GB2488133A - Hydrogen generator and method of generating hydrogen - Google Patents
Hydrogen generator and method of generating hydrogen Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2488133A GB2488133A GB1102717.4A GB201102717A GB2488133A GB 2488133 A GB2488133 A GB 2488133A GB 201102717 A GB201102717 A GB 201102717A GB 2488133 A GB2488133 A GB 2488133A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- hydrogen
- cartridge
- unit
- generator unit
- water
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Links
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 150
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 138
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 138
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 claims description 3
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 150000002431 hydrogen Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 4
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical group [H]* 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910019443 NaSi Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium dihydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Ca+2] AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000000920 calcium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011116 calcium hydroxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910001861 calcium hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008713 feedback mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003301 hydrolyzing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004681 metal hydrides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910021527 natrosilite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012354 overpressurization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011164 potassium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021336 sodium silicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004071 soot Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003245 working effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
- C01B3/06—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
- C01B3/08—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents with metals
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
- C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
A hydrogen generator unit includes a compression unit for generating low- pressure hydrogen from water. The generator unit includes at least one reaction chamber which is adapted to employ an extracting chemical process to generate low-pressure hydrogen from water in an exothermic reaction in a cartridge-based system. The cartridge-based system, via a heat exchanger, is operable to provide a heat source for a thermal engine. The generator unit further includes an arrangement associated with the thermal engine for compressing the generated hydrogen and controlling injection of the compressed hydrogen into a direct injection internal combustion engine or into a fuel cell energy system. A method of generating hydrogen utilising the aforementioned unit is also disclosed.
Description
HYDROGEN GENERATOR UNIT AND METHOD OF GENERATING HYDROGEN
Technical field of invention
The present invention relates to Hydrogen generator units, for example to Hydrogen generator units suitable for use in Hydrogen fuelling systems for fuel cells and internal combustion engine standalone energy systems. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of using the aforesaid systems for generating Hydrogen gas.
Background to the invention
Hydrogen is a well known energy vector which has many practical uses within the chemical and energy industrial sectors. These practical uses require Hydrogen to be generated from chemically rich compounds containing Hydrogen via one or more process steps, for example steam reformation of methane and other hydrocarbon fuels or via electrolysis of water. Hydrogen generated from aforesaid one or more is process steps can be utilized to fuel numerous applications: (i) for vehicle propulsion; (ii) for fuel for micro energy system (battery replacements); and (iii) for emergency power supply systems.
In portable applications, one or more additional process steps are required after Hydrogen generation in respect of Hydrogen storage and transport. As the lightest know element, Hydrogen often requires extensive external equipment and energy input to achieve practical energy densities appropriate for use in transportation or portable systems market for Hydrogen units. Often bulky, high pressure tanks limit the application of Hydrogen in vehicle propulsion systems.
In an alternative approach for achieving high densities of Hydrogen storage, Hydrogen is often stored within a metal hydride wherein Hydrogen molecules are disassociated into individual hydrogen atoms that are able to absorb or dissolve into a metal phase. It is also often required to add heat to recover all of the stored hydrogen. In a yet further approach, Hydrogen is stored cryogenically as liquid Hydrogen, or at a high pressure in gaseous form, for example in vehicle applications.
Further liquid hydrogen needs to be maintained at temperatures not exceeding -253°C to prevent boiling.
In the case of contemporary fuel cell or Hydrogen internal combustion powered vehicles, Hydrogen is commonly stored at pressures of up to 7OMPA, for example within specially prepared composite Aluminium and Carbon fibre tanks. High pressure storage is required primarily to give comparable energy densities to that of existing hydrocarbon liquid or gaseous fuels.
It is known to employ metallic composite materials to generate Hydrogen through reaction with water. In a United States patent no. US3957483 issued on 18 May 1976 to M. Suzuki, it is disclosed how a Magnesium composition is utilized for producing Hydrogen. This document elucidates that the presence of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of Sodium Chloride (NaCI), Potassium Chloride (KCI) and various similar metal salts leads to an increase in a quantity of Hydrogen gas generated. This type of solution allows for somewhat more convenient handling of the composite prior to use in a reaction to generate Hydrogen gas.
