Fluid Hydrogen Carrier Electrolyte for Ambient Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting hydrogen require high energy input, cryogenic conditions, or precise temperature and pressure control, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fluid hydrogen carrier composed of a hydrogen storage alloy and an alkaline electrolyte, which is produced by mixing and heating the alloy and electrolyte at 80°C, allowing for high-density hydrogen storage and release at normal temperature and pressure, with a charge-discharge cell design that includes a negative current collector, oxygen electrode catalyst, and ion permeable membrane for controlled hydrogen storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is compressed to high pressure for transport, then the volume is reduced and large quantities can be transported, but a large amount of energy is required for compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen from gaseous to liquid form by lowering temperature to -253°C, achieving high density without mechanical compression. This phase transition enables high-quantity transport while avoiding the energy-intensive compression process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of hydrogen from gas to liquid state through cryogenic cooling. By transforming hydrogen into a liquid phase, the system achieves compact storage and transport without requiring high-pressure compression equipment, thereby reducing energy consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is liquefied for transport, then high density and high filling rate are achieved, but cryogenic environment of -253°C is required consuming great energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic hydride compound as an intermediary carrier substance. Hydrogen is transferred to the organic hydride, which serves as a medium for storage and transport. This intermediary approach enables hydrogen storage at ambient temperature while maintaining high density, eliminating the need for cryogenic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cryogenic cooling system with a chemical storage system using organic hydrides. Instead of maintaining extremely low temperatures through mechanical refrigeration, the system uses chemical bonds in organic hydride compounds to store hydrogen at ambient temperature, thereby eliminating the energy-intensive temperature control requirement.
3Ease of operation
If organic hydride method is used to extract hydrogen, then hydrogen can be transported as liquid, but large amounts of energy are required for heating to 350-400°C for desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure and bonding characteristics of the organic hydride system to reduce the thermal energy required for hydrogen release. By selecting specific organic compounds with appropriate bond strengths, the system achieves hydrogen desorption at lower temperatures, significantly reducing the heating energy from 350-400°C to more moderate temperature ranges.
4Quantity of substance
If hydrogen storage alloy is used, then hydrogen can be stored at lower pressure achieving higher density, but temperature or pressure control is required making the system complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs organic hydride compounds that automatically maintain hydrogen storage without requiring external temperature or pressure control systems. The chemical properties of the organic hydride inherently stabilize the hydrogen storage process, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex control mechanisms while maintaining high storage density.
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
Enables efficient transportation and storage of large quantities of hydrogen at normal conditions, facilitating high filling rates and efficient energy conversion without shape constraints, with precise control over hydrogen supply.
Implementation Method 1
a negative electrode current collector, a negative electrode void capable of filling the fluid hydrogen carrier, a positive electrode current collector, a positive electrode void, an oxygen evolution electrode, and an ion permeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
an ion permeable membrane, wherein a part of the negative current collector is electrically connected to the fluid hydrogen carrier, a part of the positive current collector is electrically connected to the oxygen evolution electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The fluid hydrogen carrier of this disclosure contains a hydrogen storage alloy and an alkaline electrolyte.