Integrated Electrochemical Device for Compact Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical devices for energy storage and production, such as batteries and fuel cells, face limitations including slow charging times, physical deterioration, substantial weight, energy loss, and safety risks with hydrogen storage, particularly in high-pressure tanks, which hinder their use in portable devices and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight device integrating an electrolyzer, hydride metal tank, and fuel cell within a single unit, allowing hydrogen storage and production, enabling recharge via electric energy or direct hydrogen injection, with efficient heat management and reduced dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but safety risks and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Metal hydride powder acts as an intermediary substance between the hydrogen storage tank and the fuel cell. It absorbs hydrogen at low pressure (1-10 bars) and releases it on demand, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage while maintaining safe operating conditions throughout the system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high (300-700 bars in conventional systems) to low (1-10 bars) by using metal hydride chemistry. The metal hydride absorbs hydrogen at low pressure and releases it through controlled thermal or electrochemical processes, fundamentally altering the pressure regime of the system
2Loss of time
If more powerful power supply units are used to shorten charging time, then charging speed is improved, but physical deterioration of the battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two charging modes: electrolytic charging from the electrical grid and direct hydrogen injection from external sources. This dynamic approach allows flexible charging speed adjustment based on power availability and battery state, optimizing both charging time and battery lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is segmented into two independent pathways: an electrolyzer unit for electrical charging and a direct hydrogen injection system. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate within optimal parameters, preventing the compromises required in unified charging systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but substantial weight is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical/electrical battery system with an electrochemical system based on metal hydride and fuel cell technology. This substitution enables higher energy density by utilizing the chemical energy stored in metal-hydrogen bonds rather than relying on electrochemical reactions in traditional battery electrolytes
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for hydrogen production, storage, and power generation, then functional specialization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrolyzer, metal hydride storage tank, and fuel cell into a single integrated device. The electrolyzer produces hydrogen that is immediately absorbed by the metal hydride powder in the same housing, which then releases hydrogen to the fuel cell as needed, combining three separate functions into one compact unit
Solution Approach 2:
The metal hydride powder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a hydrogen absorption medium during electrolytic charging, a storage reservoir, and a controlled release mechanism for the fuel cell. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
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 integrated device achieves rapid recharging, efficient hydrogen storage, and extended cycle life, while minimizing weight and safety risks, making it suitable for portable electronics and vehicle applications with reduced overall dimensions and weight.
Implementation Method 1
an anodic electrode mainly formed of a conductive substrate and a catalyst capable of electrochemically oxidizing hydrogen; a support adjacent to the negative electrode, mainly containing hydride metal powders capable of rapidly absorbing big quantities of gaseous hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
The hydrogen production process, without resorting to processes that release CO 2 into the atmosphere and consequently are harmful for the environment, uses electrolyzers, i.e. apparatuses capable of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by way of an electrolysis
Implementation Method 3
the principle of operation of fuel cells lies in the direct generation, starting from the reacting substances, for instance hydrogen and oxygen, of an electromotive force by way of an electrochemical reaction
Implementation Method 4
a first substance undergoes an oxidation process, whereby it loses electrons, whereas a second substance gains said electrons, thus undergoing a reduction process
Data Source
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AI summary
An innovative device that integrates, internally to one individual electrochemical cell, the functions of an electrolyzer, a hydrogen accumulator, and a fuel cell. The device can be recharged both electrically, by connecting it to a usual battery charger, and by way of a direct injection of gaseous hydrogen. The present device is very compact and features a reduced weight, consequently it can be advantageously used both to supply power to small-size portable electronic devices and to supply power to motors of electric vehicles.