A High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell includes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); an anode catalyst layer on one surface of the PEM, and a cathode catalyst layer on the opposite surface of the PEM; Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) on outside surfaces of the anode and the cathode layers; and Bipolar Plates (BPPs) on outside surfaces of the GDLs. One or more contacting surfaces of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA) subcomponents are coated, at least in part, with an electrically conductive polymer composite material that softens at or below the operating temperature of the HT-PEM. Also disclosed is a fuel cell bipolar plate (BPP) that includes a plurality of gaseous media coolant flow channels which have deflection barriers configured to cause the gaseous media coolant to divide and flow horizontally around a deflection barrier in a direction of an adjacent gaseous media coolant flow channel.
Disclosed is a cryogenic storage tank including an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (52) defining a space (56), wherein the space is filled at least in part with dried-in-place hollow glass microspheres which provides both insulating and structural properties to maintain the space, and methods for forming the cryogenic storage tank. Also disclosed is a cryogenic storage tank including an inner wall and an outer wall defining a space, wherein the inner wall and outer wall are spaced from one another by magnetic repulsion. In one embodiment the inner wall includes a high temperature superconducting material embedded in or on a surface of the inner wall, and the outer wall has a conventional magnet embedded in or on a surface of the outer wall.
Disclosed is a fuel cell having a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) sandwiched between a pair of bipolar plates (BPPs). The BPPs are formed at least in part of a structural base layer and having one or more thermal performance layers (TPLs) in thermal contact with the structural base layer. The TPL is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the structural base layer.
H01M 8/026 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
H01M 4/86 - Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plate (PEM FC BPP) assembly is provided. The PEM FC BPP assembly includes a cathode plate, an anode plate, and an insert. The insert is positioned between the cathode plate, an anode plate; and is comprised of a metal, a composite, a foil, a mesh, or a combination thereof, the insert includes at least one corrugated structure having peaks provided from 1-10 mm apart. The at least one corrugated structure is bonded to the anode and cathode plates at, at least one of its peaks and troughs. The disclosure also includes an electric device which includes the PEM FC BPP with cooling insert and where the electric device includes an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine including an air compressor system, a hydrogen fuel source, a fuel cell, a heat exchanger, an elongated shaft, a motor assembly and a combustion chamber including a turbine downstream of the fuel cell configured to burn or catalytically react unburned hydrogen gas in the fuel cell waste, to drive the turbine to add additional torque to the shaft. The heat exchanger is disposed in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel source and the fuel cell. The elongated shaft is connected to the air compressor and/or a propulsor. The motor assembly is disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell.
F02K 5/00 - Plants including an engine, other than a gas turbine, driving a compressor or a ducted fan
F02C 3/22 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
A High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell includes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); an anode catalyst layer on one surface of the PEM, and a cathode catalyst layer on the opposite surface of the PEM; Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) on outside surfaces of the anode and the cathode layers; and Bipolar Plates (BPPs) on outside surfaces of the GDLs. One or more contacting surfaces of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA) subcomponents are coated, at least in part, with an electrically conductive polymer composite material that softens at or below the operating temperature of the HT-PEM. Also disclosed is a fuel cell bipolar plate (BPP) that includes a plurality of gaseous media coolant flow channels which have deflection barriers configured to cause the gaseous media coolant to divide and flow horizontally around a deflection barrier in a direction of an adjacent gaseous media coolant flow channel.
H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
A High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell includes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); an anode catalyst layer on one surface of the PEM, and a cathode catalyst layer on the opposite surface of the PEM; Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) on outside surfaces of the anode and the cathode layers; and Bipolar Plates (BPPs) on outside surfaces of the GDLs. One or more contacting surfaces of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA) subcomponents are coated, at least in part, with an electrically conductive polymer composite material that softens at or below the operating temperature of the HT-PEM. Also disclosed is a fuel cell bipolar plate (BPP) that includes a plurality of gaseous media coolant flow channels which have deflection barriers configured to cause the gaseous media coolant to divide and flow horizontally around a deflection barrier in a direction of an adjacent gaseous media coolant flow channel.
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
8.
