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14805results about "Solid electrolyte fuel cells" patented technology

Fuel cell gas management system

A fuel cell gas management system including a cathode humidification system for transferring latent and sensible heat from an exhaust stream to the cathode inlet stream of the fuel cell; an anode humidity retention system for maintaining the total enthalpy of the anode stream exiting the fuel cell equal to the total enthalpy of the anode inlet stream; and a cooling water management system having segregated deionized water and cooling water loops interconnected by means of a brazed plate heat exchanger.
Owner:EMPRISE TECH ASSOC

Materials and configurations for scalable microbial fuel cells

Devices for production of electricity and / or hydrogen gas are provided by the present invention. In particular, microbial fuel cells for production of electricity and modified microbial fuel cells for production of hydrogen are detailed. A tube cathode is provided which includes a membrane forming a general tube shape. An anode is provided which has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2 / m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.
Owner:PENN STATE RES FOUND

Method and system for supplying hydrogen for use in fuel cells

The present invention provides a method and system for efficiently producing hydrogen that can be supplied to a fuel cell. The method and system of the present invention produces hydrogen in a reforming reactor using a hydrocarbon stream and water vapor stream as reactants. The hydrogen produced is purified in a hydrogen separating membrane to form a retentate stream and purified hydrogen stream. The purified hydrogen can then be fed to a fuel cell where electrical energy is produced and a fuel cell exhaust stream containing water vapor and oxygen depleted air is emitted. In one embodiment of the present invention, a means and method is provided for recycling a portion of the retentate stream to the reforming reactor for increased hydrogen yields. In another embodiment, a combustor is provided for combusting a second portion of the retentate stream to provide heat to the reforming reaction or other reactants. In a preferred embodiment, the combustion is carried out in the presence of at least a portion of the oxygen depleted air stream from the fuel cell. Thus, the system and method of the present invention advantageously uses products generated from the system to enhance the overall efficiency of the system.
Owner:MOBIL OIL CORP

Fuel-cell engine stream conditioning system

A stream conditioning system for a fuel cell gas management system or fuel cell engine. The stream conditioning system manages species potential in at least one fuel cell reactant stream. A species transfer device is located in the path of at least one reactant stream of a fuel cell's inlet or outlet, which transfer device conditions that stream to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell. The species transfer device incorporates an exchange media and a sorbent. The fuel cell gas management system can include a cathode loop with the stream conditioning system transferring latent and sensible heat from an exhaust stream to the cathode inlet stream of the fuel cell; an anode humidity retention system for maintaining the total enthalpy of the anode stream exiting the fuel cell related to the total enthalpy of the anode inlet stream; and a cooling water management system having segregated deionized water and cooling water loops interconnected by means of a brazed plate heat exchanger.
Owner:EMPRISE TECH ASSOC

Hydrogen production from carbonaceous material

Hydrogen is produced from solid or liquid carbon-containing fuels in a two-step process. The fuel is gasified with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction to produce a methane-rich gaseous reaction product, which is then reacted with water and calcium oxide in a hydrogen production and carbonation reaction to produce hydrogen and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may be continuously removed from the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone and calcined to regenerate calcium oxide, which may be reintroduced into the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone. Hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction is more than sufficient both to provide the energy necessary for the calcination reaction and also to sustain the hydrogenation of the coal in the gasification reaction. The excess hydrogen is available for energy production or other purposes. Substantially all of the carbon introduced as fuel ultimately emerges from the invention process in a stream of substantially pure carbon dioxide. The water necessary for the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction may be introduced into both the gasification and hydrogen production and carbonation reactions, and allocated so as transfer the exothermic heat of reaction of the gasification reaction to the endothermic hydrogen production and carbonation reaction.
Owner:BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIV & AGRI & MECHANICAL COLLEGE +1

