CN104619409B

CN104619409B - Be self-regulated gas generator and method

Info

Publication number: CN104619409B
Application number: CN201380033832.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.A.马什; D.M.帕克; P.N.平陶罗
Original assignee: Encite LLC
Current assignee: Encite LLC
Priority date: 2012-05-04
Filing date: 2013-05-03
Publication date: 2018-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-05-03
Also published as: EP2844385A1; CA2911234C; CA2911234A1; HK1210444A1; JP2015522400A; WO2013166424A1; CN104619409A; IN2014DN09365A; JP6239593B2

Abstract

Be self-regulated gas generator, and the amount for automatically adjusting the gas (such as hydrogen or oxygen) for being catalyzed generation in chemical feeding chamber by chemical aliment (such as chemical solution, the gas or mixture of dissolving in a liquid) appropriate is supplied in response to gas demand.In some embodiments, which can use piston, swingle or other elements the chemistry aliment is exposed to the catalyst with controlled quatity.In another embodiment, the self-regulation gas generator controls (bang bang control) using relay system, with the catalyst for including in the chemistry feeding chamber to be exposed to the element of chemical aliment under open and closed according to self-regulation working cycles, thus generated in a manner of independently orienting and output gas.The gas generator can be used for providing gas for various gas consumption devices (such as fuel cell, torch or oxygen breathing apparatus).

Description

Be self-regulated gas generator and method

Related application

The application is U. S. application No.13/465 filed in 7 days Mays in 2012,798 continuation application, and is 2012 5 U. S. application No.13/464 filed in the moon 4,881 continuation application, U. S. application No.13/464,881 be in November, 2004 U. S. application No.10/989 filed in 15 days, the part continuation application of 116 (being United States Patent (USP) No.8 now, 172,912) are beautiful State application No.10/989,116 requires to enjoy the excellent of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/520,149 filed in 14 days November in 2003 First weigh.The entire teaching of above-mentioned application is all incorporated by reference into herein.

Background of invention

Currently, nearly all military, industrial and consumer electronic devices are all by normal power supplies (AC wall outlets, gas Generator or disposable or rechargeable battery) energy supply.These power supplys respectively have the shortcomings that its own.One kind should the disadvantage is that The form of pollution, the wherein power plants AC, gas generator and battery are all distinguished the disagreeableness by-product of generation environment and (such as are destroyed The gas and battery acid waste of ozone).

Fuel cell has been proposed as the environmental-friendly solution to the problem.However, in order to as solution Scheme uses, and fuel (such as hydrogen) must can be easy compared to competitive price safely with its conventional counterpart It obtains.

Portable gas generator can safely prepare high-purity gas according to demand.This generator can be used for providing hydrogen Fuel or the other kinds of gas of offer as fuel cell are used for other gas use devices.It to be used for much for expection In the case of different military, industrial and consumer applications fuel cells generates hydrogen, what is received in these markets is portable Gas generator equally will be light, machinery is simple, demand response (only need power using the device of the fuel When just generate gas), can operate and be designed in any direction since when the gas generates up to providing it to this A small amount of gas is only stored until device, is thus made to flammable or otherwise there may be the safety of the storage of dangerous gas Problem minimizes.

Invention content

According to the self-regulation Portable gas generator or its corresponding gas generating method of the principle of the present invention with sound The mode that gas generation rate should be increased or decreased in use demand is that the application of a variety of portable power generations generates gas.The self-regulation Gas generator provides portability and with suitable for military, industrial or consumer applications security feature.The self-regulated throttle body is sent out Some embodiments of raw device show long catalyst life, which is used to be based on self-adjustment feature by chemical aliment Generate gas.

In a kind of embodiment according to the principle of the present invention, gas generator include for chemical aliment (such as NaBH₄Solution) chamber.At least one element adjacent with the channel of the chemistry aliment is comprising catalyst or is coated with catalyst (such as platinum).In one embodiment, the element is relative to chemical feeding chamber (chemical aliment chamber, chemical supply Chamber it) moves to position catalyst relative to the chemistry aliment.In the presence of a catalyst, chemical aliment is in chemistry It is decomposed into product in feeding chamber, includes the gas of generation, such as hydrogen.The gas generator further includes gas storage chamber, storage Deposit generation gas until be used directly by the fuel cell be converted into electric energy or by other gas consumption device uses it is pre- for its Phase purpose.The gas of the generation is advanced through the structure of permeable gas on chemically feeding chamber to the path of gas storage chamber (such as film).The structure of the permeable gas can be located at catalyst where element on, in the element where catalyst Or far from the element where catalyst.The position of the element and thus catalyst can lead to relative to the position of chemical aliment Reponse system adjusting is crossed, which is existed using the power that part is generated by the pressure at least one chamber in chemical aliment Lower positioning catalyst is to adjust the generation rate of produced gas.

The element can take many forms and in many ways position catalyst relative to chemical aliment.For example, The element can be translated relative to chemical feeding chamber, be rotated relative to chemical feeding chamber or relative to the master for including chemical feeding chamber Body is maintained at fixed position.The movement of element can change the amount for the catalyst for being exposed to chemical aliment.The element can be Ceramics or be optionally made from a material that be thermally conductive.In some embodiments, which can be piston, in this case It can be hollow piston or solid piston.In the case of hollow piston, which can have there are one inner passage, or There can be internal structure, which defines multiple channels, are stored up in chemically feeding chamber to gas suitable for making the gas of generation flow It deposits and flows through the piston on the path of chamber.

In some embodiments, which is solid piston, and certain position is moved to relative to chemical aliment, production The raw balance for acting on the power on element, the wherein power include the power generated due to the spring being operatively coupled on element.In reality It is indecisive and changeable in the embodiment of plug, which there can be the structure that boundary or part of it be gas-impermeable. In some cases, the structure of the permeable gas can be the film of permeable gas, and the gas of generation is essentially crossed over by it The film of entire permeable gas, and in other embodiments, the structure of the permeable gas includes the film of permeable gas The part of part and gas-impermeable film.In the embodiment of some hollow pistons, which, which can be coated with, to ooze The catalyst layer of ventilation body and the structure of permeable gas.

The gas generator may include that at least one adjustable spring is connected with the element.The spring can be adjusted Pressure in gas storage chamber and the relationship between the position of the element.

The element can be coated with the structure of the permeable gas, be covered with the structure of the permeable gas or be integrated into this In the structure of gas-permeable.The element can also include Non-catalytic partial, can be along the length positioning of the element.In this yuan In the case of part is as piston operation, which can be located at the end of piston.The element may be adapted to be catalyzed and Non-catalytic partial is positioned relative to chemical aliment so that no catalyst is exposed to chemical aliment.It interrupts this position The decomposition of the chemistry aliment.Gas generator can also include " eraser ", be suitable for removing product from element, so that The product or other materials are not gathered on element, thus improve the service life of the catalyst or element itself.

The structure of the permeable gas may include various aspects or realization various functions.For example, the permeable gas Structure can be by gas (such as hydrogen (H₂)) separated with chemical aliment.The structure of the permeable gas may include palladium (Pd) or polymer architecture.The structure of the permeable gas can be mechanically connected with the element.

The catalyst can be implemented in a variety of manners.For example, the catalyst may include at least one following catalyst：Gold Category, metal boride or polymer.The catalyst may be coupled in the structure of permeable gas, be coated in the permeable gas Structure on, be connected on the impermeable part on the impermeable part of the element or coated in the element.

The gas generator can also include other features.For example, the gas generator may include Volume Indicator, such as Fruit gas storage chamber reaches preset pressure (such as substantially maximum gas capacity), just triggers or it can provide chemistry The instruction that aliment exhausts substantially.The gas generator can also include at least one relief valve, if the pressure in respective chamber More than predetermined threshold value, the pressure of gas storage chamber or chemical storage chamber is just reduced.The gas generator can also include filtering The gas of device, generation passes through the filter before exporting for external device (ED).In another embodiment, the gas generator May include humidifier, the gas of generation passes through the humidifier before exporting for external device (ED).The gas generator may be used also To include sensor, it to be used for position of the detecting element relative to the known location of the chemistry feeding chamber.

The reponse system can adjust the generation rate of generated gas.The reponse system can be used by (i) gas Between storage chamber and chemical feeding chamber；(2) between gas storage chamber and reference pressure chamber or (iii) chemical feeding chamber and with reference to pressure The power that pressure difference between power chamber generates.In another embodiment, which may include connecting at least one element The spring connect, and the reponse system acts on the element using the pressure and spring acted on element at least one chamber On power between difference.

The chemistry aliment can provide in a variety of manners.For example, the chemistry aliment can be solid, liquid, dissolving The combination of the gas of gas or liquid and dissolving in a liquid in a liquid.The chemistry aliment may include any chemistry Hydride, NaBH₄Aqueous solution or NaBH₄With the solution of at least one alkali metal salt, in this case, NaBH₄Aqueous solution can be with Including a effective amount of cosolvent or other additives.In another embodiment, which is NaBH₄Aqueous solution, It is decomposed in the presence of a catalyst to generate hydrogen, wherein catalyst can be selected from least one of following catalyst：Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), rhenium (Re) and nickel (Ni).In another embodiment, which can be with Include the NaBH stored as dry powder₄.It can be broken by (i) and do NaBH comprising this₄The film of powder, (ii) are rocked or are squeezed The gas generator or (iii) pierce through the film and make the dry powder and mixed with preset liquid.

The gas of generation can be the gas with various of many types.Two kinds of situations include hydrogen and oxygen (O₂).These gas Physical efficiency is enough in various applications, such as including：(i) fuel cells applications, by hydrogen and oxygen reaction power generation；(ii) torch, Its hydrogen that burns；Or (iii) oxygen breathing apparatus, substantially pure oxygen is provided for medical patient.It should be appreciated that also having very More other applications are using any one of both gases, and also other application uses other gases.It will be appreciated that this hair Bright principle is not limited only to the gas type of examples described herein embodiment generation or is limited by it.

Some gas generator embodiments described herein include making it can be used for much applying below some or all Safety and operating characteristics.These features may include in a non-specific order：The automatic gas for being enough to match wear rate occurs, Compact or larger design, orientation insensitivity, high-caliber security of system and volitional check hydrogen or other gases make Runaway reaction cannot be had by obtaining the gas generator.For example, if Hydrogen Vapor Pressure becomes excessively high (generating excessive hydrogen), that The system can automatically shut down its own.

In another exemplary embodiment, which controls (bang-bang using relay system Control gas) is generated.In the illustrative embodiments of " relay system ", which includes element, described Element limits the chemical feeding chamber for the volume for being configured to accommodate chemical aliment.The chemistry feeding chamber includes being configured to intracavitary The catalyst that the intracavitary includes is exposed to chemical aliment by pressure relative to the function of chamber external pressure with self-regulation working cycles, To be generated in a manner of independently orienting and output gas.Independent orientation representation used herein no matter the gas generating unit How is physical orientation, generated gas, and non-chemical aliment, leaves chemical feeding chamber." self-regulation work used herein Cycle " indicates the gas generating unit for the change of fuel concentration, catalyst efficiency, gas demand or combinations thereof and itself It adjusts.

