WO2007117274A2 - Open electric circuits optimized in supercritical fluids that coexist with non supercritical fluid thin films to synthesis nano sclae products and energy production - Google Patents

Abstract

Fuel cell elements: fuel, product, membrane, cathode and anode are operated within supercritical fluids (SCFs) to increase electrical and chemical-reaction efficiencies magnitudes more than prior art operating below the critical point of gas, liquids, and solids. Within vessel (4), cylinder (8) of vessel (3) is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) dual- function reversible or unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) system. Rod (11) and rod (14) are electrically connected to the cathode and anode inside the vessels through separate circuits formed from electrically insulated vacuum seals (1) and (2). SCF has nearly 100 percent solvent penetration into the PEM membrane and acts as a single miscible fluid formed from multiple fluid species (including xenon) improving the rate of water decomposition (process water) when in the electrolyzer mode, and when reversed into the fuel cell mode, a higher rate of electricity is produced, a higher rate of electricity is produced across the membrane during power generation. Injector bores (12) and (15) can inject fuel into the SCF. Xenon gas with a high rate of polarization strings the electrical potential from the PEM circuit elements through the three dimensional suspension of xenon to the product or fuel. PEM membranes and SCFs are phosphorus-doped (N-type) on top of a thicker layer of boron-doped membrane, enabling photovoltaic and thermoelectric functions. Only photons whose energy is equal to or greater than the band gap of solar cell material can kick an electron up into the conduction band. Prior art photovoltaic response of single junction cells is limited to the portion of the sun's spectrum whose energy is above the band gap of the absorbing material, which means lower- energy photons are not used. Without solar cell circuit gaps, xenon absorbs all of the sun's photon spectrum passing through an outer transparent vessel (4). Thermoelectric energy is captured by decomposing water suspended in multiple SCFs tuned with co-solvents that are heat reactive.

Description

OPEN ELECTRIC CIRCUITS OPTIMIZED IN SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS THAT COEXIST WITH NON SUPERCRITICAL FLUID THIN FILMS TO SYNTHESIS NANO SCLAE PRODUCTS AND ENERGY PRODUCTION '

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention will be understood to relate to open electric circuits operated within supercritical fluids (SCFs). Accordingly, the present invention is, in part, directed to operating fuel cells; thermoelectric, photovoltaic, and simple circuits; lights; and computer circuits within SCFs to increase efficiencies magnitudes more than would naturally be produced from operating below the critical point of gases, liquids, and solids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention presents fuel cell elements: fuel, product, membrane, cathode, and anode are operated within SCFs to increase electrical and chemical-reaction efficiencies magnitudes more than prior art operating below the critical point of gas, liquids, and solids. Within a vessel a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) dual-function reversible or unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) system is provided. Rods are electrically connected to the cathode and anode inside the vessels through separate circuits formed from electrically insulated vacuum seals extending outside the vessels. SCF has nearly 100 percent solvent penetration into the membrane and is a single miscible fluid formed from multiple fluid species (e.g. water, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, xenon), improving the rate of water decomposition (process water) when in the electrolyzer mode When reversible during power generation, a higher rate of electricity is produced across the membrane. Electrode bores are provided to inject fuel into the SCF or exhaust decomposed fuel if that option is required to supply new fuel, increase SCFs, and exhaust decomposed fuels or remove SCFs.

A SCF is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its thermodynamic critical point (FIGURE 1). SCFs have the unique ability to diffuse solids like a gas and dissolve materials into their components, like a liquid. Furthermore, SCFs can readily change in density above the critical point and still remain in a supercritical state. Rapid expansion of supercritical solutions can lead to precipitation of a finely divided solid. SCF extraction is a process with properties that make SCFs suitable as a substitute for organic solvents. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) or water is commonly used as an SCF for this purpose. Supercritical ScCO₂ (Tc = 31.1 ⁰C, Pc = 73.8 bar) closely resembles n-hexane in its solvating power, which can be further tuned by the addition of modifiers (including co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts) to afford the solubility characteristics required by the gas circuit reaction selected for. Waters (H₂O) critical point occurs at around Tc = 647 K (374 ⁰C or 15 ⁰F) and Pc = 22.064 MPa (3200 PSIA), providing ScH₂O. SCF is defined by the critical temperature and pressure of any substance. SCFs have solvent power similar to a light hydrocarbon for most solutes. Fluorinated compounds are often more soluble in ScCO₂ than in hydrocarbons. Solubility increases with increasing density, which is provided from increasing pressure. Fuel cells require a simple gas across the fuel cell membranes. Fluids such as supercritical xenon, ethane, and carbon dioxide offer a range of unusual chemical possibilities in both synthetic and analytical chemistry. Supercritical carbon dioxide is the most widely studied. Others include nitrogen, propane, propene, butane, xenon, ethane and water. The effect is similar to a normalizing constant. The fluids are completely miscible with permanent gases (e.g. N₂ or H₂), and this leads to much higher concentrations of dissolved gases than can be achieved in conventional solvents. This effect is applied in both organometallic reactions and hydrogenation.

SCFs' modifier solvents: Small amounts of a second solvent can be added to the SCF. This can result in a change in solvent polarity and nature that follows Snyder rules. This requires a proton donor (1 -2-propanol), proton acceptor (2 - acetonitrile), and dipole (3 - dichloromthane). Synthetic organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical physics that employ a synergic blend of experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques can identify target compounds, attempt their synthesis on a laboratory scale, characterize new materials, and perform larger-scale synthesis of promising new species for formulation and application as SCFs to optimize the operating environment of fuel cells. SCFs can be combined in any number of materials and can be synthetic or natural material combinations that in the fuel cell mode product water will be a SCF and in electrolyzer cell mode oxygen and hydrogen will be SCFs.

A. Fuel cell general A fuel cell generates electricity from continuously supplied streams of fuel and oxidant. The two streams do not mix or burn, but instead produce electricity by electrochemical reactions similar to a conventional battery. The details of the chemical reactions depend on the type of fuel cell, but in all types an electrically charged ion is transferred through an electrolyte, which physically separates the fuel and oxidant streams. The fuel cell thus provides an elegant means of converting the chemical energy of the fuel directly into electrical energy. Water (H₂O) Tc =374 °C, Pc =220.6, Hydrogen (H₂) Tc =-240 °C Pc = 12.98, Oxygen (O₂) Tc =-118.6 °C Pc = 50.43, Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Tc =31.3 ⁰C Pc = 72.9 Xenon (Xe) Tc =16.5 ⁰C Pc = 58.4, and hydrazine are ideal SCF species to combine inside a SCF filled vessel with PEM fuel cell membranes configured to be regenerative.

FuelCell Energy, Inc. or Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell systems are more durable and maintainable than the nearest competitors. The Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell is produced by screen printing on low cost ceramic type materials using proven production processes and minimally exotic materials. Hybrid fuel cells can easily be made by screen-printing other chemical compounds onto the ceramics; another electrolyte, a catalyst for producing nitrogen compounds, etc... Profile, size, and weight make solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) suitable for distributed generation with potential for power densities equivalent to gas turbine systems. Negligible air emissions, i.e. SOx, NOx, CO and particulate matter, have a minimal noise profile and can be entirely recycled at the end of their useful life. Unique modular SOFC designs can enable field change-out without interruption of supply and enhanced support through state-of-the-art diagnostic and prognostic systems. Safety in operation is realized, because the Rolls-Royce SOFC system contains less than ten seconds of fuel supply at any time. Low parts count and the elimination of low durability components give a realistic design target of 40,000 hours of operation from a mature product and 20-year or 160,000-hour overall plant life potential. SOFC systems can be configured to use existing hydrocarbon-based fuels, i.e. natural gas and liquid fuels, and alternative fuels such as coal gas and bio-mass. Fuel cell intake air is vacuumed, blown, or compressed mechanically to move atmospheric air through the fuel cell to deliver oxidants. This invention teaches heating the working gas. The oxygen required for a fuel cell comes from air mechanically moved to the fuel cell. A reformer system turns hydrocarbon or alcohol fuels into hydrogen, which is then fed to the fuel cell. Unfortunately, reformers are not perfect. They generate heat and produce other gases besides hydrogen. They use various devices to try to clean up the hydrogen, but even so, the hydrogen that comes out of them is not pure, and this lowers the efficiency of the fuel cell. Methanol is a liquid fuel that has properties similar to gasoline. It is just as easy to transport and distribute, so methanol may be a likely candidate to power fuel cells. This invention teaches a regenerative fuel cell placed within SCFs, which is a closed cycle at near 100 percent saturation of the oxygen through the fuel cell membrane. No mechanical air supply is needed in this closed SCF type.

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) use a carbonate salt impregnated ceramic matrix as an electrolyte. Because MCFCs operate at 20°F, they are best suited to large stationary applications. In cogeneration they potentially have the most to gain, as they operate at 15 percent efficiency with cogeneration. Many MCFCs are currently undergoing real-world testing. They will be especially useful in hospitals, hotels, or other industrial applications that require electricity and heating (or cooling) around the clock. 1. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are best suited for large-scale stationary power generators that could provide electricity for factories or towns. SOFCs use a prefabricated ceramic sandwich between electrodes. Like MCFCs, they operate at higher temperatures (about 100O⁰F) and make excellent co-generation devices for industrial applications where high temperature steam is required. www.eere.energy.gov/hydiOgenandfuelcells/fuelcells/types.html

One of the characteristics of SOFCs is that the fuel must be injected into the cell chamber at relatively high pressure of three to five atmospheres. When using gaseous fuels, this requirement for fuel compression requires significant power, which must be considered part of the system when calculating net power output. The fuel compressor is a parasitic load reducing fuel efficiency. Two examples: a CapStone® Turbine C30 generates 30 kW/hr and would require a minimum of 4.4 kW/hr fuel compressor, compared to model CapStone® Turbine C60, which generates 60 kW/hr and would require up to a 7.5 kW/hr fuel compressor.

In accordance with the present invention, the working fluid can be heated. Thermal chemical reaction will not occur, and catalytic reaction will be easier to manage, since the working gas physically moves from one location to the other by pressure and heat. Further, in some embodiments the working gas contains multiple gases: hydrogen, helium, propane, methane, and carbon dioxide.

