Peter D Devries

US Patent:

6387556, May 14, 2002

Filed:

May 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/322666

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Greg Lloyd - Spokane WA
Peter D. Devries - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 22, 429 23, 429 24, 429 25, 429 9

Abstract:

Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.

US Patent:

6468682, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

May 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/577407

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Peter D. DeVries - Spokane WA
Glen Alden Lloyd - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 802

US Classification:

429 26, 429 32, 429 34, 429 38

Abstract:

An ion exchange membrane fuel cell is described and which includes a module enclosing a membrane electrode diffusion assembly which has an active area defined by a surface area, and which produces an average current density of at least about 350 mA per square centimeter of surface area when supplied with a dilute fuel at a nominal voltage of about 0. 5 volts.

US Patent:

6773839, Aug 10, 2004

Filed:

Nov 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/990318

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Greg Lloyd - Spokane WA
Peter D. Devries - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 22, 429 23, 429 24

Abstract:

Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.

US Patent:

6858335, Feb 22, 2005

Filed:

Nov 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/987225

Inventors:

Timothy J. Schmidt - Spokane WA, US
Peter D. DeVries - Spokane WA, US
Jonathan Dodge - Bend OR, US

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M008/04

US Classification:

429 13, 429 23

Abstract:

Fuel cell power systems and methods of operating fuel cell power systems are described. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electrical energy; switch mode power conditioning circuitry configured to electrically condition the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell, wherein the switch mode power conditioning circuitry comprises a controller configured to monitor an electrical status of the fuel cell and to adjust the conditioning of the electrical energy using the switch mode power conditioning circuitry responsive to the monitoring, wherein the controller is configured to provide a pulse width modulated control signal to control the switching of the switch mode power conditioning circuitry and to vary a duty cycle of the control signal to adjust the conditioning of the electrical energy using the switch mode power conditioning circuitry.

US Patent:

RE39556, Apr 10, 2007

Filed:

Oct 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/014033

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA, US
Peter D. DeVries - Tekoa WA, US
Greg A. Lloyd - Spokane WA, US
David R. Lott - Spokane WA, US
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA, US

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 8/04

US Classification:

429 13, 429 23

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an improved fuel cell and method of controlling same having an anode and a cathode which produces an electrical current having a given voltage and current output and which includes a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell. The invention also discloses a method for controlling the fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a given voltage and current output and which include determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; and shunting the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under first and second operation parameters.

US Patent:

7341609, Mar 11, 2008

Filed:

Oct 3, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/263949

Inventors:

Peter David DeVries - Spokane WA, US

Assignee:

Genesis Fueltech, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

B01J 7/00
B01J 19/00

US Classification:

48 61, 481279, 48128, 481981, 481983, 481987, 422198, 422211

Abstract:

A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

US Patent:

7358006, Apr 15, 2008

Filed:

Feb 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/779361

Inventors:

Peter David DeVries - Spokane WA, US

Assignee:

Genesis FuelTech, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 8/02

US Classification:

429 34, 429 35

Abstract:

A fuel cell power system is protected from electromagnetic pulse energy damage through the use of a protective enclosure. In addition, electrical lines entering or exiting the system contain voltage or current spike suppression devices sufficient to prevent damage to the electronics contained within the enclosure. Also, any openings in the enclosure will have electromagnetic pulse attenuating grids or honeycomb covers, and any viewing ports through the enclosure may be protected with transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide coated onto glass.

US Patent:

7465507, Dec 16, 2008

Filed:

Sep 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/945800

Inventors:

Peter David DeVries - Spokane WA, US

Assignee:

Genesis Fueltech, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 8/04
H01M 8/12
H01M 10/44

US Classification:

429 22, 429 23, 429 34, 429 9, 320101

Abstract:

A fuel cell power system has a fuel cell capable of generating electrical power, a battery holder releasably mounting at least one rechargeable battery, and a power controller which receives the electrical power from the fuel cell and distributes the electrical power to an output bus for use by an external load and to the battery for charging the battery. The rechargeable batteries may be easily inserted and removed from the system, with the batteries providing start-up power for the fuel cell power source, as well as surge power when the external electrical load is connected to the power system, or when the load exceeds the capacity of the fuel cell.