In " relay system " embodiment, which can limit the part on the boundary of the chamber.

The chemistry feeding chamber can be located in the cavity limited by the main body of gas generating unit, and the element and main body can To limit the complementary characteristic for being respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit on it.

Operationally, in relay system embodiment, the element responds in effect power on it summation opening or It is moved between off position or physical orientation.These power are by the pressure, opposite outside chemical feeding chamber in chemical feeding chamber What the pressure and pressure device (such as spring) of reference pressure generated.

In one embodiment, when the pressure in chemical feeding chamber is more than preset threshold value, the element is relative to this The orientation of the main body of gas generating unit makes the complementary characteristic be in contact with each other, and as complementary characteristic is in contact with each other, shift unit will Chemical substance is moved away from the catalyst, thereby turns off the gas generating unit (device is set in off status).In same reality It applies in mode, when the pressure in chemical feeding chamber is less than predetermined threshold value, which makes this mutually relative to the orientation of the main body Feature is mended away from each other the catalyst is exposed to chemical aliment, thus opens the gas generating unit (i.e. by the device It is set in open state).

In the relay system embodiment, the element and main body can limit it is multiple be respectively provided on it catalyst or The complementary characteristic of shift unit, in this case, multiple complementary characteristic can be configured to expose the catalysts to chemical confession It is moved away from the catalyst to object and by chemical aliment, wherein complementary characteristic is parallel to each other acts on so that catalysis reaction is in multiple complementations Feature is to locating while occurring, wherein each feature is to including catalyst and shift unit.

In a kind of embodiment of relay system embodiment, the element and catalyst are bonded to each other, such as the catalyst It is located at the direction of agent-oriention in the element or disposed thereon.Alternatively, which can be with the main body with towards chamber Direction combine, such as it is in the main body or disposed thereon.In two kinds of embodiments, which can be configured to flat It moves or the mode of rotary motion is moved relative to main body.It should be appreciated that the catalyst still further can be alternatively applied to On insertion piece, which can be fixed on main body or element, wherein can be used in the catalyst change phase using insertion piece Between while keeping the main body or main body and element quick-replaceable catalyst.

In the another exemplary relay system embodiment of the gas generating unit, which limits wherein Three chambers, including gas storage chamber, chemical feeding chamber and reference pressure chamber.In a kind of construction, the gas generating unit into One step includes the film of permeable gas but impermeable liquid, gas storage chamber and chemical feeding chamber is separated, and this yuan Part separates chemical feeding chamber and reference pressure chamber.The embodiment include across chemical feeding chamber and gas storage chamber it Between gas passage, the gas of generation can be made and on-liquid is independent in some embodiments by being combined with another gas flow path Directionally chemically feeding chamber flow to gas storage chamber.

In the illustrative relay system embodiment of another kind of the gas generating unit, which includes pressure device, Such as spring, it is combined with the element with applied force so that the element can be made as the pressure in chemical feeding chamber is relative to reference to pressure The variation of pressure in power chamber is moved, which is located in the reference pressure chamber.On the element of the device and the boundary of main body Small resistance can be provided at face using brake, the resistance can by or below identical or different threshold value on element The summation of power overcome.The brake can be arranged to provide lag, thus there is no chemical feeding chambers and reference pressure chamber Between pressure difference threshold value change when maintain the element (to maintain open state or the pass of the device relative to the position of main body or orientation State).

In the operating process of the relay system embodiment of the gas generating unit, from limiting working cycles state In open state to the transition process of off status, which can be removed from the catalyst.

Description of the drawings

From more particularly being described to the preferred embodiment of the present invention of example as shown in the drawing below, of the invention is aforementioned It will be evident with other purposes, feature and advantage, wherein similar reference marker indicates same portion in entire different figure Part.Attached drawing is not necessarily drawn to scale, but focuses on and illustrate the principle of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the diagram for the fuel cells applications that can wherein use the gas generator according to the principle of the present invention；

Fig. 2A is the schematic diagram of the gas generator of Fig. 1；

Fig. 2 B are the schematic diagrames of another embodiment of the gas generator of Fig. 2A；

Fig. 3 be Fig. 2A gas generator in for catalyst to be moved in and out chemical aliment to generate the member of gas The detailed mechanical figure of part (such as piston)；

Fig. 4 A-4C are the schematic diagrames of the operation for the gas generator for illustrating Fig. 2A；

Fig. 5 A and 5B are the schematic diagrames of the other embodiment of the gas generator of Fig. 1；

Fig. 6 A are the schematic diagrames of another embodiment of the gas generator of Fig. 1；

Fig. 6 B-6C are the machine drawings of element (such as swingle) used in the gas generator of Fig. 6 A；

Fig. 6 D-6F are the machine drawings of the element of Fig. 6 C in operation；

Fig. 7 is the mechanical schematic of another embodiment of the gas generator of Fig. 1；

Fig. 8 is the mechanical schematic of another embodiment of the gas generator of Fig. 1；

Fig. 9 A and 9B are the figures that can wherein use the other application example according to the gas generator of the principle of the present invention Solution；

Figure 10 A-10C are the mechanical schematics of gas generator " relay system " control embodiment；With

Figure 11 A-11C are illustrated in the operating process of the embodiment of the gas generator of Figure 10 A-10C not With one group of sequence diagram of the working cycles at time point.

Specific implementation mode

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below.

Fig. 1 is the diagram of fuel cells applications, wherein the gas generator 10 according to the principle of the present invention can be used. In fuel cells applications, which generates hydrogen and is released to fuel cell 11.The fuel cell 11 is by hydrogen Gas and oxygen reaction are to generate electric power 44, as known in the art.The fuel cell 11 is that power consumption device is (such as a People's amusement equipment 12a (such as MP3 player), remote-control car 12b or portable computer) electric power 44 is provided.Other fuel electricity Pond is using including that Military Electronic Equipment, industrial electrical equipment (such as printing machine) or consumer-elcetronics devices are (such as mobile phone, a People's digital assistant (PDA) etc.).

In general, fuel cell consumes hydrogen according to its generated energy with given pace.The example of fuel cell is described in 2001 The United States Patent (USP) No.6 authorized on November 6, in 312,846, entire teaching is incorporated by reference into herein.In that patent, Fuel cell is described, in some embodiments, its construction can be changed in a dynamic fashion in response to its load.For example, When there are higher load, fuel cell can dynamically carry out self construction to consume more fuel to meet electricity needs, When existing compared with underload, fuel cell can dynamically carry out self construction to save fuel.

Gas generator 10, fuel cell 11 or integrated combination can take many different sizes and construction.However, being Description the principle of the present invention, the absolute and relative size of these devices and docking are unessential.It is important that following： (i) method and the gas of illustrative gas generator embodiment and (ii) fuel cell 11 for being used to generate gas use speed Relationship between rate and the gas generation rate of gas generator 10.In the case where generating gas for fuel cell 11, the gas Body generator 10 generates hydrogen.

By the reaction that metal hydride or other suitable solid reactants are dissolved in water generate relatively pure hydrogen, The ability of hydrogen is well known.A kind of special hydride --- sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) it is used for the conduct more than 50 years The Portable safety source of hydrogen.By NaBH₄When powder is dissolved in water, the slightly alkaline non-combustible solution of low pressure is formed. When the aqueous solution to be exposed to selected metal, metallic combination, metal boride catalyst or even heat and water-soluble boron Quick release goes out hydrogen to sour sodium together.Decomposition (hydrolysis) reaction of this catalysis driving can write：

NaBH₄(aq)+2H₂O(l)→4H₂(g)+NaBO₂(aq) (equation 1)

Hydrolysis, water (H are described in equation 1₂O it is) reactant, often generates 4 hydrogen molecules and consume 2 moisture Son.As reaction continues to generate hydrogen, remaining NaBH near catalyst₄Solution becomes NaBH₄Concentration higher, because available Free water it is less.Although ontology NaBH₄The reduction of water supply amount is not direct problem in solution, but is existed in less water Under generate another reaction product boronation sodium NaBO of equation 1₂.This leads to catalyst solution concentration higher nearby.Boratex is It is water-soluble but water-soluble not very high.This means that when generating hydrogen, while generating NaBO₂Product, some NaBO₂ It may start to precipitate and deposit on a catalyst or near it.NaBO₂Aggregation on a catalyst can finally reduce the catalysis Agent or the subsequent activity of other hydrogen formation apparatus.In NaBH₄Whenever solution contacts catalyst, this can be serious The problem of.

In order to overcome the problem, such as some embodiments of the gas generator 10 according to the principle of the present invention by display Like that, which exposes the catalyst (such as by catalyst into and out the NaBH in a manner of being self-regulated₄It is molten Liquid).In piston-type embodiment, (i.e. selected catalyst is immersed into NaBH to catalyst position₄Depth in solution) control hydrogen Gas generation rate.Because of NaBH in the device₄The reservoir of solution is larger compared with the surface area of catalyst, therefore is sent out in hydrogen The raw NaBO generated in the process₂Often keep dissolving and in the solution.Even if finally having exceeded NaBO₂Solubility, NaBO₂It is heavy It forms sediment and is deposited on NaBH₄Other positions in solution may not be deposited on catalyst surface.Therefore the longevity of catalyst is extended Life.

Further, in piston-type embodiment, the supported catalyst on piston is immersed in NaBH₄Depth in solution By mechanically simply being controlled with the reponse system of pressure correlation.The reponse system automatic sensing be based on by fuel cell or other The Hydrogen Vapor Pressure that hydrogen use device consumes hydrogen increases or reduces.In other words, when the hydrogen gas consuming device requires less hydrogen gas, Such as when the electric load of fuel cell 11 is small or for 0 when, hydrogen generator 10 sense the demand of the reduction and stop generate hydrogen Gas.In addition, the feedback control system for adjusting hydrogen generation rate is mechanically simple in some embodiments, i.e., Do not include huge or expensive pressure sensitive feedback controller and/or mechanical pump.The principle of the present invention can be such that the gas occurs Device 10 is in no electrically driven (operated) mechanical pump or wicking reagent (wicking agent) to remove chemical aliment (such as NaBH₄It is molten Liquid) in the case of operate because mechanical conceptual is exposed to the catalyst in chemical feeding chamber.Therefore this design is suitable for potential low The portable use of cost, and be therefore to orientation-insensitive.

Use other of the element that catalyst is placed in the presence of chemical aliment in addition to hollow or solid piston Embodiment is also within the scope of the principle of the present invention.For example, the catalyst can be combined with disk, bar, ball or combinations thereof, rotation Turn so that chemical aliment is exposed to catalyst by increasing or decreasing the amount for the catalyst that the chemistry aliment is exposed. Reponse system in the embodiment of rotary-catalytic agent can be identical or different with translation (such as piston-type) embodiment.Hereafter Describe the example for supporting the reponse system of the translation or rotation embodiment.The piston, disk, ball etc. can be referred to as here " element ".The element is located near chemical aliment channel and interacts with chemical aliment." the channel of chemical aliment Near " indicate to there is no that chemical aliment enters the element, or in some other implementations, some chemistry can be made to supply Enter to object but includes preventing the chemistry aliment from flowing to the structure of gas storage chamber by it.

