Rechargeable hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle

• US 6,770,186 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2001
• Issued: 08/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eldat Communication, Ltd. (Pricer AB)
• Original Assignee: Eldat Communication, Ltd. (Pricer AB)
• Inventors: Sandeerman, Nimrod, Rosenfeld, Oren, Goldstein, Jonathan Russell
• Primary Examiner(s): Valentine, Donald R.
• Application Number:
  US10/014,328
• Publication Number:
  US 20030091503A1
• Time in Patent Office: 994 Days
• Field of Search: 204/266, 204/278, 204/292, 204/290.01, 204/263-265, 204/277, 204/270, 205/334, 205/343, 205/637-639, 429/16
• US Class Current: 205/343
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/00 Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/51 Photovoltaic means
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/20 Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/402 Combination of fuel cell with other electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/10 Applications of fuel cells in buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem and at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to the hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand. The refuelable hydrogen generator includes at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate the hydrogen fuel from water on demand and a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to the electrochemical reactor. A refueling method is also provided.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising a fuel cell and an electrical motor powered thereby; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor.

2. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water electrode hydrogen a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor; and

a water recycler operative to supply water produced by said at least one locomotion subsystem to said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator.

3. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water electrode hydrogen a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor; and

an operator controlled hydrogen-fuel generation controller which is operative in response to an input from a vehicle operator for determining the quantity of hydrogen generated by said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator at a given time.

4. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water electrode hydrogen a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor; and

at least one hydrophobic cathode comprising at least one of a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, layer and binder.

5. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 4 and wherein said cathode is operative as a hydrogen-generating and as a hydrogen-consuming electrode.

6. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor, said refueling subsystem being operative to recharge at least a first one of said at least two refuelable hydrogen generators while at least a second one of said at least two refuelable hydrogen generators is operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem.

7. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water electrode hydrogen a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor, said electrical power being provided by solar cells.

8. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor, said electrical power being provided by regenerative braking.

9. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least two electrochemical reactors operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor, said electrical power being provided to said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors while at least a second one of said at least two electrochemical reactors is generating hydrogen.

10. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor; and

at least one anode, said at least one anode being replaceable and comprising at least one of powder, granules and coated particles.

11. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor,

said at least one electrochemical reactor comprising a slowly consumable anode and a quickly consumable electrolyte,

said slowly consumable anode comprising at least one of aluminum and aluminum alloy and said electrolyte comprising at least one of an alkaline electrolyte based on potassium hydroxide solution and a halide electrolyte based on aluminum chloride solution.

12. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell that provides electric power to said at least one electric motor; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electric power to said at least one electrochemical reactor.

13. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor,

said at least one electrochemical reactor comprising a water-based fuel comprising;

at least one of;

a salt selected from a group comprising at least one of halides, trihalides, acetates, sulfates, nitrates, borates, acid salts, chromate, stannate, perchlorate and basic salts of Group I metals, ammonium, Group II metals and Group III metals;

a base; and

an acid;

at least one of zinc, iron, aluminum, magnesium, tin, calcium, lithium, sodium, metal hydrides based on nickel, titanium, rare earth metals, and alloys thereof; and

a catalyst based on at least one of a metal and metal oxide belonging to at least one of the platinum metal group and the transition metal group.

14. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said catalyst is formed as a coating on at least one rod, said at least one rod being selectibly introduceable into said water-based fuel.

15. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said water-based fuel comprises zinc and the catalyst comprises an impurity in the zinc, said impurity is a transition metal.

16. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said water-based fuel comprises iron and said catalyst comprises an impurity in the iron, said impurity is a transition metal, which is not iron.

17. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said water-based fuel comprises a hydroxide of at least one of potassium, sodium lithium and their mixtures in solution in water.

18. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said acid comprises at least one of an inorganic acid and an organic acid.

19. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 13 and wherein said at least one of zinc, iron, aluminum, magnesium, tin, calcium, lithium, sodium, metal hydrides based on at least one of nickel, titanium, rare earth metals as well as alloys thereof is disposed in said water based fuel as at least one of powder, granules and coated particles.

20. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor,

said at least one electrochemical reactor comprising;

a container containing at least one anode, at least one cathode, an electrolyte and a porous separator sheet separating between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode; and

a resistance providing element connected between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode and being operative to control the rate of production of hydrogen by said at least one electrochemical reactor.

21. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said resistance providing element is a pulse width modulator.

22. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said at least one electrochemical reactor is controlled by controlling the level of the electrolyte in the container.

23. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said at least one anode comprises at least one of zinc, iron and tin in at least one of sheet and plate forms.

24. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said at least one anode comprises at least one of cadmium and lead.

25. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said at least one anode comprises at least one of zinc, iron, lead, cadmium and tin provided in the form of at least one of pressed powder and paste pressed on an electrically conducting flat support.

26. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said at least one cathode comprises at least one of an electrically conducting plate and an electrically conducting mesh supporting a catalyst for hydrogen production, said catalyst comprising at least one of material based on the platinum metal group and the transition metal group.

27. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 20 and wherein said electrolyte comprises at least one of salts, acids and bases in the form of at least one of absorbed and gel.

28. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 27 and wherein said base comprises at least one of hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium and their mixtures in solution in water.

29. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 27 and wherein said acid comprises at least one of an inorganic acid and an organic acid.

30. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising;

at least one electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem providing at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said at least one electrochemical reactor,

said at least one electrochemical reactor comprising a container containing at least one anode, at least one cathode, an electrolyte, and water based fuel;

said at least one anode comprising an electrical conductor and being in direct electrical contact with said water based fuel; and

said at least one cathode comprising an electrical conductor and being coated with a catalyst based on at least one of a metal and metal oxide belonging to at least one of the platinum metal group and the transition metal group; and

said electrolyte comprising at least one of;

a salt comprising at least one of halides, trihalides, acetates, sulfates, nitrates, borates, acid salts, chromate, stannate, perchlorate and basic salts of Group I metals, ammonium, Group II metals and Group III metals;

a base comprising at least one of hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium and their mixtures; and

an acid comprising at least one of an inorganic and an organic acid; and

at least one of zinc, iron, tin, calcium, metal hydrides based on nickel, titanium, rare earth metals and alloys, and

said water based fuel being disposed in the electrolyte as at least one of powder, granules and coated particles.

31. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising a fuel cell and an electrical motor powered thereby; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle.

32. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

a water recycler operative to supply water produced by said at least one locomotion subsystem to said at least one hydrogen generator.

33. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand;

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

at least one hydrophobic cathode comprising at least one of a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, layer and binder.

34. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 33 and wherein said at least one cathode is operative as a hydrogen-generating and as a hydrogen-consuming electrode.

35. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least two hydrogen generators operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, each of said at least two hydrogen generators comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle, said refueling subsystem being operative to recharge at least a first one of said at least two hydrogen generators while at least a second one of said at least two hydrogen generators is operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem.

36. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical rower and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle, said electrical power being provided by solar cells.

37. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle, said electrical power being is provided by regenerative braking.

38. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand;

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

at least one anode,

said at least one anode being replaceable and comprising at least one of powder, granules and coated particles.

39. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle,

said electrochemical reactor comprising a slowly consumable anode and a quickly consumable electrolyte,

said slowly consumable anode comprising at least one of aluminum and aluminum alloy and said electrolyte comprising at least one of an alkaline electrolyte based on potassium hydroxide solution and a halide electrolyte based on aluminum chloride solution.

40. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell that provides electric power to said at least one electric motor; and

at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electric power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle.

41. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle according to claim 40 and wherein said electrochemical reactor is operative to provide electric power to said at least one electric motor.

42. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising a fuel cell and an electrical motor powered thereby; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided said at least one vehicle.

43. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a water recycler operative to supply water produced by said locomotion subsystem to said hydrogen generator; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle.

44. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

at least one hydrophobic cathode comprising at least one of a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, layer and binder; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle.

45. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system according to claim 44 and wherein said at least one cathode is operative as a hydrogen-generating and as a hydrogen-consuming electrode.

46. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

at least two hydrogen generators operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, each of said at least two hydrogen generators comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said refueling subsystem being operative to recharge at least a first one of said at least two hydrogen generators while at least a second one of said at least two other hydrogen generators is operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem.

47. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising;

an electrochemical reactor operative, to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

at least one anode; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said at least one anode being replaceable and comprising at least one of powder, granules and coated particles.

48. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electric power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said electrochemical reactor comprising a slowly consumable anode and a quickly consumable electrolyte,

said slowly consumable anode comprising at least one of aluminum and aluminum alloy, and

said quickly consumable electrolyte comprising at least one of an alkaline electrolyte based on potassium hydroxide solution and a halide electrolyte based on aluminum chloride solution.

49. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell that provides electric power to said at least one electric motor; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electric power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle.

50. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system according to claim 49 and wherein said electrochemical reactor is operative to provide electric power to said at least one electric motor.

51. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said electrical power being provided by solar cells.

52. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said electrical power being provided by regenerative braking.

53. A hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including;

a hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem; and

a hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said hydrogen generator comprising at least two electrochemical reactors operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said at least one vehicle,

said electrical power being provided to at least a first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors while at least a second one of said at least two electrochemical reactors is generating hydrogen.

54. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem comprising a fuel cell, and an electrical motor powered thereby;

and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, the method comprising;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said electrochemical reactor.

55. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, the method comprising;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said electrochemical reactor; and

recycling water produced by said at least one locomotion subsystem to said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator.

56. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, said electrochemical reactor comprising an anode and a cathode, the method comprising;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical rower to said electrochemical reactor, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode.

57. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising

at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

and

at least one refuelable hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem on demand, said at least one refuelable hydrogen generator comprising at least two electrochemical reactors operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, each of said at least two electrochemical reactors comprising an anode and a cathode, the method comprising;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to at least a first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors while at least a second one of said at least two electrochemical reactors generates hydrogen.

58. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle, the method comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem including a fuel cell and an electrical motor powered thereby;

providing at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said providing at least one hydrogen generator comprising providing an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand;

providing a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical rower from said refueling subsystem to said electrochemical reactor.

59. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle, the method comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

providing at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said providing at least one hydrogen generator comprising providing an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand;

providing a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power from said refueling subsystem to said electrochemical reactor; and

recycling water produced by said at least one locomotion subsystem to said at least one hydrogen generator.

60. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle, the method comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

providing at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said providing at least one hydrogen generator comprising providing an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, said electrochemical reactor comprising an anode and a cathode;

providing a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power from said refueling subsystem to said electrochemical reactor, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode of said at least one hydrogen generator; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode.

61. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle, the method comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem;

providing at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said providing at least one hydrogen generator comprising providing at least two electrochemical reactors operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, each of said at least two electrochemical reactors comprising an anode and a cathode;

providing a refueling subsystem enabling at least one of water, hydrogen, metal, electrical power and a replacement hydrogen generator to be provided to said vehicle; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power from said refueling subsystem to at least a first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors while at least a second one of said at least two electrochemical reactors generates hydrogen.

62. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem including a fuel cell and an electrical motor powered thereby and at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said electrochemical reactor.

63. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem and at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand;

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said electrochemical reactor; and

recycling water produced by said at least one locomotion subsystem to said at least one hydrogen generator.

64. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem and at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising an electrochemical reactor operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, said electrochemical reactor comprising an anode and a cathode; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to said electrochemical reactor, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode.

65. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle system comprising:

providing at least one hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle including at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem and at least one hydrogen generator operative to supply hydrogen fuel to said at least one hydrogen-fueled locomotion subsystem, said at least one hydrogen generator comprising at least two electrochemical reactors operative to generate said hydrogen fuel from water on demand, each of said at least two electrochemical reactors comprising an anode and a cathode; and

supplying at least one of water, electrolyte, hydrogen, a metal containing material and electrical power to at least a first one of said two electrochemical reactors, said supplying comprising;

providing an electrical connection between said anode and said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors; and

providing hydrogen gas to said cathode of said at least first one of said at least two electrochemical reactors while at least a second one of said at least two electrochemical reactors generates hydrogen.

66. A method for recharging a hydrogen-fueled motor vehicle comprising:

providing a chemical reactor comprising a container containing at least one anode, at least one cathode, an electrolyte and water based fuel;

wherein said at least one anode comprises an electrical conductor and is in direct electrical contact with said water based fuel; and

wherein said at least one cathode comprises an electrical conductor and is coated with a catalyst based on at least one of a metal and metal oxide belonging to at least one of the platinum metal group and the transition metal group; and

wherein said electrolyte comprises at least one of;

a salt comprising at least one of halides, trihalides, acetates, sulfates, nitrates, borates, acid salts, chromate, stannate, perchlorate and basic salts of Group I metals, ammonium, Group II metals and Group III metals;

a base comprising at least one of hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium and their mixtures; and

an acid comprising at least one of an inorganic and an organic acid; and

at least one of zinc, iron, tin, calcium, metal hydrides based on nickel, titanium, rare earth metals and alloys;

and wherein said water based fuel is disposed in the electrolyte as at least one of powder, granules and coated particles,

the method further comprising;

draining depleted water based fuel;

supplying recharged water based fuel; and

supplying said electrolyte.

67. A method for recharging a water based fuel comprising:

providing a DC power supply;

providing at least one inert cathode connected to a negative terminal of said DC power supply;

providing at least one inert anode connected to a positive terminal of said DC power supply;

providing at least one motor operative to rotate a scraper paddle operative to scrape deposited materials off the surface of said at least one cathode;

supplying depleted water based fuel comprising;

at least one of iron, tin, zinc, cadmium, lead, metal hydrides based on nickel, titanium, rare earth metals, and alloys thereof disposed as at least one of powder, granules and coated particles;

supplying an electrolyte comprising at least one of;

a salt selected from a group consisting of halides, trihalides, acetates, sulfates, nitrates, borates, acid salts, chromate, stannate, perchlorate and basic salts of Group I metals, ammonium, Group II metals and Group III metals;

a base, comprising hydroxides at least one of potassium, sodium, lithium and their mixtures; and

an acid comprising at least one of an inorganic and an organic acid;

at least one of solubilizing and dispersing said depleted water based fuel;

applying DC power between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode; and

operating said at least one motor to propel said scraper paddle to scrape said deposited materials of the surface of said at least one cathode.

68. A method for recharging a water based fuel comprising:

providing a container filled with an electrolyte, said electrolyte including at least one of;

a salt selected from a group consisting of halides, trihalides, acetates, sulfates, nitrates, borates, acid salts, chromate, stannate, perchlorate and basic salts of Group I metals, ammonium, Group II metals and Group III metals;

a base comprising at least one of hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium and their mixtures thereof; and

an acid comprising at least one of an inorganic acid and an organic acid;

providing a chamber formed inside said container;

providing at least one hydrophobic gas diffusion, hydrogen consuming, cathode, formed as at least one of the walls of said chamber;

providing at least one current collector electrically connected to said at least one cathode;

providing a porous, electrically insulating separator between said at least one cathode and an anode;

supplying said electrolyte;

supplying depleted water based fuel comprising at least one of zinc, iron, tin, cadmium, lead, metal hydrides based on at least one of nickel and titanium and rare earth metals and alloys thereof disposed in said electrolyte as at least one of powder, granules and coated particles;

supplying hydrogen gas to said chamber.