System and method for co-production of hydrogen and electrical energy

A system and method for co-production of hydrogen and electrical energy. The system comprises a fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cells further comprise a cathode inlet for receiving a compressed oxidant, an anode inlet for receiving a fuel feed stream, an anode outlet in fluid communication with an anode exhaust stream and a cathode outlet in fluid communication with a cathode exhaust stream. At least a portion of the fuel feed stream reacts with the oxidant to produce electrical power. The anode exhaust stream comprises hydrogen. The co-production system further comprises a separation unit in fluid communication with the fuel cell assembly. The separation unit is configured to receive the anode exhaust stream from the fuel cell assembly to separate hydrogen from the anode exhaust stream.
Owner:GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Filled polymer compositions made from interpolymers of ethylene/a-olefins and uses thereof

A filled polymer composition comprises (i) an ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and (ii) a filler. The ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is a block copolymer having at least a hard block and at least a soft block. The soft block comprises a higher amount of comonomers than the hard block. The block interpolymer has a number of unique characteristics disclosed here. The filled polymer compositions provided herein, in certain embodiments, have relatively higher heat resistance and improved noise, vibration and harshness properties and can be used in automotive floorings, roofings, wire and cable coating applications.
Owner:DOW GLOBAL TECH LLC

Nanowire-based membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells

The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
Owner:ONED MATERIAL INC

Power supply apparatus

A power supply apparatus comprises a power generating device in which the output power supplied to a load varies depending on a power generating condition; a current detection part for detecting the current output from the power generating device; a target output voltage setting part for setting a target output voltage of the power generating device; an error amplifier for amplifying the error between the voltage output from the power generating device and the target output voltage and outputting an error signal; a current control part for receiving input of the error signal, controlling the output current of the generating device so as to make the absolute value of the error signal small and outputting it to external output terminals; and an operation part for calculating the target output voltage as a desired operating condition of the power generating device by a predetermined function having at least the current detected by the current detecting part as an input parameter, and issuing it to the target output voltage setting part.
Owner:PANASONIC CORP

AC impedance monitoring of fuel cell stack

A ripple voltage, caused by a voltage inverter, is superimposed on an output voltage provided by a fuel cell stack. This ripple voltage is sensed and used to determine an AC impedance of the fuel cell stack. The determined AC impedance can be correlated to a hydration state of the fuel cell stack.
Owner:FORD MOTOR CO +1

Energy efficient gas separation for fuel cells

An electrical current generating system is disclosed that includes a fuel cell operating at a temperature of at least about 250° C. (for example, a molten carbonate fuel cell or a solid oxide fuel cell), a hydrogen gas separation system or oxygen gas delivery system that includes a compressor or pump, and a drive system for the compressor or pump that includes means for recovering energy from at least one of the hydrogen gas separation system, oxygen gas delivery system, or heat of the fuel cell. The drive system could be a gas turbine system. The hydrogen gas separation system or the oxygen gas delivery system may include a pressure swing adsorption module.
Owner:AIR PROD & CHEM INC

Fuel cell stack compression systems, and fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems incorporating the same

Fuel cell stack compression systems, and fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems containing the same. The compression systems include banded, framed, and / or segmented compression systems. In some embodiments, the compression systems include at least one compressive band that extends around the end plates and fuel cells, such as in a closed loop. In some embodiments, the banded compression systems include a force-directing structure, compressive inserts, and / or band positioning mechanisms. In some embodiments, the compression systems include a frame into which the stacks' end plates and cells are positioned and with which at least one end plate may be integrated. The frame includes a compression mechanism, which may be an adjustable compression mechanism and / or include one or more jacking members and / or a compression plate. In some embodiments the compression systems include toothed, or striated, segments that interconnect the end plates and retain the plates in compression with ratcheting lock assemblies.
Owner:IDATECH LLC

Proton-selective conducting membranes

A membrane comprising: (a) a hydrophobic matrix polymer, and (b) a hydrophilic non-ionic polymer, wherein the hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophilic polymer are disposed so as to form a dense selectively proton-conducting membrane. The microstructure of such a membrane can be tailored to specific functionality requirements, such as proton conductivity vs. proton selectivity, and selectivity to particular species.
Owner:E C R ELECTRO CHEM RES

