Power supply

Abstract

To provide a power supply, a method of controlling a power supply, and a computer-readable storage medium.SOLUTION: A power supply has a first electrical outlet and comprises: hydrogen storage devices including a first hydrogen storage device; heaters including a first heater; a first releasable fluid inlet coupling and / or a first releasable fluid outlet coupling. The first hydrogen storage device comprises a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet 210A and a first fluid outlet 220A, comprising therein a thermally conducting network thermally coupled to the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network. The first fluid inlet 210A and / or the first fluid outlet 220A are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and / or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510. The thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry and / or fractal geometry in two and / or three dimensions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of power supplies, and more particularly to a power supply and a method for controlling the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen is an environmentally attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Importantly, it can be produced without the use of fossil fuels, such as by electrolyzing water using renewable energy. Hydrogen has a relatively high energy density per unit mass and is virtually non-polluting, as the primary product of combustion is water.

[0003] Hydrogen has a wide potential application as a fuel, but a major drawback to its use is that it cannot be stored appropriately. Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in pressure vessels under high pressure as a compressed gas or cooled to cryogenic temperatures and stored as a cryogenic liquid. However, when hydrogen is stored as a compressed gas, it generally requires the use of large pressure vessels that limit deployment, for example in remote locations. Liquid hydrogen is also expensive to produce. And when stored as a liquid, there are significant safety issues, as it needs to be stored below 20K, preventing its use, for example, in temporary installations. Furthermore, the scalability of storage using traditional pressure vessels or liquid hydrogen is limited by the associated infrastructure, as mandated by safety and / or cost.

[0004] Thus, the use of hydrogen as a fuel for power generation, for example in remote locations and / or temporary facilities, is problematic. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a power supply, a method for controlling a power supply, and a computer readable recording medium, as set forth in the accompanying claims. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description of this specification.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a power source having a first electrical outlet includes a set of hydrogen storage devices including a first hydrogen storage device, and optionally a heater group including a first heater, and a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting. The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conducting network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to contain a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conducting network. The first fluid inlet and / or the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and / or a fractal geometry.

[0007] In the method of controlling a power supply including a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator, a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a heater group including a first heater, a generator group including a first generator, and a controller according to the second aspect, the first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape, and / or a fractal shape. The method includes the steps of generating hydrogen gas by the first hydrogen gas generator, storing the generated hydrogen gas by the first hydrogen storage device, and at least partially releasing the stored hydrogen gas, optionally including controlling the first heater by the controller to at least partially release the stored hydrogen gas, and generating electrical energy using the released hydrogen gas by the first generator.

[0008] A third aspect provides a tangible, non-transient, computer readable storage medium having recorded thereon instructions which, when executed by a computing device having a processor and a memory, cause the computing device to perform a method according to the second aspect.

[0009] Detailed Description of the Invention 〔power supply〕 According to a first aspect, a power source having a first electrical outlet includes a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, and optionally a heater group including a first heater, and a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting. The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled with the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. The first fluid inlet and / or the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape and / or a fractal shape.

[0010] In this way, the power supply provides a modular and / or scalable power source derived from hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material. In particular, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material can be released, for example, by heating it through a thermally conductive network by a first heater. The chemical energy of the released hydrogen can then be at least partially converted into electrical energy via a generator. Furthermore, the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting provide modularity and / or scalability of the power supply. For example, different hydrogen gas generators having different capacities, availability and / or characteristics can be coupled to the hydrogen storage device group by connecting and reconnecting the first releasable fluid inlet fitting. For example, different generators, such as fuel cells and / or conventional combustion generators, having different capacities, efficiencies, availability and / or characteristics can be coupled to the hydrogen storage device group by connecting and reconnecting the first releasable fluid outlet fitting. In this manner, the power supply can be efficiently configured for a particular power output, for example, the peak power output, total capacity and / or duration of the power supply, depending on expected usage and / or demand.

[0011] [Hydrogen storage device]The power source includes a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, and optionally a heater group including a first heater, and a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting. In one example, the hydrogen storage device group includes M (M is at least 1, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more natural number) hydrogen storage devices. In this way, for example, the hydrogen storage capacity of the power source can be matched to the demand. In one example, the power source is arranged to include an additional m (M is at least 1, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more natural number) hydrogen storage devices by coupling the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively. In this way, for example, the hydrogen storage capacity of the power source can be increased to meet increased demand. Conversely, the hydrogen storage capacity of the power source can be reduced to meet the reduced demand, for example, by disconnecting redundant hydrogen storage devices. That is, the hydrogen storage capacity of the power source can be scaled, for example, up or down. In one example, the hydrogen storage device group includes an inlet manifold arranged to manifold each of the first fluid inlets of the hydrogen storage device group. In one example, the hydrogen storage device group includes an outlet manifold arranged to manifold each of the first fluid outlets of the hydrogen storage device group. In one example, each hydrogen storage device of the hydrogen storage device group is individually releasably coupled to the inlet manifold and / or the outlet manifold. In this manner, the storage and / or release of hydrogen to and / or from the hydrogen storage device group can be further scaled and / or balanced. For example, during operation of the power source, a particular hydrogen storage device can be disconnected from or coupled to the inlet manifold and / or the outlet manifold without interrupting the operation. In one example, each hydrogen storage device in a group of hydrogen storage devices is individually valved to the inlet and / or outlet manifolds using valves as described above. In this manner, storage and / or release of hydrogen to and from selected hydrogen storage devices can be controlled by selectively opening and closing the corresponding valves.

[0012] The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet. The first fluid inlet and / or the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively. Unlike conventional pressure vessels for storing compressed hydrogen gas, the pressure vessel is designed for a relatively low operating pressure of 100 bar or less, preferably 75 bar or less, more preferably 50 bar or less, even more preferably 25 bar or less, and most preferably 10 bar or less. In one example, the first hydrogen storage device is cylindrical and has dished ends. Other suitable shapes are known, depending at least in part on the operating pressure. For example, the first hydrogen storage device may be a cube, such as a square prism. In this way, the hydrogen storage devices can be easily stacked, for example in a compact manner, to reduce their physical footprint and / or facilitate transportation. It should be noted that the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are used for inletting and outletting hydrogen into and from the pressure vessel, respectively, and are at least partially formed by, for example, perforations (i.e., apertures, passageways, holes) through a wall of the pressure vessel. In one example, the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are gas inlets and gas outlets, respectively. In one example, the first fluid inlets and the first fluid outlets are formed by and / or through the same perforations. In one example, the pressure vessel has multiple gas inlets and / or gas outlets, including a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet, respectively. It should be noted that the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and the corresponding fitting can be connected and disconnected, for example, repeatedly. Suitable releasable fittings (also called fittings or connectors) include push-fit fittings, bayonet fittings, quick connect fittings, cylindrical connections to BS341 or DIN477, hose end fittings, pipe end fittings, tube end fittings and threaded fittings. Other releasable fittings are also known.In one example, the power source includes one or more of a thermocouple, a thermowell, a valve, a flashback arrestor, a filter such as a sorbent protection filter, a pressure sensor, and a mass flow controller (MFC), for example, in juxtaposition with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting. The valve is typically movable between an open position, in which hydrogen can enter and leave the vessel, and a closed position, in which the vessel is sealed. In one example, the valve is electrically and / or pneumatically actuable. In this manner, the valve can be remotely actuated, for example, via a controller. In one example, the MFC is electrically actuable. In this manner, the MFC can be remotely actuated, for example, via a controller, to control the flow of hydrogen. The second releasable fluid inlet fitting may be as described with respect to the first releasable fluid inlet fitting, mutatis mutandis.

[0013] The pressure vessel is positioned to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network.

[0014] As an alternative to storing hydrogen as a compressed gas or liquid, certain metals and alloys allow for the reversible storage and release of hydrogen (i.e., hydrogen storage materials). These hydrogen storage materials are believed to be superior to conventional hydrogen storage methods due to their high hydrogen-storage efficiency, low hydrogen loss during cycling and / or reduced heat loss between cycles (thermal efficiency). In particular, by storing hydrogen as a solid hydride, a higher volumetric storage density can be achieved than when hydrogen is stored as a compressed gas or liquid. Also, storing hydrogen as a solid hydride reduces safety risks compared to storing hydrogen as a compressed gas or liquid. In one example, the hydrogen storage material includes and / or is a solid hydride.

[0015] For example, solid phase metal or alloy materials can store large amounts of hydrogen by absorbing hydrogen at high density and forming metal hydrides under certain temperature / pressure or electrochemical conditions, and can release hydrogen by changing these conditions.

[0016] In general, the efficiency of hydrogen exchange into and out of such storage materials can be enhanced or hindered by their respective heat transfer capabilities. In particular, hydriding (also called hydrogen absorption) is exothermic, while dehydriding (also called hydrogen desorption) is endothermic. Thus, transferring heat within such storage materials or maintaining a favorable temperature profile throughout the volume of such storage materials becomes an important factor in such metal or alloy hydride hydrogen storage materials. As a general problem, releasing hydrogen from the crystal structure of a metal hydride requires some input of energy, usually heat. Placing hydrogen within the crystal structure of a metal, metal alloy, or other storage system generally releases energy, usually heat, providing a highly exothermic reaction of hydriding or placing hydrogen atoms within the crystal structure of the hydrideable alloy.

[0017] The heat released from the hydrogenation of the hydrogen storage metal or alloy can be removed. If the heat is not effectively removed, it can slow down or terminate the hydrogenation process. This is a serious problem that hinders rapid charging. When rapidly charging, the hydrogen storage material is quickly hydrogenated and a significant amount of heat is generated. The hydrogen storage device described herein, and in particular the thermally conductive network, effectively removes the heat caused by the hydrogenation of the hydrogen storage alloy to facilitate rapid charging of the hydride material. Solutions to this problem have already been reported, for example in US2003 / 0209149 and in "Heat Transfer Technologies in Hydrogen Storage with Metal Hydrides: A Review" by Afzal et al., International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2017, 42(52), 30661-30682.

[0018] The hydrogen storage device described herein allows for rapid filling and draining of hydrogen gas and is relatively compact. Typically, heat must be applied to drain hydrogen gas, heat must be released during hydrogen filling, and this heat must be absorbed (e.g., by applying cooling). The hydrogen storage device allows for rapid heating and / or cooling, particularly through a thermally conductive network, which means that less heat is wasted to the surroundings during operation due to the relatively short filling and draining times. The hydrogen storage device also allows for very targeted heating, avoiding unnecessary heat loss and associated energy waste.

[0019] The hydrogen storage material in the device of the present invention may be a compound that is a metal hydride. Typically, a metal element reacts with hydrogen to form a metal hydride, for example: Mg+H2→MgH2.

[0020] Generally, the reaction can be driven forward by increasing the hydrogen pressure.

