CN101855749A - Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge - Google Patents

Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge Download PDF

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Publication number
CN101855749A
CN101855749A CN200880108669A CN200880108669A CN101855749A CN 101855749 A CN101855749 A CN 101855749A CN 200880108669 A CN200880108669 A CN 200880108669A CN 200880108669 A CN200880108669 A CN 200880108669A CN 101855749 A CN101855749 A CN 101855749A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
box
fluid
interface
accommodating container
hydrogen
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Pending
Application number
CN200880108669A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
约翰·巴顿
克里斯·布莱顿
肯·皮尔森
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Trulite Inc
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Trulite Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/179,554 external-priority patent/US20090029227A1/en
Application filed by Trulite Inc filed Critical Trulite Inc
Publication of CN101855749A publication Critical patent/CN101855749A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • H01M8/04208—Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/40—Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements inside cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/06—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
    • C01B3/065—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents from a hydride
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
    • C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for securing a cartridge 106. A cartridge 106 may contain a fluid processing component such as a fluid filtration component, a fluid generation component, a fluid consumption component, or a fluid containment. The cartridge 106 has a cartridge interface 404. An interface fluid outlet port is disposed on the cartridge interface 406. The interface fluid outlet port 408 is in fluid communication with an interior of the cartridge 106. The interface fluid outlet port 408 is configured to mate with a receiver fluid inlet port 416 of a cartridge receiver 406. A biasing member 414 applies a biasing force that presses the interface fluid outlet port 408 against the receiver fluid inlet port 416. The biasing force removably secures the cartridge 106 to the cartridge receiver 406.

Description

A kind of device, system and method that is used for fixing box
The cross reference of related application
It is 60/951 that the application requires to benefit from application number, 903, to be called " a kind of device, system and method that utilizes chemical hydride to produce hydrogen ", the applying date be on July 25th, 2007, application people to name is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application of John Patton etc., will be in conjunction with it as a reference at this.This application is 10/459 in conjunction with application number, 991, the applying date is on June 11st, 2003, application number is 11/270,947, the applying date is on November 12nd, 2005, and application number is 11/740,349, the applying date is on April 26th, 2007, application number is 11/828,265, the applying date is on July 25th, 2007, and application number is 11/829,019, the applying date is that on July 26th, 2007 and application number are 11/829,035, the applying date is the U.S. Patent application on July 26th, 2007; And application number is 60/951,907, the applying date is on July 25th, 2007, application number is 60/951,925, the applying date is that on July 25th, 2007 and application number are 61/059,743, the applying date be on June 6th, 2008 U.S. Provisional Patent Application as a reference, this as a reference whole in conjunction with wherein each piece.
Technical field
This invention relates to box, especially relates to fuel cassette.
Background technology
When the consumption of fossil fuel increases, polluting increases, and the supply of global fossil fuel is when reducing, and alternative energy source is just becoming and becoming more and more important.Hydrogen is a kind of abundant alternative energy source, but it combines existence with other elements usually, rather than the form of simple substance.Other element has increased quality and has hindered hydrogen and used as the energy.Yet pure hydrogen is only the energy that we need.Pure hydrogen comprises the hydrogen atom of free state or includes only the molecule of hydrogen atom.It is immeasurable using the produced in conventional processes pure hydrogen to spend usually.
A kind of method of producing pure hydrogen is to utilize the chemical reaction that produces hydrogen molecule.At water (H 2O) and the chemical reaction that takes place between the chemical hydride produce pure hydrogen.Chemical hydride is the molecule that comprises hydrogen and one or more alkali or alkaline-earth metal.When reacting with water, the pure hydrogen that the chemical hydrogenation deposits yields is a large amount of.
Recently, the interest of hydrogen and other alternative fuel is increased to some extent, because developed more effective application for their use.For example, the development of lightweight, small-sized proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has increased the interest that people generate hydrogen and hydrogen.The transportation of the chemicals of alternative fuel such as hydrogen and generation hydrogen and the difficulty of storage begin to occur.Some alternative fuel and fuels sources may be inflammable or poisonous, and need additional safety to pay close attention to.The generation of fuel such as hydrogen has also brought high temperature and pressure.The storage of gaseous fuel also needs high pressure.
For the application of the use of alternative fuel, particularly portability, need safety and simple fuel reservoir and transportation.Often there are a lot of elements in the system that is used to store and produce fuel, with treatment temperature, pressure and other parameters.Owing to have many elements that are used for safety and efficient, make the operation of these systems become complicated and not direct.In addition, the pressure that often relates in fuel reservoir and production forces fuel reservoir interface and element to be separated, and reduces their life-span, they is caused damage, and caused unsafe conditions to the user.
Therefore, need a kind of improved device, system and method to fix box, to solve the problems of the prior art and deficiency.This device, system and method can be handled high temperature and pressure, and keep simple, safety and direct, can not force interface or element to be separated.Especially, this device, system and method can hold fuel and hydrogen supply or generation device based on hydrogen safely, effectively.
Summary of the invention
According to top argumentation, obviously need there be a kind of device, system and method, the box that provides, handles and generate of hydrogen and other fuel can be provided in safe and effective mode.Advantageously, such device, system and method are durable, and be direct, and compare use element still less with other selections.
The present invention is according to existing state-of-art, and especially problem that does not solve fully as yet according to the current available box safety system in this area and needs grow up.Therefore, the invention provides a kind of device, system and method that is used for fixing box, to overcome the many or whole previously described shortcomings in this area.Some box that is fixed is used for supplying with or generating fuels sources such as hydrogen.The box that is used in the other types in energy resource supply and the treatment system is also within limit of consideration of the present invention.
A kind of device that is used for fixing box with a plurality of elements is provided.In described embodiment, these elements comprise box, pod interface, interface fluid issuing, deflection, biasing member, interface fluid inlet and one or more positioner.
In one embodiment, box comprises pod interface.In one embodiment, box is arranged to contain the fluid treatment element, is selected from by fluid filter element, fluid and generates the group that element, fluid consuming element and fluid storage element constitute.In another embodiment, box is arranged to hold the hydrogen reaction of formation.In one embodiment, the hydrogen reaction of formation is the chemical reaction between liquid and the solid hydrides reactant.In another embodiment, the permeability for liquids material is arranged in the box.In one embodiment, the permeability for liquids material has one or more chambeies.In another embodiment, holding solid hydride reaction thing is arranged to contain in each chamber.In a further embodiment, the solid hydrides reactant is the solid water-free chemical hydride.In another embodiment, box is arranged to contain the hydrogen filtration system.
In another embodiment, the interface fluid issuing is located on the pod interface.In another embodiment, the internal fluid communication of interface fluid issuing and box.In one embodiment, the interface fluid issuing is arranged to be complementary with the accommodating container fluid inlet of box accommodating container.
In a further embodiment, at the interface fluid issuing and be orthogonal to direction of measurement angle between the plane in insertion path of box.In one embodiment, the insertion path of interface fluid issuing and box is not parallel.In a further embodiment, deflection is the angle between 0 degree and 45 degree.
In one embodiment, biasing member is arranged to adopt bias force that the interface fluid issuing is pressed to the accommodating container fluid inlet.In another embodiment, biasing member further is arranged to adopt bias force the interface fluid inlet to be pressed to the accommodating container fluid issuing of box accommodating container.In a further embodiment, biasing member further is arranged in response to the insertion of box in the box accommodating container, and compression is to produce bias force.In one embodiment, biasing member has elasticity at least in part.In another embodiment, biasing member has the seal that centers on the interface fluid issuing basically.In one embodiment, seal is arranged to release fluids when internal pressure surpasses critical pressure.
In another embodiment, the internal fluid communication of interface fluid inlet and box.In one embodiment, the interface fluid inlet is arranged to be complementary with the accommodating container fluid issuing of box accommodating container.In a further embodiment, the interface fluid inlet has deflection, and deflection is from the plane survey in the insertion path that is orthogonal to box.In another embodiment, the insertion path of fluid inlet and box is not parallel.In one embodiment, the interface fluid inlet is radially relative with the interface fluid issuing.
In a further embodiment, one or more positioners be arranged to the location of the insertion path of guaranteeing box and box suitable.In another embodiment, interface fluid issuing and one or more positioner are merged.In one embodiment, one or more positioners have one or more shoulders, and it is arranged to join with the stayed surface of box accommodating container.In another embodiment, one or more positioners have the shape of box.In a further embodiment, one or more positioners have the shape of pod interface.In another embodiment, one or more positioners make box rotate at least in part to reach axiality around inserting the path.
The invention also discloses a kind of device that generates hydrogen.In the embodiment that describes, this device comprises several elements, as box accommodating container, accommodating container gas ports, biasing member, box refrigerating module, accommodating container fluid port and one or more positioner.
In one embodiment, the box accommodating container is configured to receive the pod interface of fuel cassette.In a further embodiment, the accommodating container gas ports is located on the box accommodating container.In one embodiment, the accommodating container gas ports is arranged to be complementary with the interface gas vent of pod interface.
In one embodiment, biasing member is arranged to adopt bias force that the accommodating container gas ports is pressed to the interface gas vent.In a further embodiment, biasing member is fixed in fuel cassette the box accommodating container movably.In one embodiment, this biasing member is arranged to remove pollutant in response to the insertion of fuel cassette in the box accommodating container from the interface gas vent further.
In one embodiment, the box refrigerating module is arranged to heat is derived from fuel cassette.In another embodiment, the box refrigerating module comprises the fluid mobile module, and it is arranged to cause that fluid is by being located near moving of the fluid guiding device fuel cassette.In one embodiment, fluid guiding device is formed in the spiral helicine rib on the box accommodating container.In one embodiment, fluid comprises air.In one embodiment, when fuel cassette placed the box accommodating container, spiral helicine rib was that the air-flow around the fuel cassette forms helical duct.In a further embodiment, fluid guiding device is arranged in further in the fluid from the fluid mobile module and causes turbulent flow.Those those skilled in the art recognize that fluid can be air, water, gel, alcohol, antifreezing agent etc.In another embodiment, fluid guiding device comprises the water sheath.
In one embodiment, the accommodating container fluid port is located on the box accommodating container.In a further embodiment, the accommodating container fluid port is arranged to be complementary with the interface fluid inlet of pod interface.In one embodiment, accommodating container fluid port and accommodating container gas ports are positioned opposite to each other, and are arranged to apply bias force to interface gas vent and interface fluid inlet.
In one embodiment, one or more positioners are located on the box accommodating container.In another embodiment, one or more positioners are arranged to guarantee that insertion path and the fuel cassette of fuel cassette in the box accommodating container is appropriate with respect to the location of box accommodating container.In another embodiment, the accommodating container gas ports combines with one or more positioners.In a further embodiment, one or more positioners have the shape of box accommodating container.
The invention also discloses a kind of system that is used to generate hydrogen.System comprises fuel cassette, interface gas vent, box accommodating container, accommodating container gas ports and biasing member.Especially, in one embodiment, system comprises interface fluid inlet, refrigerating module, pressure relief valve and complete insert module.
