Flexible Fuel Cell Power System with Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of hydrogen storage and generation for fuel cells is hindered by the low energy density by volume of hydrogen gas at ambient conditions, leading to complex and heavy metal hydride systems, and thermal runaway issues in chemical reaction methods, which limits the adoption of fuel cells in portable and flexible power applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fuel cell power system with a fuel cell cartridge and platform featuring a NaSi/NaBH4 hybrid mix for hydrogen generation, utilizing bendable joints and soft materials to create a lightweight, safe, and easy-to-transport system that produces high-purity hydrogen on-demand, with a modular design allowing for hot swapping and efficient hydrogen management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal hydride systems are used for hydrogen storage, then hydrogen can be stored reversibly, but the system becomes heavy and requires complicated charge/discharge systems due to poor specific energy and endothermic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen from gas to liquid by cooling it to cryogenic temperatures (below -253°C). This phase change dramatically increases the energy density by volume, allowing lightweight storage containers without the need for heavy metal hydride materials or complex charge/discharge systems.
2Productivity
If chemical hydrides are used for hydrogen storage, then large amounts of hydrogen gas can be produced, but thermal runaway occurs and requires catalysts and pH control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels, storing hydrogen in liquid form rather than using chemical hydrides. This eliminates thermal runaway risks entirely, as the liquid hydrogen is physically stable and does not require catalysts or pH control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydrogen gas is stored at ambient conditions, then storage is simple, but the energy density by volume is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cryogenic conditions, transforming hydrogen from gas to liquid state. This maintains storage simplicity while dramatically increasing energy density by volume, allowing compact portable power systems.
4Quantity of substance
If high pressure hydrogen storage is used, then energy density by volume increases, but the system becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase of hydrogen from gas to liquid through cryogenic cooling. This achieves high energy density by volume without requiring high-pressure containers, valves, or complex pressure management systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 system achieves high energy density, instantaneous hydrogen generation, and self-sufficient power delivery, addressing the limitations of existing hydrogen storage methods while providing a lightweight, flexible, and reliable power source suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible fuel cell power system with a fuel cell cartridge and platform featuring a NaSi/NaBH4 hybrid mix for hydrogen generation
Implementation Method 2
Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices that convert an external source fuel into electrical current
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible fuel cell power system comprising one or more fuel cell cartridges (which contain fuel cell modules) connected to a fuel cell system is provided. The components of the flexible fuel cell power system may be placed on a shared backbone with flexible joints, and may be made of flexible materials so that the entire system can be worn by a human being.