Metal Hydride Hydrogen Generator With Regulated Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen storage in tanks is inefficient due to its high volatility and inflammability, leading to low energy density, and existing fuel cells do not provide a reliable and controlled hydrogen supply for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A gas production device with a solid containing compartment and a solution compartment, utilizing a metal hydride and a fluid channel to control hydrogen production through regulated fluid flow and contact surface area, enabling controlled hydrogen generation at varying rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in tanks, then hydrogen can be carried and stored, but energy density is low due to high volatility and inflammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen from gaseous storage to solid metal hydride form, fundamentally altering the storage parameters. This transformation enables higher density storage while maintaining safety by eliminating the volatility and inflammability issues associated with gaseous hydrogen in tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses metal hydride compounds as composite materials to store hydrogen. The metal hydride structure provides a stable matrix that safely contains hydrogen atoms, resolving the reliability issues of pure hydrogen storage while increasing energy density.
2Power
If existing fuel cells are used, then electrical power can be produced from hydrogen, but hydrogen supply is not reliable and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control system that regulates hydrogen release from metal hydride based on demand. The system can adjust the rate of hydrogen generation and supply, providing reliable and controllable hydrogen delivery to fuel cells, unlike static storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor hydrogen supply conditions and adjust the release rate accordingly. This ensures stable and reliable hydrogen delivery to fuel cells by responding to changing operational requirements in real-time.
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 allows for efficient and controlled production of hydrogen at rates ranging from 1 ml/min to 500 l/min, addressing the inefficiencies of hydrogen storage and providing a stable hydrogen supply for portable applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid including a metal hydride, and a solution configured to generate gas upon contact with metal hydride
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow driver in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, wherein the fluid flow driver is selected from a pump, a pressure differentiator, a gravitational apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a gas production device including (a) a solid containing compartment configured to contain a solid, (b) at least one fluid channel with an inlet and an outlet comprising an opening along at least a portion of its length, the opening facing the solid, (c) a solution compartment configured to contain a solution, the solution compartment: (1) being in fluid communication with the fluid channel inlet and outlet, (2) located along a fluid pathway in between the fluid channel outlet and inlet, and (3) at least one hydrogen gas outlet, (d) a fluid flow driver in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, and (e) a fluid flow rate regulator connected to the fluid flow driver. Disclosed is also a method for producing a gas (e.g., hydrogen).