In one embodiment, pressure relief valve is arranged to release hydrogen when internal gas pressure surpasses critical gas pressure.In one embodiment, insert module is arranged to anti-locking system operation when the incorrect insertion of fuel cassette fully.In another embodiment, insert module comprises lid fully.In one embodiment, when fuel cassette in the box accommodating container during incorrect insertion, fuel cassette prevents that lid from fully closing.
Related in the whole text feature, advantage or the similar expression of this specification can not embody all feature and advantage that the present invention recognizes, its should or just in single embodiment of the present invention, embody.Or rather, the language of feature and advantage is appreciated that and becomes to mean concrete feature, advantage or characteristic that it is relevant with the description among at least one embodiment that comprises in the present invention.Like this, this specification argumentation and similar language thereof about feature and advantage in the whole text is not necessary, and it relates to same embodiment.
In addition, feature, advantage and the characteristic of the present invention's description can combine with any suitable mode in one or more embodiments.Those skilled in the relevant art can recognize, when lacking one or more in concrete feature or the advantage in specific embodiment, the present invention still can realize.In other examples, Fu Jia feature and advantage in certain embodiments, all embodiment that can not be used to invent.
Following description and additional claim will make these feature and advantage of the present invention become clearer, or the example of the present invention of hereinafter being set forth can help to understand.
Description of drawings
For advantage of the present invention is understood easily, preamble has been done concise and to the point description to the present invention, and the specific embodiment shown in is described more specifically to the present invention below with reference to accompanying drawings.What be to be understood that these accompanying drawings descriptions is exemplary embodiments of the present invention, thereby can not think the restriction to its scope, will carry out detailed and concrete description and explanation to the present invention by accompanying drawing, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of the system that is used to generate hydrogen of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of box of the present invention;
Fig. 3 A is the schematic block diagram according to another embodiment of box of the present invention;
Fig. 3 B is the schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of permeability for liquids material of the present invention;
Fig. 4 A is the end view according to an embodiment of hydrogen generation system interface of the present invention;
Fig. 4 B is the end view according to an embodiment of hydrogen generation system interface of the present invention;
Fig. 5 A is the end view according to an embodiment of pod interface of the present invention;
Fig. 5 B is the end view according to an embodiment of pod interface 512 of the present invention;
Fig. 6 A is the vertical view according to box accommodating container of the present invention;
Fig. 6 B is the sectional view of pod interface according to an embodiment of the invention; And
Fig. 7 is the side cross-sectional, view according to an embodiment of the refrigerating module in hydrogen generation system of the present invention.
Embodiment
Many functional element of Miao Shuing all are called as module in this manual, in order more particularly to emphasize their independence in commission.This specification " embodiment ", " embodiment " or similar statement of indication in the whole text means concrete feature, structure or the characteristic of describing in conjunction with the embodiments, comprises at least one embodiment of the present invention.Therefore, " in one embodiment " that the present invention occurs in the whole text, " in one embodiment " and similar wording are not necessary, all relate to same embodiment.
In addition, feature, structure or the characteristic of the present invention's description can combine in one or more embodiments by rights.In the following description, many concrete details are provided, to help understanding fully to the embodiment of the invention.Yet those skilled in the relevant art will recognize, lack one or more details, and when perhaps adopting additive method, element, material etc., the present invention still can implement.In other words, well-known structure, material or operation and not shown or detailed description are to avoid making content of the present invention become complicated.
Fig. 1 has described an embodiment who utilizes hydrogen to generate the system 100 of electric energy according to of the present invention.This system 100 comprises hydrogen generation system 101, hybrid hydrogen fuel cell system 102, electronic control system 103 and shell 104.
In one embodiment, hydrogen generation system 101 comprises one or more box accommodating containers 105, one or more boxes 106, accommodating container lid 107, one or more location structures 108, permeability for liquids material 110, one or more liquid infusion line and pipe 111, one or more refrigerating modules 112, one or more hydrogen outlets 114, hydrogen purification system 116, temperature sensor 118, box transducer 120, radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) terminal 122, RFID transducer 124, liquid pump 126, liquid reservoir 128, liquid level sensor 129, unidirectional valve 130, Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132, one or more mechanical valve 133, transfer valve 136, water condenser 138 and pressure-control valve 140.Usually, hydrogen generation system 101 uses liquid such as water, chemical hydride and activator to generate hydrogen.
In one embodiment, box accommodating container 105 adopts and can stand the durable material that hydrogen generates the high temperature that is brought.In another embodiment, box accommodating container 105 also can adopt light material, and the total weight minimum with assurance system 100 has increased portability.In one embodiment, box accommodating container 105 is light metal or metal alloys, as aluminium etc.In another embodiment, box accommodating container 105 adopts glass fiber material, plastic polymer material, ceramics material or other durable materials.In one embodiment, box accommodating container 105 also have can hold, the structure of location and lock box 106.
In one embodiment, box 106 is locked in the box accommodating container 105.With reference to Fig. 2 box 106 is described in detail.Usually, box 106 is a fuel cassette, is used for splendid attire chemical hydride and activator, receives for example water of liquid, and the chemical reaction of the generation hydrogen between chemical hydride and the liquid takes place, and release hydrogen.In another embodiment, box 106 is used to take place the hydrogen reaction of formation of other types, holds or store fluid, and for example fuel holds one or more parts or system, hydrogen filtration system for example, or the like.In one embodiment, box 106 comprises the fluid of pressurization, and this fluid can be gas or liquid.In one embodiment, box 106 is columniform.Cylindrical structural strength with the internal pressure in the time of can standing the hydrogen generation.Box 106 adopts and can stand the heat of chemical reaction and the material of pressure.This material also can be the light material that can make the weight minimum of box 106, for example light metal or metal alloy such as aluminium, plastic polymer or other durable materials.In another embodiment, box 106 is the cylindrical box of mold pressing aluminum.
In one embodiment, close accommodating container lid 107 with the box in the fixed bin accommodating container 105 106.In another embodiment, accommodating container lid 107 is as the standby fixed system of hydrogen gas cartridge 106.For example, box 106 is subjected to the fixing of fixed mechanism (not shown) in box accommodating container 105, in case and the fixed mechanism (not shown) is malfunctioning, accommodating container lid 107 covers mounted box 106, so that extra protection to be provided.
In one embodiment, hydrogen generation system 101 comprise location structure 108, shoulder, guide pad, alignment pin etc. other can with corresponding location structure 108 close-fitting parts on the box 106.In another embodiment, box accommodating container 105 comprise location structure 108, guide pad, alignment pin etc. other can with corresponding location structure 108 close-fitting parts on the box 106.
In one embodiment, the top of box 106 has one or more location structures 108.In one embodiment, one or more location structures 108 are arranged to utilize the corresponding location structure 108 of one or more box accommodating containers 105.The location structure 108 of this box accommodating container 105 can be one or more shoulder area supporteds, guide pad, pin, bolt, screw, key etc.In another embodiment, location structure 108 has the shape of box 106 and/or box accommodating container 105, and this shape guarantees that box 106 has suitable insertion path and location with respect to box accommodating container 105.Advantageously, location structure 108 has guaranteed to replace installing fast and safely of box 106.In one embodiment, box 106 is vertically placed with respect to shell 104.Adopt in such a way, the user can promptly remove used box 106 and insert and replace box 106.In another embodiment, box 106 is with respect to shell 104 parallel placements.Location structure 108 guarantees that the circuit of box 106 imports seals up and fully.
In one embodiment, chemical hydride and activator are stored in the permeability for liquids material 110 in the box 106.With reference to Fig. 3 A and 3B permeability for liquids material 110 is described in more detail.Usually, permeability for liquids material 110 is not for can evenly distributing liquid retaining the material of big quantity of fluid.In another embodiment, permeability for liquids material 110 further has one or more parts or bag, and each part or bag can hold and distribute equably the chemical hydride and the activator of scheduled volume.Permeability for liquids material 110 can be rolled as shown in Figure 1, or have multiple volume, folding, pile up or other structures.In one embodiment, box 106 comprises a plurality of permeability for liquids materials 110, and each is rolled as shown in Figure 1, and distributes around the center longitudinal axis of box 106, and the permeability for liquids material 110 that curls in the center is the center with the center longitudinal axis of box 106.
In one embodiment, liquid enters box 106 by one or more liquid injection-tubes 111.In one embodiment, liquid injection-tube 111 is by O shape ring or similar seal and box accommodating container 105 coupling connection mutually, box accommodating container 105 by one or more liquid lines and liquid pump 126 mutually coupling join.Liquid injection-tube 111 is dispersing liquid in permeability for liquids material 110, like this liquid and the chemical hydride release hydrogen that reacts.In one embodiment, box 106 vertically is provided with, liquid injection-tube 111 from the bottom of box 106 to box 106 supply fluids.In another embodiment, box 106 is horizontally disposed with, liquid injection-tube 111 dispersing liquid equably in the box 106 of level.In one embodiment, box 106 comprises a plurality of liquid injection-tubes 111.In another embodiment, box 106 comprises one or more switching valves, allows liquid to pass through one or more liquid injection-tubes selectively but not the injection of other liquid injection-tubes.
In one embodiment, refrigerating module 112 and box accommodating container 105 coupling connection mutually.Refrigerating module 112 heat that chemical reaction produced between liquid and the chemical hydride that sheds, and heat derived from box 106.In one embodiment, refrigerating module 112 comprises provides the low-power of upper air current fan.In another embodiment, the temperature of electronic control system 103 box 106 that can measure according to temperature sensor 118 is regulated air stream from refrigerating module 112 to reduce parasitic power consumption.
In another embodiment, refrigerating module 112 comprises one or more forced draft fans that not influenced by the back pressure in the box accommodating container 105.Refrigerating module 112 is arranged to the air pressure that can keep higher than aerofoil fan.One or more forms, guider, collector or thermal resistance can be used to control and guide box 106 ambient airs flow.In another embodiment, refrigerating module 112 can comprise for example pump of water of pumping box 106 fluid on every side, to promote the heat exchange between box and the fluid.Liquid pump can come pumping fluid by sleeve pipe, pipe or by the passages in shell 105 and/or the box 106.Also can use the radiator that comprises metal, graphite or other heat conducting materials.
In one embodiment, one or more hydrogen outlets 114 are integrally formed with the location structure 108 on the box 106.In another embodiment, one or more in hydrogen outlet 114 and the box accommodating container 105 go out the opening connector fluid and are connected.Hydrogen outlet connector in the box accommodating container 105 comprises seal or O shape ring.
