System for supplying energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for providing energy, comprising: - a system for providing gaseous hydrogen, comprising: - a first container (4) for providing a solid metal borohydride, - a reactor (10) for releasing hydrogen gas from the metal borohydride, - a second container (9) for receiving the spent metal borohydride, and - a load in which the hydrogen gas is oxidized, thereby releasing energy, wherein a transport device is provided downstream of the first container (4), said transport device being used to remove the metal borohydride from the first container (4) and to supply same to the reactor (10), and the reactor (10) has: - a water feed (6) for humidifying the metal borohydride; - a device for providing a catalyst; - and a removal device (7) for removing hydrogen gas.

Description

[0001] Energy supply system

[0002] The invention relates to a system for providing energy.

[0003] In industrial development to date, fossil fuels have primarily been used to generate energy. For example, the steam engine was first developed in the field of transportation. Fossil fuels are burned, and the released energy is used to generate steam. The steam is then used to generate kinetic energy in a steam engine, which is then used to drive machines such as steam locomotives. However, such steam engines are very inefficient, meaning that most of the energy contained in a fossil fuel is lost as heat.

[0004] In internal combustion engines, such as gasoline or diesel engines, the energy released during combustion is converted directly into kinetic energy and is available as rotational motion. This requires complex mechanical devices.

[0005] A general problem with the use of fossil fuels is that the energy sources are irreversibly lost during combustion, inevitably producing waste products such as combustion gases. These waste products, primarily carbon dioxide and water, but also numerous other byproducts, accumulate in the environment and lead to a deterioration of living conditions there.

[0006] In light of global warming, recent developments have been initiated based on the use of renewable energies. For example, kinetic energy, such as wind power or hydropower, is used to generate electricity. Another method of generating electricity is the use of photovoltaics, which uses solar radiation directly to generate electrical energy. The problem with this is that electrical energy cannot be directly stored in large quantities. Since the availability of renewable energies, such as wind and solar power, is subject to significant fluctuations, sophisticated systems are required to provide a constant supply of electricity.This is achieved through the decentralized provision of large amounts of electricity, balancing local fluctuations through an interconnected grid, in which excess electrical energy generated at one location is made available to a second location where there is a current electricity shortage. Power plants can also be taken off the grid if overall excess electrical energy is generated.

[0007] For consumers that cannot be integrated into such a network, the electrical energy must be converted into a storable form of energy. This can be achieved, for example, by converting electrical energy into chemical energy. This is done, for example, in batteries. Lithium batteries have recently been developed particularly for use in automobiles. These batteries have a high storage capacity and high energy density, meaning they can store relatively large amounts of energy in a small space. This is necessary to achieve greater ranges in cars and, at the same time, to prevent the weight and size of the vehicles from increasing too much. Even though great progress has been made in the development of batteries, they are still quite heavy and bulky, so there is a constant need for alternative energy storage options.In order to achieve a move away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas in industry, it is planned to use gaseous hydrogen as an alternative energy source.

[0008] Hydrogen gas can be produced from water through electrolysis, making it relatively easy to use as a storage medium for electricity generated from renewable resources. Hydrogen can be compressed or liquefied, drastically reducing the space required for energy storage compared to batteries. However, the problem remains that hydrogen only exists in liquid form at very low temperatures, and gaseous hydrogen is highly explosive when mixed with oxygen.

[0009] Because energy can be released from hydrogen very quickly and in large quantities, it is suitable for use in combustion engines, for example, as a replacement for fossil fuels. Furthermore, hydrogen gas can be directly converted back into electrical energy in a fuel cell. However, for the reasons already explained, it is difficult to use gaseous hydrogen directly as an energy source in automobiles and other motor vehicles.

[0010] In addition to its use in industrial processes, hydrogen is also expected to establish itself as an energy carrier in heavy-duty transport, as relatively large amounts of energy must be carried in the vehicle to achieve economic use. Conventional batteries, such as lithium secondary batteries, have too low an energy density for this.

[0011] Overall, hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in energy supply and replace fossil fuels on a large scale. To this end, an industry will be developed that produces large quantities of hydrogen and makes it available for further use. Hydrogen will be produced both in large plants in locations where large amounts of renewable energy are available, as well as locally in locations with lower energy densities. Overall, hydrogen will therefore be available in large, decentralized quantities and can therefore be used universally as an energy source.

[0012] As a transitional technology, hydrogen can also be produced from hydrocarbons. However, the disadvantage is that fossil fuels such as natural gas are currently still used as the starting material.

[0013] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an energy supply system that can be operated on the basis of hydrogen, but avoids the disadvantages associated with the use of gaseous hydrogen. In particular, the system should also be suitable for mobile applications, for example, for use in automobiles.

[0014] This object is achieved with a system for providing energy as defined in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the system are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] The system according to the invention is based on the use of a metal borohydride.

[0016] Alkali metal borohydrides and alkaline earth metal borohydrides are preferred metal borohydrides.

[0017] A preferred metal borohydride is sodium borohydride.

[0018] Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) exists in solid form under normal conditions and is relatively unreactive even in the presence of air or moisture. It is therefore easy to handle and can also be supplied, for example, as an aqueous solution.

[0019] In the presence of water, sodium borohydride releases hydrogen gas in an exothermic reaction, leaving sodium metaborate as the reaction product. One mole of sodium borohydride releases 4 moles of hydrogen (H2).

[0020] NaBH4+ 2 H2O -- - 4 H2+ NaBO2+ 217 kJ (1)

[0021] The reaction can be significantly accelerated by applying heat, adjusting the pH to an acidic level, and in the presence of catalysts. Using ultrapure water, yields of up to 98% can be achieved.

[0022] The reaction is also very advantageous because not only the hydrogen contained in the sodium borohydride is used, but also the hydrogen contained in the reactant water.

[0023] Sodium borohydride therefore has a very high energy density.

[0024] Storage capacity. With a density of sodium borohydride of 1.074 kg / l and an energy content of 33.3 kWh / kg for hydrogen, this corresponds to an energy density of approximately 7.7 kWh / kg.

[0025] In the stoichiometric reaction, 2 moles of water are required per mole of sodium borohydride. However, the water is typically used in excess to ensure that the sodium metaborate formed during the reaction is present in an aqueous solution. This prevents the sodium metaborate from precipitating and blocking access to the catalyst, which would reduce the reaction efficiency.

