Generators Patents (Class 48/61)
  • Patent number: 8382865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction apparatus having an enhanced connection, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) a reformer (4) in which a reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, a CO remover in which a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, and a connecting portion (6) having a communicating path that communicates between the reforming reaction chamber (31) and the removing reaction chamber (35). The reformer (4) and the CO remover (5) are arranged spaced apart from each other, at least one of which (4, 5) is configured by combining ceramic parts (11, 12) and metal components (15, 16), and the ceramic parts (11, 12) and the metal components (15, 16) are connected with connecting members (18, 20) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Kyocera Corporation, Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Yamamoto, Kaoru Saito, Naotomo Miyamoto, Masaharu Shioya, Toshihiro Hashimoto, Masaaki Miyahara, Atsushi Ogasawara, Ryuji Mori
  • Patent number: 8382864
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen-generating apparatus in which the reduction in reforming efficiency associated with an increase in switching frequency to the regeneration reaction can be suppressed, and generation of hydrogen by reforming can stably be performed. In the reforming reaction, a cathode offgas discharged from a hydrogen-separation-membrane fuel cell 30 having a hydrogen-permeating film is supplied to PSR reformers 10 and 20, in which the reforming reaction and the regeneration reaction are performed alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Keisuke Nagasaka, Naoki Ito, Satoshi Iguchi, Satoshi Aoyama, Hiroshi Aoki, Takashi Shimazu, Hiroyuki Mitsui
  • Patent number: 8382867
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing synthetic natural gas are provided. The method can include gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be cooled to provide a cooled raw syngas. The cooled raw syngas can be processed in a purification system to provide treated syngas. The purification system can include a flash gas separator in fluid communication with the gasifier and a saturator. The treated syngas can be converted to synthetic natural gas to provide steam, a methanation condensate, and a synthetic natural gas. The methanation condensate can be introduced to the flash gas separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Siva Ariyapadi, Philip Shires
  • Patent number: 8382866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction apparatus that efficiently heats a reaction portion, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) includes a reformer (4) in which formed are a reforming reaction chamber (31) and a reformer combustion chamber (30) that generates heat to be supplied to the reforming reaction chamber (31), which (30, 31) are adjacent to each other with a partition interposed therebetween; a CO remover (5) in which formed are a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) and a remover combustion chamber (34) that generates heat to be supplied to the removing reaction chamber (35), which (34, 35) are adjacent to each other with a partition interposed therebetween; and a connecting portion (6) that connects the reformer (4) and the remover (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Kyocera Corporation, Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Saito, Naotomo Miyamoto, Tadao Yamamoto, Yoshihiro Basho, Masaaki Miyahara, Masaharu Shioya, Toshihiro Hashimoto, Atsushi Ogasawara, Ryuji Mori
  • Publication number: 20130042615
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the serious pollution problems from electric power plants that burn coal which may be forced to shut down by virtue of their being uneconomical to be retrofitted with expensive pollution controls. The pollutants from coal-burning power stations comprise SO2, NOx, Hg, Particulate Matter, Ash, and CO2. This invention offers a unique and comprehensive solution that makes possible the prevention of the ill-effects currently caused to health and environment while at the same time would also prevent the closure of these badly needed power generation facilities that provide some 50% of the electricity generated in this country. The herein comprehensive solution converts the six mentioned pollutants into valuable products and thus avoids the discharge of such pollutants into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Richard Owen McCarthy, Terry James Laubis
  • Patent number: 8377154
    Abstract: A gasification system and method. The system can include a gasifier and a purification unit fluidly coupled to the gasifier, with the purification unit receiving raw syngas from the gasifier and producing waste gas and a syngas product. The system can also include a first reformer fluidly coupled to the purification unit, with the first reformer receiving a first portion of the waste gas and producing reformed hydrocarbon. The system can further include a second reformer having a first inlet fluidly coupled to the purification unit, a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first reformer, and an outlet fluidly coupled to the purification unit. The second inlet can receive the reformed hydrocarbon from the first reformer, and the first inlet can receive a second portion of the waste gas from the purification unit. The second reformer can produce a recovered raw syngas that is directed to the purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Siva Ariyapadi, Kamalkumar I. Gursahani, Avinash Malhotra
