Solid Hydrogen Storage via Metal Hydride Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage methods, such as metal hydrides, face challenges with low energy storage density, high pressure requirements, and safety concerns due to the need for high-pressure operation, which complicates safe and efficient hydrogen storage for electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
An energy unit that incorporates a housing with a power source, electrolysis element, hydrogen storage element, and fuel cell, where hydrogen is produced from water through electrolysis and stored in solid form using a metal hydride, allowing for safe and stable storage and subsequent electricity generation, eliminating the need for high-pressure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen is stored using metal hydrides, then hydrogen can be stored in solid form, but energy storage density is low and storage tanks become considerably heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of hydrogen from gas to solid by using metal hydride storage. This transformation allows hydrogen to be stored in a stable solid form within the crystal lattice of metals or metal alloys, eliminating the need for high-pressure containment and significantly improving safety while reducing the weight and complexity of storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition capability of metal hydrides, which can reversibly absorb and release hydrogen atoms. When hydrogen bonds to the metal to form metal hydride, it stores in a compact solid state. By applying heat or negative air pressure, the hydrogen can be released back to gas phase for fuel cell use, enabling safe and efficient cyclic storage and retrieval.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored at high pressure, then storage capacity increases, but safety concerns arise and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage pressure parameter from high pressure to low pressure by using metal hydride absorption. The metal hydride material naturally maintains hydrogen at relatively low pressures (450-800 psi) through its crystal lattice structure, eliminating the need for high-pressure containment systems and associated safety risks while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored at high pressure, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases due to safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage pressure parameter from high to low, which fundamentally simplifies the storage system. Low-pressure operation eliminates the need for complex high-pressure containment vessels, pressure relief systems, and extensive safety monitoring infrastructure, while metal hydride materials provide inherent safety through their stable crystal lattice structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal hydride storage system provides self-regulating pressure control through the natural absorption and desorption characteristics of the metal hydride material. The system automatically maintains pressure within safe operating ranges (450-800 psi) based on the equilibrium between hydrogen absorption and release, eliminating the need for complex active pressure control systems.
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 energy unit provides a portable, durable, and efficient means of producing and storing hydrogen in solid form, enabling safe and stable storage at low pressures, thereby addressing the limitations of existing hydrogen storage methods while facilitating electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis element in the housing electrically connected to the power source and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, the electrolysis chamber configured and operable to break the fluid down and to provide hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogen storage element in the housing connected to the electrolysis element and configured to store hydrogen in solid form
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell in the housing, connected to the hydrogen storage element and operable to generate electricity using at least hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage element
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application stores at least water and hydrogen. The energy unit includes an electrolysis component operable to provide hydrogen from the water, a hydrogen storage component operable to safely and stably store hydrogen in sold form and a fuel cell component operable to produce electricity from the hydrogen. The energy unit may be grouped with other like energy units to provide constant power for desired applications.