Intelligent Energy Inc.

Battelle Memorial Institute

Other

Mesosystems Technology, Inc.

Intelligent Engery, Inc.

Michael Roy Powell

Charles John Call

Anand Chellappa

Greg A Whyatt

Ezra L Merrill

Seung-Ho Hong

Matthew S Fountain

Douglas M Smith

Kevin H Roderick

Vincent L Sprenkle

Kerry D Meinhardt

Lawrence Andrew Chick

Ned Allen Godshall

Robert C Beckius

Thomas Vencill

Daniel T Howe

The efficiency and effectiveness of apparatuses for vaporizing and combusting liquid fuel can be improved using thermal conductors. For example, an apparatus having a liquid fuel vaporizer and a combustion chamber can be characterized by a thermal conductor that conducts heat from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The thermal conductor can be a movable member positioned at an insertion depth within the combustion chamber that corresponds to a rate of heat conduction from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The rate of heat conduction can, therefore, be adjusted by positioning the movable member at a different insertion depth.

Liquid fuel vaporizer and combustion chamber having an adjustable thermal conductor

The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Solid oxide fuel cell steam reforming power system

Safe storage of volatile compounds or elements is provided by utilizing storage configurations that take advantage of the diffusibility and release characteristics of cell-based materials, such as foam materials. Such configurations may provide storage of hazardous, liquefied gases in closed-cell foam material. Release of gas/liquid from the foam is restricted by the need for the gas to diffuse through the closed cells. Because rapid release is prevented, storage safety is greatly improved.

Safe storage of volatiles

A compact hydrogen generator for use with fuel cells and other applications includes a hydrogen membrane reactor having a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber. The two chambers are have a fluid connection and a heat exchange relationship with one another. The hydrogen generation apparatus also includes a fuel supply, a fuel supply line for transporting fuel from the fuel supply to the reaction chamber, an oxygen supply, an oxygen supply line for transporting oxygen from the oxygen supply to the combustion chamber, as well as a tail gas supply line for transporting tail gas supply line for transporting tail gases from the reaction chamber, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products for the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line for transporting hydrogen from the reaction chamber.

Hydrogen generation apparatus and method for using same

Apparatus for vaporizing liquid in a vaporization pathway having an actively controlled temperature are disclosed according to some aspects. The apparatus can comprise a first body having a cross sectional shape and dimensions substantially equal to the cross sectional shape and dimensions of a cavity in a second body, which allows the first body to be non-permanently inserted into the second body. The outer surface of the first body, the inner surface forming the cavity in the second body, or both can be modified to create a vaporization pathway between the first and second bodies when the surfaces mate and/or align. The liquid vaporizer can further comprise a vaporization pathway inlet for fluid comprising liquid, a vaporization pathway outlet for fluid comprising primarily vapor, and a heater in thermal communication with the first body, the second body, or both. The heater provides active control of the temperature of the vaporization pathway.

Apparatus for vaporization of liquid

A hydrogen generation apparatus employs a thermocatalytic reactor () formed of a top plate (), a bottom plate (), and a reactor core () disposed between the top an bottom plates. The reactor core has a reaction surface () and a combustion surface (), each surface having a raised periphery defining opposing ends (and) and opposing sides (and). The reaction surface () and the top plate () together define a reaction chamber and the combustion surface () and the bottom plate () together define a combustion chamber. The reaction core () has a first set of a plurality of spaced apart, substantially straight radiating fins () extending from the reaction surface () and a second set of a plurality of spaced part, substantially straight radiating fins () extending from the combustion surface (). The first set of fins () defining a plurality of reaction channels (), while the second set of fins () defines a plurality of combustion channels () running parallel to the opposing sides (and) and is spaced apart from the opposing ends (and).

Ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and method for using same

The present disclosure provides teachings relating to ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and associated methods of use. Exemplary methods and apparatus comprise a thermocatalytic hydrogen generation reactor which includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate, and a combustion chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate. Exemplary catalyst-coated substrates include, but are not limited to, metal foam, monolith, mesh, ceramic foam or ceramic monolith.

A compact hydrogen generator for use with fuel cells and other applications includes a hydrogen membrane reactor having a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber. The two chambers are have a fluid connection and a heat exchange relationship with one another. The hydrogen generation apparatus also includes a fuel supply, a fuel supply line for transporting fuel from the fuel supply to the reaction chamber, an oxygen supply, an oxygen supply line for transporting oxygen form the oxygen supply to the combustion chamber, as well as a tail gas supply line for transporting tail gas supply line for transporting tail gases form the reaction chamber, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products for the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line for transporting hydrogen from the reaction chamber.

A method of applying a coating the inner surface of a metal reactor chamber whereby coking resulting from the production of hydrogen from reforming hydrocarbons is reduced.

Method for reducing coking in a hydrogen generation reactor chamber

A hydrogen generator comprising a hydrogen membrane reactor, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, an air supply, an air supply line, a combustion fuel supply line, a tail gas supply line, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products from the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line. A membrane assembly to be joined to a reactor chamber of a hydrogen generator, which comprises a membrane; and a membrane support comprising a sintered porous metal. A reactor assembly comprising a reaction chamber containing a porous metal substrate, two membrane assemblies, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, and a tail gas supply line and a reaction product line. Methods associated with the hydrogen generator, membrane assembly and reactor assembly.

Compact devices for generating pure hydrogen

A method for reducing the surface variance of a porous metal substrate. The method does not significantly reduce the bulk porosity. The method can be used to reduce the surface pore diameter. A membrane, can be deposited on the reduced variance surface to form a separation membrane.

Surface modification of porous metal substrates

A fluid treatment system incorporating an integrated heat exchanger and thermal treatment unit. A fan draws or pushes a contaminated fluid through the heat exchanger, which is preferably of the counter flow type. The integrated heat exchanger and thermal treatment unit is fabricated by stacking sheets of metal foil so that gaps are defined between adjacent sheets. These gaps define alternating untreated and treated fluid channels. The untreated fluid flows through the heat exchanger and into the thermal treatment unit, with is disposed within aligned orifices formed in the metal foil sheets. Heat transfer occurs between adjacent treated and untreated channels, which greatly improves the efficiency with which a temperature of the untreated fluid entering the heat exchanger is changed as a result of heat transfer with the treated fluid that is exiting the heat exchanger. A header system is in fluid communication with either all of the treated or all of the untreated fluid channels. The integrated heat exchanger and thermal treatment unit also usable as a chemical reactor to generate a desired chemical product from at least one reactant.

Integral compact heat exchanger and catalytic reactor for scavenging contaminants from air

A vacuum thermal insulation product is formed of aporous thermal insulation material encased in an evacuated enclosure, with least a portion of the evacuated enclosure including a layer of an electroplated metal.

Vacuum thermal insulation product and method for making same

A portable modular water heater system having a heat exchanger and a fluid heating channel for heating water from a reservoir and for optionally producing purified potable water. Optionally, a thermoelectric module is included in the system for producing an electric current usable to rechargeable batteries, drive pumps, or other devices. When the heat exchanger module is exposed to a heat source, heat absorbed by the heat exchanger is transferred to the fluid heating channel, heating the water. The heated water is forced into an upper portion of the reservoir. A condenser module is optionally coupled to the reservoir to condense steam in the upper portion. The thermoelectric module produces an electrical current when exposed to a temperature differential between the reservoir's cool water and the heat exchanger. A portable microclimate heating system, such as a jacket with tubing, can be heated with the heater system.

Growing community of inventors

Kennewick, WA, United States of America

Michael Roy Powell