Hydrogen generation systems and methods utilizing sodium silicide and sodium silica gel materials

#This technology generally relates to systems and methods of generating hydrogen using a reactant fuel material and an aqueous solution, and more particularly, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen using sodium silicide, sodium silica gel, or multi-component mixtures when reacted with water, water solutions, heat, or pH change.

#Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices that convert an external source fuel into electrical current. Many common fuel cells use hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen (typically from air) as an oxidant. The by-product for such a fuel cell is water, making the fuel cell a very low environmental impact device for generating power.

#Fuel cells compete with numerous other technologies for producing power, such as the gasoline turbine, the internal combustion engine, and the battery. A fuel cell provides a direct current (DC) voltage that can be used for numerous applications including: stationary power generation, lighting, back-up power, consumer electronics, personal mobility devices, such as electric bicycles, as well as landscaping equipment, and others. There are a wide variety of fuel cells available, each using a different chemistry to generate power. Fuel cells are usually classified according to their operating temperature and the type of electrolyte system that they utilize. One common fuel cell is the polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which uses hydrogen as the fuel with oxygen (usually air) as its oxidant. It has a high power density and a low operating temperature of usually below 80° C. These fuel cells are reliable with modest packaging and system implementation requirements.

#FIG. 1 shows an example of a hydrogen generation system using a stabilized alkali metal material and an aqueous solution to provide hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell or a general laboratory, industrial, or consumer use.

#FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hydrogen generation system with two reactors and a carry-handle accessory.

#FIG. 3 shows an example hydrogen gas generation system that includes a reactor, a water container, and a number of additional components.

#In the examples below, reference is made to hydrogen fuel cell systems, but it should be understood that the systems and methods discussed can also be implemented in any hydrogen gas generation application, such as laboratory applications, commercial or industrial applications, and consumer applications, for example.

#Basic Hydrogen Control System

#In one example, sodium silicide and/or sodium silica gel can be combined with water to generate hydrogen gas, but the developed technologies can also use other stabilized alkali metal materials, such as doped silicides and silicides that have hydrogen in association, or solid powders combined with aqueous solutions to produce hydrogen gas. Additionally, many aspects of the developed system technology can also be applied to alternative materials used in hydrogen production such as aluminum powder, or any other material, or combination of materials, that generates hydrogen when exposed to aqueous solutions.