Solid-State Hydrogen Delivery With Deformable Plug Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage systems face challenges in safely and efficiently delivering hydrogen gas at high pressures, requiring robust components and posing safety risks due to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A solid state delivery system with a deformable plug mechanism that controls the release of hydrogen gas through a chemical reaction initiated by a control module, allowing selective access between housing compartments using reactants or heat to deform the plug and liberate hydrogen gas based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen gas is stored at high pressures near 700 bar, then adequate quantities of hydrogen can be stored for extended energy consumption, but more robust components are required and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high (700 bar) to low (near atmospheric) by using solid state hydrogen storage materials. This allows adequate hydrogen storage capacity while eliminating the need for robust high-pressure components and reducing safety risks associated with high-pressure gas storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of hydrogen from gaseous to solid state through chemical reactions with metal hydrides or other solid storage materials. This phase change enables hydrogen to be stored in a compact solid form at low pressures, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and safety
2Speed
If gaseous hydrogen is supplied at high pressures, then energy can be delivered quickly, but robust infrastructure and components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of hydrogen from gas to solid, enabling storage and delivery without high-pressure infrastructure. The controlled chemical reaction between solid hydrogen storage materials and reactants provides rapid hydrogen generation at low pressures, achieving fast energy delivery without complex high-pressure infrastructure
3Reliability
If solid state storage is used with controlled chemical reactions, then safety risks are minimized, but control mechanisms are required to initiate and regulate reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable plug as an intermediary control mechanism that physically blocks or allows reactant access to hydrogen storage materials. This simple mechanical intermediary provides safe and reliable control over chemical reactions without requiring complex electronic control systems, maintaining safety while minimizing device complexity
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 enables controlled liberation of hydrogen gas at low pressures, minimizing safety risks, reducing infrastructure costs, and providing scalable, efficient, and reliable hydrogen storage with improved weight and performance characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one deformable plug is configured to be selectably deformed to open the at least one port, fluidly coupling the first interior and the second interior
Implementation Method 2
controlling, by the control module, initiating of a chemical reaction in a pressure-sealed housing having a chamber holding a hydrogen storage solid fluidly isolated from an opposing housing interior by a dividing plane having a port blocked by a corresponding deformable plug, by selectively supplying at least one of a reactant or heat to the housing interior and selectively deforming the plug to fluidly couple the housing interior with the chamber such that the chemical reaction liberates hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage solid
Implementation Method 3
selectively supplying at least one of a reactant or heat to the housing interior
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state storage system includes a pressure-sealed storage unit defining an interior and having an outlet, an upper manifold and a lower manifold separated by a dividing plane having a set of ports, a set of chambers, and a solid state storage, wherein at least some gas is supplied to the outlet.