In one embodiment, the hydrogen streams of discharging from box 106 inside are through hydrogen purification system 116.In one embodiment, hydrogen purification system 116 is integrally formed with box 106, perhaps adopts independent similar box.Under such mode, when box 106 is replaced or when hydrogen purification system 116 needs to change, changes hydrogen purification system 116.Hydrogen purification system 116 is in one embodiment near the top of the box 106 between hydrogen outlet 114 and the permeability for liquids material 108.At another embodiment, hydrogen purification system 116 is positioned at the outside and the downstream of box 106.Hydrogen purification system 116 is used to remove impurity, for example hydrocarbon or other organic compounds, water vapour, salt dissolving or solid or come other impurity in the hydrogen of self-generating.Hydrogen purification system 116 comprises one or more single filter, condenser and/or coalescent filter, adopts the material that is suitable for filtering the impurity in the hydrogen.Hydrogen purification system 116 also can comprise particulate filter, is used for removing the hydrogen particle bigger than preliminary dimension.In one embodiment, preliminary dimension is approximately 5 microns.
In one embodiment, temperature sensor 118 is used for the temperature of monitor box 106 and box accommodating container 105.Temperature sensor 118 contacts with box accommodating container 105 and/or box 106, is provided with wherein, or reads its temperature in addition.The temperature that temperature sensor 118 reads can make electronic control system 103 open or close refrigerating module 112, perhaps regulates the other system parameter to reach predetermined safe and use standard.
In one embodiment, one or more box transducers 120 can measure box 106 existence whether.In another embodiment, box transducer 120 also can be measured the appropriate position whether box 106 is in operation.Box transducer 120 in one embodiment, comprises an abundant insert module, is used to avoid operational system 100 when box 106 inappropriate insertions.Box transducer 120 can be the transducer of the existence that can detect box 106 of one or more hand switches, optical sensor, Magnetic Sensor or other types.Preferably, box transducer 120 is an optical sensor.The box transducer 120 of light is easier to location and calibration in manufacture process, and provide accurate measurement, and can be as mechanical switch the expensive time.In another embodiment, whether box transducer 120 also is used to detect accommodating container lid 107 and is closed rightly.In one embodiment, box 106 is arranged to prevent that accommodating container lid 107, shell 104 and/or another lid from closing fully when box 106 inserts in the box accommodating container 105 irrelevantly.Box transducer 120 is included in box 106, box accommodating container 105 and the accommodating container lid 107 or a plurality of box transducers of the diverse location around it.
In one embodiment, system 100 can stop hydrogen to generate, and is in appropriate system mode unless one or more system sensor detects system 100.These one or more system sensors can be selected from the group of being made up of temperature sensor 118,164, box transducer 120, Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132,144 and other system state sensor.In one embodiment, system 100 stops hydrogen to generate up to detecting box 106 existence.In one embodiment, electronic control system 103 is controlled the generation of hydrogen according to the input of one or more system sensors.
In one embodiment, box 106 comprises RFID terminal 122 or other recognition devices.This RFID terminal 122 or other recognition devices are packed into, are installed in or otherwise be coupled to box 106, and the RFID transducer 124 with box accommodating container 105 couplings connection is readable like this.In another embodiment, this RFID terminal 122 comprises unique box identiflication number.By discerning each box 106 uniquely, system 100 can provide to the user and use statistics, comprises when box 106 lacks fuel, and when box 106 needs to change, or even before running out of gas and box reinstalled go back to system 100, when box 106 is removed from system 100, give the alarm.
In one embodiment, system 100 is that one or more boxes 106 corresponding to unique box identiflication number are stored the use information of each box 106 accordingly.For example, electronic control system 103 can be stored use information.Use information, comprise the residual fuel amount in the box 106, the amounts of hydrogen that its collection can enter amount of liquid in the box 106 by monitoring injection, discharge from box 106 by monitoring or estimate the amount of residual fuel by carrying out one or more computings according to the electric power of system's 100 supplies.Because the amount of the reactant in the box 106 is known, utilizes chemical reaction to calculate and determine to have used how many hydride reaction things, and remain how many hydride reaction things.In one embodiment, electronic control system 103 is regulated one or more system control parameters according to the use information of corresponding concrete box 106.
In one embodiment, liquid is pumped in the box 106 through liquid pump 126 by one or more liquid injection-tubes 111.In one embodiment, according to by hydrogen product or pressure demand and the definite dynamic pulse rate of electric load, liquid pump 126 is arranged to bring for example water of pumping liquid according to Discrete Pulse.Help very much the controlling liquid supply according to variable pulsation rate pumping liquid.In one embodiment, pulsation rate utilizes one or more mathematics or statistic curve to determine.In another embodiment, pulsation rate utilizes Hydrogen Vapor Pressure curve and power demand curve to determine, every curve has gradient and value separately.In one embodiment, the time quantum between the value representation pulse of difference on the curve.Value can be plus or minus, and on the occasion of the slower pulsation rate of expression, negative value is represented pulsation rate faster.When using many curves, may be superimposed on from the value corresponding to the point on the curve of system mode of every curve and to come together to determine pulsation rate.
Liquid pump 126 be can pumping liquid for example water enter pump in the box 106 through one or more injection-tubes 111.In one embodiment, liquid pump 126 is peristaltic pumps.It is favourable using peristaltic pump because peristaltic pump can not pollute the liquid of its pumping, make cheap, under each pulse pumping fixing, certain amount of fluid.Advantageously, although there is back pressure in the liquid in the injection-tube 111, peristaltic pump also can provide fixing and certain amount of fluid.
In one embodiment, the potential amount of remaining hydrogen product can be determined by following the trail of the umber of pulse that is produced by pump 126 in the amount of the hydrogen of generation and the box 106.Electronic control system 103 can be determined the potential amount of remaining hydrogen in the box 106 according to the pulsed quantity of the size of each pulse of the amount of the chemical hydride in the box 106, liquid pump 126 pumpings and liquid pump 126 pumpings.But the hydrogen demand amount of the pulsed quantity fuel cell 146 of liquid pump 126 is determined.In one embodiment, the pulsed quantity of liquid pump 126 is between about 75 μ L to 100 μ L.In addition, peristaltic pump 126 allows control system 103 to make pump reverse, from box 106, regaining liquid, thus the generation of the hydrogen that slows down.The accuracy of control makes the output of hydrogen more approach the requirement of fuel cell 102.
Liquid pump 126 pumpings are stored in the liquid in the liquid reservoir 128.In another embodiment, the user can manually add liquid in liquid reservoir 128.In one embodiment, liquid level sensor 129 detects the liquid level of liquid reservoir 128.Liquid level sensor 129 can be ultrasonic sensor, buoy transducer, Magnetic Sensor, pneumatic transmitter, conductive sensor, capacitance type sensor, some liquid level sensor, laser sensor, optical sensor or other transducers.In another embodiment, liquid level sensor 129 comprises the window that leads to liquid reservoir 128 inside, visually detects liquid level to allow the user.
In one embodiment, the hydrogen of generation is by unidirectional valve 130.Unidirectional valve 130 allows hydrogen delivery cassette 106, but prevents that hydrogen from turning back in the box 106.Unidirectional valve 130 prevents that also hydrogen from discharging system 100 when box 106 is removed.This has just preserved hydrogen, for the user provides safety valve, and allows a certain amount of hydrogen to be stored in the system 100 for future use.Unidirectional valve 130 with circuit that hydrogen outlet 114 fluids are communicated with on.In one embodiment, second unidirectional valve is attached in the box accommodating container 105.Unidirectional valve 130 can be the unidirectional valve of silicones duckbill valve, diaphragm type valve or other types.
In one embodiment, the Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132 in unidirectional valve 130 downstreams is measured the gas pressure of hydrogen.In another embodiment, the Hydrogen Vapor Pressure of hydrogen regulating valve 142 upstreams in Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132 measuring systems.Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132 is used for purpose of safety and/or is used to detect the hydrogen production rate.In one embodiment, the force value that electronic control system 103 utilizes Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132 to measure uses pressure curve as previously described to decide the pump pulsation rate of liquid pump 126.In general, electronic control system 103 can be for low pressure measurement increases pulsation rate, and reduces pulsation rate for high-tension measurement.More curve as electricity needs or other curves, also becomes the factor of decision optimum pulse rate.Working pressure transducer 132 detected pressures also make system 100 regulate pressure before it arrives unsafe level.If pressure exceeds critical gas pressure such as predetermined safe value, electronic control system 103 makes hydrogen discharge so that safe pressure is got back to by system through hydrogen vent valve 166.
In one embodiment, mechanical valve 133 is positioned at the upstream of Hydrogen Vapor Pressure adjuster valve 142.In one embodiment, mechanical valve 133 is mechanical valve of automatic release of gas pressure when pressure is higher than predetermined critical gas pressure.In one embodiment, the predetermined critical gas pressure relevant with mechanical valve 133 is higher than critical gas pressure or the safety value relevant with Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer as indicated above 132.In one embodiment, the predetermined critical gas pressure relevant with mechanical valve 133 is about 30 pounds/square inch (psig) to 150psig or higher, and the predetermined safe value relevant with Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132 is between about 15 to 30psig or higher, this depends on the system design demand, as 100psig.In another embodiment, the predetermined critical gas pressure relevant with mechanical valve 133 is higher than the predetermined safe value relevant with Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132.
In one embodiment, in case that one or more other system element is arranged to Hydrogen Vapor Pressure adjuster valve 142 is malfunctioning, system element blocks, system 100 generates excess hydrogen, or other high pressure conditions take place, and inner system gas pressure surpasses critical gas pressure, release hydrogen pressure.The other system element comprises seal, O shape ring, hose fitting or joint, liquid pump 126 or other mechanical organs or connector.A plurality of levels that pressure discharges provide fail safe for the user, and assurance system 100 remains on safe pressure, and system 100 or user do not have the danger of blast or other infringements.Low-pressure system is not only safer than high-pressure system, and generally they need lower material and expenditure of construction.
In one embodiment, liquid reservoir 128 has liquid condenser 138.Liquid condenser 138 from enter liquid reservoir 128 air or other gas in remove liquid.In one embodiment, water condenses on the frit or other materials of condenser 138.In another embodiment, air or other gas by after the condenser 138 through pressure-control valve 140 discharge systems.
In one embodiment, hydrogen enters from hydrogen purification system 116 and mixes hydrogen fuel cell system 102.Mix hydrogen fuel cell system 102 in one embodiment and have Hydrogen Vapor Pressure adjuster valve 142, Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 144, hydrogen fuel cell pile component 146, one or more air cleaner 150, one or more air pump 152, air humidifier 156, module stack 158, hydrogen humidifier 160, one or more cooling fan 162, temperature sensor 164, hydrogen vent valve 166 and one or more electric power storing device 168.
In one embodiment, hydrogen regulating valve 142 is regulated hydrogen flowing from hydrogen purification system 116 to hydrogen fuel cell pile component 146.Hydrogen regulating valve 142 works hydrogen gas storage between unidirectional valve 130 and hydrogen regulating valve 142 even between the use of system 100 with unidirectional valve 130 1.A certain amount of hydrogen of hydrogen adjuster 142 controlled release systems enters fuel-cell stack assembly 146, keeps gas pressure predetermined in the fuel cell 146.In one embodiment, predetermined gas pressure is about 7psi in the fuel cell 146.
