Hydride Trap Regeneration Using Desorption Heat

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrogen storage and purification systems for hydride tanks face inefficiencies in regeneration, particularly for magnesium-based hydrides, due to high energy consumption and limitations in handling impurities like water and oxygen, which degrade storage performance and require bulky equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a purification step using a trap that filters impurities and a regeneration step utilizing the heat carried away by hydrogen during desorption to regenerate the trap material, allowing for continuous on-site regeneration and improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trap is used to filter impurities from hydrogen entering the hydride tank, then purification efficiency is improved, but the trap requires periodic regeneration which consumes additional energy and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurification efficiencyVSAvoidregeneration energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the waste heat from hydrogen desorption (which would normally be discarded) into a useful resource for regenerating the purification trap. The hot hydrogen exiting the hydride tank during desorption passes through the trap, providing the heat needed to desorb accumulated impurities from the trap material, thereby eliminating the need for external heating energy during regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by using its own operational byproduct (hot desorbed hydrogen) to maintain the purification system. The trap regenerates itself during the normal desorption cycle without requiring separate regeneration equipment or external energy input, making the purification system self-sustaining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional regeneration methods are used with external heating equipment, then trap regeneration is achieved, but equipment volume and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrap regeneration capabilityVSAvoidregeneration equipment volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogen flow serving the dual function of both desorbing from the hydride and regenerating the trap simultaneously performs two essential operations. This multi-functional use of the same hydrogen stream eliminates the need for dedicated regeneration equipment, reducing overall system volume and complexity while maintaining reliable trap regeneration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the trap is regenerated frequently to maintain purification performance, then impurity filtering capability is preserved, but hydrogen storage productivity decreases due to repeated regeneration cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpurity filtering capabilityVSAvoidhydrogen storage productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The regeneration process is seamlessly integrated into the normal desorption cycle, allowing continuous operation without interrupting hydrogen storage or release operations. The trap regenerates during the time when hot hydrogen is naturally available, eliminating idle regeneration time and maintaining continuous productivity while preserving impurity filtering capability through frequent regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enhances purification and regeneration efficiency, reduces equipment volume, and minimizes material and energy costs, making it suitable for larger hydrogen quantities while maintaining effective protection against pollutants.

Implementation Method 1

a material (2) capable of reversibly binding impurities contained in the hydrogen to be stored in the tank (10) through adsorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The absorption reaction of hydrogen in the hydride material is exothermic, thus involving the release of heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

The desorption reaction, which consists of the release of hydrogen, is endothermic, therefore requiring the input of heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 4

a regeneration step of said at least one trap (1), using the heat carried away by the hydrogen exiting the tank (10) after its release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3041788B1Regeneration of a trap for impurities in hydrogen using the heat leaving a hydride reservoir

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to the regeneration of a trap for impurities in hydrogen using the heat leaving a hydride reservoir. The storage and withdrawal of hydrogen in a hydride reservoir (10) comprises purification carried out at least at one trap filtering the impurities contained in the hydrogen entering the reservoir for storage of same and regeneration of said at least one trap, using the heat taken away by the hydrogen leaving the reservoir after it has been withdrawn.