[0021] Hydrogen release occurs when heat is applied to the hydride: for example, in the case of magnesium hydride, at 1 bar pressure, MgH2 decomposes at 287°C into Mg metal and hydrogen. MgH2 → Mg + H2

[0022] In one example, hydrogen storage materials include MgH2, NaAlH4, LiAlH4, LiH, LaNi5H6, TiFeH2, palladium hydride PdH X, LiNH2, LiBH4, and NaBH4. MgH2, NaAlH4, LiAlH4, LiH, and / or LaNi5H6 are preferred. In one example, the hydrogen storage material includes a mixture of two or more of these metal hydrides. These different metal hydrides may have different storage and / or release rates. Thus, a mixture of two or more of these metal hydrides is selected, for example, for a desired storage and / or release rate under different conditions and / or to provide a relatively more constant storage and / or release rate under different conditions. In one example, the hydrogen storage material includes dopants, such as catalysts and / or additives. For example, Ti and / or Zr can be used as catalyst dopants to improve the hydrogen storage and / or release kinetics of, for example, sodium tetrahydridoaluminate. Although alkali metal alanates are known as irreversible "chemical hydrides", catalytic reversibility allows for a new family of low-temperature hydrides. For example, alkali metal alanate-complex hydride NaAlH4 readily releases and absorbs hydrogen when doped with TiCl3 or Ti-alkoxide catalysts. Currently, research is underway to optimize these catalysts in terms of their type, doping process, and understanding of the mechanism. In general, any suitable transition metal or rare earth metal can be used as the catalyst, such as Ti, Zr, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Nb, Ge, Ce, La, Nd, Pd, Pr, Zn, Al, Ag, Ga, In, and / or Cd. Additives include C to improve the heat transfer of the hydrogen storage material. In one example, the hydrogen storage material is provided as particles (e.g., powder). In one example, the particles are microparticles having a D50 or D90 of at most 500 μm, at most 250 μm, at most 100 μm or at most 50 μm.In one example, the particles are microparticles having a D50 or D10 of at least 1 μm, at least 5 μm, at least 10 μm, or at least 25 μm. In one example, the particles are nanoparticles having a D50 or D90 of at most 500 nm, at most 250 nm, at most 100 nm, or at most 50 nm. In one example, the particles are nanoparticles having a D50 or D10 of at least 1 nm, at least 5 nm, at least 10 nm, or at least 20 nm. In one example, the particles have a bimodal particle size distribution by being a mixture of particles of different sizes, e.g., a mixture of microparticles and nanoparticles. In this way, the packing efficiency, e.g., density and / or surface area of ​​the particles can be increased, thereby increasing the storage of hydrogen and / or the rate of storage of hydrogen, respectively. In one example, the hydrogen storage material can be treated by attrition, such as by ball milling, to reduce its particle size and / or its particle size distribution and / or to incorporate dopants and / or additives.

[0023] As an alternative to storing hydrogen as a compressed gas or liquid, certain unsaturated organic compounds allow for the reversible storage and release of hydrogen (i.e., hydrogen storage materials). These hydrogen storage materials are believed to have high hydrogen storage efficiency and are superior to traditional hydrogen storage methods, for example, due to low hydrogen loss during cycles and / or reduced heat loss during cycles (thermal efficiency). In particular, by storing hydrogen as LHOC, a higher volumetric storage density can be achieved than when hydrogen is stored as a compressed gas or liquid. Also, storing hydrogen as LOHC poses less safety risk than when hydrogen is stored as a compressed gas or liquid. In one example, the hydrogen storage material includes and / or is a LOHC.

[0024] For example, unsaturated organic compounds can store large amounts of hydrogen by absorbing hydrogen at high density and forming saturated organic compounds under certain temperature / pressure conditions, and then releasing hydrogen by changing these conditions.

[0025] In general, the efficiency of hydrogen exchange into and out of such storage materials can be enhanced or hindered by their respective heat transfer capabilities. In particular, hydrogenation (loading hydrogen from the LOC to the LOHC and storing it) is exothermic, while dehydrogenation (unloading hydrogen from the LOHC to the LOC and releasing it) is endothermic. Thus, transferring heat within such storage materials or maintaining a favorable temperature profile throughout the volume of such storage materials becomes a critical factor in such hydrogen storage materials.

[0026] If heat is ineffectively supplied or removed, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation will slow down or terminate, which is a serious problem that hinders rapid charging and discharging. When rapidly charging and discharging, a significant amount of heat is required to heat and cool the LOC and LOHC, respectively, and a significant amount of heat must be uniformly supplied, especially given the relatively low thermal conductivity of the LOC and LOHC. The hydrogen storage device described herein, and in particular the thermally conductive network, effectively heats and cools the hydrogen storage material to facilitate rapid charging and discharging.

[0027] The hydrogen storage device described herein allows for rapid filling and discharging of hydrogen gas and is relatively compact. The hydrogen storage device allows for rapid heating and cooling, particularly via a thermally conductive network, which means that less heat is wasted to the surroundings during operation due to relatively short filling and discharging times. The hydrogen storage device also allows for highly targeted heating, thereby avoiding unnecessary heat loss and associated energy waste.

[0028] In one example, LOHCs include and / or are: saturated cycloalkenes, aromatics, heteroaromatic compounds, and / or mixtures thereof. Note that LOHCs generally refer to liquid organic compounds that have been hydrogenated (i.e., loaded and saturated). LOCs generally refer to liquid organic compounds that have been dehydrogenated (i.e., unloaded and unsaturated). In practice, however, a given molecular name can be used interchangeably to refer to both, with the exact meaning understood by the skilled artisan in a given context. Thus, for example, N-ethylcarbazole (NEC), although commonly referred to as a LOHC, is unsaturated. Research into LOHCs began with the discovery of a class of compounds that have relatively high hydrogen capacity (6-8 wt.%) and can be used to generate CO X The focus was on cycloalkanes, which produce COx-free hydrogen. Heteroaromatic compounds (or N-heterocycles) are also suitable. N-ethylcarbazole (NEC) is a known LOHC, but many other LOHCs are known. Dibenzyltoluene is an excellent choice for the LOHC material, due to its wide liquid range from -39°C (melting point) to 390°C (boiling point) and hydrogen storage density of 6.2 wt.%. Formic acid has been proposed as a promising hydrogen storage material, with a hydrogen capacity of 4.4 wt.%. Compared to other chemical storage options, such as producing methane from hydrogen, a relatively high gravimetric storage density can be achieved (about 6 wt.%) and overall energy efficiency is high using LOHCs.

[0029] In one example, LOHCs include and / or are: N-ethylcarbazole (NEC), monobenzyltoluene (MBT), dibenzyltoluene (DBT), 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine (AB), toluene (TOL), naphthalene (NAP), benzene, phenanthrene, pyrene, pyridine, chinoline, fluorene, carbazole, methanol, formic acid, phenazine, ammonia, and / or mixtures thereof. Cycloalkanes that have been reported as LOHCs include cyclohexane, methyl-cyclohexane, and decalin. The dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes is highly endothermic (63-69 kJ / mol H2), which means that relatively high temperatures and / or heat inputs are required in this process. Of these three cycloalkanes, the dehydrogenation of decalin is the most thermodynamically favored, and methyl-cyclohexane is second because of the methyl group. Ni, Mo, and Pt-based catalysts have been explored for dehydrogenation. However, coking remains a major challenge for the long-term stability of the catalyst. In general, catalysts are required for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of LOHCs. It has also been demonstrated that the properties of reversible dehydrogenation / hydrogenation can be improved by substituting the hydrocarbons with heteroatoms such as N, O, etc. The temperature required for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation is significantly reduced as the number of heteroatoms increases. Among all N-heterocyclic compounds, the saturated-unsaturated pair dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole (12H-NEC) and NEC have been explored as promising hydrogen storage candidates with a significant hydrogen content (5.8 wt.%). The standard catalysts for NEC to 12H-NEC are Ru and Rh-based catalysts. The hydrogenation selectivity can reach 97% at 7 MPa and 130-150°C.N-heterocyclic compounds can optimize the unfavorable thermodynamic properties of cycloalkanes, but they suffer from problems such as relatively high cost, high toxicity and / or kinetic barriers. The use of formic acid as a hydrogen storage material has been reported. Hydrogen-free carbon monoxide has been produced in a very wide pressure range (1-600 bar). A homogeneous catalytic system using a water-soluble ruthenium catalyst selectively decomposes HCOOH to H2 and CO2 in aqueous solution. This catalytic system overcomes the limitations of other catalysts in the decomposition of formic acid (e.g. poor stability, limited catalytic lifetimes, formation of CO), making formic acid a viable hydrogen storage material. Carbon dioxide, a co-product of this decomposition, can be used as a hydrogen vector by being hydrogenated in a second step to synthesize formic acid. The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 has been investigated for a long time and an efficient procedure has been developed. Formic acid can be produced in a volume of 53 g L at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. -1 of hydrogen. Pure formic acid stores 4.3 wt.% hydrogen by weight. Pure formic acid is a liquid with a flash point of 69 °C. However, 85% formic acid is not flammable. Ammonia (NH3) will release H2 in a suitable catalytic reformer. Ammonia has demonstrated high hydrogen storage density as a liquid with mild pressurization and cryogenic constraints. It can also be stored as a liquid at room temperature and pressure when mixed with water. Ammonia is the second most commonly produced chemical worldwide, and a large infrastructure exists for the production, transportation, and distribution of ammonia. Ammonia can be reformed to produce hydrogen without harmful waste.

[0030] In use, in the process of storing hydrogen, hydrogen can be received in the first container of the first hydrogen storage device through the first fluid inlet, for example from a hydrogen gas generator, as described below. Preferably, the first hydrogen storage device is initially in a fully discharged state. When hydrogen contacts the hydrogen storage material, the temperature of the hydrogen storage material increases due to the exothermic absorption (i.e., hydrogenation) reaction of hydrogen storage, as described above. The increase in temperature is attenuated by conducting heat from the exothermic reaction through the thermally conductive network. If necessary, the first cooler is operated to further attenuate the increase in temperature, and then stopped when a set low temperature threshold (e.g., 20°C) is reached. For example, when the pressure in the first container reaches a predetermined operating pressure (e.g., 10 bar) and stabilizes, for example, at this predetermined operating pressure, a valve juxtaposed to the first fluid inlet is opened to introduce hydrogen, and then closed to contain hydrogen. Different types of hydrogen storage materials may have different kinetics of absorption. Thus, the hydrogen storage process may be modified accordingly. For example, to accelerate hydrogen storage, it may be preferable for hydrogen absorption to favor the kinetics of hydriding at higher temperatures, eg, at least 100°C.