In one embodiment, the gas pressure of the hydrogen of hydrogen regulating valve 142 downstreams (for example in fuel cell system 102) in Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 144 measuring systems 100.Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 144 can be used for purpose of safety, and/or is used to monitor the use of 146 pairs of hydrogen of fuel cell.If pressure is higher than the predetermined safe value, hydrogen can be discharged so that pressure is got back to lsafety level as previously described through hydrogen vent valve 166 from system.In one embodiment, if pressure is lower than predetermined as previously described fuel cell gas pressure, hydrogen adjuster 142 discharges more hydrogen and enters right material battery pile 146.
Hydrogen fuel cell pile component 146 is generation electric power from the flowing of hydrogen and air, and this is known in the art.Usually, each fuel cell 158 in the hydrogen fuel cell pile component 146 has proton exchange membrane (PEM), anode, negative electrode and catalyst.Usually the microbedding with catalyst is coated onto on carbon paper, cloth or other gas diffusion layers, and adjacent with the two sides of PEM.Anode, the negative pole of fuel cell 158 is positioned at the side of catalyst and PEM, and negative electrode, the positive pole of fuel cell is positioned at opposite side.The passage pumping of hydrogen in anode, oxygen is generally the form of surrounding air, the passage pumping in negative electrode.Catalyst promotes reaction so that Hydrogen Separation becomes two H +Ion and two electronics.Electronics imports external circuit through anode, again from the external circuit to the negative electrode.Catalyst also promotes reaction so that airborne oxygen molecule is separated into two oxonium ions, and each has negative electricity.This negative electricity attracts this H +Ion passes PEM, wherein two H +Ion combines to form hydrone with an oxonium ion and two electronics.
In one embodiment, one or more air cleaners 150 are arranged to filter the air that is used for fuel-cell stack assembly 146.In one embodiment, one or more air pumps 152 with air in air cleaner 150 drawing-in systems 100.Air pump 152 can be the air pump of membrane pump or other types, its can keep with fuel cell in the air pressure that is complementary of Hydrogen Vapor Pressure, with the power density of the maximum that reaches fuel cell pack 146.In one embodiment, air pump 152 increases or reduces air stream in response to the signal from electronic control system 103.Electronic control system 103 sends enabling signal in response to the fixed electric load of system 100.Air stream changes along with the variation of electric load, has reduced additional power loss, has improved in the systematic function that is lower than on the peaked level of power.In one embodiment, one or more air pumps 152 have multiple air pumpability, so that send into the air capacity optimization in the fuel cell pack 146.For example, under medium electricity needs state, start the air pump 152 of low capacity, and under high electricity needs state, start low capacity and jumbo air pump 152 simultaneously.
In one embodiment, air humidifier 156 will enter the air humidification of fuel cell pack 146.Adding moisture in air can make the PEM in each fuel cell 158 keep moist.The PEM of partial dehydration will lack the power density of fuel cell pack 146.Moisture has reduced H +Ion passes the resistance of PEM, has increased power density.In one embodiment, the humid air of discharging fuel cell pack 146 flow through a side of the film of air humidifier 156 inside before discharging fuel cell pack 146, and dry air flows through the opposite side of film when dry air enters fuel cell pack 146 simultaneously.Water selectively passes film and sucks dried side, humidification before air enters fuel cell pack 158 from wet side.
In one embodiment, hydrogen humidifier 160 is arranged to make the hydrogen humidification that enters fuel cell pack 146, and PEM keeps moist like this.This is useful, if fuel cell pack 146 operates under very high power density or the very high temperature, Already in the moisture in the hydrogen is not enough to keep the PEM humidity.Hydrogen humidifier 160 can adopt with air humidifier 156 similar modes and be provided with, hydrogen is at a side inflow fuel cell pack 146 of the film of hydrogen humidifier 160 inside, humid air flows out fuel cell pack 146 at the opposite side of film, and film selectively allows water to pass through, so that the hydrogen humidification.Moist hydrogen gas makes the anode-side of PEM become wet, and the humid air from air humidifier 156 makes the cathode side of PEM become wet simultaneously.In one embodiment, air humidifier 156 and/or hydrogen humidifier 160 can be bonded to each other and/or combine with fuel cell pack 158.
In one embodiment, one or more cooling fans 162 prevent that fuel cell pack 158 is overheated.The operation and the speed of electronic control system 103 control cooling fans 162.Cooling system 162 is separated the dehydration that has reduced PEM from the fuel cell pack air supply system, because air supply remains on and cools off required low-down the flowing of comparing.Having the cooling of separation and the fuel cell system of air supply system is introduced into as the cathod system that seals.In one embodiment, cooling fan 162 is low-power fans that high gas flow can be provided.In another embodiment, the adjustment of fuel cell heap 158 is from the air-flow of cooling fan 162, to reduce additional power loss.In another embodiment, one or more fans 162 comprise one or more forced draft fans, and it can keep the air pressure higher than aerofoil fan.One or more forms, guide, conduit, baffle plate, collector or thermal resistance can be used for control and guiding air stream, perhaps are used to keep fuel cell pack 146 inner and predetermined air pressures on every side.
In one embodiment, temperature sensor 164 is measured the temperature of fuel cell pack 162.As mentioned before, the temperature that measures according to temperature sensor 164 at least in part in one embodiment starts cooling fan 162.In another embodiment, if the temperature that temperature sensor 164 measures is higher than predetermined unsafe temperature value, electronic control system 103 shutdown systems 100 are also notified the user.
In one embodiment, hydrogen vent valve 166 is connected with fuel cell pack 146.Hydrogen vent valve 166 is discharged hydrogen from fuel cell pack 146.When the pressure that measures when Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132,144 as previously described reached dangerous level, hydrogen vent valve 166 was used for discharging hydrogen, or normally made under the condition that fuel cell 158 remains on to avoid the corrosion of catalyst.When pressure reaches dangerous level or the electric power that produces when fuel cell pack 146 when being lower than predeterminated level, electronic control system 103 sends the venting signals to hydrogen vent valve 166.In one embodiment, the humid air of discharging the hydrogen of fuel cell packs 158 and having discharged fuel cell pack 158 through hydrogen vent valve 166 is admitted to liquid reservoir 128, and through water condenser 138 recirculation and reuse the water of the reaction formation in fuel cell pack 146.
In one embodiment, one or more electric power storing devices 168 and fuel cell pack 146 electric power couplings connection.In one embodiment, electric power storing device 168 is rechargeable, and does not use or disconnecting when using up the remaining hydrogen that system 100 generates when closing with load, by fuel cell pack 146 trickle charges when it.This electric power storing device 168 system 100 the startup stage provide instantaneous electric power to load.This means that the load that links to each other with system 100 will have instantaneous electric power, before receiving electric power, needn't wait hydrogen generation system 101 to begin to generate hydrogen, perhaps wait fuel cell pack 146 to begin to produce electric power.
In one embodiment, electric power storing device 168 is arranged in heating fuel battery pile 146 in the cold environment, to allow the quick startup of fuel cell pack 146.Power storage system 168 can utilize the wire of heat(ing) coil or other heating or utilize other electrical heating methods to come heating fuel battery pile 146.In one embodiment, power storage system 168 is connected in parallel with fuel cell pack 146, and play the effect that the load that makes fuel cell pack 146 reaches certain level, fuel cell pack 146 can turn round under the level of power of its full blast like this, needn't change its output according to load frequently.Electric power storing device 168 will replenish the electric power that is produced by fuel cell pack 146 in the electric power peak that is caused by load.Electric power storing device 168 can be selected from the group that battery pack becomes, as sealed lead acid battery, lithium ion (Li-ion) battery, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery or various rechargeable battery, capacitor, ultracapacitor and other can store power equipment.In one embodiment, select electric power storing device 168 is used with the electric capacity greater than postcombustion battery pile 146 desired volumes, avoided the charge and discharge cycles of electric power storing device 168 like this, and increased the life-span of electric power storing device 168.
In one embodiment, the one or more couplings connection in transducer, valve and other elements in electronic control system 103 and the system 100 are communicated with to carry out electric power and control signal.In one embodiment, electronic control system 103 comprises one or more voltage and current transducers 170, direct current (DC) and DC transducer 172, circuit breaker 174, ground-fault interrupter (GFCI) device 176, electronic switch 178, DC outlet 180, AC transducer 181, AC outlet 182, killer switch 184, GFCI switch 186, display 188, keyboard 190, control system 192, Computer Communications Interface 194 and control bus 196.
In one embodiment, voltage and current transducer 170 is used to measure the voltage and current at electric power storing device 168 the two poles of the earth.Electronic control system 103 utilizes the voltage and current of electric power storing device 168 each utmost point to determine the charge level of electric power storing device 168.According to the measured value of voltage and current transducer 170, electronic control system 103 determines whether to replenish or the agency to fuel cell pack 146 to electric power storing device 168 chargings or from electric power storing device 168.Electronic control system 103 also provides the power state of battery to the user.
In one embodiment, direct current is arranged to the various voltage transitions in fuel cell pack 146 circuit are become fully stable voltage to direct current (DC to DC) transducer 172.In one embodiment, this fully stable voltage is normal voltage, for example 6 volts, 9 volts, 12 volts, 14 volts, 24 volts etc.In one embodiment, voltage regulator can be used to replace direct current to direct current (DC to DC) transducer 172.Usually, use direct current little to the caused power loss of direct current (DC to DC) transducer 172 specific pressure adjusters.This direct current can be to force device in the system 100 and the electric load that is connected with system 100 power supply to direct current (DC toDC) transducer 172.
In one embodiment, circuit breaker 174 cuts off circuit corresponding to the overload in the circuit.100 of systems can provide if the required electric current of electric load has surpassed, and circuit overloads has so just taken place.In one embodiment, the rated value of circuit breaker 174 is determined by the electric power generation ability of system.In one embodiment, circuit breaker 174 is the specified circuit breakers of standard, is rated value with the levels of current of electronic control system 103.In one embodiment, disconnect 184 is arranged in and after circuit breaker 174 cuts off electric current circuit breaker 174 is resetted.
In one embodiment, this GFCI device 176 cuts off circuit in response to short circuit.GFCI device 176 is faster than circuit breaker 174 cut-out circuit.GFCI device 176 detects the poor of the magnitude of current that flows into circuit and the magnitude of current that flows out circuit, and indication short circuit or electric current leak.In one embodiment, GFCI device 176 can detect electric current mispairing little as 4 or 5 milliamperes, and can as a thirtieth second so fast to electric current mispairing react.In one embodiment, GFCI switch 186 is arranged in and after GFCI device 176 cuts off circuit GFCI device 176 is resetted.
