A metal-water reaction hydrogen fuel cell power generation system

Abstract

This invention relates to a metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system, belonging to the field of hydrogen production technology. The system includes a front shell, a rear shell, a cavity, a cavity cover, a fuel tank, and a water tank, with the components connected by screws and clips. The cavity contains a hydrogen fuel cell, a water pump, a pressure reducing valve, a one-way valve, filter cotton, a solenoid valve, and a battery. In operation, the water pump draws water from the water tank into the fuel tank. The fuel and water in the fuel tank react to produce hydrogen gas. The generated hydrogen gas first passes through the one-way valve into the water tank, where it is cooled and dried. The dried and cooled hydrogen gas then passes through the filter cotton and the pressure reducing valve, finally flowing into the hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity. Unused hydrogen gas and reaction products are discharged by the solenoid valve. The system can stably output electricity and has a small size and weight, making it suitable for field operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system, belonging to the technical field of hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells are a technology that uses the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. Compared to traditional energy storage devices such as lithium batteries, hydrogen fuel cells offer longer driving range, faster refueling speeds, and are more environmentally friendly. In field working environments, portable hydrogen fuel cells can provide users with reliable and continuous energy support, eliminating the need for frequent charging or battery replacements, greatly improving work efficiency and convenience.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen fuel cells face challenges in hydrogen supply and storage. Instability in the supply equipment leads to fluctuations in hydrogen supply, impacting system performance. Meanwhile, traditional hydrogen storage technologies are either inefficient or costly, limiting the overall system's energy efficiency and economic viability. In field environments, in addition to addressing the supply issues, hydrogen fuel cell systems should be as small and lightweight as possible for portability.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN112897461A discloses a metal hydrogen production circulation system, comprising a replenishment tank, a circulation tank, a reactor, a water-gas separator, and a filter connected in sequence. By carrying sufficient hydrogen production raw materials, it can realize temporary large-scale hydrogen use in the field. Chinese patent authorization CN115101778B discloses an in-vehicle hydrogen fuel cell power generation system, with a fuel cell stack as its core. Air and hydrogen are supplied to the stack as power generation materials. The stack contains a catalyst that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy, thereby completing the power generation process.

[0005] In existing technologies, hydrogen supply systems involve cumbersome procedures and long startup times. Furthermore, once started, these systems cannot be paused midway, making instantaneous restarts impossible. Additionally, existing technologies involve pre-treating the produced hydrogen using equipment such as water-gas separators, filters, and drying tubes. This pre-treatment process is cumbersome, and the equipment is bulky and heavy, failing to meet the needs of field operations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and propose a metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0008] A metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system includes a front shell, a rear shell, a cavity, a cavity cover, a fuel tank, and a water tank.

[0009] The cavity has a middle partition, which divides the cavity into upper and lower parts. The upper part of the middle partition is named the device compartment, which contains a hydrogen fuel cell, a water pump, a pressure reducing valve, a check valve, filter cotton, a solenoid valve, and a storage battery. The fuel tank and water tank are installed side by side by threads below the middle partition, and the fuel tank and water tank are locked by buttons or buckles.

[0010] The front shell is connected to the front end of the cavity by a snap fastener, and the rear shell is connected to the rear end of the cavity by a snap fastener; the cavity cover is connected to the top end of the cavity by a snap fastener.

[0011] The water pump is connected to the fuel tank and the water tank via silicone tubing.

[0012] The fuel tank and the water tank are connected by a silicone tubing, and a one-way valve is installed on the silicone tubing.

[0013] The water tank and filter cotton are connected via silicone tubing.

[0014] The filter cotton and the pressure reducing valve are connected via silicone tubing;

[0015] The pressure reducing valve is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell via silicone tubing.

[0016] The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the solenoid valve via silicone tubing;

[0017] The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the battery and USB interface via a circuit.

[0018] A light guide column is installed on the front shell;

[0019] A pressure detector is installed inside the cavity cover to detect the pressure inside the fuel tank. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank is less than 75 kPa, the water pump starts to work and the light guide column displays green. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working and the light guide column still displays green. When the water pump has been working continuously for 15 cycles and the fuel tank pressure is still less than 90 kPa, it means that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column displays red.

