount for the fuel cell decreases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Takahiro Fujii, Tatsuro Ishikawa, Yasushi Ichikawa, Keigo Ikezoe
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Publication number: 20150010786Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric onboard power system, in which electrical components and at least one lithium-ion battery are integrated. The lithium-ion battery includes a plurality of lithium-ion cells, each lithium-ion cell is based on a cell technology, and the cell technologies of at least two lithium-ion cells are different.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Markus MAUERER, Sebastian SCHARNER, Andreas STOERMER, Marcus HAFKEMEYER
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Publication number: 20150010785Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module for generating electrical energy by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, a condenser for condensing water vapor in an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and a coolant to collect the condensed water and supplying the collected condensed water to the fuel cell module. The condenser includes an air cooling condensing mechanism using the oxygen-containing gas as the coolant. The air cooling condensing mechanism includes a secondary battery for inducing endothermic reaction during charging and inducing exothermic reaction during discharging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Tetsuya Ogawa
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Publication number: 20140377596Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage system is provided for an application having design energy and power requirements. The electrochemical energy storage system comprises first and second energy storage system components having different electro-chemistries and formed in different units. Said first energy storage system component includes a non-lead-acid battery adapted to provide the energy requirements of the application. Said second energy storage system component includes a lead-acid battery adapted to provide the power requirements of the application. Said first and second energy storage system components have a combined capacity that is less than a capacity of a mono-electrochemical energy storage system adapted to supply both the power and energy requirements of the application.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Subhash K. DHAR, Dennis TOWNSEND, Fabio ALBANO, Srinivasan VENKATESAN, William KOETTING, Franklin MARTIN, Lin HIGLEY
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Publication number: 20140368158Abstract: A rechargeable, hybrid battery system incorporates a high power battery component and a high energy density battery component. The voltage of the high energy density battery varies as a function of its state of charge, but remains greater than the voltage of the high power battery throughout the operating range of the battery system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: A123 SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Viet Vu, Michael R. Wixom
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Patent number: 8907616Abstract: A hybrid power supply system includes a number of power modules electrically connected with each other in series. Each power module includes a fuel cell unit and a lithium-ion battery unit. Each fuel cell unit includes at least two fuel cell monomers electrically connected with each other in series. Each lithium-ion battery unit includes one or more lithium ion battery monomers electrically connected with each other in parallel. Each fuel cell unit is electrically connected with each lithium-ion battery unit in parallel to directly charge the lithium-ion battery unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhi-Xiang Liu, Cheng Wang, Xiang-Ming He, Jian-Jun Li, Jian-Wei Guo, Jian Gao
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Patent number: 8907133Abstract: The invention generally encompasses phosphonium ionic liquids, salts, compositions and their use in many applications, including but not limited to: as electrolytes in electronic devices such as memory devices including static, permanent and dynamic random access memory, as electrolytes in energy storage devices such as batteries, electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) or supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, electrolytic capacitors, as electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as electrolytes in fuel cells, as a heat transfer medium, among other applications. In particular, the invention generally relates to phosphonium ionic liquids, salts, compositions, wherein the compositions exhibit superior combination of thermodynamic stability, low volatility, wide liquidus range, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability. The invention further encompasses methods of making such phosphonium ionic liquids, salts, compositions, operational devices and systems comprising the same.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: eSionic ES, Inc.Inventors: Wayne L. Gellett, Benjamin L. Rupert, Levi J. Irwin, Leanne Beer, Shilpa A. Worlikar, Steven Z. Shi
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Patent number: 8906525Abstract: Provided is an energy storage device cell capable of enhancing energy density. The energy storage device cell includes: a battery main body including battery anode plate members and battery cathode plate members, in which the battery cathode plate members are placed at both ends in a stack direction; common anode plate members each including a common anode collector foil having a through-hole formed therein and common anode electrode layers, the common anode plate members being stacked on the battery cathode plate members placed at both ends in the stack direction of the battery main body; capacitor cathode plate members each including a capacitor cathode collector foil and a capacitor cathode electrode layer, in which the capacitor cathode electrode layer is placed between the common anode plate member and the capacitor cathode collector foil.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kenro Mitsuda, Makiko Kise, Shoji Yoshioka, Shigeru Aihara
