Hydrogen generator with improved fluid distribution

A method for generating hydrogen gas using a hydrogen generator, said method comprising:

• (a) contacting a pellet comprising a first reactant with (b) a fluid comprising a second reactant within a reaction area of the hydrogen generator by transporting the fluid from a fluid reservoir through a fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir and the reaction area wherein (c) the second reactant reacts with the first reactant in the reaction area to produce hydrogen gas and byproducts;
• the hydrogen generator comprising:
• a housing;
• the reaction area;
• the fluid reservoir;
• the fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir and the reaction area;
• and
• a hydrogen outlet;
• and wherein:
• the fluid flow path comprises a follower assembly biased toward the pellet;
• the follower assembly comprises an articulated joint and a pivotable follower, the follower positioned against an adjacent face of the pellet;
• and
• the follower is pivotable to orientations that maximize the contact area between the follower and the adjacent face of the pellet;
• said hydrogen generator further comprising at least one of:
• (i) a fluid control mechanism within the follower assembly, the follower further comprising a plurality of fluid outlets on a face facing the pellet, said fluid control mechanism comprising a plurality of valves configured to selectively adjust fluid flow through the plurality of fluid outlets based on an orientation of the follower;
• or
• (ii) a fluid dispersion layer is disposed on a face of the follower.