WO2015130820A1 - Système de réacteur d'électrolyse - Google Patents

Système de réacteur d'électrolyse Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015130820A1
WO2015130820A1 PCT/US2015/017572 US2015017572W WO2015130820A1 WO 2015130820 A1 WO2015130820 A1 WO 2015130820A1 US 2015017572 W US2015017572 W US 2015017572W WO 2015130820 A1 WO2015130820 A1 WO 2015130820A1
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Prior art keywords
hydrogen
working electrode
electrolyte
electrode
subsystem
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PCT/US2015/017572
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English (en)
Inventor
Frank Gordon
Harper WHITEHOUSE
Stanislaw SZPAK
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Frank Gordon
Whitehouse Harper
Szpak Stanislaw
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Publication of WO2015130820A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015130820A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • C25B15/02—Process control or regulation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • C25B15/08—Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytes; Regeneration of electrolytes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of the elements and relationships of an electrolysis reactor system for the production, safe storage, and release of hydrogen, comprised of an electrolysis subsystem 10, a thermal management subsystem 20, and a sensor and control subsystem with optional data recorder 30.
  • FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the elements and relationships of an electrolysis subsystem 10.
  • FIG 3 shows a functional block diagram of the thermal management subsystem 20 comprised of a thermal energy recovery device 235 including a cooling fluid condenser 220 and a cooling fluid reservoir and pump 260. Also included in the thermal management subsystem is a heater driver 270.
  • FIG. 4 shows a functional representation of a sensor and control subsystem, 30 including a processor (33) with a real-time status display (34) with optional data recorder 35 and a plurality of input sensors and output controls.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-section schematic view of an embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem 11 that uses a liquid/vapor electrolyte.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-section schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a electrolysis subsystem 12 that uses an ionized gas electrolyte.
  • FIG. 7 shows a cross-section schematic view of another alternate embodiment of a electrolysis subsystem 13 that utilizes a different arrangement of the electrodes.
  • FIG. 8a shows a cross-section schematic view of another alternate embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem 14 that utilizes an alternate working electrode configuration and combines the functions of the cooling fluid and the electrolyte.
  • FIG 8b shows the end view of the reactor vessel included in figure 8a.
  • FIG. 9 shows a representative deposited hydrogen host material working electrode cross- section detail.
  • FIG. 10 shows a representative hydrogen-permeable-membrane protected deposited- material, working electrode cross-section detail.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of an electrically-conducting hydrogen-permeable-membrane composite working electrode cross-section detail.
  • FIG. 12 shows a hydrogen-permeable-membrane, deposit-enhanced composite working electrode cross-section detail.
  • FIG. 13 shows a bulk hydrogen host material working electrode cross-section detail.
  • FIG. 14 shows the cross-section detail of a two-sided hydrogen-permeable-membrane deposit-enhanced composite working electrode.
  • FIG. 15 shows the cross-section detail of a two-sided hydrogen-permeable-membrane working electrode.
  • FIG. 16 shows a functional flow diagram of the procedures to operate the electrolysis reactor system for the production, safe storage, and release of hydrogen.
  • FIG.17 is a graph illustrating the diffusion of hydrogen in nickel as a function of temperature.
  • FIG 18 illustrates a cross section of the reactor vessel (111) as shown in figure 8a illustrating magnetic lines of flux.
  • FIG 19 illustrates selected optimal temperature vs. pressure ranges for various metal hydrides.
  • FIG 20 illustrates the permeability of selected metals (excluding stainless steel) to hydrogen as a function of temperature.
  • FIG 21 illustrates the permeability of a selection of stainless steels to hydrogen as a function of temperature
  • FIG 22 illustrates a functional block diagram/schematic of two representative embodiments of an electromagnetic signal generator.
  • FIG 23 shows a cross-section schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a electrolysis subsystem 15 that uses a liquid/vapor electrolyte and includes the presence of a magnetic field.
  • FIG 24 Electrolysis Subsystem alternate embodiment cross-section with circumferential magnetic field.
  • FIG 25 Electrolysis and circumferential electro-magnetic field(s) detail of Fig 24.
  • FIG 26 3 -Terminal electromagnetic (EM) signal generator.
  • FIG 27 Electrode design with radial magnetic field.
  • FIG 28 Electrically conducting porous pipe counter electrode with surrounding working electrode configuration.