[0031] In use, the reverse process occurs during the process of releasing (i.e., desorption) hydrogen. A valve inline with the first fluid outlet is opened to allow hydrogen to pass and exit, for example, from the generator. As hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material, the temperature decreases due to endothermic desorption, as described above. The first heater is activated by measuring the temperature of the thermally conductive network using a thermocouple, thereby heating the thermally conductive network and thus the hydrogen storage material. When a set high temperature threshold (e.g., 80° C.) is reached, the operation of the first heater can be stopped. The valve can then be closed when the pressure reaches a predetermined pressure (e.g., 1 bar) and, for example, stabilizes at this predetermined pressure.

[0032] In one example, the first hydrogen storage device comprises and / or is a static first hydrogen storage device. Such a static device accommodates a predetermined volume of LOHCs (e.g., up to the open volume of the first container) in the first container through a first fluid inlet and releases hydrogen gas out of the first container through a first fluid outlet by heating through a thermally conductive network. When all hydrogen is released from the LOHCs, only the liquid organic carrier LOCs (i.e., the LOHCs to be unloaded) remain in the first container and may be discharged through the first fluid outlet (e.g., for reloading) or reloaded in the first container. Alternatively, such a static device accommodates a predetermined volume of the liquid organic carrier LOCs together with hydrogen gas in the first container through a first fluid inlet and heats and cools through a thermally conductive network to store hydrogen gas in the LOCs as LOHCs. When the LOC is fully loaded, only the LOHCs after loading remain in the first vessel. It should be understood that in a static device, the LOHCs (or LOCs) do not flow through the first vessel during hydrogen discharge (or charging, respectively). In one example, the static first hydrogen storage device includes a mixer or agitator for mixing or agitating the LOHCs (or LOCs) therein, thereby improving the efficiency of dehydrogenation (or hydrogenation).

[0033] In contrast, in one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes a dynamic (also called flow-through) first hydrogen storage device and / or is a dynamic first hydrogen storage device. Such a dynamic device, for example, continuously accommodates a flow of LOHCs in the first container, for example through a first fluid inlet, and releases hydrogen gas exiting the first container through the first fluid outlet together with the LOCs (i.e., LOHCs to be unloaded) by heating through a thermally conductive network. Alternatively, such a dynamic device accommodates a pressurized flow of LOCs in the first container together with a flow of hydrogen gas, and stores hydrogen gas exiting the first container through the first fluid outlet as LOHCs in the loaded LOC by heating and cooling through a thermally conductive network. It should be noted that in a dynamic device, the LOHCs (or LOCs) therefore flow through the first container during hydrogen release (or charging, respectively). In one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes a pump arranged to flow hydrogen storage material into the first container.

[0034] In one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes and / or is known as a reactor.

[0035] The pressure vessel includes a thermally conductive network therein that is thermally coupled to a first heater. In one example, a surface of the thermally conductive network is in thermal contact with (and thus thermally coupled to) the first heater. In one example, the first heater is at least partially formed integrally with and / or within the thermally conductive network. For example, the first heater may be embedded within (i.e., within) the thermally conductive network.

[0036] The thermally conductive network may be formed of any suitable thermally conductive material, for example, metals such as aluminum, copper, alloys of these metals such as copper brass or bronze alloys, and / or stainless steel. Preferred materials also have sufficient strength to maintain the structural integrity of the thermally conductive network, while not reacting with and / or being embrittlement by hydrogen and / or hydrogen storage materials. In one example, the thermally conductive network includes a coating to inhibit reaction with and / or embrittlement by hydrogen.

[0037] In one example, the thermally conductive network may have a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional (i.e., mutually orthogonal) lattice, spiral, and / or fractal shape having a plurality of nodes with thermally conductive arms (i.e., generally elongated members) between the nodes and voids (i.e., gaps, spaces) between the arms. Such shapes, particularly fractal shapes, may be particularly effective at transferring heat to and from the hydrogen storage material due to their relatively large surface area to volume ratio. By way of example, the fractal shape may be selected from the group consisting of Gosper Island, 3D IH-fractal, Quadratic Koch Island, Quadratic Koch surface, Von Koch surface, Koch snowflake, Sierpinski carpet, Sierpinski tetrahedron, Mandelbox, Mandelbulb, dodecahedral fractal, icosahedral fractal, octahedral fractal, Menger sponge, and Jerusalem cube. Certain fractal shapes, such as Gosper Island, allow for the creation of multiple independent repeating unit blocks that can then be assembled together in a tessellation (i.e., assembled together without overlaps or gaps). This allows for the placement of multiple channels in a thermally conductive network through the hydrogen storage device, each channel having a large surface area and the same structure, but without wasted space between repeating units. A gyroid is an infinitely connected triply periodic minimal surface, similar to a lidnoid within the scope of the first embodiment. A gyroid divides space into two oppositely directed congruent labyrinths of passages through which the hydrogen storage material can flow. In one example, the effective density (also called the lattice volume ratio) of the lattice shape is uniform in one, two or three dimensions (i.e., mutually orthogonal dimensions).In one example, the effective density of the lattice shape is non-uniform in one, two or three dimensions (i.e., mutually orthogonal dimensions). It should be noted that a uniform effective density in a particular dimension provides a constant void fraction between the arms of the lattice shape in that particular dimension. Conversely, a non-uniform effective density in a particular dimension provides a non-constant void fraction between the arms of the lattice shape in that particular dimension. The higher the effective density, the higher the content of thermally conductive material and therefore the faster the heat transfer. For example, the effective density may increase or decrease in a particular dimension, e.g., radially. In this manner, the thermally conductive network may be designed, e.g., optimized, for a particular pressure vessel shape to enhance, e.g., optimize, the heat transfer to and / or from the hydrogen storage material through the thermally conductive network. In one example, the effective density of the lattice shape is uniform in a first dimension, e.g., axially, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, e.g., radially. Lattice shapes, such as square lattice shapes, such as three-dimensional cages, have a relatively low surface area to volume ratio compared to fractal shapes of the same volume. However, lattice shapes are preferred because they are relatively less complicated and / or less expensive to form and / or manufacture. In one example, three-dimensional complex shapes, e.g., having voids therein, can be formed by at least partially forming a thermally conductive network by 3D printing (i.e., additive manufacturing), e.g., selective laser melting (SLM). In one example, the thermally conductive network is at least partially formed by casting and molding methods such as injection molding, extrusion, etc. Other additive manufacturing processes are also known. In one example, the thermally conductive network is at least partially formed by manufacturing and / or machining, such as milling, turning, drilling, etc. Other subtractive manufacturing processes are also known.

[0038] The power supply optionally includes a set of heaters including a first heater. In one example, the power supply includes a set of heaters including a first heater, and a thermally conductive network is thermally coupled to the first heater. Heating the first heater transfers heat to the thermally conductive network thermally coupled to the first heater, thereby transferring heat to the hydrogen storage material in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. In this manner, hydrogen can be released from the hydrogen storage material by heating the hydrogen storage material through the thermally conductive network by the first heater. In one example, the first heater is disposed inside the pressure vessel. In one example, the first heater is disposed outside the pressure vessel. By disposing the first heater outside the pressure vessel, assembly of the device can be facilitated in certain aspects, and electrical wiring can be more easily accessed. In one example, the first heater includes and / or is a thermoelectric heater and / or a joule heater and / or a reflux type heater, e.g., a reflux liquid. For example, a first container including a passageway is arranged to interchangeably accommodate a joule heater and a reflux type heater therein and / or thereon. For example, the first container may include a through passageway and be arranged to accommodate a cartridge heater inserted therein through an end of the through passageway, the opposite end of the through passageway being closed, e.g., by an insulating plug. Alternatively, the cartridge heater and plug may be removed and a fluid coupling may be attached to the end instead, so that a reflux liquid, such as a heated coolant (i.e., a heating fluid) from a fuel cell for heating the thermally conductive network, may be pumped through the fluid coupling. In this way, flexibility is provided for heating and / or cooling the thermally conductive network. In one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes a passageway. The first hydrogen storage device can be arranged in a first configuration to accommodate a joule heater within the passageway and in a second configuration to accommodate a flow of liquid through the passageway. Other heaters are known. In one example, the power source includes a thermocouple connected to the first heater, for example, via proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control.In this way, the temperature of the first heater can be controlled. In one example, the first heater includes and / or is a cartridge heater or an insertion heater. Generally, a cartridge heater is an elongated cylinder that includes an electric resistance wire, for example, the electric resistance wire is embedded in magnesium oxide. Suitable cartridge heaters and insertion heaters are available from Watlow (MO, USA). In one example, the first heater is inserted into a passage formed in and / or provided by the thermally conductive network. In one example, the first heater is incorporated into the thermally conductive network, for example, integrally formed with the thermally conductive network. In this way, the heating efficiency of the thermally conductive network is improved. In one example, the power source includes N heaters (N is at least 1, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more natural number) including the first heater. The N heaters can be as described with respect to the first heater. In one example, the power source includes M hydrogen storage devices and N heaters (M and N are natural numbers of at least 1, M=N, e.g., M=N=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more). In one example, the power source includes a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, e.g., a lithium ion battery, configured to power the first heater. The rechargeable battery can be recharged using the power provided to the hydrogen gas generators, as described below.

[0039] In one example, the power source includes a heater / cooler group including a heater group including a first heater / cooler including a first heater. By cooling the first heater / cooler, heat is transferred from a thermally conductive network thermally coupled to the first heater / cooler. This transfers heat from a hydrogen storage material in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. In this way, hydrogen can be stored in the hydrogen storage material by cooling the hydrogen storage material through the thermally conductive network by the first heater / cooler. In other words, the first heater / cooler can remove heat from the hydrogen storage material during hydrogen storage and provide heat to the hydrogen storage material during hydrogen release in a space-efficient manner. In one example, the first heater / cooler is disposed inside the pressure vessel. In one example, the first heater / cooler is disposed outside the pressure vessel. By disposing the first heater / cooler outside the pressure vessel, it is possible to facilitate assembly of the device in certain aspects and to make access for electrical wiring easier. Very tight (i.e., accurate, precise, and / or responsive) control of the thermoelectric heater and / or cooler elements provides control with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and / or short response time. The heater of the first heater / cooler may be as described above with respect to the first heater. In one example, the cooler of the first heater / cooler includes and / or is a heat sink with optional active cooling, such as air driven by a fan or a cooling fluid (e.g., water) driven by a pump. In one example, the first heater / cooler includes and / or is a Peltier element or other element that utilizes thermoelectric cooling and heating. This type of element is commonly referred to as a Peltier heat pump, solid-state refrigerator, or thermoelectric cooler (TEC). The thermoelectric heater and cooler elements may be used in conjunction with a heat sink with optional active cooling, such as air driven by a fan or a cooling fluid (e.g., water) driven by a pump.Adding or removing heat on the side of the thermoelectric element that is not thermally coupled to the thermally conductive network improves the ability of the thermoelectric element to heat and cool the thermally conductive network. In one example, a first heater / cooler (e.g., a thermoelectric heater and cooler) is in thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. Because they are in thermal contact, heat can be effectively passed from one to the other. Heat can be passed in either direction, either heating or cooling the thermally conductive network. The contact between the heater / cooler module and the thermally conductive network does not have to be direct physical contact. In some embodiments, there is an intervening object, such as the wall of a pressure vessel. In such embodiments, the intervening object must continue to allow good thermal contact between the heater / cooler module and the thermally conductive network, thus allowing heat to be effectively passed from one to the other. Suitable thermoelectric heater and / or cooler elements are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available from most electronics suppliers, such as CUI (or USA). In one example, the hydrogen storage device includes one or more thermoelectric heaters and / or coolers on a base to form a Peltier heater / cooler assembly, and the thermally conductive network is thermally coupled (e.g., attached) to the Peltier heater / cooler assembly. For example, the thermally conductive network may be 3D printed onto the heater / cooler assembly. If desired, a foam (e.g., a metal foam, as described below) may be attached to the thermally conductive network, for example, by applying an appropriate amount of compression. Alternatively, the foam may be attached by a physical bond, for example, soldering, brazing, and / or welding the thermally conductive network and the foam. In such an arrangement, it is preferable to have a high thermal conductivity for most solders and fillers.