[0026] The resulting sodium metaborate can be converted back into sodium borohydride using hydrogen. This enables a circular economy, with hydrogen being released from the sodium borohydride at an initial location, such as in a motor vehicle. The hydrogen can then be used as an energy carrier, for example, for a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine.

[0027] The sodium metaborate can be regenerated with hydrogen at a second location, for example a recycling station, and then reused in the form of sodium borohydride.

[0028] Sodium borohydride is non-flammable and therefore offers the highest level of safety. It can be completely converted to sodium metaborate, allowing the energy content available in the form of hydrogen to be fully utilized. Even at low temperatures, there is no loss of capacity, so that, for example, the full range is always available when used in motor vehicles. Even after numerous charging cycles, a constant hydrogen absorption capacity is maintained, making sodium borohydride an aging-resistant storage medium.

[0029] Another suitable metal borohydride is magnesium borohydride.

[0030] The system for providing energy according to the invention comprises: a first container for providing a solid metal borohydride, a reactor for releasing hydrogen gas from the metal borohydride, a second container for receiving the spent metal borohydride.

[0031] Sodium borohydride is preferred as the metal borohydride.

[0032] Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a consumer in which the hydrogen gas is oxidized with the release of energy.

[0033] After the first container, a transport device is provided with which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is removed from the first container and fed to the reactor.

[0034] The reactor of the system according to the invention comprises: a water supply for moistening the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride; a device for providing a catalyst; and a removal device for removing hydrogen gas.

[0035] The system according to the invention initially comprises a first container in which a solid metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is provided.

[0036] The first container is preferably constructed of an inert material that is sufficiently stable to largely retain its shape even under harsh conditions, such as mechanical impact, as may occur in an accident. The material is preferably resistant to punctures with sharp objects.

[0037] Suitable materials include steel, plastics, especially fiber-reinforced plastics, or even carbon fiber-reinforced materials. The inert material can also be multi-layered, with, for example, a first layer of steel, followed by a layer of a fabric material such as Kevlar®, followed by a layer of a polymeric plastic.

[0038] The first container is preferably designed to be gas-tight so that the sodium borohydride contained in the first container is protected from water vapor or oxygen.

[0039] The first container is preferably cuboid-shaped, so that it can be easily inserted into a corresponding slot in a corresponding shelf, for example. The shelf can be provided, for example, as part of a vehicle.

[0040] To enable the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, to be poured into the first container, a closable filling opening is preferably provided. This allows the first container to be easily filled with fresh metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, for example, in a suitable device.

[0041] Furthermore, the first container comprises a removal opening through which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, can be removed from the first container. According to one embodiment, the filling opening and removal opening can also be combined. The removal opening is preferably designed to be closable. For this purpose, a movable closure can be provided, for example, in the form of a movable wall that exposes the removal opening.

[0042] The first container can be equipped with a pressure relief valve. If internal pressure builds up in the first container due to moisture penetration or, after a prolonged period of storage, due to released hydrogen gas, this internal pressure can be reduced in a controlled manner, reliably eliminating the risk of destruction of the first container.

[0043] Furthermore, the first container can comprise sensors, for example for pressure, temperature, concentration of certain components, etc., with which the condition of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, contained in the first container can be monitored. Furthermore, a sensor can also be provided with which the fill level of the borohydride contained in the first container can be measured.

[0044] Furthermore, an electronic storage medium can be provided for storing information. This allows, for example, data about the loading of the first container, an identification number of the first container, etc., to be stored on the storage medium.

[0045] The storage medium or the sensors are connected to corresponding ports or connections that enable a preferably wireless transmission of data, for example to a central computer.

[0046] The first container can be of any size. The appropriate size depends on the application in which the system according to the invention is to be used. For example, the first container can be designed to hold a quantity of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, selected within a range of 1 to 20 kg.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the width of the cuboid-shaped first container is selected in the range of 10 to 30 cm, preferably 18 to 25 cm.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the height of the first container is selected in the range of 10 to 30 cm, preferably 18 to 25 cm.

[0049] According to yet another embodiment, the depth of the first container is selected in the range of 30 to 60 cm, preferably 40 to 50 cm. The first container can be designed as a single container or as a combination of several containers, each containing metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0050] In the loaded state, the first container contains metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is in solid form, preferably in the form of a powder. The powder preferably has an average grain size D 50in the range of 10 to 100 μm. The powder preferably has a narrow range for the grain size distribution. The average grain size D 20 is preferably chosen in a range of 50 to 60 Jim. The average grain size D 80 The particle size of the powder is preferably selected in a range of 80 to 100 μm. The values ​​D 20 , D 50 and D 80 indicate the value at which, based on weight, 20%, 50% or 80% of the powder has a grain size smaller than the value D 20 , D 50 or D 80 .

[0051] According to one embodiment, the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is mixed with a flow aid. The flow aid is also in powder form and is intended to prevent caking of the powdered metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. A suitable flow aid is, for example, silicon dioxide. According to one embodiment, the flow aid has substantially the same particle size as the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0052] After the first container, a transport device is provided with which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is removed from the first container and fed to a reactor.

[0053] In the simplest case, the transport device can be a downpipe through which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, falls following gravity after the closure on the first container is opened and thus reaches the reactor.

[0054] Preferably, a transport device is used in which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is actively moved. Suitable examples include a screw pump or an eccentric screw pump.

[0055] The conveying capacity of the active transport device is selected depending on the amount of hydrogen to be released with the system according to the invention.

[0056] The metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is fed to the reactor through the transport device, where hydrogen gas is released.

[0057] In the reactor, the metal borohydride is reacted with water, in the case of sodium borohydride according to equation (1) given above. For this purpose, the solid metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, which was taken from the first container, is first mixed with water.

[0058] The metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, can be fed to the reactor as a solution or as a solid. Preferably, the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is fed to the reactor as a powder. However, it is also possible to feed the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, to the reactor in another form, for example, as a paste.