[0020] A method for producing hydrogen from a metal-water reaction fuel cell and generating electricity, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] First, add water to the water tank and fuel to the fuel tank, then screw the fuel tank and water tank into the cavity;

[0022] The second step is to start the water pump, which draws water from the water tank into the fuel tank. The fuel in the fuel tank reacts with the water to produce hydrogen. The produced hydrogen enters the water tank through a one-way valve. The hydrogen is dried and cooled in the water tank, then filtered through a filter cotton and depressurized by a pressure reducing valve before being output to the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0023] The third step involves the hydrogen fuel cell starting to generate electricity. The generated electricity is stored in a battery or directly used by electrical appliances. Unreacted hydrogen and water, the reaction product, are discharged through a solenoid valve. The electrical energy stored in the battery can be used by electrical appliances.

[0024] In the second step, the pressure in the fuel tank is detected by a pressure detector. When the water pump is started, the pressure in the fuel tank gradually rises from 0, and the light guide column displays green. When the detected pressure in the fuel tank is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working, and the light guide column still displays green.

[0025] After the water pump stops working, the pressure in the fuel tank gradually decreases. When the pressure in the fuel tank is less than 75 kPa, the water pump is restarted, and the cycle continues.

[0026] If the fuel tank pressure is still not greater than 90 kPa after the water pump has been running for 15 cycles, it means that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column will turn red.

[0027] One working cycle of the water pump is 10 seconds, consisting of 2 seconds of operation and 8 seconds of shutdown;

[0028] The cavity has external threads;

[0029] The bottom of the cavity is equipped with buttons or buckles for securing the fuel tank and water tank;

[0030] The water tank is made of non-metallic materials and has a sealing ring at the opening for liquid sealing; the tank body has internal threads around its perimeter that mate with the external threads of the cavity; the bottom of the tank body has a groove for engaging with a button or snap-fit.

[0031] The fuel tank consists of a metal inner liner and a non-metallic outer shell. The metal inner liner is made of metal to ensure strength under high pressure inside the fuel tank. The non-metallic outer shell wraps around the metal inner liner and serves as heat insulation. A sealing ring is installed at the opening of the fuel tank for gas sealing. The fuel tank body has internal threads around its circumference, which mate with the external threads of the cavity. The bottom of the fuel tank has a groove for engaging with a button or buckle.

[0032] The fuel is an aluminum alloy, which includes aluminum and a low-melting-point metal, such as gallium, indium, tin, or bismuth.

[0033] The ratio of fuel to water is 1g: 10-100ml;

[0034] To enhance the safety of the power generation system, it is equipped with both automatic and manual pressure relief functions. When the pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds 150 kPa, the solenoid valve opens, allowing hydrogen to escape rapidly and reducing the pressure until it falls below 150 kPa. Furthermore, when the power generation system is shut down, the solenoid valve remains open, allowing unused hydrogen to escape quickly. Pressure relief is complete when the pressure inside the fuel tank drops below 30 kPa, indicated by a blue indicator light.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] The power generation system of this invention has a short start-up time and can be started and stopped at any time. By detecting the pressure of the fuel tank, the operation of the water pump is controlled, so as to achieve controllable and pauseable on-site hydrogen production.

[0037] The power generation system of the present invention does not require a hydrogen storage tank. It produces hydrogen gas on-site through hydrolysis and can stably output hydrogen gas by controlling the pressure reducing valve.

[0038] The power generation system of the present invention utilizes a water tank to cool and dry the produced hydrogen, eliminating the need for a gas-liquid separator, dryer, and cooling system, thereby reducing the system volume and mass.

[0039] When the power output of the power generation system of the present invention is greater than the power of the electrical appliances, the excess power will be allocated to the storage battery to charge the storage battery and extend the working time of the storage battery in the power generation system.

[0040] In this invention, when the system starts working, a water pump directly introduces water from the tank into the reaction vessel, resulting in a rapid response and short system start-up time. Furthermore, the system can be paused midway by shutting off the pump, allowing for instantaneous start-up and shutdown. In addition, this invention utilizes the water tank to cool and dry the produced hydrogen gas, eliminating the need for gas-liquid separators, filters, and drying pipes. This results in a smaller system size and weight, making it suitable for field operations.

