Magnesium Hydride Laser Hydrogen Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen storage in gaseous form for energy systems, such as vehicles, is impractical due to its highly combustible nature and low energy-to-volume ratio, necessitating a safe and compact storage solution.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen energy system utilizing magnesium hydride disks with a laser system for controlled hydrogen release, where an array of lasers provides coherent light energy to assist in the photonic-excitation-assisted release of hydrogen, and a super-elastic material layer for resilience through multiple absorption-desorption cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen is stored in gaseous form for energy systems, then energy availability is improved, but safety and storage practicality deteriorate due to highly combustible nature and low energy-to-volume ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical state of hydrogen from gaseous to solid hydride form (magnesium hydride, lithium hydride, or sodium borohydride). This parameter change transforms hydrogen from a highly combustible gas with low energy density to a stable solid material that can be safely stored and transported while maintaining high energy content per unit mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite hydride materials such as magnesium hydride (MgH2), lithium hydride (LiH), or sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to store hydrogen. These composite materials combine hydrogen with metal or metalloid elements to create stable compounds that safely contain hydrogen while providing high energy density and controlled release capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in gaseous compressed form, then energy-to-volume ratio is improved, but safety and practicality still deteriorate due to highly combustible nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes hydrogen from a compressed gas to a solid hydride compound, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage containers. This parameter change achieves high energy density in a compact solid form that is inherently safer and less prone to combustion hazards associated with compressed gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid hydride materials create an inert environment for hydrogen storage. The hydrogen is chemically bound within the hydride crystal structure, effectively isolating it from oxygen and other reactive substances, thereby eliminating combustion risks while maintaining high energy content.
3Reliability
If magnesium hydride is used for hydrogen storage, then safety and compactness are improved, but controlled release of hydrogen gas requires additional laser system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal or catalytic release mechanisms with a photonic excitation system using lasers. The laser provides precise, remote, and contactless activation of hydrogen release from the hydride material, eliminating the need for complex mechanical heating systems or catalyst handling apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system can be segmented into multiple independent laser sources or beam paths, allowing selective activation of different regions of the hydride storage material. This segmentation enables precise control over which portions of hydrogen are released and when, providing fine-grained control without requiring a monolithic complex system.
4Ease of operation
If laser excitation is used to assist hydrogen release from magnesium hydride, then controlled release is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser excitation system operates in periodic or pulsed modes rather than continuous operation. Lasers are activated only when hydrogen release is required, and can be pulsed to provide precise control over the release rate. This periodic action dramatically reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating or maintenance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser provides localized excitation of specific regions of the hydride material rather than requiring bulk heating of the entire storage system. This localized energy input is far more efficient, as it only activates the precise amount of hydrogen needed at the precise location required, minimizing wasted energy.
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
Enables safe, compact, and efficient storage and release of hydrogen, suitable for use in vehicles, with the system being inexpensive and handy, capable of providing a substantial amount of hydrogen for extended vehicle ranges with minimal energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photonic exciter structured and arranged to photonically excite such at least one hydrogen storer to assist release of such stored hydrogen from such at least one hydrogen storer
Implementation Method 2
at least one super-elastic material layer structured and arranged to permit resilience through multiple absorption-desorption cycles
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.