公开(公告)号：US07041411B2

公开(公告)日：2006-05-09

申请号：US10209693

申请日：2002-07-31

申请人： Michael M. Walsh

发明人： Michael M. Walsh

IPC分类号： H01M8/00 ,  H01M2/00

CPC分类号： H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04164

摘要： The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for collecting condensate from combustible gas process streams in an integrated fuel cell system. In one aspect, a water management subsystem for a fuel cell system has a first conduit containing a first gas at a first pressure. A first water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the first conduit. A second conduit is provided that contains a second gas at a second pressure. A second water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the second conduit and the first water trap.

公开(公告)号：US07029784B2

公开(公告)日：2006-04-18

申请号：US10158368

申请日：2002-05-30

申请人： Charles M. Carlstrom

发明人： Charles M. Carlstrom

IPC分类号： H01M2/14

CPC分类号： H01M8/0254 ,  H01M8/0206 ,  H01M8/0213 ,  H01M8/0226 ,  H01M8/0228 ,  H01M8/0258 ,  H01M8/026 ,  H01M8/0263 ,  H01M8/0267 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/1004 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  Y02P70/56

摘要： The invention provides a layered design for a fuel cell flow field plate. A flow field plate is formed by mating at least two interlocking layers that form an internal fluid channel between them. The internal fluid channel is generally used to circulate a coolant through the fuel cell. Such plates can be manufactured from a variety of materials including carbon composites and metals, and can be used with a variety of fuel cell configurations, including PEM and other types of fuel cells.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了一种用于燃料电池流场板的分层设计。 通过配合在它们之间形成内部流体通道的至少两个互锁层来形成流场板。 内部流体通道通常用于使冷却剂循环通过燃料电池。 这种板可以由包括碳复合材料和金属在内的各种材料制成，并且可以与多种燃料电池配置一起使用，包括PEM和其它类型的燃料电池。

公开(公告)号：US07014937B2

公开(公告)日：2006-03-21

申请号：US10264646

申请日：2002-10-04

申请人： Michael M. Walsh ,  Richard G. Betzwieser ,  Karl F. Knapp

发明人： Michael M. Walsh ,  Richard G. Betzwieser ,  Karl F. Knapp

IPC分类号： H01M2/02 ,  H01M2/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/2404 ,  H01M8/00 ,  H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  H01M8/2415 ,  H01M8/2485 ,  Y02P70/56 ,  Y10T29/49108

摘要： The invention provides apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture for fuel cell systems designed for modular application. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system is provided that has a base module assembly. The base module assembly includes a first frame member and a fuel cell stack assembly coupled to the first frame member. A first subsystem module assembly is provided that includes a second frame member and a first subsystem coupled to the second frame member. A second subsystem module assembly is provided that includes a third frame member and a second subsystem coupled to the third frame member. The first frame member is coupled to each of the second and third frame members, and the second frame member is coupled to the third frame member.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了设计用于模块化应用的燃料电池系统的装置和相关的制造方法。 在一个实施例中，提供了具有基座模块组件的燃料电池系统。 基座模块组件包括第一框架构件和联接到第一框架构件的燃料电池堆组件。 提供了第一子系统模块组件，其包括第二框架构件和耦合到第二框架构件的第一子系统。 提供了第二子系统模块组件，其包括耦合到第三框架构件的第三框架构件和第二子系统。 第一框架构件联接到第二和第三框架构件中的每一个，并且第二框架构件联接到第三框架构件。

公开(公告)号：US20040067397A1

公开(公告)日：2004-04-08

申请号：US10264541

申请日：2002-10-07

申请人： Plug Power Inc.

发明人： Douglas G. Austin II ,  Nicola Piccirillo ,  Kenneth M. Rush ,  Jeffrey R. Boyer ,  John F. Elter ,  Jeremy D. Carlson ,  Steven A. Bogardus

IPC分类号： H01M008/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/04597 ,  H01M8/04589 ,  H01M8/0494 ,  H01M8/04947 ,  H01M8/04992 ,  H01M8/2475 ,  H01M8/249 ,  Y02P70/56