[0041] This invention relates to a metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system, belonging to the field of hydrogen production technology. The system includes a front shell, a rear shell, a cavity, a cavity cover, a fuel tank, and a water tank, with the components connected by screws and clips. The cavity contains a hydrogen fuel cell, a water pump, a pressure reducing valve, a one-way valve, filter cotton, a solenoid valve, and a battery. In operation, the water pump draws water from the water tank into the fuel tank. The fuel and water in the fuel tank react to produce hydrogen gas. The generated hydrogen gas first passes through the one-way valve into the water tank, where it is cooled and dried. The dried and cooled hydrogen gas then passes through the filter cotton and the pressure reducing valve, finally flowing into the hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity. Unused hydrogen gas and reaction products are discharged by the solenoid valve. The system can stably output electricity and has a small size and weight, making it suitable for field operations. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external shape of the power generation system of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the power generation system of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the components inside the device compartment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] Example

[0047] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system includes a front shell 22, a rear shell 23, a cavity 21, a cavity cover 20, a fuel tank 9, and a water tank 10.

[0048] The cavity 21 has a middle partition, which divides the cavity 21 into upper and lower parts. The upper part of the middle partition is named the device compartment, which contains a hydrogen fuel cell, a water pump, a pressure reducing valve, a check valve, filter cotton, a solenoid valve, and a storage battery. The fuel tank 9 and the water tank 10 are installed side by side by threads below the middle partition, and the fuel tank 9 and the water tank 10 are locked by buttons or buckles.

[0049] The front shell 22 is connected to the front end of the cavity 21 by a snap fastener, and the rear shell 23 is connected to the rear end of the cavity 21 by a snap fastener; the cavity cover 20 is connected to the top end of the cavity 21 by a snap fastener.

[0050] The water pump 2 is connected to the fuel tank 9 and the water tank 10 via silicone tubing.

[0051] Fuel tank 9 and water tank 10 are connected by a silicone tubing, and a one-way valve is installed on the silicone tubing.

[0052] Water tank 10 is connected to filter cotton via silicone tubing;

[0053] The filter cotton and the pressure reducing valve are connected via silicone tubing;

[0054] The pressure reducing valve is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell via silicone tubing.

[0055] The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the solenoid valve via silicone tubing;

[0056] The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the battery and USB interface via a circuit.

[0057] A light guide post 11 is installed on the front shell 22;

[0058] A pressure detector is installed inside the cavity cover 20 to detect the pressure inside the fuel tank 9. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank 9 is less than 75 kPa, the water pump starts to work and the light guide column 11 displays green. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank 9 is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working and the light guide column 11 still displays green. When the water pump has been working continuously for 15 cycles and the pressure in the fuel tank 9 is still not greater than 90 kPa, it indicates that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column 11 displays red.

[0059] A method for producing hydrogen from a metal-water reaction fuel cell and generating electricity, the method comprising the following steps:

[0060] First, add 100ml of water to water tank 10 and 10g of fuel to fuel tank 9, then screw fuel tank 9 and water tank 10 into cavity 21.

[0061] The second step is to start the water pump, which draws water from the water tank 10 into the fuel tank 9. The fuel in the fuel tank 9 reacts with the water to produce hydrogen. The produced hydrogen enters the water tank 10 through a one-way valve. The hydrogen is dried and cooled in the water tank 10, then filtered through the filter cotton and depressurized by the pressure reducing valve before being output to the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0062] The third step involves the hydrogen fuel cell starting to generate electricity. The generated electricity is stored in a battery or directly used by electrical appliances. Unreacted hydrogen and water, the reaction product, are discharged through a solenoid valve. The electrical energy stored in the battery can be used by electrical appliances.

[0063] In the second step, the pressure in fuel tank 9 is detected by a pressure detector. When the water pump is started, the pressure in fuel tank 9 gradually rises from 0, and the light guide column 11 displays green. When the detected pressure in fuel tank 9 is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working, and the light guide column 11 still displays green.

[0064] After the water pump stops working, the pressure in fuel tank 9 gradually decreases. When the pressure in fuel tank 9 is less than 75 kPa, the water pump is restarted, and the cycle continues.

[0065] If the pressure in fuel tank 9 is still not greater than 90 kPa after the water pump has been running for 15 cycles, it means that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column 11 will turn red.

[0066] One working cycle of the water pump is 10 seconds, consisting of 2 seconds of operation and 8 seconds of shutdown;

[0067] The cavity 21 has external threads; the bottom of the cavity 21 is provided with a button or buckle for fixing the fuel tank 9 and the water tank 10;

[0068] The water tank 10 is made of non-metallic material and has a sealing ring at the opening for liquid sealing; the water tank 10 has an internal thread around its circumference, which mates with the external thread of the cavity 21; the bottom of the water tank 10 has a groove for engaging with a button or snap-fit.

[0069] The fuel tank 9 consists of a metal inner liner and a non-metallic outer shell. The metal inner liner is made of metal material to ensure the strength of the fuel tank 9 under high pressure. The non-metallic outer shell wraps around the metal inner liner to provide heat insulation. The opening of the fuel tank 9 is equipped with a sealing ring for gas sealing. The fuel tank 9 has internal threads around its circumference, which mate with the external threads of the cavity 21. The bottom of the fuel tank 9 has a groove for engaging with a button or buckle.

[0070] The fuel is an aluminum alloy, which includes aluminum and a low-melting-point metal, the low-melting-point metal being bismuth;

[0071] To enhance the safety of the power generation system, it is equipped with both automatic and manual pressure relief functions. When the pressure inside fuel tank 9 exceeds 150 kPa, the solenoid valve opens, allowing hydrogen to escape rapidly and reducing the pressure inside fuel tank 9 until it falls below 150 kPa. Furthermore, when the power generation system is shut down, the solenoid valve remains open, allowing unused hydrogen in fuel tank 9 to escape rapidly. Pressure relief is complete when the pressure inside fuel tank 9 falls below 30 kPa, during which time the light guide column 11 displays a blue light.

[0072] The power generation system outputs power via a USB interface. Before the hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity, the required power is provided by a storage battery. When the power generated by the hydrogen fuel cell exceeds the power consumption of the electrical appliances, the excess power flows to the storage battery to charge it and increase its operating time. When the battery charge is less than 20%, the light guide column 11 flashes green, indicating that the battery should be charged via the Type-C interface.

[0073] The water pump has a 10-second working cycle, consisting of 2 seconds of operation and 8 seconds of shutdown. The pump starts working when the pressure inside fuel tank 9 is less than 75 kPa; it stops working when the pressure exceeds 90 kPa. If the pressure in fuel tank 9 remains below 90 kPa after 15 consecutive cycles, it indicates that all fuel has been consumed, and the light guide column 11 will display red. At this point, the power generation system is shut down, and fuel tank 9 and water tank 10 are removed and cleaned.

