Hydrogen Heat Generator Vacuum Structure for Lower Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Research and development of heat generating devices using hydrogen occlusion and discharge has been hindered by low energy efficiency due to significant heat loss and high operational energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
A heat generating device is designed with a hollow container, a heat generating element made of hydrogen storage metal or alloy, and a multilayer film with a heterogeneous material interface, where hydrogen permeates through the interface by quantum diffusion to generate heat, while minimizing heat loss through conductive, radiative, and convective means using a vacuum environment and reflective materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heat generating devices use hydrogen storage metals, then heat can be generated through hydrogen occlusion and discharge, but heat loss is large and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multilayer film structure with alternating layers of hydrogen storage metals (e.g., Pd, Pt) and non-hydrogen storage metals (e.g., Cu, Ag, Al). This composite structure enables selective hydrogen permeation while reducing heat loss through the film, thereby improving energy efficiency. The different material properties of each layer work synergistically to achieve both heat generation and heat retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin film technology by fabricating ultrathin multilayer films with total thickness of several hundred nanometers to a few micrometers. These thin films serve as selective barriers that allow hydrogen atoms to pass through while blocking heat transfer, thus reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency without significantly impeding hydrogen transport.
2Loss of energy
If the container is sealed to maintain vacuum, then heat loss is reduced, but operational energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service principle by designing the multilayer film structure to inherently provide thermal insulation functionality. The film itself, through its composite material structure and low thermal conductivity, actively reduces heat loss without requiring additional active heating or cooling systems, thereby reducing operational energy requirements while maintaining vacuum sealing.
3Quantity of substance
If multilayer film thickness is reduced to allow hydrogen permeation, then hydrogen transport is improved, but heat insulation capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using composite materials in a multilayer configuration where hydrogen storage metal layers (with high hydrogen permeability) are alternated with non-hydrogen storage metal layers (with low thermal conductivity). This composite structure enables the film to be ultrathin while simultaneously providing both adequate hydrogen permeation and effective heat insulation through the synergistic combination of different material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality principle by assigning different functional properties to different layers of the multilayer film. The hydrogen storage metal layers are optimized for hydrogen permeation, while the non-hydrogen storage metal layers are optimized for thermal insulation. Each layer performs its specific function locally, and the overall film achieves both hydrogen transport and heat insulation through this functional differentiation.
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 device effectively suppresses heat loss and enhances energy efficiency by maintaining self-sustained heat generation even after the heater is turned off, achieving improved thermal energy output with reduced operational energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
When the heat generating element 14 is heated by the heater 12, hydrogen permeates through or diffuses through a heterogeneous material interface which is an interface between the first layer 41 and the second layer 42 by quantum diffusion, and thus the heat generating element 14 generates heat
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum evacuation unit (16) for evacuating the inside of the container (11)
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen permeates through or diffuses through a heterogeneous material interface which is an interface between the first layer 41 and the second layer 42 by quantum diffusion, and thus the heat generating element 14 generates heat
Implementation Method 4
hydrogen permeates through or diffuses through a heterogeneous material interface which is an interface between the first layer 41 and the second layer 42 by quantum diffusion, and thus the heat generating element 14 generates heat
Implementation Method 5
the multilayer film 40 has a stacking structure in which a first layer (41) and a second layer (42) are stacked... When the heat generating element 14 is heated by the heater 12, hydrogen permeates through or diffuses through a heterogeneous material interface which is an interface between the first layer 41 and the second layer 42 by quantum diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
A heat generating device includes a container, a heat generating element disposed inside the container, a heater for heating the heat generating element, a conductive wire part connecting a wall portion of the container and the heater, a hydrogen supply unit for supplying a hydrogen-containing hydrogen-based gas to the heat generating element, and a vacuum evacuation unit for evacuating the container. Formula (1) is satisfied:AHCηeq(TH−TW)+Asεeqσ(TS4−TW4)+Pm<Hex (1),where TH is heater temperature, TW is external environmental temperature, AHC is equivalent heat conduction area, keq is equivalent thermal conductivity, Leq is equivalent thermal conduction length, AS is sample radiation surface area, TS is sample surface temperature, εeq is equivalent emissivity, σ is Stefan-Boltzmann constant, Pm is energy required for maintaining operation, Hex is thermal energy generated by the heat generating element, and ηeq is (keq/Leq).