GB2556127A

GB2556127A - An apparatus for generating hydrogen

Info

Publication number: GB2556127A
Application number: GB1620409.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Collins Mark
Original assignee: Ihod Ltd
Current assignee: Ihod Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-17
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2018-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-17
Also published as: GB201620409D0; GB2556127B; WO2018007472A1

Abstract

An apparatus for generating hydrogen, comprises a reactor vessel 12 within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet 26 through which hydrogen can be drawn off. Also provided is a docking body 14 to which the reactor vessel can be removably attached, the docking body having connected to it a valve-engaging element 38, which engages and opens the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off. An apparatus may also be provided which has a reactor vessel having a partitioned interior containing a reactant releasing device that facilitates movement of the reactants from a reactant storage area into a reaction area to allow hydrogen generation, and a fuel cell for consuming the hydrogen to generate electricity. An apparatus may also be provided comprising a sealed reactor vessel, one or more reactant containing pouches, and means for releasing the one or more reactants, such as a cutter plate (46, fig 9). The apparatus may be portable and may allow for hydrogen generation in remote areas.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

IHOD Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Suite 29 Forum House, Stirling Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7DN, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Mark Collins (56) Documents Cited:

EP 1329972 A2 US 20100136679 A1 US 20060174952 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B01L, C01B, H01M Other: WPI, EPODOC

US 5902551 A US 20090304558 A1 US 20040016769 A1 (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Schlich

St. Catherine's Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5HS, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: An apparatus for generating hydrogen Abstract Title: Portable apparatus for generating hydrogen (57) An apparatus for generating hydrogen, comprises a reactor vessel 12 within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet 26 through which hydrogen can be drawn off. Also provided is a docking body 14 to which the reactor vessel can be removably attached, the docking body having connected to it a valve-engaging element 38, which engages and opens the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off. An apparatus may also be provided which has a reactor vessel having a partitioned interior containing a reactant releasing device that facilitates movement of the reactants from a reactant storage area into a reaction area to allow hydrogen generation, and a fuel cell for consuming the hydrogen to generate electricity. An apparatus may also be provided comprising a sealed reactor vessel, one or more reactant containing pouches, and means for releasing the one or more reactants, such as a cutter plate (46, fig 9). The apparatus may be portable and may allow for hydrogen generation in remote areas.

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AN APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HYDROGEN

This invention relates to a portable apparatus for generating hydrogen at low pressures.

Background of the Invention

In recent years, fuel cells have become increasingly popular as a means of generating electricity in situations where there is no mains power available. Fuel cells typically run on hydrogen and have a number of advantages over petrol- or diesel-fuelled internal combustion engines traditionally used in stand-alone power generators. Thus, the waste product of the operation of a fuel cells run on hydrogen is solely water, and no carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide is produced. Fuel cells are also more efficient than petrol- or diesel-fuelled internal combustion engines. A further advantage of a fuel cell compared to a conventional petroleum burning generator is that fuel cells can be miniaturised, thereby making them more portable. One example of a portable fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.

Internal combustion engines using hydrogen as a fuel rather than petrol or diesel have also been developed. Whereas such engines have an advantage over petrol- or diesel-fuelled internal combustion engines in that they produce only water as a waste product, they are nevertheless typically less efficient than fuel cells and are more difficult to miniaturise.

A problem with the use of hydrogen-based fuel cells and hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines is that in many remote locations and field situations, a supply of hydrogen may simply be unobtainable. Thus, currently, the use of hydrogen-based fuel cells and hydrogen-fuelled generators is limited by the difficulties in obtaining or maintaining a supply of hydrogen.

It is known that hydrogen can be generated by the reaction of various metals with acid or alkali. For example, US4325355 describes a heating system in which an exothermic reaction between a solid metal and a solution takes place in a reactor containing a heat exchanger. In the specific reaction system described, aluminium pieces are lowered into a solution of sodium hydroxide solution. During the reaction between aluminium and sodium hydroxide solution, the aluminium is converted to aluminium hydroxide with the evolution of hydrogen gas. The aluminium hydroxide reacts with the sodium hydroxide to form sodium aluminate.

The generation of hydrogen by the reaction of aluminium with sodium hydroxide is also described in US2009/0252671 (Fullerton). The hydrogen generating apparatuses of the type described above are relatively large scale fixed installations that are not readily suited to portable use.

At present, there remains a need for an apparatus that is portable and which can provide hydrogen on demand in remote or field situations where it is not possible or practicable to use hydrogen storage containers such as gas cylinders.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a portable apparatus for generating hydrogen on demand at low pressures (for example up to 12 bar, more typically up to 7 bar, and more usually no more than about 5 bar). By providing hydrogen on demand at low pressures, the need for pressurised hydrogen storage capability is avoided thereby providing an apparatus which is more easily transported and potentially safer to use.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for generating hydrogen, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off; and (b) a docking body to which the reactor vessel can be removably attached, the docking body having connected thereto a valve-engaging element which engages the valved outlet of the reactor vessel so as to open the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off.

The valve-engaging element may engage the valved outlet of the reactor vessel when the reactor vessel is attached to the docking body so as to open the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off.

Alternatively, the valve engaging element may be connected via a length of tubing or hose to the docking body.

The docking body may take the form of a docking base unit, where the valve-engaging element protrudes upwardly from the docking base unit. The docking base unit may also have a recess into which the reactor vessel may be placed, in a plug and socket type arrangement.

The valved outlet of the reactor vessel may comprise a valve body formation which is upstanding from a floor of the reactor vessel, the valve body formation having a passage therethrough in which a valve stem is located, a valve member being attached to the valve stem and the valve stem being moveable in the passage between a closed position in which a seal is formed between the valve member and the valve body formation so that hydrogen cannot pass out through the passage, and an open position in which hydrogen can pass out through the passage.

The valve body formation is typically tubular in form and may take the form of a central upstanding column in the reactor vessel.

A spring or other resilient restoring means is typically provided for biasing the valve member towards the closed position. The spring may be disposed in the passage through the valve body formation.

The valve member (which can for example be substantially disc-shaped) may be mounted at an upper end of the valve stem and may be configured to form a seal against an upper surface of the valve body formation (e.g. the tubular valve body formation).

Either or both of the valve member and the upper surface of the valve body formation may be provided with an elastomeric sealing member for forming a seal therebetween. In one embodiment, the elastomeric sealing member is mounted on the upper surface of the valve body formation. In another embodiment, the elastomeric sealing member is mounted on the valve member. The elastomeric sealing members are advantageously formed from a fluoroelastomer.

The elastomeric sealing members can take the form of sealing pads or washers but more preferably take the form of an O-ring which may be seated in an appropriately sized annular groove.

The valve-engaging element of the docking body may be arranged to open the valved outlet by urging the valve stem upwards so as to break the seal between the valve member and the valve body formation, for example by lifting the valve member away from the said upper surface of the valve body formation.

An advantage of the upstanding valve body formation is that the reactants will tend to fall to the floor of the reactor vessel surrounding the valve body formation rather than accreting on the valve.

The reactor vessel is typically sealed and may have an interior which has a reactant storage area and a reaction area, which is capable of containing a liquid reaction medium. The interior of the reactor vessel may contain a reactant-releasing device which facilitates movement of one or more reactants from the reactant storage area into the reaction area to allow chemical reaction to take place to generate hydrogen. A physical barrier may be provided which prevents unintended movement of the one or more reactants from the reactant storage area into the reaction area.

The liquid reaction medium may be a solvent which solubilises one or more of the reactants to allow a reaction to take place which generates hydrogen. The liquid reaction medium may also or instead be a reactant itself which reacts with the one or more reactants to generate hydrogen gas. The liquid reaction medium may be an aqueous liquid, such as water.

The apparatus typically contains sufficient reactant such that it can be used multiple times before further reactant is added to the apparatus. For example, the reactant storage area may be arranged to hold one or more reactant-containing packages.

A reactant-containing package can take any one of a variety of different forms and typically comprises a carrier which contains the reactants. The carrier can be a container such as a pouch, bag, capsule, cartridge or blister pack, or can be a solid dosage unit that dissolves, breaks down, disperses or releases the reactant(s) upon immersion in the liquid reaction medium.

In particular embodiments, the reactant-containing package is selected from:

(i) a pouch;

(ii) a cartridge;

(iii) a bag;

(iv) a capsule; and (v) a blister pack.

The reactant-containing packages can be formed, for example, of aluminium foil, plastics materials, cellulosic materials and hydrosoluble polymers.

In one embodiment, the reactant-containing package comprise a pouch formed from two panels sealed around their peripheries, wherein one or more reactants for generating hydrogen are disposed between the panels. The panels may be perforated or provided with a tearable seal to facilitate release of the reactant(s) from the package to the reaction area.

In another embodiment, the package can comprise a cartridge comprising a moulded plastics bowl covered with a plastics or metal foil top which can be glued or heat sealed in place, wherein one or more reactants for generating hydrogen are disposed within the bowl.

In a further embodiment, the reactant-containing package can be formed from a watersoluble material such as a water soluble grade of PVOH that dissolves to release the reactants once it is dropped into the liquid reaction medium in the reaction area of the reactor. In this embodiment, the reactant-containing package can take the form of a pouch, sachet or capsule formed from the water soluble grade of PVOH.