BIDIRECTIONAL (STAGGERED) BIPOLAR PLATE PATTERN FOR FUEL CELL COOLING
A High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell includes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); an anode catalyst layer on one surface of the PEM, and a cathode catalyst layer on the opposite surface of the PEM; Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) on outside surfaces of the anode and the cathode layers; and Bipolar Plates (BPPs) on outside surfaces of the GDLs. One or more contacting surfaces of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA) subcomponents are coated, at least in part, with an electrically conductive polymer composite material that softens at or below the operating temperature of the HT-PEM. Also disclosed is a fuel cell bipolar plate (BPP) that includes a plurality of gaseous media coolant flow channels which have deflection barriers configured to cause the gaseous media coolant to divide and flow horizontally around a deflection barrier in a direction of an adjacent gaseous media coolant flow channel.
H01M 8/0267 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
B60L 50/72 - Constructional details of fuel cells specially adapted for electric vehicles
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
A fuel cell includes a heat exchanger loop configured to circulate a heat exchanger fluid from the compressed cathode air feed to the fuel cell to pre-heat the fuel cell during fuel cell start up. Also disclosed is a fuel cell including a humidifier mated to inlet and outlet ports of the fuel cell stack. Also disclosed is a fuel cell system having audio, image, or strain sensors external to the fuel cell surface, configured for detecting a change in the external surface of the fuel cell indicative of a fault condition.
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and an evaporative cooling device including an evaporation chamber and a thermally conductive conduit extending through the evaporation chamber. The coolant circuit is configured to circulate a coolant through the coolant circuit and through a portion of the fuel cell. The thermally conductive conduit has an inner surface that at least partially defines a coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant circuit and an opposite outer surface exposed to an environment within the evaporation chamber. When a working fluid is applied to the outer surface of the thermally conductive conduit within the evaporation chamber. the evaporative cooling device is configured to evaporatively cool the coolant flowing through the coolant channel by promoting evaporation of the working fluid from the outer surface of the thermally conductive conduit.
Disclosed is a hydrogen feed conditioning system for a hydrogen fuel cell in which fresh hydrogen from storage and recycled hydrogen from an anode exhaust of the fuel cell are mixed and fed to an anode feed of the fuel cell. A stream of recycled hydrogen is first passed through a hydrogen/water separator configured to reduce an amount of water vapor in the recycled hydrogen stream. The system includes a condenser for the anode exhaust stream upstream of the hydrogen water separator.
H01M 8/04082 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyteHumidifying or dehumidifying
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. The coolant circuit defines a coolant passageway and is configured to circulate a coolant through the coolant passageway and through a portion of the fuel cell to absorb heat from the fuel cell. The thermal energy storage device includes a phase change material configured to store thermal energy released from the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit and through the thermal energy storage device in the form of latent heat. The phase change material is configured to dissipate thermal energy stored therein to a circumambient airflow flowing relative to the vehicle when the vehicle is moving.
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and an auxiliary evaporative cooler. The coolant circuit is configured to circulate a coolant including a phase change material therethrough and through a portion of the fuel cell to absorb heat from the fuel cell. The auxiliary evaporative cooler includes a coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant circuit, an airflow channel in fluid communication with an ambient environment, and a selectively permeable membrane that physically separates the coolant channel from the airflow channel and is selectively permeable to the phase change material. The auxiliary evaporative cooler is configured to evaporatively cool the coolant flowing through the coolant channel by promoting evaporation and transport of the phase change material from the coolant flowing through the coolant channel, through the selectively permeable membrane, and into an ambient airflow flowing through the airflow channel.
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
B64D 27/355 - Arrangements for on-board electric energy production, distribution, recovery or storage using fuel cells
B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyteHumidifying or dehumidifying
A cryogenic insulated pipe having a conformally-bonded aerogel paper layer on an outer surface of the pipe. The conformally-bonded aerogel paper layer is conformally-bonded to the pipe outer surface in a pre-applied resin layer. An insulative blanket is applied over the aerogel paper, and a breathable protective layer is applied over the insulative blanket. Also disclosed is a cryogenic fuel tank for retrofitting a conventional fossil fuel-powered aircraft, or for a purposely built aircraft to run on hydrogen has an aerodynamically shaped outer surface including an ogive shaped nose cone, and a tapered tail cone, wherein the tapered tail cone includes actively adjustable elements for adjusting aerodynamic characteristics of the cryogenic fuel tank. The cryogenic fuel tank is configured to be attached below wings of the aircraft, through support pylons, which include sensors configured to measure forces applied by the cryogenic fuel tank to the airframe. The cryogenic fuel tank includes a nozzle and valve configured to vent gas from the cryogenic fuel tank by expansion through the nozzle in the event that the cryogenic fuel tank is j ettisoned from the aircraft.