Electrocatalysts having platinum monolayers on palladium, palladium alloy, and gold alloy nanoparticle cores, and uses thereof

ActiveUS20070031722A1Improved oxygen-reducing catalytic activityLow platinum loadingMetal-working apparatusActive material electrodesRheniumGold alloys
The invention relates to platinum-coated particles useful as fuel cell electrocatalysts. The particles are composed of a noble metal or metal alloy core at least partially encapsulated by an atomically thin surface layer of platinum atoms. The invention particularly relates to such particles having a palladium, palladium alloy, gold alloy, or rhenium alloy core encapsulated by an atomic monolayer of platinum. In other embodiments, the invention relates to fuel cells containing these electrocatalysts and methods for generating electrical energy therefrom.
Owner:BROOKHAVEN SCI ASSOCS

Steam generator for a PEM fuel cell power plant

A burner assembly includes a catalyzed burner for combusting an anode exhaust stream from a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant. The catalysts coated onto the burner can be platinum, rhodium, or mixtures thereof. The burner includes open cells which are formed by a lattice, which cells communicate with each other throughout the entire catalyzed burner. Heat produced by combustion of hydrogen in the anode exhaust stream is used to produce steam for use in a steam reformer in the PEM fuel cell assembly. The catalyzed burner has a high surface area wherein about 70-90% of the volume of the burner is preferably open cells, and the burner has a low pressure drop of about two to three inches water from the anode exhaust stream inlet to the anode exhaust stream outlet . The burner assembly operates at essentially ambient pressure and at a temperature of up to about 1,700° F. (646° C.). The burner assembly can combust anode exhaust during normal operation of the fuel cell assembly. The burner assembly also includes an adjunct burner which can combust gasoline or anode bypass gas (the latter of which is a reformed fuel gas which is tapped off of the fuel cell stack fuel inlet line) during startup of the fuel cell power plant. Once start up of the fuel cell power plant is achieved, the burner assembly will need only combustion of the anode exhaust by the catalytic burner to produce steam for the reformer.
Owner:BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS

Composite solid polymer elecrolyte membranes

InactiveUS20020045085A1Optimize swellingOptimize fuel crossover resistanceElectrolyte holding meansFinal product manufacturePolymer electrolytesPolymer science
The present invention relates to composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a porous polymer substrate interpenetrated with an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrodialysis.
Owner:FOSTER-MILLER

Microporous PVDF films

Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.
Owner:3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

Platinum- and platinum alloy-coated palladium and palladium alloy particles and uses thereof

The present invention relates to particle and nanoparticle composites useful as oxygen-reduction electrocatalysts. The particle composites are composed of a palladium or palladium-alloy particle or nanoparticle substrate coated with an atomic submonolayer, monolayer, bilayer, or trilayer of zerovalent platinum atoms. The invention also relates to a catalyst and a fuel cell containing the particle or nanoparticle composites of the invention. The invention additionally includes methods for oxygen reduction and production of electrical energy by using the particle and nanoparticle composites of the invention.
Owner:BROOKHAVEN SCI ASSOCS

Power generation system and method

A power generation system and method providing an engine configured to produce hydrogen rich reformate to feed a solid oxide fuel cell includes an engine having an intake and an exhaust; an air supply in fluid communication with the engine intake; a fuel supply in fluid communication with the engine intake; at least one solid oxide fuel cell having an air intake in fluid communication with an air supply, a fuel intake in fluid communication with the engine exhaust, a solid oxide fuel cell effluent and an air effluent. Engines include a free piston gas generator with rich homogenous charge compression, a rich internal combustion engine cylinder system with an oxygen generator, and a rich inlet turbo-generator system with exhaust heat recovery. Oxygen enrichment devices to enhance production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust include pressure swing absorption with oxygen selective materials, and oxygen separators such as an solid oxide fuel cell oxygen separator and a ceramic membrane oxygen separator.
Owner:DELPHI TECH INC

