Proton Energy Systems, Inc.

United Technologies Corporation

Lawrence C Moulthrop, Jr

Trent M Molter

Jason K Shiepe

A John Speranza

Mark E Dristy

Andrei Leonida

Robert J Friedland

William F Smith

Mark Lillis

Kurt M Critz

Thomas M Skoczylas

Robert H Byron, Jr

Antonio John Speranza

An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is an electrically conductive sheet and is of a structure that is conformable to pressure variations within the cell. Methods of forming the pressure pad include disposing dimples or corrugations at the electrically conductive member. A method of maintaining compression within the cell includes disposing the electrically conductive member and the compression member at the first electrode, applying a load at the cell to compress the cell components, and maintaining electrical communication through the electrically conductive member.

Apparatus and method for maintaining compression of the active area in an electrochemical cell

An exemplary embodiment of a regenerative electrochemical cell system, comprises: a fuel cell module, an electrolysis module, a heat exchange, and an inverted hydrogen storage device. The fuel cell module can comprise a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication a hydrogen storage system, and a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication with a surrounding atmosphere and in fluid communication with a gaseous portion of an oxygen/water phase separation device. The electrolysis module can comprise an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via the fuel cell module, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with a second water storage device. The inverted hydrogen storage device can comprise a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an electrolysis hydrogen outlet, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with a fuel cell hydrogen inlet.

Regenerative electrochemical cell system and method for use thereof

Treated porous flow field members are used to support membranes in electrochemical cells and to enhance fluid flow to and from the membrane. The treated porous includes a support material having at least a portion thereof treated with a quantity of hydrophobic polymer, a quantity of hydrophilic polymer, or a quantity of a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer. Depending on the type of treatment and the placement of the polymer-treated porous support, various fluid flow enhancements are attained.

Method and apparatus for improved fluid flow within an electrochemical cell

An exemplary embodiment of the regenerative electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication a water storage device, and a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication with both an oxygen source and with a gaseous portion of an water phase separation device; an electrolysis module comprising an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via a fuel cell oxygen outlet, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen. One of the embodiments for operating a regenerative electrochemical cell system disclosed herein, comprises: introducing feed hydrogen from a hydrogen storage system to a fuel cell hydrogen electrode and introducing feed oxygen from an oxygen/water phase separation device to a fuel cell oxygen electrode; reacting hydrogen ions with the oxygen to generate electricity and water; once the fuel cell has attained operating conditions, ceasing the feed oxygen from the oxygen/water phase separation device, and introducing second oxygen from a surrounding atmosphere module to the fuel cell oxygen electrode; directing the water to a water storage device; introducing water to an electrolysis water electrode and power to an electrolysis module, to produce refuel hydrogen and oxygen; and directing the refuel hydrogen to the hydrogen storage device.

A method and apparatus is provided for an electrochemical cell system. The electrochemical cell system includes: an electrochemical cell; an energy source configured for providing a quantity of energy to the electrochemical cell; a sensing apparatus in operable communication with a gas output from the electrochemical cell, the sensing apparatus provides an output signal indicating a parameter of the gas output; and a computer in operable communication with the sensing apparatus. The computer includes a memory device configured to store a first operational parameter, and a processor configured to receive a digital representation of the output signal and the first operational parameter. The processor compares the digital representation of the output signal to the first operational parameter for regulating the quantity of energy provided to the electrochemical cell.

Electrochemical cell system output control method and apparatus

An integral screen/frame assembly for use in an electrochemical cell for supporting and facilitating the hydration of a solid membrane. The screen/frame assembly is comprised of planar screen layers having the frame disposed about the periphery of those layers such that the frame bonds the layers together.

Integral screen/frame assembly for an electrochemical cell

The present invention relates to a unique electrochemical cell stack which employs an electrically conductive pressure pad. The pressure pad is composed of material compatible with the electrochemical cell environment and is disposed on the high pressure side of the membrane assembly, in intimate contact with the high pressure side screen pack.

Means of maintaining compression of the active area in an electrochemical cell

A fluid management system for use in water electrolysis systems for filtering the system water and recombining hydrogen and oxygen. The fluid management system includes a phase separation tank having a filter containing a catalyzed ion exchange resin. Hydrogen/water mixture and an oxygen/water mixture are introduced into the resin where hydrogen is recombined with oxygen to produce recovered water. Trace contaminant ions and particles are removed from the water by the ion exchange resin and the filter.

Fluids management system for water electrolysis

Method for operating a high pressure electrochemical cell

A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.

Electrochemical cell frame

The present invention relates to a unique, compact hydrogen electrochemical system which eliminates the need for explosion-proof equipment. This system merely separates the electrical equipment from the hydrogen source with a wall, but employs a positive pressure, of about 0.1 inches water column, air purge throughout the system to prevent the introduction of hydrogen gas to the electrical equipment and to recover and use waste heat.

Hydrogen electrochemical system environment

Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.

Metal compression pad for an electrolysis cell

Metal compression pad

Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. An elastomeric compression pad comprised of an oil adsorbent sheet surrounding an elastomeric material with expansion pathways and electrical pathways, that utilize a conductive powder and elastomeric binder compensates for component dimensional variations, improves inter-cell conductivity, and allows high pressure operation up to about 3,000 psig.

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Windsor, CT, United States of America

Lawrence C Moulthrop, Jr