Similarly, in a United States patent no. US 6506360, there is described a system which utilizes a reaction of Aluminum with water in the presence of Sodium Hydroxide as a catalyst. The system uses a pressure and a temperature of the reaction to control a degree of immersion of a fuel cartridge in water and consequently to control a vigor and a duration of the reaction. The fuel cartridge exemplified has a volume of about 1 liter, contains about 500 ml of Magnesium composition, and is submersed in 10 liters of water for allowing for 2 hours of Hydrogen gas generation which is sufficient for cooking food on a burner plate. A control of the temperature of the water and a degree of immersion of the fuel cartridge in the water can become complicated if utilization in any type of portable solution is intended.
In a published international PCT patent application no. Wa 0174710, there is described a manner in which a Hydrogen generation system employs a wicking material to control a contact between a mixture of fuel contained in a fuel tank and a hydrolysing catalyst supply of Hydrogen. The system is portable but requires a complex feedback mechanism for automatically maintaining a constant pressure for Hydrogen-generating reactions.
In addition, Hydrogen and fuel cell systems have also been developed for use on electric vehicles for range extension purposes. Such systems provide a way of charging batteries during vehicle operation, thus extending the range of such vehicles. The storage of Hydrogen in such application therefore requires extensive ancillary equipment which increases vehicle weights in cases of vehicle applications.
Summary of the invention
The present invention seeks to provide a Hydrogen generator unit for improving storage and generation of Hydrogen gas on demand.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in appended claim 1: there is provided a Hydrogen generator unit including a compression unit for generating low-pressure Hydrogen from water, characterized in that the generator unit includes at least one reaction chamber which is adapted to employ an extracting chemical process to generate low-pressure Hydrogen from water in an exothermic reaction in a cartridge-based system, wherein the cartridge-based system, via a heat exchanger, is operable to provide a heat source for a thermal engine, and wherein the generator unit further includes an arrangement associated with the thermal engine for compressing the generated Hydrogen and controlling injection of the compressed Hydrogen into a direct injection internal combustion engine or into a fuel cell energy system.
The invention is of advantage in that use of an exothermic reaction to generate Hydrogen, and a use of heat generated by the exothermic reaction via a thermal engine to compress the generated Hydrogen is capable of providing a more appropriate supply of Hydrogen.
Optionally, in the Hydrogen generator, the thermal engine is implemented as a Stirling engine employing an alpha-type displacer configuration or a beta-type configuration. More optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented so that the Stirling engine has associated therewith a chain multiple compression chamber to compress the generated Hydrogen in a continuous cycle.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator is implemented so that the thermal engine is adapted to be used as a part of a refrigeration cycle to generate cooling and electricity for providing associated refrigeration.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented so that the fuel cell is operable to generate clean water by way of a chemical reaction within the fuel cell, wherein said generator unit is adapted so that said water is recirculated for use in the extraction chemical process for generating low-pressure Hydrogen.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is adapted to function as an auxiliary heating unit for use within electric vehicles.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented so that the compression unit is adapted to function as a portable chilling unit.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented, such that the cartridge-based system is operable to receive replaceable cartridges for providing reactants for the extraction chemical process. More optionally, the replaceable cartridges includes reactants comprising at least one of: Aluminium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented so that the cartridge based system has separate sections for storing an energy material used to extract Hydrogen gas from water.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit is implemented so that the cartridge system includes at least two cartridge sections, preferably three or more sections, for allowing for re-fuelling mechanism of the system once the energy material in each cartridge section has been used.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating using a Hydrogen generator unit including a compression unit for generating low-pressure Hydrogen from water, characterized in that said method includes: in at least one reaction chamber of the generator unit, employing an extracting chemical process to generate low-pressure Hydrogen from water in an exothermic reaction in a cartridge-based system; providing, by use of the a heat exchanger associated with the cartridge-based system, a heat source for a thermal engine; in an arrangement associated with the thermal engine, compressing the generated Hydrogen and controlling injection of the compressed Hydrogen into a direct injection internal combustion engine or into a fuel cell energy system.
According to a third aspect of the invention, the use of a cartridge system and a water storage mechanism together with a combined light weight pressurisation system will allow on vehicle controlled Hydrogen generation without the need for ancillary equipment (added weight) to store Hydrogen either at high pressure or as a cryogenic liquid.
Preferably, in a forth aspect of the invention, the Hydrogen generator unit is used in conjunction with a fuel cell energy system or internal combustion engine where produced water can be recycled into the cartridge system via a built in condenser within e.g. a standard Stirling engine cycle to reduce the level of water storage required for hydrogen generation.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention the hydrogen generator is controlled electronically by one or more internal positioning sensors and standardized known control microprocessor technologies known to the person skilled in the art.