DESCRIPTION OF THERELATEDART

Five major types of fuel cells exist, and each has a different operating temperature, as follows: Fuel cells such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, 75°C (180⁰F); alkaline fuel cells, below 80°C-75°C (18O⁰F); phosphoric acid fuel cells, 210⁰C (400°F); molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) 65O⁰C (1200⁰F); solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), 800-1000⁰C (1500-1800⁰F). MCFCs and SOFCs have operating temperatures high enough to desorb and strip hydrocarbon bearing formations at 1200 to 1800 degrees F. PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures, around 2⁰C (16°F). Low temperature operation allows them to start quickly (less warm-up time) and results in less wear on system components, resulting in better durability. However, it requires that a noble-metal catalyst (typically platinum) be used to separate the hydrogen's electrons and protons, adding to system cost. The platinum catalyst is also extremely sensitive to CO poisoning, making it necessary to employ an additional reactor to reduce CO in the fuel gas if the hydrogen is derived from an alcohol or hydrocarbon fuel. This also adds cost. Developers are currently exploring platinum/ruthenium catalysts that are more resistant to CO. Heat has always been a problem for fuel cells. There's usually either too much (ceramic fuel cells) for certain portable uses, such as automobiles or electronics, or too little (polymer fuel cells) to be efficient. While polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are widely considered the most promising fuel cells for portable use, their low operating temperature and consequent low efficiency have blocked their jump from promising technology to practical technology. In a closed SCF regenerative cycle this invention teaches CO poisoning does not occur.

PEM fuel cells are used primarily for transportation applications and some stationary applications. Due to their fast startup time, low sensitivity to orientation, and favorable power-to-weight ratio, PEM fuel cells are particularly suitable for use in passenger vehicles, such as cars and buses. A significant barrier to using these fuel cells in vehicles is hydrogen storage. Most fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen must store the hydrogen onboard as a compressed gas in pressurized tanks. Due to the low energy density of hydrogen, it is difficult to store enough hydrogen onboard to allow vehicles to travel the same distance as gasoline-powered vehicles before refueling, typically 300-400 miles. Higher-density liquid fuels such as methanol, ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and gasoline can be used for fuel, but the vehicles must have an onboard fuel processor to reform the methanol to hydrogen. This increases costs and maintenance requirements. The reformer also releases carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), though less than that emitted from current gasoline-powered engines. This invention teaches a regenerative cycle in multiple vessels separating and storing the hydrogen with other SCF.

In FIGURES 3, 4, and 5, the FuelCell Energy, Inc. company fuel cell can be applied in this invention. FuelCell Energy manufactures a solid oxide fuel cell that specifies a pressure increase to several atmospheres to provide the fuel. If an SOFC is pressurized, an increased voltage results, leading to improved performance. For example, operation at 3 atmospheres increases the power output by -10%. However, this improved performance alone may not justify the expense of pressurization, which requires a compressor or hybrid source. During normal operation, air enters the compressor and is compressed to ~3 atmospheres. This compressed air passes through the recuperator, where it is preheated and then enters the SOFC. Pressurized fuel from the fuel pump also enters the SOFC and the electrochemical reactions takes place along the cells. In FIGURE 15, this invention teaches that the fuel cell membrane can be a pressure vessel to hold a SCF. If supercritical water is heated within the sealed system, the liquid expands and the vapor above the liquid becomes denser due to evaporation. If heating is continued or pressure is applied, it is possible to reach the critical point at which the vapor phase is as dense as the liquid phase and a supercritical phase is achieved. This supercritical phase is unique in having both gas-like and liquidlike properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

B. The process presented herein converts gases into SCFs.

The process presented herein produces gases and fluids that are separated down hole by a fuel cell and regulated to decompose the maximum amount of the organics in a depleted oil well borehole by moving air into the fuel cell as it heats and decomposes convection working gases, providing steam and nitrogen to pressure fluids out of the oil formation. 1. Decomposing water in SCF

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved process for decomposing water in an SCF, including the decomposition of water. With these and other objects in view that will more readily appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the invention consists in the novel process and construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully illustrated, described and claimed, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a graph illustrating the critical point and pressure and temperature above the critical point where liquid and gas phase into an SCF even in varied densities; FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of a dual-function reversible or

URFC system;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of a supercritical fuel cell vessels and circuit with an extruded section of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional top view of a supercritical fuel cell of FIGURE 2; .

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional side view of supercritical fuel cells in FIGURES 2 and 3;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of a supercritical fuel cell vessels in FIGURES 2 through όwith quadrapole electrodes to shape the supercritical fluid under electric excitation;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of a supercritical fuel cell vessels sealed around the fuel cell circuit of FIGURE 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGURE 1, the present invention will be understood to relate to open electric circuits operated within SCFs. In FIGURE I₃ the phase boundary between liquid and gas does not continue indefinitely. Instead, it terminates at a point on the phase diagram called the critical point. This reflects the fact that, at extremely high temperatures and pressures, the liquid and gaseous phases become indistinguishable.

Critical variables are useful for rewriting a varied equation of state into one that applies to all materials so chemist can select the best potential SCF.

On a PV diagram, the critical point is an inflection point. Thus:

For the van der Waals equation, the above yields: a Sa

Pn = ηr 27p _Vc__{= 36} J- C = 27bR

If any liquid is heated in a sealed system, the liquid expands and the vapor above the liquid becomes denser due to evaporation. If heating is continued or pressure applied it is possible to reach the critical point where the vapor phase is as dense as the liquid phase and a supercritical phase is achieved. This supercritical phase, at and above the critical point, is unique in having both gas-like and liquid-like properties.

In chemistry and condensed matter physics, a critical point specifies the conditions (temperature, pressure) at which the liquid state of the matter ceases to exist. As a liquid is heated, its density decreases while the pressure and density of the vapor being formed increases. The liquid and vapor densities become closer and closer to each other, until the critical temperature is reached where the two densities are equal and the liquid-gas line or phase boundary disappears. The critical point in FIGURE 1 phase diagram is at the high-temperature extreme of the liquid-gas phase boundary. SCFs have densities approaching those of liquids together with the mass transport properties of gases. This combination gives them unique properties as solvents for chemical processes.

I In particular, complete miscibility of gases and substrates can be achieved at relatively high concentrations. The triple point is where gas, liquid, and solids coexist and is typical of a system at rest.

SCFs

These fluids have densities and diffusivities similar to liquids but viscosities comparable to gases.

Mobile Density Viscosity Diffusivities Phase (g/ml) (poise) (cm ²/sec)

Gas 40 ,-3 0.5 - 3.5 (xl0-⁴) 0.01 - 1.0

SCF 0.2 - 0.9 0.2 - 1.0 (xlO ,-^"3³)N 0.1 - 3.3 (xlO^"4)

Liquid 0.8 - 1.0 0.3 - 2.4 (xl(r ,-2\) 0.5 - 20 (xlO-⁵)

Regenerative Fuel Cells Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells FIGURES 1 through 7 are illustrations of a dual-function reversible or URFC system. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGURES 2, 3, 4, and 5 is superior to the prior art, because SCF-filled vessels are within vessels sealed by concentric vacuum seals 1 and 2. This "vessel 3 within a vessel 4" configuration minimizes stress on the vessels and seals 1 and 2 as thermal shock and movement of the vessels 3 and 4 occur during cycling. These vessels are suspended from each other by the seal 1 and 2, so that as the vessels 3, 4 grow, contract and move, minimal stress will occur on the vessel PEM fuel cell circuit 8 (5 is partially raised from the surface for illustration only) or seals 1 and 2. PEM circuit 5 (8) is only a partial section of the PEM 8, which is the straight cylinder section of vessel 3. Vessel 3 rounded opposing ends are made of a non-electrically conductive material and need to be connected to rod 14 by wire strap 7. In addition, rod 11 electric circuit is completed by electrically conductive connector 6. Rod 11 has a bore hole 12 and rod 1,4 has a bore hole 15, which have valves for pressure and working fluid control. Bores 12 and 15 can be used to inject fuel into the SCF that is always present within vessel 3. This invention teaches that by providing fuel, product (fuel cell product fluid e.g. water from H2 and 02), fuel cell membrane, cathode and anode elements within a SCF magnitudes more electric power output can occur. SCF has near 100 percent solvent penetration into the membrane, improving the rate of water decomposition (process water) when in the electrolyzer mode. When in the fuel cell mode, a higher rate of electricity is produced across the membrane where resistance or fluid impedance of product water is near zero. In FIGURE 2, vessel 3 of FIGURES 3, 4, and 5 surfaces is illustrated as a schematic fuel cell and regenerative electrolyzer circuit. The vessel 3 anode is the inside surface of vessel 3 and the cathode is the outside surface of vessel 3. Circuits run through fuel cell PEM membrane vessel 3 to the outside through rods 11 and 14. Rod 11 is electrically connected to the outside of vessel 3 and electrically insulated from vessel 3 by crystal vacuum (and high pressure) seal 2.^~Rod 14 is electrically connected to the inside of vessel 3 and electrically insulated from vessel 3 by crystal vacuum (and high pressure) seal 1. Rod 11 is electrically connected to the cathode circuit only and rod 14 is electrically connected to the cathode circuit only by non- electrically conductive seals 1 and 2. Rods 11 and 14 provide the electric power supply connection to each vessel during electrolyzer cell mode and are the connection to the load when the system is in the fuel-cell mode illustrated in FIGURE 2. Water 16 fills space between vessels 3 and 4 when idle. It has been found that traces of hydrazine added to the SCFs inside the fuel cell increases electric conductivity. The hydrazine is collected at the anode and cathode surfaces to connect the xenon to the PEM elements more efficiently.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of a supercritical fuel cell vessels and circuit with an extruded section of FIGURE 2. FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional top view of a supercritical fuel cell of FIGURE 2. FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional side view of FIGURES 3 and 4. This invention presents the case that a SCF in a fuel cell, an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly to usable energy without combustion, is increased in efficiency substantially by the pressure and solvent behavior of SCF in contact with the fuel cell membranes and fuel process. A URFC is designed to operate in reverse as an electrolyzer, where electricity can be used to convert water back into hydrogen and oxygen. FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of a dual-function reversible or URFC system. Supercritical URFCs are regenerative fuel cells that provide lightweight hydrogen and oxygen storage in the form of supercritical water, ScH₂O, within a high pressure vessel comprising the fuel cell membrane. URFCs fuel cell PEM membrane composites are a carbon fiber tank with a laminated, metalized, polymeric bladder to produce an outer hydrogen pressure vessel and an a second internal vessel comprising a carbon fiber tank with a laminated PEM bladder to provide a hydrogen or oxygen pressure vessel. Both the inner and outer vessels are 35-megapascal (5,000 psi) hydrogen tanks. The rate of recharging or refueling the fuel cell is a technical milestone that has not been satisfied. In the fuel-cell mode, a proton-exchange membrane combines oxygen and hydrogen to create electricity and water. When the cell reverses operation to act as an electrolyzer, electricity and water are combined to create oxygen and hydrogen.