In some embodiments, the generation gas generated by catalyst and chemical aliment can pass through the element. In other embodiment, which is solid, and chemically feeding chamber leads to the gas in the case of not by the element Gas storage chamber.

Exemplary embodiment described herein essentially describes the hydrogen generation for fuel cells applications.In fuel cell In, hydrogen is to be generated by specific chemical hydride aqueous solution, but gas generator 10 is not limited to by specifically changing It learns hydride or specific aqueous solution generates hydrogen.It is wider range of in general sense, concepts described herein and Machine Design Be generally applicable to any gas generating system, wherein by any gas, liquid, mixture or even Solid-state Chemistry object by Specific gas is generated in a manner of being self-regulated in selected catalyst, device or element.

In some embodiments, catalyst is combined with small element (such as piston or disk), catalyst is moved into or Remove large volume of NaBH₄Chemical aliment.It is had the following advantages compared with chemical aliment is moved to catalyst in this way：It moves Dynamic small piston or disk are easier than mobile larger amount of aqueous chemical object, are safer and more energy efficient.

Fig. 2A shows the first embodiment of the self-regulation gas generator 10a of Fig. 1.Gas generator 10a has Three chambers：Gas storage chamber 40 (centre) and reference pressure chamber 26 (right side) occur for chemical feeding chamber 41 (left side).

In the case where generating hydrogen for fuel cell 11, for example, chemical feeding chamber 41 stores NaBH₄Aqueous solution 42.It answers When recognizing that the concept described herein that is typically designed is not limited to sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) or be in fact even not limited to chemical hydrogen Compound.Required specific gas (such as hydrogen) can be generated in the case where being exposed to selected catalyst under proper condition Any solid, liquid or gas may be used to replace NaBH₄Aqueous solution 42.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2A, the chemistry feeding chamber 41 and gas storage chamber 40 are by having through its cutting or being formed Hole 18 solid wall or partition board 16 separate.Element 30a (such as hollow piston 30a) is mounted in the hole 18.The hole 18 is excellent The cross-sectional shape with piston 30a is selected to match.Hollow piston 30a is allowed it to easily between two chambers 40,41 The mode of back-and-forth motion is designed and is constructed.Hollow piston 30a slides through the sealing element (such as O-ring) 22 suitably installed, The sealing element is so as to there is no that liquid or gas are moved into and out chemical feeding chamber 41 and gas between piston 30a and wall 16 The mode of storage chamber 40 is mounted in hole 18.It should be appreciated that piston 30a can also have non-circular cross-sectional shape (such as Rectangle or ellipse), and its internal cavities or channel 34 can be divided into multiple channels (i.e. piston 30a may include interior again Supporting walls or structure (not shown)).

In the embodiment of Fig. 2A, gas storage chamber 40 is by partition board 16, elasticity or " spring " diaphragm 50a and possible gas A part for the main body 78 of body generator 10a limits.The gas storage chamber 40 can have one or more gas vents 14, production Raw gas 43 by the outlet can controlled release to fuel cell 11 or other gas consuming systems, such as combustion of hydrogen is sent out Motivation.The minimum and maximum volume of gas storage chamber 40 can be determined based on required transient response.Therefore, gas storage chamber 40 Required gas volume, which can be stored, to be determined by technology commonly known in the art.

Reference pressure chamber 26 can be emptied to atmospheric pressure or other reference pressures by exhaust outlet 27.Reference pressure is set The absolute operating pressures of gas generator 10 apply constant opposite power to elastic diaphragm 50a.Elastic diaphragm 50a is outside Circumferential seal member 29 is in the sealing of its periphery to prevent the product gas in gas storage chamber 40 from leaking into reference pressure chamber 26. In the embodiment, elastic diaphragm 50a is expanded as the function of pressure difference between gas storage chamber 40 and reference pressure chamber 26 And contraction.

Piston 30a is connected on elastic diaphragm 50a and as the contraction of elastic diaphragm 50a and expansion is respectively protruding into chemical confession To chamber 41 and from wherein extracting out.Spring 65 can provide bias force for elastic diaphragm 50a, and apply biasing to piston 30a in turn Power is firmly to make elastic diaphragm 50a bias.Below with reference to Fig. 2A pressure and spring are presented continuing on the description with Fig. 4 A-4C The further details that elastic force occurs how to act on to gas.Before these descriptions, tied in upper piston 30a and with it with reference to figure 3 The further details of the catalyst 32 of conjunction.

Fig. 3 is the close up view of the hollow piston 30a of Fig. 2A.Hollow piston 30a can be by the structure 36 of permeable gas (such as film, film or other suitable porous materials) are constituted, (such as sheath) is covered with it or are coated with it, the structure 36 Type can make hydrogen (or in a general sense, any associated gas) pass through it.However, water, vapor or dissolving salt (such as NaBH₄、NaBO₂Or NaOH) it cannot all pass through the structure 36 of the permeable gas.In other words, this around hollow piston 30 can ooze The structure 36 of ventilation body (for example) compares water or NaBH to hydrogen molecule₄Molecule permeability higher.Therefore, it is supplied in the chemistry The structure 36 of the permeable gas is all preferentially penetrated through to any hydrogen generated in chamber 41.It is carried on the right side of piston 30a Supplied gas outlet opening 51 from the cavity 34 by the gas 43 of generation to be discharged to gas storage chamber 40.

The example (such as palladium metal foil) of the structure 36 of permeable gas suitable for hydrogen is well known in the prior art. Other examples include but not limited to：Polymer material, for example, intentionally etching with allow small molecule (such as hydrogen (or it is any be suitble to Gas)) infiltration polypropylene.Other suitable examples include the polymer of porous permeable gas, such as (the poly- Asias PBO Phenyl -2,6- Benzo-dioxazoles) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).Alternatively, the material of such as silicon rubber can be used.

With continued reference to Fig. 3, the covering of the feature (being not shown, such as hole or hole) of the permeable hydrogen of hollow piston 30a or Including this feature.The feature of the permeable gas can selectively be selected the thin layer covering or embedded of catalyst 32.At it In his embodiment, it is side by side or attached at its which can be applied to the feature on the side surface of piston with permeable gas Closely.

In another embodiment, the selected catalyst 32 can be formed in the structure 36 of the permeable gas or with The structure couples or is deposited near the structure so that the catalyst 32 is tightly adjacent with the hole of the structure 36 of the permeable gas Or cover the hole.

The chemical aliment side end 35 of the piston remains not covered or is covered with by piston by non-catalytic material 35 30a prevents gas from generating when chemically retracting in aliment 42 completely.

The structure 36 of the permeable gas or the surface of piston 30a can be specifically designed with " recess " or other are recessed Pattern, the supported catalyst 32 in a manner of keeping the surface of the structure 36 or piston 30a smooth.The structure 36 of permeable gas or The smooth surface O-ring 22 of piston 30a, which is formed, simultaneously (Fig. 2A) keeps closely sealing to maintain the chemistry feeding chamber 41 and its He separates the content of storage chamber 40.The position of the structure 36 of catalyst 32 and permeable gas can be with common orientation so that Since the bubble 33 that the result chemically reacted between chemical aliment 42 and catalyst 32 is formed passes through permeable gas structure 36 Pressure difference be quickly found out its path.In this embodiment of piston 30a, the hydrogen in bubble 33 flows to piston by the hole The hollow cavity 34 of 30a.

The concrete type of selected catalyst 32 is to become known for being catalyzed NaBH₄The type of the decomposition of solution.In general significance On, it can select any gas that catalyst occurs.The example of catalyst includes ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), rhenium (Re) and nickel (Ni) metal, metallic combination or metal boride.These catalyst can be used alone or be bonded to each other It uses, as known in the art.Alternatively, the structure 36 of the permeable gas can be by not only permeable hydrogen And to NaBH₄Metal or arbitrary other materials of the decomposition of solution also with catalytic activity are made.The example of this structure 36 Include the transiting metal film (such as palladium, palldium alloy) with catalytic activity outer surface or the structure arbitrarily with permeable hydrogen 36 and itself to NaBH₄Decompose the laminar film on the surface with catalytic activity.

Referring again to Fig. 2A, NaBH should can included coated with the hollow piston 30a of catalyst₄The chemistry of aqueous solution 42 supplies The free movement between the gas storage chamber 40 of the gas comprising generation 43 to chamber 41.Hollow piston 30a can be positioned so that Its entirety is in chemical feeding chamber 41, the whole somewhere in gas storage chamber 40 or between two chambers 40,41.

Gas generator 10a described herein can be constructed with spongy absorber material (not shown), be put intentionally Set in gas storage chamber 40 with any leakage of chemically feeding chamber 41 of absorption (or even neutralize) or otherwise by NaBH₄Solution (or liquid of any other condensation).

Hollow piston 30a or partition board 16 are designed to prevent in fuel losses to gas storage chamber 40 or otherwise to change Kind performance.For example, as suggested above, the left end 35 of piston 30a (is inserted into NaBH₄That end in solution 42) with admittedly Body impermeable material 35 or separating element sealing, are sometimes referred to as end cap 35.The impermeable material 35 or end cap 35 prevent NaBH₄Solution enters hollow piston 30a and by arriving hydrogen storage chamber 40.The impermeable material 35 or end cap 35 also help to work as When piston 30a is shunk completely (i.e. during the hydrogen demand amount of zero (or very low) piston 30a completely from NaBH₄In solution When out) prevent chemical aliment 42 to be leaked to gas storage chamber 40.

As described above, suitable sealing element 22 (such as O-ring or other suitable sealing materials) may be mounted at partition board To prevent chemical aliment to be leaked to air chamber by two paths in hole 18, wherein this two paths is (i) along piston 30a Side surface and (ii) are between sealing element 22 and partition board 16.In addition, piston 30a can be designed to slide through brush 13 or Other flexible apparatus pass through near it, and the brush 13 or other flexible apparatus prevent or subtract by towards by piston 30a movements Few solid product adherency is gathered on piston 30a.This good antiscale property effect effectively extends the service life of catalyst.In piston There is smooth surface, being contacted with the brush 13 improves its performance on 30a.

The design of other brushes can be used for providing good antiscale property effect.It should be appreciated that fortune of the brush 13 to piston 30a It is dynamic not generate significant resistance.