The package (e.g. a cartridge as hereinbefore defined) may be provided with a space or compartment into which measured volumes of water can be added by the user. The volume of the space or compartment into which the water may be added is selected according to the quantities of reactants in the reactant packages. Thus, for example, an amount of 16g of the combined reactants needed for one type of hydrogen-generating reaction may require a volume of about 30cm³ in order to react most efficiently whereas other combinations of reactants may require different volumes of water for optimal hydrogen generation.

The apparatus may further comprise a reactant-releasing device, which is configured to be able to open the reactant-containing packages to allow reactant to move (e.g. under the influence of gravity) into the reaction area. Once the reactants have been released and moved into the reaction area, they may react in the liquid reaction medium to form hydrogen gas.

The reactant-releasing device may be configured to release reactant by mechanically disrupting the said packages. This can be achieved, for example, by cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing the reactant-containing packages.

Alternatively, the reactant-releasing device may be configured to be actuable such that the reactant-releasing package is moved (e.g. fails) into the liquid reaction medium so that dissolves, breaks down, disperses or releases the reactant(s) upon immersion in the liquid reaction medium.

The reactant storage area may be divided into a plurality of storage areas thereby to form a magazine for a plurality of reactant-containing packages. The reactant storage area may be arranged to hold one or more reactant-containing packages so that they do not move (e.g. fall) into the reaction area until required.

In one embodiment, the reactant storage area is configured to provide a plurality of storage locations that allow reactant -containing packages (e.g. cartridges) to be clipped in place until needed.

In one embodiment, the reactant storage area and reaction area are separated by a wall having an opening therein through which reactant can pass. Where a separating wall having an opening is present, the reactant-releasing device may comprise a cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing element located adjacent the opening in the wall.

In one embodiment the reactant storage area comprises a carousel for carrying a plurality of reactant-containing packages and wherein either or both of the carousel and the cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing element are rotatable about an axis such that relative rotational movement therebetween brings the cutting, tearing or piercing element into contact with a reactant-containing package on the carousel to open the said package to release reactant into the reaction area.

The carousel or the cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing element are preferably linked to a rotatable shaft which extends through a seal to the exterior of the reactor vessel and is configured at its outer end (e.g. by means of a handgrip or rotatable knob) to enable it to be rotated.

The apparatus may further comprise a fuel cell for consuming the hydrogen gas generated in the reactor vessel to generate electricity. For example, the fuel cell may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising:

(i) a reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off;

wherein the reactor vessel has an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area, and the interior of the reactor vessel contains a reactantreleasing device which facilitates movement of reactants from the reactant storage area into the reaction area to allow chemical reaction to take place to generate hydrogen; and (ii) a fuel cell for consuming the said hydrogen to generate electricity.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising a sealed reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off; and an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area;

wherein the reactant storage area contains one or more reactant-containing packages as defined herein; and the reaction area is configured to hold a liquid reaction medium;

and wherein means are provided for releasing the one or more reactants from the reactant-containing packages to allow chemical reaction to take place in the liquid reaction medium to generate hydrogen.

The means for releasing the one or more reactants from the reactant-containing package may take the form of a reactant-releasing device (as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention) for mechanically disrupting the package (e.g. by cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing) and releasing the one or more reactants into the reaction area in order to allow a chemical reaction to take place to generate hydrogen gas.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising a sealed reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off; and an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area;

wherein the reactant storage area contains one or more reactant-containing packages as defined herein; and the reaction area contains a liquid reaction medium;

and wherein means are provided for releasing the one or more reactants from the reactant-containing package to allow chemical reaction to take place in the liquid reaction medium to generate hydrogen.

The means for releasing the one or more reactants from the reactant-containing package may, for example, comprise:

(a) a reactant-releasing device for mechanically disrupting the reactantcontaining package (e.g. by cutting, tearing, rupturing or piercing) to release the one or more reactants into the liquid reaction medium; or (b) one or more chemicals in the liquid reaction medium that chemically disrupt the reactant-containing package to release the one or more reactants into the liquid reaction medium.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising a sealed reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off; and an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area;

wherein the reaction area is configured to hold a liquid reaction medium;

and the reactant storage area contains a plurality of discrete storage locations, each storage location being configured to hold a reactant-containing package;

and wherein a reactant releasing device is provided within the reactor vessel for mechanically disrupting the reactant-containing package to release the one or more reactants into the reaction area.

Descriptions of particular features of the apparatus in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the same or corresponding features in relation to the second to fifth aspects of the invention.

As described above, the reactants are typically loaded into the apparatus in reactantcontaining packages. The invention therefore also provides a reactant-containing package as defined herein containing one or more reactants which react to form hydrogen when contacted with an aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid may be water.

