Fluid Hydrogen Carrier Composition for Controlled Hydrogen Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting hydrogen face inefficiencies due to high energy requirements for compression or cryogenic conditions, and challenges in precisely controlling hydrogen supply in hydrogen storage alloy systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid hydrogen carrier is developed, comprising a hydrogen storage alloy and an alkaline electrolyte, which allows for efficient hydrogen transport at normal temperature and pressure. The carrier is produced by heating a mixture of the alloy and alkaline solution and crushing the alloy to achieve optimal dispersion.
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 gas to liquid by lowering temperature (cryogenic conditions), achieving high density and efficient transport without requiring high-pressure compression. This parameter change from pressure-based to temperature-based state control resolves the energy consumption issue while maintaining high transport quantity.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is liquefied for transport, then it is highly dense and can be transported in large quantities, but a cryogenic environment of -253°C is required which consumes great deal of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic hydride compound as an intermediary carrier that chemically stores hydrogen. Instead of directly liquefying and transporting hydrogen at -253°C, the hydrogen is first converted to methylcyclohexane through reaction with toluene, which can then be transported as a liquid at much higher temperatures, eliminating the need for cryogenic conditions while maintaining high density.
3Quantity of substance
If organic hydride method is used to extract hydrogen, then hydrogen can be transported as liquid with high filling rate, but large amounts of energy are required for heating to 350°C to 400°C when desorbing hydrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses toluene as a template molecule that is copied/transformed into methylcyclohexane through hydrogenation. The toluene structure serves as a blueprint that guides the hydrogen addition process, creating a stable organic hydride that can be transported efficiently and then regenerated back to toluene with lower energy input compared to conventional organic hydride systems.
4Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in hydrogen storage alloy, then large quantities can be transported at lower pressure with higher density, but it is difficult to precisely control the amount of hydrogen supplied and the tank weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where toluene and methylcyclohexane can be continuously interconverted through hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. This dynamic equilibrium allows precise control of hydrogen supply by adjusting reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, catalyst), enabling flexible and accurate hydrogen delivery without the rigidity of fixed-composition storage alloys.
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 fluid hydrogen carrier enables the efficient transport of large quantities of hydrogen with high filling rates, maintaining fluidity at normal conditions and allowing for precise control of hydrogen release, thus overcoming the inefficiencies of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The technology described in Patent Document 3 makes it possible to transport large quantities of hydrogen by storing it in a hydrogen storage alloy
Implementation Method 2
a fluid hydrogen carrier, which contains a hydrogen storage alloy (11) and an alkaline electrolyte (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The fluid hydrogen carrier of this invention contains a hydrogen storage alloy and an alkaline electrolyte.