Electrolysis Reactor Thermal Management for Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for hydrogen production and storage face inefficiencies and safety hazards, particularly in steam electrolysis and metal hydride systems, which require improved thermal management and control over hydrogen diffusion rates.
Innovation Solution
A system combining high-temperature steam electrolysis with metal ion containing electrolytes and advanced electrode designs, incorporating thermal management and control mechanisms to optimize hydrogen loading and release rates, utilizing materials like palladium, nickel, and NiTiNOL, and applying magnetic and electric fields to enhance diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-temperature steam electrolysis is used to produce hydrogen, then production efficiency is improved, but thermal management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolysis reactor with a thermal management system that integrates heat exchangers and cooling channels directly into the reactor structure. This merging allows efficient heat removal from the high-temperature electrolysis process while maintaining a compact system design, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates electrolysis at elevated temperatures (700-900°C) to improve hydrogen production efficiency and steam utilization. By changing the operating temperature parameter, the system achieves higher productivity while the integrated thermal management system simultaneously handles the thermal load, preventing the complexity increase that would normally accompany high-temperature operation.
2Loss of time
If hydrogen is loaded into metal hydride storage quickly, then refueling time is reduced, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is pre-configured with heat exchangers and cooling channels positioned within the metal hydride storage structure. Before hydrogen loading begins, the thermal management system is already in place to immediately dissipate heat as it is generated, enabling fast refueling without the heat accumulation that would normally limit loading speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal management system as an intermediary between the hydrogen loading process and the metal hydride storage material. This intermediary system actively removes heat during the loading process, allowing fast refueling rates to be achieved without the temperature rise that would otherwise occur during rapid hydrogen absorption.
3Reliability
If metal hydride temperature is kept low for safe storage, then safety is improved, but hydrogen diffusion rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature of the metal hydride storage based on operational requirements. During hydrogen loading, the temperature is allowed to increase to enhance diffusion rates. During storage and dispensing, the integrated thermal management system actively maintains lower temperatures for safety. This dynamic temperature control resolves the contradiction between safety and diffusion rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the metal hydride storage system based on operational phase. Low temperatures (below 80°C) are maintained during storage to ensure safety and prevent unwanted hydrogen release. Higher temperatures are permitted during controlled loading operations to enhance diffusion rates, with the thermal management system facilitating these parameter changes.
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
This approach enables efficient hydrogen production and storage with controlled loading and release rates, addressing thermal management challenges and safety concerns, while allowing for the recovery of energy from exothermic reactions.
Implementation Method 1
electrolysis subsystem (10) which is comprised of an electrolysis reactor vessel (110)
Implementation Method 2
thermal management subsystem (20) which is comprised of a heat exchanger (210)
Implementation Method 3
one or more cooling fluid injectors (146) to inject liquid (mist) cooling fluid at a controlled rate into the heat transfer plenum (142) where it undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor
Implementation Method 4
increasing the nickel temperature from room temperature to 500° C. increases the diffusivity by 4 to 5 orders of magnitude
Implementation Method 5
applying magnetic and electric fields to enhance diffusion
Implementation Method 6
applying magnetic and electric fields to enhance diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to the production, storage, and controlled release of hydrogen for use in the hydrogen economy. More specifically, it relates to a novel electrolysis system design that utilizes electrolysis of ionized vapors and gasses to produce and store hydrogen in a hydrogen host material and the capability to reverse the electrolysis potential to provide safe, controlled hydrogen release.