Microwave Hydrogen Release from Carbon Nanostructure Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing hydrogen from nanostructure materials, such as carbon nanotubes, are inefficient and energy-intensive, particularly for large-scale applications like powering automobiles, as they require heating the entire tank to high temperatures, which is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a microwave field to selectively heat a portion of the carbon nanostructure matrix, allowing for rapid and efficient release of hydrogen, utilizing a microwave energy generation system and waveguide to generate a microwave field that heats the carbon nanostructure material, causing it to release hydrogen quickly and on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the entire nanostructure tank is heated to high temperatures to remove hydrogen, then hydrogen removal is achieved, but the process becomes energy-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nanostructure tank into multiple zones, with only a portion (first zone) containing the nanostructure material that needs hydrogen removal. This segmentation allows selective heating of only the necessary region rather than the entire tank, reducing energy consumption while achieving the required hydrogen removal quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a temperature gradient where only the first zone containing nanostructure material is heated to high temperature for hydrogen removal, while other zones remain at lower temperatures. This localized heating approach reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective hydrogen removal in the target region.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire nanostructure tank is heated to high temperatures to remove hydrogen, then hydrogen removal is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tank into zones with nanostructure material concentrated in the first zone, the patent enables focused heating of only that region. This reduces the thermal mass that needs to be heated, thereby decreasing the time required to achieve effective hydrogen removal compared to heating the entire tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by heating only the portion of the tank containing nanostructure material rather than the entire tank. This selective heating achieves sufficient hydrogen removal in a shorter time by concentrating thermal energy where it is most needed, without the time penalty of heating unnecessary regions.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If selective heating of a portion of the nanostructure matrix is used, then energy consumption is reduced and hydrogen release is rapid, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the tank into distinct zones, with the first zone containing nanostructure material and the second zone serving as a buffer or cooling region. This segmentation enables selective heating of only the first zone, reducing energy consumption while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear spatial organization.
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
This approach enables rapid and efficient hydrogen release, allowing for 'hydrogen on demand' by selectively heating only a portion of the nanostructure material, reducing energy consumption and enabling hydrogen availability when needed, with the process completing in as little as 100 milliseconds and maintaining the integrity of the nanostructure for potential reuse.
Implementation Method 1
heating a portion of the carbon nanostructure matrix using a microwave field
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for removing a gas from a nanostructure material includes a providing gas that is implanted in a carbon nanostructure material. The nanostructure material is subjected to a microwave field to remove the hydrogen from the nanostructure material.