[0040] In one example, the hydrogen storage device includes a thermally conductive foam, such as a metal foam, attached to (i.e., thermally coupled and in thermal contact with) a thermally conductive network. The inventors have found that such foams aid in heat transfer to and from the hydrogen storage material. Such foams are known to have a high internal surface area. In one example, the foam includes and / or is an open-celled foam, preferably an open-celled metal foam (also called a metal sponge). Open-celled metal foams are typically manufactured by foundry or powder metallurgy. In the powder method, "space holders" are used, which occupy the pore spaces and channels. In the injection molding method, the foam is typically cast in an open-celled polyurethane foam framework. The inventors have found that hydrogen storage material can be disposed in the spaces (i.e., voids, lumens, pores, cells) within the foam, and the hydrogen storage material retains its ability to store and release hydrogen while taking advantage of the increased rate of heat transfer provided by the large surface area of ​​the foam. It should be noted that the pore size (i.e., size of the cells) of the foam is greater than the size of the hydrogen storage material, e.g., its particles. In one example, the ratio of the pore size to the particle size of the foam is at least 5:1, such as at least 10:1, e.g., 20:1, and these sizes (i.e., the pore size and particle size of the foam) are measured in one dimension, e.g., diameter. In one example, the foam includes and / or is a metal foam, preferably an open-cell metal foam, formed of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel or zinc (or a combination alloy including these metals). In particular, aluminum foam is preferred. The thermally conductive network preferably contains the metal foam in the spaces within the network. The voids within the metal foam contain the hydrogen storage material. Metal foams in fractal networks have been shown to provide excellent heat transfer between thermoelectric heaters / coolers and hydrogen storage materials.

[0041] In one example, the pressure vessel includes a lid (e.g., also referred to as a cover or blanking plate for an access hatch or opening in the wall of the pressure vessel) sealingly connected to and / or thereon, thereby providing a pressure vessel sealed around the thermally conductive network. Prior to sealingly connecting the lid to the pressure vessel, it is advantageous to add the hydrogen storage material, typically in powder form. For example, if the hydrogen storage material is in powder form, the powder is poured between the arms of the thermally conductive network, and optionally into the foam, to partially (i.e., at least 25% by volume of the voids, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 45% by volume), mostly (i.e., at least 50% by volume of the voids, preferably at least 60% by volume, more preferably at least 70% by volume, most preferably at least 80% by volume), substantially (i.e., at least 90% by volume of the voids, preferably at least 95% by volume, more preferably at least 97.5% by volume), and / or completely fill the pressure vessel. Substantially filling these voids with powder increases the hydrogen storage capacity. Conversely, partial filling of these voids with powder can improve heat transfer to and from the thermally conductive network. This filling can typically be performed in an inert atmosphere, such as argon or other inert gas, before sealing the lid of the pressure vessel. Depending on the scale of production, this filling can be performed in a glove box. Slight agitation, e.g., vibration, is advantageous to ensure that the powder penetrates the thermally conductive network and / or foam. In one example, the hydrogen storage device includes an agitator, e.g., vibrator, mechanically coupled to the pressure vessel and / or the thermally conductive network and positioned to agitate, e.g., vibrate, the pressure vessel and / or the thermally conductive network to improve the efficiency of filling the pressure vessel with the hydrogen storage material.

[0042] In use, in the process of storing hydrogen, hydrogen can be admitted to the pressure vessel of the first hydrogen storage device, for example from a hydrogen gas generator, through the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and the first fluid inlet, as described below. Preferably, the first hydrogen storage device is initially in a fully vented state. When hydrogen contacts the hydrogen storage material, the temperature of the hydrogen storage material increases due to the exothermic absorption (i.e., hydrogenation) reaction of hydrogen storage, as described above. The increase in temperature is attenuated by conducting heat from the exothermic reaction through the thermally conductive network. If necessary, the first cooler is operated to further attenuate the increase in temperature, and then stopped when a set low temperature threshold (e.g., 20°C) is reached. For example, when the pressure in the pressure vessel reaches a predetermined operating pressure (e.g., 10 bar) and stabilizes, for example, at this predetermined operating pressure, the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a valve juxtaposed to the first fluid inlet are opened to admit hydrogen, and closed to contain hydrogen. Different types of hydrogen storage materials may have different absorption kinetics and thus the hydrogen storage process may be modified accordingly. For example, to accelerate hydrogen storage, it may be preferable for hydrogen absorption to favor the hydrogenation kinetics at higher temperatures, e.g., at least 100° C.

[0043] In use, the reverse process occurs during the process of releasing hydrogen (i.e., desorption). The first releasable fluid outlet fitting and / or a valve juxtaposed with the first fluid outlet is opened to allow hydrogen to pass, for example, out of the generator. As hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material, the temperature decreases due to endothermic desorption, as described above. The first heater is activated by measuring the temperature of the thermally conductive network using a thermocouple, thereby heating the thermally conductive network and thus the hydrogen storage material. When a set high temperature threshold (e.g., 80° C.) is reached, the operation of the first heater can be stopped. The valve can then be closed when the pressure reaches a predetermined pressure (e.g., 1 bar) and, for example, stabilizes at this predetermined pressure.

[0044] [Phase change materials] In one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes a phase change material (PCM) in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. In this way, it may be the PCM that generates heat during hydrogen storage. PCMs are materials that have a high heat of fusion and can store and / or release large amounts of energy when they change phase at a phase change temperature, such as melting and solidification. PCMs can be classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units. Latent heat storage can be achieved by liquid-solid, solid-liquid, solid-gas, and liquid-gas phase changes. However, generally, only solid-liquid and liquid-solid phase changes are practical for PCMs. In one example, the PCM is a solid-liquid (and liquid-solid) PCM. In one example, the first hydrogen storage device includes a phase change material (PCM) in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. In this way, at least a portion of the heat generated by the hydrogen storage material during hydrogen storage can be stored in the PCM and then released to at least partially release hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material.

[0045] A typical temperature profile of a solid-liquid PCM during thermal loading is considered. First, the temperature T S In the following, the PCM behaves as a sensible heat storage (SHS) material, and as the PCM absorbs heat, the temperature of the PCM increases. However, unlike conventional SHS materials, the PCM does not change phase at a phase change temperature T S Once the PCM reaches its melting point (i.e., melting temperature), it absorbs a large amount of heat at a nearly constant temperature. The PCM continues to absorb heat without a significant increase in temperature until all of the PCM is converted to the liquid phase. When the temperature around the liquid material decreases, the PCM solidifies and releases the stored latent heat. Thus, PCMs can store approximately 5 to 14 times more heat per unit volume than conventional heat storage materials such as water, brick, or rock.

[0046] In one example, the PCM includes at least one of an organic PCM, an inorganic PCM, a eutectic PCM, a hygroscopic PCM, a solid-solid PCM, and a thermal composite. When selecting a PCM, it is desirable to have one or more of the following characteristics: a phase change temperature in the desired operating temperature range, a large latent heat of fusion per unit volume, a large specific heat, a high density, a high thermal conductivity, a small volume change upon phase transformation, a low vapor pressure at the operating temperature, congruent melting, a fast nucleation rate to avoid super cooling of the liquid phase, a fast crystal growth rate, chemical stability, a reversible phase change, no degradation due to phase change, no corrosion, no toxicity, no flammability, low cost, and / or availability.

[0047] Organic PCMs include, for example, paraffin (C n H 2n+2 ), carbohydrate and lipid derived materials. Beneficial properties of organic PCMs include freezing with little supercooling, melting congruently, self-nucleation, compatibility with conventional construction materials, little or no segregation, chemical stability, high heat of fusion, safety, non-reactive and / or recyclability. Carbohydrate and lipid PCMs can also be produced from renewable resources. However, organic PCMs may require low solid thermal conductivity, high heat transfer rate during freezing cycles, low volumetric latent heat storage capacity and / or low flammability. To obtain reliable phase change points, manufacturers typically provide industrial paraffins that are essentially paraffin mixtures and fully refined with oil.

[0048] Inorganic PCMs include, for example, salt hydrates (M nHO). Beneficial properties of inorganic PCMs include high volumetric latent heat storage capacity, availability, low cost, sharp melting points, high thermal conductivity, high heat of fusion, and / or non-flammability. However, inorganic PCMs can have large volume changes and may require supercooling and / or nucleating agents for the solid-liquid transition.

[0049] For example, organic and inorganic PCMs with phase change temperatures ranging from −9° C. to 90° C. are available from Luvisarm Technologies GmbH (Berlin, Germany). The thermal storage capacity of these PCMs is typically between 150 kJ / kg and 290 kJ / kg.

[0050] Eutectic PCMs include, for example, c-inorganic and inorganic-inorganic compounds. Beneficial properties of eutectic PCMs include sharper melting points and / or improved volumetric storage density compared to organic PCMs. Hygroscopic PCMs include, for example, natural building materials such as wool insulation and earth / clay finishes that can absorb and release water. Solid-solid PCMs undergo solid / solid phase transitions with significant heat absorption and release and have similar latent heat as solid-liquid PCMs. Nucleation may not be necessary to prevent supercooling. Currently, a range of solid-solid PCMs are available with phase change temperatures ranging from 25°C to 180°C.

[0051] In one example, in use, the phase change temperature of the PCM corresponds to the desorption temperature of the hydrogen storage material, for example hydrated salt S58 (available from PCM Products Ltd, UK) has a phase change temperature of 58°C which corresponds to the desorption temperature of 60°C for lanthanum nickel (LaNi5H6).

