WO1989002661A1 - System for recovering hydrogen from storage batteries - Google Patents

System for recovering hydrogen from storage batteries Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1989002661A1
WO1989002661A1 PCT/FI1988/000144 FI8800144W WO8902661A1 WO 1989002661 A1 WO1989002661 A1 WO 1989002661A1 FI 8800144 W FI8800144 W FI 8800144W WO 8902661 A1 WO8902661 A1 WO 8902661A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydrogen
storage batteries
metal hydride
cell
produced
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI1988/000144
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lauri Selin
Seppo TÄHTINEN
Original Assignee
Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus filed Critical Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
Publication of WO1989002661A1 publication Critical patent/WO1989002661A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/52—Removing gases inside the secondary cell, e.g. by absorption
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a system for recovering hydrogen, as defined in the preamble to Claim 1.
  • the object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above.
  • the specific object of the invention is to provide a hydrogen recovery system for use in conjunction with storage battery assemblies which enables the storage batteries to be charged also in enclosed, and manned, spaces without explosion hazard due to hydrogen, for instance in submarines during dives.
  • the recovery means consists of a gas-tight chamber, housing or equivalent container enclosing within itself the storage batteries and from which the hydrogen that is produced is conducted to said metal hydride cell.
  • the chamber is at least partially filled with liquid, such as water, in which the storage batteries are immersed, whereby the hydrogen that is produced can be recovered with greater safety and more rapidly so that the storage batteries themselves are not surrounded by explosive gas.
  • the system is used in conjunction with bomb shelters, in which case the metal hydride cells are connected with a separate cooler, operating e.g. with water, with the aid of which the heat generated in the cells can be dissipated.
  • the metal hydride cell when the system is used in submarines and diving bells, is connected with the pressure-bearing shell, the outer hull, of the submarine or equivalent, inside thereof.
  • the invention affords the advantage over the state of art that it enables storage batteries to be charged also in enclosed and manned spaces without involving any ingress of explosive gas into said spaces.
  • the set of storage batteries 1 has been placed in a gas ⁇ tight chamber 4, which furthermore is relatively full of liquid 5.
  • a gas ⁇ tight chamber 4 which furthermore is relatively full of liquid 5.
  • the metal hydride cell that is employed is a structure operating in a way known in itself in the art, in which a suitable metal hydride 3 binds hydrogen, generating heat at the same time.
  • the system has been installed in a submarine or equivalent, and in this case the metal hydride cell 8 has been placed in contact with the pressure-bearing outer hull 6 of the submarine.
  • the heat generated in the cell is conducted as straight as possible through the hull of the vessel into the water outside, which most often has a relatively low temperature, about +4°C.
  • the temperature of the metal hydride cell can be kept as low as possible and its hydrogen uptake capac ity can be kept as good as possible.
  • different metal hydrides may be used in metal hydride cells in accordance with the temperatures at which the particular cell is operated.
  • the materials of the metal hydride cell may be selected in accordance with the temperature of the outside water so that the hydrogen uptake capacity of the cell will be adequate (cf. surface water/bottom water, arctic cold waters/tropical warm waters).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Hybrid Cells (AREA)
  • Gas Exhaust Devices For Batteries (AREA)

Abstract

The object of the invention is a system for recovering hydrogen from storage battery assemblies, for use in connection with storage batteries (1) used in essentially enclosed spaces. As taught by the invention, the system comprises a recovery means (2) for hydrogen produced when the storage batteries are being charged and a metal hydride cell (8) hereto connected, for storing said hydrogen.