In one embodiment, electronic switch 178 disconnects being connected of load and electric power, and other parts of open circuit not.In one embodiment, electronic switch 178 disconnects load after the outage phase place of user's start-up system.In off position, system 100 can start electronic switch 178 and disconnect load, continues to produce electric power with to electric power storing device 168 chargings, and continues to use remaining hydrogen.
In one embodiment, DC outlet 180 provides outlet or card i/f, is used for providing DC electric power to the DC device.In one embodiment, DC electric power has the standard dc voltage.In one embodiment, the standard dc voltage is about 9 to 15 volts of DC.In another embodiment, DC outlet 180 is " lighter " type interface, has similar DC outlet in many automobiles.
In one embodiment, AC transducer 181 will become AC electric power to the DC power conversions of direct current (DCt o DC) transducer 176 from direct current.In one embodiment, AC transducer 181 becomes to have the AC electric power of standard A C voltage with the DC power conversions.Standard A C voltage is selected according to the purposes of zone or system 100.In one embodiment, standard A C voltage is about 110 to 120 volts.In another embodiment, standard A C voltage is about 220 to 240 volts.In one embodiment, the AC electric power that AC transducer 181 becomes to have standard frequency with the DC power conversions, for example 50Hz or 60Hz.Standard frequency also can be selected according to zone or purposes, for example 16.7Hz or 400Hz.
In one embodiment, AC outlet 182 provides outlet or card i/f, is used for providing AC electric power from AC transducer 181 to the AC device.In one embodiment, according to the region standard AC outlet 182 is arranged to standard A C outlet.In another embodiment, AC outlet 182 comprises a plurality of AC outlets or card i/f.
In one embodiment, display screen 188 is used for transmitting information to the user.Display screen 188 can be that liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) show, organic LED (OLED) shows, cathode ray tube (CRT) shows or other can send the display unit of signal to the user.In one embodiment, display 188 transmits error message to the user.In another embodiment, display 188 transmits the information about power that is stored in the electric power storing device 168 to the user.In another embodiment, display 188 transmits the user mode information of box 106 to the user.
In one embodiment, keyboard 190 is used to receive the input from the user.In one embodiment, the user is the technical staff, and keyboard 190 helps the technical staff and makes system mistake analysis or fault eliminating.Input can send to enter and start or signal, navigation information, the option of closed condition or be presented at menu on the display screen 188 to system 100, sends signal to the selection of user's menu item, perhaps send to system 100 make mistakes, fault or other information.Keyboard 190 comprises one or more keys, numeric keypad, button, some striking wheel etc.
In one embodiment, control system 192 is used for one or more elements of control system 100.Control system 192 can be other relevant control circuits such as integrated circuit such as microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), embedded controller.Control system 192 is transmitted information with Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 132, temperature sensor 118, RFIC transducer 124, optical pickocff 120, liquid syringe pump 126, liquid level detector 129, air pump 152, Hydrogen Vapor Pressure transducer 144, electronic sensor 170, temperature sensor 164, display 188, keyboard 190 and/or other elements.
In one embodiment, control system 192 uses control bus 196 and element to transmit signal.Control bus 196 can be that one or more electric wire or other provide the communication medium of the control command and the data of serial or parallel connection.Control system 192 can adopt numeral or analog communication signal to communicate in bus 196.Control system 192 can be monitored and optimization system efficient and security of system, as mentioned before.In one embodiment, control system 192 can be stored one or more system status informations, performance data or statistical form in daily record, and the user can utilize display 190 or compunication interface 194 to visit this daily record.In one embodiment, control system 192 and other circuit are positioned within the shell 104, prevent owing to water causes short circuit and on fire.For example, in one embodiment, control system 192 and other circuit are placed on the top of system 100.
In one embodiment, control system 192 and computer interface are arranged to make in compunication interface 194.Compunication interface 194 can comprise one or more ports, terminal, adapter, socket or plug, as serial port, ethernet port, USB (USB) port or other communication port.In one embodiment, computer can utilize the 194 access system daily records of compunication interface, performance data, system mode, to change system settings or to be control system 192 programmings.
In one embodiment, shell 104 is used for sealing and protection system 100.Shell 104 comprises durable material such as metal, plastics etc.In one embodiment, shell 104 is the portability of light material with increase system 100.In another embodiment, shell 104 has hole or window and is beneficial to the user and monitors liquid level in the liquid reservoir 128.In another embodiment, shell 104 also is used to the element of electronic control system 103 that the electronic frequency shielding is provided.
Fig. 2 show with Fig. 1 in an embodiment of 1,060 fens similar boxes 200 of box.Box 200 is for comprising for example shell of gas or liquid of fluid.The suitable example of fluid comprises water, air, gas such as hydrogen etc.In certain embodiments, box 200 comprises the single outlet that allows fluid delivery cassette 200.
In other embodiments, box 200 comprises one or more outlets that allow fluid delivery cassette 200 and the one or more imports that allow fluid to enter box 200.Should be understood that the box 200 various fluid treatment elements of can packing into, comprise that fluid filter element such as filter, fluid generate byproduct, fluid consuming element such as fuel cell and the fluid storage element such as the hydrogen capsule of element such as chemical reaction.Therefore, those skilled in the art recognize that box 200 can comprise the box 200 that holds fluid reaction of formation such as hydrogen reaction of formation.Selectively, box 200 can receive one or more fluid streams and another element in system or container and send one or more fluid stream.For example, box 200 can comprise the filter element of the fluid stream after receiving fluid stream and sending filtration.Selectively, box 200 can be used as the fluid flow conditioner, receives one or more fluid streams and another element in system or container and sends one or more fluid stream.Selectively, box 200 can be used as the fluid cell of fluid stream, receives one or more fluid streams and another element in system or container and sends one or more fluid stream.Selectively, box 200 can hold fuel cell, receives one or more fluid streams and another element in system and sends one or more fluid stream and electric currents.
Box 200 can comprise tubular body or housing 202, and its diameter range is about 1 to 5 inch in one embodiment, and length range is about 4 to 12 inches.Housing 202 has the shape of cross section of annular, but is not limited to any specific shape of cross section or any specific diameter.
In one embodiment, housing 202 and material with good heat transfer characteristic enough high, low weight by intensity for example aluminium make.Yet, for a person skilled in the art, a lot of substitution material are arranged obviously, comprise iron, stainless steel, copper, carbon fiber ring O compoiste material, glass fibre epoxy composite material, PEEK, polysulfones derivative, polypropylene, PVC or other suitable materials.In one embodiment, box 200 also has pod interface 204, with allow box 200 at an easy rate other elements in previously described whole hydrogen generation system 100 place and be locked in a position.
In one embodiment, pod interface 204 comprises adjustment structure 208, one or more hydrogen mouth 212 and one or more fluid flow port 216.In one embodiment, hydrogen mouth 212 and fluid flow port 216 also can comprise one or more self-seal devices known in the art.Adjust structure 208 or other lock functions and be used to guarantee that pod interface 204 can only mesh box accommodating container 105 on a direction or circuit.In one embodiment, housing 202 comprises crimping 224, fully centers on housing 202 near the openend of housing 202.Crimping 224 guarantees that housing 202 safety are connected in pod interface 204.In addition, when housing 202 inside produced dangerous high gas pressure, crimping 224 can discharge inner hydrogen gas and water safely.In another embodiment, for example screw thread, glue or other adhesives, welding etc. can guarantee that pod interface 204 safety are connected in housing 202 to other safety measures.
In one embodiment, one or more hydrogen mouths 212 and one or more fluid flow port 216 and previously described one or more hydrogen outlets 114 and one or more fluid injection-tube 1,110 minutes are similar.In one embodiment, hydrogen mouth 212 and fluid flow port 216 are about ten sixth inches.In one embodiment, one or more fluid injection-tubes 218 extend to the inside of the box housing 202 of holding solid reactant (as the detailed description of hereinafter being done) from one or more fluid flow ports 216.In one embodiment, injection-tube 218 is extensible to advance housing 202 half of housing 202 length at least, and in other embodiments, injection-tube 30 is extensible to be less than half of shell length.In one embodiment, liquid injection-tube 218 has the internal diameter of about 1mm.In another embodiment, liquid injection-tube 218 has the internal diameter of about 0.5 to 5.0mm scope.
Injection-tube 218 can by aluminium, brass or other metals, PTFE, Or other high temperature polymerization bodies.In one embodiment, on the length of liquid injection-tube 218, be formed with a series of liquid distribution aperture.In another embodiment, box 200 vertically is provided with, and injection-tube 218 fully extends to the bottom of box 200, and liquid is filled boxes 200 from the bottom to pod interface 204 in turn like this.By this way can also be with fluid through injection-tube 218 pumping beyond box 200, with the Hydrogen Vapor Pressure of further control hydrogen output and maintenance safety.
Fig. 3 A shows another embodiment of box 300.Discuss as preamble, comprise solid reactant such as anhydrous chemical hydride among the embodiment of box 300.In one embodiment, chemical hydride is as a kind of reducing agent that comprises hydrogen, generates hydrogen when itself and water or other oxidant reactions.Chemical hydride comprises organic or inorganic compound.The applying date is July 26, application number in 2007 a plurality of examples of chemical hydride that have been 11/829,019 U.S. Patent Application Publication, at this in conjunction with the full content of this application as a reference.Chemical hydride can comprise sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, lithium aluminium hydride reduction, lithium hydride, sodium hydride and calcium hydride.
In one embodiment, the chemical hydride reactant is packed in permeability for liquids material or the textile bags 302." fabric " of Shi Yonging not only comprises textile material herein, also comprises the porous material of the papery that can be used for filtering purpose.An embodiment of fabric is made up of porous material, and it can be in the integrality from about-20 ℃ of maintenance structures to about 200 ℃ temperature range and in from about 4 to about 14 the pH scope.
Suitable fabric comprises weaving and mixing nonwoven nylon, staple fibre, polyester, porous filter paper or these materials, but is not limited to this.In one embodiment, the material of selecting to have best thickness, density and to hold fluid power is used for bag 302.In one embodiment, box 300 arranged perpendicular, bag 302 comprises having the material that minimum is held fluid power, the weight of the liquid of Bao Liuing is less than about ten times of the material own wt like this.Material also has little or does not have the capillary ability.In another embodiment, box 300 horizontal arrangement select to have the material 302 of the higher liquid ability of holding and certain capillary ability.
Hold fluid power and the capillary potentiality of bag 302 exert an influence to the place of liquid and chemical hydride generation chemical reaction.Low fluid power and the capillary potentiality of holding help to keep chemical reaction when being in or be lower than liquid level in the box 300.If hold fluid power and the capillary potentiality are higher, capillarys take place and also hold liquid in bag 302, like this chemical reaction can take place when the liquid level that is in box 300 is above.For the chemical reaction in the control box more accurately 300, the selection of the material of bag 302 can be based on the structure of the activator of box 300, injection-tube 304 and chemical hydride and use.