Prior UFRC regenerative fuel cells published by Livermore physicist Fred Mitlitsky preferences: 1. F. Mitlitsky, B. Myers, and A. H. Weisberg, "Lightweight Pressure Vessels and Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells," LLNL, Livermore, California, UCRL-JC- 125220 (November 1966). 2. "Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells for Solar Rechargeable Aircraft and Zero Emission Vehicles," LLNL, Livermore, California, UCRL-JC-11330 (September 1994), uncovered how to make the combination of a single proton-exchange membrane cell (a polymer that passes protons) modified to operate reversibly as a URFC. It uses bifunctional electrodes (oxidation and reduction electrodes that reverse roles when switching from charge to discharge, as with a rechargeable battery) and cathode-feed electrolysis (water is fed from the hydrogen side of the cell).

In the electrolysis (charging) mode, electrical power from a charging station supplies energy to produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water. The URFC-powered car can also recoup hydrogen and oxygen (e.g. when a driver brakes or descends a hill applying a voltage across the URFC). This regenerative braking feature increases the vehicle's range by about 10% and could replenish a low-pressure (1.4-megapascal or 200- psi) oxygen tank.

In the fuel-cell (discharge) mode, stored hydrogen is combined with air to generate electrical power. The URFC can also be supercharged by operating from an oxygen tank instead of atmospheric oxygen to accommodate peak power demands such as entering a freeway. A car idling requires just a few kilowatts, highway cruising about 10 kilowatts, and hill climbing about 40 kilowatts.

In FIGURES 1 - 7, carbon dioxide and water SCFs are provided inside a high pressure vessel comprising a PEM fuel cell membrane. Supercritical ScCO₂ (Tc = 31.1 ⁰C, Pc = 73.8 bar) solvating power can be further tuned by the addition of modifiers (including co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts). Water's (H₂O) critical point occurs at around Tc = 647 K (374 ⁰C or 15 ⁰F) and Pc = 22.064 MPa (3200 PSIA), providing scH?O. This invention presents the idea that SCF species can be combined that become supercritical at different pressure and temperature. In this PEM fuel cell case, the SCF can be carbon dioxide or water, or both . This is dependent upon the form of energy being applied. When heat is applied to decompose the water, it is useful to have both carbon dioxide and water to stretch the water to its breaking point with heat rather than with electrolyzer methods. Water can be injected into vessel 3 through rods 11 and into bore 14 through rods 12 and 15. Bores 12 and 15 can also be connected to provide an equal amount of water on the inside and outside of vessel 3. Bores 12 and 15 can also be applied to balance or make unequal the supercritical membrane to increase its efficiency. Xenon SCF increases the membrane efficiency by increasing the electrical connections between the membrane circuit and the SCF and water (in the product or process state). This SCF fuel cell environment can be applied to all types of fuel cells by one skilled in the art and is within the scope of this invention.

FIGURE 2 Diagram illustrates how a PEM dual-function reversible or URFC system works. A PEM fuel cell consists of a PEM sandwiched between an anode (negatively charged electrode) and a cathode (positively charged electrode). The processes that take place in the fuel cell are as follows: 1. Hydrogen fuel is channeled through field flow plates to the anode on one side of the fuel cell, while oxygen from the air is channeled to the cathode on the other side of the cell. 2. At the anode, a platinum catalyst causes the hydrogen to split into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons. 3. The PEM allows only the positively charged ions to pass through it to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons must travel along an external circuit to the cathode, creating an electrical current. 4. At the cathode, the electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions combine with oxygen to form water, which flows out of the cell. PEM fuel cells — also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells — deliver high power density and offer the advantages of low weight and volume when compared to other fuel cells. PEM fuel cells use a solid polymer as an electrolyte and porous carbon electrodes containing a platinum catalyst. They need only hydrogen, oxygen from the air, and water to operate and dp not require corrosive fluids like some fuel cells. They are typically fueled with pure hydrogen supplied from storage tanks or onboard reformers.

This invention presents an open circuit, a fuel cell operated within a SCF. One or more SCFs (e.g. carbon dioxide, water, xenon, nitrogen, hydrogen) can be applied to optimize the fuel cell, which is dependent upon the type of fuel cell and the fuel it is engineered to consume. Xenon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, nontoxic, monatomic and chemically inert. The concentration of xenon gas in the atmosphere, by volume percent, is 8.7 x 10^"6. Xenon gas is principally shipped and used in gaseous form for excimer lasers, light bulbs, window insulation, ion propulsion, medical applications, and in research and development laboratories. Hyperpolarized xenon gas with a high rate of polarization can be manufactured.

Prior art of xenon (below the critical point) is used in incandescent lighting. Because less energy can be used to produce the same unit of light output as a normal incandescent lamp, the filament doesn't have to work "as hard" and filament life is increased. Because of its high intensity light characteristics, xenon is used in the aviation field for flashing lights guiding pilots on runway approaches. The latest innovation in automotive headlamps is the arc-discharge headlamp. Xenon flash lamps are used in lasers to "energize" or start laser lights. Though rapid advances in laser technology over the past two decades have provided numerous sources of pulsed coherent radiation throughout the infrared and visible spectrum, few high-power ultraviolet sources were commercially available until the discovery of the excimer laser, many of which use a xenon "flash" to get them started. Xenon and lasers are also finding possible application in wastewater treatment through generation of ultraviolet light. Current systems rely upon mercury vapor lamps. The xenon fiashlamp, first developed as an energy source for laser beams, produces more photons and sends them out at energy levels five or more times intense than mercury devices. Xenon makes it possible to obtain better x-rays with reduced amounts of radiation and, when mixed with oxygen, is used to enhance contrast in CT imaging and to determine blood flow. Plasma display panels (PDPs) using xenon as one of the fill gases may one day replace the large picture tube in televisions and computer monitors. The advent of HDTV, along with the flat-panel PDPs, promises to revolutionize the TV and computer display industiy. Liquid xenon has been proposed for use in a calorimeter for sub-atomic particle detection. Many researchers around the world are involved in this research. As liquid xenon is roughly 500 times as dense as gases normally used in particle detectors, and its atoms are therefore more tightly packed, it promises to provide exquisite sensitivity and accuracy over 10 times greater than previous devices in pinpointing the positions of particles. Xenon is not actually consumed in the detection process, and is recycled, so, aside from the initial filling volume requirement, makeup losses for these types of devices are small. One of the newest fields to make its demands for xenon known is the aerospace industry. Although not a new idea, the use of xenon as a propellant for positioning thrusters on satellites has recently gained significant momentum. This invention presents the idea that the physical characteristics of xenon make it a major benefit to include as an SCF in which to insert "open" circuits. This invention is not limited to fuel cell open circuits, which string the electrical potential from the PEM circuit through the xenon to the product or fuel for three dimensional electric connections, multiplying the benefit of a fuel cell circuit.

This invention teaches that open circuits like computers, thermoelectrics from companies like nanoCoolers (5307 Industrial Oaks Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735), and other open electric circuits are made substantially more efficient when xenon is placed in a supercritical state to connect to circuits. nanoCoolers has developed a proprietary processing technology that allows the manufacturing of thermoelectrics based on thin-film materials and wafer-scale integrated circuit processing. This provides smaller feature sizes within the thermoelectric circuits, which results in higher cooling densities and smaller form factors. The process also does not involve solders interconnecting the thermoelectric elements; this is done using standard IC metal lithography processes. This increases the reliability of the devices. Thermoelectrics are solid-state devices based on semiconductor materials that take advantage of the Peltier effect to cool. At room temperature, most thermoelectrics are based on n-doped and p- doped Bismuth-Telluride semiconductor materials. When current flows from the n-doped material to the p-doped material, heat is absorbed. When current flows from the p-doped material to the n-doped material, heat is dissipated. By constructing a device where the current flows from n-doped to p-doped on one side and from p-doped to n-doped on the other side, one side of the device will absorb heat (get cold) while the other side dissipates heat when DC current is applied. By reversing the direction of the current, the hot and cold sides can swap polarities (the hot side becomes the cold side and vice versa). Traditional thermoelectric coolers are based on discrete thermocouple elements (tiny blocks of thermoelectric material) and assembled using large scale assembly processes (such as pick-and-place machine operations). Electrical circuits within the traditional thermoelectric are established by soldering the thermocouple elements onto metal circuits on ceramic substrates. This process limits the ability to scale the thermoelectric to smaller sizes, based on the capabilities of the assembly process. Additionally, the large number of solder connections in the electrical path within the thermoelectric leads to higher failure rates.

"Sunlight is made up of tiny packets called photons. Every minute enough of this energy reaches the world to meet the world's energy demand for the whole world. Photoelectric panels consists of many solar cells, these are made of materials like silicon, one of the most common elements on earth. The individual cell is designed with a positive and a negative layer to create an electric field, just like in a battery and fuel cell. As photons are absorbed in the cell, their energy causes electrons to become free, the electrons move toward the bottom of the cell, and exit through the connecting wire. The flow of photons is what we call electricity. By combining solar cells and photovoltaic panels, we can produce just the right amount of electricity to perform a specific job, no matter how large or small."

A typical silicon PV cell is composed of a thin wafer consisting of an ultra-thin layer of phosphorus-doped (N-type) silicon on top of a thicker layer of boron- doped (P-type) silicon. An electrical field is created near the top surface of the cell where these two materials are in contact, called the P-N junction. When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, this electrical field provides momentum and direction to light- stimulated electrons, resulting in a flow of current when the solar cell is connected to an electrical load

Regardless of size, atypical silicon PV cell produces about 0.5 - 0.6 volt DC under open-circuit, no-load conditions. The current (and power) output of a PV cell depends on its efficiency and size (surface area), and is proportional to the intensity of sunlight striking the surface of the cell. For example, under peak sunlight conditions, a typical commercial PV cell with a surface area of 160 cm^A2 (~25 in^Λ2) will produce about 2 watts peak power. If the sunlight intensity were 40 percent of peak, this cell would produce about 0.8 watts.

Batteries are often used in PV systems for the purpose of storing energy produced by the PV array during the day and of supplying it to electrical loads as needed (during the night and periods of cloudy weather). Other reasons batteries are used in PV systems are to operate the PV array near its maximum power point, to power electrical loads at stable voltages, and to supply surge currents to electrical loads and inverters.

Fabricating conventional single- and polycrystalline silicon PV cells begins with very pure semiconductor-grade polysilicon - a material processed from quartz and used extensively throughout the electronics industry. The polysilicon is then heated to melting temperature, and trace amounts of boron are added to the melt to create a P- type semiconductor material. Next, an ingot, or block of silicon is formed, commonly using one of two methods: 1) by growing a pure crystalline silicon ingot from a seed crystal drawn from the molten polysilicon or 2) by casting the molten polysilicon in a block, creating a polycrystalline silicon material. Individual wafers are then sliced from the ingots using wire saws and then subjected to a surface etching process. After the wafers are cleaned, they are placed in a phosphorus diffusion furnace, creating a thin N- type semiconductor layer around the entire outer surface of the cell. Next, an anti- reflective coating is applied to the top surface of the cell, and electrical contacts are imprinted on the top (negative) surface of the cell. An aluminized conductive material is deposited on the back (positive) surface of each cell, restoring the P-type properties of the back surface by displacing the diffused phosphorus layer. Each cell is then electrically tested, sorted based on current output, and electrically connected to other cells to form cell circuits for assembly in PV modules. Thin-film photovoltaic modules are manufactured by depositing ultra-thin layers of semiconductor material on a glass or thin stainless-steel substrate in a vacuum chamber. A laser scribing process is used to separate and weld the electrical connections between individual cells in a module. Thin-film photovoltaic materials offer great promise for reducing the materials requirements and manufacturing costs for PV modules and systems.