[0052] In one example, the phase change temperature is within 20° C., preferably within 10° C., and more preferably within 5° C., of the desorption temperature of the hydrogen storage material. In one example, the phase change temperature is 20° C. or less, preferably 10° C. or less, and more preferably 5° C. or less, of the desorption temperature of the hydrogen storage material. In this manner, hysteresis is reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of heat storage and release by the PCM.

[0053] As an example, the heat storage capacity of the PCM is in the range of 100 kJ / kg to 1000 kJ / kg, preferably 150 kJ / kg to 500 kJ / kg, more preferably 200 kJ / kg to 300 kJ / kg, for example 230 kJ / kg. Generally, a higher heat storage capacity is preferred. However, the first phase change temperature of the PCM may be a deciding factor in the selection, limiting the candidate PCMs.

[0054] In one example, the PCM comprises an encapsulated PCM. Encapsulation of the PCM may be required for PCMs that undergo solid-liquid phase transformations. Examples of encapsulation include macroencapsulation, microencapsulation, and molecular-encapsulation. Macroencapsulation with its bulk containment may be unsuitable for PCMs with poor thermal conductivity, as such PCMs tend to solidify at the edges of the macroencapsulation, thereby preventing effective heat transfer. Microencapsulation generally allows the PCM to be incorporated into a structural material, for example, by coating the microscopically sized PCM with a protective coating. Molecular encapsulation allows for very high PCM concentrations in polymeric compounds. In one example, the encapsulated PCM is divided into cells. The cells may be arranged to reduce static head. The walls of the cells can effectively transfer heat, limit water passage through the walls, resist leakage and / or corrosion, and / or be chemically compatible with the PCM. Examples of cell wall materials include, for example, stainless steel, polypropylene, and polyolefins. In one example, the PCM includes an additive disposed therein to improve the thermal conductivity of the PCM. Some PCMs, for example, some organic PCMs, may have a large heat of fusion and low thermal conductivity. The inclusion of an additive within the PCM can improve the thermal conductivity of the PCM, for example, to facilitate the heat absorption of the PCM. The additive may include, for example, particles, fibers, or wires with high thermal conductivity.

[0055] [Generator] In one example, the power source includes a generator set including a first generator configured to generate electricity using hydrogen gas and selected from the set consisting of a fuel cell and a generator including a heat engine, a second releasable fluid inlet fitting coupleable with the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, and / or a first releasable electrical outlet fitting coupleable with the first electrical outlet. The first generator includes a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the second releasable fluid inlet fitting.

[0056] In this manner, electricity can be generated by the generators using hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material as fuel, the generators being coupled to the hydrogen storage devices via respective releasable fluid couplings. Because the generators are releasably coupled to the hydrogen storage devices, modularity and / or scalability is provided for the generators, as previously described. The second releasable fluid inlet coupling may be as described for the first releasable fluid inlet coupling, mutatis mutandis. Suitable releasable electrical outlet couplings (also referred to as connectors) include plug and socket type connectors.

[0057] In one example, the first generator includes a heat engine, e.g., a generator including an internal combustion engine arranged to combust hydrogen and a generator driven by the internal combustion engine. Other generators and / or heat engines are also known.

[0058] In one example, the first generator is a fuel cell selected from the group consisting of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC), alkaline fuel cells (AFC) and phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC). In this way, power can be generated compactly, at relatively low temperatures and / or effectively without moving parts. A PEMFC, also called a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, is generally composed of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that includes electrodes, electrolyte, catalyst and gas diffusion layers. Typically, catalyst ink, carbon, electrodes are deposited on the solid electrolyte, and carbon paper is hot pressed on either side to protect the cell's interior and also acts as an electrode. The fundamental part of a PEMFC is the triple phase boundary (TPB) where the electrolyte, catalyst and reactants mix and the cell reaction occurs. This membrane must not be electrically conductive so that the half-reactions do not mix. Typically, operating temperatures above 100°C are desired, so the by-product of water is steam, making water management less critical in PEMFC design. Suitable PEMFCs, such as the FCgen and FCvelocity series, are available from Ballard Power Systems (Burnaby, Canada) and the Aerostacks and H series, from Horizon Fuel Cell Technology (Singapore). AFCs (also called Bacon fuel cells) are inexpensive to manufacture and up to 70% efficient. PAFCs use liquid phosphoric acid as the electrolyte, are CO2 tolerant and up to 70% efficient. Typically, PAFCs operate at 150-200°C, so the exhaust steam can be used to heat air and water. Suitable PAFCs are available from Doosan Fuel Cell America (Connecticut, USA) and Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan).

[0059] In one example, the power source includes a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator configured to generate hydrogen gas, a third releasable fluid inlet fitting, and / or a second releasable fluid outlet fitting connectable to the first releasable fluid inlet fitting.

[0060] In this manner, hydrogen may be generated by the hydrogen gas generators and stored in the hydrogen storage material of the hydrogen storage devices, the hydrogen gas generators being coupled to the hydrogen storage devices via respective releasable fluid couplings. Because the hydrogen gas generators are releasably coupled to the hydrogen storage devices, modularity and / or scalability is provided for the hydrogen gas generators, as previously described. The third releasable fluid inlet coupling may be as described for the first releasable fluid inlet coupling, mutatis mutandis. The second releasable fluid outlet coupling may be as described for the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, mutatis mutandis.

[0061] In one example, the first hydrogen gas generator includes an electrolysis cell selected from the group consisting of an alkaline electrolysis cell and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell. Compared to PEM electrolysis cells, alkaline water electrolysis cells typically use cheaper catalysts (compared to platinum group metal-based catalysts used in PEM water electrolysis), are more durable due to replaceable electrolytes, have lower anode catalyst solubility, and / or have higher gas purity due to lower gas diffusivity in the alkaline electrolyte. Conversely, PEM electrolysis cells can operate at higher current densities, thereby reducing the operating costs of PEM electrolysis cells, especially those coupled to highly dynamic energy sources such as wind and solar. However, in such cases, sudden energy input spikes may result in energy that would otherwise not be captured.

[0062] In one example, the first hydrogen gas generator includes a methane reformer. Generally, methane reformers are based on steam reforming, autothermal reforming or partial oxidation to produce hydrogen gas from methane using a catalyst. In one example, the methane reformer is selected from the group consisting of steam methane reformer (SMR) and autothermal reformer (ATR). Steam reforming (SR), sometimes referred to as steam methane reforming, uses an external hot gas source to heat tubes in which catalytic reactions occur to convert steam and lighter hydrocarbons, such as methane, biogas or refinery feedstock, into hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas). The syngas is further reacted to produce more hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the reactor. For final purification, these carbon oxides are removed by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) using molecular sieves before use. PSA works by adsorbing impurities from a syngas stream leaving behind pure hydrogen gas. Autothermal reforming (ATR) uses oxygen and carbon dioxide or steam in a reaction with methane to form syngas. This reaction occurs in a single chamber where the methane is partially oxidized. The reaction is exothermic due to the oxidation. When ATR uses carbon dioxide, the H2:CO produced is 1:1, and when ATR uses water steam, the H2:CO produced is 2.5:1.

[0063] In one example, the power source has a first electrical inlet that can be coupled to the first hydrogen gas generator, and / or the first electrical outlet can be coupled to the first hydrogen gas generator. In this way, the first hydrogen gas generator, and more generally the group of hydrogen gas generators, can be powered from renewable energy sources and / or excess renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, tidal and / or geothermal, from surplus conventional energy sources, and optionally from the power output of the power source. Preferably, this power is from excess renewable energy sources, such as stronger and / or longer winds, more and / or more sunlight, and / or stronger and / or longer tides. In this way, this excess power (i.e., excess power relative to current demand) is effectively stored in hydrogen gas stored as chemical energy, and thus the excess power is stored.

[0064] In one example, the power source can be arranged in a first configuration in which the first hydrogen gas generator, the first hydrogen storage device, and the first generator are decoupled from one another, and in a second configuration in which the first hydrogen gas generator and the first generator are fluidly coupled via the first hydrogen storage device, thus providing modularity and / or scalability of the power source, as previously described.

[0065] In one example, the power source includes a housing including a set of walls including a first wall, the first wall being arranged to house the hydrogen storage devices and having a first electrical outlet through the first wall. In this way, the power source can be installed as an independent power source for installation in a remote location, for example protected from weather by the housing. Furthermore, the housing can protect the power source during transportation and / or use. In one example, the housing includes and / or is an intermodal freight container (also commonly referred to as a shipping container), for example a 20' (~6m) or 40' (~12m) intermodal freight container. In this way, the power source can be easily stored, transported and / or installed using standard storage, transportation and / or lifting means, thereby reducing costs and / or complexity. In one example, the housing includes wheels. In this way, the power source can be easily transported. In one example, the housing includes a set of hoisting lugs or points for hoisting lines and / or a set of forklift pockets.

[0066] In one example, the power source includes a controller configured to control the first heater based at least in part on the rate at which the electrical energy is output via the first electrical outlet. In this manner, the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material can be controlled in response to the rate at which electrical power is used. For example, as the rate of electrical power usage increases, the heater can be heated more, e.g., to a higher temperature, to increase the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material. Conversely, as the rate of usage of electrical power decreases, the heater can be heated less, e.g., to a lower temperature, to decrease the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material. In this manner, by matching the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage material to the rate of electrical power usage, excess power can be avoided, thereby improving the efficiency of generation of electrical power.

[0067] In one example, the controller is configured to control the first heater based at least in part on a predicted rate of outputting electrical energy through the first electrical outlet. In this way, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be controlled in advance, for example, increased to meet the predicted rate of electrical energy, thereby reducing the latency of the release of hydrogen. Conversely, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be controlled in advance, for example, decreased to meet the predicted rate of electrical energy, thereby reducing the generation of excess electrical energy. In one example, the controller is configured to jointly and / or independently control the heaters as described with respect to the first heater. In this way, the accuracy of the control can be improved by jointly and / or independently controlling each heater of the first heater group.

[0068] In one example, the controller is configured to control the cooler based at least in part on a predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, as described above. In this manner, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be proactively controlled, as described mutatis mutandis with respect to the first heater.

[0069] In one example, the controller is configured to control the group of generators including the first generator based at least in part on the rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet. In this manner, by matching the rate of generation of electrical energy to the rate and / or predicted rate of use of electrical power, excess power may be avoided, thereby improving the efficiency of electrical power generation.

[0070] In one example, the controller is configured to control the group of hydrogen gas generators including the first hydrogen gas generator based at least in part on the rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, and / or on the rate and / or predicted rate of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material, and / or on the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material and / or the availability of energy for electrolysis. For example, the rate of hydrogen release and / or the amount of stored hydrogen can be determined, calculated and / or measured using a pressure gauge and / or MFC from the pressure and / or pressure change of the group of hydrogen storage devices including the first hydrogen storage device, and / or from a mass flow measurement of hydrogen from the group of hydrogen storage devices. In this way, matching the rate of hydrogen gas production to the rate and / or predicted rate of use of electrical power and / or the availability of energy for electrolysis can be utilized and surplus power can be avoided, thereby improving the efficiency of electrical power generation.

