Ceres Power has been granted a patent for a fuel cell system that includes an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell and a reformer. The system features optimized gas flow paths and heat exchangers to enhance efficiency by controlling temperatures at the anode and cathode inlets. GlobalData’s report on Ceres Power gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Ceres Power, Pervoskite solid electrolytes was a key innovation area identified from patents. Ceres Power's grant share as of June 2024 was 39%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Fuel cell system with reformer and heat exchangers
The patent US12003007B2 describes a fuel cell system that integrates an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell stack with a reformer designed to convert hydrocarbon fuel into a reformate. The system features a complex fluid flow architecture, including dedicated paths for anode and cathode gases, which facilitate efficient energy conversion. Key components include a reformer heat exchanger that elevates the temperature of the anode inlet gas, and a cathode inlet gas heat exchanger that preheats the cathode inlet gas using heat from the anode off-gas and cathode off-gas paths. The system is characterized by a controller that manages the mixing of low-temperature oxidant with high-temperature cathode inlet gas, ensuring that the temperature at the cathode inlet (T1) remains higher than that at the anode inlet (T3).
Additionally, the patent outlines various configurations for optimizing the system's thermal management, including a hot bypass for the cathode inlet gas and multiple oxidant mixers to regulate temperatures effectively. The controller is designed to respond to temperature inputs from the reformer and tail-gas burner, allowing for dynamic adjustments to maintain operational efficiency. The system aims to achieve specific temperature ranges for T1 and T3 during steady-state operation, enhancing the overall performance of the fuel cell system while ensuring effective heat exchange and gas flow management. This innovative approach to fuel cell design may contribute to improved energy efficiency and operational stability in fuel cell applications.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