Today's most common PV devices use a single junction, or interface, to create an electric field. In a single-junction PV cell, only photons whose energy is equal to or greater than the band gap of the cell material can kick an electron up into the conduction band. In other words, the photovoltaic response of single junction cells is limited to the portion of the sun's spectrum whose energy is above the band gap of the absorbing material. Lower-energy photons are not used.

One way to get around this limitation is to use two (or more) different cells, with more than one band gap and more than one junction, to generate a cell voltage. These are referred to as multifunction cells (also called cascade or tandem cells).

Multij unction devices can achieve a higher total conversion efficiency because they can convert more of the energy spectrum of light to electricity.

Thin-film, multij unction cells, which are used in flat-plate configuration, are nearing efficiencies of 15% or more. In the future, these cells are expected to reach efficiencies of approximately 20%. Single-crystal, multifunction cells, on the other hand, have already recorded efficiencies greater than 30% and may eventually reach efficiencies of 40% or more. Although not yet commercially ready, these cells hold great promise for use in concentrator PV systems.

Individual PV cells are electricity-producing devices made of semiconductor materials. PV cells come in many sizes and shapes — from smaller than a postage stamp to several inches across. They are often connected to form PV modules that may be up to several feet long and a few feet wide/ Modules, in turn, can be combined and connected to form PV arrays of different sizes and power output.

The size of an array depends on several factors, such as the amount of sunlight available in a particular location and the needs of the consumer. The modules of the array make up the major part of a PV system, which can also include electrical connections, mounting hardware, power-conditioning equipment, and batteries that store solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining.

PV devices can be made from various types of semiconductor materials, deposited or arranged in various structures, to produce solar cells that have optimal performance. There are three main types of materials used for solar cells. The first type is silicon, which can be used in various forms, including single-crystalline, multicrystalline, and amorphous. The second type is polycrystalline thin films, with specific discussion of copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride, and thin-film silicon. Finally, the third type of material is single-crystalline thin film, focusing especially on cells made with gallium arsenide. We then discuss the various ways that these materials are arranged to make complete solar devices. The four basic structures we describe include homojunction, heteroj unction, p-i-n and n-i-p, and multij unction devices.

A PV or solar cell is the basic building block of a PV (or solar electric) system. An individual PV cell is usually quite small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. To boost the power output of PV cells, we connect them to form larger units called modules. Modules, in turn, can be connected to form even larger units called arrays, which can be interconnected to produce more power, and so on. In this way, we can build PV systems able to meet almost any electric power need, whether small or large.

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of supercritical fuel cell vessels in FIGURES 2 through 5 with quadrapole electrodes 20 and 21 to shape the supercritical fluid under electric excitation. Quadrapole electrode 20, connected to electrode 11, is rotated 90° (degrees) relative to quadrapole electrode 21, which is connected to electrode 14. This forms a diagonal set of electrodes that provides an electric geometric shape of SCFs when a positive and negative charge are place across the electrodes. This invention teaches shaping the uniform SCFs into a geometry to force the SCFs onto the membrane. In the center of the electrodes atomic gases like hydrogen can accumulate in high density as reservoirs of fuel. FIGURES 7 illustrates a dual-function reversible or URFC system that functions in the same way FIGURES 2 through 6 PEM fuel cell works. FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional elevated top view of SCF fuel cell vessels sealed around the fuel cell circuit 35, 36, and 37 of FIGURE 2. Vessel 33 and 34 are conductive vessels. Vessel 33 is the cathode and is electrically in contact with cathode oxygen electrodes 37. Vessel 34 is the anode and is electrically in contact with anode hydrogen electrodes 36. Cathode vessel 33 is insulated from anode vessel 34 by insulated ring 31, 32. There is only one insulating ring seal 31. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) 35 is electrically insulated from vessels 33 and 34 by electric insulation seal 31. The seal can be of any insulated material, but this invention teaches this seal 31 can be a silicon or co-polyimide. The bonding of the seal can be ultrasonically or dielectrically welded. Other sealing methods like mechanical clamping are still within the spirit of this invention. Cathode vessel 33 is where the oxygen and product water are processed or stored. Vessel 33 can be transparent providing added photon pressure against the hyperpolarized xenon gas or other SFCs in contact with the water that is miscible with other SCFs and therefore being stretched close to the breaking point (decomposition point). Xenon and other SCFs react to sunlight and heat decomposing the water. This demonstrates that this SCF penetrated PEM is a thermoelectric device, photovoltaic device, electrolyzer, which stores the energy in the form of decomposed water. When vessel 33 is transparent an electric contact still needs to be made to cathode oxygen electrodes 37 which can be provided by metalized the base flange touching electrode 37 or inserting a conductor ring. Nobel gases like xenon in the SCF state string the cathode to the anode together expanding the electrical potential of the circuit and generate an electromagnetic field. The higher the excitation the smaller the radius of the spiraling string of the xenon and the greater the density of the flux field. This magnetic field can be used as an antenna (receiver or transmitter), motor, and light projector. Vessel 33 and 34 cover plates are bonded to each other with the PEM cathode and anode in contact with each vessel. A frit glass seal 31 or another conventional mechanism bonds vessel 33 and 34 to each other along their ^• common outer edges or peripheries. Other common bonding mechanisms include, for example, eutectic metal-to-metal bonding, silicon-to-silicon fusion bonding, electrostatic silicon-to-silicon dioxide bonding, and anodic bonding for silicon-to-glass bonds, which is important in this case because the vessels can be glass transparent material to project or receive light or other spectrum.

In United States Patent 6,949,807 (dated September 27, 2005 Eskridge , et al.). Signal routing in a hermetically sealed MEMS device. The abstract states: A hermetically sealed MEMS device having a micro-machined electromechanical device, a plurality of pillars at spaced-apart positions removed from the micro-machined electromechanical device, and a peripheral seal ring completely surrounding both the micro-machined electromechanical device and the pillars, all patterned in a layer of epitaxial semiconductor silicon. A glass cover is structured to cooperate with the micro- machined electromechanical device and is sealed by the seal ring. A plurality of pass- through windows are formed internal of the cover and communicate between inner and outer surfaces of the cover. Each of the pillars covers one of the windows. A plurality of internal electrical conductors electrically couples the micro-machined electromechanical device with a surface of each of the pillars. In a two-wafer device, a single cover plate is mounted on top of the mechanism wafer. FIGURE 7 cathode circuit 39 and anode circuit 40 are of this type of circuit in US patent 6,949,807. These high number of connections in the circuits provide the basis of integrating radio transmitting and receiving antenna, radiation sensors (the full spectrum), materials that can increase or decrease in volume like a bladder to control pressures, connection to unimorphic ultrasonic wafers that could be inside the device to mix supercritical fluids, light emitting video projector elements, sonic receiver sensors, connections to several different types of fuel cell elements that are each targeted to a different species of molecules,

This invention teaches that a pressure change, like water waves or air pressure generates electricity on the inside of the SCF fuel cell, because the Xenon and carbon dioxide expands and contracts within the water decomposing already hyperpolarized stretched water. SCF devices with open circuits and miscible gases of the type inside the vessels are sensitive to ALL excitation in the physical world. Example given of exterior energy changes in: magnetic flux, pressure, temperature, sunlight photons, electric input, vibration, and other energy phenomena that modifies the inner SCF decomposes water.

FASTBLOCK® 100 SERIES compounds are ready-to-use, moisture- curable firewall sealants for high vibration areas. These one-part, non-ablative sealants cure to tough, durable elastomers upon exposure to air. The materials adhere well to metals, composites, paints, and most other common substrates without the use of primers or special surface preparation. Esterline Corporation of Kirkland, Washington State, USA provides FASTBLOCK® 100 SERIES sealants that have a paste consistency that makes them effective on vertical and overhead surfaces. 100 SERIES, 300 SERIES and 20 SERIES materials are applied to combine fuel cell elements with intake and exhaust conduit tubing, and seals. The following systems can be partially or totally inserted into a SCF environment with changes in vessel shape, SCF species, SCF species ratios, complexity of circuits:

Patent 6774003 Method for making a diode device Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pair of electrodes comprises fabricating a first electrode with a substantially flat surface and placing a sacrificial layer over a surface of the first electrode, wherein the sacrificial layer comprises a first material. A second material is placed over the sacrificial layer, wherein the second material comprises a material that is suitable for use as a second electrode. The sacrificial layer is removed with an etchant, wherein the etchant chemically reacts with the first material, and further wherein a region between the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a gap that is a distance of 50 nanometers or less, preferably 5 nanometers or less. Alternatively, the sacrificial layer is removed by cooling the sandwich with liquid nitrogen, or alternatively still, the sacrificial layer is removed by heating the sacrificial layer, thereby evaporating the sacrificial layer.

Patent 6651760 Thermionic automobile Abstract: A combustion chamber- thermionic device-electric motor is provided in an automobile. The combustion chamber of the present invention provides a heat output which is transformed to electricity by the thermionic device and a motor converts the electrical energy to motive power for the wheels.

Patent 6531703 Method for increasing emission through a potential barrier Abstract: A method for promoting the passage of elementary particles at or through a potential barrier comprising providing a potential barrier having a geometrical shape for causing de Broglie interference between said elementary particles is disclosed. In another embodiment, the invention provides an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents. The depth of the indents is chosen so that the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the bottom of the indent interferes destructively with the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the surface. This results in the increase of tunneling through the potential barrier. When the elementary particle is an electron, then electrons tunnel through the potential barrier, thereby leading to a reduction in the effective work function of the surface. In further embodiments the invention provides vacuum diode devices, including a vacuum diode heat pump, a thermionic converter and a photoelectric converter, in which either or both of the electrodes in these devices utilize said elementary particle-emitting surface. In yet further embodiments, the invention provides devices in which the separation of the surfaces in such devices is controlled by piezo-electric positioning elements. A further embodiment provides a method for making an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents.