[0071] In one example, the controller is configured to control the hydrogen gas generator group including the first hydrogen gas generator, the heater group including the first heater, and if necessary, the heater / cooler group including the heater group including the first heater, and the generator group including the first generator, based at least in part on the rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, for example, in total, to optimize the generation of hydrogen gas, the storage of hydrogen, the release of hydrogen, and / or the generation of electricity. For example, if the amount of energy from renewable sources increases, the release of hydrogen from certain hydrogen storage devices can be prioritized to completely drain these hydrogen storage devices, the electrolysis of hydrogen gas can be increased, and hydrogen can be stored in those hydrogen storage devices that have been pre-drained. In this way, the amount of stored hydrogen can be optimized and the availability of energy for electrolysis can be improved.

[0072] In one example, the controller is configured to determine, e.g., calculate or estimate, a predicted rate at which to output electrical energy (i.e., a predicted power demand). For example, the controller can determine the predicted rate at which to output electrical energy by learning the energy requirements (demand) of a user of the power source, e.g., by applying a machine learning algorithm to the user's energy usage. In one example, the controller is configured to obtain the user's energy requirements from a database and / or from the user via the internet by measuring the user's energy usage.

[0073] In one example, the controller is configured to determine, e.g., calculate or estimate, a predicted rate of inputting electrical energy for generating hydrogen gas, e.g., from previous usage information (i.e., historical data), user input (i.e., user request), and / or an online database (static and / or dynamically updated e.g., live updates). For example, upon obtaining electrical energy for generating hydrogen gas from a renewable resource, the controller can determine a predicted rate of inputting electrical energy from location (i.e., geographic location) information of the power source and / or renewable resource, including latitude, longitude, and / or elevation, climate information (i.e., weather patterns) information at each location of the power source and / or renewable resource, and / or weather forecast information for each location of the power source and / or renewable resource. In one example, the controller is configured to obtain the location information, climate information, and / or weather forecast information from the database and / or from a user via the Internet.

[0074] In one example, the controller is configured to iteratively determine, for example, using a feedback loop, an expected rate at which to output electrical energy and / or an expected rate at which to input electrical energy to produce hydrogen gas.

[0075] In one example, the controller is configured to determine, e.g., calculate or estimate, a predicted rate of outputting electrical energy and / or a predicted rate of inputting electrical energy for generating hydrogen gas, e.g., using generalized linear models (GLM), random forests, logistic regression, support vector machines, K-nearest neighbors, decision trees, AdaBoost, XGBoost, neural networks such as convolutional neural networks, time series classification, recurrence plots, linear mixed models, or a combination of two or more thereof. XGBoost and GLM are preferred. For example, the controller may include a computing device including a 32×2.4 GHz processor and 32 GB of RAM. The calculations may be performed in R using GLM and / or XGBoost. Alternatively and / or additionally, the calculations may be performed in Python using Keras, Theanos, and / or TensorFlow.

[0076] In this manner, the controller may provide "smart metering" by determining a predicted rate of outputting electrical energy for producing hydrogen gas and / or a predicted rate of inputting electrical energy to dynamically control the power source in response to changes in electrical energy output and / or electrical energy input for producing hydrogen gas, for example, using a feedback loop. In this manner, by matching the rate of production of hydrogen gas to the rate of use and / or predicted rate of use of electrical power and / or the availability of energy for electrolysis, the availability of energy for electrolysis may be utilized and excess power may be avoided, thereby improving the efficiency of electrical power production.

[0077] 〔method〕 In the method of controlling a power supply including a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator, a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a heater group including a first heater, a generator group including a first generator, and a controller according to the second aspect, the first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape, and / or a fractal shape. The method includes the steps of generating hydrogen gas by a first hydrogen gas generator, storing the generated hydrogen gas by a first hydrogen storage device, and at least partially releasing the stored hydrogen gas, optionally including controlling a first heater by a controller to at least partially release the stored hydrogen gas, and generating electrical energy using the released hydrogen gas by a first generator.

[0078] The first hydrogen gas generator group including the first hydrogen gas generator, the hydrogen storage device group including the first hydrogen storage device, the heater group including the first heater, the generator group including the first generator, the controller, the pressure vessel, the first fluid inlet, the first fluid outlet, the thermally conductive network and / or the hydrogen storage material may be as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0079] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, the first heater based at least in part on the rate at which the first generator produces electrical energy. In this manner, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be proactively controlled, mutatis mutandis, as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0080] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, the first heater based at least in part on a predicted rate at which the first generator will generate electrical energy. In this manner, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be proactively controlled, mutatis mutandis, as described with respect to the first heater.

[0081] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a rate at which the first hydrogen gas generator produces hydrogen gas based at least in part on a rate at which the first generator produces electrical energy. In this manner, hydrogen gas production may be pre-controlled, mutatis mutandis, as described with respect to the first heater.

[0082] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, the cooling of the hydrogen storage material based at least in part on a predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet. In this manner, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material can be proactively controlled, as described mutatis mutandis with respect to the first heater.

[0083] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a fleet of generators including the first generator based at least in part on a rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, such that a rate of generation of electrical energy can be matched to a rate and / or predicted rate of use of electrical power, as described with respect to the first aspect.

[0084] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a group of hydrogen gas generators including the first hydrogen gas generator based at least in part on a rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, and / or on a rate and / or predicted rate of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material, and / or on an amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material and / or availability of energy for electrolysis. In this manner, as described with respect to the first embodiment, the rate of production of hydrogen gas can be matched to a rate and / or predicted rate of usage of electrical power and / or availability of energy for electrolysis.

[0085] In one example, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a hydrogen gas generator group including the first hydrogen gas generator, a heater group including the first heater, and optionally a heater / cooler group including the heater group including the first heater, and a generator group including the first generator, based at least in part on, for example, a rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet, generally, to optimize hydrogen gas generation, hydrogen storage, hydrogen release, and / or electrical power generation.

[0086] [CRM] A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to a third aspect has instructions recorded thereon that, when executed by a computing device including a processor and a memory, cause the computing device to perform a method according to the second aspect.

[0087] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into practice, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0088] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic diagram of the power supply of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic flow diagram of the method of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic flow diagram of the method of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment, and FIGS. 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sectional views of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thermally conductive network of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thermally conductive network of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thermally conductive network of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1 is a photograph of a foam of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional side view of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. [Figure 13] 11A-11C are alternative CAD radial cross-sections of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a CAD perspective view of a first heater of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a conventional hydrogen storage device. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19A] FIG. 2 is a more detailed CAD partial cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19B] FIG. 1 is a more detailed CAD longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device. [Figure 19C] FIG. 13 is a more detailed CAD perspective view of the thermally conductive network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0089] At least some of the following examples provide power sources and methods for controlling such power sources, and many other advantages and improvements are described in detail herein.

[0090] 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. The power supply 100 includes a hydrogen storage device group 200 having a first electrical outlet 110 and including a first hydrogen storage device 200A, and optionally a heater group 300 (not shown) including a first heater 300A (not shown), and a first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and / or a first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510. The first hydrogen storage device 200A includes a pressure vessel 230A having a first fluid inlet 210A and a first fluid outlet 220A with a thermally conductive network 240A (not shown) therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater 300A. The pressure vessel 230A is arranged to contain a hydrogen storage material 250A (not shown) therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network 240A. The first fluid inlet 210A and / or the first fluid outlet 220A are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting 410 and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting 510A, respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network 240A has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice, spiral and / or fractal shape.

[0091] In this example, the power source 100 includes a generator group 600 including a first generator 600A configured to generate electricity using hydrogen gas and selected from the group consisting of a fuel cell and a generator including a heat engine, a second releasable fluid inlet coupling 420 connectable to a first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510, and / or a first releasable electrical outlet coupling connectable to a first electrical outlet 110. The first generator 600A includes a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the second releasable fluid inlet coupling. In this example, the first generator 600A is a fuel cell selected from the group consisting of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), and a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC).

[0092] In this example, the power source 100 includes a hydrogen gas generator group 700 including a first hydrogen gas generator 700A configured to generate hydrogen gas, a third releasable fluid inlet fitting 430, and / or a second releasable fluid outlet fitting 520 connectable to the first releasable fluid inlet fitting. In this example, the first hydrogen gas generator 700A includes an electrolysis cell selected from the group consisting of an alkaline electrolysis cell and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell.

[0093] In this example, the power source 100 includes a controller 800 (not shown) configured to control the first heater 300A based at least in part on the rate and / or predicted rate of outputting electrical energy via the first electrical outlet 110.

[0094] In this example, the power source 100 includes a pump 120 arranged to pump hydrogen from a hydrogen gas generator 700 to the hydrogen storage device array 200, thereby increasing the pressure for the hydrogen. In this example, the power source 100 includes a gate valve 130 arranged to isolate the hydrogen storage device array 200 from the generator array 600.

[0095] In use, as described above, the gate valve 130 is closed, and the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen gas generator 700 is pumped by the pump 120 to the hydrogen storage device group 200 for storage. During the storage process, as described above, the heat released by the hydrogen storage material 250A can be transferred from the first hydrogen storage device 200A to the outside through the thermally conductive network 240A. Then, as described above, after storing hydrogen, the gate valve 130 is opened, and as soon as the stored hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage material 250A moves to the generator group 600, the chemical energy of the released hydrogen is converted into electrical energy and output through the first electrical outlet 110. During the process of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material 250A, heat is supplied from the heater group 300 to the hydrogen storage material 250A through the thermally conductive network 240A as described above.

[0096] FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic diagram of the power supply of FIG.

[0097] In use, water is electrolyzed by the hydrogen gas generators 700, and the electrical energy for the electrolysis is obtained from solar panels (i.e., a renewable energy source). As previously described, the hydrogen produced is dried and introduced for storage in the hydrogen storage devices 200, via a check valve to ensure one-way flow.

[0098] The air (oxidant) is filtered by the air filter and pumped by pump 120 through a pressure transducer and a particulate filter for particulate matter to a humidifier and then to the generators 600. In particular, the pressure is recorded by the pressure transducer and the flow is refiltered by another filter. The air is then humidified before entering the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) (i.e., the generators 600). Unused hydrogen is exhausted from the generators 600 along a water vent. This unused hydrogen is filtered for particulate matter. The water is exhausted and the unused hydrogen is pumped back to the hydrogen storage devices 200 (not shown).

[0099] 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to one exemplary embodiment. The method is a method of controlling a power supply including a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator, a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a heater group including a first heater, a generator group including a first generator, and a controller. The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape, and / or a fractal shape.

