U.S. patent application number 16/277031 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-17 for hydrogen reactor with catalyst in flow conduit.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTRIQ-GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is ELECTRIQ-GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD.. Invention is credited to Roman Futerman, Guy Nevo-Michrowski, Alexander Zilberman.
Application Number | 20190319284 16/277031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66103022 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190319284 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zilberman; Alexander ; et
al. |
October 17, 2019 |
HYDROGEN REACTOR WITH CATALYST IN FLOW CONDUIT
Abstract
A reaction chamber for generating hydrogen gas using a hydrogen
liquid carrier line may include a channel including a catalyst for
causing the hydrogen gas to be produced from a hydrogen liquid
carrier, the channel including an inlet end for the hydrogen liquid
carrier and an outlet end for a spent carrier. The reaction chamber
may also include a valve for controlling a rate of flow of the
hydrogen liquid carrier flowing through the channel; a gas outlet
for evacuating the hydrogen gas generated in the channel; and at
least one processor configured to receive at least one indicator of
a demand for the hydrogen gas and to control the valve to adjust
the rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to meet the demand
for the hydrogen gas.
Inventors: |
Zilberman; Alexander;
(Haifa, IL) ; Futerman; Roman; (Nesher, IL)
; Nevo-Michrowski; Guy; (Kadima Tzoran, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELECTRIQ-GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD. |
Tirat Camel |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTRIQ-GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
LTD.
Tirat Camel
IL
|
Family ID: |
66103022 |
Appl. No.: |
16/277031 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62658635 |
Apr 17, 2018 |
|
|
|
62723331 |
Aug 27, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 2219/2453 20130101;
H01M 4/90 20130101; H01M 2250/20 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101;
B01J 2219/2479 20130101; C01B 2203/1685 20130101; C01B 3/065
20130101; C01B 2203/1035 20130101; C01B 3/32 20130101; F17C
2221/012 20130101; H01M 8/065 20130101; B01J 19/249 20130101; F17C
2201/018 20130101; B01J 2523/845 20130101; H01M 8/04216 20130101;
B01J 2523/51 20130101; B01J 2523/847 20130101; B01J 27/1853
20130101; H01M 8/04208 20130101; B01J 2523/305 20130101; H01M
8/04201 20130101; F17C 2270/0184 20130101; F17C 11/005 20130101;
B01J 2219/2495 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 8/065 20060101
H01M008/065; H01M 4/90 20060101 H01M004/90; H01M 8/04082 20060101
H01M008/04082; B01J 27/185 20060101 B01J027/185 |
Claims
1. A reaction chamber for generating hydrogen gas using a hydrogen
liquid carrier line, the reaction chamber comprising: a channel
including a catalyst for causing the hydrogen gas to be produced
from the hydrogen liquid carrier, the channel including an inlet
end for the hydrogen liquid carrier and an outlet end for a spent
carrier; a valve for controlling a rate of flow of the hydrogen
liquid carrier flowing through the channel; a gas outlet for
evacuating the hydrogen gas generated in the channel; and at least
one processor configured to receive at least one indicator of a
demand for the hydrogen gas and to control the valve to adjust the
rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to meet the demand for
the hydrogen gas.
2. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the gas outlet is
located in an upper wall portion of the channel.
3. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is
Electriq.TM. Catalyst.
4. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the catalyst includes
at least one of Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Phosphorus, and Boron.
5. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the catalyst further
includes a metal structure with a metalloid catalytic coating,
wherein the coating includes multiple layers with at least an inner
layer being Ni and an outer layer is the metalloid catalytic
coating.
6. The reaction chamber of claim 5, wherein the outer layer
includes at least one of a Group III metal, Cobalt-P, Cobalt-B,
Cobalt-Ni, P and Cobalt-NIB.
7. The reaction chamber of claim 1, further comprising: a
controller for controlling a release of the hydrogen gas via the
gas outlet; and a sensor for monitoring the hydrogen gas pressure
within the channel.
8. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the channel includes
several subsections, with each subsection having a subsection
outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas.
9. The reaction chamber of claim 8, wherein a number of subsections
is selected such that the hydrogen liquid carrier is depleted after
passing through all the subsections, resulting in the spent
carrier, and wherein the spent carrier is discharged from the
reaction chamber.
10. The reaction chamber of claim 8, further comprising a sensor
for monitoring the hydrogen gas pressure at the subsection
outlets.
11. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
an inner surface of the channel includes a catalytic surface.
12. The reaction chamber of claim 1, further comprising mixing
elements positioned within the channel of the chamber.
13. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the rate of the flow
of the hydrogen liquid carrier in the channel is non-uniform.
14. The reaction chamber of claim 1, wherein the rate of the flow
of the hydrogen liquid carrier is decreasing towards the outlet
end.
15. A reaction chamber for generating hydrogen gas using a
borohydride liquid solution, the reaction chamber comprising: a
channel including a catalyst for causing the hydrogen gas to be
produced from the borohydride liquid solution, the channel
including an inlet end for the borohydride liquid solution and an
outlet end for a spent solution; a valve for controlling a rate of
the borohydride liquid solution flowing through the channel; a gas
outlet for discharging the hydrogen gas generated in the channel;
and at least one processor configured to: receive at least one
indicator of a demand for the hydrogen gas; adjust a rate of flow
of the borohydride liquid solution in the channel using a flow
controller based on the received demand; and discharge an amount of
the hydrogen gas generated in the channel based on the received
demand.
16. The reaction chamber of claim 15, wherein the channel includes
several subsections, with each subsection having a subsection
outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas.
17. The reaction chamber of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of
an inner surface of the channel includes a catalytic surface.
18. A system for generating hydrogen gas using a borohydride liquid
solution, the system comprising: a channel including a catalyst for
causing the hydrogen gas to be produced from the borohydride liquid
solution, the channel including an inlet end for the borohydride
liquid solution and an outlet end for a spent solution; a valve for
controlling a rate of flow of the borohydride liquid solution
through the channel; a gas outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas
generated in the channel; at least one processor configured to
receive at least one indicator of a demand for the hydrogen gas,
and to control the valve to adjust the rate of flow of the
borohydride liquid solution in the channel to meet the demand for
the hydrogen gas; and a hydrogen storage tank.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a borohydride liquid
solution storage and a spent solution storage.
