Abstract

Methods and systems for hydrogen generation from solid hydrogen storage compositions which generate hydrogen in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat released can be absorbed by solid endothermic compositions are disclosed. The solid hydrogen storage compositions comprise mixtures of chemical hydrides and water surrogate compounds. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/02 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen

Abstract

Techniques for packaging and utilizing solid hydrogen-producing fuel are described herein. The fuel may be in the form of a bonded/compressed powder, granules, or pellets. The fuel is packaged in cartridges having hydrogen-permeable enclosures. In operation, the fuel undergoes a hydrogen-releasing Thermally Initiated Hydrolysis (TIH) reaction. A cartridge may comprise one or more fuel chambers, and several cartridges may be assembled together.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/00 - Fuel cellsManufacture thereof

Abstract

Hydrogen storage fuel compositions and devices comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one proton source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions are disclosed. The fuel compositions comprise an excess of hydridic hydogens relative to protic hydrogens. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/02 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen

Abstract

Supported catalysts and methods are provided to promote hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of boron hydrides. The supported catalysts contain a supported metal comprising at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, tin, cadmium, and iridium, in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of the supported catalyst.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 21/02 - Boron or aluminiumOxides or hydroxides thereof

Abstract

A device for transferring fluid in a fuel cell power system. The device has a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer. Sealing portions bond the first and second barrier layers together in predetermined areas, to define one or more unbonded pathways between the barrier layers. The pathways are adapted to transport fluid through the device. Ports through a layer provide pathway fluid ingress and egress.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids

Abstract

Purge systems and methods are disclosed for flushing unreacted materials and byproducts from a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor houses a hydrogen generation catalyst and the system comprises a hydrogen generation fuel cartridge containing a reservoir that stores water which may be recovered from the exhaust of a fuel cell. The reservoir may comprise a flexible bladder or a piston-type configuration. Water is delivered from the reservoir to flush the reactor of any residual fuel and/or byproducts.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids

Abstract

Hydrogen generators and power module systems that use solid chemical hydrides and acidic reagents for hydrogen storage and generation on demand are disclosed. The generators incorporate mechanisms for controlling the contact between solid chemical hydride and acidic reagents to control the rate of hydrogen generation and characteristics of the reaction products, including bulk density. The preferred systems of the present invention combine functions of fuel reagent storage, reaction chamber, and gas-liquid separation into a minimum number of components to reduce the balance of plant of hydrogen generation systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/02 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen
• H01M 8/06 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues

Abstract

Reactors with a dynamic compression elements that control the catalyst bed structure and hydrodynamic conditions inside the reactor in response to physical and structural changes in the catalyst bed, and methods of operating catalytic reactors are provided. The reactors are adjustable and/or can self -adjust in response to changes in the packing of the catalyst bed due, for example, to the attrition of the catalyst. The catalyst reactor designs improve operation of fixed bed reactors and enable the use of a variety of catalysts and supports, including materials that would not typically be considered for use in fixed bed reactors, such as those with limited durability or with moderate mechanical strength.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 8/08 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with moving particles

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for generating hydrogen gas using a catalyst or reagent and a boron hydride compound. The preferred hydrogen generation system includes a fuel cartridge and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) module. Solid fuel is stored in individual fuel packets in a fuel chamber, and converted into a fuel solution. Fuel is pumped to a reactor where it produces hydrogen and borate. The hydrogen and borate product exit the reactor and are deposited in a hydrogen separation chamber separated from the fuel chamber by a moveable partition. Hydrogen is separated by a membrane and exits the generator. As fuel is consumed, the movable partition is disposed toward the fuel chamber and the borate product is deposited on one side of the movable partition. The controls are preferably contained in the BOP module.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/06 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided in which a fuel cell purge cycle recaptures fluid material such as water and hydrogen from an electrode of a fuel cell and can recycle the hydrogen to the anode, leading to improved fuel cell efficiency with minimal parasitic load. Pressure fluctuations of a hydrogen generation system may be integrated with the fuel cell purge cycle to recycle hydrogen to the fuel cell and water to the hydrogen generation system.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids

Abstract

A packaging system and method are disclosed for delivering a solid fuel component in pre-measured quantities for hydrogen generation. Each quantity may be contained in a sealed pack or in a plurality of packs connected in series for indexing through a solid fuel dispenser. The solid fuel may be a boron hydride that is stored in its dry form and mixed with a liquid, as needed. The liquid may include water. The solid fuel component may be provided in various forms, including granules, pellets and powder.

IPC Classes  ?

• C10J 3/06 - Continuous processes
• C10B 1/04 - Vertical retorts

Abstract

A hydrogen generation fuel cartridge system which can be removably connected to a fuel cell power module is disclosed. The removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge comprises a fuel storage module and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) that is interchangeable with each module. All controls are preferably contained in the BOP. A heat exchanger may be employed to control the temperature of the cartridge and components such as the reaction chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 12/00 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof

Abstract

Hydrogen storage fuel compositions comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one compound, polymer, or salt that acts as a water surrogate source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions, are disclosed. The water surrogate source/chemical hydride compositions are preferably solids, and may be powders, caplets, tablets, pellets or granules, for example. The water surrogate source/chemical hydride compositions may comprise alternating layers of the chemical hydride and of the water, surrogate source.

IPC Classes  ?

• C07C 11/24 - Acetylene