Solid Hydride Dehydrogenation Reactor Without Gas-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage systems for fuel cells and hydrogen combustion devices face challenges due to the need for large storage tanks, separate recovery tanks, and gas-liquid separators, which increase system weight, volume, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dehydrogenation reaction device and system that utilizes a solid chemical hydride and an acid aqueous solution, capable of high temperature/high pressure operation, to maximize hydrogen storage by preventing water vaporization and recycling water from a fuel cell, thereby eliminating the need for a gas-liquid separator and recovery tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a liquid hydride storage system is used, then hydrogen can be supplied to the device, but the storage tank volume and system weight increase due to dilution requirements and separate recovery tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the hydride from liquid to solid form. Solid hydrides can be stored at higher concentrations without dilution, dramatically increasing the hydrogen storage capacity per unit volume. This phase change eliminates the need for large storage tanks while maintaining hydrogen supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate recovery tank from the system. By using solid hydrides that can be directly regenerated in place, the system removes the need for separate recovery infrastructure, reducing overall system volume and complexity while maintaining hydrogen storage functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If a liquid hydride storage system is used, then hydrogen can be supplied to the device, but the system weight increases due to large storage tanks and separate recovery tanks
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the hydride from liquid to solid state, the patent achieves higher hydrogen concentration without dilution. This eliminates the need for large-volume storage tanks and associated support structures, directly reducing system weight while maintaining or increasing hydrogen storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate recovery tank from the system architecture. Solid hydrides can be regenerated in situ through direct exposure to hydrogen, eliminating the need for separate recovery infrastructure and its associated weight, while preserving hydrogen storage and regeneration functionality.
3Reliability
If a gas-liquid separator is used, then excess moisture can be removed from hydrogen gas, but the system volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the gas-liquid separator from the system. Solid hydrides produce hydrogen with minimal moisture content, and any excess moisture can be managed through simpler means such as condensation or absorption, eliminating the need for bulky gas-liquid separation equipment while maintaining hydrogen gas purity.
4Reliability
If a gas-liquid separator is used, then excess moisture can be removed from hydrogen gas, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gas-liquid separator from the system architecture. Solid hydride reactions produce hydrogen with inherently lower moisture content compared to liquid hydride systems, allowing for simpler moisture management approaches that significantly reduce system weight while maintaining hydrogen gas purity requirements.
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 system achieves increased hydrogen storage capacity, reduced system weight and cost, and improved efficiency by recycling water and operating at high temperatures and pressures, thereby enhancing the overall performance and feasibility of hydrogen storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dehydrogenation reaction device including a dehydrogenation reactor including: a solid chemical hydride; and an acid aqueous solution tank supplying an acid aqueous solution to the dehydrogenation reactor
Implementation Method 2
the dehydrogenation reactor includes a heating device, a cooling apparatus, a porous metal foam, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
the dehydrogenation reactor includes a heating device, a cooling apparatus, a porous metal foam, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 4
the porous metal foam may be positioned in the center of the width direction of the dehydrogenation reactor and extend in the length direction of the dehydrogenation reactor
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method is disclosed for a dehydrogenation reaction system. The method includes providing a system having: an acid aqueous solution tank including an acid aqueous solution; a dehydrogenation reactor including a chemical hydride of a solid state and receiving an acid aqueous solution from the acid aqueous solution tank to react the chemical hydride with the acid aqueous solution to generate hydrogen; and a fuel cell stack receiving hydrogen generated from the dehydrogenation reactor to be reacted with oxygen to generate water and simultaneously to generate electrical energy. The method also includes recycling the water generated from the fuel cell stack to one or all of the acid aqueous solution tank, the dehydrogenation reactor, and a separate water tank. The acid is formic acid and, in in the dehydrogenation reactor, the temperature is in a range of 10° C. to 400° C. and the pressure is in a range of 1 bar to 100 bar.