In fig. 2 in the operation of exemplary gas generator 10, piston 30a is connect with elastic diaphragm 50a, and is thus rung It should be moved in the pressure in gas storage chamber 40.Pressure in reference pressure chamber 26 is applied constant with direction from right to left Resistance.The reference pressure chamber 26 can also include spring 65, which enhances the reference pressure applied to elastic diaphragm 50a. Therefore, if reference pressure chamber 26 does not empty, wherein the closed inert gas stored is acted on similar to air spring.Cause If this is gradually moved right piston 30a due to its gas pressure improved with reacting for catalyst 32 and in chemistry supply 42 Dynamic, elastic diaphragm 50a or spring 65 increasingly stop hollow piston 30a.

Before Fig. 4 A-4C of the self-regulation gas generator 10a operations of description further illustration Fig. 2A, figure is presented The start-up course of the embodiment of gas generator 10a is briefly described shown in 2A.The start-up course that will now be described is also suitable In Fig. 2 B.

With reference to figure 2A, before initially use, the pressure of chemical aliment 42 is environmental pressure, prevents chemical aliment It reveals during storage.Moreover, keeping the chemistry aliment 42 to be separated with catalyst rod 30a so that being produced without gas It is raw.In the first shipping configuration situation, this may be by using locking pin (not shown), other suitable mechanisms or for example will Piston 30a rotates to " locking " position and piston 30a is translated out chemical feeding chamber 41 completely in locked position to transport gas Generator 10a and realize.When unlocking piston 30a, since the power that spring 65 acts on piston 30a causes piston 30a It moves to from right to left in chemical aliment 42.

It is not that catalyst 32 is being maintained at by chemical aliment 42 by piston 30a in second of transport configuration situation Except position lock to transport gas generator 10a, but make due to separating chemistry supply component using preceding The chemistry aliment 42 is not active.In second of transport configuration situation, chemistry supply component is likely to before use It is combined by breaking separation membrane (not shown) or crushing or addition chemical particle, final mixing is to form the change of the activation Learn aliment 42.It should be appreciated that there are many kinds of other transport configurations.

With reference to second of transport configuration situation, catalyst rod 30a with its fully extended position (i.e. due to it is applied from The power of the right side to the spring 65 of left power make its to the left) transport because chemistry aliment is not active.Once chemical aliment It is activated and catalyst rod 30a is completely extended in chemical aliment 42, product gas quickly generates.

At this moment, external device (ED) 11 needs zero gas amount.Because chemical fuel pressure is initially atmospheric pressure, therefore in this 36 both sides of structure of permeable gas on empty piston 30a do not have pressure difference to drive the gas of generation to go forward side by side by hollow stem 30a Enter gas storage chamber 40.Therefore, the gas of generation from catalyst rod 30a " being left at bubble " and floats to chemical feeding chamber 41 Top.Because the gas generated is maintained in chemical feeding chamber 41, therefore the pressure rise in chemical feeding chamber 41.Due to chemistry Pressure rise in feeding chamber 41, pressure are initially applied on the left end 35 of bar 30a, so to the right against resistance spring 65 Translation.The spring 65 gradually by catalyst, chemically remove by aliment 42.Meanwhile the pressure difference of 36 both sides of permeable structure increases, Until the gas generated starts in flow priority to catalyst rod 30a and non-formation bubble enters chemical fuel chamber 41.It generates Gas 43 starts to increase the pressure in gas storage chamber 40, then simultaneously therefore applies piston 30a from a left side to elastic diaphragm 50a To right power.As the pressure in chemical fuel chamber 41 further increases, more gas inflow gas storage chambers 40, there are work Catalyst 32 is positioned the point chemically to take out in aliment 42 completely by plug 30a.Because of the fuel cell before opening it The gas 43 of 11 pairs of generations does not have demand, therefore gas generator 10a is now arranged in and is ready to discharged as needed through adjusting " waiting for work " state of the gas of section.

The boot sequence of the other embodiment of Fig. 5 A, 5B, 6A, 7 and 8 is similar to the boot sequence of Fig. 2A, difference lies in They do not use hollow stem 30a and diaphragm 50a.The case where for these solid hopkinson bars 30b, needs to change before initially use It learns aliment 42 and catalyst 32 equally separates.Once initially activation, catalyst rod 30a pass through 65 completely extending to of spring It learns in aliment 42, the chemistry supply pressure is equal with reference pressure.The gas of generation releases and by chemical aliment 42 It floats to the top of chemical feeding chamber 41, finally leans against on permeable structure 36.Then since chemical aliment 42 and gas store up The raising of the pressure difference between chamber 40 is deposited, gas inflow gas storage chamber 40 with this configuration.With the increasing of chemical supply pressure Greatly, catalyst rod 30b is translated and eventually off chemical aliment 42 from left to right, and gas is made to stop generating in this way.Because of fuel Battery 11 does not have gas demand before unlatching, therefore present gas generator 10 is in and is ready to discharged as needed through adjusting " waiting for work " state of the gas of section.

Referring now to Fig. 4 A, piston 30a can be transported with " locking " position, it is meant that piston 30a (and catalyst 32) Completely in NaBH₄Except, above with reference to as described in the first transport configuration situation.User is by disengaging bolt, system Piston 30a is set in " unlocking " position by dynamic device or other fixed mechanism (not shown), and piston (and catalyst 32) is made to enter NaBH₄In solution 42, the self-regulating process to be described immediately below is started in this way.

With continued reference to Fig. 4 A, the startup of the self-adjusting method is initially entirely located in chemical feeding chamber 41 with piston 30a Start.As described in the boot sequence of reference chart 2A above, once the catalyst 32 on piston 30a is exposed to NaBH₄ Solution 42, catalyst generation of hydrogen.In the hydrogen generates step process, hydrogen gas bubbles 33 are formed in the NaBH₄In solution 42 Near catalyst 32, merge and contact the structure 36 of permeable gas.These bubbles 33 are permeable by this by pressure differential The structure 36 of gas.Then, after gas leaves bubble 33 and enters hollow piston 30a, gas 43 is advanced through hollow work It fills in 30a and enters the hydrogen storage chamber 40 of gas generator 10a.

The piston 30 for being coated with catalyst is immersed in NaBH₄Depth in aqueous solution 42 finally controls the generation speed of hydrogen Rate.If the piston 30a for being coated with catalyst is all forced into chemical feeding chamber 41 (Fig. 4 A), hydrogen generation rate is in Maximum value, because a large amount of catalyst surface area is exposed to NaBH₄Solution 42.

In figure 4b, the hollow piston 30a for being coated with catalyst is located between chemical feeding chamber 41 and gas storage chamber 40. In this case, between maximum hydrogen generates rate and 0, this indicates to adapt to the fluctuation of gas demand hydrogen generation rate Typical mode of operation.

In figure 4 c, piston 30a is completely in gas storage chamber 40.In this case, because without catalyst 32 It is exposed to NaBH₄Solution 42, therefore without hydrogen 43 by NaBH₄Solution 42 generates.As long as piston 30a is kept completely in gas In storage chamber 40, hydrogen generation rate remains 0.

Since the basic principle of operation of gas generator 10 has been described, presented below to reponse system and the gas The detailed description of the mode of operation of the reponse system of generator 10.

In general, which is urged this using the power that part is generated by the pressure at least one in chamber 40,41 Agent 32 is located in chemical feeding chamber 41 to adjust the generation rate for generating gas 43.The feedback in some embodiments System may include the subset with lower component：Piston 30a, elastic diaphragm 50a, spring 65, reference pressure chamber 26, gas storage chamber 40 or chemical feeding chambers 41.

With reference to figure 4C, the position of piston 30a is determined by the balance of four kinds of power：(1) due in chemical feeding chamber 41 Pressure and be from left to right applied to the power on the left end 35 of piston 30a；(2) gas 43 in gas storage chamber 40 is from left to right The pressure on elastic diaphragm 50a is acted on, and the from left to right applied force on piston 30a；(3) reference pressure chamber 26 from the right side to A left side acts on the pressure on elastic diaphragm, and the applied force on piston 30a from right to left；(4) spring 65 is applied to piston Power on 30a.

Other embodiment described herein may include a part of identical or other components as reponse system.It can With use equivalent structure well known in the prior art or function replace being constituted reponse system described herein structure or function or Therewith act on.

With continued reference to the operation of the gas generator 10a of Fig. 2A and 4A-4C, there is demand (i.e. fuel to hydrogen The device of battery or other consumption hydrogen is run and consumption hydrogen) when, reduce the gas pressure in gas storage chamber 40.Hydrogen pressure It is less and therefore mobile (i.e. towards chemical feeding chamber 41) to the left that the reduction of power causes elastic diaphragm or flexible partition 50a to extend, The volume of gas storage chamber 40 is reduced in this way.As flexible wall 50a is moved to the left, pushed simultaneously coated with catalyst Piston 30a to the left and enter NaBH₄In solution 42.Because of the exposure now of high surface area catalyst 32 on hollow piston 30a In NaBH₄Solution, therefore improve hydrogen generation rate.

By catalyst 32 in the NaBH₄The hydrogen that effect in solution 42 generates quickly diffuses through the knot of permeable gas Structure 36 is spread by hollow piston 30a and towards hydrogen storage chamber 40.Then Hydrogen Vapor Pressure quickly increases in hydrogen storage chamber 40 It is long.As long as the hydrogen 43 generated is used continuously by fuel cell 11 (Fig. 1) or other hydrogen consuming devices, in reference pressure chamber 26 Hydrogen Vapor Pressure be maintained for it is relatively low.The piston 30 coated with catalyst of signal portion is maintained in chemical feeding chamber 41, the hair Raw device 10a continues to generate hydrogen with the rate directly proportional to load.

However when the load reduction of fuel cell 11 and the hydrogen of generation with not with generate the equal rate of rate in use, Not used hydrogen 43 is gathered in gas storage chamber 40.The raising of Hydrogen Vapor Pressure (is supplied relative to chemistry in hydrogen storage chamber 40 To the pressure in chamber 41) force elastic diaphragm 50a to be moved towards reference pressure chamber 26.As elastic diaphragm 50a moves right, The piston 30a for being coated with catalyst is pushed to leave the NaBH simultaneously₄Fuel solution 42, and thus reduce the exposure to NaBH₄Solution The amount of 42 catalyst 32.Hydrogen is slowed down in this way to react until it matches with rate is used, and works as gas requirement When being 0, hydrogen, which reacts, is slowed to stopping.Therefore, the mechanical feedback system in the gas generator 10 includes considerably less It moving component and is run in a manner of self-regulation quickly to adjust hydrogen generating quantity.

When the load of fuel cell 11 increases and fuel cell (or other hydrogen use devices) starts again at use again When hydrogen, hydrogen volume and pressure in gas storage chamber 40 start to reduce.The reduction of this pressure makes elastic diaphragm 50a again Court moves left.This movement pushes the hollow piston 30a of the permeable gas coated with catalyst to return to NaBH simultaneously₄Solution 42 In, thus hydrogen generation rate is improved again as described above.The piston 30a for being coated with catalyst passes in and out NaBH₄Solution 42 Movement is self-regulation.The movement that piston 30a passes in and out the solution has the chemical aliment of agitation to provide uniform solution group It closes object and implements cleaning action to remove the additional of the material (not shown) of reaction residue or other aggregations from piston 30a Advantage.