In one embodiment, the reactant-containing package contains two or more (and more typically just two) reactants. For example, one reactant may be a metallic element (e.g. aluminium) and the other reactant may be a metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide. Once the reactants come together in the liquid (e.g. aqueous) reaction medium, a chemical reaction takes place leading to the formation of hydrogen gas.

In another embodiment, the reactant-containing package contains a single reactant, the single reactant being one which reacts with the liquid reaction medium (e.g. aqueous medium) to generate hydrogen. An example of such a reactant is a metal borohydride such as sodium borohydride).

The reactor vessels in the apparatuses described herein may comprise a pair of reactor body elements that can be separated to allow the introduction of one or more reactants or a reaction medium and then reconnected together to form a substantially gas-tight seal therebetween before initiating a chemical reaction within the reactor vessel. In one embodiment, the reactor body elements are provided with complementary threads to enable them to be connected together. Preferably separation of the reactor body elements constitutes the sole means by which reactants and reaction medium can be introduced into the reactor vessel.

The reactor vessel may be formed from a metal material such as steel and may be substantially cylindrical in form.

When the apparatus comprises a docking body to which the reactor vessel can be removably attached, the docking base may have connected thereto a valve-engaging element which engages the valved outlet of the reactor vessel so as to open the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off. The valve-engaging element may therefore engage the valved outlet of the reactor vessel when the reactor vessel is attached to the docking body

The docking body may comprise a fuel cell (for example a proton exchange membrane (PEM) cell) for consuming the hydrogen to generate electricity.

The invention also provides a method of generating hydrogen using an apparatus described herein, which method comprises introducing one or more reactants and a liquid reaction medium into the reactor vessel so that the reactants are initially separated by a barrier from the liquid reaction medium, sealing the reactor vessel so that no further reactants or reaction medium can be introduced, removing the barrier and agitating the reactants and reaction medium to bring about a reaction in the reaction medium to generate hydrogen, and drawing off hydrogen thus generated through the valved outlet.

Preferably the apparatus used in the method comprises a docking body and hydrogen is drawn off through the valved outlet upon docking of the reactor vessel with the docking body.

The apparatus of the present invention produces hydrogen at low pressures, and in particular pressures of up to about 12 bar.

Thus, the apparatus of the invention can generate hydrogen at pressures in the range (i)

0.5 Bar to 12 Bar; or (ii) 0.5 bar to 10 Bar; or (iii) 0.5 Bar to 8 Bar; or (iv) 0.5 Bar to 7 Bar; or (v) 0.5 Bar to 6 Bar; or (vi) 0.5 Bar to 5 Bar; or (vii) 0.5 Bar to 3 Bar. The pressures of hydrogen generated by the apparatus of the can be controlled by, inter alia, the amounts of reactants used in a given reaction and, the manner in which they are presented.

A pressure reducer may be disposed in line between the reactor and a hydrogenconsuming device such as a fuel cell (e.g. a PEM fuel cell) in order to reduce the pressure of hydrogen to a level which is optimal for the device in question. For example, a pressure reducer which reduces the pressure to approximately 0.5 Bar may be used when the apparatus comprises a PEM cell.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the reactor according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the reactor shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor through section A-A

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the reactor vessel.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor vessel.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the docking base.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lid.

Figure 8 is a top down view of the cutter plate and sachet holder

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cutter plate.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an electricity generating device comprising the reactor illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.

Figure 11 is an end view of the electricity generating device of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side view of the electricity generating device of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the electricity generating device of Figures 10,11 and 12 but enclosed within a casing.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be illustrated but not limited by reference to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings Figures 1 to 13.

Figures 1 to 3 show a reactor (10) according to a first embodiment of the invention. When assembled, the reactor (10) comprises upper (16) and lower (12) reactor body portions formed from a suitable material such as steel. Figures 1 to 3 also show the reactor fitted into a docking base (14).

The top edge (22) of the lower reactor body portion cylindrical wall has an external thread which can engage a correspondingly threaded portion on the lower edge of the upper reactor body portion (16). A gasket formed from a suitable gas-tight sealing material is disposed between confronting surfaces of the upper and lower body portions so that a gastight connection can be formed by screwing the upper and lower body portions together.

