Systems and methods for sustainable economic development through integrated full spectrum production of renewable energy

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an energy supply using a renewable energy source is provided comprising: providing a first source of renewable energy, wherein the first source of renewable energy is intermittent or does not provide a sufficient amount of energy; providing energy from the first source of renewable energy to an electrolyzer to produce an energy carrier through electrolysis; selectably reversing the electrolyzer for use as a fuel cell; and providing the energy carrier to the electrolyzer for the production of energy.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 304,403, filed February 13, 2010, entitled "FULL SPECTRUM ENERGY AND RESOURCE INDEPENDENCE," and filed February 17, 2010, entitled "ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF" U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 707,651, PCT Application No. PCT / US10 / 24497, filed February 17, 2010, entitled "ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF," filed February 17, 2010, and entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING NUCLEATION DURING ELECTROLYSIS", U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 707,653, filed February 17, 2010, PCT Application No. PCT / US10 / 24498, February 2010, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING NUCLEATION DURING ELECTROLYSIS" U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 707,656, filed on 17 February 2010, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GAS CAPTURE DURING ELECTROLYSIS" / US10 / 24499 and Priority and Benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 237,476, filed Aug...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

PEM batteries are susceptible to poisoning, overheating, flooding or drying out and pose operational hazards due to membrane leakage or rupture

[0008] In addition to inefficiency, problems associated with such systems include parasitic losses, expensive electrodes or catalysts and membranes, low energy conversion efficiency, high maintenance costs, and high operating costs

Compressors or more expensive membrane systems are required in some cases to pressurize the hydrogen and oxygen and other products of electrolysis

The corollary of the last mentioned problem is unacceptable maintenance requirements, high repair costs and considerable dismantling costs

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