Hydride Bed Hydrogen Storage for Scalable Fuel Cell Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen storage methods, such as high-pressure carbon fiber tanks, are heavy and inflexible, limiting the scalability of hydrogen fuel cell systems, and do not efficiently utilize design space at medium and small scales.
Innovation Solution
A canister with a hydride bed made of lithium aluminum hydride or aluminum hydride, heated by embedded heater elements to release hydrogen gas, which is then used in a fuel cell to generate power, allowing for efficient energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure carbon fiber tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then hydrogen storage capacity is achieved, but weight and volume increase, limiting scalability at medium and small scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen from gaseous (high-pressure storage) to solid (hydride form). By converting hydrogen to metal hydrides, the system achieves high storage capacity while dramatically reducing the weight and volume of the storage container, enabling scalability at medium and small scales
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite hydride materials (such as lithium aluminum hydride and aluminum hydride) that combine light metal elements to achieve high hydrogen content by weight while maintaining structural stability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between storage capacity and weight
2Quantity of substance
If high-pressure carbon fiber tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then hydrogen storage capacity is achieved, but the system becomes too spacious, limiting scalability at medium and small scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes hydrogen from gas to solid hydride form, which dramatically reduces the volume required for storage. Solid hydrides occupy much less space than pressurized gas tanks, enabling compact designs suitable for medium and small scale applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous or granular hydride materials that can be densely packed in the canister, maximizing the hydrogen storage capacity per unit volume while maintaining efficient heat transfer pathways for the embedded heating system
3Productivity
If hydride bed is heated to release hydrogen, then hydrogen release is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-heating mechanism where the hydride bed undergoes an exothermic reaction during formation or transformation, generating heat that is retained within the insulated canister to maintain the temperature required for continuous hydrogen release, thereby reducing external energy input requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or cyclic heating cycles with the embedded heater elements, activating heat only when hydrogen release is required and utilizing thermal insulation to maintain temperature during release periods, thereby minimizing overall energy consumption while sustaining productivity
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 a specific energy of at least 1.0 kWh/kg, enabling scalable hydrogen storage and power generation for various applications, including aircraft and underwater vehicles, with improved design flexibility and energy density.
Implementation Method 1
A first heater element is positioned at least partially in the internal volume and embedded at least partially within the hydride bed. The first heater element is configured to heat the hydride bed substantially uniformly, thereby causing the hydride bed to release hydrogen.
Implementation Method 2
The hydride bed is configured to release hydrogen gas when heated to a predetermined temperature.
Implementation Method 3
The fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen gas from the canister and to use the hydrogen gas as fuel to produce power for a load.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a canister and a fuel cell. The canister defines an internal volume configured to have a hydride bed positioned therein. The canister includes at least 1.0 kWH/kg of energy based on a heating value of 120 kJ/g of hydrogen present. The hydride bed includes lithium aluminum hydride, aluminum hydride, or a combination thereof. The hydride bed is configured to release hydrogen gas when heated to a predetermined temperature. The fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen gas from the canister and to use the hydrogen gas as fuel to produce power for a load.