[0059] If the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is fed to the reactor in the form of a solution, a mixing and dissolving device is provided between the first container and the reactor, in which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, taken from the first container is mixed with water and dissolved. The amount of water is preferably selected such that both the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and the metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, formed during the reaction are completely dissolved in the solution. This is intended to prevent the metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, formed during the reaction between the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and water from precipitating and depositing on a catalyst provided in the reactor.For this purpose, the system according to the invention can be provided with a water reservoir in which the water required for dissolving the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is stored. Furthermore, a pump can be provided, with which the water is transferred from the reservoir to the mixing and dissolving device. The pump can be connected to a control device, which draws the amount of water withdrawn from the reservoir according to the amount required for dissolving the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, or for releasing the hydrogen.

[0060] The aqueous metal borohydride solutions used, in particular sodium borohydride solutions, have, according to one embodiment, a metal borohydride content, in particular sodium borohydride content of at least 30 wt.%, according to another embodiment of at least 40 wt.% and according to yet another embodiment of at least 50 wt.%.

[0061] The water storage container may be equipped with a filter so that the water can be carefully purified before the dissolution or conversion of the metal borohydride, particularly sodium borohydride, and is thus in a highly pure form.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is fed to the reactor in solid form, preferably in the form of a powder or in the form of a paste. Since water reacts with the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, in at least a stoichiometric amount during the release of hydrogen, one embodiment provides a humidification device in which water is added to the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. The humidification device is equipped with a water supply connected to a water reservoir. In order to be able to supply the desired amount of water, a metering pump is preferably provided, which is more preferably equipped with an electronic control system.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the humidification device is arranged upstream of the transport device or, according to another embodiment, is integrated into the transport device. This has the advantage that the solid metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is homogeneously mixed with the water and thus humidified to the desired degree.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, can be mixed with a catalyst. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that a catalyst, for example an acid, is added to the water used for humidification. According to another embodiment, the catalyst, like the acid, is added to the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, only after humidification.

[0065] The advantage of this reaction procedure is that the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is initially stored in dry form. Dry metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is relatively stable. The metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is first moistened. Preferably, the amount of water used for moistening is selected so that it corresponds at least to the amount of water that is stoichiometrically reacted with the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride.

[0066] The moistened metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is then brought into contact with a catalyst.

[0067] According to a first embodiment, the catalyst is an acid, in particular a mineral acid. Acids have a strong corrosive effect. The amount of acid is therefore preferably chosen to be as low as possible.

[0068] The acid is preferably added in such a way that rapid and intensive mixing with the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, occurs.

[0069] After the acid is added, a relatively rapid decomposition of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, occurs, releasing gaseous hydrogen. To further accelerate the release of hydrogen, one embodiment may provide a heating device to heat the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, which has been mixed with a catalyst, such as an acid.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the reactor is designed as a mixing section, for example in the form of a screw pump. Dry metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, taken from the first container, is fed into the inlet of the screw pump. A water inlet is provided downstream, through which the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is mixed with water. The movement of the screw pump intensively mixes the mixture of water and metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the catalyst, for example an acid, is added simultaneously with the water. In this embodiment, an aqueous solution of an acid is added to the dry metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0072] According to a further embodiment, the feed for the catalyst, for example an acid, is arranged further downstream of the water feed. This makes it easier to control the reaction occurring during the decomposition of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0073] According to a further embodiment, the reaction chamber of the reactor is provided, at least in sections, with a coating containing the catalyst. As it passes through the reactor, the already moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is guided through the reactor, coming into contact with or sliding along the interior surfaces of the reaction chamber. The catalyst induces a reaction between metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and water, and hydrogen gas is released. Metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, remains as a byproduct and is discharged from the reaction chamber at the end of the mixing section.

[0074] Suitable catalysts include cobalt-containing catalysts, e.g. in Powerskit as nanopowder or molybdenum-containing catalysts in the form of molybdenum sulfite.

[0075] Suitable catalyst materials include powerskit nanopowder and molybdenum sulfite.

[0076] The catalyst materials can form the layer directly. The coating of the reactor interior then consists of the catalyst.

[0077] According to another embodiment, the catalysts are embedded in a matrix, which then essentially forms a lining for the reactor interior. Suitable matrix materials include ceramic materials, such as silicon carbide. This allows for a very hard and resistant coating, enabling long reactor operating times before the coating may need to be replaced.

[0078] During the reaction of the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, with water, intensive mixing preferably takes place, thus achieving a rapid reaction. Therefore, the reactor is particularly preferably designed as a mixing section, with the mixing tool preferably also being coated with the catalyst or provided with a catalytically active coating.

[0079] As already explained above, a screw pump, for example, is particularly preferred. The surfaces of the helix are then preferably also provided with a catalytically active coating.

[0080] The reactor or mixing section is preferably designed to be very compact. Relatively small amounts of metal borohydride, particularly sodium borohydride, are preferably passed through the reactor per unit of time, but these amounts have a relatively short residence time in the reactor.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the reaction chamber of the reactor has a length in the range of 5 to 300 mm, according to another embodiment, a length in the range of 10 to 200 mm, and according to yet another embodiment, a length in the range of 15 to 100 mm. The length of the reaction chamber is understood to mean the extent of the reaction chamber in the transport direction of the sodium borohydride.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the reaction chamber has a width in the range of 5 to 30 mm, according to another embodiment, a width of 8 to 25 mm, and according to another embodiment, a width of 10 to 20 mm. The width of the reaction chamber is understood to mean the extent of the reaction chamber perpendicular to the transport direction of the sodium borohydride.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the reaction space has an active volume of 100 to 200 ml, according to another embodiment an active volume of 250 to 300 ml, and according to another embodiment an active volume of 350 to 400 ml.

[0084] If internal fittings are provided in the reaction chamber, such as the screw of a screw pump, the active volume of the reaction chamber corresponds to the volume which can be occupied in the reaction chamber by the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, or the mixture comprising the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0085] Furthermore, a removal device is provided for removing the released hydrogen gas.

[0086] According to a first embodiment, the wall of the reaction chamber has openings through which the gaseous hydrogen can be discharged. The openings are preferably shaped such that the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, or the mixture containing the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, passing past the openings does not penetrate into the openings.

[0087] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that a degassing chamber follows the reaction chamber, in which the gaseous hydrogen is separated from the solid or liquid components of the reaction mixture.