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 9/02 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups comprising animal or vegetable substances
B32B 29/00 - Layered products essentially comprising paper or cardboard
B32B 5/20 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer containing foamed or specifically porous material foamed in situ
15.
Hydrogen recirculation venturi array for optimized H2 utilization
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine includes a hydrogen fuel-cell; a hydrogen fuel source; an electric motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel-cell; an air compressor system configured to be driven by the motor assembly, and a cooling system having a heat exchanger radiator in a duct of the cooling system, and configured to direct an air stream including an air stream from the air compressor through the radiator, wherein an exhaust stream from a cathode side of the fuel-cell is fed via a flow control nozzle into the air stream in the cooling duct downstream of the radiator.
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
B60L 1/00 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles
B60L 50/70 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by fuel cells
B64D 27/355 - Arrangements for on-board electric energy production, distribution, recovery or storage using fuel cells
H01M 8/0265 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant the reactant or coolant channels having varying cross sections
H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
H01M 8/0656 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants by electrochemical means
A cooling system for a fuel-cell system onboard a vehicle such as an aircraft in one embodiment employs the latent heat of evaporation of a two-phase coolant to reduce mass and parasitic power requirements of the cooling system. In another embodiment the cooling system has a primary ambient air heat exchanger coolant loop for cooling the fuelcell system, and a secondary coolant loop comprising a fluid circuit configured to circulate a coolant in thermal contact with a phase-change material (PCM) in thermal contact with the fuel-cell to absorb heat from the fuel-cell. The secondary coolant loop includes a heat pump for cooling the PCM.
A method and system for mobile storage and dispensing of hydrogen (H2) for refueling H2-powered vehicles includes a compressor system having a plurality of compressor stages in fluid communication with at least a portion of manifold valves in locations between compressor stages. A booster compression stage positioned downstream of the compressor system is in fluid communication between at least two of the manifold valves. A plurality of H2 storage banks is positioned downstream of the compressor system and the booster compressor stage. Low-pressure H2 is pressurized by the compressor system and/or the booster compressor stage to a working pressure and stored within the H2 storage banks. Upon a decrease of the H2 in one or more of the H2 storage banks from the working pressure, the H2 is repressurized by the booster compressor stage. Also disclosed is a ground-based cryogenic tank and a method of manufacturing a ground-based cryogenic tank.
A cooling system for a fuel-cell system onboard a vehicle such as an aircraft in one embodiment employs the latent heat of evaporation of a two-phase coolant to reduce mass and parasitic power requirements of the cooling system. In another embodiment the cooling system has a primary ambient air heat exchanger coolant loop for cooling the fuel-cell system, and a secondary coolant loop comprising a fluid circuit configured to circulate a coolant in thermal contact with a phase-change material (PCM) in thermal contact with the fuel-cell to absorb heat from the fuel-cell. The secondary coolant loop includes a heat pump for cooling the PCM.
The invention of the current application is directed to A bipolar plate (BPP) including at least one serpentine reactant channel suitable for circulating a reactant and at least one coolant channel suitable for circulating a coolant. The at least one reactant channel and the at least one coolant channel are positioned parallel to each other and the BPP is a three-dimensional structure with six faces.
H01M 8/0263 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
H01M 8/026 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
H01M 8/0297 - Arrangements for joining electrodes, reservoir layers, heat exchange units or bipolar separators to each other
H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
A method and system of dynamic fuel cell stack switching includes monitoring a fuel cell voltage of a hydrogen fuel cell stack system. When the fuel cell voltage is outside a voltage range, the fuel cell voltage is adjusted by electrically bypassing at least one fuel cell stack within the hydrogen fuel cell stack system, or by electrically connecting the at least one fuel cell stack to the hydrogen fuel cell stack system. For a bypassed fuel cell stack, a hydration level of the electrically bypassed fuel cell stack is monitored.