Patent 6495843 Method for increasing emission through a potential barrier ' Abstract: A method for promoting the passage of elementary particles at or through a potential barrier comprising providing a potential barrier having a geometrical shape for causing de Brogue interference between said elementary particles is disclosed. In another embodiment, the invention provides an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents. The depth of the indents is chosen so that the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the bottom of the indent interferes destructively with the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the surface. This results in the increase of tunneling through the potential barrier. When the elementary particle is an electron, then electrons tunnel through the potential barrier, thereby leading to a reduction in the effective work function of the surface. In further embodiments, the invention provides vacuum diode devices, including a vacuum diode heat pump, a thermionic converter and a photoelectric converter, in which either or both of the electrodes in these devices utilize said elementary particle-emitting surface. In yet further embodiments, the invention provides devices in which the separation of the surfaces in such devices is controlled by piezo-electric positioning elements. A further embodiment provides a method for making an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents.

Patent Application 20010046749 Method for making a diode device Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pair of electrodes comprises fabricating a first electrode with a substantially flat surface and placing a sacrificial layer over a surface of the first electrode, wherein the sacrificial layer comprises a first material. A second material is placed over the sacrificial layer, wherein the second material comprises a material that is suitable for use as a second electrode. The sacrificial layer is removed with an etchant, wherein the etchant chemically reacts with the first material, and further wherein a region between the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a gap that is a distance of 50 nanometers or less, preferably 5 nanometers or less.

Alternatively, the sacrificial layer is removed by cooling the sandwich with liquid nitrogen, or alternatively still, the sacrificial layer is removed by heating the sacrificial layer, thereby evaporating the sacrificial layer.

Patent 6281514 Method for increasing of tunneling through a potential barrier Abstract: A method for promoting the passage of elementary particles at or through a potential barrier comprising providing a potential barrier having a geometrical shape for causing de Broglie interference between said elementary particles is disclosed. In another embodiment, the invention provides an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents. The depth of the indents is chosen so that the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the bottom of the indent interferes destructively with the probability wave of the elementary particle reflected from the surface. This results in the increase of tunneling through the potential barrier. When the elementary particle is an electron, then electrons tunnel through the potential barrier, thereby leading to a reduction in the effective work function of the surface. In further embodiments, the invention provides vacuum diode devices, including a vacuum diode heat pump, a thermionic converter and a photoelectric converter, in which either or both of the electrodes in these devices utilize said elementary particle-emitting surface. In yet further embodiments, the invention provides devices in which the separation of the surfaces in such devices is controlled by piezo-electric positioning elements. A further embodiment provides a method for making an elementary particle-emitting surface having a series of indents.

Patent 6281139 Wafer having smooth surface Abstract: A method for preparing a wafer having a smooth surface is disclosed. The present invention includes the step of preparing a wafer base and a first material on the wafer base. The wafer base and first material have a surface and a plurality of holes. The present invention includes the step of depositing a second material at an angle on the first material such that the second material is substantially on the surface. The present invention includes the step of exposing the first material and the second material to an oxidizing agent. The present includes the step of reacting a third material on the second surface to close the holes. Patent 6214651B1 Doped Diamond for Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and

Vacuum Diode Thermionic Generators Abstract: A novel use of doped carbonaceous material is disclosed, integral to the operation of Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Diode Thermionic Generators. In the preferred embodiment, the use of nitrogen-doped diamond enhances the operation of Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Diode Thermionic Generators.

Patent 6117344 METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING LOW WORK FUNCTION SURFACES Abstract: Methods for fabricating nano-structured surfaces having geometries in which the passage of elementary particles through a potential barrier is enhanced are described. The methods use combinations of electron beam lithography, lift-off, and rolling, imprinting or stamping processes.

Patent 6103298 METHOD FOR MAKING A LOW WORK FUNCTION ELECTRODE Abstract: Methods for making low work function electrodes either made from or coated with an electride material in which the electride material has lattice defect sites are described. Lattice defect sites are regions of the crystal structure where irregularities and deformations occur. Also provided are methods for making electrodes which consist of a substrate coated with a layer of a compound comprised of a cation complexed by an electride former, in which said complex has lattice defect sites. In addition, methods for making electrodes which consist of a bulk metal coated with a layer of an electride former having lattice defect sites are described. The electride former stablilizes the loss of electrons by surface sites on the metal, lowering the workfunction of the coated surface.

Patent 6089311 METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM DIODE HEAT PUMP Abstract: A new use for thermionic vacuum diode technology is disclosed wherein a vacuum diode is constructed using very low work function electrodes. A negative potential bias is applied to the cathode relative to the anode, and electrons are emitted. In the process of emission the electrons carry off kinetic energy, carrying heat away from the cathode and dissipating it at an opposing anode. The resulting heat pump is more efficient than conventional cooling methods, as well as being substantially scalable over a wide range of applications. Fabrication using conventional microelectronic fabrication techniques is possible.

Patent 6064137 METHOD & APPARATUS FOR A VACUUM THERMIONIC CONVERTER WITH THIN FILM CARBONACEOUS FIELD EMISSION Abstract: A Vacuum Diode is constructed in which the electrodes of the Vacuum Diode are coated with a thin film of diamond-like carbonaceous material. The cathode and anode are separated by spacers and a rinse-able material, the rinse-able material which is later removed. Carbonaceous films and the related process for producing a thin film of ablated diamond are not previously known in connection with Vacuum Thermionic Converters, and provide a practical and improved means of constructing such devices. A Vacuum Thermionic Converter is optimized for the most efficient generation of electricity by utilizing a cathode and anode of very low work function. The relationship of the work functions of cathode and anode are shown to be optimized when the cathode -work function is the minimum value required to maintain' current density saturation at the desired temperature, while the anode's work function is as low as possible, and in any case lower than the cathode's work function. When this relationship is obtained, the efficiency of the original device is improved. It is further shown that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance from each other than has been previously envisaged.

Patent 5699668 MULTIPLE ELECTROSTATIC GAS PHASE HEAT PUMP AND METHOD Abstract: In the method of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to induce heat pumping action of a working fluid. A plurality of heat pumps with no moving parts are used. The operation of the one pump enhances the operation of the next. The method of the present invention is conducive to devices of a wide range of scales. Furthermore, operation at partial power levels is practicable and precise control of temperature possible. Control is further enhanced by the addition or removal of further units to the system. Reliability should be enhanced, and peak power demands reduced. Wide selection of possible working fluids allows for the elimination of environmentally harmful halocarbons. In one embodiment of the present invention, , chemical working fluids are eliminated entirely. In another embodiment, supercooled fluids such as liquid helium may be used while eliminating the wastage commonly encountered using such fluids

Patent 5722242 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED VACUUM DIODE HEAT PUMP Abstract: A Vacuum Diode Heat Pump is optimized for the most efficient pumping of heat by utilizing a cathode and anode of very low work function. The relationship of the work functions of the cathode and anode are shown to be optimized when the cathode work function is the minimum value required to maintain current density saturation at the desired temperature, while the anode's work function is as low as possible, and in any case lower than the cathode's work function. When this relationship is obtained, the efficiency of the original device is improved. It is further shown that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance form each other than has been previously envisaged.

Patent 5981071 DOPED DIAMOND FOR VACUUM DIODE HEAT PUMPS AND VACUUM DIODE THERMIONIC GENERATORS Abstract: A novel use of doped carbonaceous material is disclosed, integral to the operation of Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Diode Thermionic Generators. In the preferred embodiment, the use of nitrogen-doped diamond enhances the operation of Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Diode Thermionic Generators.

Patent 5675972 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM DIODE- BASED DEVICES WITH ELECTRIDE-COATED ELECTRODES Abstract: Vacuum diode-based devices, including Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Thermionic Generators, are described in which the electrodes are coated with an electride. These materials have low work functions, which means that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance from each other than has been previously envisaged.

Patent 5810980 LOW WORK-FUNCTION ELECTRODE Abstract: A metal surface is coated with a heterocyclic multidentate ligand compound, reducing work function and facilitating the emission of electrons.

Patent 5874039 LOW WORK FUNCTION ELECTRODE Abstract: A substrate is coated with a compound comprised of a cation completed by a heterocyclic multidentate ligand, which provides a surface having a low work-function and facilitates the emission of electrons. Patent WO 99/13562 Diode Device Abstract: Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the elctrodes(l,5) is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive, or magnetostrictive actuators(20). This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.

Patent 5994638 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMIONIC GENERATOR Abstract: An improved thermionic generator constructed using a microengineering techniques is described. This device is easy to construct in large numbers, efficient, and inexpensive, a preferred embodiment uses micromachined silicon to produce a thermionic converter cell. These may be joined together in large arrays to form a thermionic generator.

Computer 3D Memory: TIAX LLC Acorn Park Cambridge, MA 02140 Phone (617) 498-5070 Dr. Mehmet Rona Title: High Density Optical Data Storage Abstract: TIAX (formerly Arthur D. Little's Technology Division), in partnership with Harvard University, proposes to develop a revolutionary data storage technology with the potential to provide data densities of > 2 Terabits/in2 and data access rates that are 3 orders of magnitude faster than the current optical technology. Our proposed effort is based on the recent discoveries at Harvard University that provide us with a powerful technique to go beyond the limits set on the data density of conventional optical storage technologies by the Rayleigh criterion. Our technique enables us to create spots of light with diameters that are well below the wavelength of the light, and is the basis of our approach to high-density optical data storage. High-power mid-infrared laser

ACULIGHT CORP. 11805 North Creek Parkway S., Suite 113 Bothell, WA 98011 Phone: (425) 482- 1100 Dr. Mark Bowers Title: Compact, High Power

Midwave Infrared Lasers AbstractThe Navy requires high power laser sources that can provide multi-Watt output power levels in the mid-infrared for optical counternieasures of anti-ship missiles. Current state of art laser transmitters, consisting of diode-pumped solid-state lasers and optical parametric oscillators, have demonstrated the required optical power and wavelength in the mid-infrared spectral region. However, these laser systems are unreliable, requiring constant maintenance due to component failure or optical misalignment. To improve the performance of next generation countermeasures systems, Aculight Corporation proposes a novel laser source based on emerging fiberoptic technology coupled with an innovative wavelength shifter to provide high power, broad bandwidth radiation in the mid-infrared. In the Phase I, experiments will be performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed novel wavelength shifter. A ■ preliminary design of the mid-infrared laser to be built in the Phase II will also be developed. Results from the Phase I will be used in the option task to perform a detailed design of the laser module that will be built in the Phase II. The market targeted for the proposed compact, high-power mid-infrared laser source is the military production of such lasers for Army, Air Force and Navy infrared countermeasures systems.

LED arrays: RELUME CORP. 64 Park Street Troy, MI 48083 Phone: (248) 585-2640 Mr. Peter Hochstein Title Military and Commercial Vehicle Applications fo High Power LED Technology Abstract.Relume Corporation has developed a series of commercial, proprietary light emitting diode [LED] three to four fold increase in luminous output over conventional approaches with a dramatic improvement in life, lower production costs and increased reliability. When combined with our proprietary pulse modulation technology, we are able to produce high power, secure signaling lamps for either visible or infrared applications. Large arrays of high output LEDs are particularly vulnerable to degradation, as it becomes increasingly difficult to shed heat from such dense arrays.

