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348results about "Fuel cell applications" patented technology

Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells

A fuel cell based subterranean heater for mineral extraction, in situ decontamination, or other applications. The fuel cells are preferably stacked within a casing which is then inserted into a hole bored, or otherwise formed, into the formation to be heated. Conduits within the casing, and preferably formed by adjacent, aligned holes formed through the plates of the individual fuel cells supply fuel and air and extract exhaust gases. An optional manifold is used to span the overburden without applying heat to it directly. The manifold may also function as a heat exchanger between incoming and exhaust gases. Preferably the fuel cell is fueled by gases produced by the formation and also generates electricity which is available for use or export.
Owner:IEP TECH INC

Working fluids for thermal energy conversion of waste heat from fuel cells using rankine cycle systems

A process for recovering waste heat which comprises: (a) passing a liquid phase working fluid through a heat exchanger in communication with a process which produces the waste heat; (b) removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger; (c) passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander, wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy; and (d) passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser, wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed to the liquid phase working fluid. The preferred working fluid is an organic Rankine cycle system working fluid comprising compounds having the following general structure: where x, y, z, and m are each selected from the group consisting of: fluorine, hydrogen, Rf, and R, wherein R and Rf are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated.
Owner:HONEYWELL INT INC

Combined fuel cell and fuel combustion power generation systems

A power generation system is provided which converts chemical energy in one or more fuels into electrical and / or mechanical power. The system includes both fuel cells to directly convert electrical energy in a fuel into electrical power and at lest one combustor and expander to generate mechanical power, optionally than converted to electrical power in a generator. Fuel cell products disclosed from the fuel cell are entered into the combustor to be heated along with products of combustion created in the combustor and expanded in the expander along with the products of combustion.
Owner:CLEAN ENERGY SYST

Method and Apparatus for Energy Harvesting and/or Generation, Storage, and Delivery

A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications. Also low power charge pump driver circuits for efficient scavenging of low voltage, high current energy sources.
Owner:TPL SRL

Ultrathin porous nanoscale membranes, methods of making, and uses thereof

A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.
Owner:UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

Flow battery systems

ActiveUS20120052347A1Uniform metal platingHigh cell current densityFuel and secondary cellsCell electrodesEngineeringMetal
Embodiments of the invention generally provide for flow battery cells and systems containing a plurality of flow battery cells, and methods for improving metal plating within the flow battery cell, such as by flowing and exposing the catholyte to various types of cathodes. In one embodiment, a flow battery cell is provided which includes a cathodic half cell and an anodic half cell separated by an electrolyte membrane, wherein the cathodic half cell contains a plurality of cathodic wires extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to and within the catholyte pathway and in contact with the catholyte, and each of the cathodic wires extends parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In some examples, the plurality of cathodic wires may have at least two arrays of cathodic wires, each array contains at least one row of cathodic wires, and each row extends along the catholyte pathway.
Owner:APPLIED MATERIALS INC

Working fluids for thermal energy conversion of waste heat from fuel cells using Rankine cycle systems

A process for recovering waste heat which comprises: (a) passing a liquid phase working fluid through a heat exchanger in communication with a process which produces the waste heat; (b) removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger; (c) passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander, wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy; and (d) passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser, wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed to the liquid phase working fluid. The preferred working fluid is an organic Rankine cycle system working fluid comprising compounds having the following general structure:where x, y, z, and m are each selected from the group consisting of: fluorine, hydrogen, Rf, and R, wherein R and Rf are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated.
Owner:HONEYWELL INT INC

Hybrid power system for continuous reliable power at remote locations

The present inventive subject matter is thus drawn to a hybrid ultra reliable power generating system for supplying continuous reliable power at remote locations comprising: a primary power unit producing electric power that is supplied to a load. And a secondary power unit in the form of a closed cycle vapor turbine (CCVT) system that is capable of producing 100% of the electric power that is produced by the primary power unit and which is heated in hot standby by rejected heat of the primary power unit, wherein the vaporizer of the CCVT is maintained during hot standby at a temperature above its nominal operating temperature and the vapor turbine of the CCVT is preferable maintained at idle during hot standby at a rotating speed.Preferably, the CCVT includes a burner that combusts the same fuel as the primary power unit and supplies sufficient heat so that the CCVT produces 100% of power produced by the primary unit to the load once the primary power units stops operation.
Owner:ORMAT TECH INC

Integrated fuel cell hybrid power plant with controlled oxidant flow for combustion of spent fuel

