Apparatus and method for using the existing hydrocarbon distribution, storage and dispensing infrastructures for the production, distribution and dispensing of hydrogen
First Claim
1. A method for the distribution of hydrogen to vehicles powered by fuel cells, the method comprising:
- storing at least one selected hydrocarbon at a local distribution facility producing hydrogen by a hydrocarbon-to-hydrogen process at the local distribution facility; and
dispensing the hydrogen into a storage unit in the vehicles.
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Abstract
In order to provide hydrogen as a transportation fuel, service stations are provided with apparatus for performing the hydrocarbon to hydrogen conversion. The hydrocarbon product applied to the hydrocarbon to hydrogen converter can be distributed to the service station as gasoline/diesel fuel or as a separate hydrocarbon including natural gas. The hydrogen can be stored in a storage facility at the service station and dispensed to users as required. This distribution system eliminates the need for hydrocarbon to hydrogen converters in the each fuel cell powered automobile. This distribution system also eliminates the need for a separate dedicated hydrogen distribution system. In addition, the distribution of hydrogen can co-exist with the distribution of gasoline and diesel fuels providing for a convenient transition period. The carbon dioxide byproduct of the hydrocarbon to hydrogen conversion can be separately collected and forwarded to facilities requiring this material thus eliminating the emission of polluting gases if the hydrogen from hydrocarbon conversion done on each fuel cell powered vehicle.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for the distribution of hydrogen to vehicles powered by fuel cells, the method comprising:
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storing at least one selected hydrocarbon at a local distribution facility producing hydrogen by a hydrocarbon-to-hydrogen process at the local distribution facility; and
dispensing the hydrogen into a storage unit in the vehicles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A local distribution facility for providing fuel to automotive vehicles powered by a fuel cell, the facility comprising:
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storage apparatus storing at least one selected hydrocarbon product;
a converter for converting the selected hydrocarbon product to hydrogen (and associated byproduct(s)); and
a dispenser for dispensing the hydrogen converted from the selected hydrocarbon product to a storage unit in the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for the distribution of hydrogen to vehicles powered by a fuel cell, the system comprising:
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a hydrocarbon fuel production system, the production system providing at least one hydrocarbon material;
a distribution system; and
at least one local facility, the distribution system transferring the hydrocarbon material from the production system to the local facility;
the local facility including;
a storage unit for storing the hydrocarbon material;
a converter unit for converting the hydrocarbon material to hydrogen; and
a dispenser unit for dispensing the hydrogen to storage units in the vehicles. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification