US 5,634,341 A · System for generating hydrogen

Abstract

A process and apparatus are disclosed for generating hydrogen gas from a charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium and alloys of lithium and aluminum. The charge of fuel is placed into an enclosed vessel, then heated until it is molten. A reactant consisting of water is introduced into the vessel, as by spraying from a nozzle, for reaction with the charge of fuel resulting in the production of hydrogen gas and heat which are withdrawn from the vessel. Prior to initiation of the process, an inert gas atmosphere, such as argon, may be imparted to the interior of the vessel. A sufficiently large mass flow of the reactant through the nozzle is maintained to assure that there be no diminution of flow resulting from the formation on the nozzle of fuel and chemical compounds of the fuel. Optimum charges of the fuel are application specific and the ranges of the constituents are dependent upon the particular use of the system. The process and apparatus of the invention may be incorporated into a Rankine cycle engine or into a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell system.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A process for generating hydrogen gas comprising the steps of:

(a) containing a charge of solid fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium, and alloys of lithium and aluminum, and alloys of lithium and aluminum and lithium hydride, and alloys of lithium and lithium hydride in an enclosed vessel defining a single chamber;
(b) sealing the vessel against further introduction of the fuel into the vessel;
(c) heating the charge of solid fuel within the vessel to a temperature at which the fuel is a molten mass and exhibits a surface;
(d) introducing to the vessel for reaction with the molten mass of fuel within the vessel a reactant consisting of water resulting in the production of hydrogen gas and heat, said step of introducing a reactant including the step of spraying the reactant through a nozzle directed at the surface of the molten fuel such that the reactant penetrates the surface thereof and causes agitation of the molten mass of fuel;
and
(e) withdrawing the hydrogen gas and heat from the vessel.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for generating hydrogen

Life of this patent

System for generating hydrogen

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9