Other correlative factors comprise permeability for liquids, porousness, chemical reactivity and the temperature stability between about 150 ℃ and about 250 ℃, depend on chemical hydride, activator and the liquid infusion system 304 of use.The suitable thickness that is used for the material of bag 302, in one embodiment, can be between about 0.002 inch and 0.01 inch.Appropriate density can be less than about 0.05 gram/square inch.
In a specific embodiment, bag 302 materials by the density with about 0.0043 inch thickness, about 57.9 gram/square inches constitute, has water permeability, the size in hole is less than 0.0025 inch, in about pH4 resistance to chemical attack to the alkalescence of about pH3 or the acid solution, keep stable being higher than under about 180 ℃ temperature, and in water, keep having only 4 times of himself weight.For stable generation hydrogen, also can materials used performance such as thickness, density and other combinations of holding fluid power.
In one embodiment, textile bags 302 is quite thin, compares with thickness to have sizable area.Bag 302 can adopt the mode of any routine to make.For example, shown in Fig. 3 B, how can to see two rectangular tab with textile material 314 and 316 seal along three limits (for example by sew up 310 or other encapsulating methods) and be divided into 0.25 to 2 inch section 318 (also by sewing up), leave openend 312.In a series of section 318 that forms thus, fill the chemical hydride (as mentioned below) of particulate, and the openend 312 of closing by stitching along the 4th limit seals.
The illustrative thickness of bag 302 (as when the thickness that launches and fill the chemical hydride period 318) is approximately 1/4th inches in one embodiment, and the size of its expansion is approximately 5.75 inches to 20 inches.Then, it is enough little of to insert in the tubular shell 300 that bag 302 is rolled into diameter, (for the purpose of clear and definite pod interface 206 removed) as shown in Figure 3A.The thickness of bag 302 and the size of expansion can be according to the size of box 300 and the structures shape of bag 302.Then liquid injection-tube 304 is inserted carefully between the overlapping layer of the bag of rolling 302.In one embodiment, the lining (not shown) is set in housing 300 also, to protect housing not corroded and to damage.Lining can be removable or permanent, can be used as the life-span that prolongs housing 300.In one embodiment, bag or the bag of lining for making by plastics or other inert materials known in the art, and lining can stand the temperature that chemical reaction brought that generated by hydrogen, and protection box 300 is not corroded.
Fig. 4 A shows the end view according to an embodiment of hydrogen generation system interface 400 of the present invention.Hydrogen generation system interface 400 comprises box 402, pod interface 404 and box accommodating container 406.The mobile fluid path that provides of the hydrogen of hydrogen generation system generation is provided hydrogen generation system interface 400.
Box 402 in one embodiment, comprises hydride fuel.In certain embodiment, box 402 is used to hold chemical hydride fuel and activator, reception liquid, holds the chemical reaction and the release hydrogen that generate hydrogen between chemical hydride and the liquid.Box 402 in another embodiment, is used to hold other hydrogen reactions of formation, other fluids or other system or element such as hydrogen filtration system.An example of hydrogen filtration system is the hydrogen purification system 116 among Fig. 1 as previously described.
In one embodiment, box 402 is columniform.Internal pressure when the cylindrical structural strength that has can stand the hydrogen generation.Box 402 comprises the heat that can stand chemical reaction and the material of pressure.Material also can select light material so that the weight minimum of box 402, for example light-weight metal or metal alloy such as aluminium, plastic polymer or other durable materials.In another embodiment, box 402 comprises extruded aluminium rounding cylindricality box.
Box 402 in one embodiment, sends the hydrogen that generates to pod interface 404.Box 402 comprises the passage of the hydrogen that is used to transmit generation, for example pipe, collector, path etc.In one embodiment, box 402 comprises the passage of machining, provides fluid to connect between the inside of box 402 and pod interface 404.In another embodiment, box 402 comprises the passage of the processing that is shaped, and provides fluid to connect between the inside of box 402 and pod interface 404, for example adopts injection molding technology.
Pod interface 404 in one embodiment, is connected in box 402 and comprises at least one pod interface gas vent 408.Pod interface 404 in one embodiment, connects box 402 movably or is fixed on the box accommodating container 406.In certain embodiments, insert in the hole 420 of box accommodating container 406 in response to box 402, pod interface 404 is engaged in box accommodating container 406.The insertion of box 402 and removing along inserting path 410 is carried out, and inserts path 410 and is represented by the dotted arrow among Fig. 4.
Pod interface gas vent 408, in one embodiment, with the internal fluid communication of box 402 and the mobile fluid path that provides of the hydrogen that produces in box 402 is provided.In another embodiment, pod interface gas vent 408 can be included as the mobile pod interface fluid issuing that fluid path is provided of another fluid such as air, water or other liquids and gases.The position of pod interface gas vent 408 has deflection 411 with respect to orthogonal plane 412.Orthogonal plane 412 and insertion path 410 quadratures.
In illustrated embodiment, interface gas vent 408 is arranged to have the deflection 411 of about 3 degree, means that the direction of interface gas vent 408 is 3 degree with respect to orthogonal plane 412.In another embodiment, interface gas vent 408 can have different deflection 411, and for example the plane with respect to orthogonal plane 412 is 5 degree.In certain embodiments, interface gas vent 408 can have from 0 to the 90 degree any direction angle 411 with respect to orthogonal plane in any direction.In another embodiment, interface gas vent 408 can have any direction angle 411 with respect to orthogonal plane 412 that is not equal to 90 degree, thereby interface gas vent 408 is not parallel with insertion path 410.In another embodiment, interface gas vent 408 can have any direction angle 411 with respect to orthogonal plane 412 in any direction of from 0 to 45 degree.
Pod interface 404 can comprise any well known in the art can withstanding pressure, temperature and hydrogen generates the material of the pressure that is produced.At another embodiment, pod interface 404 also comprises light material, to guarantee the overall weight minimum of system, increases portable.In one embodiment, pod interface 404 is light-weight metal or metal alloy such as aluminium etc.In another embodiment, box accommodating container 105 comprises glass fiber material, plastic polymer material, ceramics material or other durable materials.
In certain embodiments, pod interface 404 links to each other with box 402.In another embodiment, pod interface 404 becomes the part of the whole of box 402.In one embodiment, pod interface 404 is independent structures with box 402.
Box accommodating container 406, in one embodiment, receiving box 402.Box accommodating container 406 is arranged to and pod interface 404 interfaces, to receive flowing of hydrogen.In one embodiment, box accommodating container 406 comprises biasing member 414 and accommodating container steam vent 416.
Biasing member 414 in one embodiment, applies active force interface gas vent 408 and accommodating container steam vent 416 is combined.Biasing member 414 is fixed together box 402 movably with box accommodating container 406.In one embodiment, insert box accommodating container 406 in response to box 402, biasing member 414 is compressed.
Biasing member 414 can comprise flexible material, spring etc.For example, biasing member 414 can comprise for example elastomeric material of synthetic or natural rubber composite, compression when it inserts box accommodating container 406 at box 402.In another example, biasing member 414 can comprise the interior wall of box accommodating container 406 or the periphery of extending from interior wall, lever, slope, projection, wedge etc., and strain takes place when box 402 inserts for it, forms force action on pod interface 404.Interior wall can be taper.In another embodiment, biasing member 414 comprises the part of pod interface 404 at least.At least the part of pod interface 404 comprises flexible material as previously described.
In one embodiment, biasing member 414 is radially relative with accommodating container steam vent 416.For example, box 402 has circular cross section, and box accommodating container 406 has the cross section that is essentially circular accordingly.In this example, biasing member 414 and accommodating container steam vent 416 can be essentially same diameter setting on the circular cross section along box accommodating container 406.
In another embodiment, box 402 and/or box accommodating container 406 can have non-circular cross section.In the present embodiment, radially relative with accommodating container steam vent 416 biasing member 414 applies active force to the accommodating container steam vent 416 that is in a straight line basically.For example, the box accommodating container 406 with the cross section that is essentially square has biasing member 414 in first side of square cross section, in the opposite side of square cross section accommodating container steam vent 416 is set relatively radially.Also can use other shape of cross section, for example ellipse, rectangle, teardrop shape, rhombus, triangle etc. are to guarantee the appropriate location of box 402 in box accommodating container 406.In one embodiment, pod interface 404 has the shape of cross section different with box 402, and the shape of pod interface 404 guarantees that box 402 has suitable insertion path and location in box accommodating container 406.Box accommodating container 406 has the shape consistent with the shape of cross section of pod interface 404.
Preferably, the bias force that is formed by biasing member 414 makes and forms the frictional force that is fit between box accommodating container 406 and the pod interface 404.In one embodiment, this frictional force that is fit to is wide enough so that when box accommodating container 406 shakes, collides or is inverted, and can keep box 402 in box accommodating container 406.Wall 418a, the 418b that faces in certain embodiments comprises other biasing member or at a relative side and the groove 422 corresponding brake components of the wall 418a, the 418b that face, as one or more protruding 420.
In certain embodiments, biasing member 414 can be included in the another port in box accommodating container 406 and/or the pod interface 404.For example, biasing member 414 can comprise the accommodating container port, for example allows the accommodating container fluid issuing of fluid such as water or hydrogen stream incoming interface fluid inlet.This port can comprise flexible member, and it is compressed when box 402 inserts, for example rubber or artificial rubber O shape ring.The flexible member of compression can produce bias force, and it makes interface gas vent 408 and accommodating container gas feed 416 keep together.Biasing member 414 in one embodiment, can adopt prefabricated, injection molding, injection moulding or additive method manufacturing again.In another embodiment, biasing member 414 can with box accommodating container 406 and pod interface 404 in one or more integrally formed in manufacture process.With reference to Fig. 5 A one embodiment of the present of invention are described, it comprises the accommodating container port that allows fluid such as water or hydrogen stream incoming interface fluid inlet.
Accommodating container gas vent 416 in one embodiment, receives flowing from the hydrogen of interface gas vent 408.Selectively, accommodating container gas vent 416 can comprise the accommodating container fluid inlet, and it receives flowing from the one other fluid of interface gas vent 408.Accommodating container gas vent 416 is arranged to be connected with interface gas vent 408.In one embodiment, accommodating container gas vent 416 is connected under the effect of the bias force that biasing member 414 produces with interface gas vent 408, as mentioned before.
In one embodiment, accommodating container gas vent 416 is provided with deflection 413 with respect to insertion path 410 plane orthogonal with box 402.In certain embodiments, the deflection 413 of accommodating container gas vent 416 makes accommodating container gas vent 416 and interface gas vent 408 align.In certain embodiments, the deflection 413 of accommodating container gas vent 416 is substantially the same with the deflection 411 of interface gas vent 408.In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, accommodating container gas vent 416 and interface gas vent 408 have about 0 to the deflection 411,413 between about 5 degree.In another embodiment, accommodating container gas vent 416 have with respect to orthogonal plane 412 in any direction from 0 to 90 the degree deflection 413.In another embodiment, accommodating container gas vent 416 have with respect to orthogonal plane 412 in any direction from 0 to 45 the degree any direction angle 413.