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Patent number: 8900737Abstract: An energy storage system including a battery cell, a tray for receiving the battery cell, and a rack for receiving the tray. The rack includes a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to connect to the tray inserted into the rack and to vibrate together with the tray when the tray vibrates due to, for example, an earth quake or external impact applied to the rack, thereby preventing an electric connection between the tray and the connector unit from being broken.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoungju Kim, Jeongdeok Byun, Eunok Kwak, Jongwook Yoon
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Publication number: 20140349144Abstract: The present application relates to a fuel cell system and a method for driving same, which can produce stable electricity, enhance load following capability, and simultaneously increasing fuel utilization rate and energy efficiency by separately managing a base load and a load following of a fuel cell, and the fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present application comprises: a molten carbonate fuel cell for generating electricity by using fuel; a reaction gas for shifting discharge gas into water gas; a buffer tank for storing the water gas; and a driving device which is actuated by using the water gas that is stored and provided from the buffer tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Hoon Kim, Choa Moon Yun, Tae Hee Kim, Gi Pung Lee, Tae Won Lee
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Patent number: 8889276Abstract: A method for managing the operation of a hybrid continuous current supply, said supply including a fuel cell stack a battery and a DC/DC converter including an input and an output, the converter input being connected to the output of the fuel cell stack and the output being connected to a variable load in parallel to the battery, the fuel cell stack being formed of a plurality of electrochemical cells adapted to produce electricity from a fuel and an oxidising gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Belenos Clean Power Holding AGInventor: Jerome Bernard
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Publication number: 20140335380Abstract: A self-recharging battery apparatus including a magnesium-air fuel cell component having external battery connector elements; a rechargeable battery; and a water-tight inner sleeve configured to and receiving the rechargeable battery and the inner sleeve being fixedly connected to an inner side of the magnesium-air fuel cell component and the rechargeable battery being electrically connected to the magnesium-air fuel cell component external battery connector elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Allan Riggs
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Publication number: 20140327298Abstract: An energy storage arrangement includes at least two rechargeable energy storage devices connected in parallel. A first energy storage device has a plurality of lead-based storage elements, and a second energy storage device has a plurality of lithium-based storage elements. Between charge state limits of 0 to 100% a charge state interval is achieved in which the nominal voltage of the second energy storage device is in a range between the maximum charging voltage and the nominal voltage of the first energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Audi AGInventor: Josef Winkler
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Patent number: 8868272Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric storage device, an electric motor that generates driving force for running the vehicle, using electric power output from the storage device, and a controller that controls an output of the storage device. The controller includes a restriction control unit that restricts a permissible output power indicating electric power permitted to be output from the storage device, based on a load condition of the storage device, and an output control unit that reduces the rate of increase of the electric power output from the storage device as the permissible output power is more likely to be restricted when returning from a restricted condition in which the permissible output power is restricted by the restriction control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Jun Yasue
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Publication number: 20140295217Abstract: This invention provides a kind of miniaturized forklift fuel cell supply system consists of enclosure 90 and the fuel cell system 100 provided in the said enclosure 90, DCDC converting unit 2, contactor 3, energy storage device 4, controller 7, which also consists of the power supply output end 5 provided outside the said enclosure 90 and the operation control unit 6 provided in the said enclosure 90, in which, the said contactor 3 is a normal open type high-current contactor, the said DCDC converting unit 2 includes the DCDC converter 21 and high-power diode 22 connecting with it. This invention is compact in structure and facilitates such work as system installation, overhaul and maintenance, etc. This invention can contain an energy storage device with a higher capacity, making the energy storage device be in a charging and discharging condition with a low multiplying factor and extending the service life of the energy storage device and the time for which the system can be left unused.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Xuxu Ge