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine includes a hydrogen fuel-cell; a hydrogen fuel source; an electric motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel-cell; an air compressor system configured to be driven by the motor assembly, and a cooling system having a heat exchanger radiator in a duct of the cooling system, and configured to direct an air stream including an air stream from the air compressor through the radiator, wherein an exhaust stream from a cathode side of the fuel-cell is fed via a flow control nozzle into the air stream in the cooling duct downstream of the radiator.
B60L 50/70 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by fuel cells
B60L 58/33 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by cooling
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
A cooling system for a fuel-cell system onboard a vehicle such as an aircraft in one embodiment employs the latent heat of evaporation of a two-phase coolant to reduce mass and parasitic power requirements of the cooling system. In another embodiment the cooling system has a primary ambient air heat exchanger coolant loop for cooling the fuel-cell system, and a secondary coolant loop comprising a fluid circuit configured to circulate a coolant in thermal contact with a phase-change material (PCM) in thermal contact with the fuel-cell to absorb heat from the fuel-cell. The secondary coolant loop includes a heat pump for cooling the PCM.
The invention of the current application is directed to a cooling spray system and method for a high temperature proton exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell including a HTPEM fuel cell including a cathode and an anode, a liquid sprayer, and a storage vessel containing a mixture of water and electrolyte. The storage vessel is in fluid communication with the liquid sprayer and the liquid sprayer is positioned to spray the mixture of water and electrolyte into the air supply of the cathode.
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
H01M 8/0267 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
An integrated hydrogen FC electric engine includes a centrifugal compressor and a turbine rotatably mounted, back-to-back on a common shaft; and one or more FCs arranged around an outside of the rotatably mounted centrifugal compressor and the rotatably mounted turbine. The integrated hydrogen FC electric engine is compact enough to fit into the nacelle of an aircraft.
Disclosed is a method for displaying actionable information on an electronic vehicle display panel which includes: receiving data from a plurality of sensors. The data received from each of the plurality of sensors is analyzed to determine a data category for the data from each sensor, wherein each data category corresponds to an information priority level. The data from each of the plurality of sensors is displayed according to the determined data category, wherein data within a data category corresponding to a high information priority level is displayed more prominently relative to other data, and wherein data within a data category corresponding to a low information priority level is displayed less prominently relative to other data; and displaying at least a portion of the data as at least one from the set of: a fuel cell voltage difference, a hydrogen flow rate, a temperature discrepancy, and a rate of temperature change.
B60L 58/30 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
The invention of the current application is directed to a high temperature proton exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell and manufacturing process thereof. The fuel cell includes at least one bipolar plate (BPP) layer, at least one gas diffusion layer (GDL) at least one catalyst layer, and a membrane layer. Additionally, the invention of the current application is directed to a manufacturing process which joins each layer of a (HTPEM) fuel cell in a stacked formation wherein in some embodiments the GDL, catalyst layers, and a membrane layer are pre-casts into a membrane electrode assembly MEA. The resulting (HTPEM) fuel cell has a lower passive area without the need for bulky and heavy gaskets and subgaskets.
The invention of the current application is directed to a high temperature proton exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell and manufacturing process thereof. The fuel cell includes at least one bipolar plate (BPP) layer, at least one gas diffusion layer (GDL) at least one catalyst layer, and a membrane layer. Additionally, the invention of the current application is directed to a manufacturing process which joins each layer of a (HTPEM) fuel cell in a stacked formation wherein in some embodiments the GDL, catalyst layers, and a membrane layer are pre-casts into a membrane electrode assembly MEA. The resulting (HTPEM) fuel cell has a lower passive area without the need for bulky and heavy gaskets and subgaskets.
H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
H01M 8/1058 - Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by a porous support having no ion-conducting properties
H01M 8/1072 - Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the manufacturing processes by chemical reactions, e.g. insitu polymerisation or insitu crosslinking
H01M 8/1081 - Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the manufacturing processes starting from solutions, dispersions or slurries exclusively of polymers
29.