20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a fuel cell system
and a rechargeable battery.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/658,635, filed on Apr. 17, 2018, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/723,331 filed on Aug. 27, 2018. Each
of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The presently disclosed systems may be used to obtain
hydrogen from a hydrogen liquid carrier. In particular, the
presently disclosed systems may be configured for obtaining
hydrogen from a hydrogen liquid carrier upon flowing the hydrogen
liquid carrier through catalyst equipped flow conduit.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the limited supply of fossil fuels and their adverse
effect on the climate and the environment, it has become a global
priority to seek alternate sources of energy that are clean,
abundant, and sustainable. While sources such as solar, wind, and
hydrogen can meet the world's energy demand, considerable
challenges remain to find materials that can store and/or convert
energy efficiently.
[0004] Efficient hydrogen generation from a hydrogen liquid carrier
is a key enabling technology for the advancement of hydrogen and
fuel cell technologies in applications including stationary power,
portable power, and transportation. Hydrogen has the highest energy
per mass of any fuel. Its low ambient temperature density, however,
results in a low energy per unit volume, therefore requiring the
development of advanced storage methods that have the potential for
higher energy density. Hydrogen is considered to be an ideal fuel
for the transportation industry. However, considerable challenges
related to hydrogen generation from a hydrogen liquid carrier still
need to be addressed in order to use hydrogen for transportation
purposes.
[0005] At ambient conditions, hydrogen is a volatile gas. One kg of
hydrogen occupies 11.2 m.sup.3 (.about.100 g/m.sup.3)--a volume
that may be impractically large for certain hydrogen-based energy
applications. One goal in hydrogen utilization, therefore, is the
reduction of hydrogen volume, either by compression, liquefaction,
adsorption to high surface area materials, or embedding in solid
compounds. Solid state hydrogen storage may result in the highest
hydrogen volumetric densities, exceeding a volumetric density of
liquid hydrogen, for example, by more than a factor of two. Other
challenges from the materials perspective may include combined
volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen density that may be required
for use in the transportation industry (e.g., 5.5 mass % H.sub.2
and 40 kgH.sub.2/m.sup.3, respectively), suitable thermodynamic
stability for the working temperature (e.g., -40 to 85.degree. C.),
and sufficiently fast reaction kinetics to allow rapid hydrogen
uptake and delivery (e.g., refueling of 5 kg of H.sub.2 in few
minutes).
[0006] Metal hydrides, such as metal borohydrides, may offer a
hydrogen storage medium. Metal borohydrides may be dissolved in a
liquid, such as water, resulting in a hydrogen liquid carrier.
Metal borohydrides may be capable of storing hydrogen at targets
levels of 7.5 wt % H.sub.2 and 70 g of H.sub.2 per liter of the
liquid carrier. Under appropriate temperature and pressure
conditions, metal borohydrides may release hydrogen that can be
used as a fuel (e.g., for a fuel cell).
[0007] Efficiently releasing hydrogen from such a liquid carrier
and/or gaining access to most or all of the hydrogen stored in a
liquid carrier, however, may present certain challenges. Thus,
there is a need to develop solutions for the efficient production
of hydrogen from a hydrogen liquid carrier resulting in a spent
carrier containing a low concentration of hydrogen.
SUMMARY
[0008] Consistent with a disclosed embodiment, a reaction chamber
for generating hydrogen gas is provided. The reaction chamber for
generating hydrogen gas using a hydrogen liquid carrier line may
include a channel including a catalyst for causing the hydrogen gas
to be produced from the hydrogen liquid carrier, the channel
including an inlet end for the hydrogen liquid carrier and an
outlet end for a spent carrier. The reaction chamber may also
include a valve for controlling a rate of flow of the hydrogen
liquid carrier flowing through the channel, a gas outlet for
evacuating the hydrogen gas generated in the channel; and at least
one processor configured to receive at least one indicator of a
demand for the hydrogen gas, and to control the valve to adjust the
rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to meet the demand for
the hydrogen gas.
[0009] Consistent with another disclosed embodiment a reaction
chamber for generating hydrogen gas is provided. The reaction
chamber for generating hydrogen gas using a borohydride liquid
solution carrier line may include a channel including a catalyst
for causing the hydrogen gas to be produced from the borohydride
liquid solution, the channel including an inlet end for the
borohydride liquid solution and an outlet end for a spent solution.
The reaction chamber may also include a valve for controlling a
rate of flow of the borohydride liquid solution flowing through the
channel; a gas outlet for discharging the hydrogen gas generated in
the channel; and at least one processor configured to receive at
least one indicator of a demand for the hydrogen gas, adjust a rate
of flow of the borohydride liquid solution in the channel using a
flow controller based on the received demand, and discharge an
amount of the hydrogen gas generated in the channel based on the
received demand. The reaction chamber may discharge an amount of
the hydrogen gas generated in the channel based on the received
demand.
[0010] Consistent with another disclosed embodiment, a system for
generating hydrogen gas using a borohydride liquid solution is
provided. The system for generating hydrogen gas using a
borohydride liquid solution may include a channel including a
catalyst for causing the hydrogen gas to be produced from the
borohydride liquid solution, the channel including an inlet end for
the borohydride liquid solution and an outlet end for a spent
solution. The system may also include a valve for controlling a
rate of flow of the borohydride liquid solution through the
channel; a gas outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas generated in
the channel; and at least one processor configured to receive at
least one indicator of a demand for the hydrogen gas, and to
control the valve to adjust the rate of flow of the borohydride
liquid solution in the channel to meet the demand for the hydrogen
gas. Additionally, the system may include a hydrogen storage
tank.
[0011] The foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale or
exhaustive. Instead, the emphasis is generally placed upon
illustrating the principles of the inventions described herein.
These drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of
this specification, illustrate several embodiments consistent with
the disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve
to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustrative system for hydrogen generation
consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a system
for hydrogen generation consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 3 is another illustrative cross-sectional view of a
system for hydrogen generation consistent with disclosed
embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 4-6 are illustrative cross-sectional views of a
reaction chamber for hydrogen generation consistent with disclosed
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of a reaction chamber for
hydrogen generation with a mixing element consistent with disclosed
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of a reaction chamber for
hydrogen generation with multiple inlets consistent with disclosed
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a reaction chamber for
hydrogen generation with multiple elements consistent with
disclosed embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of a reaction chamber for
hydrogen generation consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an illustrative view of a reaction chamber for
hydrogen generation containing multiple channels consistent with
disclosed embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a
reaction chamber for hydrogen generation containing expanding
channel consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0023] FIGS. 13A-13D are illustrative views of a reaction chamber
for hydrogen generation containing a serpentine channel consistent
with disclosed embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 13E is an illustrative view of a flow of a liquid
carrier in a reaction chamber for hydrogen generation consistent
with disclosed embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a
reaction chamber for hydrogen generation containing a loop channel
consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an illustrative flowchart of a process of
operating a reaction chamber for hydrogen generation containing a
loop channel consistent with disclosed embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 16 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a
reaction chamber for hydrogen generation in the form of a
showerhead consistent with disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments, discussed with regards to the accompanying drawings.
In some instances, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to
the same or like parts. Unless otherwise defined, technical and/or
scientific terms have the meaning commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed embodiments are described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the
materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not
intended to be necessarily limiting.
[0029] In various embodiments of the present invention, a system
for storing a hydrogen liquid carrier and related chemical
compounds and/or byproducts is disclosed in connection with a
hydrogen generating system 10 for generating hydrogen for powering
a fuel cell. In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
hydrogen generating system 10 may include a storage system 20 for
storing a hydrogen liquid carrier. Storage system 20 may include a
carrier tank 100 having several chambers (e.g., chambers 101 and
102), a carrier outlet line 113, (arrow 114 indicates a flow of a
hydrogen liquid carrier), a spent carrier inlet line 115 (arrow 116
indicates a flow of a spent carrier), a reaction chamber 120 for
producing hydrogen, and a catalyst 121 for facilitating generation
of hydrogen from a hydrogen liquid carrier. In an illustrative
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a hydrogen outflow line 125A (arrow 122
indicates the direction of hydrogen flow) may deliver hydrogen from
reaction chamber 120 to a hydrogen storage chamber 126. Chamber 126
may then deliver hydrogen via a hydrogen line 125B to a fuel cell
130.
[0030] In various embodiments, a hydrogen liquid carrier may
include metal hydrides, and in some embodiments, metal
borohydrides. In an illustrative embodiment, metal borohydrides may
include any chemical compound that may be described by formula
M.sup.1-BH.sub.4, where M.sup.1 may be a metal selected from a
column I of the periodic table of elements, or alloys of metals
selected from a column I of the periodic table of elements. In an
illustrative embodiment, metal M.sup.1 may include any of Li, Na,
K, Rb, Cs, Ca, and Fr. In some embodiments, however, metal M.sup.1
may be selected from column II of the periodic table and may
include Mg and Be. Alternatively, M.sup.1 metal may also include
Al, Ti, Be, Ca or other suitable metals.
[0031] In some embodiments, a hydrogen liquid carrier may include
chemical compounds containing more than one metal. In an
illustrative embodiment, the hydrogen liquid carrier may include
ternary hydrides with a chemical compound described by a formula
M.sup.1aM.sup.1b-H.sub.4, where M.sup.1a and M.sup.1b may be
metals. In an example embodiment, M.sup.1a may include Li, Na, K,
Rb, Cs, Ti, Be, Fr, or other suitable metals. In an example
embodiment, M.sup.1b may include Al, Ni, Be, Ca, Ti, or other
suitable metals. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen liquid
carrier may include quaternary hydrides, such as Li--B--H or other
suitable quaternary hydrides described by formula
m.sup.1a-H.sub.4.
[0032] The hydrogen liquid carrier may include other chemical
compounds other than an aqueous solution of metal hydrides or metal
borohydrides. For example, the hydrogen liquid carrier may include
solubility-enhancing chemicals or stabilizers, such as soluble
metal hydroxides (e.g., sodium hydroxide). Other usable stabilizers
may include potassium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide, among others.
The liquid component of the hydrogen liquid carrier may include any
suitable liquid. Such liquids may include water or alcohols. The
liquid carrier may also include additives, stabilizers, or other
reaction enhancers, such as sodium hydroxide as a stabilizer, a
polyglycol as a surfactant, or many others.
[0033] In various embodiments, a hydrogen liquid carrier may also
be referred to as a liquid carrier, carrier or a hydrogen-based
liquid fuel. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term
"liquid carrier" or "hydrogen liquid carrier" may refer to a
carrier configured to release hydrogen under appropriate
temperature and pressure conditions in the proximity of a catalyst.
As used herein, unless otherwise specified the term "depleted" when
referring to a spent carrier describes the hydrogen liquid carrier
after either fully or partially releasing hydrogen. For example,
when the carrier is fifty percent depleted, half of all the
available hydrogen has been released by the carrier as compared to
the maximum amount of hydrogen that can be released by the carrier.
In various embodiments, a depleted carrier may also be referred to
as a spent carrier. In some embodiments, the spent carrier may
include a partially depleted carrier and may contain some hydrogen
that can still be released from the carrier.
[0034] In various embodiments, a spent carrier is formed during a
reaction when hydrogen is released from a hydrogen liquid carrier.
In an example embodiment, a reaction may include the reaction of
metal borohydrides (described by formula M.sup.1-BH.sub.4) with
water leading to M.sup.1-metaborate formation, where M.sup.1 Li,
Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ti, Be, Fr, or other suitable metals.
[0035] In various embodiments, the chemical reaction between
reactants, such as M.sup.1-BH.sub.4 and water may be performed when
reactants are dissolved in water. In an illustrative embodiment, an
aqueous solution of M.sup.1-BH.sub.4 may be used as a hydrogen
liquid carrier, and via chemical reaction, may release hydrogen and
form a spent carrier, that may be an aqueous solution of metal
borate. While an aqueous solution of metal borate is one example of
the spent carrier, the spent carrier may include various other
chemical compounds. In an illustrative process, when metal hydrides
are used as a hydrogen liquid carrier, the resulting spent carrier
may include metals and metaborates.
