The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 14, 1999
Albert P. Grasso, Vernon, CT (US);
Ned E. Cipollini, Enfield, CT (US);
Richard D. Breault, North Kingstown, RI (US);
International Fuel Cells LLC, South Windsor, CT (US);
Abstract
A fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is disclosed for use with a fuel cell power plant. The barrier includes a support matrix that defines pores and a liquid transfer medium that fills the pores creating a gas barrier. An inlet surface of the fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is positioned in contact with a process oxidant inlet stream entering a fuel cell power plant, and an opposed exhaust surface of the barrier is positioned in contact with an exhaust stream exiting the plant so that water and heat exchange from the exhaust stream directly into the process oxidant inlet stream to heat and humidify the stream as it enters the plant. The liquid transfer medium may include water, aqueous salt solutions, aqueous acid solutions, or organic antifreeze water solutions.