[0088] According to a first embodiment, the reaction mixture is transferred from the reaction chamber to the degassing chamber. A further transport device, for example a screw pump, is provided at a first outlet of the degassing chamber. This device transports the solid components of the reaction mixture, essentially sodium metaborate with a proportion of water, from the degassing chamber. The sodium metaborate is then collected in a second container.

[0089] The hydrogen is removed through a second outlet, which is provided separately from the first outlet, and preferably collected in an intermediate storage unit provided for this purpose according to one embodiment. A pump may be provided, with which the gaseous hydrogen is actively extracted from the degassing chamber and fed to the optionally provided intermediate storage unit.

[0090] If a screw pump is arranged upstream of the degassing chamber, forming the reaction chamber, the reaction mixture leaving the reaction chamber is, according to a further embodiment, pushed through the degassing chamber by the subsequent reaction mixture. The degassing chamber has openings on its peripheral surface through which the hydrogen is discharged. In this embodiment, the degassing chamber preferably has a similar profile to the reaction chamber. The gaseous hydrogen can be discharged by the overpressure set in the degassing chamber, or, according to one embodiment, a pump can be provided, with which the hydrogen is extracted and fed to an intermediate storage tank.

[0091] The separation of hydrogen from the solid phase can be achieved, for example, by pumping with filters, such as those used in fuel cells.

[0092] The system further comprises a second container for receiving the used metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0093] The consumed metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is present essentially as metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, which may contain water that was not consumed in the reaction.

[0094] The second container can be provided with sensors, for example to determine the temperature inside the second container, the internal pressure in the second container, the fill level of the second container, or also to determine, for example, the composition of the consumed metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the second container is equipped with a pressure relief valve.

[0096] According to a further embodiment, the second container is provided with a removal opening through which the used metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, can be removed.

[0097] The system also includes a consumer in which the produced hydrogen is converted into energy.

[0098] In principle, any consumer can be chosen in which the produced hydrogen is oxidized and the energy released in the process is available for further use. According to a first embodiment, the consumer is a fuel cell. Fuel cells are known per se, and the invention is not subject to any restrictions in this regard. Any fuel cell can be used. When the consumer is designed as a fuel cell, the energy released during the oxidation of the hydrogen is available in the form of electricity. This electricity can then be used, for example, to drive an electric motor.

[0099] According to a further embodiment, the consumer is designed as a heat engine, in particular an internal combustion engine. The energy released during the oxidation of hydrogen is utilized in the form of kinetic energy. For this purpose, a reciprocating piston engine or a rotary piston engine can be used. An example rotary piston engine is one that operates according to the Wankei principle.

[0100] Another suitable motor is a monoblock rotary motor. Such a motor is described in a parallel application by the inventor.

[0101] The released kinetic energy can, for example, be used to power a vehicle.

[0102] To accelerate the release of hydrogen, the reactor or mixing section can be provided with a heating device according to one embodiment. For this purpose, an electric heating device, such as a screw pump, can be provided, with which the wall of the mixing section can be heated in sections or over the entire length of the mixing section.

[0103] According to a further embodiment, a jacket is arranged around the mixing section, through which a heat transfer medium can be conducted. The heat transfer medium can be water, for example, with which heat generated downstream in the system is transported to the mixing section. The heat jacket can encompass the entire circumference of the mixing section. According to a further embodiment, however, the jacket can also encompass only segments of the peripheral surface of the mixing section.

[0104] The metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, formed during the reaction of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, with water, can, like the sodium metaborate formed in the case of sodium borohydride, be less soluble in water than the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. In order to prevent the metal borate, such as sodium metaborate, from precipitating and leading to adhesions to the inner wall of the reactor or to internal components of the reactor, which could, for example, also block discharge openings for the resulting hydrogen gas, one embodiment provides for outlet openings for water or aqueous solutions to be provided in the reactor wall or in the surfaces of internal components located in the reactor chamber. Water can be introduced into the reaction chamber through these outlet openings and can flow along the inner wall of the reactor ora water film forms on the walls of components in the reactor chamber so that metal borates, such as sodium metaborate, which form near such walls, remain in solution and the formation of adhesions is avoided.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment, the first container and / or the second container is designed as an interchangeable container.

[0106] In this way, the containers can be exchanged very easily. An empty first container is replaced by a first container filled with metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. A second container filled with used metal borohydride, in particular used sodium borohydride, is replaced by an empty container. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use of the system according to the invention in vehicles.

[0107] An infrastructure that enables the exchange of containers can be easily provided. For example, existing filling stations for the distribution of mineral fuels can be equipped accordingly. The exchange of containers can also be automated. For example, a device with a robotic arm can be provided that removes the used container and replaces it with a fresh one. The replacement of the used metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, with fresh metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, can thus be carried out very quickly and easily.The container with the used metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, essentially metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, and water, can then be brought to a recycling station in which the metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, is converted back into the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first and / or second container are standardized, i.e., they have fixed dimensions. This allows for easy automation of work processes such as changing the container.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the first and second containers are formed from a plurality of containers.

[0110] In particular, when using standardized containers, the amount of available metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, can then be adjusted via the number of containers.

[0111] For example, a small vehicle, such as a motor vehicle for individual passenger transport, requires a significantly smaller amount of metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, than a truck or bus. Vehicles with lower energy requirements can therefore carry fewer standardized containers than heavier vehicles.

[0112] For example, a standardized container can hold 10 kg of metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride. For a vehicle requiring only a short range, it may be sufficient to carry only a single primary container. For vehicles used for tasks requiring a longer range, correspondingly more primary containers can be carried, for example, three or four containers.

[0113] If multiple containers are carried, for example, in a motor vehicle, a shelving system can be provided. If one of the containers in the shelving system is empty because the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, has been used up, a freshly loaded container can be selected from the shelving and the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, can then be removed from this container.

[0114] When operating the system, it is advantageous if the release of hydrogen from the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, occurs quickly and in a controlled manner.

[0115] According to one embodiment, an electropulsation device is provided on the reactor, with which a pulsating voltage is applied to the reactor.

[0116] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the electropulsation device is tunable, i.e. the frequency of the pulsating voltage can be adjusted.