Preferably the hydrogen generator incorporates a combined chemical reaction agent storage cartridge system and reaction chamber which effectively allows the capture of produced hydrogen gas and extracts provides a heat source for the engine, for example a Stirling cycle.
In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a Hydrogen generator unit comprising: a cartridge unit which includes one or more fuel elements, and which is connected to a water storing means, the cartridge unit being operable to generate Hydrogen; and an engine means for receiving generated Hydrogen from the cartridge unit; characterized in that the generator unit includes at least one heat exchanger for thermally coupling between the cartridge unit and the engine means; the cartridge unit is operable to support an exothermic reaction involving the one or more fuel elements and water supplied from the water storing means to generate the Hydrogen and also to function as a heat source; and the one or more fuel elements are enclosed in the cartridge unit which is adapted to be disposed of or recycled after use in the generator unit.
Optionally, the Hydrogen generator unit further includes a cassette arrangement for automatically replacing the cartridge unit without user intervention or contact with chemicals included in the cartridge unit.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating Hydrogen from a hydrogen generator unit comprising: a cartridge unit which includes one or more fuel elements, and which is connected to a water storing means, the cartridge unit being operable to generate Hydrogen; and an engine means for receiving generated Hydrogen from the cartridge unit; characterized in that including in the generator unit at least one heat exchanger for thermally coupling between the cartridge unit and the engine means; using the cartridge unit to support an exothermic reaction involving the one or more fuel elements and water supplied from the water storing means to generate the Hydrogen and also function as a heat source; and disposing of or recycling the one or more fuel elements enclosed in the cartridge unit is after use in the generator unit.
Description of the diagrams
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. I is an illustration of an operational cycle of a Hydrogen generator unit; FIG. 2A is a front view of a cartridge in a cartridge unit; FIG. 2B is an illustration of the cartridge in FIG. 2A on section AA; and FIG. 20 is an illustration of the cartridge in FIG. 2A on section BB.
In the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing. An arrow in the drawings can also be used to indicate the positioning of some element within another part.
Description of embodiments of the invention
Referring to FIG. 1, a hydrogen generator unit 40 is shown. A cartridge unit 1 is attached to a base of a single cylinder displacer-type engine 2; optionally, the engine 2 is a Stirling-type engine of either beta or alpha configuration. Alpha and beta configurations or Stirling engines are elucidated in Wikipedia. The cartridge unit I contains a composite material 23 used as a source to generate Hydrogen gas when in contact with water, which water acts as a Hydrogen source during an associated reaction. The composite material 23 is preferably manufactured from Sodium but can also be manufactured from other compounds such as Aluminium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and others known to the person technically skilled in the art.
The following formulae details are examples of chemical processes, which are employed to generate Hydrogen and heat from an exothermic reaction with water: i) 2NaSi (s) + 5H20 (I) -* Na2Si2O5 (aq.) + 5H2 + Heat (-175 kJ/mol).
In this case the reaction produces five moles of hydrogen, in a rapidly, from the reduction of five moles of water and only two moles of NaSi exothermically. As Sodium Silicide is pyrophoric the cartridge unit I containing this fuel element/powder 23 would be sealed with an air tight membrane prior to use to prevent any incident of fire from contact with air.
ii) Ca (s) + 2H20 Ca(OH)2 + H2 (gas) In the hydrogen generator unit 40 there is a connection made between the cartridge unit I and the engine 2 via a heat exchanger 15, which heat exchanger 15 allows heat generated from an exothermic chemical reaction in the cartridge unit I to be transferred from the cartridge unit I directly to the base of the engine 2. This heat exchange acts to initiate an engine cycle, such as a Stirling Engine cycle, moving a displacement cylinder 4 and subsequently moving a piston 5 connected to a flywheel 6.
Hydrogen gas generated by the reaction in the cartridge unit I is allowed to enter into a diaphragm of a pump 7 via a separate pipe connection 16 from an outlet of the cartridge unit 1. A rotational motion of the flywheel 6 moves the diaphragm pump 7 to create a partial vacuum which extracts any Hydrogen gas from the cartridge 1.
Hydrogen then enters a chamber of the diaphragm pump 7 until continued movement of the flywheel 6 moves the diaphragm to close an inlet valve of the diaphragm pump 7. As the diaphragm continues to move, it compresses the Hydrogen gas and then releases the compressed Hydrogen gas through the outlet valve to the input a fuel cell 8. The capacity of the diaphragm pump 7 is chosen to incorporate a factor of safety to avoid over pressurization of the fuel cell 8 and is of sufficient capacity to safely pressurize Hydrogen generated from the cartridge unit 1.