In certain embodiments, when box 402 along inserting path 410 when inserting box accommodating containers 406, interface gas vent 408 skims over accommodating container gas vent 416.Mutual interference and sliding relative to one another mutually when in other words, interface gas vent 408 and accommodating container gas vent 416 are arranged in box 402 and insert box accommodating containers 406.When the inswept accommodating container gas vent 416 of interface gas vent 408, to be in the pollutant of interface gas vent 408 and/or accommodating container gas vent 416, drive away from interface gas vent 408 and/or accommodating container gas vent 416, thereby between interface gas vent 408 and accommodating container gas vent 416, provide from cleaning interface.
For example, interface gas vent 408 and accommodating container gas vent 416 can have the deflection of about 3 degree.In this example, when box 402 was inserted box accommodating container 406, interface gas vent 408 and/or accommodating container gas vent 416 skimmed over each other.Be in the pollutant such as the dirt particles of interface gas vent 408 and/or accommodating container gas vent 416, outwards outstanding from interface gas vent 408 and/or accommodating container gas vent 416, be subjected to the interference of sweep motion, and cleared away.
Fig. 4 B shows the end view according to the alternate embodiment of hydrogen generation system interface 423 of the present invention.Hydrogen generation system interface 423 comprises box 402, pod interface 404 and box accommodating container 406.Hydrogen generation system interface 400 comprises the fluid path of the flow hydrogen gas that hydrogen generation system produces.Box 402, pod interface 404 and box accommodating container 406 preferably are arranged to adopt the described element with same reference numerals as Fig. 4 A in an identical manner.
Pod interface 404 in one embodiment, comprises shoulder 424.Shoulder 424 is arranged to make box 402 with respect to 406 alignment of box accommodating container.In one embodiment, when box 402 was inserted proper depth, shoulder 406 disturbed with box accommodating container 406.
In one embodiment, box accommodating container 406 comprises stayed surface 426, and box 402 is by its insertion.Stayed surface 426 can interact with shoulder 424, so that pod interface 404 aligns in box accommodating container 406.
Advantageously, box accommodating container 406 comprises stayed surface 426, and box 402 inserts by it, allows the box 402 of different length to use in identical box accommodating container 406.Because shoulder 424 does not rely on the length of box 402 pod interface 404 is alignd in box accommodating container 406, thereby can use the box of different length.
Fig. 5 A shows the end view of an embodiment of pod interface 502.Pod interface 502 comprises interface gas vent 504, interface fluid inlet 506 and pressure relief valve 508.In one embodiment, pod interface 502 is connected with box 402, and is similar with the box of describing among Fig. 4 with same reference numerals 402.The mobile fluid path that provides of fluid is provided pod interface 502, and box 402 is connected with other elements in the hydrogen generation system.
Interface gas vent 504 in one embodiment, is provided with in an identical manner with the interface gas vent of describing as Fig. 4 408.Interface gas vent 504 comprises deflection, and for from the hydrogen of box 402 inside or the mobile flow path that provides of other fluids.In one embodiment, interface gas vent 504 comprises seal 510.Seal 510, in one embodiment, basically around gas vent 504.Seal 510 can comprise flexible material, and it is used for sealing the accommodating container gas vent 416 corresponding interface gas vents 504 with box accommodating container 406.Seal 510 comprises any material that can seal flow hydrogen gas, as nylon, synthetic rubber etc.In one embodiment, seal 510 comprises synthetic rubber or artificial rubber O shape ring.Seal 510 in one embodiment, comprises biasing member as previously described.
In one embodiment, interface gas vent 504 and interface fluid inlet 506 move under the pressure of about 25-35psig separately usually.In one embodiment, if there is not seal 510, interface gas vent 504 and/or interface fluid inlet 506 can't be kept out high pressure, because the active force of biasing member is arranged, and the relatively little circumference of interface gas vent 504 and/or interface fluid inlet 506.
Interface fluid inlet 506, in one embodiment, the inside that flows into box 402 for fluid such as water provides the path.In one embodiment, interface fluid inlet 506 comprises the passage that leads to pod interface 502 of machining.Interface fluid inlet 506 plays the effect of biasing member 414 as described in Figure 4 with respect to interface gas vent 504 and accommodating container gas vent 416.Similarly, but interface gas vent 504 and 416 actings in conjunction of accommodating container gas vent, as the biasing member 414 that is fit to interface fluid inlet 506 and accommodating container fluid inlet (not shown).Interface fluid inlet 506 is in one embodiment, radially relative with interface gas vent 504.In an alternative embodiment, interface fluid inlet 506 can be adjacent with interface gas vent 504.
In one embodiment, interface fluid inlet 506 comprises deflection.The deflection of interface fluid inlet 506 in one embodiment, is substantially equal to the deflection of previously described interface gas vent 504.In another embodiment, interface fluid inlet 506 and interface gas vent 504 have the opposite deflection of big or small equidirectional, for example port has the deflection on the direction of a side of orthogonal plane, and another port has the deflection on the direction of the opposite side of orthogonal plane.In another embodiment, interface fluid inlet 506 has different deflections with interface gas vent 504.
Pressure relief valve 508 is used to limit the maximum pressure that produces in the box 402.In one embodiment, pressure relief valve 508 comprises pressure relief valve well known in the art, and as spring driven valve, it is opened under predetermined critical gas pressure.In one embodiment, when pressure relief valve 508 started, pressure relief valve 508 was to the excessive hydrogen of airborne release.In an interchangeable embodiment, pressure relief valve 508 links to each other with the spatial accommodation that comprises excess hydrogen (not shown).This spatial accommodation can be little by little or is discharged excessive hydrogen in addition safely.
Fig. 5 B shows the end view of an embodiment of pod interface 512.Pod interface 512 comprises interface 514.Interface 514 comprises interface fluid issuing, interface fluid inlet, and is substantially the same with interface gas vent 504 and/or interface fluid inlet 506 among previously described Fig. 5 A.In one embodiment, interface 514 has the deflection 516 with respect to orthogonal plane 412, and orthogonal plane 412 is orthogonal to and inserts path 410.
As mentioned before, deflection 516 can be 0 to 90 the degree between arbitrarily angled.In certain embodiments, deflection 516 helps the cleaning of docking port 514 during insertion.In another embodiment, the bootable interface gas ports of deflection 516 514 is downward, and action of gravity helps the sealing of docking port 514 during insertion like this.
For example, in illustrated embodiment, the deflection 516 of interface 514 is about 30 degree.In this example, certain cleaning effect will be arranged during insertion.The existence of action of gravity also helps sealed interface 514.In addition, biasing member produces bias force, plays the effect of sealed interface 514 from the existence of the bias force of biasing member.Biasing member can comprise another interface radially relative with interface 514, also can comprise deflection 516.In certain embodiments, deflection 516 is less than 90 degree, and interface 514 and insertion path 410 are not parallel like this.In these interfaces 514 and insertion path 410 uneven embodiment, the bias force that is produced by biasing member is no longer individually along inserting route guidance, makes to remove, make the box accommodating container to separate from the box accommodating container pod interface 512 and prevent the required active force minimum of interface 514 sealings.
Fig. 6 A shows an embodiment according to the vertical view of box accommodating container 602 of the present invention.In one embodiment, box accommodating container 602 comprises accommodating container fluid port 604, accommodating container gas ports 606, one or more keyway 608 and one or more passage 610.Box accommodating container 602 receiving boxes 402, and pass through to provide the path for fluid such as hydrogen.
Accommodating container fluid port 604 comprises the passage in the box accommodating container 602, and it is arranged to allow fluid such as water to flow into pod interface fluid port 506.Accommodating container fluid port 604 is configured on the box accommodating container 602, and after box inserted box accommodating container 602, accommodating container fluid port 604 was complementary with pod interface fluid port 506 like this.
Accommodating container gas ports 606 comprises the passage that is communicated with box accommodating container 602, and it is arranged to allow hydrogen to flow out from interface gas vent 504.Accommodating container gas ports 606 is configured on the box accommodating container 602, and after box 612 inserted box accommodating container 602, accommodating container gas ports 606 was complementary with interface gas vent 504 like this.
In one embodiment, accommodating container gas ports 606 is radially relative with accommodating container fluid port 604, as shown in Figure 6A.In an alternative embodiment, accommodating container gas ports 606 is radially not relative with accommodating container fluid port 604.In certain embodiments, accommodating container fluid port 604 produces bias force to seal accommodating container gas ports 606 and accommodating container fluid port 604 simultaneously as biasing member.
In one embodiment, box accommodating container 602 comprises one or more positioners, as one or more keyways 608.The key 614 that these one or more keyways 608 are similar with respect to the one or more shapes on the pod interface of box 612.One or more keyways 608 and key 614 guarantee to insert in the process of box accommodating container 602 at box 612, and box 612 is positioned on the specific direction.In one embodiment, one or more keyways 608 and key 614 guarantee that accommodating container gas ports 606 and corresponding interface gas vent 504 align.
In the embodiment that has described, the user inserts path rotation box 612 around its longitudinal axis and/or its, is complementary up to keyway 608 and corresponding key 614.In case keyway 608 is complementary with key 614, box 612 is filled in the box accommodating container 602, and alignment in box accommodating container 602 rightly.Those skilled in the art can recognize and have various keyways 608 and key 614 structures that it can use between box 612 and box accommodating container 602.Will be understood that all these structures all are within the scope of the invention.
One or more positioners in one embodiment can with 514 actings in conjunction of interface gas vent.In another embodiment, one or more positioners can with 506 actings in conjunction of interface fluid port.For example, box 612 can comprise the key 614 coefficient interface gas vents of including on the box 612 514.
In the embodiment of Fig. 6 B, keyway 608 has substantially and is the cross section of " L " shape, and key 614 is fixed in the keyway 608 by one or more compacting parts 616 like this.In one embodiment, one or more compacting parts 616 can comprise biasing member, and it presses to accommodating container fluid port 416,604 with interface fluid port 506,604.Box 612 inserts along inserting path 410, and key 614 enters keyway 608.Then, box 612 is around inserting path 410 distortions, and key 614 is by hold down gag 616 engagements like this.Engagement by one or more hold down gags 616 has guaranteed gas ports 504,606 and fluid port 506,604 alignment.For fail safe, align rightly as compartmentalized box for holding assorted fruits and candies 612 in addition, the transducer in the keyway 608 618 is noted it so.
Referring again to Fig. 6 A, the mobile passage that provides of the hydrogen of generation is provided one or more passages 610.In one embodiment, one or more passages 610 are included in the path that machining is come out on the box accommodating container 602.In an alternative embodiment, one or more passages 610 comprise the passage that is formed in the box accommodating container 602.In one embodiment, one or more passages 610 comprise the cover plate (not shown), and it forms the one or more wall in the passage 610.