[0036] In various embodiments, a hydrogen liquid carrier may
release hydrogen in a reaction chamber 120 when in contact with
catalyst 121. In various embodiments, catalyst 121 may include any
suitable catalyst for facilitating hydrogen production and may
include transition metals, such as Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Ru, Pt, B,
alloys, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, catalyst 121
may include a Group III metal, Cobalt-P, Cobalt-B, Cobalt-Ni, P and
Cobalt-NIB or Electriq Global.TM. E-Switch. In various embodiments,
generated hydrogen may be delivered via outflow line 125A to
hydrogen storage chamber 126 and, subsequently, to fuel cell 130.
In various embodiments, system 10 may include pressure sensors and
pressure pumps (not shown in FIG. 1) facilitating the flow of a
hydrogen liquid carrier, a spent carrier, and flow of hydrogen
through lines 113, 115, 125A and 125B. For example, a pump may be
used to pump the hydrogen liquid carrier into a pressurized
reaction chamber 120. In some embodiments, the hydrogen liquid
carrier may flow into reaction chamber 120 as hydrogen is released
from reaction chamber 120 and stored in hydrogen chamber 126. In an
example embodiment, a pump may be used to transfer hydrogen from
chamber 120 to chamber 126.
[0037] In various embodiments, system 10 may include controllers
that may be operated by a computing system 15 schematically shown
in FIG. 1. Computing system 15 may include a computer-readable
storage medium 150 that can retain and store data and program
instructions for execution by a processor 140. Storage medium 150
may include, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic
storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic
storage device, or any suitable combination of such devices or
other suitable electronic storage devices. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium may
include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a
static random access memory (SRAM) a memory stick, or/and the
like.
[0038] Program instructions stored on computer-readable storage
medium 150 may include assembler instructions, machine dependent
instructions, firmware instructions, source code or object code
written in any combination of one or more programming languages,
including an object oriented programming languages, procedural
programming languages or functional programming languages. The
programming language may be Fortran, Lisp, C++ or the like. The
program instructions may be executed by processor 140 of computing
system 15. In some embodiments, the computing system may provide a
user interface 16 for modifying data, for updating program
instructions or for entering various parameters used by the program
instructions.
[0039] In various embodiments, processor 140 of computer system 15
may be configured to receive a signal (also referred to as
indicator) indicating a demand for the hydrogen gas. In response
processor 140 may control one or more valves to adjust the rate of
flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to meet the demand for the
hydrogen gas. In an illustrative embodiment, the signal indicating
the demand for the hydrogen gas may be generated by any power
consuming system configured to use hydrogen as a source of fuel.
For example, for system 10 installed on a vehicle, the signal
indicating the demand for hydrogen gas may originate from or may be
associated various vehicle systems (e.g., power control processors,
accelerator systems, hydrogen combustion control systems, advanced
driver assist systems (ADAS), autonomous vehicle control systems,
etc.).
[0040] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of system 10
including carrier tank 100, reactor chamber 120, hydrogen supply
outlet 125A, catalyst 121, as well as a reactor stop valve 201, a
main carrier rail 207, a drain valve 203, and a carrier supply
valve 205. In various embodiments, carrier supply valve 205 may
supply a hydrogen liquid carrier from the external source to
carrier tank 100, a drain valve 203 may drain a spent carrier from
reactor 120, and reactor stop valve 201 may control the flow of a
hydrogen liquid carrier from the carrier tank to reactor 120. In an
illustrative embodiment, system 10 depicted in FIG. 2 may produce
hydrogen from a hydrogen liquid carrier in discontinuous, periodic
cycles. In such an embodiment, main carrier rail 207 may be used
for supplying a hydrogen liquid carrier from carrier tank 100 to
reactor chamber 120 as well as for discharging a spent carrier from
reactor chamber 120 via drain valve 203. In an example embodiment,
system 10 may operate by first flowing the hydrogen liquid carrier
via rail 207 from carrier reservoir 100 to reactor chamber 120.
There, the hydrogen liquid carrier may react with catalyst 121 to
release hydrogen, which may be carried from reactor chamber 120 by
hydrogen supply outlet 125A. After completion of a hydrogen
production cycle, or at any other suitable time, a spent hydrogen
liquid carrier may be collected from reactor chamber 120, flowed
through carrier rail 207, and may exit from system 10 via drain
valve 203.
[0041] In contrast to the cyclical hydrogen generating system 10 of
FIG. 2, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may operate to generate
hydrogen in a more continuous manner. For example, a hydrogen
liquid carrier may be flowed from an upper cylinder head as shown
for example by arrows 301 and collected at the bottom of chamber
120 as a spent carrier. In various embodiments, catalyst 121 may be
deposited on walls 310 of chamber 120 and may facilitate hydrogen
release from the hydrogen liquid carrier as the carrier passes in
proximity of walls 310. In various embodiments, hydrogen may be
collected at the top of chamber 120 for example at hydrogen
manifold 315 for flowing to hydrogen storage chamber 126, or for
flowing to a fuel cell 130 (or to any other hydrogen storage or
consumption unit).
[0042] In various embodiments, chamber 120 may include a liquid
cooling system, such as for example a cooling water jacket 325 as
shown in FIG. 3. Jacket 325 may be configured to cool walls 310 of
reaction chamber 120. The cooling jackets may include a liquid
disposed within the jackets. In some embodiments, the cooling
jackets may contain a cooling fluid to promote thermal management.
The cooling fluid may consist of water, glycol, or some other gas
or liquid coolant or combination thereof. The cooling jacket may
contain a number of fins or baffles inside the jacket to promote
heat transfer. Alternatively, the cooling jackets may include a
shell and tube heat exchanger or other known heat transfer device.
The cooling jackets may be included within the walls of reaction
chamber 120 by various alternative structures.
[0043] Another embodiment of reaction chamber 120 is shown in FIG.
4. This embodiment includes a channel 412 with an inlet 401 for
receiving a hydrogen liquid carrier and an outlet 410 for
outputting a spent carrier. The flow rate of the hydrogen liquid
carrier may be controlled via an inlet valve 402 and an outlet
valve 409 by a flow rate controller 420. Reaction chamber 120 may
include a catalysts 403A and 403B. In an example embodiment,
catalyst 403A may be deposited over at least a portion of a surface
of walls 310 of channel 412. Additionally or alternatively,
catalyst 403B may be provided within the channel.
