Vapore, Inc.

Alberta Research Council Incorporated

Alberta Innovates-technology Futures

Mark L Richardson

Thomas M Young

Luis Yamarte

Robert A Lerner

Barry Hal Rabin

Partho Sarkar

Hongsang Rho

Lorne Johanson

Partha Sarkar

Gary Kovacik

Rong Zheng

A plurality of tubular solid oxide fuel cells are embedded in a solid phase porous foam matrix that serves as a support structure for the fuel cells. The foam matrix has multiple regions with at least one property differing between at least two regions. The properties include porosity, electrical conductivity, and catalyst loading.

Fuel cell support structure

A solid state electrochemical cell comprises a dense electrolyte layer; at least one reticulated electrode matrix (REM) of ion-conducting material partially sintered on the gas impermeable electrolyte layer, and electrode material located substantially within the REM. The REM has a majority of pores with an average pore size of less than micron. The REM can also have a porosity of 5 to 80%, thickness at or below 3.00 microns, and a mean grain size of 0.01 to 3.00 microns.

Solid state electrochemical cell having reticulated electrode matrix and method of manufacturing same

A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized and unpressurized vapor emissions from liquid feed. In its simplest form, the capillary pump incorporates a liquid feed intake, a porous vaporization component, and a heat transfer component. Additional components, such as an insulator component, a feed pre-heat component, a liquid feed reservoir and/or delivery system, an integrated or associated heater component, a vapor collection chamber, a heat distribution component, an orifice component and/or vapor release component, may also be associated with or integrated in the improved capillary pumps. Capillary pump arrays are provided, and numerous applications for capillary pumps are disclosed.

Capillary pumps for vaporization of liquids

This invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell system comprising at least one longitudinally extending tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a longitudinally extending heater mounted in thermal proximity to the fuel cell to provide heat to the fuel cell during start up and during operation as needed. The heater and fuel cell can be encased within a tubular thermal casing; the inside of the casing defines a first reactant chamber for containing a first reactant, such as oxidant. The fuel cell comprises a ceramic solid state electrolyte layer and inner and outer electrode layers concentrically arranged around and sandwiching the electrolyte layer. The outer electrode layer is fluidly communicable with the first reactant, and the inner electrode layer is fluidly isolated from the first reactant and fluidly communicable with a second reactant, such as fuel.

Heating solid oxide for fuel cell stack

A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized vapor emissions, having various layers that assist in creating optimal conditions to accomplish a high maximum fluid flow rate and pressurization. Heat and liquid/vapor flows in opposing directions in pathways within the layers. The pump includes a vaporization layer having small-sized pores and with a thickness and area to reduce viscous drag of flowing liquid and vapor. An ejection layer is also included having one or more openings and an integrated heat transfer portion for conveying heat and providing a low fluidic drag area. The pump may include an insulation layer to shield the liquid in a supply area from heat and/or a preheat layer to raise the temperature of the liquid prior to the liquid entering the vaporization layer. A coating at least partially surrounds the outer surfaces of the pump to allow vapor pressure to increase.

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San Franscisco, CA, United States of America

Mark L Richardson