Compact Dihydrogen Generator for Aircraft Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generating dihydrogen for fuel cells are not compact enough for integration in aircraft, necessitating a more compact and lightweight solution.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a storage compartment for hydrogen storage material, a conveyor compartment with a screw system for transporting and heating the material, and a recovery support for spent material, all integrated within a single enclosure, utilizing a drive system and heater system for efficient dihydrogen generation and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate enclosures are used for hydrogen storage material, conveyor system, and spent hydrogen storage material, then each component can be independently maintained and replaced, but the overall device size becomes too large for aircraft integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage compartment, conveyor compartment, and recovery compartment into a single integrated enclosure (body). The first compartment for storing hydrogen storage material and the second compartment for conveying and heating the material are merged within the same enclosure, with spent material recovered in the first compartment. This integration dramatically reduces the overall device volume while maintaining functional separation through internal compartmentalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second compartment (conveyor compartment) is positioned within the enclosure defined by the body, and the first compartment (storage and recovery) surrounds or is adjacent to it within the same enclosure. The conveyor second compartment is nested within the overall enclosure space, allowing efficient use of internal volume while maintaining access to all components.
2Volume of moving object
If a single enclosure integrates all components, then device compactness is achieved, but sealing against dihydrogen becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single enclosure into distinct sealed compartments: a first compartment for storage and recovery, and a second compartment for conveyance and heating. The first wall defines the first compartment and the second wall defines the second compartment, creating separate sealed zones within the integrated enclosure. This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently sealed against dihydrogen while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses walls (first wall and second wall) as intermediary barriers between compartments and between the enclosed components and the external environment. These walls provide the sealing interface that prevents dihydrogen leakage while allowing the integrated compact structure. The walls act as mediators that maintain pressure and gas containment in the multi-compartment system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the overall size of the device while maintaining excellent sealing and efficiency, enabling compact integration in aircraft and efficient fuel cell feeding.
Implementation Method 1
the heater system may be configured to heat the second compartment by induction, and in particular to heat the conveyor system present in the second compartment
Implementation Method 2
In a variant, the heater system may be configured to heat the second compartment by resistive heating
Implementation Method 3
the drive system may include at least one motor configured to actuate at least the conveyor system via a magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating gaseous dihydrogen, includes a body defining an inside volume having present therein a storage first compartment defined by a first wall and for receiving a hydrogen storage material; a conveyor second compartment, the first compartment surrounding the second compartment and being separated therefrom by a second wall, a conveyor system being present in the second compartment and configured to transport the hydrogen storage material from an inlet of the second compartment communicating with the first compartment to an outlet of the second compartment; and a recovery support in communication with the outlet of the second compartment and connected to the first and second walls, the support being movable in the first compartment. The device also includes a drive system for actuating the conveyor system and the movement of the recovery support in the first compartment; and a heater system configured to heat the second compartment.