  • Patent number: 8377156
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a fuel reformer. The method may generally include directing a fluid stream around a reactor assembly of the fuel reformer to cool the reactor assembly, and mixing a heated reformate stream produced by the reactor assembly with the fluid stream to cool the heated reformate stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Hasan Karim, Abdul Rafey Khan
  • Patent number: 8372170
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
  • Patent number: 8372166
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AdaptiveARC, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Patent number: 8372171
    Abstract: A process is presented whereby hot Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is generated under pressure in an external Combustor by the partial oxidation of a carbon-based solid fuel. This pressurized, hot CO gas or CO gas mixture is then transferred to a desulfurizing vessel containing a second carbon-based solid fuel. The hot CO laden gas and solid material contact in a counter-flow arrangement where the CO reacts with and removes sulfur impurities from the second carbon fuel. The temperature of the pressurized CO laden gas from the Combustor is controlled by varying the oxidizer feed gas composition. The Combustor also contains a means for desulfurizing its feed fuel by flowing a portion of the hot CO gas generated up through the inlet solid fuel feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Herrington
  • Patent number: 8372167
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor with an agitator drive assembly for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel. The agitator drive assembly may include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The syngas separation chamber may feed syngas downstream to a syngas heater in a pyrolysis reaction zone in the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AdaptiveARC, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Patent number: 8372168
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation fuel cartridge system which can be removably connected to a fuel cell power module is disclosed. The removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge comprises a fuel storage module and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) that is interchangeable with each module. All controls are preferably contained in the BOP. A heat exchanger may be employed to control the temperature of the cartridge and components such as the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Protonex Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Grant Berry, Keith A. Fennimore, Richard M. Mohring, Richard Rodican
  • Patent number: 8366796
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Mandich, William B. Schafer, III
  • Patent number: 8364287
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power. A monitoring module receives signals from one or more sensors. The signals comprise power level information of an electric energy storage device, power level information of one or more energy converters, and power level information of an electric load. A determination module compares the signals to determine whether electric power from the energy converters satisfies the electric load. A regulation module adjusts the electric power from the energy converters in response to a determination by the determination module that the electric power from the energy converters does not satisfy an electric load threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Trulite, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Pearson, Chris Brydon, Eugene You, Guangde Wang
  • Patent number: 8361175
    Abstract: A method for converting biomass having a water content of at least 50% into gaseous products includes providing a reactor containing supercritical water and a salt melt. The salt melt includes at least one of a salt and a salt mixture. The reactor and the salt melt are heated to the reaction temperature. The biomass is heated to a preheat temperature. The biomass heated to the preheat temperature is fed into the salt melt. The biomass is heated to the reaction temperature so as to commence a conversion of the biomass into the gaseous products, so as to release from the biomass at least one additional salt into the salt melt. An amount of the salt melt containing at least a portion of the at least one additional salt is withdrawn from the reactor and the amount of the withdrawn salt melt is replaced with a fresh salt solution. The gaseous products are removed from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Goldacker, Andrea Kruse, Nicolaus Dahmen
  • Patent number: 8357214
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for generating a gas. One or more liquid permeable pouches each define a cavity that contains a solid anhydrous reactant, such as a chemical hydride. A reaction chamber made of a heat, chemical and/or pressure resistant material receives the one or more pouches from a pouch feeder that transfers the one or more pouches into the reaction chamber successively at a feed rate. One or more liquid sources inject a liquid reactant into the reaction chamber so that the liquid reactant contacts a portion of the one or more pouches. The one or more liquid sources inject the liquid reactant at an injection rate that corresponds to the feed rate. A gas outlet releases a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, borazine, nitrogen, or a hydrocarbon, that is produced by a reaction between the solid reactant and the liquid reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trulite, Inc.
    Inventors: John Madison Patton, Howard Anderson
  • Patent number: 8357213
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trulite, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Patton, J. Kevin Shurtleff, Eric J. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20130014439
    Abstract: A slag agglomerator includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of obstacles. The inlet receives a flow of gas and slag droplets and the outlet allows the flow of gas and slag droplets to exit the agglomerator. The obstacles are oblique or perpendicular to the flow of gas and slag droplets and have an exterior surface containing a ceramic matrix composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8349035
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Shabbir Ahmed, Dionissios D. Papadias, Sheldon H. D. Lee, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia
  • Patent number: 8349036
    Abstract: A system for heating and drying a quantity of coal feedstock being channeled to a gasifier includes a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication with the gasifier for transferring heat from an input stream to an output stream of heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger for receiving the output stream of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger transfers heat from the output stream of heat transfer fluid to a stream of heating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Russell, Judeth Brannon Corry
  • Patent number: 8343242
    Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for generating electric power and apparatus for use in said method, the apparatus comprising a gasifier for biomass material, such as waste, wood chips, straw, etc., said gasifier being of the shaft and updraft fixed bed type, which from the top is charged with the raw material for gasification and into the bottom of which gasifying agent is introduced, and a gas engine driving an electrical generator for producing electrical power, said gas engine being driven by the fuel gas from the gasifier. By supplying the produced fuel gas directly from the gasifier to the gas engine and controlling the production of the fuel gas in the gasifier in order to maintain a constant electrical output power, the necessity of using a gas holder between the gasifier and the gas engine is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Vølund A/S
    Inventors: Claus Geest, Bjørn Teislev
  • Publication number: 20120324790
    Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Sunil Ramabhilakh Mishra, Pradeep S. Thacker, Anindra Mazumdar, Vignesh Venkatraman
  • Patent number: 8338045
    Abstract: A fuel cell system supplies a reacting solution from a liquid storage section to a reaction section to generate a reacting gas. A gas storage section stores the reacting gas and supplies it to a solid polymer membrane fuel cell which generates electricity using the reacting gas as fuel. The reacting solution is supplied from the liquid storage section to the reaction section when the pressure in the liquid storage section is higher than the pressure in the reaction section and the supply of reacting solution is stopped when the pressure in the liquid storage section is lower than the pressure in the reaction section. In this manner, the supply volume of the reacting solution is controlled in accordance with the driving state of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takafumi Sarata, Tuneaki Tamachi, Norimasa Yanase, Kazuyoshi Furuta, Fumiharu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8338041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Hatada
  • Patent number: 8337573
    Abstract: A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-containing product stream from a fuel stream and an oxidant stream incorporates a particulate filter assembly comprising a plurality of filter segments separated by expansion joints to accommodate dimensional changes that result from temperature fluctuations. Other embodiments of a fuel processor incorporate, instead or in addition, one or more of: a flame rod as a temperature sensing device for a reforming reaction; a two-sleeve concentric type heat exchanger; a mixing tube manufactured from an alumina-silica based material; and a wet blanket type of insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventor: Jacobus Neels
  • Publication number: 20120311930
    Abstract: A method for the gasification of solid fuel to produce combustible effluent, comprising the steps of: partially oxidising a biomass fuel in a first oxidation zone to produce char; reducing the char in a reduction zone to form ash; further oxidising any char residue in the ash in a second oxidation zone; and extracting the combustible effluent produced in the above steps, by a discharge pipe wherein in the first oxidation zone the gas flow is in the same direction as fuel flow and in the second oxidation zone the gas flow is in the opposite direction to the fuel flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Murat Dogru, Galip Akay
  • Patent number: 8328885
    Abstract: A fuel reformer burner in which fuel gas and anode-off-gas (AOG) may be burned and backfire may be prevented during combustion of AOG includes a fuel supply portion, an anode-off-gas (AOG) supply portion; and a combustion air supply portion. The fuel supply portion and the AOG supply portion are arranged inside the combustion air supply portion, which is formed to extend beyond the discharge sides of the fuel supply portion and the AOG supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-chul Lee, Nobuya Kanamaru, Takami Higashi, Kang-hee Lee, Doo-hwan Lee, Shigeru Hayashi, Noriaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8328888
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8328890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam and an oxygen-rich gas stream. The processes comprise using at least one catalytic methanator to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gaseous products to methane and do not recycle carbon monoxide or hydrogen to the catalytic gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent G. Reiling, Earl T. Robinson, Nicholas Charles Nahas, Jeffery Smith, Charles Mims
  • Patent number: 8328887
    Abstract: A method for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, by: feeding biomass, carbonizing to yield pyrolysis gas and charcoal, pulverizing the charcoal, and gasifying in a gasifier. The heat source for the carbonizing step comes from a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. Also provided is a device for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, containing at least: a supercharging feeding system for biomass, a carbonization furnace containing at least a burner nozzle, a pulverizing system, a transportation system for charcoal powder, a gasifier, a pneumatic conveying system, and a plurality of connecting pipes therefor; the burner nozzle of the carbonization furnace is connected to an external combustible gas pipe and an external oxygen pipe respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhanchun Yang, Haiqing Zhang, Minxia Cao, Anhe Chen, Hong Li
  • Patent number: 8328889
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing syngas and power therefrom are provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone operated at a temperature from 550° C. to 1,050° C. to provide a syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged in a first zone from the syngas to a condensate to provide steam. Heat can also be indirectly exchanged in a second zone from the syngas to the steam to provide superheated steam. Heat can then be indirectly exchanged in a third zone from the syngas to provide a cooled syngas and the condensate for the first zone. At least a portion of the superheated steam can be directly supplied to one or more steam turbines to produce power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Ravindra K. Agrawal
  • Publication number: 20120304540
    Abstract: Disclosed area process and a system for gasifying biomass to obtain a combustible gas for combustion in an engine. Further, a method and a purification system for removing tar components from a combustible gas having a temperature above its dew-point are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MEVA INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Christian Hulteberg, Håkan Holmberg, Torbjörn Wahlberg, Harry Johansson
  • Patent number: 8323363
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and process for the reformation of hydrogen containing fluids to hydrogen and other constituents, more particularly, the reformation of hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons in a cyclic flow inert porous media reactor for the production of hydrogen and other constituents. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus and process can be used for the reformation of hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur. The cyclic flow reactor comprises a reaction chamber filled with a porous media matrix containing an unconstrained reaction zone located in any portion of the reactor chamber. This reactor system employs valves to canalize the reactant mixture and product mixture during flow cycling channeling the reactant mixture through the porous media matrix, and reacting the reactant mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Energy Solution
    Inventors: Jacques Picardy Bingue, Christopher Lee White, Jean Pierre-Victor
  • Patent number: 8323364
    Abstract: A self-regulating on-demand gas generator. Generation of gas produced from a reaction is selectively, variably, and spontaneously controlled. A variable volume liquid chamber in communication with the pressure pot allows the volume of liquid reactant in the pressure pot to be varied. The amount of product gas generated in the pressure pot depends on the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. The pressure of the product gas regulates the level of liquid in the pressure pot and thereby regulates the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. A sealed gas chamber sharing a flexible diaphragm with the liquid chamber controls the expandability of the liquid chamber. Manipulating the pressure in the sealed gas chamber or the volume of the liquid reactant affects the pressure at which contact by the reactants will be initiated or terminated and thereby provides the ability to control the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: George H. Goble, Charles R. Allen
  • Patent number: 8323366
    Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas (S) from biomass, includes drying the biomass and gasifying the biomass. An equipment to carry out the process is also disclosed. The process further includes: subjecting the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the gasifying step to a first heat exchange, where the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) are cooled, purifying the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) to achieve a process gas (P), the purification being effected by eliminating nitrogen (N2) from the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O), subjecting the process gas (P) to heat exchange, where the process gas (P) is heated, reducing the process gas (P) to synthesis gas (S), subjecting the synthesis gas (S) to heat exchange, where the synthesis gas (S) is cooled and supply air to the gasification is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cortus AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ljunggren
  • Patent number: 8323365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Francis Drnevich, Vasilis Papavassiliou, Troy Michael Raybold, Ramchandra Mukund Watwe
  • Patent number: 8318366
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell using the same includes: a first container containing an aqueous solution of alkaline metal carbonate or bicarbonate; a second container containing a metal hydride; and a supply unit disposed between the first container and the second container. The hydrogen generator has a high hydrogen generating rate, can provide a fuel cell with a high energy density, and the amount of hydrogen generated thereby is easy to control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-ho Kim, Jae-yong Lee, Yeong-suk Choi, Kyoung-hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 8316955
    Abstract: A geothermal energy generation system comprises one or more injection wells for accessing one or more reservoirs having a first temperature, wherein the reservoirs are located below one or more caprocks and are accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. Each of the injection wells has an injection well reservoir opening, and one or more production wells each having a production well reservoir opening. A non-water based working fluid can be provided to the injection wells at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Exposure of the working fluid to the first temperature can produce heated working fluid capable of entering one or more production wells. An energy converting apparatus is connected to each of the one or more injection wells and the one or more productions wells and thermal energy contained in the heated working fluid can be converted to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof, in the energy converting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Martin O. Saar, Jimmy Bryan Randolph, Thomas H. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 8317884
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Michael Curello
  • Patent number: 8317886
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nexterra Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Robert G. Graham, Jan Barynin, Kenneth M. Davison, Dave Berner
  • Patent number: 8313726
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a processing vessel defining a processing space and holding a support body therein, an evacuation system evacuating the processing space; a metal oxide film of a perovskite structure containing oxygen defects formed on the support body, a source gas supplying port supplying a source gas containing molecules of a source compound of carbon dioxide or water into the processing space, a gas outlet port for extracting a product gas containing molecules of a product compound in which oxygen atoms are removed from said source compound, and a heating part heating the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: John David Baniecki, Masatoshi Ishii, Kazuaki Kurihara, Kazunori Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8308829
    Abstract: A method for gasifying a carbonaceous material includes supplying a main slurry flow to a main cavity of a two-stage slurry splitter, dividing the main slurry flow into secondary slurry flows that flow into secondary cavities extending from the main cavity at distal ends of first stage flow dividers, dividing each secondary slurry flow into tertiary slurry flows that flow into slurry injection tubes extending from each secondary cavity at distal ends or second stage flow dividers, injecting the tertiary slurry flows into a gasification chamber coupled to the injector module, impinging annular shaped sprays of a reactant onto corresponding ones of the tertiary slurry flows within the gasification chamber using annular impinging orifices in a face plate of the injector module, and cooling the face plate to withstand high temperatures and abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8307896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids using the Earth's inner heat to generate power and desalinate water. Fluids include fresh water and sea water to be desalinized. The method involves passing a filtered fluid down a channel formed by two concentric tubes in a deep well defining inner and outer channels, to a depth at which the fluid reaches the needed temperature. Hot fluids pass into an inner channel and flow to surface with small heat loss, through an insulated pipe. The hot fluid may be vaporized to produce power, and returned to the system when condensed, forming a closed system, or it may be desalinize seawater in an integrated process that also produces electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Alberto Sarria
  • Publication number: 20120279128
    Abstract: A pulse detonation device is provided for delivering a shock wave into a gasification device to promote a localized coal gasification reaction in the gasification device. The pulse detonation device includes a fuel inlet for receiving fuel, an air inlet for receiving air, a pulse detonation chamber wherein the fuel and air are configured to mix, and an ignition device for igniting the mixture of fuel and air. The ignition of the mixture of fuel and air creates a shock wave in the pulse detonation chamber. Further, the pulse detonation chamber is attached to a gasification chamber and is configured to extend into a coal feed tube that extends into the gasification chamber, with the shock wave configured to exit the pulse detonation chamber and interact with coal in the coal feed tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tian Xuan Zhang, David Michael Chapin, Robert Warren Taylor
  • Patent number: 8303674
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100) includes: a reformer (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas using a raw material and steam; a water evaporator (4) configured to supply the steam to the reformer (1); a sealing device (10) provided on a passage located downstream of the reformer (1) and configured to block a gas in the passage from flowing to the atmosphere; and a depressurizer (3) provided on a passage located upstream of the reformer (1) and configured to release to the atmosphere, pressure in the hydrogen generator (100) which pressure is increased by water evaporation in the water evaporator (4) after the sealing device (10) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Tamura, Kiyoshi Taguchi, Masataka Ozeki, Hideo Ohara
  • Patent number: 8303916
    Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Oscura, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Patent number: 8303675
    Abstract: With a system for synthesis gas production, having a reactor as well as a gas cooler/purifier connected with it in terms of flow, a solution is supposed to be created, with which the most compact possible connection between reactor, on the one hand, and the gas cooler or purifier, on the other hand, is made possible, whereby heat expansions that occur due to different temperatures are absorbed. This is accomplished in that the connection between reactor (1) and gas cooler/purifier (7) is formed by a horizontal connection piece (5) having a throttle element (6) configured as a Venturi element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Semrau, Gregor Hock
  • Patent number: 8303673
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for gasifying combustible dusts in an entrained flow gasifier with several gasification burners. Each gasification burner is associated with one or a plurality of lock hopper and dosing systems having a plurality of supply flows. This has the advantage that the burners will continue to operate in the event of a failure of one supply flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Fischer, Manfred Schingnitz
  • Publication number: 20120272575
    Abstract: A fuel reforming system includes a reformer that produces fuel gas that includes hydrogen by reforming a reforming fuel by a steam reforming reaction using reforming water, and; supply amount regulating means for regulating an amount of the reforming water supplied to the reformer; pressure detecting means for detecting a gas pressure in the reformer; and correcting means for correcting the amount of supplied reforming water with the supply amount regulating means based on a fluctuation amount in the gas pressure detected by the pressure detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takatoshi Masui
  • Patent number: 8298306
    Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and catalyst, with gasification of the particles entrained in the vented steam. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: David Walker Taylor