InactiveUS20050079395A1Reduction of fuelReduction of carbon monoxide emissionFuel cells groupingFuel cell auxillariesElectric forceRecuperator
A hybrid power generation system for generating electrical power comprises a compressor for producing a compressed oxidant and a recuperator in flow communication with the compressor. The hybrid power generation system further comprises a fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cells in flow communication with the recuperator to provide the compressed oxidant for the fuel cell assembly. The fuel cell assembly further comprises a cathode inlet for receiving the compressed oxidant, an anode inlet for receiving a fuel stream, an anode outlet in flow communication with an anode exhaust stream and a cathode outlet in flow communication with a cathode exhaust stream, wherein at least a portion of the fuel reacts with the oxidant to produce electrical power. The hybrid power generation system further comprises a tail gas burner in flow communication with the anode outlet and the cathode outlet. The tail gas burner is configured for combusting a mixture of at least a portion of the anode exhaust stream and at least a portion of the cathode exhaust stream and producing a hot compressed gas. A control system is used for controlling the amount of the cathode exhaust stream introduced in the tail gas burner for stable combustion and reduction of fuel and carbon monoxide emission. The hot compressed gas from the tail gas burner is introduced to a turbine, where the hot compressed gas is expanded, thereby producing electrical power and an expanded gas.
Owner:GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Enhanced high efficiency fuel cell/turbine power plant

A hybrid fuel cell system having a fuel cell and a heat engine having an expansion cycle and a compressor cycle and which is further adapted to include a bypass assembly for segmenting expanded oxidant supply gas from the expansion cycle of the heat engine into a first expanded oxidant supply gas portion and a second expanded gas portion and in which the first expanded oxidant supply gas portion is used for the fuel cell and the second expanded gas portion bypassed around the fuel cell.
Owner:FUELCELL ENERGY INC

Hybrid power generating system combining a fuel cell and a gas turbine

A system for co-generation of electricity combining a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer, an SOFC assembly and a generator driven by a gas turbine. The fuel cell assembly recycles a high percentage of anode exhaust gas into the reformer. Oxygen for reforming is derived from water in an endothermic process. The stack exit temperature is normally above 800° C. DC power from the fuel cell assembly and AC power from the gas turbine generator are directed to a power conditioner. Anode exhaust gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen is divided into a plurality of portions by which heat may be added to the reforming, gas turbine, and cathode air heating processes. Water may be recovered from the exhaust. A power system in accordance with the invention is capable of operating at a higher total efficiency than either the fuel cell component or the gas turbine component alone.
Owner:APTIV TECH LTD

Fuel cell system power control method and system

A fuel cell is placed in parallel with a battery via a mechanical switch. The voltage is held nearly constant by the battery and the power flow is controlled by adjusting the fuel cell operating parameters (such as temperature or air flow) and by opening and closing the mechanical switch. The result is a system that operates at nearly constant voltage without the need for an expensive power conditioning system. The output of the system can then be processed via a traditional power conditioning system such as an inverter or dc-to-dc converter without the need for a wide range of input operating voltages. This reduces the cost and size of the fuel cell power conditioning system.
Owner:ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

Combined heat and power system

There is described a combined heat and power, or cogeneration, system combining a fuel cell for generating electrical power with a thermal power source, the system comprising: a fuel processor for converting a hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen in an output stream, the hydrogen rich output stream containing a low content of carbon monoxide; a high temperature hydrogen fuel cell system tolerant to low content of carbon monoxide of up to 5% receiving the output stream and an oxidant fluid stream; and a heat exchange system having a first module associated with the fuel processor and a second module associated with the fuel cell system connected at least in part in series to provide a thermal output.
Owner:HYTEON

Ultrathin nanoscale membranes, methods of making, and uses thereof

A nanoscale membrane exposed on opposite sides thereof and having an average thickness of less than about 100 nm, and a lateral length to thickness aspect ratio that is more than 10,000 to 1 is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making such membranes, and use thereof in a number of devices including fuel cells, sensor devices, electrospray devices, and supports for examining a sample under electron microscopy.
Owner:UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

Inductively coupled plasma/partial oxidation reformation of carbonaceous compounds to produce fuel for energy production

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.
Owner:SEQUOYAH FINANCE ONE

Hybrid power system for continuous reliable power at locations including remote locations

