Systsem for hydrogen generation

• US 20040033194A1
• Filed: 08/11/2003
• Published: 02/19/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Protonex Technology Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Michael Binder, Michael T. Kelly, Phillip J. Petillo, Stefanie L. Sharp-Goldman, Steven C. Amendola
• Inventors: Kelly, Michael T., Amendola, Steven C., Binder, Michael, Petillo, Phillip J., Sharp-Goldman, Stefanie L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,220,290 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 423/658.2
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 23/462 Ruthenium
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/08 Ion-exchange resins
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/16 Reducing
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/348 Electrochemical processes, e.g. electrochemical deposition or anodisation
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/065 from a hydride
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/36 Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition and method for storage and controlled release of hydrogen. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of borohydride based solutions as a hydrogen storage source and a catalyst system to release hydrogen therefrom.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generating system comprising

a reservoir for holding a solution capable of generating hydrogen;

a reaction chamber having a catalyst that, upon contact with said solution, accelerates the generation of hydrogen from said solution and transforms said solution into a spent solution;

a first passageway connecting said reservoir and said reaction chamber and adapted to transport said solution from said reservoir to said reaction chamber; and

a second passageway connecting said reservoir and said reaction chamber and adapted to transport said spent solution to said reservoir whereupon it is added to said solution.

2. The system of claim 1 further including a pump for pumping said solution from said reservoir to said reaction chamber via said first passageway.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said pump is reversible and is operative in response to pressure in said reaction chamber.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said pump furnishes said solution to said reaction chamber in response to a first pressure in said reaction chamber.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said pump conducts said solution back from said reaction chamber in response to a second pressure in said reaction chamber.

6. The system of claim 1 further including a containment system for holding said catalyst.

7. The system of claim 1 further including a control valve for coupling the generated hydrogen from said system.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said reservoir includes a re-sealable airtight opening.

9. A hydrogen generating system comprising a reservoir for holding a solution capable of generating hydrogen;

a catalyst that, upon contact with said solution, accelerates the generation of hydrogen from said solution and transforms said solution into a spent solution; and

a regulating mechanism for regulating contact of said solution and said catalyst and for introducing said spent solution into said solution.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said regulating mechanism includes a pump.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said pump is reversible and is operative in response to pressure in said system produced by the generation of hydrogen.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said pump operates in one mode in response to a first pressure.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said pump operates in a second mode different from said first mode in response to a second pressure.

14. A method of generating hydrogen comprising the steps of providing a solution capable of generating hydrogen;

providing a catalyst that, upon contract between said catalyst and said solution, accelerates hydrogen generation from said solution and transforms said solution in a spent solution;

regulating contact of said solution with said catalyst; and

introducing said spent solution into said solution.