  • FIG 29 Composite counter electrode cross-section with a conducting fenestrated pipe surrounded by a porous-ceramic cylinder.
  • FIG 30 Conductive porous ferromagnetic counter-electrode cross-section.
  • FIG 31 Eelectrolysis reactor vessel cross-section with spark plug plasma generator and hydrogen/oxygen recombiner.
  • FIG 32 Coaxial working and counter electrodes in a low-hydrogen-permeable wall vessel cross-section detail.
  • FIG 33 Alternate arrangement of working and counter electrodes. 3. Brief Summary of the Invention:
  • the present invention addresses the shortcomings of conventional approaches by incorporating novel designs that combine the improved efficiency of high-temperature electrolysis including the use of steam for example the electrolysis of the water vapor and metal ion containing electrolytes to more efficiently produce hydrogen, while also loading and storing the hydrogen at temperatures that take advantage of the increased diffusion rates of hydrogen in suitable materials for example, palladium, nickel, NiTiNOL, constantan, Ni/Al alloy, Pd/Ag alloy, TiFeH 2, and Pt.
  • the invention also takes advantage of fugacity to load and unload the hydrogen contained in the working electrode which is used as the hydrogen storage medium.
  • the invention's use of electrolysis also allows the controlled flow of hydrogen into and out of the working electrode by varying the current to control hydrogen flow into the working electrode and reversing the current to drive hydrogen out of the working electrode.
  • the invention's use of electrolysis in a gas or vapor also allows control of the electrolytic reaction by varying the hydrogen ion concentration in the electrolyte.
  • the use of steam or vapor electrolysis also allows the working electrode to be at high
  • the electrolysis over-potential applies virtual pressure known as fugacity separately or in combination with increased pressures and temperatures, thereby increasing the loading rates of hydrogen into the storage material. Since increased loading rates can lead to exothermic reactions that increase nonlinearly as temperatures increase in the working electrode, this design incorporates a nonlinear control mechanism including utilizing the heat of vaporization of the cooling fluid to control the temperature in the working electrode. Long-term storage of hydrogen is maintained in the working electrode by reducing the temperature to reduce diffusivity, pressure, a physical diffusion barrier, and/or electrical overpotential. Controlled release of the hydrogen from the working electrode is achieved by heating the working electrode and by reducing and/or reversing the overpotential between the counter-electrode and the working electrode to drive out the hydrogen. Electrode designs can also incorporate at least one diffusion barrier to prevent undesired hydrogen release from the active electrode materials.
  • This invention includes but is not limited to:
  • Electrolysis The passage of an electric current through an electrolyte with subsequent migration of positively and negatively charged ions to the negative and positive electrodes.
  • Electrolyte A solid, liquid, mist, vapor, or gas containing charged ions that are mobile in the presence of an electric field.
  • a mist is small droplets of liquid or particles that are dispersed in a gas.
  • Examples of electrolytes include but are not limited to: A proton conductor in an electrolyte, typically a solid electrolyte, in which H-ions are the primary charge carriers.
  • Electrolyte liquids and mists are normally formed when a salt is placed into a solvent such as water and the individual components dissociate due to the thermodynamic interactions between solvent and solute molecules, in a process called solvation.
  • molten salts can be electrolytes as well.
  • sodium chloride when sodium chloride is molten, the liquid conducts electricity.
  • gases, such as hydrogen chloride can contain ions and function as an electrolyte under the right conditions.
  • a gas is a single well-defined thermodynamic phase, whereas a vapor is a mixture of two phases (generally gas and liquid).
  • Wet steam typically at low temperature and pressure, is a combination of mist and vapor in which not all of the liquid has been vaporized.
  • electrolyte can also include liquid, mist, vapor, steam, or gas that is ionized or further ionized in an ionizer or as the electrolyte is being ejected from an electrically charged injector or mister.
  • electrolyte can also include hydrogen host material such as palladium ions and nickel ions that are deposited onto the working electrode and may be co-deposited at the same time as the hydrogen ions.
  • the working electrode is the electrode in an electrochemical system where the reaction of interest is occurring.
  • the working electrode may be composites of materials where the reactants (hydrogen) are stored, modified, or consumed.
  • the materials in the working electrode include hydrogen host materials and may include a low hydrogen permeable diffusion barrier.
  • the working electrode can be either the anode or the cathode.
  • the working electrode may include a composite working electrode that is composed of one or more materials, configured to provide a reaction volume where the reactants are stored, modified or consumed.
  • Hydrogen host materials include any lattice materials into which hydrogen will diffuse including but are not limited to palladium, palladium alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, ceramics, and other materials or aggregates of materials such as but not limited to nanoparticles of nickel and zirconium oxide as well as nanoparticles of palladium and zirconium oxide.
  • Counter-electrode The counter-electrode forms a pair with the working electrode to provide the electrical current and potential required for electrolysis.
  • Reference electrode An electrode that does not participate directly in the electrolysis but can be used to measure and/or control the overpotential occurring at the working electrode during electrolysis. Although not shown in the figures, its use is the same as with electrolysis known to people working in the field.
  • Reactant A substance participating in a reaction, especially a directly reacting substance present at the initiation of the reaction. See, San Diego State University, Chemistry
  • references to hydrogen include hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium and their respective ions.
  • Loading and unloading diffusing hydrogen ions into and out of the working electrode.
  • Hydrogen diffusion barrier This includes materials such as copper and stainless steel that have a very low permeability to hydrogen and if necessary, can also include a thin layer of gold plating. Austenitic stainless steels, aluminum (including alloys), copper (including alloys), and titanium (including alloys) are generally applicable for most hydrogen service applications.
  • an injector is a port, aperture, or fenestration where liquid, vapor or gas is passed from one location to another.
  • a "mister" can be considered an injector.
  • the injector can also include a porous pipe made of either metal or ceramic materials.
  • An injector may or may not be part of one of the electrodes and include the ability to ionize or further ionize the liquid, vapor, or gas being emitted from the injector.
  • Magnetic fields include static magnetic fields such as those generated by a permanent magnet and dynamic magnetic fields such as those generated by a time-varying current as well as electromagnetic fields such as radio frequency fields.
  • Fluidic contact includes the interactions between a fluid and a surface or component such as but not limited to the ability to provide for heat transfer and the ability to transfer liquid, vapor, or gas between components of the system for example of two components being in fluidic contact in that the two components are joined by a pipe.
  • Heat transfer plenum is a chamber into which thermal energy is transferred from the working electrode, thereby cooling or maintaining the temperature in the working electrode.
  • the heat transfer plenum further acts to collect and remove the thermal energy. This can be accomplished by introducing a heat transfer medium such as water spray, mist, or vapor that is at or below the desired temperature control temperature into the chamber where the transfer medium is heated and conducted or flowed out of the plenum.
  • Plasma generator refers to a device such as a spark plug that generates an electromagnet pulse and/or a plasma that both generates ions and assists in the recombination of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
  • Hydrogen/oxygen separator/recombiner A device to separate or recombine the oxygen and/or hydrogen from a vapor stream.
  • a vapor includes a fluid that may be a gas and/or a mixture of two phases such as a gas and a liquid that may contain small droplets or particles mixed with the gas and/or a mist that contains small droplets or particles.
  • Thermal contact Is the ability to transfer heat between components including heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation.
  • An embodiment of the present invention includes three primary subsystems: an electrolysis subsystem, a thermal management subsystem, and a sensor and control subsystem that includes a data recorder as shown in Figure 1. It will be recognized that the functions of this system design can be implemented using many different working electrode materials, different electrolytes and different control protocols for the production, diffusion into, storage, and diffusion out of the working electrode of hydrogen. It will also be recognized that the features and functions of this system can be implemented in multiple physical designs and configurations.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an Electrolysis Reactor System (1) for the production, storage, and release of hydrogen which is comprised of three subsystems: an electrolysis subsystem (10), a thermal management subsystem (20), and a sensor and control subsystem (30).
  • the electrolysis reactor system receives electrical power from a power source (40) and hydrogen containing electrolyte from an external source. It outputs hydrogen which is available for use for example in a fuel cell, burned as fuel, and chemical processing as well as residual electrolysis products that may have been present in the electrolyte, and recovered energy.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an electrolysis subsystem (10) which is comprised of an electrolysis reactor vessel (110), a working electrode (120), a counter- electrode (130), and a temperature regulator (141). Electrolyte containing hydrogen is supplied to the counter-electrode through an electrical insulated feed-thru (115) to maintain electrical isolation between the counter-electrode and the working electrode. The operational temperature in the reactor will cause the electrolyte to vaporize as the electrolysis occurs between the counter-electrode and the working electrode.