The present inventive subject matter is drawn to a hybrid ultra reliable power generating system for supplying continuous reliable power at remote locations comprising: a primary power unit producing electric power that is supplied to a load. Also a secondary power unit is included in the form of a closed cycle vapor turbine (CCVT) system that is capable of producing 100% of the electric power that is produced by the primary power unit and which is heated in hot standby by rejected heat of the primary power unit, wherein the vaporizer of the CCVT is maintained during hot standby at a temperature above its nominal operating temperature and the vapor turbine of the CCVT is preferable maintained at idle during hot standby at a rotating speed. Furthermore, the present inventive subject matter is drawn to an apparatus that combines a fuel efficient primary power generation unit system such as a high temperature fuel cell with a secondary power unit that is a very high reliability closed cycle vapor turbine (CCVT) which operates according to a Rankine cycle using organic working fluid that is capable of producing approximately 5-15% of the electric power that is produced by the primary power unit and which is heated by rejected heat of the primary power unit, wherein working fluid in the vaporizer of the CCVT is heated by the heat rejected by the primary power unit.
Owner:ORMAT TECH INC

Pressurized near-isothermal fuel cell - gas turbine hybrid system

A hybrid fuel cell-gas turbine system and method efficiently generates power using a combination of separate power generating components. The system includes a turbine system having an air compressor and a turbine, and a fuel cell. By-product waste heat from the fuel cell is used within the fuel cell to heat the cathode air.
Owner:GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Breath-based sensors for non-invasive molecular detection

A method of diagnosing the health of an individual by collecting a breath sample from the individual and measuring the amount of each of a plurality of analytes in the sample. The amount of each analytes is measured by fitting a time response curve of a sample-evaluation fuel cell in which the fuel cell sample electrode is contacted with the sample with the analysis based on a function of standard time response curves for an equivalent fuel cell configuration obtained separately for each of the analytes on a fuel cell with equivalent construction as sample-evaluation fuel cell. Each of the plurality of analytes is generally indicative of an aspect of the individual's health. Suitable analytes include, for example, inorganic compounds as well as compositions that exhibit negative reduction reactions at least for a portion of the time response curve. In particular, acetone exhibits a negative potential / current peak when it is an analyte in a fuel cell in an sample electrode with a counter electrode exposed to oxygen, which may or may not be introduced in the form of air. Various forms of analysis to estimate acetone concentrations in the breath can be used.
Owner:UNIV OF IOWA RES FOUND

Power generating plant

Coal is reacted in a furnace 22 to obtain a coal gasification gas. The coal gasification gas is cooled by a gas cooler 23, passed through a porous filter 24, and desulfurized by a desulfurizer 25 to produce a CO-containing gas as an anode. The CO gas-containing gas is subjected to an exothermic reaction in a shift reactor 26 to form H2 and CO2, and the anode gas containing H2 is supplied to an anode 7 of MCFC 2. Thus, in the absence of an extra heat source and a heat exchange source, a desired anode gas is obtained from the coal gasification gas, and with heat buildup of the MCFC 2 being inhibited and its performance being maintained, reduction of CO2 is taken into consideration. A power generating plant equipped with the MCFC 2 capable of using a coal gasification fuel substantially containing a CO gas is thus achieved.
Owner:CENTRAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY

System for fuel cell power plant load following and power regulation

InactiveUS20060046107A1Constant chemical reaction rate of the fuel cellMechanical power/torque controlLevel controlFuel cellsPower station
Methods and systems are provided to control a fuel cell power plant system to provide load following capabilities and to improve power plant availability. In one embodiment, a method is performed for controlling a fuel cell power plant system. The process includes controlling a variable load bank capable of absorbing output power from the fuel cell power plant such that the total load on the fuel cell power plant is constant, wherein the total load is a combination of an external load connected to the power plant and a load on the variable load bank. Further, the process may include maintaining a constant chemical reaction rate of the fuel cell power plant while maintaining a desired total load.
Owner:CATERPILLAR INC

Breath-based sensors for non-invasive molecular detection

A method of diagnosing the health of an individual by collecting a breath sample from the individual and measuring the amount of each of a plurality of analytes in the sample. The amount of each analytes is measured by fitting a time response curve of a sample-evaluation fuel cell in which the fuel cell sample electrode is contacted with the sample with the analysis based on a function of standard time response curves for an equivalent fuel cell configuration obtained separately for each of the analytes on a fuel cell with equivalent construction as sample-evaluation fuel cell. Each of the plurality of analytes is generally indicative of an aspect of the individual's health. Suitable analytes include, for example, inorganic compounds as well as compositions that exhibit negative reduction reactions at least for a portion of the time response curve. In particular, acetone exhibits a negative potential / current peak when it is an analyte in a fuel cell in an sample electrode with a counter electrode exposed to oxygen, which may or may not be introduced in the form of air. Various forms of analysis to estimate acetone concentrations in the breath can be used.
Owner:UNIV OF IOWA RES FOUND

