公开(公告)号：US20110290207A1

公开(公告)日：2011-12-01

申请号：US12787596

申请日：2010-05-26

Applicant: Benjamin J. KAUFMAN ,  James R. KETCHAM ,  William P. ACKER

Inventor： Benjamin J. KAUFMAN ,  James R. KETCHAM ,  William P. ACKER

IPC: F02B43/00 ,  F02B3/00

CPC classification number: F02B7/04 ,  F01M2001/083 ,  F02B43/00 ,  F02D41/405 ,  F02M25/14 ,  Y02T10/32 ,  Y02T10/44

Abstract: Methods and system for enhancing the fuel economy of a diesel engine is disclosed. The system is useable in a four stroke diesel engine to allow a first injection step to be performed whereby fuel is injected into the cylinders of a diesel engine to initiate combustion of the fuel within the cylinder. A second injection step then occurs, whereby an additive is injected into the cylinder, during the cycle but at a time different than the first injection step wherein the additive reaches the cylinder wall. The additive, which reaches the cylinder wall, provides friction modification and fuel economy benefits for a diesel engine.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于提高柴油机燃油经济性的方法和系统。 该系统可用在四冲程柴油发动机中以允许执行第一喷射步骤，从而将燃料喷射到柴油发动机的气缸中以开始气缸内的燃料燃烧。 然后发生第二注射步骤，由此在循环期间，但是在与添加剂到达气缸壁的第一注射步骤不同的时间，将添加剂注入到气缸中。 到达气缸壁的添加剂为柴油发动机提供了摩擦改进和燃油经济性。

公开(公告)号：US07125620B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-24

申请号：US09997693

申请日：2001-11-30

Applicant: William P. Acker ,  Gerhard Beckmann

Inventor： William P. Acker ,  Gerhard Beckmann

IPC: H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  C08J5/22

CPC classification number: H01M8/1009 ,  H01M8/1023 ,  H01M8/1025 ,  H01M8/103 ,  H01M8/1039 ,  H01M8/1041 ,  H01M8/1065 ,  H01M8/1067 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: The present invention provides a protonically conductive membrane for use in a direct methanol fuel cell wherein a portion of said protonically conductive membrane conducts protons from the anode face of the membrane to the cathode face of the protonically conductive membrane, and a portion of which evolves gas from the anode side of the membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane where it is vented to the environment. The present invention also includes a membrane electrode assembly, fuel cell and fuel cell system which are comprised of the protonically conductive membrane and which evolve gas from the anode side of the protonically conductive membrane to the cathode side of the protonically conductive membrane, where it is vented to the ambient environment.

公开(公告)号：US06761988B1

公开(公告)日：2004-07-13

申请号：US09718148

申请日：2000-11-21

Applicant: William P. Acker ,  George C. McNamee ,  William W. Dailey

Inventor： William P. Acker ,  George C. McNamee ,  William W. Dailey

IPC: H01M804

CPC classification number: H01M8/04194 ,  H01M8/04197 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system in which, in response to changes in the output power level of the cell, the concentration of methanol supplied to the anode is actively regulated. As a result, cross-over of methanol through the cell's membrane electrolyte is minimized, and operating efficiency is maintained over a wide dynamic range of output power levels.

Abstract translation: 直接甲醇燃料电池（DMFC）系统，其中响应于电池的输出功率电平的变化，主动调节供应到阳极的甲醇的浓度。 结果，通过电池的膜电解质的甲醇交叉被最小化，并且在输出功率水平的宽的动态范围内保持操作效率。

公开(公告)号：US06460733B2

公开(公告)日：2002-10-08

申请号：US09788768

申请日：2001-02-20

Applicant: William P. Acker ,  Gerhard Beckmann

Inventor： William P. Acker ,  Gerhard Beckmann

IPC: B61D500

CPC classification number: H01M8/04208 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A fuel container and delivery assembly for use with a direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows clean fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture to be delivered to the cell. Additives are mixed with the fuel containing substance prior to release of the fuel outside of the cell. The fuel substance is housed in an inner tank, which is disposed within an outer container. A plenum area defined by the space between the outer container and the flexible bladder is filled with the additives so that, upon rupture of the entire assembly, the fuel substance is mixed with the additives. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner tank is a flexible bladder. A rupture means is provided on a needle, which draws the fuel out in pure form, tears the flexible bladder so that any remaining fuel is mixed with the additives when it is desired to dispose of or re-fill the container.