It should be appreciated that the principle of the present invention is not limited only to the above embodiment.Mechanically and structurally embodiment also may be used for other To realize that identical self-regulated throttle body is had an effect.These other embodiments can use the piston or suitable coated with catalyst The displaceable element of conjunction, the structure of permeable gas and pressure feedback system.Other embodiment and component therein can be with Embodiment in Fig. 2A relative configurations, shape, size, pressure, gas flow rate, hole design, the movement of single component and its He is different aspect.This construction and relevant design tradeoff are as known in the art, and are hereinafter retouched to some It states.

Fig. 2 B are, for example, another embodiment of the gas generator 10a of Fig. 2A.In this embodiment, the elastic diaphragm 50b includes rigid walls 60 and the flexible sealing bellows 52 with peripheral seal 29.The bellows 52 is in response to by being pressed in Pressure change on adjustable machinery or gas spring 65.In another embodiment, the restoring force and ginseng of the bellows 52 Examining the pressure in pressure chamber 26 can be enough to compensate the spring 65.In addition to elastic diaphragm 50b (Fig. 2 B) and elastic diaphragm 50a (figures The gas generator 10a of difference between 2A), gas generator 10 and Fig. 2A of Fig. 2 B is operated in substantially the same manner.

As another example, Fig. 5 A and 5B illustrate the embodiment of gas generator 10b, and wherein the catalyst 32 is set It sets on solid piston 30b or is added thereto, and include that the gas courage of the structure 36 of permeable gas forms the chemistry feeding chamber 41 at least part.In these embodiments, the structure 36 of the permeable gas and piston 30b are in the NaBH₄Solution 42 Periphery (Fig. 5 A) or surrounding (Fig. 5 B) part place it is spaced apart.The hydrogen generated near the piston 30b coated with catalyst Gas bubble 33 diffuses through the NaBH₄Solution 42 simultaneously penetrates through the structure 36 of the permeable gas to enter gas storage chamber 40。

The embodiment of Fig. 5 A and 5B can simplify apparatus structure and the operation of gas generator 10b.Although the catalysis Agent 32 is still associated with piston 30b, but the structure 36 of permeable hydrogen is located remotely from the position of catalyst 32.Therefore in these realities It applies in mode, it need not near the structure 36 of permeable gas or on it structure catalyst layer.It the catalyst 32 and can ooze The structure 36 of ventilation body can be constructed individually.The advantages of these embodiments, is not only convenient for manufacture, and is to improve hydrogen Gas generation rate.As hydrogen gas bubbles 33 pass through the NaBH₄Solution 42 is moved to the structure 36 of permeable gas, helps to stir Move/stir the NaBH₄Solution 42.This effect helps from the surface of catalyst 33 to remove the reaction product of any attachment simultaneously Make the solution 42 evenly, thus improves subsequent hydrogen and occur.

The simplification of the solid piston 30b embodiments of the gas generator 10b of Fig. 5 A and 5B can reduce cost and be enough to carry For disposable.And these embodiments can allow in case of need that reusable gas generator can be by again Secondary filling.For example, columnar gas generator not only reduces manufacturing cost, and the chemistry feeding chamber 41 can also be enough detachable Nut (not shown) installation.Work as NaBH₄When solution is with giving up, which can be unscrewed, this is used to useless NaBH₄Solution empties, With fresh NaBH₄Solution is refilled with the chemistry feeding chamber 41.Alternatively, it is capable of providing just on the chemistry feeding chamber 41 Displacement injection end (not shown) is to allow to be replaced with useless chemical aliment with fresh chemical aliment.

In addition, if the structure 36 of the permeable gas is made of metal (such as palladium) or other suitable heat conductors, that It can also act as heat sink to remove any waste heat for the generation that reacted by the hydrogen.Gas generator is kept in this way The lower operation temperatures of 10b.Another advantage of this embodiment, which is the hydrogen storage chamber 40, can be located at gas generator 10b Periphery (i.e. surround the NaBH₄Chemical storage chamber 41).Because the total volume of hydrogen generator more can be used for storing NaBH₄ Solution 42, therefore the amount for the hydrogen that can be generated which raises unit volume.

In the operation of the embodiment of Fig. 5 A and 5B, generated but not by hydrogen consuming device 11 with due to hydrogen 43 (Fig. 1) is used and is caused NaBH₄The accumulation of pressure in solution 42 is somebody's turn to do the piston 30b coated with catalyst towards adjustable spring 65 squeeze, and piston 30b is pushed out the NaBH₄Solution 42.This causes the stopping or limitation of hydrogen generation rate.These embodiment party Flexibility of the formula independent of the structure 36 of permeable gas.According to adjustable tension in the spring 65 after piston 30b, NaBH₄Pressure in solution 42 is enough the piston 30b that should be coated with catalyst pushing away solution 42 to reduce reaction rate.

The embodiment of Fig. 5 A and 5B have following attendant advantages：The piston 30b for being coated with catalyst can be easily It is sealed in columnar body 78.Which prevent NaBH₄Solution 42 or hydrogen are surprisingly revealed by piston 30b.Push piston 30b to The tension of spring 65 can adjust during fabrication or gas pressure according to the specific application, required or required gas flow rate Needs and adjust manually.Various manual regulation mechanisms as known in the art may be used to adjust the spring 65 compression or It tenses.

Fig. 6 A are the mechanical schematics of another embodiment of gas generator 10.The embodiment is similar to Fig. 5 A and 5B Embodiment, but it is with piston 30b, by the catalyst 32 by piston 30b is movable into and out chemical aliment 42 It is exposed to chemical aliment 42, element 30b (being in this instance swingle 30b) rotations are exposed to chemical aliment 42 to change The amount of catalyst.It is mechanically connected on cam 80 with swingle 30b, bar 30b to generate rotary motion.Cam 80 is through connector 55 are connected to the sclerine 79 of bellows 77.Bellows 77 is designed to extending to bellows on the outside of elastic diaphragm 50c The pressure in gas storage chamber 40 in 77 is reacted.

In operation, when fuel cell 11 or other gas consumption devices extract the gas 43 more generated for generating electricity When, such as the pressure reduction in gas storage chamber 40 causes bellows 77 to shrink, and rotation swingle 30b in this way is with will be more Catalyst is exposed to chemical aliment 42.When fuel cell 11 or other gas consumption devices extract the gas 43 of less generation When, the pressure rise in gas storage chamber 40 causes bellows 77 to expand, and causes 80 rotating bar 30b of cam again with will be less Catalyst be exposed to chemical aliment 42.It causes to generate bubble 33 in this way, and causes pressure reduction in gas storage chamber 40, most It is suitable to reach balance with the amount of the gas 43 for the generation extracted eventually.

It should be appreciated that using ball bearing, gas bearing or other swingle 30b and cam 80 can be made smoothly to turn Move and have the technology of minimum resistance.Moreover, similar to the sealing 22 in other embodiment, the swingle 30b of Fig. 6 A is implemented Mode may include elongated sealing element (not shown) with the intracavitary where preventing chemical aliment 42 from entering swingle 30b. It can be using antifouling brush (not shown) to prevent product and unclassified stores from assembling accumulation on bar 30b or catalyst 32.

Fig. 6 B and 6C illustrate the alternative swingle embodiment that can be used in the gas generator of Fig. 6 A. In Fig. 6 B, swingle 30a is shown as hollow embodiment by means of cross section axis to diagram, the piston 30a classes with Fig. 2A Seemingly.In this embodiment, catalyst 32 is arranged on the film 36 of permeable gas.The catalyst 32 is deposited on permeable gas Film 36 in the recess that is formed, as described with reference to Fig. 3.With reference to as described in figure 2A, the gas 43 of generation is initially formed bubble 33, It is parallel to enter gas storage chamber 40 into the channel 34 of hollow piston 30a.It should be appreciated that embodiment warp shown in Fig. 6 A It is appropriate to change to accommodate hollow stem 30a embodiments.It should be noted that hollow stem 30a includes the pore-free material of non-catalytic 55, when being exposed to chemical solution 42, do not reacted with chemical solution 42 can not make chemical solution 42 or generate other 43 Pass through it.

Fig. 6 C are the cross section axis of solid hopkinson bar 30b used in the gas generator 10b of Fig. 6 A to diagram.The solid rotation The pore-free material 55 of bar 30b supported catalysts 32 (it can be attached to arbitrary depth with solid hopkinson bar 30b) and non-catalytic.Below The use of solid hopkinson bar 30b is described with reference to figure 6D-6F.

It is located on circular bulkheads 16 referring initially to Fig. 6 D, solid rotating rod 30b so that catalyst 32 is not exposed to chemical solution Liquid 42.Sealing element 22 prevents chemical solution 42 from entering the region where solid hopkinson bar 30b.Shown in when position, the rotation is real Core bar 30b does not cause gas, because the catalyst 32 is not present in chemical solution 42.The angle of swingle 30b It can be used for transporting the gas generator 10, or when such as fuel cell does not have electric load for terminating gas.

Fig. 6 E illustrate the situation for wherein generating some gases.In this case, swingle 30b, which rotates, makes Some catalyst are exposed to chemical aliment 42.And then generate bubble 33.Structure 36 (figure of the bubble 33 along the permeable gas 6A) in the film of each point contact permeable gas, the gas 43 of generation leads to gas storage chamber 40 by it.

Fig. 6 F, which are illustrated, needs maximum gas production quantity to meet the situation of the needs of gas consumption device.In this feelings In shape, the positioning of rotating solid bar 30b makes the catalyst 32 be exposed to this with the permitted most sufficient degree of the partition board 16 Chemical aliment 42.

It should be appreciated that any swingle embodiment 30a or 30b can be the spherical shape or other geometric forms of rotation Shape, can supported catalyst 32 by with it is similarly as described above in a manner of work.

Fig. 7 is the gas hair of the solid piston 30b to be worked in a manner of identical with the embodiment of Fig. 2 B using two The mechanical schematic of raw device 10b.In some embodiments, the catalyst 32 that piston 30b accordingly combines it is in parallel Sentence the generation gas 43 in the chemistry feeding chamber 41 in the place for being moved to chemical aliment 42.In alternative embodiment In, a piston 30b is used only, until then its catalyst 32 activates another piston 30b with giving up.In another embodiment In, the catalyst 32 that a piston 30b is incorporated into is moved at the place of chemical aliment 42, unless it is necessary in addition generate gas Body 43 is to pass through 14 supply gas consumer of gas vent.Other realities for cooperateing with or being operating independently piston 30b each other Example is applied to be considered within the scope of the principle of the present invention.

The gas generator 10 of Fig. 7 further includes overpressure safety device 67.When chemical feeding chamber 41 is subjected to excessively high pressure, The safety device is chemically automatically drained out some chemical aliments 42 in feeding chamber 41.The overpressure safety device 67 can also be applied In a part for the main body 78 around the gas storage chamber 40 to be released stress from the chamber when overpressure situation occurs.

