公开(公告)号：US10414650B2

公开(公告)日：2019-09-17

申请号：US15033997

申请日：2014-11-06

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: B01J4/00 ,  B01J7/00 ,  B01J8/02 ,  B01J8/06 ,  B01J8/18 ,  B01J8/24 ,  C01B3/38 ,  B01J12/00 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J19/24

Abstract: A multi-tubular chemical reactor (400) includes an igniter (435) for the initiation of gas phase exothermic reaction within the gas phase reaction zones (409) of the tubular reactor units (408). A method of carrying out a gas phase exothermic reaction within the multi-tubular chemical reactor comprising: introducing gaseous reactants into a tubular reactor unit (408); initiating with radiant heat an exothermic reaction of the gaseous reactants within the reactor unit; and transferring heat produced by the exothermic reaction occurring within the gas phase reaction zone of the reactor unit to the gas phase reaction zone of one or more adjacent reactor units (408), thereby initiating an exothermic reaction within at least one adjacent reactor unit (408) until in such manner an exothermic reaction has been initiated in each of the plurality of spaced-apart reactor units (408).

公开(公告)号：US10106406B2

公开(公告)日：2018-10-23

申请号：US15033812

申请日：2014-11-05

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: B01J7/00 ,  B01J8/24 ,  C01B3/38 ,  B01J12/00 ,  B01J4/00 ,  B01J8/06 ,  B01J8/02 ,  B01J8/18 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J19/24

Abstract: A chemical reactor (e.g. reformer reactor) system includes a manifold (126) for management of a flow of gaseous reaction medium thereto. Manifold (126) includes manifold housing (128) defining manifold chamber (129) and having at least one additional component selected from: a gas distributor (127); a heater; and a cavity having a seal within or adjacent to it.

公开(公告)号：US20180141807A1

公开(公告)日：2018-05-24

申请号：US15864550

申请日：2018-01-08

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: C01B3/36 ,  B01J4/00 ,  H01M8/22 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  C01B3/38 ,  C01B3/32 ,  B01J19/24 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J12/00

CPC classification number: C01B3/36 ,  B01J4/001 ,  B01J4/002 ,  B01J4/005 ,  B01J12/007 ,  B01J19/0013 ,  B01J19/24 ,  B01J19/2425 ,  B01J2219/00006 ,  B01J2219/00058 ,  B01J2219/0006 ,  B01J2219/00069 ,  B01J2219/00074 ,  B01J2219/00103 ,  B01J2219/00132 ,  B01J2219/00135 ,  B01J2219/00159 ,  B01J2219/002 ,  B01J2219/00213 ,  B01J2219/00234 ,  B01J2219/00238 ,  B01J2219/24 ,  C01B3/326 ,  C01B3/386 ,  C01B2203/0205 ,  C01B2203/0261 ,  C01B2203/041 ,  C01B2203/066 ,  C01B2203/0833 ,  C01B2203/0838 ,  C01B2203/085 ,  C01B2203/1005 ,  C01B2203/1276 ,  C01B2203/1282 ,  C01B2203/1288 ,  H01M8/0618 ,  H01M8/0631 ,  H01M8/22

Abstract: A liquid fuel reformer includes a fuel vaporizer which utilizes heat from an upstream source of heat, specifically, an electric heater, operable in the start-up mode of the reformer, and therefore independent of the reforming reaction zone of the reformer, to vaporize fuel in a downstream vaporization zone.

公开(公告)号：US20180026289A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-25

申请号：US15692522

申请日：2017-08-31

Applicant: WATT Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: B01F3/02 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J19/26 ,  B01F5/04 ,  B01J4/00 ,  C01B3/38

CPC classification number: H01M8/0606 ,  B01F3/02 ,  B01F5/0415 ,  B01F5/0421 ,  B01F2005/0446 ,  B01J4/002 ,  B01J19/006 ,  B01J19/0073 ,  B01J19/26 ,  B01J2219/00065 ,  B01J2219/00162 ,  B01J2219/00772 ,  C01B3/38 ,  C01B2203/1282 ,  H01M8/04201 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  Y02P20/149

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatus and methods for mixing a reformable fuel and/or steam with an oxygen-containing gas and/or steam to provide a gaseous reforming reaction mixture suitable for reforming with a reformer and/or a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell unit and/or fuel cell system.

公开(公告)号：US20160272492A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-22

申请号：US15033997

申请日：2014-11-06

Applicant: WATT FUEL CELL CORP.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: C01B3/38 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J7/00

CPC classification number: C01B3/386 ,  B01J4/001 ,  B01J4/002 ,  B01J4/005 ,  B01J7/00 ,  B01J8/0285 ,  B01J8/065 ,  B01J8/067 ,  B01J8/1836 ,  B01J8/24 ,  B01J12/005 ,  B01J12/007 ,  B01J19/0013 ,  B01J19/0093 ,  B01J19/2415 ,  B01J19/2445 ,  B01J2208/00389 ,  B01J2208/00902 ,  B01J2208/00911 ,  B01J2219/00006 ,  B01J2219/00058 ,  B01J2219/00063 ,  B01J2219/00069 ,  B01J2219/00117 ,  B01J2219/00132 ,  B01J2219/00135 ,  B01J2219/00155 ,  B01J2219/00157 ,  B01J2219/00159 ,  B01J2219/002 ,  B01J2219/00213 ,  B01J2219/00234 ,  B01J2219/00585 ,  C01B2203/0233 ,  C01B2203/0244 ,  C01B2203/0261 ,  C01B2203/0844 ,  C01B2203/085 ,  C01B2203/1223 ,  C01B2203/1229 ,  C01B2203/1235 ,  C01B2203/1241 ,  C01B2203/1247 ,  C01B2203/141

Abstract: A multi-tubular chemical reactor (400) includes an igniter (435) for the initiation of gas phase exothermic reaction within the gas phase reaction zones (409) of the tubular reactor units (408). A method of carrying out a gas phase exothermic reaction within the multi-tubular chemical reactor comprising: introducing gaseous reactants into a tubular reactor unit (408); initiating with radiant heat an exothermic reaction of the gaseous reactants within the reactor unit; and transferring heat produced by the exothermic reaction occurring within the gas phase reaction zone of the reactor unit to the gas phase reaction zone of one or more adjacent reactor units (408), thereby initiating an exothermic reaction within at least one adjacent reactor unit (408) until in such manner an exothermic reaction has been initiated in each of the plurality of spaced-apart reactor units (408).

Abstract translation: 多管式化学反应器（400）包括用于在管状反应器单元（408）的气相反应区（409）内引发气相放热反应的点火器（435）。 一种在多管式化学反应器内进行气相放热反应的方法，包括：将气态反应物引入管式反应器单元（408）中; 用辐射热引发气体反应物在反应器单元内的放热反应; 以及将由反应器单元的气相反应区内发生的放热反应产生的热量转移到一个或多个相邻的反应器单元（408）的气相反应区，从而在至少一个相邻的反应器单元（408）内引发放热反应 ），直到以这种方式在多个间隔开的反应器单元（408）中的每一个中已经开始放热反应。

公开(公告)号：US10858247B2

公开(公告)日：2020-12-08

申请号：US16515608

申请日：2019-07-18

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: C01B3/38 ,  B01J12/00 ,  B01J4/00 ,  B01J8/06 ,  B01J8/02 ,  B01J8/18 ,  B01J8/24 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J19/24 ,  B01J7/00

Abstract: A multi-tubular chemical reactor includes an igniter for the initiation of gas phase exothermic reaction within the gas phase reaction zones of the tubular reactor units.

公开(公告)号：US09624104B2

公开(公告)日：2017-04-18

申请号：US14533702

申请日：2014-11-05

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: B01J7/00 ,  C01B3/36 ,  B01J19/00 ,  B01J19/24 ,  C01B3/32 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  B01J12/00 ,  B01J4/00 ,  C01B3/38 ,  H01M8/22

CPC classification number: C01B3/36 ,  B01J4/001 ,  B01J4/002 ,  B01J4/005 ,  B01J12/007 ,  B01J19/0013 ,  B01J19/24 ,  B01J19/2425 ,  B01J2219/00006 ,  B01J2219/00058 ,  B01J2219/0006 ,  B01J2219/00069 ,  B01J2219/00074 ,  B01J2219/00103 ,  B01J2219/00132 ,  B01J2219/00135 ,  B01J2219/00159 ,  B01J2219/002 ,  B01J2219/00213 ,  B01J2219/00234 ,  B01J2219/00238 ,  B01J2219/24 ,  C01B3/326 ,  C01B3/386 ,  C01B2203/0205 ,  C01B2203/0261 ,  C01B2203/041 ,  C01B2203/066 ,  C01B2203/0833 ,  C01B2203/0838 ,  C01B2203/085 ,  C01B2203/1005 ,  C01B2203/1276 ,  C01B2203/1282 ,  C01B2203/1288 ,  H01M8/0618 ,  H01M8/0631 ,  H01M8/22

Abstract: A liquid fuel catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) reformer can include a plurality or an array of spaced-apart CPOX reactor units, each reactor unit including an elongate tube having a gas-permeable wall with internal and external surfaces, the wall enclosing an open gaseous flow passageway with at least a portion of the wall having CPOX catalyst disposed therein and/or comprising its structure. The catalyst-containing wall structure and open gaseous flow passageway enclosed thereby define a gaseous phase CPOX reaction zone, the catalyst-containing wall section being gas-permeable to allow gaseous CPOX reaction mixture to diffuse therein and hydrogen rich product reformate to diffuse therefrom. At least the exterior surface of the CPOX reaction zone can include a hydrogen barrier. The liquid fuel CPOX reformer can include a vaporizer, one or more igniters, and a source of liquid reformable fuel.

公开(公告)号：US20160260990A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-08

申请号：US15061333

申请日：2016-03-04

Applicant: WATT Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: H01M8/04014 ,  F23D14/62 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  F23C13/02

CPC classification number: H01M8/04022 ,  F23C13/02 ,  F23C13/04 ,  F23D14/62 ,  F23G7/07 ,  F23G2209/14 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  H01M2250/405 ,  Y02B90/16 ,  Y02E20/12

Abstract: The present teachings provide designs and materials of construction for afterburners as well as methods of making the afterburners. More specifically, the afterburners of the present teachings can include a compressible, resilient refractory material such that thermal expansion of other adjacent components, for example, a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell unit, can be accommodated by the afterburner. The present teachings also provide methods of reducing contaminants in exhaust streams and/or generating heat.

Abstract translation: 本教导提供了用于后燃烧器的结构的设计和材料以及制造后燃烧器的方法。 更具体地，本教导的后燃烧器可以包括可压缩的弹性耐火材料，使得其他相邻部件（例如燃料电池单元的燃料电池堆）的热膨胀可以由加力器容纳。 本教导还提供减少废气流中的污染物和/或产生热量的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20150194683A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：US14666993

申请日：2015-03-24

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Paul DeWald ,  Caine Finnerty ,  Robert P. Donley

IPC: H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/00 ,  H01M8/12

CPC classification number: F04D17/12 ,  F04D17/16 ,  F04D25/166 ,  F04D29/281 ,  H01M8/004 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/04082 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/04746 ,  H01M8/04776 ,  H01M8/12 ,  H01M2008/1293 ,  H01M2300/0071 ,  Y02E60/525

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell assembly medium and at least one centrifugal blower system for providing a flow of gaseous medium to the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract translation: 燃料电池系统包括燃料电池组件介质和用于向燃料电池组件提供气态介质流的至少一个离心鼓风机系统。

公开(公告)号：US20150144841A1

公开(公告)日：2015-05-28

申请号：US14534345

申请日：2014-11-06

Applicant: Watt Fuel Cell Corp.

Inventor： Caine M. Finnerty ,  Paul DeWald

IPC: H01M8/06 ,  C01B3/32 ,  C01B3/40 ,  B01J19/24

CPC classification number: H01M8/0618 ,  B01J4/001 ,  B01J4/002 ,  B01J4/005 ,  B01J12/007 ,  B01J19/2425 ,  B01J2219/00006 ,  B01J2219/00058 ,  B01J2219/0006 ,  B01J2219/00069 ,  B01J2219/00135 ,  B01J2219/00159 ,  B01J2219/002 ,  B01J2219/00213 ,  B01J2219/00234 ,  B01J2219/00238 ,  B01J2219/2401 ,  C01B3/323 ,  C01B3/386 ,  C01B2203/0261 ,  C01B2203/1035 ,  C01B2203/1223 ,  C01B2203/1229 ,  C01B2203/1235 ,  C01B2203/1241 ,  C01B2203/1247 ,  C01B2203/141 ,  C01B2203/16 ,  C01B2203/1604

Abstract: A gaseous fuel catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) reformer can include a plurality or an array of spaced-apart CPOX reactor units, each reactor unit including an elongate tube having a wall with internal and external surfaces, the wall enclosing an open gaseous flow passageway with at least a portion of the wall having CPOX catalyst disposed therein and/or comprising its structure. The catalyst-containing wall structure and open gaseous flow passageway enclosed thereby define a gaseous phase CPOX reaction zone, the catalyst-containing wall section being gas-permeable to allow gaseous CPOX reaction mixture to diffuse therein and hydrogen-rich product reformate to diffuse therefrom. At least the exterior surface of a CPOX reaction zone of a CPOX reactor unit can include a hydrogen barrier. The gaseous fuel CPOX reformer also can include one or more igniters, and a source of gaseous reformable fuel.

Abstract translation: 气态燃料催化部分氧化（CPOX）重整器可以包括多个或一组间隔开的CPOX反应器单元，每个反应器单元包括具有内壁和外表面的壁的细长管，该壁包围开放的气流通道， 所述壁的至少一部分具有设置在其中的CPOX催化剂和/或包含其结构。 含有催化剂的壁结构和封闭的气态流动通道限定了气相CPOX反应区，含催化剂的壁部分是气体可渗透的，以允许气态CPOX反应混合物在其中扩散，富氢产物重整产物从其扩散。 至少CPOX反应器单元的CPOX反应区的外表面可以包括氢屏障。 气态燃料CPOX重整器还可以包括一个或多个点火器和气体可重整燃料源。