[0044] In various embodiments, catalyst 403B may be configured to
be removable and may be secured to channel 412 by screws, bolts,
clamps, clips, locking mechanisms, welding, adhesive or any other
means. In an illustrated embodiment, catalyst 403B may include
multiple porous sheets positioned within the flow formed by the
hydrogen liquid carrier flowing through channel 412. In an
illustrative embodiment, catalyst 403B may include porous sheets
positioned across the flow, aligned with the flow or arranged at an
angle to the flow. In some embodiments, catalyst 403B may include
multiple porous sheets with some sheets positioned at a first angle
to the flow and some sheets positioned at a second angle to the
flow. For example, some sheets may be positioned across the flow,
and some sheets may be positioned along the flow.
[0045] While the present disclosure provides an example
configuration of catalyst 403B, it should be noted that the
disclosure is not limited to a particular configuration of catalyst
403B. For example, catalyst 403B may be configured in a
substantially planar configuration, cylindrical configuration, as a
porous block, as a porous cylinder, or as a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional mesh, or in any other suitable configuration. In
some embodiments, catalyst 403B may be configured to have various
other shapes, for example, to promote a flow of the hydrogen liquid
carrier within channel 412, or to maximize a surface wetted area of
catalyst 403A or catalyst 403B by the hydrogen liquid carrier. In
some embodiments, catalyst 403B may be configured as a corrugated
sheet or mesh. In other embodiments, catalyst 403B may be arranged
in a structured packing configuration. This may include known
structured packing configurations, such as a honeycomb, gauze,
knitted, sheet metal, grid or other known structured packing
configuration. In other embodiments, catalyst 403B may include a
spherical or tubular configuration. In some embodiments, channel
412 of reaction chamber 120 may have multiple regions containing
catalyst 403A or catalyst 403B.
[0046] In various embodiments, the catalyst material forming
catalyst 403A or catalyst 403B may include a metal structure and a
catalytic coating on the metal structure. In some embodiments, the
coating may include Ni. The coating may be formed as a single layer
or may include multiple layers (e.g., layers formed through
different processes and/or layers including different materials,
etc.). While the present disclosure provides examples of a catalyst
with a Ni coating, it should be noted that aspects of the
disclosure in their broadest sense, are not limited to any
particular composition or structure of catalyst 403A or catalyst
403B.
[0047] In some embodiments, the metal structure may be composed of
stainless steel. The Ni coating on the metal structure may require
a specific roughness value or range of roughness values. In some
embodiments, the Ni layer may have a roughness value between the
range of 6.3-25 .mu.m calculated as the Roughness Average (Ra).
While the present disclosure provides examples of exemplary
roughness values, it should be noted that aspects of the disclosure
in their broadest sense, are not limited to these particular
values.
[0048] In various embodiments, the flow rate of the hydrogen liquid
carrier may be determined in view of a hydrogen release rate and a
requested or required rate of hydrogen production. For example, in
some cases, to achieve a higher rate of hydrogen release from the
hydrogen liquid carrier, the flow rate of the hydrogen liquid
carrier to a reaction chamber may be increased. In various
embodiments, the flow rate of the hydrogen liquid carrier may be
calibrated or correlated with the rate of hydrogen release or
hydrogen depletion rate. The calibrated or correlation data may be
stored in a memory unit (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium
150) as an operational data that can be accessed by a flow
controller. In various embodiments, the flow controller may be
controlled by computing system 15.
[0049] In various embodiments, the flow rate of the hydrogen liquid
carrier may affect the extent to which the hydrogen liquid carrier
is depleted (e.g., what percentage of the available hydrogen in the
hydrogen liquid carrier is released). In some embodiments, any of
the length of channel 412, the amount of catalyst 403A and 403B, or
the placement of catalyst 403B within channel 412 may affect the
amount of depletion of the hydrogen liquid carrier. In some
embodiments, channel 412 may be configured to result in the fully
depleted or nearly fully depleted hydrogen liquid carrier (e.g.,
depletion percentages nearing or equaling one hundred percent) in
view of a certain flow rate of the hydrogen liquid carrier. In some
cases, the design of channel 412 may facilitate complete depletion
of the hydrogen liquid carrier even when reaction chamber 120 is
operating at a maximum output level within allowed operational
parameters.
[0050] One or more hydrogen outlets may be located in any suitable
location within reaction chamber 120. In some cases, hydrogen
outlets 405A-405C may be located along an upper wall portion of
channel 412. In an illustrative embodiment, the flow rate of
hydrogen from channel 412 may be controlled by a hydrogen flow
controller 430 operating valves 421A-421C for hydrogen outlets
405A-405C. In various embodiments, hydrogen flow controller 430 may
be operated by computing system 15 of system 10.
[0051] In an illustrative embodiment, processor 140 of system 15
may receive a signal indicating a demand for the hydrogen gas and
adjust a rate of flow of the liquid carrier in the channel using
flow rate controller 420 controlling valves 402 and 409, based on
the received demand. In various embodiments, processor 140 may be
configured to receive at least one indicator of the demand for
hydrogen gas, and adjust the rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid
carrier to meet the demand for hydrogen gas. Additionally, or
alternatively, processor 140 may operate hydrogen flow controller
430 to discharge an amount of the hydrogen gas generated in the
channel based on the received demand.
[0052] The indicator of the demand for hydrogen gas may include
signals generated by any system configured to use hydrogen. The
signals may be generated by one or more sensors, such as pressure
sensors, hydrogen flow rate sensors, or the like. In some
embodiments, the amount of the hydrogen gas discharged by hydrogen
flow controller 430 may be detected by a sensor, such as a hydrogen
pressure sensor, hydrogen flow rate sensor and/or the like. In
various embodiments, the pressure sensor may be installed in a
region of chamber 120 that contains hydrogen. In various
embodiments, the demand for hydrogen gas may correspond to a need
for more hydrogen gas, a need for less hydrogen gas, or a need for
a maintained level of hydrogen gas supply. Flow rate controller 420
and hydrogen flow controller 430 can respond by controlling the
valves (e.g. valves 402 and 409 controlled by flow rate controller
420, and valves 421A-421C controlled by hydrogen flow controller
430) to increase, decrease or maintain a supply of hydrogen
gas.