公开(公告)号：US5985474A

公开(公告)日：1999-11-16

申请号：US140373

申请日：1998-08-26

Applicant: Jeffrey S. Chen ,  Wenhua Huang ,  William P. Acker

Inventor： Jeffrey S. Chen ,  Wenhua Huang ,  William P. Acker

IPC: H01M8/00 ,  F24D12/02 ,  H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/06 ,  H01M8/10

CPC classification number: H01M8/0612 ,  F24D12/02 ,  F24H2240/10 ,  H01M8/04029 ,  Y02B10/70 ,  Y02B30/14 ,  Y10S429/901

Abstract: An integrated system includes a fuel cell assembly for supplying electrical power to a building, a furnace having a heating chamber and a heat exchanger for supplying heat to the building, and a reformer for providing a supply of reformate directly to the furnace and the fuel cell assembly. The system may include a controller for apportioning the supply of reformate to the fuel cell assembly and to the furnace in response to heating and electrical power needs of the building. In another embodiment, an integrated system includes a fuel cell assembly for providing electrical power to a building, a reformer/furnace unit comprising a chamber and a heat exchanger for providing heat to a building, and wherein fuel is reformed/oxidized in a fuel-rich environment in said chamber to produce a supply of reformate for said fuel cell assembly, and in a fuel-lean environment in said chamber for releasing heat. The system may also include a controller for operating the chamber between a fuel-rich and a fuel-lean environment in response to heating and electrical power needs of the building.

Abstract translation: 集成系统包括用于向建筑物提供电力的燃料电池组件，具有加热室的炉和用于向建筑物供热的热交换器，以及用于直接向炉和燃料电池供应重整产物的重整器 部件。 该系统可以包括控制器，用于响应于建筑物的加热和电力需求而分配向燃料电池组件和炉子供应重整产品。 在另一个实施例中，集成系统包括用于向建筑物提供电力的燃料电池组件，包括室的重整器/炉单元和用于向建筑物提供热量的热交换器，并且其中燃料在燃料 - 在所述室中具有丰富的环境，以产生用于所述燃料电池组件的重整产物供应，并且在所述室中的燃料贫乏环境中用于释放热量。 该系统还可以包括控制器，用于响应于建筑物的加热和电力需求而在富燃料和贫燃环境之间操作室。

公开(公告)号：US06645655B1

公开(公告)日：2003-11-11

申请号：US09717754

申请日：2000-11-21

Applicant: George C. McNamee ,  William P. Acker

Inventor： George C. McNamee ,  William P. Acker

IPC: H01M800

CPC classification number: F04B43/06 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system is provided with a pump for pumping methanol into the cell. The pump is driven by carbon dioxide produced by the electrochemical reaction at the anode of the fuel cell. Because the amount of CO2 generated is proportional to the power generated by the cell, and thus the amount of fuel demanded by the cell, the pump is self-regulating. The system may be integrated using microelectromechanical system fabrication techniques.

Abstract translation: 直接甲醇燃料电池（DMFC）系统配备有用于将甲醇泵入电池的泵。 该泵由在燃料电池的阳极处的电化学反应产生的二氧化碳驱动。 因为产生的二氧化碳量与电池产生的功率成正比，因此与电池所需的燃料量成正比，泵是自调节的。 该系统可以使用微机电系统制造技术来集成。

公开(公告)号：US6015633A

公开(公告)日：2000-01-18

申请号：US168232

申请日：1998-10-07

Applicant: Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr. ,  William P. Acker

Inventor： Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr. ,  William P. Acker

IPC: H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/0263 ,  H01M8/023 ,  H01M8/0247 ,  H01M8/04119 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  Y10T29/49108

Abstract: A fluid flow plate includes a generally porous portion and a generally non-porous portion which together form on a first surface of the plate, a flow channel having at least one turn for distributing a reactant gas in a fuel cell. The porous portion defines an outer lateral portion of the at least one turn. Such fluid flow plate(s) provide a water management scheme for a fuel cell and/or fuel cell assembly in which the turn(s) in a flow channel of the fluid flow plate(s) are used for multi-point per flow channel addition, removal, and/or redistribution of water for regulation of the humidity of a stream of reactant gas for membrane hydration and/or cooling. Desirably, for removal of water, the inertia of large water droplets moving along with the reactant gas through the flow channel impact the porous portion which forms the outer lateral portion of the turn(s).