Fuel cell system and operation method having a condensed water tank open to atmosphere

To avoid pressure variation in a cooling water channel, extend a life of an ion exchange resin used to maintain quality of cooling water and reduce power consumption by auxiliary machinery at low cost. There is provided a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a cooling water tank, a cooling water channel, a cooling water pump, a heat exchanger, a fuel-side condenser and an oxidizer-side condenser that cool exhaust fuel gas and exhaust oxidizer gas discharged from the fuel cell to condense content water vapor, a condensed water tank that stores the water condensed in the fuel-side condenser and the oxidizer-side condenser, a water supply channel having a water supply pump for feeding the condensed water to the cooling water tank, and a water discharge channel for the cooling water tank.
Owner:PANASONIC CORP

Fuel cell combined heat and power generation

A cogeneration system having flexible and controllable cogeneration loops. There is a first cogeneration loop to recover heat from a fuel cell power module, thereby producing a heat to electricity ratio between 0 and approximately 1.0. There is a second cogeneration loop to produce supplemental thermal energy for hot water generation and / or space heating. This loop can be connected or disconnected via switching valves depending on the thermal demands of hot water and / or space heating. This loop can also be useful to control the fuel processor temperature to prevent it from being overheated in cases when the fuel cell has low fuel utilization efficiency. With this second loop, it becomes possible to adjust the heat to electricity ratio at any desirable levels such as more than 2. It is also possible to produce the hot water at a higher temperature or superheated steam, which would have been difficult if only the first loop is used.
Owner:HYTEON

Residual stack shutdown energy storage and usage for a fuel cell power system

A fuel cell system is provided for storing energy created from the reaction of residual gases at shutdown of a fuel cell stack. This energy can then be used for powering a component of the fuel cell stack and enables air to be used to purge the anode gas.
Owner:GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC

Liquid anode electrochemical cell

An electrochemical cell is provided which has a liquid anode. Preferably the liquid anode comprises molten salt and a fuel, which preferably has a significant elemental carbon content. The supply of fuel is preferably continuously replenished in the anode. Where the fuel contains or pyrolizes to elemental carbon, the reaction C+2O2−→CO2+4e− may occur at the anode. The electrochemical cell preferably has a solid electrolyte, which may be yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The electrolyte is connected to a solid or liquid cathode, which is given a supply of an oxidizer such as air. An ion such as O2− passes through the electrolyte. If O2− passes through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode, a possible reaction at the cathode may be O2+4e−→2O2−. The electrochemical cell of the invention is preferably operated as a fuel cell, consuming fuel and producing electrical current.
Owner:SRI INTERNATIONAL

Aeroplane drink dispenser

A drink dispenser which is particularly suitable for use on board a passenger plane, comprises a drink preparation unit and a supply unit. The supply unit has a fuel cell system with a fuel cell and is configured to supply the drink preparation unit with water, electric energy, and thermal energy produced by the fuel cell.
Owner:AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

Hydrogen-oxygen production device

A system for supplying power with a combustion engine includes an engine having fuel and air intake lines, and an exhaust line. The engine has a combustion chamber volume defining a number of liters of engine displacement. A fuel cell has a gas outlet that communicates with the air intake line, and selectively produces hydrogen and oxygen gases through an electrolysis process. An oil pressure sensor communicates with the engine to sense when the engine is operating. A switch communicates with the sensor and is closed when the sensor senses that the engine is operating. The switch is open when the sensor senses that the engine is not operating. A battery communicates with the fuel cell and selectively supplies electrical power for the electrolysis process when the switch is closed.
Owner:MONETTE GREGORY R

Enhanced high efficiency fuel cell/turbine power plant

A hybrid fuel cell system having a fuel cell and a heat engine having an expansion cycle and a compressor cycle and which is further adapted to include a bypass assembly for segmenting expanded oxidant supply gas from the expansion cycle of the heat engine into a first expanded oxidant supply gas portion and a second expanded gas portion and in which the first expanded oxidant supply gas portion is used for the fuel cell and the second expanded gas portion is bypassed around the fuel cell.
Owner:FUELCELL ENERGY INC
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