CORONA DISCHARGE MANAGEMENT FOR HYDROGEN FUEL CELL-POWERED AIRCRAFT
An aircraft includes a chamber (1), a processor, a memory, and a compressor system (12b) in fluid communication with the chamber. The compressor system (12b) configured to selectively pressurize the chamber (1). The chamber supports a fuel cell (26), a motor, and/or electrical components that electrically communicate with the fuel cell (26) and the motor to power the aircraft. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor, cause the aircraft to receive an altitude value of the aircraft, and selectively pressurize the chamber using the compressor system based on the received altitude value to reduce corona discharge in the chamber.
B64D 27/355 - Arrangements for on-board electric energy production, distribution, recovery or storage using fuel cells
H01M 8/04111 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants using a compressor turbine assembly
Disclosed is a cryogenic storage tank including an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (52) defining a space (56), wherein the space is filled at least in part with dried-in-place hollow glass microspheres which provides both insulating and structural properties to maintain the space, and methods for forming the cryogenic storage tank. Also disclosed is a cryogenic storage tank including an inner wall and an outer wall defining a space, wherein the inner wall and outer wall are spaced from one another by magnetic repulsion. In one embodiment the inner wall includes a high temperature superconducting material embedded in or on a surface of the inner wall, and the outer wall has a conventional magnet embedded in or on a surface of the outer wall.
A High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell includes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); an anode catalyst layer on one surface of the PEM, and a cathode catalyst layer on the opposite surface of the PEM; Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) on outside surfaces of the anode and the cathode layers; and Bipolar Plates (BPPs) on outside surfaces of the GDLs. One or more contacting surfaces of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA) subcomponents are coated, at least in part, with an electrically conductive polymer composite material that softens at or below the operating temperature of the HT-PEM. Also disclosed is a fuel cell bipolar plate (BPP) that includes a plurality of gaseous media coolant flow channels which have deflection barriers configured to cause the gaseous media coolant to divide and flow horizontally around a deflection barrier in a direction of an adjacent gaseous media coolant flow channel.
H01M 8/0228 - Composites in the form of layered or coated products
H01M 8/026 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
H01M 8/0267 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine includes a hydrogen fuel-cell; a hydrogen fuel source; an electric motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel-cell; an air compressor system configured to be driven by the motor assembly, and a cooling system having a heat exchanger radiator in a duct of the cooling system, and configured to direct an air stream including an air stream from the air compressor through the radiator, wherein an exhaust stream from a cathode side of the fuel-cell is fed via a flow control nozzle into the air stream in the cooling duct downstream of the radiator.
H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyteHumidifying or dehumidifying
33.
PREDICTIVE FUEL CELL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN INTEGRATED HYDROGEN-ELECTRIC ENGINE
A system and method for predictive fuel cell management system for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and a computer having a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors configured to predict, during a first phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, an impending occurrence of a second phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, wherein the second phase of energy demand includes a predetermined energy demand; and generate a predetermined amount of energy from the plurality of fuel cells based on the predicted second phase of energy demand prior to starting the second phase of energy demand to improve energy efficiency and performance of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine.
H01M 8/04992 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine includes, an air compressor system; a hydrogen fuel source; a fuel cell; an elongated shaft connected to the air compressor system or a propulsor; and a motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell, wherein the air compressor system includes a plurality of electrically driven compressors configured to run in series or parallel.
F02C 3/22 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
B60L 50/70 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by fuel cells
F02K 5/00 - Plants including an engine, other than a gas turbine, driving a compressor or a ducted fan
An integrated hydrogen-electric engine including an air compressor system, a hydrogen fuel source, a fuel cell, a heat exchanger, an elongated shaft, a motor assembly and a combustion chamber including a turbine downstream of the fuel cell configured to burn or catalytically react unburned hydrogen gas in the fuel cell waste, to drive the turbine to add additional torque to the shaft. The heat exchanger is disposed in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel source and the fuel cell. The elongated shaft is connected to the air compressor and/or a propulsor. The motor assembly is disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell.