An all-fiber micro-machined optical phase modulator KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. 50 Enterprise Center Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: (708) 444-3817 Dr. Thomas Monte Title :Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) for Improving the Performance of Small Robotic Systems AbstractABSTRACT: KVH proposes to micro-machine its proprietary E.Core D-shaped polarization maintaining (PM) optical fiber to make an all-fiber micro-machined optical phase modulator that will enable Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) instruments to achieve Northfinding requirement and cost and size reductions suitable for robAotic applications. KVH proposes to use an open-loop FOG that employs a broadband, solid-state optical source, KVH E.Core PM fiber components (couplers and polarizer), and a new, all-PM micro-machined fiber phase modulator.

Neuromuscular Disruptor: XTREME ADS (ALTERNATIVE DEFENSE SYSTEMS) 1508 E. 7th St. Anderson, IN 46012 Phone: (765) 724-2226 Mr. Pete Bitar Title:Personnel Neuromuscular Disruptor Incapacitation System Abstract:The STUNBEAM will effectively be proven to be the world's first available "wireless Taser", ^: using electromagnetic energy to create ion "streams" which conduct a static charge which can disrupt neuromuscular control of any human or comparable animal target, at an output of between 25,000 and 100,000 volts with extremely low amperage. The weapon can also be used to disrupt electronic devices. Current technology already has proven results at very short, point-blank ranges of between five and ten feet. This Phase 1 work will deal with the ion streams themselves in the areas of columniation, tracking, limiting scattering effects, and static pulse conductivity in order to increase the range and controllability of a larger-scale device to between 50 and 300 feet. Since work has already been done in this area by Xtreme, one of the final results of the Option portion of this Phase 1 SBIR will be to build and deliver a working proof of concept device with a range of at least 10 feet, which will be useful in close-quarter scenarios as are common with the use of "Tasers". Xtreme has the technical ability, facility, and willingness to forge ahead in taking this technology to the incredible potential it has. The benefits of this system are unlimited. The unit will stun, not kill, its target, allowing for hostages to be rescued easily from almost any hostage situation, and criminals or enemy combatants to be captured, not killed, in a variety of military and law enforcement scenarios. This system will be easy to use and will be portable. Units can be sold commercially to police as well as to homeowners for effective, non-lethal self defense. Other applications of the massive ion generation of related devices can be used, among other things, in air purification and medical sterilization.

EM shielding: TOUCHSTONE RESEARCH LABORATORY, LTD. The Millennium Centre, R.R. 1, Box IOOB Triadelphia, WV 26059 Phone: (304) 547-5800 Mr. Randy A. Handley Title: Carbon Foam Composite Material Systems for Ship EM Shielding Abstract: The Navy is planning to integrate composite structures into the new CV(X) and DD(X) ship class designs. The structures and components will provide an inherent weight savings and are more corrosion-resistant than current steel structures. Currently, composite structures do not provide the same electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness without Toeing designed into the structure as steel or aluminum. EM shielding effectiveness of 60 dB and greater for 1 GHz and above has been achieved with composite materials; shielding effectiveness in the 100 kHz to 1 GHz ranges are much less. In the proposed effort, Touchstone Research Laboratory (TRL) will work with the University of Delaware (UD), whose previous work with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock (NSWCC) has shown that Touchstone's coal-based carbon foam material, labeled CFOAM , can be tailored to be a high-performance absorber and perfect electrical conductor (PEC) of wide-band frequency and wide-angle incidence for electromagnetic shielding structures. Touchstone will also work with Newport News Ships Systems and ATK to develop techniques for joining composite-to-composite and composite-to-metal structures and components using carbon foam. The radar-absorbing and EM shielding material system concepts created by this research will be lighter, stronger and more absorptive than those currently available. Structures, whether on land, sea, or that fly requiring weight reduction though using composites and effective RCS and EM shielding, will benefit. Magtube proposes to develop a new class of inertial energy storage: MAGTUBE, INC. 5735-B Hollister Ave. Goleta, CA 93117 Phone (805) 683-9659 Mr. Jim Fiske Title: High Density Electric Energy Storage Abstract: Magtube proposes to develop a new class of inertial energy storage unit capable of very high energy capacity and power output in a far smaller package than is possible with any currently available technology. We have developed a novel concept that eliminates the primary failure modes of composite flywheels and allows nearly unlimited scalability. We will survey Navy operational requirements to develop target specifications for a prototype unit. We will then develop a design for the prototype, analyze critical components, build a test device to verify computed characteristics, estimate the size, weight, performance and cost of the prototype, and produce a solid model drawing with all components in place. Preliminary estimates suggest the possibility of constructing a 1 GJ, 100 MW unit with a total volume of less than 4 cubic meters. Electrical energy storage has many applications in both military and civilian systems. For the Navy, our units will provide compact, light weight energy storage for aircraft catapults, pulsed power weapons and sensors, and general back-up power for "all-electric" ships. Integrated all-electric designs are expected to significantly improve efficiency,effectiveness, and survivability while simultaneously increasing design flexibility, reducing costs, and enhancing quality of service. In civilian use our units will be safe, efficient, and will have no adverse environmental effects. Low- end units will be suitable for applications such as power quality, small facility UPS systems, and transportation. High-end units could be a viable alternative to pumped hydro. Large units will decrease the need for utility investments in new transmission and distribution systems, with a potential national saving exceeding $3 billion per year in this application alone. They could also reduce the cost of electricity to all consumers, create higher grid reliability and energy security, and result in a very large export market for this technology

Nanostructured Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites AEGIS TECHNOLOGY 3300 A Westminister Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92703 Phone: (800) 691-1668 Dr. Fei Zhou Title:Light Weight Material for Ballistic Armor Abstract: Weight reduction for present and future armor systems is critical to rapid deployment of military contingencies, and ultra-light weapon platforms will be the cornerstone for dominating the future battlefield. In general, Al-based alloys are the material candidate for structural applications where weight saving is of primary concern. However, the highest tensile strength of commercial Al-based alloys is in the range of 550-600 MPa, and usually does not exceed 700 MPa even by optimizing thermomechanical treatment or by other strengthening approaches. The technology of nanostructured materials is uniquely poised to revolutionize materials for advanced Army systems. We propose to develop and manufacture a novel class of ultra-high hardness and strength, high impact energy, light-weight, nanostructured metal matrix composites (NMMCs) that can be used for future lightweight ballistic armor package systems. The Nanostructured Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (NMMCs) are intended for lightweight structural materials that will improve the design and fabrication of future armor package systems with unprecedented weight savings (e.g., a decrease in 80% as compared to conventional materials), and for the development of the capability to design, optimize, and manufacture cost-effective armored vehicle transport systems with survivability and performance characteristics that exceed those of current systems. , . Hybrid fuel cell and the power density of the lithium-ion battery GINER, INC. 89 Rumford Avenue Newton, MA 02466 Phone: (781) 529- 0520 Dr. Badawi Dweik Title: Integrated Hybrid Fuel Cell Powerpack Abstract: Small, lightweight portable electric power devices are in great demand for many military and civilian applications. Giner, Inc. proposes to combine its Proton-Exchange Membrane advanced electrochemical capacitor and fuel cell technologies with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to develop a novel, long-lived, and safe Hybrid Power System (HPS) for portable electronic devices. The primary purpose is to realize a working hybrid system that takes advantage of the energy density of the fuel cell and the power density of the lithium-ion battery and the electrochemical capacitor. The proposed 400-Watt-hr integrated PowerPack system would provide the Army with an advanced power source for mobile electronics, which has significant weight, cost and energy density advantages over primary and rechargeable batteries over extended use. HPS offers great commercial promise for portable devices and backup power devices where reliable, extended and at near ambient temperature operation is required. Our proposed approach offers the following advantages: 1) all components can be reused, 2) system is reliable over a wide range of operating temperatures and duty cycles, 3) the hybrid combination provides a high-energy-density portable power supply, 4) the system can be refueled in less than 1 minute, and 5) has a low thermal and acoustic signature. As a result of the unique combination of the three different technologies (electrochemical capacitor, fuel cell and lithium-ion battery), a small, lightweight, portable power supply can be realized. This system is attractive for portable electronics in both military and commercial applications due to the potentially high specific energy and energy-power density. Many communication applications have power requirements that fit this load profile perfectly. We anticipate that HPS will fill a need in the growing market for portable consumer products and backup power supplies where extended operating times are critical. Virtually any design calling for a mixture of high and low power loads can take advantage of the benefits of HPS; Remote power needs, such as, Global Positioning Satellite devices, video and photographic equipment, portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, cellular phones, electronic notebooks would all benefit from the commercialization of a Hybrid Power System.

Hydrogen Fueled Monopolar Fuel Cell/Li-ion Hybrid LYNNTECH, INC. 7610 Eastmark Drive College Station, TX 77840 Phone: (979) 693-0017 Dr. Craig Andrews Title: A Self Regulating Hydrogen Fueled Monopolar Fuel Cell/Li-ion Hybrid Power Source for the Objective Force Warrior Abstract: Lynntech will develop a hydrogen fueled PEM fuel cell, Li-ion hybrid power system, utilizing Lynntech's patented monopolar fuel cell technology. In parallel with component (e.g. hydride storage, fans) evaluations, power control schemes will also be tested using real hardware, not simulations, to evaluate designs based on their efficiency, robustness, and cost. Based on the component and power control evaluations, a bread board system will be built, verifying the system architecture for the prototype systems to be further developed and tested during the Phase I option and built in Phase II. With ever increasing power demands from portable electronics and as wireless technology is implemented with higher and higher bandwidth requirements, longer lasting power supplies with higher power output are needed. There is considerable interest in Lynntech's monopolar fuel cell technology and hybrid power technology to supply higher energy and power density than currently available batteries, while keeping costs down.

Fluorescence microscope BIOARRAY SOLUTIONS 35 Technology Drive Warren, NJ 07059

Phone: (908) 226-8200 Dr. Ghazala Hashmi Title:Develop a Rapid and Sensitive Nucleic Acid-based Assay to Assess Human Responses to Threat Agent Exposure Abstract:The implementation of quantitative expression profiling in a novel Random Encoded Array Detection (READ) format is proposed. READ, a proprietary custom bead array technology developed at BioArray Solutions, combines bead chemistry with semiconductor technology to provide a universal platform for quantitative, multiplexed DNA and protein analysis. This novel array format affords complete flexibility in the selection of constituent bead-displayed capture probes and permits "snapshot" imaging of assays using a fluorescence microscope. Here, a novel assay format is proposed that takes advantage of inherent detection sensitivity to eliminate PCR amplification while relaying on the high redundancy and adjustable array composition to accommodate the requisite four orders of magnitude in message expression levels. A compact, fieldable system implementation will be delivered. BioArray Solutions random encoded array detection format is in beta testing stages at leading medical diagnostics centers in the US, currently for multiplexed genotyping and carrier screening as well as quantitative protein profiling. The company intends to add quantitative expression profiling to this menu of capabilities and will focus on the commercial development of custom bead array for rapid quantative expression profiling for the presymptomatic diagnosis of cancer, especially leukemia and related hematologic disorders to guide selection of treatment options and monitor treatment response.