[0100] In S31, hydrogen gas is generated by a first hydrogen gas generator.

[0101] In S32, the generated hydrogen gas is stored in the first hydrogen storage device.

[0102] In S33, the stored hydrogen gas is at least partially released, and if necessary, the controller controls the first heater to at least partially release the stored hydrogen gas.

[0103] In S34, the released hydrogen gas is used to generate electrical energy by a first generator.

[0104] The method may include any of the steps described in relation to the first and / or second aspects.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic flow diagram of the method of FIG.

[0106] The power source 100 may use smart metering, as previously described, to predict and supply expected fuel or power to each of the three subsystems (i.e., hydrogen gas generators, hydrogen storage devices, and generators) under a feedback control loop, such as that shown in FIG. 4.

[0107] Input energy data can come from a user or from a database of information on the internet. The smart meter can compare the desired / required output with the information provided. This creates a feedback loop that changes process variables (flow, temperature, pressure) depending on the required output.

[0108] FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic flow diagram of the method of FIG.

[0109] In S51, the controller analyzes the amount of energy absorbed / used.

[0110] In S52, the controller sets an energy usage quota.

[0111] In S53, the controller sets a planned amount of energy usage.

[0112] In S54, the controller monitors the distribution of energy.

[0113] In S55, the controller issues an alarm when energy usage approaches 90% of the allotted amount.

[0114] A smart metering system can obtain usage statistics from users and / or other supply data, set a forecast of energy usage, and then act on it according to the power demand projections. The system also monitors energy usage according to a feedback system. When the energy approaches 90% of the forecast amount, an action is taken.

[0115] The communication protocol may be ZigBee, GPRS / GSM, Wi-Fi or PLC, tailored to each bespoke system as required. Alternatively, the PLC standard can be used throughout, with appropriate systems deployed according to the relevant standard.

[0116] [Example 1] Hydrogen storage device Figure 6A is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200 of the power source 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. Figures 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sectional views of the hydrogen storage device 200 of Figure 6A.

[0117] FIG. 6 shows the hydrogen storage device 200 of the power source 100. The hydrogen storage device 200 includes a hollow metal cylinder (outer cylindrical vessel wall (1)) and two metallic end caps (2) that form a pressure vessel. Inside the vessel is a hydrideable metal / metal alloy (5), an aluminum fractal structure (4) in contact with a metal foam (not shown). Both end caps (2) include internal cavities for the placement of multiple peltier devices (6) and heat / cold sinks (7). The outer cylindrical vessel wall (1) has three gas inlets (10) and three gas outlets (11) that allow heating / cooling gases (air) to access the internal cavities of the caps to add / remove heat. The outer cylindrical vessel wall (1) also has electronic entry / exit points (12). One end cap includes four ports that allow access to the pressure vessel: a hydrogen gas inlet (8), a hydrogen gas outlet (9), a pressure sensor connection (15), and a temperature sensor connection (14). The end cap is held in place and forms a seal by a thread and O-ring arrangement (3). The end caps can be removed to facilitate access to the pressure vessel. The end caps have covers (13) therein that can be removed to facilitate access to the heating / cooling gas containment vessel. Thus, the hydrogen storage device 200 includes a pressure vessel 1 having a first fluid inlet 8 and a first fluid outlet 9 with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled with the first heater. The pressure vessel 1 is arranged to house a hydrogen storage material (not shown) therein that is at least partially in thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. The first fluid inlet 8 and / or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting (not shown) and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting (not shown), respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network 4 has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice, spiral and / or fractal shape.

[0118] [Example 2] Structural shape of thermally conductive network 7A-7C are schematic diagrams illustrating a thermally conductive network of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0119] 7A-7C show three alternative fractal networks for the thermally conductive network of hydrogen storage device 200: (A) Gosper Island, (B) "Snowflake" design, and (C) Koch Snowflake. The 2D radially symmetric fractal patterns extend axially. Axial cross-sections, midpoint radial cross-sections, and perspective views of the fractal networks are shown.

[0120] [Example 3] Metal foam FIG. 8A is a photograph of a foam of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a more detailed schematic diagram of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 8A shows a photograph of the voids (i.e., open space) of a metal foam, specifically an aluminum foam. The aluminum foam was fabricated from 6101 aluminum alloy, which retains 99% of the purity of the master alloy. The foam has a reticulated structure with open cells (i.e., pores) and a dodecahedral shape. The foam has a bulk density of 0.2 g / cm. 3 and has a porosity of 93%, with a porosity of approximately 8 pores / cm.

[0122] FIG. 8B shows a schematic of a metal hydride powder contained within and / or in contact with a metal foam in thermal communication with a thermally conductive network.

[0123] [Example 4] Compact design of hydrogen storage device FIG. 9A is a top view of a hydrogen storage device 200' of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200' of FIG. 9A.

[0124] 9A and 9B show a schematic of a compact design of a hydrogen storage device 200'. The hydrogen storage device 200' includes a hydrogen gas storage vessel formed of a cuboid-based containment vessel (1) with a square-planar lid (2). The lid (2) is fixed to a screw fixing (7) using four axial corner screws and sealed with an O-ring (3) placed between the vessel (1) and the lid (2). The hydrogen storage vessel has a hydridable metal / metal alloy (5) and a metal foam (not shown) inside. On one side there is a thermally conductive network (4) with a flattened square fractal shape that serves to distribute heat radially. A Peltier element (6) thermally coupled to the thermally conductive network (4) and the exterior of the vessel (1) serves as a heater / cooler. Two holes (8), (9) located through the lid (2) and the thermally conductive network (4) function as a hydrogen gas inlet (8) and a hydrogen gas outlet (9), respectively. In other words, the hydrogen storage device 200' includes a pressure vessel 1 having a first fluid inlet 8 and a first fluid outlet 9 with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled with a first heater, the pressure vessel 1 being arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material (not shown) therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. The first fluid inlet 8 and / or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting (not shown) and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting (not shown), respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network 4 has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape and / or a fractal shape.

[0125] FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200″ of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is a CAD axial cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a CAD radial cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. The hydrogen storage device 200″ includes a pressure vessel 201″ having a first fluid inlet 208″ and a first fluid outlet 209″ with a thermally conductive network 204″ therein, optionally thermally coupled with a first heater (not shown). The pressure vessel 201″ is arranged to house a hydrogen storage material (not shown) therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network 204″. The first fluid inlet 208″ and / or the first fluid outlet 209″ are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting (not shown) and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting (not shown), respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network 204'' has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice, spiral and / or fractal geometry.

[0126] In this example, the pressure vessel 201'' is generally cylindrical with a generally dished first end and a necked second end opposite the first end, with a single opening forming both the first fluid inlet 208'' and the first fluid outlet 209''. In other words, the pressure vessel 201'' is bottle-shaped. An inner wall 201I'' of the pressure vessel 201'' defines an axially cylindrical, elongated blind passageway 210'' arranged to accommodate a first heater 206'' (not shown). The blind passageway 210'' extends from the first end toward the second end and is coaxial with the outer wall 201O'' of the pressure vessel 201''. A second blind passageway at the first end is arranged to accommodate a thermocouple (not shown).

[0127] In this example, the thermally conductive network 204'' has a three-dimensional lattice shape. In this thermally conductive network 204'', generally, each node is connected by four arms to four other nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer. Thus, generally, each node is connected by eight arms to four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer and to eight other nodes of the four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer. Adjacent nodes of the inner wall 201I'' and the outer wall 201O'' are similarly connected to the inner wall 201I'' and the outer wall 201O'', respectively. In one example, the effective density (also called lattice volume ratio) of the lattice shape is uniform in one, two or three dimensions (i.e., mutually orthogonal dimensions). In this example, the effective density of the lattice shape is uniform in a first dimension, particularly in the axial direction, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly in the radial direction. In particular, the effective density decreases radially outward. In this way, heat is transferred faster near the passages 410, and thus the first heater. In this example, the thermally conductive network 404 is formed of an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the thermally conductive network 404 may be formed of copper, alloys of copper, such as brass or bronze alloys, and / or stainless steel, as previously described.

[0128] FIG. 13 is an alternative CAD radial cross-section view of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. In this example, the node density (i.e., number of nodes per unit volume) of the lattice geometry is generally similar, mutatis mutandis, to the node density of the lattice geometry of FIG. 12. However, it is relatively lower than the node density of the lattice geometry of FIG. 12. The cross-sectional area of ​​the arms is relatively larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the arms of FIG. 12.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a CAD perspective view of a first heater 206″ of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. In this example, the first heater 206″ is an elongated cartridge heater housed in a passage 210″. To improve thermal coupling between the first heater 206″ and the inner wall 201I″ of the pressure vessel 201″, the first heater 206″ may be pressed into the passage 210″. Additionally and / or alternatively, the first heater 206″ may be thermally bonded to the inner wall 201I″ using, for example, a conductive paste or solder.

[0130] FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater 206''' of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment, specifically a Fire Rod cartridge heater available from Watlow Corporation.

[0131] FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater 206'''' of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment, specifically a Fire Rod Cartridge Heater available from Watlow Corporation (part number G10A31, 10 inch length, 3 / 8 inch diameter, 600 W (240 V)). The metrics of the first heater 506 are comparable to the first heater 206'''.

[0132] 17A is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200 of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. The hydrogen storage device 200 includes a pressure vessel 230 having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220 with a thermally conductive network 240 therein that is thermally coupled to a first heater 300A. The pressure vessel 230 is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material (not shown) therein that is in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network 240. The first fluid inlet 210 and / or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting (not shown) and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting (not shown), respectively. The thermally conductive network 240 has a three-dimensional lattice shape.

[0133] In this example, the pressure vessel 230 is generally cylindrical with a generally dished first end and a necked second end opposite the first end, with a single opening forming both the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220. In other words, the pressure vessel 230 is can-shaped. The inner wall 230I of the pressure vessel 230 defines an axially cylindrical and elongated blind passage P arranged to accommodate, if desired, a second heater 300B (not shown) of the heater group 300, in particular a cartridge heater (not shown). The blind passage P extends from the first end toward the second end and is coaxial with the outer wall 230O of the pressure vessel 230. The blind passage at the second end is arranged to accommodate thermocouples TC. In this example, the first heater 300A is constituted by, for example, a reflux type heater heated using waste heat from a fuel cell coupled to the heater, and includes a double helix heating tube 350 having an inlet 310 and an outlet 320 and in thermal contact with a thermally conductive network 20. The thermally conductive network 20 is disposed between an inner helix 350I and an outer helix 350O of the heating tube 350. The double helix heating tube 350 extends from a second end toward a first end and is coaxial with the outer wall 230O of the pressure vessel 230. The inner helix 350I and the outer helix 350O of the double helix heating tube 350 are in direct thermal contact with the inner wall 230I and the outer wall 230O of the pressure vessel 230, respectively. The pressure gauge PG is located at the second end, which is mechanically releasably coupled to the pressure vessel 230 using a mechanical fastener.