Abstract translation: 流体流动板包括通常多孔部分和一般形成在板的第一表面上的大致无孔部分，流动通道具有至少一匝，用于在燃料电池中分配反应气体。 多孔部分限定至少一匝的外侧部分。 这种流体流动板为燃料电池和/或燃料电池组件提供水管理方案，其中流体流板的流动通道中的回转用于多点每流动通道 添加，去除和/或再分配水以调节用于膜水合和/或冷却的反应气体流的湿度。 理想地，为了去除水，与反应气体一起通过流动通道移动的大水滴的惯性撞击形成转弯的外侧部分的多孔部分。

公开(公告)号：US06991865B2

公开(公告)日：2006-01-31

申请号：US10970396

申请日：2004-10-21

Applicant: William P. Acker ,  Michael S. Adler ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

Inventor： William P. Acker ,  Michael S. Adler ,  Shimshon Gottesfeld

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04194 ,  H01M8/04291

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating methanol concentration in a direct methanol fuel cell system without the need for a methanol concentration sensor. One or more operating characteristics of the fuel cell, such as the potential across the load, open circuit potential, potential at the anode proximate to the end of the fuel flow path or short circuit current of the fuel cell, are used to actively control the methanol concentration.

公开(公告)号：US06699021B2

公开(公告)日：2004-03-02

申请号：US10299286

申请日：2002-11-19

Applicant: George C. McNamee ,  William P. Acker

Inventor： George C. McNamee ,  William P. Acker

IPC: F04B4306

CPC classification number: F04B43/06 ,  H01M8/04186 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  H01M8/1009 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system is provided with a pump for pumping methanol into the cell. The pump is driven by carbon dioxide produced by the electro-chemical reaction at the anode of the fuel cell. Because the amount of CO2 generated is proportional to the power generated by the cell, and thus the amount of fuel demanded by the cell, the pump is self-regulating. The system may be integrated using microelectro-mechanical system fabrication techniques.

Abstract translation: 直接甲醇燃料电池（DMFC）系统配备有用于将甲醇泵入电池的泵。 该泵由在燃料电池的阳极处的电化学反应产生的二氧化碳驱动。 因为产生的二氧化碳量与电池产生的功率成正比，因此与电池所需的燃料量成正比，所以泵是自调节的。 该系统可以使用微电子机械系统制造技术来集成。

公开(公告)号：US06566003B2

公开(公告)日：2003-05-20

申请号：US09837831

申请日：2001-04-18

Applicant: William P. Acker

Inventor： William P. Acker

IPC: H01M200

CPC classification number: H01M8/04164 ,  F02C1/05 ,  F02C3/20 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/04097 ,  H01M8/04111 ,  H01M8/0668 ,  H01M8/1011 ,  Y02E60/523

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oxygen management in a direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The oxygen management apparatus forces oxygen (typically from ambient air) into the cathode chamber of the fuel cell to facilitate the flow of oxygen across the cathode face of the fuel cell. It does so by utilizing the carbon dioxide already produced in the chemical reaction on the anode chamber of the cell. In a first embodiment of the invention, a turbine assembly is placed in fluid communication with the anode chamber of the fuel cell. The turbine assembly is driven when the carbon dioxide produced at the anode chamber flows over the blades of a first turbine (which is referred to herein as “the vent turbine”). The vent turbine is attached to a drive shaft that is used to cause a second turbine (or fan) to draw oxygen (generally from ambient air) into the cathode chamber of the fuel cell. This drawn-in air forces oxygen over the cathode of the fuel cell. The second turbine is referred to herein as “the inlet turbine.” Other embodiments of the invention allow for adjustments to be made depending upon the conditions in which the invention is used.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于直接氧化燃料电池系统中的氧气管理的方法和装置。 氧气管理装置将氧气（通常从环境空气）引入燃料电池的阴极室，以促进氧气流过燃料电池的阴极面。 它通过利用在电池的阳极室上的化学反应中已经产生的二氧化碳来实现。 在本发明的第一实施例中，涡轮组件被放置成与燃料电池的阳极室流体连通。 当在阳极室产生的二氧化碳流过第一涡轮（这里称为“通风涡轮机”）的叶片时，涡轮机组件被驱动。 通风涡轮机附接到用于使第二涡轮机（或风扇）将氧气（通常从环境空气）吸入燃料电池的阴极室的驱动轴。 该吸入空气迫使氧气在燃料电池的阴极上。 第二涡轮机在本文中被称为“入口涡轮机”。 本发明的其他实施例允许根据使用本发明的条件进行调整。