Description

SYSTEM FOR RECOVERINS HYDROBEN FROM STORAGE BATTERIES
The present invention concerns a system for recovering hydrogen, as defined in the preamble to Claim 1.
When storage battery assemblies are being charged, comparatively large quantities of hydrogen are produced, particularly at the final stage of the charging process, and this hydrogen has to be removed in one way or another from the space surrounding the battery, in view of the explosion hazard which the hydrogen creates. This is successfully managed on normal premises by arranging for adequate ventilation, but in enclosed spaces, such as submarines and diving bells and for instance in bomb shelters, providing of efficient enough ventilation, or for that matter providing ventilation on the whole, cannot be managed.
The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above. The specific object of the invention is to provide a hydrogen recovery system for use in conjunction with storage battery assemblies which enables the storage batteries to be charged also in enclosed, and manned, spaces without explosion hazard due to hydrogen, for instance in submarines during dives.
Regarding the features characterizing the invention, refet ence is made to the claims section.
The hydrogen recovery system of the invention for use in enclosed spaces comprises a recovery means for catching the hydrogen produced when the storage battery is being charged, and a metal hydride cell therewith connected, for storing said hydrogen. Advantageously, the recovery means consists of a gas-tight chamber, housing or equivalent container enclosing within itself the storage batteries and from which the hydrogen that is produced is conducted to said metal hydride cell. In an embodiment of the invention, the chamber is at least partially filled with liquid, such as water, in which the storage batteries are immersed, whereby the hydrogen that is produced can be recovered with greater safety and more rapidly so that the storage batteries themselves are not surrounded by explosive gas.
In an embodiment of the invention, the system is used in conjunction with bomb shelters, in which case the metal hydride cells are connected with a separate cooler, operating e.g. with water, with the aid of which the heat generated in the cells can be dissipated.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the system is used in submarines and diving bells, the metal hydride cell is connected with the pressure-bearing shell, the outer hull, of the submarine or equivalent, inside thereof.
The invention affords the advantage over the state of art that it enables storage batteries to be charged also in enclosed and manned spaces without involving any ingress of explosive gas into said spaces.
in the following the invention is described in detail, referring to the drawing attached, in which an embodiment of the invention is schematically presented.
In a system according to the invention, depicted in the drawing, the set of storage batteries 1 has been placed in a gas¬tight chamber 4, which furthermore is relatively full of liquid 5. When the storage batteries are being charged, especially during the last stage of the charging process, comparatively large quantities of hydrogen are produced, and this hydrogen rises to the upper part of the chamber, whence it is conducted by a duct 7 to a metal hydride cell S. The metal hydride cell that is employed is a structure operating in a way known in itself in the art, in which a suitable metal hydride 3 binds hydrogen, generating heat at the same time. In the embodiment here depicted , the system has been installed in a submarine or equivalent, and in this case the metal hydride cell 8 has been placed in contact with the pressure-bearing outer hull 6 of the submarine. Hereby the heat generated in the cell is conducted as straight as possible through the hull of the vessel into the water outside, which most often has a relatively low temperature, about +4°C. In this way the temperature of the metal hydride cell can be kept as low as possible and its hydrogen uptake capac ity can be kept as good as possible. It is well known in th art that different metal hydrides may be used in metal hydride cells in accordance with the temperatures at which the particular cell is operated. Thus, for instance in sub- marines or diving bells, when the system of the invention i applied, the materials of the metal hydride cell may be selected in accordance with the temperature of the outside water so that the hydrogen uptake capacity of the cell will be adequate (cf. surface water/bottom water, arctic cold waters/tropical warm waters).
The example here presented is merely meant to illustrate the invention without in any way restricting the invention, of which the different embodiments may vary within the scope o the inventive idea circumscribed by the claims.

Claims

1. A recovery system for hydrogen from storage battery assemblies for use in conjunction with storage batteries (1) used in essentially enclosed spaces, characterized in that the system comprises a recovery means (2) for the hydrogen produced when the storage batteries (1) are being charged, and a metal hydride cell (B) thereto connected for storing said hydrogen.
2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the recovery means (2) comprises a gas-tight chamber (4) enclosing in itself the storage batteries (I), for preventing the hydrogen that is produced from spreading into the ambience.
3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage batteries (1) within the chamber (4) are submerged in a liquid (5) , such as water.
4. System according to any one of claims 1-3 which is used in submarine applications, such as submarines and diving bells, characterized in that the metal hydride cell (8) is connected to the pressure-resistant outer shell (6) of the object where it is used, for conducting the heat generated in the cell, through said outer shell into the water.
PCT/FI1988/000144 1987-09-08 1988-09-07 System for recovering hydrogen from storage batteries WO1989002661A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI873887A FI83465C (en) 1987-09-08 1987-09-08 Recovery system for accumulator hydrogen in submarines and diving bells
FI873887 1987-09-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1989002661A1 true WO1989002661A1 (en) 1989-03-23

Family

ID=8525021

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI1988/000144 WO1989002661A1 (en) 1987-09-08 1988-09-07 System for recovering hydrogen from storage batteries

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2429888A (en)
FI (1) FI83465C (en)
WO (1) WO1989002661A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1454876A2 (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-08 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft Ag Apparatus for hydrogen storage
EP1454875A3 (en) * 2003-03-07 2007-02-28 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH Apparatus for hydrogen storage and process for its production

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2930828A (en) * 1957-03-23 1960-03-29 Accumulateurs Fixes Storage batteries intended to be used in inflammable atmospheres
GB1109935A (en) * 1965-01-07 1968-04-18 Gen Electric Improvements in "secondary cell"
DE2357631A1 (en) * 1973-11-19 1975-05-28 Varta Batterie CATALYTIC OXIDATION REACTOR FOR HYDROGEN OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE GASES IN A GAS MIXTURE CONTAINING OXYGEN
DE3241555A1 (en) * 1982-11-10 1984-05-10 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Accumulator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2930828A (en) * 1957-03-23 1960-03-29 Accumulateurs Fixes Storage batteries intended to be used in inflammable atmospheres
GB1109935A (en) * 1965-01-07 1968-04-18 Gen Electric Improvements in "secondary cell"
DE2357631A1 (en) * 1973-11-19 1975-05-28 Varta Batterie CATALYTIC OXIDATION REACTOR FOR HYDROGEN OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE GASES IN A GAS MIXTURE CONTAINING OXYGEN
DE3241555A1 (en) * 1982-11-10 1984-05-10 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Accumulator

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
J.J. REILLY, "Applications of metal hydrides", in A F ANDRESEN, A J MAELAND, "Hydrides for energy storage", 1978 Pergamon Press, p 527-550, spec. fig 4, p 544; p. 532. *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1454876A2 (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-08 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft Ag Apparatus for hydrogen storage
EP1454875A3 (en) * 2003-03-07 2007-02-28 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH Apparatus for hydrogen storage and process for its production
EP1454876A3 (en) * 2003-03-07 2007-02-28 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH Apparatus for hydrogen storage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2429888A (en) 1989-04-17
FI873887A (en) 1989-03-09
FI83465C (en) 1991-07-10
FI83465B (en) 1991-03-28
FI873887A0 (en) 1987-09-08

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