The heat therefore applied to a base of the Stirling engine 2 acts to compresses the Hydrogen released from the cartridge unit I to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The compressed Hydrogen gas is matched to a required input of an external energy conversion device, for example a high temperature proton is exchanged membrane (REM) fuel cell 8 (or other suitable fuel cell operating at a temperature in excess of 6000). To facilitate a steady stream of Hydrogen gas, the input of the external energy conversion device optionally incorporates a small buffer tank to hold an amount of Hydrogen gas to ensure a constant supply for operation of the device. The flywheel 6, or in the case of a beta type Stirling engine the gear arrangement, facilitates the movement of the piston back to its starting position to facilitate a start of a second cycle of operation. The cooling element of the Stirling cycle in this example is aided by utilizing a heat exchanger 9 which uses external cooling water required in the normal operation of a REM fuel cell 8 (or in the case of an internal combustion engine energy conversion technology the input to the engine cooling facility) to cool the gas around the displacement cylinder 4. This cooling element 9 completes the cycle which is repeated until either all the Hydrogen is released or a stop single is generated by the energy conversion device (fuel cell or internal combustion engine). For example, a Stirling engine setup (with a displacer or beta type Stirling engine or other suitable heat engine cycle), provides a small light weight apparatus for further compression and controlled injection into either a direct injection internal combustion engine or saturated Hydrogen suitable for use within a fuel cell energy system. The injection of Hydrogen gas into an internal combustion engine cleans up the emissions from the engine by more than 25% compared to -10-conventional ICEs; considerable output soot reduction and NOX reduction is potentially feasible to achieve by employing the present invention.
FIG. 1 also illustrates a water collection unit 10 which extracts water generated by the fuel cell B and recycles this into a separate water storage tank 11. Prior to starting the reaction, it is necessary to remove air in the cartridge unit I to avoid explosive mixtures of Hydrogen and air arising. This is achieved by using either a separate pump or incorporating a back pressure of the cooling water pump 12 of the fuel cell B. The pumping of the water to the fuel cell B is designed to create a back pressure in the cartridge unit 1. The effect of back pressure is to create a partial vacuum. The difference in pressure between the cartridge unit I and water storage tank 11 allows water to be feed into the cartridge unit I without the pumping once valve 13 needing to be opened.
is After a plurality of cycles of operation (optionally determined to release a maximum amount of Hydrogen from the cartridge unit 1), the cartridge unit I is rejected/ejected.
Continued operation is achieved either by loading a new cartridge unit I into position for the Hydrogen reaction to take place through, for example, a spring loaded mechanism 14. This cartridge unit I reloading mechanism is illustrated further in FIG. 2.
The utilization of the cartridge unit I setup allows for a very compact and user friendly solution for numerous applications such as portable units, vehicle Hydrogen generation units, or even for stationary units which need a safe and easy disposal of the residual waste from the Hydrogen reaction in the cartridges. The residue in the cartridges is often of alkaline nature with a pH value in the range of 8 to 14, but most often with a pH value in a range of 9 to 12. This waste product is today a major drawback for Hydrogen generator systems, but the cartridge system can be designed to supply the unit I with a right amount of composite material for implementing the invention. It allows for safe disposal or return of the cartridge for safe disposal or treatment by acids or other pH lowering methods. Beneficially, the cartridge 1 is capable of being cleaned and refilled, therefore rendering recycling possible. -11 -
Further, the applications of the Hydrogen generator unit 40 and the engine 2 encompass from in an order of 1W to 500W output systems for portable electronic devices, to in an order of 500W to 10kW output for bigger systems. Further, the cartridge unit 1 loaded with 1 kg (the typical size of a single cartridge) of fuel element/composite material 23, e.g. NaSi (s) as described in example i) above, is capable of producing 1500 litres of hydrogen or 134g of hydrogen. 10kg (10 nominal cartridges) of the composite material 23 therefore will generate 1.34kg of hydrogen, equating to 45kWhr of power. Converted to electricity through the fuel cell 8 this hydrogen (assuming an industry standard Fuel Cell operating at an energy efficiency of 50%) is capable of producing 22.SkWhr of electricity. The element/composite therefore would be comparable to an industry standard 24kWhr Lithium Ion battery pack. Such a pack when used to power an electric vehicle would give a range of lOOmiles and therefore is highly desired by within the motor industry. Simple manual cartridge replacement loaded into a magazine arrangement feed from a separate on is board water supply would therefore provide an additional 100 miles of range. Most electric vehicles in the market today has a range below 100 miles, hence requires recharging over night or part charging of battery pack at charging stations, which today are few and far apart. A real advantage of the system is that a 24kWhr (e.g. Nissan Leaf) battery pack normally costs more than £20,000 and has to be replaced every five years. The use of the described hydrogen system according to the invention would substantially reduce the cost of a vehicle utilizing battery packs.
In FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, details of inner workings of the cartridge unit 1 are illustrated, also with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is an illustration of a front view of the cartridge unit 1 and two partial cross sections of the views of the cartridge 1 detailed on sections AA as FIG. 2B and sections BB as FIG. 2C. The cartridge unit 1 is constructed in two parts, namely a lower unit 21 containing the fuel elements 23 arranged in operation in a vertical position along a longitudinal (horizontal) direction of the lower unit 21, and an upper unit 22 containing a reaction chamber to separate Hydrogen gas once generated. The reaction chamber consists of an inner stainless steel or hydrogen resistant material mesh 24 arranged to function as both a heat exchanger and to separate the Hydrogen produced from water through a chemical process as shown.
-12 -The lower unit 21 is designed such that it is slightly larger than the upper unit 22, so that these units 21, 22 can be easily mutually fixed or clamped together to provide an air tight seal therebetween to define the reaction chamber. Once sealed, the air in the chamber is extracted via a pump connected to the upper chamber creating a negative pressure in an arrangement acting to further clamp the cartridge I together.
Water is then added via a separate valve filling the area around the fuel elements 23.
The fuel elements 23 are separated from the heat exchanger element 25 via the mesh 24 and are prevented from entering an upper area of the upper unit 22 by virtue of a membrane 26. Water reacts with the fuel elements 23, also called composite material, 23 which has a surface that is porous to increase the surface area for reaction.
The Hydrogen reaction cleaves Hydrogen atoms from corresponding water molecules, wherein the Hydrogen atoms are buoyant and of a sufficiently small size is to enable them to pass through the membrane to the upper unit 22 of the cartridge 1.
On account of the reaction between the water and the fuel elements 23 being exothermic, the temperature of the surrounding medium is raised, and this temperature rise is transferred through the mesh 24 to heat exchanger element 25, this being fabricated from a material exhibiting a high thermal conductivity. The heat element 25 is connected to a temperature base plate 28 which is connected to the base of the engine, for example implemented as a Stirling engine in one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Operation of the engine cycle as illustrated in FIG. 1 extracts Hydrogen from the cartridge I (namely the upper unit 22) via a pipe 27 as indicated. As Hydrogen is extracted, a pressure difference is created between the upper and lower chambers resulting in water refilling the reaction chamber through the capillary effect, thereby continuing the reaction. After a plurality of cycles of the engine cycle, all of the reaction fuel element 23 will be spent and the lower unit 21 is then optionally replaced with a new corresponding unit containing fuel. The external water connection 29 and pump connection 30 are preferably located on the upper unit 22 allowing for rapid replacement of a new fuel unit. -13-
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.
Claims (15)
- -14 -CLAIMS1. A Hydrogen generator unit including a compression unit for generating low-pressure Hydrogen from water, characterized in that the generator unit includes at least one reaction chamber which is adapted to employ an extracting chemical process to generate low-pressure Hydrogen from water in an exothermic reaction in a cartridge-based system, wherein the cartridge-based system, via a heat exchanger, is operable to provide a heat source for a thermal engine, and wherein the generator unit further includes an arrangement associated with the thermal engine for compressing the generated Hydrogen and controlling injection of the compressed Hydrogen into a direct injection internal combustion engine or into a fuel cell energy system.
- 2. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal engine is implemented as a Stirling engine employing an alpha-type displacer configuration or a beta-type configuration.
- 3. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the Stirling engine has associated therewith a chain multiple compression chamber to compress the generated Hydrogen in a continuous cycle.
- 4. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal engine is adapted to be used as a part of a refrigeration cycle to generate cooling and electricity for providing associated refrigeration.
- 5. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is operable to generate clean water by way of a chemical reaction within the fuel cell, wherein said generator unit is adapted so that said water is recirculated for use in the extraction chemical process for generating low-pressure Hydrogen. -15-
- 6. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Hydrogen generator unit is adapted to function as an auxiliary heating unit for use within electric vehicles.
- 7. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said compression unit is adapted to function as a portable chilling unit.
- 8. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge-based system is operable to receive replaceable cartridges for providing reactants for the extraction chemical process.
- 9. A hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the replaceable cartridges includes reactants comprising at least one of: Aluminium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium.
- 10. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge based system has separate sections for storing an energy material used to extract Hydrogen gas from water.
- 11. A Hydrogen generator unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cartridge system includes at least two cartridge sections, preferably three or more sections, for allowing for re-fuelling mechanism of the system once the energy material in each cartridge section has been used.
- 12. A method of generating using a Hydrogen generator unit including a compression unit for generating low-pressure Hydrogen from water, characterized in that said method includes: in at least one reaction chamber of the generator unit, employing an extracting chemical process to generate low-pressure Hydrogen from water in an exothermic reaction in a cartridge-based system; providing, by use of the a heat exchanger associated with the cartridge-based system, a heat source for a thermal engine; -16-in an arrangement associated with the thermal engine, compressing the generated Hydrogen and controlling injection of the compressed Hydrogen into a direct injection internal combustion engine or into a fuel cell energy system.
- 13. A Hydrogen generator unit (40) comprising: a cartridge unit (1) which includes one or more fuel elements (23), and which is connected to a water storing means (11), said cartridge unit (1) being operable to generate Hydrogen; and an engine means (2) for receiving generated Hydrogen from the cartridge unit (1); characterized in that said generator unit (40) includes at least one heat exchanger (15) for thermally coupling between said cartridge unit (1) and said engine means (2); said cartridge unit (1) is operable to support an exothermic reaction involving the one or more fuel elements (23) and water supplied from the water storing means (11) to generate the Hydrogen and also to function as a heat source; and said one or more fuel elements (23) are enclosed in the cartridge unit (1) which is adapted to be disposed of or recycled after use in the generator unit (40).
- 14. A Hydrogen generator unit (40) as claimed in claim 13, further including a cassette arrangement for automatically replacing the cartridge unit (1) without user intervention or contact with chemicals included in the cartridge unit (1). -17-
- 15. A method of generating Hydrogen from a hydrogen generator unit (40) comprising: a cartridge unit (1) which includes one or more fuel elements (23), and which is connected to a water storing means (11), said cartridge unit (1) being operable to generate Hydrogen; and an engine means (2) for receiving generated Hydrogen from the cartridge unit (1); characterized in that including in said generator unit (40) at least one heat exchanger (15) for thermally coupling between said cartridge unit (1) and said engine means (2); using said cartridge unit (1) to support an exothermic reaction involving the one or is more fuel elements (23) and water supplied from the water storing means (11) to generate the Hydrogen and also function as a heat source; and disposing of or recycling said one or more fuel elements (23) enclosed in the cartridge unit (1) after use in the generator unit (40).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1102717.4A GB2488133A (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2011-02-17 | Hydrogen generator and method of generating hydrogen |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1102717.4A GB2488133A (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2011-02-17 | Hydrogen generator and method of generating hydrogen |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201102717D0 GB201102717D0 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
| GB2488133A true GB2488133A (en) | 2012-08-22 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1102717.4A Withdrawn GB2488133A (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2011-02-17 | Hydrogen generator and method of generating hydrogen |
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| Country | Link |
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| GB (1) | GB2488133A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110792479A (en) * | 2019-11-07 | 2020-02-14 | 安徽伯华氢能源科技有限公司 | Hydrogen power generation system |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007035512A2 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-29 | Millennium Cell, Inc. | Hydrogen gas generation system |
| WO2007133501A2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-22 | Millennium Cell, Inc. | Fixed-bed reactors and catalytic processes |
-
2011
- 2011-02-17 GB GB1102717.4A patent/GB2488133A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007035512A2 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-29 | Millennium Cell, Inc. | Hydrogen gas generation system |
| WO2007133501A2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-22 | Millennium Cell, Inc. | Fixed-bed reactors and catalytic processes |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110792479A (en) * | 2019-11-07 | 2020-02-14 | 安徽伯华氢能源科技有限公司 | Hydrogen power generation system |
| CN110792479B (en) * | 2019-11-07 | 2020-07-28 | 安徽伯华氢能源科技有限公司 | Hydrogen power generation system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201102717D0 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
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