In certain embodiments, one or more passages 610 form collector, and it connects two or more hydrogen streams.For example, in one embodiment, box accommodating container 602 is configured to receive a plurality of boxes.Describing among the embodiment, box accommodating container 602 is configured to receive two boxes.In this example, the hydrogen stream that each box is generated is combined into one or more passages 610, to form single hydrogen stream.In one embodiment, box accommodating container 602 is configured to receive a plurality of boxes, and it can insert and remove independently, and can move independently.Selectively, perhaps in addition, box accommodating container 602 is configured to receive two or more boxes.In addition, box 602 can comprise that fluid treatment element such as fluid filter element, fluid generate element, fluid consuming element or fluid storage element.
For the ease of the independent operating of a plurality of boxes, in one embodiment, one or more passages 610 can comprise one or more unidirectional valves or other valve-type, and are described about the unidirectional valve among Fig. 1 130 as preamble.Valve in the box accommodating container 602 allows hydrogen or another fluid to flow into accommodating container 602 from first box, no matter the state of second box how.This is used in the box of the hot swapping type that can insert and shift out in system's running.In another embodiment, when interface fluid port 504,506 one or more are arranged in inserting box accommodating container 602, open valve or passage in the accommodating container fluid port 416,604, when box shifts out, close this valve or passage from box accommodating container 602.
Fig. 7 shows the side cross-sectional, view according to an embodiment of refrigerating module 700 of the present invention.Refrigerating module 700, in one embodiment, substantially the same with the refrigerating module 112 among previously described Fig. 1.Refrigerating module 700 can comprise fluid mobile module 702, cover cap 704 and one or more rib 706.Box 402 in the refrigerating module 700 cooled hydrogen generation systems is derived heat from box 402.
In one embodiment, fluid mobile module 702 can comprise pump, blower fan, fan or other fluid displacement apparatus, and its guiding fluid such as air or water are by other elements of refrigerating module 700.Fluid absorbs heat from box 402 by heat conduction, and heat is discharged from hydrogen generation system.In one embodiment, fluid comprises gas such as air, or liquid refrigerant such as water.Fluid can comprise other liquid or solid cold-producing mediums, and it can be the additive of liquid such as water, alcohol etc.Liquid also can comprise one or more antifreezing agents that are used under the extreme temperature.
In one embodiment, cover cap 704 is configured in the box accommodating container 602 or its below, centers on box 402 when inserting basically.Cover plate 704 can be made by any material that can guide air flows, but is preferably made by material lightweight, rigidity such as plastics.In one embodiment, fluid mobile module 702 comprises the air mobile module, and cover plate 704 comprises air guiding device, and it holds the air that is blown by fluid mobile module 702 when air flows through box 402 surperficial.
In another embodiment, fluid mobile module 702 comprises pump, and cover plate 704 comprises fluid guiding device, and it is when box 402 inserts and box 402 disposed adjacent.Cover plate 704 is included in the baffle plate between box 402 and the liquid, and heat is conducted to liquid from box 402.In another embodiment, cover plate 704 comprises liquid sheath such as water sheath, and basically round box 402, fluid mobile module 702 is by liquid sheath moving liquid when inserting for it.
In one embodiment, fluid mobile module 702 is with near the cover plate 702 the bottom 708 of liquid such as air or water immigration cover plate 702.In the embodiment that has described, when the absorption of fluids heat, fluid flows to the top of box 402 from the bottom of box 402.The bottom 708 of cover plate 702 comprises fluid intake or air suction inlet, and it is connected with fluid mobile module 702 fluids.Cover plate 702 also can comprise fluid issuing or air outlet, and it is positioned near the top of box accommodating container 602.Fluid issuing or air outlet, in one embodiment, can be integrally formed with box accommodating container 602.
In one embodiment, the mobile passage that provides of fluid is provided one or more ribs 706.In certain embodiments, one or more ribs 706 comprise single helical form rib, and it makes fluid such as air-flow flow to the spiral path around the box from fluid mobile module 702.Advantageously, such spiral path has increased the time of staying that fluid contacts with the box surface.Vertical interval between the rib 706 was directly proportional with the time of staying.Distance on rib 706 vertical direction is near more, and helical curve is just close more, and the time of staying is also just long more, as long as reduce the speed of fluid mobile module 702, to compensate owing to the less fluid velocity that spiral fluid passageway was increased around the box 402.Selectively, rib 706 can have other structures that can increase the cooling fluid time of staying.
Rib 706 in one embodiment, has caused from the turbulent flow in the flowing of the fluid of fluid mobile module 702 such as air or water.Rib 706 can cause turbulent flow by any method well known in the art, for example by form angle that fluid flows, by ridge or ripple are set, by the modes such as projection that increase and rib 706 separates.In flowing, cause turbulent flow, promoted from box 402 and fluid the heat exchange between mobile from the fluid in the fluid mobile module 702.
The present invention can adopt under the prerequisite that does not break away from its spirit or intrinsic propesties and embody with other concrete forms.Will be understood that the embodiment that has described is exemplary in every respect, and be not to be restrictive.Therefore, scope of invention is embodied by additional claim, rather than the description by preamble.With the implication of claim equivalence and scope within any change of being done, all should be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. the device of a fixed bin, this device comprises:
Box comprises pod interface;
The interface fluid issuing is located on the pod interface, the internal fluid communication of this interface fluid issuing and box, and this interface fluid issuing is arranged to be complementary with the accommodating container fluid inlet of box accommodating container;
Deflection, at the interface fluid issuing and be orthogonal between the plane in insertion path of box and measure, the insertion path of interface fluid issuing and box is not parallel like this; And
Biasing member is arranged to adopt bias force that the interface fluid issuing is pressed to the accommodating container fluid inlet.
2. the device of claim 1 also comprises the interface fluid inlet that is located on the pod interface, and this interface fluid inlet is connected with the internal flow of box, and this interface fluid inlet is arranged to be complementary with the accommodating container fluid issuing of box accommodating container.
3. the device of claim 2, wherein this interface fluid inlet has deflection, this deflection is from the plane survey in the insertion path that is orthogonal to box, make that the insertion path of fluid inlet and box is not parallel, the interface fluid inlet is radially relative with the interface fluid issuing, makes bias force further the interface fluid inlet be pressed to the accommodating container fluid issuing.
4. the device of claim 1 also comprises one or more positioners, and it is suitable that described one or more positioners are arranged to the location of insertion path of guaranteeing box and box.
5. the device of claim 4 wherein merges interface fluid issuing and one or more positioner.
6. the device of claim 4, wherein one or more positioners comprise one or more shoulders, described one or more shoulders are arranged to join with the stayed surface of box accommodating container.
7. the device of claim 4, wherein one or more positioners have the shape of box and the respective shapes of pod interface.
8. the device of claim 4, wherein one or more positioners allow boxes to rotate at least in part to reach axiality around inserting the path.
9. the device of claim 1, wherein box is arranged to hold the hydrogen reaction of formation, comprises the chemical reaction between liquid and the solid hydrides reactant.
10. the device of claim 9 also comprises the permeability for liquids material that is located in the box, and this permeability for liquids material comprises one or more chambeies, and the solid hydrides reactant is arranged to contain in each chamber, and the solid hydrides reactant comprises the solid water-free chemical hydride.
11. the device of claim 1, wherein box is arranged to contain the fluid treatment element, and this fluid treatment element is selected from by fluid filter element, fluid and generates the group that element, fluid consuming element and fluid storage element constitute.
12. the device of claim 1, wherein biasing member has elasticity at least in part, and is arranged to respond the insertion of box accommodating container inner box, and compression is to produce bias force.
13. the device of claim 12, wherein biasing member comprises the seal that centers on the interface fluid issuing basically.
14. the device of a fixed bin, this device comprises:
The box accommodating container is arranged for the pod interface of receiving box;
The accommodating container gas ports is located on the box accommodating container, and this accommodating container gas ports is arranged to be complementary with the interface gas vent of pod interface;
Biasing member is arranged to adopt bias force that the accommodating container gas ports is pressed to the interface gas vent, and this biasing member is fixed in box the box accommodating container movably;
The box refrigerating module, being arranged to derives heat from box.
15. the device of claim 14, also comprise the accommodating container fluid port, be located on the box accommodating container, the interface fluid inlet of this accommodating container fluid port and pod interface is complementary, this accommodating container fluid port and accommodating container gas ports are positioned opposite to each other, and are arranged to apply bias force to interface gas vent and interface fluid inlet.
16. the device of claim 14, wherein this box accommodating container is configured to receive a plurality of boxes, and each box comprises pod interface, and this box accommodating container is arranged to allow each independent operating in a plurality of boxes further.
17. the device of claim 14, wherein this biasing member is arranged to respond the insertion of box in the box accommodating container further, removes pollutant from the interface gas vent.
18. the device of claim 14, wherein this box refrigerating module comprises the fluid mobile module, and this fluid mobile module is arranged to cause that fluid flows through near the fluid guiding device of box that is located in the box accommodating container.
19. the device of claim 18, wherein this fluid comprises air, and this fluid guiding device comprises the spiral helicine rib that is formed on the box accommodating container, and when box placed the box accommodating container, this spiral helicine rib was that the air-flow around the box forms helical duct.
20. the device of claim 18, wherein fluid guiding device is arranged in further in the fluid from the fluid mobile module and causes turbulent flow.
21. the device of claim 18, wherein fluid guiding device comprises the water sheath.
22. a system that is used for fixing the fuel cassette that generates hydrogen, this system comprises:
Fuel cassette is arranged to hold the hydrogen reaction of formation, and this fuel cassette comprises pod interface;
The interface gas vent is located on the pod interface, the internal fluid communication of this interface gas vent and fuel cassette;
The box accommodating container is arranged for the pod interface that receives fuel cassette;
The accommodating container gas ports is located on the box accommodating container, and this accommodating container gas ports is arranged to be complementary with the interface gas vent; And
Biasing member is arranged to adopt bias force that the interface gas vent is pressed to the accommodating container gas ports, and this biasing member is fixed in fuel cassette the box accommodating container movably.
23. the system of claim 22 also comprises pressure relief valve, is arranged to release hydrogen when internal gas pressure surpasses critical gas pressure.
24. the system of claim 22 also comprises complete insert module, is arranged to anti-locking system operation when the incorrect insertion of fuel cassette.
25. the system of claim 24, wherein this complete insert module comprises lid, and when in the incorrect insertion box of the fuel cassette accommodating container, fuel cassette prevents that lid from fully closing.
CN200880108669A 2007-07-25 2008-07-25 Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge Pending CN101855749A (en)

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US95190307P 2007-07-25 2007-07-25
US60/951,903 2007-07-25
US12/179,554 US20090029227A1 (en) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge
US12/179,554 2008-07-24
PCT/US2008/071154 WO2009015325A1 (en) 2007-07-25 2008-07-25 Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge

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EP2183802A4 (en) 2011-07-27
CA2731802A1 (en) 2009-01-29

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