The reactor vessel (12) contains a valved opening comprising a central exit tube (26) within which is disposed a spring-loaded plunger (30) having a valve member (28) mounted on its upper end. Valve member cap (28) is formed from steel and engages a fluoroelastomer (Viton®) O-ring seal (29) located in a groove on an upper surface of the central exit tube (26) to create a gas tight seal when closed. When the reactor vessel (12) is fitted onto the docking base (14), an upstanding rod (38) ((which constitutes a valve-engaging element) in the docking base enters the lower end of the central exit tube and is urged against the plunger (30), thereby pushing the plunger upwards and displacing the valve member (28) from its sealing position on the top of the central exit to provide fluid communication between the reaction vessel and the central exit tube. Hydrogen generated by the reaction of the reactants in the reactor vessel (12) can then pass out of the vessel through the exit tube (30). When the reactor vessel (12) is removed from the docking base (14), the springloaded plunger (30) springs back into place thereby restoring the seal between the valve member (28) and the top of the exit tube (26).

The docking base (14) has a circular floor and a cylindrical wall portion (32), which defines a lower chamber. The docking base also has a flange (34) extending upward from the cylindrical wall (32), which restrains the reaction vessel (12) from “sideways” movement when assembled.

The diameter of the lower chamber is less than the diameter of the reactor vessel (12) such that when the reactor vessel (12) is placed in the docking base (14), the bottom of the reactor vessel (12) sits on a ledge formed by the top of the cylindrical wall (32), in order to maintain the air gap in the lower chamber.

The docking base floor has a central shaft (38) extending from the centre point thereof. When the reactor vessel (12) is placed in the docking base (14), the central shaft (38) aligns with an opening in the base of the reactor vessel which leads to the central exit tube (30) in the reactor vessel.

The base of the reactor vessel (12) also has an integrally formed rim. The rim has two substantially “L-shaped” cut outs or slots (24) on opposite sides of the reactor vessel (12). The inner surface of the flange of the docking base is also provided with two diametrically opposed circular protrusions (36) which engage with the slots (24) on the reactor vessel. This allows the reactor vessel to be secured in the docking base by placing the reactor in the base, so that the central shaft (38) aligns with the hole in the base of the reactor vessel and so that the circular protrusions (36) can enter the substantially “L-shaped” slots (24), before rotating the reactor vessel (12), to prevent the reactor vessel (12) from falling out of the docking base when inverted.

One section of the wall of the docking base is provided with a recess, in which an exit port (20) is located. The exit port (20) extends from the lower chamber through the wall of the docking base (32). Therefore, hydrogen exiting the reactor vessel (12) through the exit tube (30) can flow through the lower chamber and out of the reactor through exit port (20), which can be connected, for example, to a hydrogen consuming device such as a fuel cell.

The upper body portion of the reactor vessel is of generally cylindrical form and has a circular upper surface. A handle (18) is rotatably mounted on the upper body portion. The handle (18) is connected to a central carriage post (56) which extends through an opening (42) in the upper surface of the upper body portion. A sealing ring disposed within a sealing gland prevents gas escape between the carriage post (56) and the wall of the opening (42).

Inside the upper body portion are mounted a sachet holder (44) for holding sachets (pouches) containing one or more chemical reactants, and a cutter plate (46). The cutter plate (46) serves to partition the interior of the reactor vessel into a reactant storage area above the plate and a reaction area below the plate in the bottom of the lower reactor body portion.

The sachet holder takes the form of a plurality of pairs of arms (48) extending in a radially outward direction from a central tubular member (50). Each pair of arms (48) can hold a single sachet. The sachets are formed from two panels of aluminium foil sealed around their peripheries to form an enclosed space containing the reactants. When the contents of the sachets are released into the reactor vessel as described below, they react to form hydrogen gas which exits the reactor through exit port (20) (via the exit tube (30) and the lower chamber in the docking base.

The cutter plate (46) is circular in form and is typically made from steel. The cutter plate has a substantially rectangular, elongate slot (52) located on a radial line of the cutter plate. Adjacent the slot (52) is a blade (54) which is secured to the cutter plate (46) by means of a pair of screws that pass through stainless steel washers and aligned holes in the cutter plate and the blade. The blade has a sharp, cutting edge that is directed towards the centre of the cutter plate. When the cutter plate (46) is rotated, the blade slices through at least one panel of the sachet and the contents of the sachet can fall through slot (52) and into the reaction vessel (12).

The central carriage post (56) passes through the central tube of the sachet holder (50) and an upper end of the carriage post (56) passes through the opening (42) in the top face of the upper reactor body portion. The handle (18) is fastened to the upper end of the carriage post (56) by means of a screw (58) and the cutter plate is secured to the lower end of the carriage post by means of a screw (60). A spring (64) is positioned in-between the handle and the top of the lid. This arrangement allows the cutter plate to be moved up and down (relative to the top face of the reactor) as well as enabling it to be rotated through movement of the handle.

The top of the lid contains markings (such as numbers), which align with the various positions of the handle to indicate the position of the cutter and therefore, which sachet has been cut.

When assembled, the reactor is sealed as described above to prevent the escape of generated hydrogen from the reactor. In addition, the docking base (14) is provided with a fluoroelastomer (Viton®) O-ring to form a sealed connection between the reactor vessel and the docking base. Therefore, the hydrogen generated in the reactor can only exit the reactor through the exit tube (26) when the spring-loaded plunger (30) is depressed to open the exit tube cap (28).

In use, the upper and lower reactor body portions are unscrewed and separated and the carousel-like sachet holder is loaded with a number of sachets containing chemical reactants suitable for generating hydrogen.

The reactants can be any of a number of different pairs of reactants that react together to form hydrogen as described above but, in a particular embodiment, the reactants are aluminium powder and sodium hydroxide. The reactants are stored in the sachets as fine powders.

An aqueous reaction medium (which could be plain water or another aqueous medium) is introduced so that it partly fills the lower reactor body portion. The upper and lower body portions are then screwed together to form a sealed reactor vessel in which the only exit for hydrogen gas is the valved opening. No other inlets or outlets for reactants or reaction products are provided.

Once the upper and lower reactor body portions have been screwed together, the handle (18) can be pushed down against the force of the spring (64) and rotated thereby rotating the cutter plate so that the blade on the cutter plate can cut through a sachet, in order to release the contents of the sachets into the reactor vessel.

The reactants in the sachet fall into the aqueous reaction medium in the lower reactor body portion and react to generate hydrogen gas. The mixing of the reactants and hence the rate of reaction can be assisted by shaking the reactor vessel.

Once hydrogen formation has been initiated, the reactor vessel can be placed on the docking base so that the rod (38) engages the plunger (30) to lift the valve member (28) off its seat on the top edge of the central exit tube (26). Hydrogen can then flow out through the central exit tube and into the void between the reactor vessel and docking base and then out though opening (20) to a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell.

Thus, the assembled reactor can be used in isolation as a supply of hydrogen or used in conjunction with a hydrogen fuel cell for the generation of electricity.

When the reactor is used in conjunction with a hydrogen fuel cell, the reactor can be placed in a housing, which contains one or more fuel cells, for example, proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, in order to allow the hydrogen generated in the reactor to be converted to electrical power.

An example of such a housing is shown in Figures 10 to 13. The housing contains a reactor (10) and docking base (14) as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 and as described above, together with a sub-assembly (100) containing a pressure reducer (148), a PEM fuel cell (the cooling fans (150) of which are shown), control circuitry comprising a printed circuit board (152) and a fuel cell controller (154) and capacitors (156). A 12V power output socket (158) with a hinged cover (160) enables electricity-consuming devices to be plugged into the apparatus. A handle (162) is provided to assist in lifting the reactor vessel away from the docking base.

The hydrogen gas generated in the reactor passes through the exit port (20) in the docking base and via gas-tight tubing to a pressure reducer which is attached via a purge valve to a PEM fuel cell. The pressure reducer limits the pressure of hydrogen entering the PEM cell to approximately 0.5 - 7psi bar to prevent damage occurring to the PEM cell.

One or more drying traps (not shown) may be located between the exit port (20) in the docking base and the inlet of the pressure reducer in order to remove water from the stream of hydrogen before it enters the fuel cell. The inlet of the pressure reducer is linked by tubing to a purge valve which is operable by pressing button (102) to allow hydrogen to pass into the fuel cell.

The housing may contain an on-board power supply (typically in the form of rechargeable batteries) to provide electrical power to the control circuitry to assist start-up of the device. Once hydrogen production and electricity generation has commenced, a proportion of the power can be used to operate the device and to recharge the batteries and the remainder is available to be tapped off through one or more output elements such as USB ports.

In some embodiments, an on-board power supply can be omitted so that any electrical power required is provided by the PEM cell as it consumes hydrogen generated in the reactor.

The housing may optionally also contain an AC-DC power converter to provide an AC current output, and a cooling fan. As an alternative to a fan, a heat sink with cooling fins may be used.

In use, the apparatus is switched on using switch (104) and the handle (18) is rotated so that the blade can slice through one of the reactant sachets to release the contents of the sachet into the aqueous medium in the base of the reactor vessel (12) as described above. The two reactants (e.g. powdered sodium hydroxide and aluminium powder) are chosen such that when mixed in water they react to form hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas generated in the reactor vessel exits the reactor vessel through the exit port (via the central exit tube and exit port (20)) and flows to the pressure reducer (via a water separator and desiccant when present). Hydrogen is then directed to the purge valve and thence into the PEM fuel cell, where it is consumed to generate electricity. Where the output from the PEM fuel cell is DC current, the AC-DC power invertor converts the DC power generated by the fuel cell to AC power which can then be used as the power source. Otherwise it is converted into a 12v supply and/or USB electrical supply.

As stated above, a proportion of the electricity produced by the PEM cell can be used to recharge the batteries (although in some embodiments this is not done), and a further proportion of the electricity can be used to power the electricity-consuming devices such as the PCB. The remainder of the electricity generated can be carried by cable (not shown) to a connector (e.g. a plug socket (162) or 12v socket or USB ports) for connection to external electrical devices. The control circuitry (e.g. a PCB (152)) that controls the operation of the apparatus is able to regulate the power supply by means of super capacitors. Because PEM fuel cells typically expel (purge) a small amount of hydrogen to atmosphere every 730 seconds and, while doing so, the PEM automatically drops electric power for perhaps 10Om/s, this has the effect of interrupting the electricity supply for the end user with the result that the apparatus would shut down before being reset manually. To provide continuity of supply of electricity to run the apparatus and prevent shutting down at each purge, super capacitors are provided within the PCB to bridge the drop in electrical power for the 100m/s when the PEM cell is in purge mode.

During operation of the apparatus, solid waste products typically accumulate in the reactor vessel. At intervals, the upper (16) and lower (12) reactor body portions can be disconnected (e.g. unscrewed) so that the waste products can be mechanically removed from the reactor vessel.

In order to facilitate removal of waste materials from the apparatus, a gas-permeable liner (for example in the general form of a sock) may be located inside the lower reactor body portion (12) so that when the reactants drop into the lower reactor body portion, the reaction to produce hydrogen takes place within the liner. The hydrogen passes through the liner and out through the valve in the manner described above. Solid waste products can then be removed from the reactor by simply separating the upper and lower reactor body portions and lifting out the liner. If the liner is also impermeable to water, then water and any dissolved reactants and reaction products can also be removed along with the solid waste products.

The liner can be constructed such that before the upper and lower reactor body portions are secured together, the liner or sock is loosely positioned in and around the inside of the lower reactor body portion and over the central exit tube (30) (when present).

In a variation of the apparatus shown in Figures 11 to 13, the housing (100) may be provided with a recycling system for recycling hydrogen gas released by the PEM cell during purging. For example, purged hydrogen can be passed through a pressure multiplier and filter (to capture the water contained within the purged hydrogen) and then reintroduced into the gas flow immediately after the pressure reducer. In one embodiment, the purged hydrogen exits the PEM every few seconds at a pressure which is usually in the range from about 1 psi to about 15 psi (the value can vary from one PEM cell to another) for a purge period of 100m/s, and the pressure multiplier holds the purged hydrogen in a storage chamber until the pressure has reached a predetermined value (e.g. 14psi) at which point it directs a pulse of hydrogen (e.g. 7psi of hydrogen) into the gas flow immediately after the pressure reducer. The cycle is typically continuous and results in more efficient use of hydrogen generated by the apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising:

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the valve-engaging element engages the valved outlet of the reactor vessel when the reactor vessel is attached to the docking body so as to open the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the reactor vessel has an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area, wherein the interior of the reactor vessel contains a reactant-releasing device which facilitates movement of one or more reactants from the reactant storage area into the reaction area to allow chemical reaction to take place to generate hydrogen.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the reactant storage area is arranged to hold one or more reactant-containing packages and the said reactant-releasing device is configured to be able to open the reactant-containing packages to allow reactant to move into the reaction area.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the said reactant-releasing device is configured to release reactant by mechanically disrupting the said packages.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the said reactant-releasing device is configured to be able to open the reactant-containing packages by cutting, tearing or piercing the reactant-containing packages to release the reactant.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the wherein the reactant storage area is arranged to hold one or more reactant-containing packages in the form of reactant-containing pouches and the said reactant-releasing device is configured so as to be able to cut the pouches to release the reactant.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the reactant storage area is divided into a plurality of storage areas thereby to form a magazine for a

5 plurality of reactant-containing packages.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the reactant storage area and reaction area are separated by a wall having an opening therein through which reactant can pass.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the reactant-releasing device comprises

10 a cutting, tearing or piercing element located adjacent the opening in the wall.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the reactant storage area comprises a carousel for carrying a plurality of reactant-containing packages and wherein either or both of the carousel and the cutting, tearing or piercing element are rotatable about an axis such that relative rotational movement therebetween brings the

15 cutting, tearing or piercing element into contact with a reactant-containing package on the carousel to open the said package to release reactant.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 either the carousel or cutting, tearing or piercing element are linked to a rotatable shaft which extends through a seal to the exterior of the reactor vessel and is provided at its outer end with a handgrip to enable it to

20 be rotated.

13. An apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising:

25 wherein the reactor vessel has an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area, and the interior of the reactor vessel contains a reactantreleasing device which facilitates movement of reactants from the reactant storage area into the reaction area to allow chemical reaction to take place to generate hydrogen; and

30 (ii) a fuel cell for consuming the said hydrogen to generate electricity.

An apparatus for generating hydrogen; the apparatus comprising a sealed reactor vessel within which a reaction between two or more chemical reactants can take place to generate hydrogen, the reactor vessel having a valved outlet through which hydrogen can be drawn off; and an interior which is partitioned into a reactant storage area and a reaction area;

wherein the reactant storage area contains one or more reactant-containing packages, each reactant-containing package comprising one or more reactants enclosed within a pouch; and the reaction area is configured to hold a liquid reaction medium;

and wherein means are provided for releasing the one or more reactants from the pouch to allow chemical reaction to take place in the liquid reaction medium to generate hydrogen.

An apparatus according to claim

14 wherein the means for releasing the one or more reactants from the pouch comprises a reactant-releasing device for mechanically disrupting the pouch (e.g. by cutting, tearing or piercing) to release the one or more reactants into the liquid reaction medium.

wherein the reactant storage area contains one or more reactant-containing packages, each reactant-containing package comprising one or more reactants enclosed within a pouch; and the reaction area contains a liquid reaction medium; and wherein means are provided for releasing the one or more reactants from the pouch to allow chemical reaction to take place in the liquid reaction medium to generate hydrogen.

An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the means for releasing the one or more reactants from the pouch comprises:

(a) a reactant-releasing device for mechanically disrupting the pouch (e.g. by cutting, tearing or piercing) to release the one or more reactants into the liquid reaction medium; or (b) one or more chemicals in the liquid reaction medium that chemically disrupt the pouch to release the one or more reactants into the liquid reaction medium.

wherein the reaction area is configured to hold a liquid reaction medium; and the reactant storage area contains a plurality of discrete storage locations, each storage location being configured to hold a reactant-containing package comprising one or more reactants enclosed within a pouch;

and wherein a reactant releasing device is provided within the reactor vessel for mechanically disrupting the pouch to release the one or more reactants into the reaction area.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 13, 15, 17 and 18 wherein the reactant storage area and reaction area are separated by a wall having an opening therein through which reactant can pass, and wherein the reactant-releasing device comprises a cutting, tearing or piercing element located adjacent the opening in the wall.

An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the reactant storage area comprises a carousel for carrying a plurality of reactant-containing packages and wherein either or both of the carousel and the cutting, tearing or piercing element are rotatable about an axis such that relative rotational movement therebetween brings the cutting, tearing or piercing element into contact with a reactant-containing package on the carousel to open the said package to release reactant into the reaction area.

An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein either the carousel or the cutting, tearing or piercing element are linked to a rotatable shaft which extends through a seal to the exterior of the reactor vessel and is configured at its outer end (e.g. by means of a handgrip or rotatable knob) to enable it to be rotated.

22. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactor vessel comprises a pair of reactor body elements that can be separated to allow the

5 introduction of one or more reactants or a reaction medium and then reconnected together to form a substantially gas-tight seal therebetween before initiating a chemical reaction within the reactor vessel.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the reactor body elements are provided with complementary threads to enable them to be connected together.

10 24. An apparatus according to claim 22 or 23 wherein separation of the reactor body elements constitutes the sole means by which reactants and reaction medium can be introduced into the reactor vessel.

25. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactor vessel is formed from a metal material such as steel.

15 26. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactor vessel is substantially cylindrical in form.

27. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 26 which comprises a docking body to which the reactor vessel can be removably attached, the docking body having connected thereto a valve-engaging element which engages the valved

20 outlet of the reactor vessel so as to open the valved outlet to allow hydrogen to be drawn off.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the valve-engaging element engages the valved outlet of the reactor vessel when the reactor vessel is attached to the docking body

25 29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, 27 and 28 wherein the docking body comprises a fuel cell for consuming the hydrogen to generate electricity.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the fuel cell is a PEM cell.

31. An apparatus for generating hydrogen substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of generating hydrogen using an apparatus as defined in any one of the preceding claims, which method comprises introducing one or more reactants and a

5 liquid reaction medium into the reactor vessel so that the reactants are initially separated by a barrier from the liquid reaction medium, sealing the reactor vessel so that no further reactants or reaction medium can be introduced, removing the barrier and agitating the reactants and reaction medium to bring about a reaction in the reaction medium to generate hydrogen, and drawing off hydrogen thus generated

10 through the valved outlet.

33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the apparatus comprises a docking body and hydrogen is drawn off through the valved outlet upon docking of the reactor vessel with the docking body.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1620409.1 Examiner: Gareth Prothero