Sheet metal bipolar plate design for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

A separator plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack constructed of at least two coextensive sheet metal elements shaped to promote the distribution of reactant gases to the electrodes of the fuel cell units of the fuel cell stack. The coextensive sheet metal elements are nestled together and form a coolant flow space therebetween.
Owner:INST OF GAS TECH

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

Solid oxide fuel cell stack

A fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of modules and each module comprises an elongate hollow member and one passage extending through the hollow member for the flow of a reactant. Each hollow member has a first flat surface and a second flat surface. At least one of the modules includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged on at least one of the first and second flat surfaces. Each module has a first and second integral feature to provide a spacer and a connection with its adjacent modules. The first integral feature comprises a third flat surface and the second integral feature comprises a fourth flat surface. The third flat surface is arranged at an intersecting angle to the first flat surface and the fourth flat surface is arranged at an intersecting angle to the second flat surface.
Owner:LG FUEL CELL SYST

Low platinum fuel cell catalysts and method for preparing the same

This invention provides novel fuel cell catalysts comprising new series of catalytically active thin-film metal alloys with low platinum concentration supported on nanostructured materials (nanoparticles). In certain embodiments, an integrated gas-diffusion / electrode / catalyst layer can be prepared by processing catalyst thin films and nanoparticales into gas-diffusion media such as Toray or SGL carbon fiber papers. The catalysts can be placed in contact with an electrolyte membrane for PEM fuel cell applications.
Owner:INTEMATIX

Microporous PVDF films and method of manufacturing

Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.
Owner:3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

Nanowire structures comprising carbon

The present invention is directed to nanowire structures and interconnected nanowire networks comprising such structures, as well as methods for their production. The nanowire structures comprise a nanowire core, a carbon-based layer, and in additional embodiments, carbon-based structures such as nanographitic plates consisting of graphenes formed on the nanowire cores, interconnecting the nanowire structures in the networks. The networks are porous structures that can be formed into membranes or particles. The nanowire structures and the networks formed using them are useful in catalyst and electrode applications, including fuel cells, as well as field emission devices, support substrates and chromatographic applications.
Owner:ONED MATERIAL INC

Methods and apparatuses for gas separation by pressure swing adsorption with partial gas product feed to fuel cell power source

Various systems, method and apparatuses are disclosed that include a pressure swing adsorption apparatus coupled to a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell receives at least a portion of a product gas from the pressure swing adsorption and powers the pressure swing adsorption apparatus. Also disclosed is a portable gas separator that include a housing that houses a rotary pressure swing adsorption apparatus.
Owner:AIR PROD & CHEM INC

Nanowire-based membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells

ActiveUS20060188774A1Higher catalytic metal utilization rateLow costMaterial nanotechnologyFinal product manufactureNanowirePtru catalyst
The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
Owner:ONED MATERIAL INC

Metal-air battery with ion-conducting inorganic glass electrolyte

A solid-state metal-air electrochemical cell comprising: (A) a metal-containing electro-active anode; (B) an oxygen electro-active cathode; and (C) an ion-conducting glass electrolyte disposed between the metal-containing anode and the oxygen electro-active cathode. The cathode active material, which is oxygen gas, is not stored in the battery but rather fed from the environment. The oxygen cathode is preferably a composite carbon electrode which serves as the cathode current collector on which oxygen molecules are reduced during discharge of the battery to generate electric current. The glass electrolyte typically has an ion conductivity in the range of 5×10−5 to 2×10−3 S / cm. The electrolyte layer is preferably smaller than 10 μm in thickness and further preferably smaller than 1 μm. The anode metal is preferably lithium or lithium alloy, but may be selected from other elements such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum and zinc.
Owner:JANG BOR Z
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