Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Fuel cell – subcombination thereof – or method of making or... – Process or means for control of operation
Reexamination Certificate
2011-05-17
2011-05-17
Conley, Helen O (Department: 1726)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
Fuel cell, subcombination thereof, or method of making or...
Process or means for control of operation
C429S441000, C429S433000, C429S434000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07943263
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to fuel cell systems with improved thermal efficiency. The systems include a fuel cell that generates electrical energy using hydrogen and a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. Some heat efficient systems described herein include a thermal catalyst that generates heat when the catalyst interacts with a heating medium. The heat is used to heat the fuel cell. The thermal catalyst may be disposed in proximity to the fuel cell, or remote from the fuel cell and a heat transfer pipe conducts heat from the catalyst to the fuel cell. Another thermally efficient embodiment uses a recuperator to transfer heat generated in the fuel cell system to incoming fuel. A fuel cell package may also include a multi-layer insulation arrangement to decrease heat loss from the fuel cell and fuel processor, which both typically operate at elevated temperatures.
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Brantley Jennifer E.
DeRenzi Michael C.
Di Scipio William
Kaye Ian W.
Beyer Law Group LLP
Conley Helen O
UltraCell Corporation
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