LOHC Buffer System for Safe Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing generator systems for buildings face challenges in safely storing and efficiently generating heat and energy, particularly due to the flammability and safety concerns associated with hydrogen storage, which limits their application in domestic and automotive sectors.
Innovation Solution
A Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) system that binds and releases hydrogen using catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes with Dibenzyltoluene, generating a harmless intermediate that can be safely stored and converted back to hydrogen for fuel cell use, allowing for efficient co-generation of heat and power using green energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored directly in tanks for fuel cell use, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety risks increase due to flammability and explosion hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) as an intermediary substance to store and transport hydrogen. The LOHC binds hydrogen through catalytic hydrogenation to form a harmless liquid intermediate that can be safely stored and transported without the flammability risks of gaseous hydrogen, then releases hydrogen through catalytic dehydrogenation when needed for fuel cell operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of hydrogen storage by converting gaseous hydrogen into a liquid organic carrier form through hydrogenation reactions. This parameter change transforms hydrogen from a highly flammable gas into a stable, non-flammable liquid intermediate that can be safely handled and stored, then reverses the process to release hydrogen when energy is needed
2Reliability
If catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes are implemented, then safe hydrogen storage and release is achieved, but system complexity increases due to additional reactors and catalysts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the LOHC system to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a storage medium and a transport medium for hydrogen, while the catalytic reactors serve dual purposes of both protecting against safety risks and enabling hydrogen release. The system integrates safety functions with energy storage functions, reducing the need for separate safety systems
Solution Approach 2:
The LOHC system is designed to be self-regulating through the reversible nature of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The catalysts facilitate automatic equilibrium between hydrogen-bound and hydrogen-released states based on operating conditions, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining safety
3Object-generated harmful factors
If green energy sources are used for hydrogen production, then environmental sustainability is improved, but energy efficiency decreases due to conversion losses in electrolysis and catalytic processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions and chemical state changes in the LOHC system to improve energy efficiency. The liquid organic carrier undergoes reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation phase transitions that store and release energy more efficiently than direct electrolysis-to-electricity conversion, reducing overall energy losses while maintaining green energy sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical energy conversion systems with chemical energy storage mechanisms. Instead of converting electrical energy directly to mechanical work, the system uses chemical reactions (hydrogenation/dehydrogenation) as an intermediate energy storage and transfer mechanism, which reduces conversion losses and improves overall energy efficiency
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 LOHC system enables efficient storage and generation of heat and energy without waste, addressing safety concerns by converting hydrogen into a non-flammable form, facilitating safe storage and efficient energy production for both heating and electrical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogenation unit (5) connected with a water inlet (6) and having an oxygen outlet (7) and a hydrogen outlet (8), wherein the hydrogen outlet (8) is connected to the buffer (2)... catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes
Implementation Method 2
a dehydrogenation unit (13) downstream from the heater (12) in the further connection (14) between the hydrogenated compartment (4) to the dehydrogenated compartment (3) for release of hydrogen from the organic liquid
Implementation Method 3
Each and every one of the compartments (3, 4) of the tank (28) comprises at least one heat exchanger (17-19) for supply of heat from the respective compartment (3, 4) to a heating and/or hot water system
Implementation Method 4
The dehydrogenated compartment (3) is connected with a heater (10)... a heater (12) in the further connection (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a generator system, comprising: - a LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier) based buffer system, comprising: * a water inlet; * a hydrogenation unit having an oxygen outlet and a hydrogen outlet; * a buffer, having a dehydrogenated compartment containing dehydrogenated organic liquid and a hydrogenated compartment containing hydrogenated organic liquid, where the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogenation unit is coupled with a connection between the dehydrogenated compartment to the hydrogenated compartment; * a dehydrogenation unit coupled with a further connection between the hydrogenated compartment to the dehydrogenated compartment for release of hydrogen to * a fuel cell generating water, wherein a compartment of the buffer comprises at least one heat exchanger for any or more of heat supply from the compartment having the heat exchanger to a appliance and heat supply to the compartment having the heat exchanger.