Hydrogen Generation Device with External Reactant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen gas generating systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the chemical reaction rate, require frequent replacement or refilling of reaction chambers, and struggle with bulk storage and safety in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple reactant storages and controlled injection systems, utilizing sensors to optimize reactant injection rates based on pressure and temperature measurements within the reaction chamber, allowing for efficient hydrogen gas production without the need for constant chamber replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the reaction chamber is pre-filled with chemical hydride, then hydrogen gas can be generated through chemical reaction, but the reaction chamber has limited volume and geometry which restricts efficient hydrogen production
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reactant storage into multiple separate tanks (chemical hydride tank and water tank) rather than containing all reactants in a single reaction chamber. This segmentation allows much larger storage volumes for reactants outside the reaction chamber, enabling sustained hydrogen production without being constrained by the reaction chamber's limited volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the reactant storage from the three-dimensional constrained space of the reaction chamber to external storage tanks, effectively utilizing additional spatial dimensions. The reaction chamber becomes a controlled reaction zone while the bulk storage occurs in separate external containers, decoupling storage volume from reaction volume.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the reaction chamber is removed and refilled with chemical hydride, then the reaction can continue, but the replacement process is cumbersome and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores large quantities of reactants (chemical hydride and water) in external tanks before operation begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for frequent removal and refilling of the reaction chamber during operation, allowing continuous hydrogen generation for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service refilling by allowing reactants to be replenished from external tanks into the reaction chamber through automated or semi-automated injection systems, reducing the manual labor and complexity associated with chamber replacement.
3Volume of moving object
If the reaction chamber is charged with reactant on-site, then storage space is saved, but the charging process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bulk reactant storage function from the reaction chamber and places it in external tanks. This allows the reaction chamber to remain compact and portable while the large-volume reactant storage occurs in separate containers that can be quickly connected and depleted into the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic or hydraulic injection mechanisms to rapidly transfer reactants from external tanks into the reaction chamber. This automated fluid transfer system eliminates manual charging processes and significantly reduces the time required to replenish reactants.
4Productivity
If the chemical hydride bulk changes as it is depleted, then the reaction proceeds, but the reaction rate becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the reaction rate and adjust the injection rate of chemical hydride and water accordingly. Sensors detect changes in reaction conditions and provide feedback to the control system, which modulates the reactant flow to maintain a consistent and controllable hydrogen production rate throughout the reaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of reactant injection rates rather than static feeding. The injection speed and amount are continuously varied based on real-time reaction conditions, allowing the system to compensate for changes in chemical hydride bulk properties as it depletes and maintain optimal reaction kinetics.
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 maximizes hydrogen gas production efficiency, reduces the need for costly reaction chamber replacement, and ensures safe, efficient operation in mobile applications by accurately controlling the reaction rate and storing reactants externally.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer tank for storing said generated hydrogen gas, said buffer tank provided with a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure within said buffer tank
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogen gas can be generated via a chemical reaction separating the hydrogen gas from source materials such as chemical hydrides
Implementation Method 3
A liquid such as water is then injected into this reaction chamber, and the chemical reaction that ensues produces hydrogen gas
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating hydrogen gas having two or more storages, each storage storing a reactant or mix of reactants, and each storage coupled to a means of injecting the stored reactant or mix of reactants into a reaction chamber in a controlled manner and at an optimum rate, so that a chemical reaction occurs in the reaction chamber that produces hydrogen gas efficiently.