Demand responsive hydrogen generator based on hydride water reaction

Abstract

The reaction of alkali, alkali-earth metal hydride with water is utilized for the generation of hydrogen in a novel generator configuration. This overcomes the problem associated with the expansion of the hydride upon its conversion to hydroxide or oxide when reacting with water encountered in prior art generators. The hydride cartridge is comprised of a structure of corrugated perforated sheet metal and several layers of water wicking material, which hydride granules has dispersed within it. The hydride cartridge is housed in a reactor to which liquid water is admitted in a controlled mode. As the water enters the reactor and reaches the cartridge, hydrogen is instantaneously generated by the hydride water reaction. The hydrogen generation continues as long as unreacted hydride remains and water is being admitted. The wicking material allows the reaction to proceed inasmuch as it overcomes the rate limiting effect of diffusion barriers which may develop as portions of the hydride granules are reacted. As the reaction proceeds, compression of the sheet metal corrugations of the cartridge structure accommodates the volumetric expansion associated with hydride expansion. The combination of the corrugated cartridge structure and the wicking material dispersed throughout the cartridge facilitate the complete utilization of the hydride and water in a demand responsive mode. The generator is utilizable where intermediate hydrogen storage is impractical, e.g., for electric power generation in fuel cells generally and for underwater vehicles to overcome space restraints.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.