[0053] In some embodiments, reaction chamber 120 main include
channel 412 with several subsections, with each subsection having a
subsection outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas. In some
embodiments, a number of subsections may be selected such that the
carrier is depleted after passing through all the subsections,
resulting in a spent carrier, and wherein the spent carrier is
discharged from the reaction chamber 120 via outlet 410. In some
embodiments, reaction chamber 120 may include sensors for
monitoring hydrogen pressure at various subsection outlets of
channel 412.
[0054] FIGS. 5-7 show various embodiments for controlling a flow of
a hydrogen liquid carrier within chamber 120 consistent with
various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In an illustrative
embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier
may enter chamber 120 via inflow inlet 401. In various embodiments,
flow control fins 510 may be present within chamber 120. Flow
control fins 510 may be configured to move in various directions as
schematically illustrated by arrows 513 or may be configured to
rotate around central regions 512 as schematically illustrated by
arrows 514. Fins 510 may be moved or rotated in any suitable way.
In various embodiments, the position and orientation of fins 510
may be controlled by computing system 15. In an illustrative
embodiment, fins 510 may be positioned to create vortices within
the flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to enhance carrier mixing
and to maximize carrier interaction with catalyst 403A and 403B. In
various embodiments, chamber 120 may include one or more fins 510.
In some embodiments, catalyst 403B may be deposited over fins
510.
[0055] In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, chamber 120
may include more than one inlet for entering the hydrogen liquid
carrier. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, chamber 120 may include
an inlet 601A and an inlet 601B that, in some cases, may be
positioned at an angle .theta. relative to inlet 601A, as shown in
FIG. 6. In some embodiments, flow controllers may control the flow
rate of the hydrogen liquid carrier into inlet 601A and inlet 601B
to provide an adequate flow (e.g., the flow rate and the flow
mixing) of the hydrogen liquid carrier through chamber 120. Various
other configurations of the hydrogen liquid carrier inlets are also
possible. For example, chamber 120 may have more than two inlets.
Chamber 120 may have a set of inlets that are distributed
throughout a portion or entirety of chamber 120, etc.
[0056] In some configurations, inlets such as 601A and 601B may be
parallel, perpendicular or on opposite sides of the reaction
chamber relative to one another. Another example of a carrier inlet
is shown in FIG. 7. Particularly, inlet 701 may be positioned to
deliver hydrogen liquid carrier tangentially relative to walls of
chamber 120, as shown in FIG. 7 by streamline 702. In an
illustrative embodiment, the hydrogen liquid carrier may have a
rotational velocity along the walls of chamber 120. In an
illustrative embodiment, chamber 120 may include a mixing element
703 placed within chamber 120 configured to enhance mixing of the
hydrogen liquid carrier. In an illustrative embodiment, mixing
element 703 may be stationary. In some embodiments, mixing
component 703 may rotate around axis 704. In some embodiments axis
704 may be aligned with an axis of chamber 120, and in some
embodiments, axis 704 may not be aligned with the axis of chamber
120.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows an illustrative embodiment including multiple
inlets, such as inlets 801A-801C that may be present in chamber
120. Each of the inlets 801A-801C may be associated with a
corresponding flow controller 802A-802C. In various embodiments,
each flow controller 802A-802C may separately control the flow of
the hydrogen liquid carrier to a corresponding inlet. In various
embodiments, chamber 120 may include a hydrogen outlet 803 with
respective a hydrogen flow controller 804. Controller 804 may allow
hydrogen to be released from chamber 120. In some embodiments,
controller 804 enables hydrogen release depending on pressure and
temperature within chamber 120, as sensed by sensor 820.
[0058] In various embodiments, chamber 120 may include an inlet 805
and a corresponding flow controller 806 for flowing a liquid 815
that may be used to facilitate hydrogen generation within chamber
120. In some embodiments, liquid 815 may include chemical compounds
that may be used for forming solutions of the hydrogen liquid
carrier. Such chemical compounds may include solubility-enhancing
chemicals or stabilizers, such as soluble metal hydroxides, such as
LiOH, NaOH, CaOH or KOH or the like. In various embodiments, liquid
815 may include any liquid capable of reacting with a
hydrogen-containing chemical compound (e.g., metal borohydride),
and may include, but is not limited to, water. The liquid solvent
may also include additives, stabilizers, or other reaction
enhancers, such as a surfactant, or others. In various embodiments,
the mixture of a liquid and hydrogen containing chemical compound
may result in a colloid or a suspension. In some embodiments,
liquid 815 may include destabilizing agents.
[0059] In various embodiments, chamber 120 depicted in FIG. 8 may
have an outlet 820 and related flow controller 821 for discharging
a depleted (spent) carrier from chamber 120. In various
embodiments, flow controllers 802A-802C, 804, 806, 808, and 821 may
be used to control pressure within chamber 120. In various
embodiments, computer system 15 may be used to control various flow
controllers shown in FIG. 8.
[0060] FIG. 9, shows an illustrative embodiment of chamber 120 with
an inlet 901, a hydrogen outlet 902, and a spent carrier outlet
910, with chamber 120 including various elements 905 designed to
affect the flow within the chamber. In various embodiments, flow
elements 905 may include two- and three-dimensional mesh elements,
or porous cylinders. In some embodiments, elements 905 may be
coated by a catalyst. In various embodiments, the catalyst may
include a metal structure (e.g., a support structure) and a
catalytic coating on the metal structure. In some embodiments, the
coating may include an inner layer including Ni and one or more
outer layers including a catalyst material.
[0061] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative embodiment of chamber 120,
where inlet 1001 and outlet 1010 are located on the bottom side
1020 of the chamber. The flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier may
turn at the top side of chamber 120 resulting in added vortices in
the proximity of hydrogen outlet 1002. In various embodiments,
chamber 120 may be positioned vertically, such that hydrogen outlet
1002 is in the top portion of chamber 120. The illustrative
embodiment of chamber 120 depicted in FIG. 10 may be useful from a
design standpoint, as the fluid and gas connections are on
different sides of the chamber, which may facilitate mixing within
the flow due to flow turning at the top side of chamber 120.