F02C 3/22 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
F02C 7/224 - Heating fuel before feeding to the burner
F02K 5/00 - Plants including an engine, other than a gas turbine, driving a compressor or a ducted fan
A cooling system for a fuel-cell system onboard a vehicle such as an aircraft in one embodiment employs the latent heat of evaporation of a two-phase coolant to reduce mass and parasitic power requirements of the cooling system. In another embodiment the cooling system has a primary ambient air heat exchanger coolant loop for cooling the fuelcell system, and a secondary coolant loop comprising a fluid circuit configured to circulate a coolant in thermal contact with a phase-change material (PCM) in thermal contact with the fuel-cell to absorb heat from the fuel-cell. The secondary coolant loop includes a heat pump for cooling the PCM.
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyteHumidifying or dehumidifying
37.
START UP METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PRE-HEAT FUEL CELL
A fuel cell includes a heat exchanger loop configured to circulate a heat exchanger fluid from the compressed cathode air feed to the fuel cell to pre-heat the fuel cell during fuel cell start up. Also disclosed is a fuel cell including a humidifier mated to inlet and outlet ports of the fuel cell stack. Also disclosed is a fuel cell system having audio, image, or strain sensors external to the fuel cell surface, configured for detecting a change in the external surface of the fuel cell indicative of a fault condition.
H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
H01M 8/04225 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-downDepolarisation or activation, e.g. purgingMeans for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
H01M 8/04223 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-downDepolarisation or activation, e.g. purgingMeans for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
38.
COOLING SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL ONBOARD A VEHICLE INCLUDING AUXILIARY EVAPORATIVE COOLER
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and an auxiliary evaporative cooler. The coolant circuit is configured to circulate a coolant including a phase change material therethrough and through a portion of the fuel cell to absorb heat from the fuel cell. The auxiliary evaporative cooler includes a coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant circuit, an airflow channel in fluid communication with an ambient environment, and a selectively permeable membrane that physically separates the coolant channel from the airflow channel and is selectively permeable to the phase change material. The auxiliary evaporative cooler is configured to evaporatively cool the coolant flowing through the coolant channel by promoting evaporation and transport of the phase change material from the coolant flowing through the coolant channel, through the selectively permeable membrane, and into an ambient airflow flowing through the airflow channel.
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a plenum, a coolant circuit, and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The plenum is configured to receive an airflow from an ambient environment. The coolant circuit is configured to circulate a coolant through the coolant circuit and through a portion of the fuel cell. The liquid-to-air heat exchanger includes a thermally conductive wall having a first side that at least partially defines an airflow channel in fluid communication with the plenum and an opposite second side that at least partially defines a coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. The first side of the thermally conductive wall includes a porous wick. When a working fluid is introduced into the porous wick, the porous wick is configured to evaporatively cool the coolant flowing through the coolant channel by promoting evaporation of the working fluid therefrom.
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. The coolant circuit defines a coolant passageway and is configured to circulate a coolant through the coolant passageway and through a portion of the fuel cell to absorb heat from the fuel cell. The thermal energy storage device includes a phase change material configured to store thermal energy released from the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit and through the thermal energy storage device in the form of latent heat. The phase change material is configured to dissipate thermal energy stored therein to a circumambient airflow flowing relative to the vehicle when the vehicle is moving.
A cooling system for a fuel cell onboard a vehicle includes a coolant circuit and an evaporative cooling device including an evaporation chamber and a thermally conductive conduit extending through the evaporation chamber. The coolant circuit is configured to circulate a coolant through the coolant circuit and through a portion of the fuel cell. The thermally conductive conduit has an inner surface that at least partially defines a coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant circuit and an opposite outer surface exposed to an environment within the evaporation chamber. When a working fluid is applied to the outer surface of the thermally conductive conduit within the evaporation chamber, the evaporative cooling device is configured to evaporatively cool the coolant flowing through the coolant channel by promoting evaporation of the working fluid from the outer surface of the thermally conductive conduit.
An aircraft includes a chamber (1), a processor, a memory, and a compressor system (12b) in fluid communication with the chamber. The compressor system (12b) configured to selectively pressurize the chamber (1). The chamber supports a fuel cell (26), a motor, and/ or electrical components that electrically communicate with the fuel cell (26) and the motor to power the aircraft. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor, cause the aircraft to receive an altitude value of the aircraft, and selectively pressurize the chamber using the compressor system based on the received altitude value to reduce corona discharge in the chamber.