The overpressure safety device 67 is also used as adding more chemical aliments 42, water or as occurring for gas The entrance of other chemical substances of chemical aliment.Similarly, which can be used for supplying from the chemistry The useless chemical aliment 42 of extraction in chamber 41.The overpressure safety device 67 can urge the main body 78 of gas generator 10 logical with this Screw thread, key, hasp or other mechanical fastening techniques for crossing cooperation are connected, and may include washer or O-ring to prevent gas Body or chemical aliment leakage.Alternatively, which can be permanently connected in main body 78.In other realities Apply in mode, the overpressure safety device 67 can be formed based on 78 integration section.

Another feature in Fig. 7 shown in the embodiment of gas generator 10b is filter/humidifier 75, is generated Gas 43 by its from gas storage chamber 40 through gas vent 14 lead to gas use device.The filter/humidifier 75 can To realize one or two effect.In the case of as filter, which, which can limit, flows through removing for its Essentially all gas except hydrogen.In the case of as humidifier, which is passed through in hydrogen Vapor or other gaseous steams are added in hydrogen.The filter/humidifier 75 can as known in the art with The form of spongy material is implemented.

The gas generator 10b of Fig. 7 further includes the bar position of bar position sensor 72 and the position for detecting piston 30b Marker 74.The sensor can be hall effect sensor, capacitance probe or other can incude it is simultaneous on piston 30b The electromagnetic sensor of the marker 74 of appearance.In other embodiments, which is the optics for the position for detecting piston 30b Sensor.In this embodiment, optical viewport is provided so that the sensor 72 " can see " marker 74, Huo Zhe Direct " seeing " piston 30b in some cases.It should be appreciated that using the wheel with optical encoder (not shown) or now There is known other positions sensing device in technology.In these various situations, can be using indicating the signal of piston position External device (ED) (not shown) provide information or for for motor (such as linear voice coil motor), pump or in some embodiments Piston 30b is located in chemical aliment 42 so that the catalyst 32 is to be enough to generate for supply gas consumer 11 Gas amount be exposed to chemical aliment 42 other device (not shown) generate electricity feedback.Linear voice coil embodiment can be with With its coil, coil is configured to the part in the region of the main body 78 of gas generator 10b, with composite material or other Magnetic element (not shown) on magnetic field and piston 30b is coupled to control the catalyst 32 in the chemistry aliment by material Position in 42.Using the device formula of mobile piston 30b can be assisted well known in the prior art.This device, location sensitive The use of device 72, position marker 74 and control electronics (not shown) can change mechanical realization shown in fig. 7.

Gas generator 10b can also include Volume Indicator (not shown), and user or machine gas is notified to store Chamber is reaching or is having reached substantially maximum capacity.The indicator also can indicate that low capacity or range of capacity.The capacity Indicator may include dial, electronic display, light (such as LED), voice signal, wireless communication services or in the prior art Other known indicators.The Volume Indicator can use pressure sensor or other sensors well known in the prior art. Other indicators, such as " fuel consumption " or " catalyst consumption " indicator can also be used.

Fig. 8 illustrates another embodiment of gas generator 10c.In this embodiment, instead of as described above Piston 30a or 30b coated with catalyst is into and out the NaBH₄Solution 42, in fig. 8, by entire NaBH₄42 court of solution Mobile or far from its movement to the solid piston 30b coated with catalyst, which is kept fixed in one embodiment. Because in the NaBH of large volume₄NaBO is generated in the presence of solution₂(wherein NaBO₂Solubility keeps higher), therefore catalyst knot The risk minimization of dirt.Therefore the service life of catalyst is substantially prolonged.It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, piston 30a Or 30b can also be moved in the manner, therefore NaBH can be provided₄Solution 42 and piston coated with catalyst It is differential between 30b.

The structure 36 of the permeable gas can be on the part of elastic diaphragm 50c or as in Fig. 5 B in entire bullet On property diaphragm 50d.The embodiment of Fig. 8, which can be constructed, in columnar body 78 and in end there is removable nut (not show Go out).In this type of design, the not only NaBH₄Solution 42 can be replaced when with useless, and can pass through replacement piston 30b And easily vary catalyst 32.Active higher or the lower catalyst (according to the specific application) of activity can be used to replace in this way Given catalyst 32.It should be appreciated that in this embodiment can also use hollow piston 30a and preferably with It is replaced in other embodiment.

Fig. 9 A and 9B are illustrated removes fuel cells applications according to what the gas generator of the principle of the present invention can be used for Except other application illustrative examples.

In figure 9 a, gas generator 10 generates hydrogen 43 and the gas is supplied to jewelry by its gas output end 14 The torch 81 or other burners of quotient.It should be appreciated that the gas generator 10 can pass through decomposition in the presence of a catalyst It learns aliment and generates that other gases are (not described herein but known in the state of the art) to burn for torch 81 or other burners.

In figures 9 b and 9, gas generator 10 generates oxygen 82 and the gas is supplied to oxygen by its gas output end 13 Breathing equipment 83.The gas generator 10 can also be used together with other breathing equipments (such as gas tank of diver), at this Single or multiple gas generators 10 can be used to be provided for the gas tank used in the diver in diving under water in kind situation The combination of nitrogen and oxygen.

The gas generator of Fig. 9 A and 9B are located at the outside of gas consumption device 81 and 83, only for the purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated that in practice, which can provide the compartment for being inserted gas generator 10.It should Gas consumption device 81 may include general or common occlusion (latching) machine of fixed gas generator in position Structure (not shown).

Although having been particularly shown and described the present invention by reference to its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize Can wherein form and details not carried out in the case where departing from the scope of the present invention that appended claim includes by knowing Various changes.

For example, that well-known is NaBH₄Aqueous solution even there is no any catalyst also have according to 1 slow selfdecomposition of equation and the trend for forming hydrogen.The feasible scheme of long term storage is to pack NaBH when dry₄Powder, And separate itself and water and/or NaOH, then two kinds of ingredients are mixed when occurring generating the demand of hydrogen.Both at Dividing can be packaged in the design of breakaway glass or UF membrane so that break using the preceding glass by catalytic reactor or film When, it can be by the NaBH₄Chemical aliment 42 and water mixing.

Another safety or controlling feature of embodiment as gas generator described herein in catalyst 32 and are changed It can apply potential between solution 42 to control 32 releasable gas flow of catalyst.

The embodiment of disclosed gas generator allow include other can improve product gas storage, operation and The feature of processing.Other examples besides those already described include heating element, and wherein temperature, which increases, accelerates gas It generates；Or piezo-electric device, gas is generated by specific solution or mixture by vibration.

For keep gas generator described herein user friendly and can self-identifying, gas vent 14 can have standard or from Define (custom) shape, on the basis of standard or different application with various means for engaging.For example, the gas vent can Indicate respectively that the gas generator 10 generates oxygen or hydrogen to be configured to the shape of " O " or " H ".This design must can be used Prevent user from going wrong in the case of in given application using multiple gas generators.

Figure 10 A-10C are another embodiments for the propellant bottle 10d for wherein using relay system control generation gas 43 Mechanical schematic.In this embodiment, propellant bottle 10d has in the form factor limited by main body 78, right in main body 78 Each gas storage chamber 40, chemical feeding chamber 41 and reference pressure chamber 26 all there are one or a plurality of cavities.Gas storage chamber 40 and change It learns feeding chamber 41 to be separated by the film 36 of permeable gas but impermeable liquid, perimeter seal 29 and propellant bottle can be passed through The main body 78 of 10d combines.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 A-10C, the reference pressure chamber 26 and chemical feeding chamber 41 by pressure seal (such as Bellows seal 77 or equivalent) it is optionally combined and is separated with element 30c.In a kind of exemplary embodiment, this shows The bellows seal 77 of example can export in reference pressure and form complete pressure seal (example between 27 and chemical feeding chamber 41 Such as shape of the cap with flexible sides).In alternative embodiment, which is combined with element 30c Formed pressure seal (i.e. the bellows seal 77 be have flexible sides cap and not at the top of shape) to maintain to refer to Pressure between pressure chamber 26 and chemical feeding chamber 41 separates (and liquids and gases impenetrability).

It should be appreciated that insertion piece (not shown) can in press-fit (press-fit) to main body 78, and include chamber 40, 41,26 some or all features, the wherein insertion piece can be enabled the user in the main body for being changed without gas generating unit In the case of more catalyst changeout.

Alternatively, the insertion piece may be coupled on element so that in catalyst replacement process the main body and element energy It is enough to keep.Any number of bindiny mechanism well known in the prior art can be used so that the insertion piece can be made to be connected to main body or member It is disengaged on part and from thereon, such as press-fit, locking, spring clip, interlock feature etc..In this way it is possible to be end user The replacement insertion piece for providing chemical aliment with catalyst and in some embodiments enables to replace the gas The small or cheap component (i.e. insertion piece and any connection mechanism) of generating means is without replacing entire gas generating unit.

No matter the definition of independent orientation or " in a manner of independently orienting " used herein indicates gas generating unit 10d How its physical orientation can correct operation.This means that no matter how the physical orientation of gas generating unit 10d can be sent out Chemically feeding chamber 41 escape to gas storage chamber 40 for raw generation gas 43 and gas 43 in chemical feeding chamber 41.In positive reason Under condition, the physical orientation regardless of gas generating unit 10d, chemical aliment 42 is held in chemical feeding chamber 41.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 A-10C, as the part independently oriented, the gas 43 of generation is chemically supplying On the proximal end (left end adjacent with gas storage chamber 40 in Figure 10 A and 10B) to the path of gas storage chamber 40 of chamber 41 or It is logical by the gas across the distal end (right end adjacent with reference pressure chamber 26) of chemically feeding chamber 41 to gas storage chamber 40 Pass through the permeable gas but the film 36 of impermeable liquid on the path in road 28.Even if reference pressure chamber 26 is in operation Positioned at the top of the gas storage chamber 40, which can also make the gas 43 of generation, and chemically feeding chamber 41 flows to gas Storage chamber 40, as long as there are the gas differential pressures of sufficient degree between chemical feeding chamber 41 and gas storage chamber 40.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 A-10C, which includes complementary characteristic 37a, 37b.The complementary characteristic 37a, 37b can be the improved zigzag limited by a part for the outer wall of a part and element 30c for the inner wall of main body 78 The form of the opposite slope of shape.The chemistry feeding chamber 41 can also include relief valve (not shown), if in chemical feeding chamber 41 Pressure reached unsafe horizontal (being more than " safe pressure " threshold value), just open it.

0A-10C is continued to refer to figure 1, element 30c has slit or hole 31, and chemistry supplies in the operating process of propellant bottle 10d To in chamber 41 chemical aliment 42 and the gas 43 that generates in turn pass through its flowing.In the exemplary implementation of Figure 10 A-10C In mode, which flows in and out gap 45a, the 45b limited by the geometry of complementary characteristic 37a, 37b. It is complementary special at one when the chemistry aliment 42 is in the gap 45a between complementary characteristic 37a, 37b during open state Catalyst 32 on sign 37a (or 37b) is exposed to chemical aliment 42, causes to occur between chemical aliment 42 and catalyst 32 Reaction, thus generates gas 43, the gas flow through the permeable gas film 36 enter gas storage chamber 40 (no matter the combustion How is the orientation of barrel 10d).It is " shift unit " 13 on another complementary characteristic 37b (or 37a), with Figure 10 A-10C's Complementary characteristic 37a, the 37b occurred by element 30c is from left to right translated (i.e. towards reference pressure chamber 26) in embodiment It is in contact with each other, is somebody's turn to do " shift unit " 13 and is used as the displacement sealing element for removing chemical aliment 42 from catalyst 32.Another gap 45b And the remainder of chemical feeding chamber 41 receives the chemical aliment come from the gap 45a translations between complementary characteristic 37a, 37b 42.Due to the shift unit 13, when complementary characteristic 37a, 37b is kept each other after removing chemical aliment 42 from catalyst 32 When contact, propellant bottle 10d does not generate gas 43.As chemical aliment 42 is translated apart from catalyst 32, the chemistry aliment 42 flow through slit or hole 31 and separate catalyst 32, wherein variation of the chemical aliment 42 with the movement of element 30c Flowing, as described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 A-10C, the reference pressure chamber 26 is by bellows seal 77, the end of element 30c (in some embodiments) it is limited with ontology 78.The reference pressure chamber 26 also includes spring 65, and the wherein spring 65 is used as pressure Power device is so that ontology 78 translations (or rotation) of the element 30c relative to propellant bottle 10d.The bellows seal 77 (i) is used Keep apart in by chemical aliment 42 and spring 65；(ii) be used for by chemical aliment 42 and lead to reference pressure environment (such as Around the ambient pressure conditions of propellant bottle 10d) the reference pressure chamber 26 of outlet 27 keep apart；(iii) is for being kept for two Separation between chamber 41 and 26.

Figure 10 C are the mechanical schematics of the close up view of the embodiment of complementary characteristic 37a, 37b, wherein scheming as example The banking pin 90 that a pair of of friction or spring-load friction characteristic 92a, 92b are shown as in 10C is applied to complementary characteristic 37a, 37b Quantitative resistance, unless the summation for the power being applied on element 30c overcomes the resistance of the specified rate.It should be appreciated that this is given The resistance of amount can be connected to the element 94 of element 30c by the contact angle of friction characteristic 92a, 92b, by a friction characteristic 92b Spring force and the interfaces friction element 92a, 92b material surface effect setting.In other embodiments, it can use The banking pin of other forms well known in the prior art, such as spring-load circular surface and notch pair.It is also recognized that should The resistance of specified rate but can be different for two traffic directions of element 30c.The resistance can set with from reach close and The lag of predetermined amount is provided the conversion of the state from closing to opening.

In operation, which is connected to the outer of gas vent 14 according to gaseous state The amount of the gas 43 of part device (not shown) " needs " generates gas 43 with self-regulation working cycles.Terminology used herein " from Adjusting working cycles " are defined as the gas generating unit in generating gas can be with fuel (the chemistry supply of given gas demand Object) variation of concentration and catalyst efficiency adjusts the open state duration compared with the total duration of its open and closed.This is adjusted automatically Section can be passively or actively progress.

The self-regulation working cycles (being shown in Figure 11 A-11C) be as element 30c with chemical feeding chamber 41 inside Pressure changes relative to the chemistry feeding chamber external pressure or more generally with the summation for acting on the power on element 30c Change and translate the result generation of (or rotation or other modes movement).Start in operation and has generated some gases 43 Later, make gas storage chamber 40 and therefore chemical feeding chamber 41 with since less or no gas flows through gas vent 14 Middle pressure buildup, the pressure in chemical feeding chamber 41 is to element 30c applied forces, and in turn to 65 applied force of spring.This yuan as a result, Part 30c is from the off status position that the open state position transition in Figure 10 B is in Figure 10 A and 10C, until in 43 generating process of gas In complementary characteristic 37a, 37b for being separated from each other contact with each other, terminate the generation of gas 43 in this way.Similarly, when the gas of generation When body 43 is restarted or increased by the flow of gas vent 14, the pressure reduction in gas storage chamber 40 leads to chemical confession To the pressure reduction in chamber 41, thus, it is possible to make spring 65 to element 30c applied forces, this so when complementary characteristic 37a, 37b with It, will when pressure difference variation of the pressure between the pressure in reference pressure chamber 26 in chemical feeding chamber 41 moves each other separated Catalyst 32 is exposed to chemical aliment 42.

Reaction between the mobile opening and closing catalyst 32 of element 30c and chemical aliment 42, wherein open state and The control of off status is referred to herein as relay system control.The relay system control according in given time period by open state phase The working cycles that off status limits can be generated and do not generate gas 43, it is retouched in more detail below with reference to Figure 11 A-11C It states.The position of translation or the element 30c and complementary characteristic 37a, 37b that rotate in off status 39a are shown in Figure 10 A and 10C, The position of element 30c and complementary characteristic 37a, 37b in open state 39b are shown in Figure 10 B.

It should be appreciated that the change of state can be " mutation " effect, sent out when pressure difference is more than or is down under specific threshold It is raw, and the change of state can be designed and be lagged, such as filled by using brake or other machineries well known in the prior art It sets so that do not occur to be frequently mutated when pressure difference is kept close to threshold value.

Figure 10 B illustrate open state 39b, and in the state, there is gas 43 certain flow velocity to be flowed by gas vent 14 To external device (ED) (not shown), the fuel cell such as in the case of such as hydrogen.In this case, which may It is needed with the variation of the electric power needed to the fuel cell by being electrically connected to the power consumption device (not shown) of the fuel cell Gas 43.The example of power consumption device can be single device, for example, radio, mobile communication device, for rotating propeller Motor or entire electric vehicle；Another example can be for the power network of family, area, cities and towns or urban electricity supply.In other words, it fires Barrel 10d can generate gas according to self-regulation working cycles with the variation of electric device electricity consumption.

Relay system propellant bottle 10d embodiments can be with the gas of the fuel cell for powering for electric device The variation of demand is per minute, changes many times from the off status 39a of Figure 10 A and 10C to Figure 10 B's per a few minutes or per hour Open state 39b is simultaneously again returned to.In open state, total exposed surface area of catalyst can be more than by design maintains highest gas Surface area needed for body flow velocity.Therefore, when propellant bottle is started corresponding to the low-pressure in gas storage chamber 40, which supplies Power that it is acted on element 30c can be risen rapidly to overwhelming reactive spring force (and power of brake 90) to cavity pressure And the element is switched to the degree of closed position suddenly.The element is maintained at off position until consume enough gas 43, By the pressure reduction in gas storage chamber 40 and chemical feeding chamber 41 to the value for making element return to open position suddenly.Therefore the self-regulated Gas pressure in section working cycles control gas storage chamber 40 is to maintain gas 43 to flow to fuel by the stabilization of gas vent 14 Battery or other external device (ED)s.

The propellant bottle can be configured to only rely upon the pressure of internal generation and passive operation with by relay system control System switches between open and closed.Element 30c can alternatively be configured to active operation (such as by using helical Cast or linear electric machine mechanism) changed in a manner of relay system, wherein the mechanism is activated or is controlled, the outside mistake by external procedure Journey is operated with the variation of the input pressure sensed in propellant bottle.Use the combustion of the hydrogen gas generation generated by propellant bottle 10d Material cell array can be microcontroller, microprocessor or other are used to run the mistake for controlling solenoid type or linear electric machine mechanism The circuit of journey is powered.

Figure 11 A-11C provide sequence diagram 86a-86c, illustrate showing for the gas generating unit 10d of Figure 10 A-10C The relevant self-regulation working cycles of operation of example property embodiment.Sequence diagram 86a-86c includes to on-state and off-state Performance, wherein the open state is expressed as horizontal line 87a, in the top for the horizontal line 87b for indicating off status.

In terms of the operating parameter of the relay system propellant bottle 10d embodiments in relation to Figure 10 A-10C, the sequential of Figure 11 A Figure 86 a illustrate that wherein catalyst 32 is in high intensity (such as non-fouling) and the concentration of chemical aliment 42 is in high concentration The case where.Sequence diagram 86a illustrates such as 10% working cycles, wherein open state T_{It opens}With given operation cycle T_Always's 10% part, and off status T_{It closes}90% part with the given operation cycle.In the exemplary embodiment, 10% work follows Ring can be that the gas storage chamber 40 of flow graph 10A and 10B make this to provide enough pressure in the gas storage chamber 40 Propellant bottle 10d is able to maintain that gas 43 through 14 steady flow of gas vent toward needed for external device (ED) (not shown) (such as fuel cell) Whole.In the case of flowing of the gas through gas vent 14 wherein stops, it should be appreciated that the yield of gas 43 reduces To the point that the working cycles are 0% (not shown), it means that in the entire time in given operation cycle be off status.It answers When recognize gas 43 from the leakage of gas storage chamber 40 can make the working cycles be higher by than 0% specific amount (for example, than 0% high 1%, 3%, 5% or dosis refracta).

With the time, due to catalysis, the concentration of chemical aliment 42 reduces (such as sodium borohydride is catalyzed as boronation sodium) Or the efficiency of catalyst reduces.Therefore, which is increased to such as 50% amount, as Figure 11 B sequence diagram 86b in show Example.By operation, which causes working cycles to increase so that open state since catalytic level continues to reduce Duration is even higher than off status, such as 90% working cycles, as shown in the sequence diagram 86c of Figure 11 C.

In particular, the duration T of off status_{It closes}It is all close in each of these three working cycles sequence diagrams 86a-86c Patibhaga-nimitta is same, because off status indicates that the constant stream of gas 43 goes out from gas of the gas storage chamber 40 through Figure 10 A and 10B during this period Mouth 14 is discharged into the duration of external device (ED).If the flow velocity for flowing to the gas 43 of external device (ED) is slightly raised and lowered, in sequential Specific amount is accordingly decreased or increased to adapt to be suitable for what maintenance was raised and lowered in the duration of the off status presented in Figure 86 a-86c Stress level in the gas storage chamber 40 of gas flow rate.