[0117] The electropulsation device combines a square-wave generator for nanopulsed direct current with a thyristor and a square-wave generator for micropulses. The nanopulsed direct current is switched on and off at intervals between micropulses. This achieves the dissolution of bubbles and the replenishment of ions, as well as the prevention of the formation of an electrical double layer. This method of direct current embedded in micropulses or nanopulses can be advantageously used to achieve hydrogen production from metal borohydride, particularly sodium borohydride, by increasing the reactant concentration at the conductive surfaces. The bearings for screw, worm, or progressive cavity pumps, for example, can be electrically insulated from their housings so that the screws and housings serve as electrodes for the applied pulsating direct current.According to a further embodiment, an ultrasonic device is provided on the reactor, with which ultrasound is applied to the reactor. The ultrasound is preferably used in a frequency range from 20 kHz to 1 GHz.

[0118] As already explained, the release of hydrogen from metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, can be significantly accelerated by the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst can be added to the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride.

[0119] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for providing the catalyst is designed as a coating which contains the catalyst.

[0120] Suitable compositions for the catalyst have already been explained.

[0121] The catalyst coating preferably has a hard and resistant surface so that the coating has a long service life.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the catalyst layer has a layer thickness of at least 1.2 μm, according to a further embodiment, a layer thickness of at least 1.8 μm. Preferably, the layer thickness of the catalyst layer is selected in a range from 1.2 μm to 1.4 mm, according to a further embodiment, in a range from 1.5 μm to 1.8 mm.

[0123] According to a further embodiment, the catalyst layer has a surface structure. The surface structure faces the interior of the reaction chamber. The surface structure increases the available surface area for the interaction between the reaction mass containing metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and the surface area of ​​the catalyst layer. Furthermore, according to a

[0124] In one embodiment, the surface structure is designed to effect thorough mixing of the reaction mixture containing the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. A suitable surface structure is, for example, a helical structure provided along the inner surface of the reaction chamber.

[0125] If a screw pump is used, according to one embodiment the screw structure introduced into the wall of the reactor is designed in such a way that it has the same direction of rotation as the screw of the screw pump, but the pitch of the helical surface structure is selected to be different from the pitch of the screw of the screw pump.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment, surface structures are provided which have parallel, fine, recessed lines.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the surface structure is formed as a laser-induced surface structure.

[0128] The fine, parallel, recessed lines created on the surface using laser technology follow the shape of the screws and, thanks to the enlargement of the surface, form the basis for a coating with a nanocatalyst.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the first and second containers are designed as a common container and the common container has a movable partition wall which divides the interior of the common container into a first compartment and a second compartment.

[0130] In this embodiment, the space required for the containers can be made particularly compact, since only a single container is required, and the container can be used both for the provision of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and for the storage of the metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate. Due to the dual use, the space required by the container can then be almost halved, since no separate containers are required for the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and for the storage of the metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate.

[0131] This is particularly advantageous if the container is designed to be replaceable and a changing system for exchanging the containers is available. In the changing system, a container is provided which is filled with fresh metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. This can then, for example, be inserted into the system provided in a motor vehicle. The metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is consumed in the motor vehicle system and the resulting metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, is returned to the container. The movable partition wall provides two compartments in the container, the volume of which changes according to the charge state of the container, i.e. the amount of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, or metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate.

[0132] If the container is completely empty, i.e., if all metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, has been consumed, the movable partition rests against the inside of the container wall, and the volume of the compartment intended for the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is zero or a very small value. The volume of the compartment intended for the metal borate, especially sodium metaborate, corresponds to the maximum volume, which essentially corresponds to the internal volume of the container less the volume of the movable partition.

[0133] The container can be equipped with a mechanism that enables movement of the movable partition. Furthermore, control electronics can be provided that control the displacement of the movable partition according to the fill level of the first or second compartment. Sensors can optionally be provided with which the fill level of an individual compartment or both compartments can be determined. As already explained above, according to one embodiment, the transport device is designed as a screw pump.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the screw pump is equipped with a drive, such as an electric drive. According to another embodiment, the drive is provided with a controller with which the delivery capacity of the screw pump can be controlled.

[0135] According to one embodiment, more than one screw pump can be provided. According to one embodiment, the individual screw pumps are each used for a section in the reaction process of converting the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. Additional components can be arranged between the individual sections, each of which processes the reaction mixture.

[0136] Thus, according to one embodiment, a first transport device, in particular a screw pump, is provided downstream of the first container, with which dry powdered metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is removed from the first container. The first transport device transports the dry metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, to a humidification station, where the dry metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is mixed with water.

[0137] In the humidification station, the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is mixed with water and kneaded to obtain a homogeneous mixture. A mixing stage with a double ribbon screw, for example, is suitable as a mixing device. With the appropriate rotation speed, the mixing device creates a fluidized bed for the thorough mixing of water to ensure a homogeneous mixture.

[0138] The homogeneous mixture is then fed to a further transport device, in particular a screw pump, and transported to the reactor, where the gaseous hydrogen is released from the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride. Continuous mixing and agitation of the reaction mixture preferably takes place in the reactor. Appropriate mixing devices can be provided in the reactor for this purpose.

[0139] According to a further embodiment, a further transport device, in particular a screw pump (transport screw), can be provided downstream of the reactor, in which the reaction products formed after the conversion of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, are fed to the second container.

[0140] In the embodiment just presented, several transport devices, in particular screw pumps, are provided to transport the reaction mixture through the system according to the invention.

[0141] According to one embodiment, several of the transport devices just described are combined into a single transport device. This significantly reduces the mechanical complexity.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the conveyor screw is arranged at least partially in the reaction chamber of the reactor.

[0143] In this way, the conveyor screw can be used, on the one hand, to remove the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, from the first container and transport it to the reactor. On the other hand, the conveyor screw can be used to transport the reaction mixture through the reactor, simultaneously ensuring intensive mixing of the reaction mixture.

[0144] According to one embodiment, a storage device for hydrogen gas is provided in the system. The extraction device for extracting hydrogen gas is then connected to the storage device for hydrogen gas. This embodiment can create a buffer for the delivery of the hydrogen gas to the consumer, in which the hydrogen gas is oxidized, releasing energy.

[0145] Such a design is particularly suitable when the consumer requires rapid changes in energy consumption. For example, an engine used to power a motor vehicle requires a sufficiently rapid response to enable acceleration, for example. During such an acceleration process, a large amount of hydrogen must be available at relatively short notice, assuming the hydrogen is consumed directly in an internal combustion engine, for example.