[0134] In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 has a three-dimensional lattice shape. In this thermally conductive network 240, each node is generally connected by four arms to four other nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer. Thus, each node is generally connected by eight arms to four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer and to eight other nodes of the four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer. The proximal nodes of the inner spiral 350I and the outer spiral 350O of the heating tube 350 are in thermal contact with the inner spiral 350I and the outer spiral 350O. In this example, the effective density of the lattice shape is uniform in a first dimension, particularly in the axial direction, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly in the radial direction. In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 has a porosity of at least 90%. In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 is formed of an aluminum alloy. In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 has an inner portion 240I having an annular shape and an outer portion 240O. The outer portion 240O is received between and in thermal contact with the inner and outer spirals 350I and 350O of the dual helix heating tube 350. The inner portion 240I is received inside and in thermal contact with the inner spiral 350I.

[0135] FIG. 17B is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a conventional hydrogen storage device 200. Compared with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17A, the thermally conductive network 240 of the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17B includes an inner portion 240I, a middle portion 240M, and an outer portion 240O. The inner portion 240I is cylindrical, and the middle portion 240M and the outer portion 240O are annular. The outer portion 240O is received outside the outer spiral 350O of the double spiral heating tube 350 so as to be in thermal contact therewith. The middle portion 240M is received between the inner spiral 350I and the outer spiral 350O so as to be in thermal contact therewith. The inner portion 240I is received inside the inner spiral 350I so as to be in thermal contact therewith.

[0136] 14 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. Hydrogen storage device 200 is generally as described with respect to hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 17A and 17B, with like numbers indicating like features.

[0137] 17A and 17B, this hydrogen storage device 200 does not include the inner wall 230I of the pressure vessel 230 of FIG. 17A and 17B, and does not include the blind passage at the second end for accommodating a thermocouple. Compared to the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17A and 17B, this heat conductive network 240 is cylindrical and accommodated in thermal contact with the outer wall 230O of the pressure vessel 230. Compared to the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17A and 17B, the inner spiral 350I and the outer spiral 350O of the double helix heating tube 350 are incorporated into the heat conductive network 240. Therefore, the inner spiral 350I and the outer spiral 350O of the double helix heating tube 350 are spaced apart from each other through the heat conductive network 240, and are in indirect thermal contact only with the outer wall 230O of the pressure vessel 230, respectively. In this example, hydrogen storage device 200 includes a bed compression disc 231 housed in pressure vessel 230 proximate a first end for uniaxially compressing the hydrogen storage material to improve thermal contact with the thermally conductive network, and a bed compression disc bolt 232 mechanically coupled to bed compression disc 231 and extending through the first end. An O-ring 233 is disposed on outer wall 230O to prevent loss of hydrogen storage material during compression.

[0138] Figure 19A is a more detailed CAD perspective cutaway view of hydrogen storage device 200 of a power source according to one exemplary embodiment. Figure 19B is a more detailed CAD longitudinal cross-section view of hydrogen storage device 200. Figure 19C is a more detailed CAD perspective view of the thermally conductive network.

[0139] The hydrogen storage device 200 includes a pressure vessel 230 having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220 with a thermally conductive network 240 therein that is thermally coupled to a first heater 300A. The pressure vessel 230 is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material (not shown) therein that is in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network 240. The first fluid inlet 210 and / or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with a first releasable fluid inlet fitting (not shown) and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting (not shown), respectively. The thermally conductive network 240 has a three-dimensional lattice shape. In this example, the hydrogen storage material includes and / or is a liquid organic hydrogen carrier LOHC. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a dynamic hydrogen storage device 200. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the first container 230, for example, to at least partially define a path for flowing hydrogen storage material and / or hydrogen between the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 through the gaps of the thermally conductive network 240. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are provided with releasable joints, for example, to allow corresponding joints to be connected and disconnected, for example, repeatedly. In this example, the lattice shape is a Bravais lattice, in particular a cubic lattice, and in particular a simple cubic lattice. In this example, the cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter or width) of the thermally conductive arms is about 0.5 mm. In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 partially fills the interior volume of the first container 230 with at least 90% by volume of the first container 230. In this example, thermally conductive network 240 includes, for example, a LOHC hydrogenation and / or dehydrogenation catalyst provided on and / or within its surface. In this example, the porosity of thermally conductive network 240 is in the range of 75% to 95% by volume of thermally conductive network 240. In this example, the specific surface area of ​​thermally conductive network 240 is in the range of 1 m -1 ~10m -1 Within the range of 7m -1In this example, the thermally conductive network 240 includes, for example, a LOHC hydrogenation and / or dehydrogenation catalyst provided on and / or within the thermally conductive network 240. In this example, the first heater is arranged to heat the hydrogen storage material to a temperature in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 includes a pump (not shown) arranged to flow the hydrogen storage material to the first container 230. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a reactor.

[0140] Typically, the first vessel 230 is an elongated cylinder made of a Ti alloy (to withstand an operating pressure of about 2 bar at a temperature of about 260° C. for dehydrogenation) and has a bore extending through the first vessel 230 for use with a first heater, particularly a Joule cartridge heater. The first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are fitted with Swagelok releasable couplings. To suit a particular application, the first fluid inlet 210 is positioned at an acute angle to the axis of the first vessel and the first fluid outlet is positioned parallel to the axis.

[0141] 〔overview〕 A power source and a method of controlling the power source are provided. The power source includes a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device having a first electrical outlet, and optionally a heater group including a first heater, and a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting. The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled with the first heater. The pressure vessel is arranged to accommodate a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network. The first fluid inlet and / or the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively. Preferably, the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice, spiral and / or fractal shape. The power source thus provides a modular and / or scalable power source derived from hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material. In particular, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material can be released, for example, by heating it through a thermally conductive network by a first heater. The chemical energy of the released hydrogen can then be at least partially converted into electrical energy via a generator. Furthermore, the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting provide modularity and / or scalability of the power source. For example, different hydrogen gas generators having different capacities, availability and / or characteristics can be coupled to the hydrogen storage device group by connecting and then reconnecting the first releasable fluid inlet fitting. For example, different generators, such as fuel cells and / or conventional combustion generators, having different capacities, efficiencies, availability and / or characteristics can be coupled to the hydrogen storage device group by connecting and then reconnecting the first releasable fluid outlet fitting. In this way, the power source can be efficiently configured for a particular power output, for example, the peak power output, total capacity and / or duration of the power source, depending on the expected usage and / or demand.

[0142] [Definition] At least some of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be partially or entirely configured using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as "component," "module," "unit," and the like, as used herein, may include, but are not limited to, hardware devices such as electrical circuits in the form of discrete or integrated components, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform specific tasks or provide related functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and configured to execute on one or more processor circuits. In some embodiments, these functional elements include, by way of example only, components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, electrical circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0143] Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to components, modules, and units described herein. However, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of functions are described herein as needed. It will be understood that the described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment as appropriate, except where the combinations are mutually exclusive. In this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" may mean including the specified components, but is not intended to exclude the presence of other components.

[0144] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A power source having a first electrical outlet, a hydrogen storage group including a first hydrogen storage device, and optionally a heater group including a first heater, and a first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or a first releasable fluid outlet fitting; The first hydrogen storage device includes a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater, the pressure vessel being arranged to contain a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network, the first fluid inlet and / or the first fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting and / or the first releasable fluid outlet fitting, respectively, and preferably the thermally conductive network has a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice shape, a spiral shape and / or a fractal shape.

2. a generator group including a first generator configured to generate electricity using hydrogen gas and selected from the group consisting of a fuel cell and a generator including a heat engine, a second releasable fluid inlet coupling connectable with the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, and / or a first releasable electrical outlet coupling connectable with the first electrical outlet; The power source of claim 1 , wherein the first generator includes a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the second releasable fluid inlet coupling.

3. 3. The power source of claim 2, wherein the first generator is a fuel cell selected from the group consisting of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), and a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC).

4. 4. The power source of claim 1, further comprising a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator configured to generate hydrogen gas, a third releasable fluid inlet fitting, and / or a second releasable fluid outlet fitting connectable with the first releasable fluid inlet fitting.

5. 5. The power source of claim 4, wherein the first hydrogen gas generator comprises an electrolysis cell selected from the group consisting of an alkaline electrolysis cell and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell.

6. 6. The power source of claim 3, further comprising a first electrical inlet connectable to the first hydrogen gas generator and / or a first electrical outlet connectable to the first hydrogen gas generator.

7. a first arrangement in which the first hydrogen gas generator, the first hydrogen storage device, and the first generator are decoupled from one another; and a second arrangement in which the first hydrogen gas generator and the first generator are fluidly connected via the first hydrogen storage device.

8. 8. The power source of claim 1, comprising an enclosure including a group of walls including a first wall, the first wall being positioned to house the group of hydrogen storage devices and having the first electrical outlet passing through the first wall.

9. 9. The power source of claim 1, comprising a controller configured to control the first heater based at least in part on a rate at which electrical energy is output through the first electrical outlet.

10. 10. The power source of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to control the first heater based at least in part on a predicted rate of electrical energy output through the first electrical outlet.

11. 11. The power source of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises a hydrogen storage material, and the hydrogen storage material comprises and / or is a solid hydride and / or a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC).

12. 1. A method of controlling a power source including a hydrogen gas generator group including a first hydrogen gas generator, a hydrogen storage device group including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a heater group including a first heater, a generator group including a first generator, and a controller, comprising: the first hydrogen storage device comprises a pressure vessel having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet with a thermally conductive network therein, optionally thermally coupled to the first heater, the pressure vessel being arranged to contain a hydrogen storage material therein in at least partial thermal contact with the thermally conductive network, preferably the thermally conductive network having a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional lattice and / or fractal geometry; The method comprises: generating hydrogen gas by the first hydrogen gas generator; storing the generated hydrogen gas in the first hydrogen storage device; at least partially releasing the stored hydrogen gas, optionally including controlling the first heater by the controller to at least partially release the stored hydrogen gas; and generating electrical energy with the first generator using the released hydrogen gas.

13. The method of claim 12 including controlling, by the controller, the first heater based at least in part on a rate at which the first generator produces electrical energy.

14. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising controlling, by the controller, the first heater based at least in part on a predicted rate of electrical energy produced by the first generator.

15. 15. The method of any of claims 12-14, comprising controlling, by the controller, a rate at which the first hydrogen gas generator produces hydrogen gas based at least in part on a rate at which the first generator produces electrical energy.

16. A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon instructions that, when executed by a computing device including a processor and a memory, cause the computing device to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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