These three sequence diagrams 86a-86c can be used in that a variety of different scenes or combinations thereof are presented.With above-described embodiment phase A kind of consistent Sample Scenario illustrates wherein 32 non-fouling of catalyst and has stronger catalytic and wherein chemistry aliment 42 The state for low concentration is changed over time from high concentration state.In this first scene, the sequence diagram 86a examples of Figure 11 AA Illustrate that there are wherein chemical aliment 42 working cycles of state of high concentration, the sequence diagram 86b in Figure 11 B to illustrate wherein There are chemical aliment 42 working cycles of intermediate concentration state, the sequence diagram 86c in Figure 11 C to illustrate wherein chemistry supply Object 42 has the working cycles for reducing CONCENTRATION STATE.10% work cycle example explanation is wherein in the sequence diagram 86a of Figure 11 A It generates and is enough to maintain substantially invariable gas pressure in gas storage chamber 40 while gas 43 is flowed through gas vent 14 (such as 5psi+/- 10%, 20% or other percentages) only need the situation of of short duration open state；(the figure in the subsequent time 11B or 11C), maintain the open state needed for identical substantially invariable pressure duration must it is longer (such as 50% or 90%).It should be appreciated that the example of 10%, 50% and 90% working cycles is only the representative example of working cycles, and work Cycle can be with similar increment within the scope of 0%-100%.It is also recognized that the pressure in gas storage chamber 40 being capable of base It is selected in specific application and design parameter.

In the second scene, sequence diagram 86a-86c illustrates wherein that catalyst 32 becomes fouling or with other at any time The case where mode fails, if being refilled with gas generating unit at more than 42 times with fresh (i.e. high concentration) chemical aliment Using same catalyst 32 may this thing happens during 10d.In this scenario, there is the shape with high concentration The early stage in 32 service life of catalyst of the chemical aliment 42 of state, the working cycles may shorter (such as 10% of Figure 11 A) with The gas pressure of such as 5psi is generated in the gas storage chamber 40；But in its service life then, in high concentration shape having the same In order to prepare same amount of gas pressure in the presence of the chemical aliment 42 of state, which may need with about 50% work Make cycle to start, as shown in the middle timechart 86b in Figure 11 B.It is also subsequent in the service life of the catalyst 32, with In the presence of the chemical aliment 42 of identical high concentration state, which may need the working cycles to be opened 90% or more Begin, as shown in the sequence diagram 86C of Figure 11 C, to generate the gas pressure of identical 5psi in gas storage chamber 40.

It should be appreciated that at some time point, which will become fouling or failure degree is sufficient to make it sufficient Enough catalytic chemistry aliments 42 maintain gas pressure enough in gas storage chamber 40 to generate the gas 43 of sufficient amount Power, to maintain the flow velocity through gas vent 14 to maintain demand of the external device (ED) to gas 43.It, should under this " latter stage " state Working cycles will be 100%, indicate that the length of the horizontal line 87a of the time-scale 86a-c of open state will reduce, if using braking Device 90 (Figure 10 C), might have ladder-effect, final approach or the length equal to the horizontal line 87b for indicating off status, at this moment Only seldom or no further gas generates.In this case, user must recharge catalyst 32, replace Catalyst 32 simply obtains new propellant bottle 10d and enables to start again at normal operating.

Although having been particularly shown and described the present invention by reference to its illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will It recognizes in the case where not departing from the scope of the present invention that the appended claims include, its form and details can be carried out Various changes.

Claims

1. gas generating unit, including：

Main body；

Chemical feeding chamber in main body, which defines being configured to include the volume of chemical aliment, which includes following member Part, the element are configured to according to self-regulation working cycles as cavity pressure changes this relative to the variation of chamber external pressure The catalyst that intracavitary includes is exposed to the chemistry aliment, to be generated in a manner of independently orienting and output gas, wherein should Element and the main body limit the complementary characteristic for being respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit on it, and wherein the complementary characteristic is constructed To which the catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment and removes the chemistry aliment from the catalyst；With

The brake formed by a pair of of friction characteristic, the brake applies resistance to complementary characteristic, wherein the pair of friction One friction characteristic of feature is connected to element, and another friction characteristic of the pair of friction characteristic is located at the inner wall of main body On, and wherein conversion of the resistance between the open and closed in the operating time of the working cycles provides lag, is opening shape The catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment under state and the chemistry aliment is removed from the catalyst under off status.

2. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein element define the part on the boundary of the chamber.

3. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein element are configured to the total of the power in response to effect on that element And moved between open position and off position, which includes pressure, the pressure and pressure device of reference pressure intracavitary by the intracavitary And the power applied.

4. the gas generating unit of claim 3, wherein：

When the pressure in the chemistry feeding chamber is higher than first threshold, which is in the complementary characteristic relative to main body and connects each other Tactile position, wherein when the complementary characteristic is in contact with each other, which removes chemical aliment from the catalyst；With

When the pressure in the chemistry feeding chamber is less than second threshold, which is in the complementary characteristic relative to main body and divides each other The position opened,

Wherein first and second threshold value is same or different to each other.

5. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein element and that define multipair complementary characteristic, the multipair complementations Feature is respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit on it, and the wherein multipair complementary characteristic is constructed in parallel with each other should Catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment and removes the chemistry aliment from the catalyst.

6. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein element and catalyst are coupled to each other.

7. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein catalyst wherein should with being coupled with the main body in face of the direction of chamber Element is constructed to be moved in a manner of translating or rotating relative to the main body.

8. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein element are configured to translate or rotate relative to catalyst.

9. the gas generating unit of claim 1, wherein main body define the shape of the gas generating unit, and the wherein main body Or the element be configured to with catalyst insertion piece, the insertion piece movably respectively with the main body or element knot It closes.

10. the gas generating unit of claim 1, the wherein gas generating unit define three chambers, including gas storage chamber, Chemical feeding chamber and reference pressure chamber；

Wherein the gas generating unit further comprises the film of permeable gas but impermeable liquid, by gas storage chamber with Chemical feeding chamber separates；

Wherein sealing element or the chemistry feeding chamber and the reference pressure chamber are separated with the sealing element that the element is combined；With

Chemically feeding chamber flows to gas storage chamber to the gas wherein generated in a manner of independently orienting.

11. the gas generating unit of claim 10, further comprise the pressure device being located in reference pressure chamber, the pressure device with The element is connected with applied force on that element, and wherein the element is moved with applying the function of the summation of power on it.

12. the gas generating unit of claim 1, wherein in the open state for limiting the state of the self-regulation working cycles to pass shape In the transfer process of state, chemical aliment is removed from catalyst.

13. the method for generating gas, including：

Chemical aliment is included in chemical feeding chamber, which is arranged in the main body of gas generating unit and includes through structure It makes with the element for the catalyst exposure for including by the intracavitary；

Using the element, which is included by the function with cavity pressure relative to chamber external pressure according to self-regulation working cycles Catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment, to be generated in a manner of independently orienting and output gas, the wherein element and the master Body defines the complementary characteristic for being respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit on it, which is configured to the chemistry aliment It is removed from the catalyst；With

Resistance is applied to complementary characteristic with the brake formed by a pair of of friction characteristic, wherein one of the pair of friction characteristic Friction characteristic is connected to element, and another friction characteristic of the pair of friction characteristic is located on the inner wall of main body, and wherein Conversion of the resistance between the open and closed in the operating time of the working cycles provides lag, the catalysis under open state Agent is exposed to the chemistry aliment and the chemistry aliment is removed from the catalyst under off status.

14. the method for claim 13, wherein it includes moving or changing the chamber to expose the catalysts to the chemistry aliment The direction of the part on boundary.

15. the method for claim 13 further comprises the summation in response to acting on power on that element in open position or side To mobile element between off position or direction, which includes pressure, the pressure and pressure of reference pressure intracavitary by the intracavitary The power that power device applies.

16. the method for claim 13, wherein：

When the pressure in the chemistry feeding chamber is higher than first threshold, this method further comprises determining the element relative to main body Position or orientation make the complementary characteristic be in contact with each other, wherein when the complementary characteristic is in contact with each other, the shift unit is by chemical aliment It is removed from the catalyst；With

When the pressure in the chemistry feeding chamber is less than second threshold, this method further comprises determining the element relative to main body Position or orientation, make the complementary characteristic be separated from each other,

Wherein first and second threshold value is same or different to each other.

17. the method for claim 13, the wherein element and that define multipair complementary characteristic, which exists It is respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit thereon, which is set operates in parallel relationship, and wherein should Method further comprises through the movement parallel to each other of the similar component of one group by multiple complementary characteristics to limit the self-regulation It is converted between the state of working cycles and the catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment and by the chemistry aliment from the catalysis Agent is removed.

18. the method for claim 13, wherein it includes being followed in the self-regulation work that the catalyst, which is exposed to the chemistry aliment, Catalyst lag is exposed to the chemistry aliment when ring status changes.

19. the method for claim 13 is included in wherein exposing the catalyst between the state for limiting the self-regulation working cycles During transformation the catalyst is moved with the element.

20. the method for claim 13 is included in wherein exposing the catalyst between the state for limiting the self-regulation working cycles The element is translated or rotated during transformation relative to the catalyst.

21. the method for claim 13, wherein insertion piece include catalyst, and wherein this method further comprises that user can be made The insertion piece being connected with the main body for wherein limiting gas generating unit or element is replaced with different insertion pieces.

22. the method for claim 13, wherein the chemistry feeding chamber are coupled with gas storage chamber and the operation of reference pressure chamber, and its Middle this method further comprises：

Enable gas and non-chemical aliment chemically feeding chamber through permeable gas but can not ooze in a manner of location-independent The film of transflective liquid leads to gas storage chamber；

It enables the member to change position or positioning in the boundary of the chemistry feeding chamber and reference pressure chamber.

23. the method for claim 22, wherein it includes by using positioned at reference to pressure to enable the member to change position or be orientated Pressure device in power chamber is to the element applied force.

24. the method for claim 13, further comprise limit the state of the self-regulation working cycles slave open state to pass In the transfer process of state, chemical aliment is removed from catalyst.

25. the device for generating gas, including：

Main body；

Device for being included in chemical aliment in the chemical feeding chamber in the main body；

It is included in the chemistry feeding chamber for being used according to self-regulation working cycles relative to the function of chamber external pressure with cavity pressure The catalyst that the intracavitary includes is exposed to the chemistry aliment to generate and export in a manner of independently orienting by interior element The device of gas, the element and that define the complementary characteristic for being respectively provided with catalyst or shift unit on it, the displacements Device is configured to remove the chemistry aliment from the catalyst；With

The brake formed by a pair of of friction characteristic, the brake apply resistance to complementary characteristic,

One friction characteristic of wherein the pair of friction characteristic is connected to element, and another of the pair of friction characteristic rubs It wipes feature to be located on the inner wall of main body, and wherein the resistance is the on and off shape in the operating time of the self-regulation working cycles Conversion between state provides lag, and the catalyst is exposed to the chemistry aliment and the chemistry under off status under open state Aliment is removed from the catalyst.

26. the gas generating unit of claim 1, wherein for given gas demand, the pass of the self-regulation working cycles The duration of state is constant.

27. a friction characteristic of the pair of friction characteristic is connected to by the gas generating unit of claim 1, wherein component The element.

28. the method for claim 13, wherein for given gas demand, the off status of the self-regulation working cycles is held The continuous time is constant.

29. a friction characteristic of the pair of friction characteristic is connected to the member by the method for claim 13, wherein component Part.