[0146] To avoid inertia of the system when releasing the

[0147] To compensate for the hydrogen gas from metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, gaseous hydrogen is briefly taken from the hydrogen gas storage and fed to the engine.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the system includes a compressor with which the gaseous hydrogen can be compressed before it is introduced into the hydrogen gas storage unit. The volume of the hydrogen gas storage unit can therefore be selected to be relatively small.

[0149] According to a further embodiment, the system comprises a battery for absorbing / discharging electrical energy.

[0150] The battery can be used as a buffer if, for example, the system includes an electric motor as a consumer.

[0151] In this embodiment, the system advantageously comprises a fuel cell as a consumer, which generates electricity. Both the reactor, in which hydrogen gas is generated from metal borohydride, particularly sodium borohydride, and the fuel cell can then be operated within the optimal range. Both the reactor for generating gaseous hydrogen and the fuel cell react relatively slowly to load changes. This inertia can be compensated for by using a battery, since batteries, such as lithium batteries, can respond comparatively quickly to load requirements.

[0152] Thus, according to one embodiment, the system can be operated in such a way that the reactor produces a specific amount of gaseous hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen. This amount can be varied within a specific range determined by the amount of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, that can be converted in the reactor per unit of time. When the load requirements change, the reactor reacts relatively sluggishly, i.e., after a modification of the amount of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, that is converted per unit of time in the reactor, a specific amount of hydrogen gas produced per unit of time is again established after a certain period of time.

[0153] If the amount of hydrogen gas produced in the reactor exceeds the amount of energy that is to be generated by the system at that time, for example electrical energy in a fuel cell or kinetic energy in an internal combustion engine, the excess part of the hydrogen gas is transferred to the hydrogen gas storage.

[0154] However, if the energy required to be generated by the system exceeds the amount of hydrogen gas produced in the reactor, hydrogen gas is taken from the storage facility and converted into electrical or kinetic energy in the consumer, for example.

[0155] If the consumer in the system is a fuel cell that generates electricity that then drives an electric motor, for example, in a car, the fuel cell can initially operate at its optimal level. If the electric motor requires less power than the fuel cell generates, the excess power is temporarily stored in the battery. If a large amount of power is required, for example, because the car is accelerating during an overtaking maneuver, power is drawn from the battery in addition to the power generated by the fuel cell, ensuring sufficient electricity is available during a power peak.

[0156] In addition to the hydrogen storage or battery, other storage systems can be combined with the system according to the invention.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a hydrostatic high-performance accumulator is provided, as well as a compressor device for compressing a gaseous storage medium.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the hydrostatic high-performance accumulator can be designed as a double bladder accumulator and / or as a double piston accumulator.

[0159] Liquids, like hydraulic fluids, are practically incompressible and therefore cannot store pressure energy. Hydropneumatic accumulators utilize the compressibility of a gas (nitrogen) to store fluid. Piston accumulators, bladder accumulators, and diaphragm accumulators are based on this principle. A piston accumulator consists of a fluid and a gas section, with the piston acting as a gas-tight separator. The gas side is pre-filled with nitrogen. The fluid section is connected to the hydraulic circuit, so that when the pressure increases, the piston accumulator absorbs fluid and the gas is compressed. When the pressure decreases, the compressed gas expands and displaces the stored hydraulic fluid into the circuit.Double-piston accumulators always ensure optimal suction conditions on the suction side of the hydrostatics and have higher energy and power capacities compared to conventional systems with high-pressure and low-pressure sides.

[0160] Hydraulic motors are driven by hydraulic fluid from the high-pressure side, with the hydraulic fluid flowing back to the low-pressure side at a lower pressure after power delivery. The dual-piston accumulator also enables innovative, energy-saving solutions for hydraulic load compensation. According to one embodiment, an electric hydraulic pump can be provided, with which the hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator can be charged. The hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator can be connected to compact hydraulic wheel hub motors for driving a vehicle via a common pressure line system.

[0161] If the hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator is in a charged state, i.e. the hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator is filled with a compressible storage medium, for example nitrogen or compressed air, the compressible storage medium can be used to drive the hydraulic wheel hub motors.

[0162] When braking or driving downhill, the hydraulic wheel hub motors can be used to refill or charge the hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator.

[0163] The hydrostatic high-pressure accumulator consists of a high-pressure and a low-pressure section. Hydraulic oil is pumped under high pressure into the hydraulic accumulator by a hydraulic pump or, in the case of recuperation of braking energy, by reversing the action of a hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump. There, it compresses nitrogen contained in the accumulator in a bladder or membrane. A dual-piston accumulator can also be advantageously used for this purpose, efficiently combining high-pressure and low-pressure sections. These accumulators can absorb almost all of the braking energy very quickly and release it to the hydraulic motors as needed. These accumulators are very robust and, as buffer storage, can ensure that a hydrogen engine or a fuel cell with an electric motor and hydraulic pump, both operating intermittently, can also advantageously recharge the high-pressure accumulator as a buffer storage.They operate at a constant speed and constant torque—i.e., always operating efficiently at the optimum point without load changes, which advantageously enables a constant consumption of hydrogen. According to another embodiment, the energy supply system can also be provided in a miniaturized form. It can then be used, for example, to power small devices such as laptops, cameras, small transmitters, etc., which require an autonomous power supply over extended periods. A fuel cell, for example, can be used as the primary consumer of the generated hydrogen.

[0164] In this embodiment, the reactor is preferably designed as a microreactor, with the reaction components being transported through microcapillaries.

[0165] In this embodiment, the microreactor preferably has a volume of less than 10 ml, according to another embodiment, less than 5 ml, and according to yet another embodiment, less than 3 ml. However, smaller volumes are also possible.

[0166] Fluids can be passively transported through tiny channels with the help of capillary force, without the significant influence of gravity. Laminar flow, a laminar flow without turbulence, prevails in this capillary system. In a capillary system, the desired catalytic chemical reactions of hydrolysis take place with the aid of microfluidics, with the T-reactor representing the simplest system. Here, one component flows through each of the lateral capillaries of the "T." At the junction of all three capillaries of the "T," hydrolysis takes place in the small reaction chamber. The products, metal borate, particularly sodium metaborate, and hydrogen gas, then leave the reaction chamber via the third capillary. By selecting the capillary paths and reaction chambers, as well as their number, the amount of hydrogen gas can be generated as needed, even by connecting several parallel reaction chambers.Catalytic hydrogen hydrolysis in an extremely small space also allows for higher process speeds due to the rapid hydrolysis. At the same time, the small amounts of material and the good control of the hydrolysis and reaction pathways in the reactor catalyst allow both the selectivity and the yield to be significantly increased compared to the conventional hydrolysis process for hydrogen gas.

[0167] Another object of the invention is a method for providing energy using the system described above.

[0168] In the method according to the invention for providing energy, a metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is provided, a system as described above is provided, in which system hydrogen gas is generated from the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, and energy is generated from the hydrogen gas.

[0169] The essential features of the method according to the invention have already been described in the explanation of the system according to the invention. Reference is made to the relevant sections of the description.

[0170] In the process according to the invention, a metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is first provided.

[0171] The metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride, is preferably provided as a powder. The grain size of the powder is preferably small.

[0172] The metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is preferably admixed with a flow aid so that the powdered metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, does not cake and form lumps. A suitable flow aid is, for example, finely divided silicon dioxide. The proportion of the flow agent is preferably selected to be low. According to one embodiment, the proportion of the flow agent is less than 5 wt.%, according to a further embodiment, the proportion of the flow agent is less than 2 wt.%, and according to yet another embodiment, the proportion of the flow agent is less than 1 wt.%. According to one embodiment, the proportion of the

[0173] The anti-caking agent content is more than 0.1 wt.%, and according to another embodiment, the anti-caking agent content is more than 0.5 wt.%. The percentages refer to the dry mixture containing the sodium borohydride.

[0174] The sodium borohydride is then mixed with water. The water can be provided in a storage tank and is

[0175] Embodiment pumped from the storage tank by means of a pump.

[0176] The water is added to the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, in an amount that, according to one embodiment, is slightly above the stoichiometric amount of the reaction of the metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, with water. Preferably, the amount of water added is selected in the range of 101 to 120% of the stoichiometric amount.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the water can be added at a rate corresponding to the half-life of hydrolysis at 25 ° Celsius.

[0178] Example values ​​are given in the following table:

[0179] In this process, the resulting metal borate, especially sodium metaborate, is essentially obtained as a solid.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is vigorously agitated. This involves a kneading process that prevents the reaction mass from clumping. The reaction mass, i.e., the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is brought into contact with a catalyst.

[0181] The catalyst can be provided in liquid form, for example, by dissolving it in water. Upon humidification, the catalyst is then brought into contact with the metal borohydride, especially sodium borohydride.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is transported in a screw pump. In a screw pump, a screw rotates in a housing, with the reaction mixture being transported in the helix of the screw. The movement of the screw moves the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, along the inner wall of the pump housing.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the catalyst is contained in a layer applied to the inner wall of the pump housing and / or to the outer surface of the screw. When the moistened metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, is passed along the layer, it comes into contact with the catalyst and hydrogen gas is released. At the same time, metal borate, in particular sodium metaborate, is formed.

[0184] Sodium metaborate is less soluble in water than sodium borohydride. If water is added only in stoichiometric amounts, or if the added amount of water only slightly exceeds the stoichiometric amount, a small amount of sodium borohydride initially dissolves and reacts with the water. The resulting sodium metaborate then precipitates again as a solid.

[0185] To prevent clogging of the screw pump and to achieve sufficient plasticity of the reaction mass so that it can be pumped through the screw pump, small amounts of water are added to the reaction mass, preferably continuously, as it passes through the screw pump. This addition preferably takes place via nozzles provided in the housing wall of the screw pump. This prevents the resulting metal borate, particularly sodium metaborate, from adhering to the internal surfaces of the screw pump.

[0186] According to one embodiment, only small amounts of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, are reacted in the reactor. If the screw pump acts as a reactor, the screw pump is designed to be relatively compact, so that only small amounts of metal borohydride, in particular sodium borohydride, are processed at a time.

[0187] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The figures of the drawing show:

[0188] Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a reactor designed as a screw pump;

[0189] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system for providing energy;

[0190] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system for providing energy, wherein the resulting energy is used to propel a motor vehicle with a hydrogen gas internal combustion engine;

[0191] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system for providing energy, wherein the resulting energy is used to propel a motor vehicle with an electric motor.

[0192] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a reactor designed as a screw pump 1. The screw axis 2 is driven and set in rotation by an external drive (not shown). Helical blades 3 are provided on the screw axis 2.

[0193] A first container 4 is filled with sodium borohydride. Sodium borohydride is removed from the first container 4 through the transport line 5 under the action of the rotating blades 3 and transported via a transport line 5 into the interior of the screw pump 1. Water is introduced into the interior of the screw pump via a water supply 6, where it is mixed with the sodium borohydride under the action of the rotating blades 3.

[0194] The interior of the screw pump 1 is coated with a catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of sodium borohydride with water. The hydrogen gas released during the reaction is discharged from the interior of the screw pump 1 via gas outlet 7 and collected in a collecting container (not shown).

[0195] The sodium metaborate produced during the reaction is discharged from the interior of the screw pump 1 via outlet 8 and collected in a second container 9.

[0196] The screw pump shown in Fig. 1 can be equipped with an electropulsation device (not shown). The housing of the screw pump 1 is electrically insulated from the screw axis 2. One pole of the electropulsation device is then connected to the housing of the screw pump 1 and the other pole to the screw axis 2. The screw axis 2 is electrically connected to the helical blades 3 attached to the screw axis 2. Furthermore, a control unit (not shown) is provided, with which the applied voltage is modulated. Alternatively or additionally, ultrasonic transmitters (not shown) can also be provided on the housing of the screw pump 1, with which ultrasound is applied to the reactor.

[0197] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of an energy supply system according to the invention. The system initially comprises a hydrogen gas generator unit 10. The generator unit 10 corresponds to a device as shown in Fig. 1 and as explained above.

[0198] The gaseous hydrogen generated in the generator unit 10 is stored in an intermediate storage unit 11. A compressor 12 is provided between the generator unit 10 and the intermediate storage unit 11, with which the gaseous hydrogen can be compressed.

[0199] The hydrogen can be extracted from the intermediate storage 11 and fed to a consumer. Examples of consumers shown in Fig. 2 include a hydrogen-powered combustion engine 13 and a fuel cell 14.

[0200] The combustion engine 13 is coupled to a generator 15 to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy can then be stored in an accumulator 16, for example, a lithium-ion battery, and retrieved when needed.

[0201] Electrical energy is generated directly in the fuel cell 14, which can then also be stored in the accumulator 16.

[0202] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the energy generated by the system is collected in the form of electrical energy in the accumulator 16 and is then available, for example, to drive an electric motor.

[0203] Fig. 3 shows schematically the arrangement of the system according to the invention when used in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle being powered by a hydrogen gas internal combustion engine.

[0204] The motor vehicle 17 comprises wheels 18, one pair of which is driven by an internal combustion engine 19. The internal combustion engine is powered by hydrogen gas.

[0205] The hydrogen gas is generated in the hydrogen gas generation unit 10. A device such as that shown in Fig. 1 and explained above can be used as the hydrogen gas generation unit. The hydrogen gas extracted from the generation unit 10 is compressed by a compressor 12 and temporarily stored in an intermediate storage unit 11. When needed, hydrogen gas is extracted from the intermediate storage unit 11 and fed to the internal combustion engine 19. The combustion of the hydrogen gas generates kinetic energy in the internal combustion engine 19, which can be used to propel the vehicle.

[0206] The motor vehicle 17 further includes hydraulic wheel hub motors 20. The hydraulic wheel hub motors use a hydraulic medium, for example, compressed air or compressible nitrogen, as the drive medium. The hydraulic medium is expanded via the oil pressure in the hydraulic wheel hub motors, thereby driving the motor; that is, the energy stored in the hydraulic medium is converted into a rotational movement. During braking, the hydraulic wheel hub motors act as compressors, compressing the hydraulic medium via the oil pressure and storing it in a high-energy storage device 21. Appropriate hydraulic lines are provided for this purpose.

[0207] Fig. 4 shows schematically the arrangement of the system according to the invention when used in a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle is driven by an electric motor.

[0208] The motor vehicle 22 has four wheels 18, one pair of which is driven by an electric motor 23. The electric motor 23 draws its power from a buffer battery 24. The buffer battery can be relatively small and, for example, have a capacity in the range of 5 to 15 kWh. It can be provided with an external charging port 25 with which it can be charged at an external charging station. The electric motor 23 can act as a generator during braking and feed electrical energy back into the battery 24. Advantageously, the buffer battery can also be recharged via photovoltaic solar cells on the outer skin of the vehicle when exposed to sunlight. The battery 24 is connected to a fuel cell 14, which generates electricity from hydrogen.

[0209] The hydrogen for the fuel cell 14 is generated by the generator unit 10 and initially stored in the buffer storage unit 11. The generator unit corresponds to the generator unit shown in Fig. 1 and explained above. The generator unit is equipped with a cassette system (not shown) that includes containers for supplying sodium borohydride and for receiving sodium metaborate. The containers can be exchanged at a changeover station (not shown).

[0210] From the intermediate storage unit 11, the hydrogen gas is fed to the fuel cell 14, where it reacts with oxygen contained in the air to generate electrical energy. The water produced during the oxidation of the hydrogen is collected in a water tank 26. This water is then available for processing the sodium borohydride in the generator unit 10. The water tank 26 can also be filled with water from the outside.

[0211] List of reference symbols

[0212] screw pump

[0213] screw axis

[0214] Helical blade

[0215] First container

[0216] Transport route

[0217] Water supply

[0218] Gas discharge

[0219] Excretion

[0220] Second container

[0221] Hydrogen gas generation unit

[0222] cache

[0223] compressor

[0224] combustion engine

[0225] fuel cell

[0226] E-generator

[0227] accumulator

[0228] motor vehicle

[0229] Wheels

[0230] combustion engine

[0231] Hydraulic wheel hub motors

[0232] High-energy storage

[0233] motor vehicle

[0234] electric motor

[0235] buffer battery

[0236] Charging port

[0237] water tank

Claims

Patent claims System for providing energy, comprising: A system for supplying gaseous hydrogen, comprising: A first container (4) for providing a solid metal borohydride, A reactor (10) for releasing hydrogen gas from the metal borohydride, A second container (9) for receiving the used metal borohydride, A consumer in which the hydrogen gas is oxidized with the release of energy, wherein a transport device is provided downstream of the first container (4), with which the metal borohydride is removed from the first container (4) and fed to the reactor (10), and the reactor (10) has: a water supply (6) for humidifying the metal borohydride; a device for providing a catalyst; and a removal device (7) for removing hydrogen gas. System according to claim 1, wherein the metal borate is sodium borohydride. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first container (4) and / or the second container (9) is designed as an interchangeable container. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reactor (10) is designed as a microreactor or as a plurality of microreactors connected in parallel. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an electropulsation device is provided on the reactor (10), with which a pulsating voltage is applied to the reactor. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an ultrasound device is provided on the reactor (10), with which ultrasound is applied to the reactor. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device for providing the catalyst is designed as a coating containing the catalyst. System according to claim 7, wherein the coating is provided on at least one inner wall of the reactor (10). System according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the coating has a laser-induced surface structure.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second containers are designed as a common container and the common container has a movable partition which divides the interior of the common container into a first compartment and a second compartment. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device is designed as a transport screw. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage device (11) for hydrogen gas is provided and the removal device for removing hydrogen gas is connected to the storage device for hydrogen gas. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumer in which the hydrogen gas is oxidized with the release of energy is a fuel cell (14) or a heat engine (19). System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery (16) is provided for the absorption / discharge of electrical energy. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hydrostatic high-performance accumulator (21) is provided, as well as a compressor device for compressing a gaseous storage medium. Method for providing energy, wherein A metal borohydride is provided, A system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is provided, In the system, hydrogen gas is generated from the metal borohydride, and Energy is generated from the hydrogen gas. The process according to claim 16, wherein a metal borate is generated during the hydrogen generation, and the metal borate is converted to metal borohydride in a recycling plant. The process according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the metal borohydride is sodium borohydride and the metal borate is sodium metaborate.

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