[0062] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative design of chamber 120
configured to have multiple channels. In an illustrative
embodiment, each channel may have walls covered with a catalyst. In
various embodiments, channels may have different cross-sections. As
an illustrative example, middle channels, such as channels 1101A
and 1101B may have a first cross-section, channels 1102A and 1102B
may have a second cross-section different from a first
cross-section, and channel 1103 may have a third cross-section
different from the first or the second cross-section. In some
embodiments, the cross-sections of the channels may be chosen such
that the flow at least in the proximity of the outlets of the
channels promotes mixing. It should be noted that aspects of the
channels discussed above are only illustrative and various other
embodiments are possible. For example, channels may all have the
same cross-section.
[0063] In various embodiments, the presence of multiple channels
may allow for additional (finer) control of the flow of the
hydrogen liquid carrier. For example, in some embodiments, each
channel may have separate flow control. In some embodiments, some
channels may be open for flow and some channels may be closed for
flow depending on requirements for the rate of hydrogen release. In
some embodiments, channels may differ in catalysts present in the
channels or may differ in channel wall roughness. In some
embodiments, channels may differ in the chemical constituents of
the hydrogen liquid carrier intended to flow through the channel.
For example, channels 1101A and 1101B may flow aqueous solutions of
a hydrogen liquid carrier with a first ratio of solvent-to-solute,
while channels 1102A and 1102B may flow aqueous solutions of a
hydrogen liquid carrier with a second ratio of solvent-to-solute.
In some illustrative embodiments, the hydrogen liquid carriers
flowed through channels 1102A and 1102B may be more concentrated
than the hydrogen liquid carrier flowed through channels 1101A and
1101B
[0064] In some embodiments, reaction chamber 120 may include a
variable cross-section. In an illustrative embodiment of a
cross-section of chamber 120, shown in FIG. 12, chamber 120 may
include a gradually expanding profile, which may result in a
slowing of the flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier (the flow of the
hydrogen liquid carrier is indicated by flow lines 1231). In an
illustrative embodiment, the expansion of the volume of chamber 120
may facilitate control of hydrogen release rates from the hydrogen
liquid carrier that is partially depleted at the proximity of the
exit of chamber 120. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 12,
chamber 120 may include catalytic walls 1221 presented in chamber
120 as shown in FIG. 12. In various embodiments, hydrogen outlet
channels 1211 may be present in chamber 120, with the number of
hydrogen channels per unit area increasing at the proximity of the
exit of chamber 120.
[0065] In various embodiments, the carrier depletion may increase
towards the end of chamber 120 as shown for example by a curve
1251, which represents hydrogen concentration in a hydrogen liquid
carrier over the length of chamber 120. In various embodiments,
flow velocity may decrease as shown for example by a curve 1253,
which represents a flow velocity of the hydrogen liquid carrier as
it traverses the length of chamber 120. In various embodiments, a
decrease in the flow rate of the hydrogen liquid carrier and an
increase in the wetted catalytic surface due to the presence of
catalytic walls 1221 may offset the depletion of the hydrogen
liquid carrier resulting in constant or near constant hydrogen
release rate over the length profile of chamber 120, as indicated
by curve 1256. It should be noted that the hydrogen release rate is
not necessarily required to be constant throughout chamber 120 and
any other suitable hydrogen release rate may be adequate. In
various embodiments, chamber 120 may include multiple hydrogen
outlet channels 1221 and may include any number of channels placed
at any location of chamber 120.
[0066] FIGS. 13A and 13B show an illustrative embodiment of chamber
120 forming a serpentine channel 1305 and having an inlet 1301 and
an outlet 1302. Serpentine channel 1305 may facilitate interaction
of the hydrogen liquid carrier with a catalyst that may be
deposited on the walls of serpentine channel 1305. In various
embodiments, serpentine channel 1305 may result in the flow of the
hydrogen liquid carrier progressing through turns that may promote
mixing of the carrier. Furthermore, serpentine channel 1305 may be
selected to have a large surface area to further promote catalyst
interaction with the flow of the carrier. In various embodiments,
serpentine channel 1305 may include multiple hydrogen outlets 1310
as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Designing chamber 120 as a
serpentine channel 1305 may be beneficial for applications where
chamber 120 needs to occupy a small volume while maintaining a long
chamber. Configuring chamber 120 as a serpentine channel 1305 may
be convenient for heat management of the chamber. For example, a
heating or cooling module 1370, as shown in FIG. 13C, may be
installed in proximity of at least one side of serpentine chamber
1305 for efficient heat management. FIG. 13D shows an embodiment
where heat managing units 1372 and 1371 may be installed on
opposing sides of serpentine channel 1305 with multiple hydrogen
outlets 1310 positioned as shown in FIG. 13D. In various
embodiments, serpentine channel 1305 may promote mixing as shown
for example by streamlines 1350 in FIG. 13E. Such streamlines may
be generated, for example, by computational fluid dynamics
simulations for the flow in serpentine chamber 1305.
[0067] FIG. 13C shows an example of serpentine chamber 1305 with
module 1370. In some embodiments, more than one reaction chamber
may be used for hydrogen production from a hydrogen liquid carrier.
In an example embodiment, two or more reaction chambers (e.g., a
first and a second reaction chamber) with a heating and/or cooling
module for each chamber may be used. In an example embodiment, the
heating moduli of these chambers may be thermally connected, such
that heat from the first reaction chamber may be transferred to the
second reaction chamber.
[0068] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative embodiment of chamber 120
configured to include a loop channel 1410. In some embodiments, the
hydrogen liquid carrier may enter loop channel 1410 via an inlet
1401, with the flow controlled by an inflow valve 1411. In various
embodiments, channel 1410 may include a catalyst. In some cases,
the catalyst may be deposited over the walls of channel 1410, and
in some cases, the catalyst may be present within the channel as an
insertable element. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the
catalyst unit may be configured to be removable and may be secured
to a portion of channel 1410 by screws, bolts, clamps, clips,
locking mechanisms, adhesive or any other means. In an illustrated
embodiment, the catalyst may include multiple porous sheets
positioned within the loop channel 1410. In various embodiments,
walls of loop channel 1410 may include roughness elements. In some
embodiments, walls may have a roughness value between the range of
6.3-25 .mu.m calculated as the roughness average. In some
embodiments, walls may be coated by Ni, followed by deposition of a
catalyst. In various embodiments, the catalyst may include any
suitable catalyst for facilitating hydrogen production and may
include transition metals, such as Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Ru, Pt, alloys,
and combinations thereof. While the present disclosure provides
examples of exemplary roughness values, it should be noted that
aspects of the disclosure in their broadest sense, are not limited
to these particular values.