A refueling system for hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a compressor to receive a source of low temperature, high pressure hydrogen gas and compress the low temperature, high pressure hydrogen gas into a higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas. A compression chamber within the compressor to receive the higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas from the compressor. A valve coupled with the compression chamber to reduce the pressure of the higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas to a higher temperature, lower pressure hydrogen gas. A storage container on an aircraft to receive the higher temperature, lower pressure hydrogen gas via the pressure relief valve. A heat exchanger in thermal cooperation with the compression chamber, the heat exchanger configured to absorb heat from the compression chamber and convert the heat into storable energy.
A system and method for dynamic optimization of system efficiency for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed. The system includes an elongated shaft of an integrated hydrogen-electric engine and a plurality of motors to drive the elongated shaft of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. The system also includes at least one sensor to monitor a first torque of each motor of the plurality of motors and a computer with a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors receive from the sensor, a first set of torque data for the first torque of each motor of the plurality of motors, utilize the first set of torque data to determine an overall efficiency of the plurality of motors, and selectively idle at least one motor of the plurality of motors based on a result of the determination.
A method for jump-starting a hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft is disclosed. The method accesses a fuel cell stack containing latent oxygen therein. Accesses a hydrogen fuel source and provides hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel source into the fuel cell stack causing the hydrogen to mix with the latent oxygen in the fuel cell stack and generate a voltage. The voltage is then provided to a component of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft such that additional oxygen is introduced to the fuel stack.
H01M 8/04302 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during start-up
B60L 50/70 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by fuel cells
H01M 8/04082 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
H01M 8/04111 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants using a compressor turbine assembly
H01M 8/2457 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
46.
Refueling system for hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft
A refueling system for hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a compressor to receive a source of low temperature, high pressure hydrogen gas and compress the low temperature, high pressure hydrogen gas into a higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas. A compression chamber within the compressor to receive the higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas from the compressor. A valve coupled with the compression chamber to reduce the pressure of the higher temperature, higher pressure hydrogen gas to a higher temperature, lower pressure hydrogen gas. A storage container on an aircraft to receive the higher temperature, lower pressure hydrogen gas via the pressure relief valve. A heat exchanger in thermal cooperation with the compression chamber, the heat exchanger configured to absorb heat from the compression chamber and convert the heat into storable energy.
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
H01M 8/04082 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
H01M 8/04111 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants using a compressor turbine assembly
B64D 27/355 - Arrangements for on-board electric energy production, distribution, recovery or storage using fuel cells
An aircraft includes a fuel cell-powered electric engine system configured to power the aircraft and produce water vapor exhaust, and an exhaust system configured to receive the water vapor exhaust, condense the water vapor into ice or water, and expel the ice or water from the aircraft such that water vapor cloud formation is inhibited. A method of powering an aircraft includes operating a fuel cell-powered electric engine system to power the aircraft, condensing water vapor exhaust of the fuel cell-powered electric engine system into ice or water, and expelling the ice or water from the aircraft such that water vapor cloud formation is inhibited.
B60L 58/32 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 33/04 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of exhaust outlets or jet pipes
A system and method for predictive fuel cell management system for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and a computer having a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors configured to predict, during a first phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, an impending occurrence of a second phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, wherein the second phase of energy demand includes a predetermined energy demand; and generate a predetermined amount of energy from the plurality of fuel cells based on the predicted second phase of energy demand prior to starting the second phase of energy demand to improve energy efficiency and performance of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine.
H01M 8/04992 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
A multiple energy source management system for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed, the system includes a first and a second energy source providing energy to the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A pre-charge load to provide an energy demand to a selected energy source. A sensor monitoring a power output from the first and/or second energy source. A relay to switch between the first and second energy sources. A computer system to receive an output energy of the first energy source, determine if the output energy is below a threshold value, switch the relay from the first state to the third state for a predetermined period of time, based on the determination, pre-charge the second energy source by the pre-charge load; and switch the relay to the second state after the predetermined period of time.
