Hydrogen Generating Fuel Cell With UV Radiation Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating hydrogen from water are inefficient and lack effective technologies to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas simultaneously using renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen generating fuel cell system comprising an anode and cathode separated by a channel, with a power source and an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to emit UV radiation, allowing for the ionization of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, utilizing renewable energy sources and including a turbine and storage tanks for the gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to generate hydrogen from water, then hydrogen production is achieved, but the process is inefficient and cannot produce hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultraviolet radiation source, power source, and fuel cell components into an integrated system that simultaneously produces hydrogen and oxygen gases from water. The UV radiation source irradiates water in the channel between anode and cathode, enabling simultaneous generation of both gases while maintaining efficient hydrogen production
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the UV radiation source ionizes water to produce both hydrogen and oxygen, the fuel cell structure separates and collects both gases, and the system can operate with different water types (fresh water, salt water, wastewater). The channel serves both as a water holding structure and as the site for simultaneous gas generation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are used to power the system, then environmental sustainability is improved, but energy conversion efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric) to power both the UV radiation source and the fuel cell operation. The fuel cell itself generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used to power the UV radiation source, creating a self-sustaining system that minimizes external energy input and maximizes renewable energy utilization
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 efficiently generates hydrogen and oxygen gases from water using renewable energy, enabling energy storage and desalination of water, while operating a turbine for power generation.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to emit ultraviolet radiation from the anode to the cathode, the cathode to the anode, or both directions
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the anode and the cathode are porous
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen generating fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode separated by a channel configured to hold liquid water or water vapor. At least one of the anode and the cathode are porous. The hydrogen generating fuel cell includes a power source electrically connected to the anode and the cathode and an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to emit ultraviolet radiation from the anode to the cathode, the cathode to the anode, or both directions. A hydrogen generating system and a method of generating hydrogen are also disclosed.