[0074] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal-water reaction hydrogen production fuel cell power generation system, characterized in that: The power generation system includes a front shell, a rear shell, a cavity, a cavity cover, a fuel tank, and a water tank; The cavity has a middle partition, which divides the cavity into upper and lower parts. The upper part of the middle partition is named the device compartment, which contains a hydrogen fuel cell, a water pump, a pressure reducing valve, a check valve, filter cotton, a solenoid valve, and a storage battery. The fuel tank and water tank are installed side by side by threads below the middle partition, and the fuel tank and water tank are locked by buttons or buckles. The front shell is connected to the front end of the cavity by a snap fastener, and the rear shell is connected to the rear end of the cavity by a snap fastener; the cavity cover is connected to the top end of the cavity by a snap fastener. The water pump is connected to the fuel tank and the water tank via silicone tubing. The fuel tank and the water tank are connected by a silicone tubing, and a one-way valve is installed on the silicone tubing. The water tank and filter cotton are connected via silicone tubing; The filter cotton and the pressure reducing valve are connected via silicone tubing; The pressure reducing valve is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell via silicone tubing. The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the solenoid valve via silicone tubing; The hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the battery and USB interface via a circuit. A light guide column is installed on the front shell; A pressure detector is installed inside the cavity cover to detect the pressure inside the fuel tank. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank is less than 75 kPa, the water pump starts to work and the light guide column shows green. When the detected pressure inside the fuel tank is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working and the light guide column still shows green. When the water pump has been working continuously for 15 cycles and the fuel tank pressure is still not greater than 90 kPa, it means that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column shows red. A method for producing hydrogen from water using a metal-water reaction fuel cell, comprising the following steps: First, add 100ml of water to the water tank and 10g of fuel to the fuel tank, then screw the fuel tank and water tank into the cavity. The second step is to start the water pump, which draws water from the water tank into the fuel tank. The fuel in the fuel tank reacts with the water to produce hydrogen. The produced hydrogen enters the water tank through a one-way valve. The hydrogen is dried and cooled in the water tank, then filtered through a filter cotton and depressurized by a pressure reducing valve before being output to the hydrogen fuel cell. The third step is that the hydrogen fuel cell starts generating electricity. The generated electricity is stored in the battery or directly used by electrical appliances. Unreacted hydrogen and reaction product water are discharged through the solenoid valve, and the electrical energy stored in the battery is used by electrical appliances. In the second step, the pressure in the fuel tank is detected by a pressure detector. When the water pump is started, the pressure in the fuel tank gradually rises from 0, and the light guide column displays green. When the detected pressure in the fuel tank is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working, and the light guide column still displays green. After the water pump stops working, the pressure in the fuel tank gradually decreases. When the pressure in the fuel tank is less than 75 kPa, the water pump is restarted, and the cycle continues. If the fuel tank pressure is still not greater than 90 kPa after the water pump has been working continuously for one cycle, it means that the fuel has been completely consumed and the light guide column will turn red. One working cycle of the water pump is 10 seconds, consisting of 2 seconds of operation and 8 seconds of shutdown; The cavity has external threads; the bottom of the cavity is equipped with buttons or buckles for securing the fuel tank and water tank. The water tank is made of non-metallic materials and has a sealing ring at the opening for liquid sealing; the tank body has internal threads around its perimeter that mate with the external threads of the cavity; the bottom of the tank body has a groove for engaging with a button or snap-fit. The fuel tank consists of a metal inner liner and a non-metallic outer shell. The metal inner liner is made of metal to ensure the strength of the fuel tank under high pressure. The non-metallic outer shell wraps around the metal inner liner and serves as heat insulation. The fuel tank opening is equipped with a sealing ring for gas sealing. The fuel tank body has internal threads around its circumference, which mate with the external threads of the cavity. The bottom of the fuel tank has a groove for engaging with a button or buckle. The fuel is an aluminum alloy, which includes aluminum and a low-melting-point metal, the low-melting-point metal being bismuth; To enhance the safety of the power generation system, it is equipped with automatic and manual pressure relief functions. When the pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds 150 kPa, the solenoid valve is open, allowing hydrogen to be quickly discharged and reducing the pressure inside the fuel tank until it is below 150 kPa. In addition, when the power generation system is shut down, the solenoid valve is open, allowing unused hydrogen in the fuel tank to be quickly discharged. When the pressure inside the fuel tank is less than 30 kPa, the pressure relief is complete. During the pressure relief process, the light guide column displays blue. The power generation system outputs power through a USB interface. Before the hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity, the required power is provided by the storage battery. When the power generation of the hydrogen fuel cell is greater than the power consumption of the electrical appliances, the excess power will flow to the storage battery to charge the battery and increase the battery's working time. When the battery power is less than 20%, the light guide column will be flashing green. At this time, the battery should be charged through the Type-C interface. The water pump has a working cycle of 10 seconds, with 2 seconds of operation and 8 seconds of shutdown. When the pressure in the fuel tank is less than 75 kPa, the water pump starts working; when the pressure in the fuel tank is greater than 90 kPa, the water pump stops working; when the water pump has been working continuously for 15 cycles and the pressure in the fuel tank is still less than 90 kPa, it means that all the fuel has been consumed and the light guide column will turn red. At this time, the power generation system should be shut down, and the fuel tank and water should be removed and cleaned.

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