A hybrid hydrogen-electric and hydrogen turbine engine and system is disclosed. The hydrogen-electric system has an air inlet, a hydrogen fuel source, a fuel cell stack, and a motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen turbine system has an air intake in fluid communication with the air inlet of the hydrogen-electric system, a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the air intake and the hydrogen fuel source of the hydrogen-electric system, the combustion chamber configured to mix air received from the air intake with hydrogen received from the hydrogen fuel source, and a turbine driven by energy received from the combustion chamber. The hydrogen-electric system and the hydrogen turbine system cooperate with one another to generate the output power of the hybrid hydrogen engine system.
F02C 3/22 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
F02C 6/00 - Plural gas-turbine plantsCombinations of gas-turbine plants with other apparatusAdaptations of gas-turbine plants for special use
51.
EXHAUST WATER VAPOR MANAGEMENT FOR HYDROGEN FUEL CELL-POWERED AIRCRAFT
An aircraft includes a fuel cell-powered electric engine system configured to power the aircraft and produce water vapor exhaust, and an exhaust system configured to receive the water vapor exhaust, condense the water vapor into ice or water, and expel the ice or water from the aircraft such that water vapor cloud formation is inhibited. A method of powering an aircraft includes operating a fuel cell-powered electric engine system to power the aircraft, condensing water vapor exhaust of the fuel cell-powered electric engine system into ice or water, and expelling the ice or water from the aircraft such that water vapor cloud formation is inhibited.
A01G 15/00 - Devices or methods for influencing weather conditions
B64D 1/16 - Dropping or releasing powdered, liquid or gaseous matter, e.g. for fire-fighting
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyteHumidifying or dehumidifying
A multiple energy source management system for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed, the system includes a first and a second energy source providing energy to the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A pre-charge load to provide an energy demand to a selected energy source. A sensor monitoring a power output from the first and/or second energy source. A relay to switch between the first and second energy sources. A computer system to receive an output energy of the first energy source, determine if the output energy is below a threshold value, switch the relay from the first state to the third state for a predetermined period of time, based on the determination, pre-charge the second energy source by the pre-charge load; and switch the relay to the second state after the predetermined period of time.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
A system and method for predictive fuel cell management system for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and a computer having a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors configured to predict, during a first phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, an impending occurrence of a second phase of energy demand on the integrated hydrogen-electric engine, wherein the second phase of energy demand includes a predetermined energy demand; and generate a predetermined amount of energy from the plurality of fuel cells based on the predicted second phase of energy demand prior to starting the second phase of energy demand to improve energy efficiency and performance of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine.
H01M 8/04992 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
A hybrid hydrogen-electric and hydrogen turbine engine and system is disclosed. The hydrogen-electric system has an air inlet, a hydrogen fuel source, a fuel cell stack, and a motor assembly disposed in electrical communication with the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen turbine system has an air intake in fluid communication with the air inlet of the hydrogen-electric system, a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the air intake and the hydrogen fuel source of the hydrogen-electric system, the combustion chamber configured to mix air received from the air intake with hydrogen received from the hydrogen fuel source, and a turbine driven by energy received from the combustion chamber. The hydrogen-electric system and the hydrogen turbine system cooperate with one another to generate the output power of the hybrid hydrogen engine system.
F02C 6/00 - Plural gas-turbine plantsCombinations of gas-turbine plants with other apparatusAdaptations of gas-turbine plants for special use
F02C 6/20 - Adaptations of gas-turbine plants for driving vehicles
F02K 5/00 - Plants including an engine, other than a gas turbine, driving a compressor or a ducted fan
F02C 3/22 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
55.
DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF SYSTEM EFFICIENCY FOR AN INTEGRATED HYDROGEN-ELECTRIC ENGINE
A system and method for dynamic optimization of system efficiency for an integrated hydrogen-electric engine is disclosed. The system includes an elongated shaft of an integrated hydrogen-electric engine and a plurality of motors to drive the elongated shaft of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. The system also includes at least one sensor to monitor a first torque of each motor of the plurality of motors and a computer with a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors receive from the sensor, a first set of torque data for the first torque of each motor of the plurality of motors, utilize the first set of torque data to determine an overall efficiency of the plurality of motors, and selectively idle at least one motor of the plurality of motors based on a result of the determination.
B60L 50/71 - Arrangement of fuel cells within vehicles specially adapted for electric vehicles
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
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