[0069] In various embodiments, an inflow of the hydrogen liquid
carrier may be facilitated by a pump, as the pressure inside
reaction chamber 120 may be higher than the pressure in the inflow
valve. In some embodiments, the pressure in reaction chamber 120
may be reduced by releasing hydrogen via a hydrogen outflow 1421.
In an illustrative embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, chamber 120 may
include a section 1422 for storing hydrogen.
[0070] In various embodiments, the hydrogen liquid carrier may
circulate within loop channel 1410 through operation of a pump
1415, which may be operated at predetermined intervals and/or for a
predetermined amount of time. In an example embodiment, the flow
rate of the hydrogen liquid carrier and the time of circulation of
the carrier within the chamber may be controlled by computing
system 15. In an example embodiment, chamber 120 may include a
pressure sensor 1460 that measures pressure (e.g., hydrogen
pressure) within a chamber. In an example embodiment, data from
pressure sensor 1460 may be transmitted to computing system 15 for
evaluating changes in pressure as a function of time, as shown for
example by curve 1461. When pressure is substantially unchanged or
constant (e.g., region 1462 of curve 1461) no release (or
generation) of hydrogen may be observed, which may indicate that
the hydrogen liquid carrier may be depleted. The depleted (or
spent) hydrogen liquid carrier may be discharged via an outlet 1431
by opening an outflow valve 1402.
[0071] In some embodiments, the spent carrier may be discharged
from chamber 120, as the hydrogen liquid carrier flows into a
chamber. In various embodiments, chamber 120 may also include an
inlet 1440 for flowing various chemical compounds or liquids into
chamber 120. In some embodiments, inlet 1440 may be configured to
flow water. For example, in some embodiments, water may be
circulated in channel 1410 for cleaning channel 1410.
[0072] In some embodiments, inflow 1401 may allow a concentrated
hydrogen liquid carrier to enter loop channel 1410, and water may
be added via inflow 1440. During the circulation of the hydrogen
liquid carrier within loop channel 1410, the concentrated hydrogen
liquid carrier may be mixed with water to provide an aqueous
solution of a hydrogen liquid carrier. During a process of
discharging a spent carrier, the spent carrier may be released by
opening an outflow valve, while, at the same time, adding more
water into loop channel 1410 via inflow 1440.
[0073] FIG. 15 illustrates a process 1500 for operating loop
channel 1410 of chamber 120. At step 1501 of process 1500 hydrogen
outflow 1421 may be opened allowing some of the hydrogen to be
released from channel 1410; at step 1503 inflow valve 1411 may be
opened allowing a hydrogen liquid carrier to enter channel 1410; at
step 1505 hydrogen valve 1421 may be closed and inflow valve 1411
may be closed, and pump starts cycling the hydrogen liquid carrier
at step 1507. During the carrier cycling, the carrier is depleted
releasing hydrogen and increasing pressure inside chamber 120. At
step 1509, when the hydrogen liquid carrier is partially or fully
depleted (as can be, for example, tested by pressure sensor 1460),
valve 1431 may be opened allowing for the spent carrier to exit the
channel 1410.
[0074] In various embodiments, system 10 may include more than one
loop channel 1410 as shown in FIG. 14. For example, system 10 may
include a fast and a slow loop channel. The fast loop channel may
be similar to loop channel 1410 and may be configured for releasing
a large amount of hydrogen quickly. For example, the fast channel
may be configured to circulate the hydrogen liquid carrier at a
fast rate through the fast loop channel. The fast channel may not
be configured to completely deplete the hydrogen liquid carrier,
and a partially depleted hydrogen liquid carrier may flow to the
slow channel. The slow channel, on the other hand, may be
configured to completely deplete the hydrogen liquid carrier by
allowing the carrier to release all of its contained hydrogen
through a slow circulation process.
[0075] FIG. 16 shows an illustrative embodiment of chamber 120
configured in a form of a showerhead 1630. The hydrogen-based fluid
may enter showerhead 1630 via inlet 1601, pass through serpentine
section 1612 to reduce variation in flow velocity and pressure due
to inflow conditions. After passing serpentine section 1612, the
flow may enter a set of outflow channels 1602. Each outflow channel
may include a catalyst. In an illustrative embodiment, the catalyst
may be deposited on the walls of channels 1602. In various
embodiments, the catalyst may also be presented in the serpentine
section 1612. For example, the catalyst may be deposited on the
walls forming serpentine section 1602. In various embodiments,
outflow channels may include hydrogen outlets 1610 for releasing
hydrogen from chamber 120.
[0076] In various embodiments, the design of chamber 120 may
include computational simulations to evaluate the efficiency of
hydrogen release. For example, during computational simulation,
various trajectories of liquid volumes within the flow of the
hydrogen liquid carrier may be evaluated. For each trajectory, an
effective time that describes the interaction of liquid volume with
the catalyst may be estimated.
[0077] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of
illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise
forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of
the embodiments will be apparent from a consideration of the
specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For
example, while certain components have been described as being
coupled to one another, such components may be integrated with one
another or distributed in any suitable fashion.
[0078] Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described
herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having
equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g.,
of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or
alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements in the
claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed
in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present
specification or during the prosecution of the application, which
examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps
of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including
reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps.
[0079] The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent
from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the
appended claims cover all systems and methods falling within the
true spirit and scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the
indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more." Similarly, the
use of a plural term does not necessarily denote a plurality unless
it is unambiguous in the given context. Words such as "and" or "or"
mean "and/or" unless specifically directed otherwise. Further,
since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur from
studying the present disclosure, it is not desired to limit the
disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0080] Other embodiments will be apparent from a consideration of
the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.
It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as
an example only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed
embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *