Method of hydrogen generation for fuel cell applications and a hydrogen-generating system

Abstract

Fuel cell (FC) is one of chemical power sources and is characterized in that it is capable of converting chemical energy directly to electric energy by inputting negative active materials (fuels, to be oxidated) and positive active materials (oxidant, such as air or oxygen generally) deposited outside the cell into two poles of the cell, wherein the energy conversion is not limited by heat engine efficiency and can reach 100% in theory, and it is not necessary to charge the cell. If the fuel used is hydrogen, the exhaust gas discharged is water, without polluting the environment, therefore such a fuel cell is a perfect energy conversion device which can be used in a middle or mini type power station for replacing a heat engine and can be used as a power supply for an electromotion vehicle, space navigation or remote areas. Such a fuel cell is even used for generating electricity by utilizing some chemical reactions in chemical plants (such as that chloride and hydrogen react to synthesis hydrogen chloride in chlor-alkali industry to reclaim one part energy).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention discloses a method for generating hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell device. The method is completed based on the reaction of metal hydrides and alcohols. The invention also relates to a hydrogen generation device utilizing the above reaction. Background technique [0002] Fuel cells require a continuous supply of hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. Currently, however, hydrogen storage and replenishment are the main limiting steps in the use of fuel cell systems. When it is used in vehicles, on the road, between refueling, it needs a lot of hydrogen, even up to several kilograms. However, today's methods for storing hydrogen not only don't provide enough hydrogen capacity, or hydrogen bulk density, to make it competitive with gasoline-burning vehicles, but they have additional serious drawbacks. For example, compressed hydrogen tanks operate at very high hydrogen pressures, typically 350-700 atmospheres, which pose very s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0017] All hydrolysis reactions also have a common problem: the use of water limits the temperature range of the hydrogen generator to above 0°C to avoid freezing of the water

However, in cold weather, when using hydrolysis reaction-based hydrogen generators outdoors, a "cold start-up" (cold start-up) at temperatures below -20°C, or even below -40°C is required, and this limitation will be dangerous

[0018] It can be seen from the above that at present, none of the above hydrogen generation and storage methods can be used as a completely effective, safe and reliable hydrogen source for fuel cells.

All of the above methods are severely limited, therefore, other alternative methods of generating hydrogen are needed

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