摘要： The invention provides apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture for fuel cell systems designed for modular application. As an example, a fuel cell system is provided that includes an enclosure housing a fuel cell stack, a power conditioning circuit, and a control circuit. The power conditioning circuit has a first input connector electrically coupled to the fuel cell stack. The power conditioning circuit is adapted to convert a direct current flow from the fuel cell stack to a conditioned alternating current flow having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 120 volts). The conditioned current flow is provided to an outlet connector of the power conditioning circuit located along a first portion of the enclosure. The power conditioning circuit further includes a second input connector located along a second portion of the enclosure. The second input connector is adapted to receive an external current flow.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了设计用于模块化应用的燃料电池系统的装置和相关的制造方法。 作为示例，提供了燃料电池系统，其包括容纳燃料电池堆的外壳，功率调节电路和控制电路。 功率调节电路具有电耦合到燃料电池堆的第一输入连接器。 功率调节电路适于将来自燃料电池堆的直流流转换成具有预定电压（例如，120伏特）的调节交流电流。 经调节的电流被提供到沿着外壳的第一部分定位的功率调节电路的出口连接器。 功率调节电路还包括沿着外壳的第二部分定位的第二输入连接器。 第二输入连接器适于接收外部电流。

公开(公告)号：US20040028979A1

公开(公告)日：2004-02-12

申请号：US10214019

申请日：2002-08-07

申请人： Plug Power Inc.

发明人： Arne W. Ballantine ,  Richard L. Chartrand

IPC分类号： H01M008/04 ,  H01M008/10

CPC分类号： H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/0289 ,  H01M8/04126 ,  H01M8/0668 ,  H01M8/0687

摘要： The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.

公开(公告)号：US20040028965A1

公开(公告)日：2004-02-12

申请号：US10214022

申请日：2002-08-07

申请人： Plug Power Inc.

发明人： James F. McElroy ,  Arne W. Ballantine ,  Richard L. Chartrand

IPC分类号： H01M008/06 ,  H01M008/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/0618 ,  F17C2270/0763 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/04201 ,  H01M8/04402 ,  H01M8/04462 ,  H01M8/04619 ,  H01M8/04753 ,  H01M8/0681 ,  H01M2250/20 ,  H01M2250/405 ,  Y02B90/16 ,  Y02E60/321 ,  Y02T90/32

摘要： The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及燃料电池系统和相关联的操作方法，其中诸如燃料电池的电化学电池用作电化学氢气分离器以从工艺流（例如，重整产物或合成气）中分离出氢气，或者用作电化学氢气膨胀器 以将氢气注入工艺流。 一方面，本发明提供了一种操作燃料电池系统的方法，包括以下步骤：使氢气从氢气供应导管流过燃料电池，以向耦合到燃料电池的负载提供电流; 在所述系统的第一操作模式中致动电化学氢气分离器，以将氢气从氢气供应管道转移到氢存储容器; 以及在所述系统的第二操作模式中致动电化学氢气膨胀器，以将氢气从所述储氢容器转移到所述燃料电池。

公开(公告)号：US20030144133A1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-31

申请号：US10348460

申请日：2003-01-21

申请人： Plug Power Inc., a Delaware Corporation

发明人： Anton Scholten ,  Peter F.M.T. Van Nisselrooy ,  Walter R. De Jongh ,  Jan Stokman

IPC分类号： B01J029/06

CPC分类号： H01M8/0631 ,  B01J8/043 ,  B01J8/0453 ,  B01J8/0492 ,  B01J8/0496 ,  B01J12/007 ,  B01J23/80 ,  B01J29/06 ,  B01J29/082 ,  B01J35/0006 ,  B01J2208/00212 ,  B01J2208/00495 ,  B01J2208/0053 ,  B01J2219/185 ,  C01B3/16 ,  C01B3/386 ,  C01B3/48 ,  C01B3/58 ,  C01B3/583 ,  C01B2203/0261 ,  C01B2203/0294 ,  C01B2203/044 ,  C01B2203/047 ,  C01B2203/066 ,  C01B2203/0811 ,  C01B2203/0838 ,  C01B2203/0844 ,  C01B2203/085 ,  C01B2203/0866 ,  C01B2203/0883 ,  C01B2203/0894 ,  C01B2203/1011 ,  C01B2203/1023 ,  C01B2203/1041 ,  C01B2203/1047 ,  C01B2203/1064 ,  C01B2203/107 ,  C01B2203/1076 ,  C01B2203/1082 ,  C01B2203/1094 ,  C01B2203/1241 ,  C01B2203/1258 ,  C01B2203/1288 ,  C01B2203/1294 ,  C01B2203/1623 ,  C01B2203/1647 ,  C01B2203/169 ,  C01B2203/80 ,  C01B2203/82 ,  Y02P20/52