Nano Ceramic Armor

MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP. 7960 S. KoIb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706 Phone: (520) 574-1980 Dr. Raouf O. Loutfy Title: High Toughness Ceramics Containing Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement Abstract: A significant limitation of currently produced ceramic armor is its brittleness, often resulting in premature fracture. Recent research has focused on the addition of carbon nanotube reinforcements, whose toughening capabilities and energy absorbing characteristics have been demonstrated. MER is the leading producer of nanotubes, and has developed dispersion and processing techniques for incorporation into polymers and ceramic matrices. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has also accomplished the same for polymers and alumina ceramic matrices. It is proposed that MER investigate nanotube-reinforced silicon carbide and boron carbide, while RPI as a subcontractor will investigate nanotube-reinforced alumina. MER?s and RPI?s prior research will be instrumental in being able to quickly fabricate composites for extensive testing including fracture toughness, strength, hardness, and ballistic performance. This will result in the generation of a database relating nanotube microstructural characteristics and content to the final composite properties. In the Phase I option, composites with the best combination of properties will be tested in side-by-side testing with their monolithic counterpart to fully determine the effect of the nanotubes. Demonstration of reproducibility of fabrication with equal or superior ballistic performance and an improvement in mechanical properties would pave the way for more extensive evaluation and ultimately commercialization. Ceramic composites with improved mechanical properties would be enabling for a variety of applications including body armor, engine components, nozzles, kiln furniture, and essentially all applications where alumina, boron carbide, and silicon carbide materials are currently employed. Temperature responsive fibers

MIDE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 200 Boston Avenue Suite 1000 Medford, MA 02155 Phone: (781) 306-0609 Mr. Marco Sena Title: Temperature responsive fibers for variable loft insulation Abstract: Current clothing systems work on the principle of layering and are very effective. They do have the disadvantage, however, of being bulky and complex because they are usually made up of many parts. These problems are serious enough for the soldier that must carry them that there is a constant effort made in the development of fabrics to design smart systems that are able to cover a wide range of temperatures with a single, or at most a couple of garments. Leveraging its experience in the development of SmartSkinT, a self-regulating fabric for wetsuit manufacture, Mid, Technology Corporation proposes to investigate a method of fibre construction; choice of materials; and system design that enable the manufacture of a self-regulating fabric that is able to change its thermal resistance in response to environmental conditions. This system requires no external power nor does it require input from the user or specialized training in its use. Lightweight clothing for extended temperature range.Requires no user input or training for use because it is self-regulating.Provides added safety because users would always have clothes that are warm enough for the conditions. Safety or rescue personnel require less gear and could carry less rescue equipment. Commercial applications: Outdoor gear and clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, covering for thermally sensistive goods/equipment. Application sectors: Sporting goods, rescue equipment, casualty care/hospitals, shipping, clothing.

ZIPER integrates both optical and electronic connectors PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, CA 90501 Phone: (310) 320-3088 Mr. Kang Lee Title: Zipper-type Integrated Performance Enabled Retainer (ZIPER) Abstract: The U.S. Army requires rugged, low- cost electrical and optical connectors for. soldiers and other personnel that link them to a variety of electronic, antennae, computer interfaces, and other sub-systems. These connectors must be wearable on standard clothing and equipment. They should be specifically designed for the human body and have resistance to environmental and physical stresses ranging from rain and snow to combat. They must be both conformable to the human body, and comfortable for the new generation of warfighters with body- worn electronics. To meet the Army's need, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a new zipper-type Integrated Performance Enabled Retainer (ZIPER). ZIPER is both innovative and familiar. Designed like the familiar zipper, ZIPER integrates both optical and electronic connectors into a small, inexpensive system that connects and disconnects smoothly and can be easily operated by touch in complete darkness. ZIPERs hardened connections are sealed against fluids and contaminants as well as electromagnetic penetration in both open and closed positions. In Phase I POC will develop and assemble a ZIPER model to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. In Phase II, ZIPER design will be optimized and a deployable engineering prototype will be produced. Besides fulfilling the needs of the US Army, ZIPER will solve critical problems related to growing miniaturization of computer and electronic peripheral connectors, ranging from surge protectors to multiplugs. ZIPER can integrate video, fire wire and wireless connectors in an easily transportable package. Because it is based on one of the world's most familiar objects - the simple zipper - ZIPER's utility for mobile or fixed systems and low cost promise a very bright commercial marketing outlook.

Nanostructured membranes with hybrid nanofiber/nanoparticle morphology STONYBROOK TECHNOLOGY & APPLIED RESEARCH, INC. P.O.

Box 1336 Stony Brook, NY 11790 Phone: (631) 838-7796 Dr. Dufei Fang Title:Novel Clothing Nonwoven Liner Material - Nanofibers in Melt Blown Media AbstractThis Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project aims to develop innovative key technology to combine the melt-blown process with Multi-Jet electro spinning process that can fabricate membranes with new microfiber/nanofiber hybrid morphology and can lead to a commercial scale-up process. The specific aims of this Phase I proposal are to implement several new designs to incorporate the Multi-Jet electrospinning process (patent pending) in the conventional melt-blown process. Complex and coupled processing parameters including novel spinneret assemblies, new electrode designs, and control of jet acceleration, transportation and manipulation will be considered. The unique Multi-Jet electrospinning has been developed by the PI from Stonybrook Technology and Applied Research (STAR), Inc. and scientists from the Chemistry Department in the State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNYSB). This technology is capable of producing new nanostructured membranes with hybrid nanofiber/nanoparticle morphology, designed composition variations and 3D pattern formation. Non- woven protective clothing with functions of non- wetting and low absorption could be used in many situations. Thus it will have high potentials for commercialization

Ultralightweight Thin-film Flexible Displays ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. 8130 Shaffer Pkwy Littleton, CO 80127Phone: (303) 285-5149 Dr. Lin Simpson Title: Materials for Novel Ultralightweight Thin-film Flexible Displays Abstract: This SBIR Phase I project will ^■ develop an enabling electrochromic fiber and ribbon technology with the form/function factor precisely required for direct integration into woven fabrics. ITN Energy Systems, Inc. will leverage it's patented and in-house solid-state flexible thin-film lithium battery technology to develop the appropriate scalable processing needed to form electrochromic stacks of lithiated vanadium pentoxide, LiPON, lithiated tungsten oxide, and indium-tin- oxide layers on flexible ribbon and fiber substrates to demonstrate the feasibility of developing and commercializing materials for active flexible color displays.

Electrochromic fibers and ribbons form the basic building blocks that (1) can be integrated into any woven structure to provide the army with large area active color control to generate patterns or characters for information displays, (2) have the correct geometry and similar density and flexibility as existing textile materials used as clothing or collapsible shelters, (3) can be made environmentally durable, (4) require minimal amounts of power to change color and no power to maintain a color, and (5) can be. made with low cost processes and materials. The main innovations that must be resolved for commercial viability include developing scalable and economic processing that can create durable electrochromic ribbons and fibers, and developing the fabric integration processing and electronic registry needed for active color displays. Development of a base component building block such as a fiber or ribbon that can be directly integrated into woven fabrics for active displays is an enabling technology that will revolutionize the textile industiy. Besides light weight information displays integrated into clothing and collapsible shelters, electrochromic fibers and ribbons could be used to make a number of commercial products including bill boards and large screens with continuously changing advertisements or displays with no need of projectors, window coverings and awnings that can increase or decrease the amount of transmitted light, and applications where large area color changes are desired. Development of electrochromic fibers and ribbons is the key innovative step that will allow ITN to provide the textile industry with active color changing threads (building blocks) that can be integrated into any form or pattern imaginable.

Microclimate Cooling System for Encapsulated Personal Protection RINI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 3267 Progress Drive Orlando, FL 32826 Phone: (407) 737-2553 Dr. Dan Rini Title: Highly Efficient and Compact Microclimate Cooling System for Encapsulated Personal Protection Ensemble Abstract: RTI proposes to develop a lightweight, compact, reliable and efficient microclimate cooling system that can provide heat stress relief to individuals operating under hazardous conditions or in elevated temperatures while wearing protective clothing. This will be accomplished) with recent advances in miniaturization and MEMS. The performance of this system cannot be matched by simply integrating smaller versions of currently available components. This effort is expected to lead to, at the end of Phase II, a microclimate system that can remove 130 Watts of heat requiring 40 Watts of electrical power, and weighs around 3.5 pounds (not including the water jacket or the power source) within a volume of about 600 cc or 0.6 L. The Phase I effort will focus on system analysis as well as the key components of the system, namely a rotary compressor and a compact condenser with pin fin heat exchanger for heat rejection. Detailed testing, development of the other components and . system integration will be performed under Phase II. The proposed microclimate cooling system will provide heat stress relief, improve operational performance and reduce water consumption for soldiers and first responders working under hazardous conditions. This compact cooling system also has a wide ranging commercial applications, including cooling of computers, lasers and high power electronics. There is also a variety of medical applications where the patients require cooling. These include multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and severe burns. Microclimate Cooling System for Encapsulated Personal

RINI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 3267 Progress Drive Orlando, FL 32826Phone: (407) 737-2553 Dr. Dan Rini Title: Highly Efficient and Compact Microclimate Cooling System for Encapsulated Personal Protection Ensemble Abstract: RTI proposes to develop a lightweight, compact, reliable and efficient microclimate cooling system that can provide heat stress relief to individuals operating under hazardous conditions or in elevated temperatures while wearing protective clothing. This will be accomplished with recent advances in miniaturization and MEMS. The performance of this system cannot be matched by simply integrating smaller versions of currently available components. This effort is expected to lead to, at the end of Phase II, a microclimate system that can remove 130 Watts of heat requiring 40 Watts of electrical power, and weighs around 3.5 pounds (not including the water jacket or the power source) within a volume of about 600 cc or 0.6 L. The Phase I effort will focus on system analysis as well as the key components of the system, namely a rotary compressor and a compact condenser with pin fin heat exchanger for heat rejection. Detailed testing, development of the other components and system integration will be performed under Phase II. The proposed microclimate cooling system will provide heat stress relief, improve operational performance and reduce water consumption for soldiers and first responders working under hazardous conditions. This compact cooling system also has a wide ranging commercial applications, including cooling of computers, lasers and high power electronics. There is also a variety of medical applications where the patients require cooling. These include multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and severe burns. Making textile-based display elements

EIC LABORATORIES, INC. 111 Downey Street Norwood, MA 02062 Phone: (781) 769-9450 Dr. Fei Wang TitleiElectrochromic Textiles Using Star Polymers AbstractThe goal of this program is to develop a fully printable multicolor electrochromic textile technology. The technology would be used to modify a range of textile surfaces to render them optically switchable in the visible and even infrared spectral regions, with continuous gray scale tunability. The proposed work takes advantage of several innovations at EIC Laboratories, Inc., including extremely high coloration efficiency and processible star conductive polymers that are available in a range of colors, and printed or thin film complete electrochemically balanced electrochromic cell configurations for incorporation directly onto textiles. Phase I entails demonstrating these configurations in fully flexible textile devices with a durability of >10^Λ3 cycles and an initial assessment of environmental durability. Phase I bridge and Phase II will address issues of making textile-based display elements, increasing device durability and UV stability, and scaling up a manufacturing process. The major products of electrochromic technology include: information displays; filters for optics, photography and electronic imaging; military smart textile and low observable applications; ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses; automobile mirrors, sunroofs, and glass; atria glass; and architectural glass for all kinds of buildings from passive solar dwellings to large office complexes

A team lead by Dr. Meilin Liu at the Georgia Institute of Technology have pinpointed a chemical triazole that could allow PEM fuel cells to operate at a much higher temperature without moisture, potentially meaning that polymer fuel cells could be made much more cheaply than ever before and finally run at temperatures high enough to make them practical for use in cars and small electronics (published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society). Dr. Meilin Liu discovered that a chemical called triazole is significantly more effective than similar chemicals researchers have explored in prior art to increase conductivity and reduce moisture dependence in polymer membranes. Prior art PEMs used in fuel cells have several problems that prevent them from wide use. First, their operating temperature is so low that even trace amounts of carbon monoxide in ^■ hydrogen fuel will poison the fuel cell's platinum catalyst. To avoid this contamination, the hydrogen fuel must go through a very expensive purification process that makes fuel cells a pricey alternative to conventional batteries or gasoline-fueled engines. At higher temperatures, like those allowed by a membrane containing triazole, the fuel cell can tolerate much higher levels of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen fuel.

The use of triazole also solves one of the most persistent problems of fuel cells - heat. Ceramic fuel cells currently on the market run at a very high temperature (about 800 degrees Celsius) and are too hot for most portable applications such as small electronics. While existing PEM fuel cells can operate at much lower temperatures, they are much less efficient than ceramic fuel cells. Polymer fuel cell membranes must be kept relatively cool so that membranes can retain the moisture they need to conduct protons. To do this, polymer fuel cells were previously forced to operate at temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius. Heat must be removed from the fuel cells to keep them cool, and a water balance has to be maintained to ensure the required hydration of the PEMs. This increases the complexity of the fuel cell system and significantly reduces its overall efficiency. But by using triazole-containing PEMs, Liu's team has been able to increase their PEM fuel cell operating temperatures to above 120 degrees Celsius, eliminating the need for a water management system and dramatically simplifying the cooling system. Triazole is also a very stable chemical and fosters stable fuel cell operating conditions.

This invention teaches that prior art of triazole additions to PEM fuel cell membranes can substantially increase the pressure and temperature inside the vessels of the SCF fuel cell system and provide a PEM environment to refine gases inside the vessels. Any PEM fuel cell can be increased in temperature and pressure within a SCF of sc Water, because sc Water acts as a solvent penetrating the PEM membrane even at elevated temperatures. W Hargus, Jr., "INVESTIGATION OF THE PLASMA ACCELERATION MECHANISM WITHIN A COAXIAL HALL THRUSTER", Report NO. TSD-130, US Air Force Office of Scientific Research March 2001, Stanford

California University. In this xenon paper the xenon string physics is -tested and provided formula to describe it in an open system of a hall thruster. This invention teaches how to apply that formula to supply the correct amount of xenon inside a vessel where the fluids are elevated to their SCF state to optimize energy systems. This invention teaches that the vessels can be open to chemical synthesis or decomposition within the vessel by SCF molecule species being introduced and removed from the vessels through electrode 11 and 14. High pressure high temeratiure vessels are ceramic or carbon in cases where materials like silicon are heated by sunlight focused mirrors to melt and then vaporize silicon for production of long chain silanes of silcon to hydrogen. Si₅H₁₀ and above. These can be burned in open air hwere silane reacts with nitrogen or the silacon can be combined with nitrogen within the SCF to provide a reaction between the silacon and silane avoiding the step of producing silanes SisHio_. A pulsing laser microwave energy can be applied to heat the silicone in open air for reaction to nitrogen diamers N2, and the energy can be shaped by a quaudrapole of lasers and microwaves excitation alone.The present invention has been described in relation to a REFINING HYDROCARBONS IN SITU: Supercritical Fluid (SCF) and thin films of non-SCFs coexist in the same vessel to synthesis nano-scale products with magnitudes more efficiencies than prior art operating below the critical point. A high pressure high temperature insulated vessel with thermal electrodes penetrating the vessel wall is filled with multiple fluid species phased up (temperature and pressure) to form one SCF. High thermal capacity cathodes and anodes with fluid porting functions "contact" the SCFs cooling only a thin film of fluid below the SCF state within the vessel (on the surface in fluid communication with the ports), which increases electrical and chemical-reaction efficiencies (rates) of the thin film only when SCFs phase down and separate into non-SCF species from the cooling. Variables that determine a product are: multiple supercritical fluid species, electrode temperature, electrode electric excitation, magnetic field, and port locations relative to electrodes. SCFs can extract bio-fuel or hydrocarbon out of solids, if they are inside the SCF vessel. Any fuel source can be dissolved and then immediately synthesized into fuels. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, in FIGURE 3 through 7

Supercritical Fluid (SCF) and thin films of non-SCFs coexist in the same vessel 3 to synthesize nano-scale products with magnitudes more efficiencies than prior art operating below the critical point. Graphite monolithic bricks (rods 11 and 14) are produced with fibrous ends spaced for fluid penetration and high surface area contact with fluids — providing a coated electrode to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and a path to conduct (or store) electrical or thermal energy through the axis. Fluid, gas, or powders can be injected into vessel 3 through a regulator and or valve 19 into rods 11 and into bore 14 through rods 12 and 15. Bores 12 and 15 can also be connected to provide an equal amount of water on the inside and outside of vessel 3. Bores 12 and 15 can also be applied to balance or make unequal the supercritical membrane to increase its efficiency. Xenon SCF increases the membrane efficiency by increasing the electrical connections between the membrane circuit and the SCF and water (in the product or process state). This SCF fuel cell environment can be applied to all types of fuel cells by one skilled in the art and is within the scope of this invention. preferred embodiment and several alternate preferred embodiments. One of ordinary skill, after reading the foregoing specification, may be able to affect various other changes, alterations, and substitutions or equivalents thereof without departing from the concepts disclosed. It is therefore intended that the scope of the Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

In rods 11 and 14 the electrical and thermal conductivity in the axial (planar) direction 17 is significantly higher than for conventional graphite. The restitivity in this plane is about 55mW per meter. The electrical and thermal conductivity in the longitudinal direction 25 is significantly lower than for conventional graphite. In this plane, restitivity is about 2.5 mW per meter. This graphite refractory brick (manufactured by Modem Ceramics of Australia)_12 and 14 are provided with enhanced thermal silicone or ceramic insulation when the hot fibrous edges are protected from a heat transfer event. Heat storage occurs when heat in fluid is absorbed in the graphite brick's fibrous edges and cannot escape from a face. Colder fluid contacting the hot fibrous edges removes the heat from the brick to form non supercritical fluids on the ends 26 and 27. For the purposes of illustration rods 11 and 14 are spaced distance 29, where in most applications the end 26 and 27 are operated almost touching. The distance 29 between 26 and 27 are dependant on the product being produced. A high pressure high temperature insulated vessel 3 with thermal electrodes 11 and 14 penetrating the vessel wall is filled with multiple fluid species phased up (temperature and pressure) to form one SCF. High thermal capacity cathodes 11 and anodes 14 with fluid porting functions 12 and 15 "contact" the SCFs cooling only a thin film of fluid below the SCF state within the vessel 3 (on the surfaces 26 and 27 in fluid communication with the ports), which increases electrical and chemical-reaction efficiencies (rates) of the thin film only when SCFs phase down and separate into non-SCF species from the cooling. Variables that determine a product are: multiple supercritical fluid species, catalysts bonded to the electrode or injected into port 12 and 15, electrode temperature, electrode electric excitation, magnetic field, and port locations relative to electrodes. SCFs can extract bio- fuel from cellulous or hydrocarbon out of solids, if they are inside the SCF vessel. Any fuel source can be dissolved and then immediately synthesized into fuels. Fuels can be powder, liquid, or gas. In FIGURE 6 a quaudrapole electrode structure is provided to enhance SCF control when an internal electric field is generated from the SCF species (e.g. Xenon). Rod 14 has an U extension 21 and rod 11 has an U extension 20 to control the distance an electric field can be generated. Rod 14 U extension 21 can be rotated 360 degrees around axis 30 in opposing directions 23 or 24 to move rod U ends 40a and 41a closer to 40b and 41b, which changed the energy potential and the types of product produced. A round disk 42 can be mounted onto rod 12 U 20 ends 41a and 41b perpendicular to axis 30 and between 20 and 21 for contact with 40a and 40b ends which will morph the chemical electric circuit into a wide range of catalysts applied to the surface and materials to provide any product that ends 41a and 41b rotate to register with. Other geometric configurations, like a piston and cylinder with catalysts can be applied, and still be within the scope of this morphing SCF nano-scale chemical synthesis. The present invention has been described in relation to a preferred embodiment and several alternate preferred embodiments. One of ordinary skill, after reading the foregoing specification, may be able to affect various other changes, alterations, and substitutions or equivalents thereof without departing from the concepts disclosed. It is therefore intended that the scope of the Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

I claim:

1. A fuel cell apparatus that operates fuel cell elements: fuel, product, membrane, cathode and anode within SCFs with bifunctional electrodes (oxidation and reduction electrodes that reverse roles when switching from charge to discharge) and cathode- feed electrolysis (water is fed from the hydrogen side of the fuel cell) in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a first vessel within a second vessel, the first vessel comprised of a PEM fuel cell membrane with a positive and negative electrode connected to the circuit of the outside electrode;

a concentric, non-electrically conductive seal connectably associated with each of the vessels; and

an electric power supply connected to each vessel to connect to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell; and

an electric load connected to each vessel to connect to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell; and

a SCF within the fuel cell vessels.