摘要： A composition is provided that can be used, for example, in a fuel processor for a fuel cell system. The composition includes a first material such as a catalyst, and a second material such as a desiccant. The second material is capable of sorbing and desorbing a heat transfer material such as water, and is present in an amount sufficient to sorb an amount of the heat transfer material sufficient to remove a portion of the heat generated when the first material undergoes an exothermic reaction.

摘要翻译： 提供了可用于例如用于燃料电池系统的燃料处理器中的组合物。 该组合物包括第一种材料如催化剂和第二种材料如干燥剂。 第二种材料能够吸附和解吸诸如水的传热材料，并且以足以吸附一定量的传热材料的量存在，足以去除第一种材料发生放热反应产生的一部分热量 。

公开(公告)号：US20030104261A1

公开(公告)日：2003-06-05

申请号：US10209747

申请日：2002-07-31

申请人： Plug Power Inc.

发明人： Marie A. Schnitzer ,  Arne W. Ballantine ,  Scott K. Lobdell ,  Sean S. Lyons

IPC分类号： H01M008/02 ,  H01M008/04 ,  H01M008/10

CPC分类号： H01M8/04119 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/04097 ,  H01M8/04291 ,  H01M8/04388 ,  H01M8/04395 ,  H01M8/04559 ,  H01M8/04753 ,  H01M2008/1095

摘要： The invention generally relates to fuel cell reactant delivery systems and methods for delivering fuel to fuel cell systems, where air or oxygen is injected into a fuel stream containing hydrogen, such that a portion of the hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to form water that humidifies a fuel cell membrane as the fuel stream is passed into the fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to dead-headed, pure hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems, but the invention is also applicable to other fuel cell system configurations.

摘要翻译： 本发明一般涉及用于将燃料输送到燃料电池系统的燃料电池反应物输送系统和方法，其中将空气或氧气注入含有氢气的燃料流中，使得一部分氢气与氧气反应以形成加湿 作为燃料流的燃料电池膜进入燃料电池。 在优选的实施方案中，本发明涉及无头纯的氢PEM燃料电池系统，但是本发明也适用于其它燃料电池系统配置。

公开(公告)号：US20020160246A1

公开(公告)日：2002-10-31

申请号：US10132929

申请日：2002-04-26

申请人： Plug Power Inc.

发明人： Michael M. Walsh

IPC分类号： H01M008/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/04074 ,  F28D7/024 ,  F28F1/08 ,  H01M8/04029

摘要： A system and method for enthalpy transfer in a fuel cell includes flowing a gas and liquid water through a thermally conductive conduit, flowing a relatively hot gas containing water vapor across an external portion of the conduit, and transferring enough heat from the hot gas to cool the hot gas below its dew point and to cause a portion of the liquid water in the conduit to evaporate.

摘要翻译： 用于燃料电池中的焓转移的系统和方法包括使气体和液态水流过导热导管，使相对热气体含有水蒸气穿过导管的外部部分，并将足够的热量从热气转移至冷却 低于其露点的热气体并使导管中的一部分液体水蒸发。

公开(公告)号：US20010056330A1

公开(公告)日：2001-12-27

申请号：US09811342

申请日：2001-03-16

申请人： Plug Power Inc., Delaware corporation

发明人： Robert H. Wills

IPC分类号： G06F019/00

CPC分类号： H02J3/383 ,  H02J3/386 ,  H02J2003/388 ,  Y02E10/563 ,  Y02E10/763 ,  Y10T307/398 ,  Y10T307/511

摘要： The invention in the simplest form is a method and apparatus for reliably protecting against island situations with one or multiple power sources connected to an electric distribution grid. The method and apparatus detects variations in the voltage and frequency of the grid. An observed change in grid voltage causes a change in output power that is sufficient to cause an even larger change in grid voltage when the utility AC power source is disconnected. An observed change in grid frequency causes a change in phase or reactive output power that is sufficient to cause an even larger change in grid frequency. If several shifts in voltage or frequency happen in the same direction, the response to the change is increased in an accelerating manner.