  • the vaporized electrolyte is recovered through a vapor-electrolyte condenser (150) and an electrolyte reservoir and pump (160), an electromagnetic signal generator (190), as shown in Figure 22, that provides stimulus to the working electrode to assist in the diffusion of hydrogen into and out of the working electrode.
  • the thermal management subsystem (20) supplies cooling fluid to the reactor and receives high temperature vapor from the reactor.
  • the sensor and control subsystem (30) including processor, for example a micro processor or computer and with optional data recorder monitors and controls all functions within the system.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of the thermal management subsystem (20) which supplies cooling fluid to the electrolysis subsystem (10). Since the electrolysis reactor is at a higher temperature than that required for a phase change from liquid to vapor, (100 degrees C in the case of water at 1 atmosphere pressure if water is used as the cooling fluid), the heat of vaporization is used as a means to transfer heat from the working electrode as the vapor. This nonlinear phase change is an important control mechanism to control the multiple nonlinear processes and reactions releasing heat in the working electrode.
  • the resulting high-temperature vapor is transported via a pipe to the thermal management subsystem where the heat energy is extracted by one of several well-known heat energy recovery devices (235) an example of a thermal energy recovery device would be a steam turbine or thermoelectric generator, or a Rankin engine to generate electricity.
  • the remaining vapor goes through the cooling fluid condenser (220) and the cooling fluid reservoir and pump (260) where it is available for recycle to the electrolysis reactor subsystem.
  • the waste heat from the heat of condensation could be available for applications that can use such heat.
  • the thermal management subsystem also provides the heater driver (270) to the reaction vessel heater (140) under control by the sensor and control subsystem.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of the sensor and control subsystem (30), a real-time status display (34), and with optional data recorder (35).
  • the sensor and control subsystem receives input from a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of the system which are analyzed by a processor/computer (33) which in turn provides output signals to control and maintain the Electrolysis Reactor System (1) and associated systems within the desired operational parameters.
  • the sensor and control subsystem includes:
  • Temperature sensors such as but not limited to thermocouples, thermisters, RTD's, pyroelectric, and infrared sensors, (371); pressure sensors, (372); flow sensors (373); reference electrode (374); chemistry sensors, (375) for example pH, ionic concentration, or chemical ion sensors; current and voltage sensors (376); vibration/seismic sensors (377); static and dynamic electromagnetic sensors (378) including RF sensors; and other sensors as required (379).
  • Such algorithms can also include control of chaos using techniques that are well-known in the art. See for example: “Taming Chaotic Dynamics with Weak Periodic Perturbations” by Braimam and Goldhirsch, Phys Rev Letters V 66, Number 20, May 1991 pp2545-2548, and “Continuous control of chaos by self-controlling feedback” by Pyragas, Physics Letters A, 170 (1992) 421-428, and “Delayed feedback control of chaos” by Pyragas, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A(2006)364, 2309-2334 all herein incorporated by reference.
  • control signals including but not limited to one or more: Signals to control the thermal management subsystem (20) including the cooling system controlling the fluid injection rate into the heat transfer plenum (383), to maintain the reactor subsystem within the desired temperature and pressure ranges, for example a signal going to control valve (143); a signal (382) going to the heater driver (270) to control heater (140) to increase temperature of the working and/or counter-electrodes with for example heating tape or other suitable devices to initiate and/or sustain the reactions.
  • Signals to control the thermal management subsystem (20) including the cooling system controlling the fluid injection rate into the heat transfer plenum (383), to maintain the reactor subsystem within the desired temperature and pressure ranges, for example a signal going to control valve (143); a signal (382) going to the heater driver (270) to control heater (140) to increase temperature of the working and/or counter-electrodes with for example heating tape or other suitable devices to initiate and/or sustain the reactions.
  • a signal (380) to adjust the electrical potential and current between the counter-electrode and working electrode including the ability to reverse the current to control the loading and deloading (release) of hydrogen in the working electrode. This includes the ability to control the hydrogen flux into and out of the working electrode.
  • external stimuli for example magnetic fields and/or an electromagnet to generate static and/or dynamic electromagnetic fields including radio frequency fields, vibration, sonic, and ultrasonic generators, and a plasma field generator to supply a plasma of ions.
  • a signal (387) providing information to a real-time status display system (34) to monitor the performance of the system and provide alerts in the event that performance parameters exceed control limits.
  • a signal (388) controlling the chemistry system for example but not limited to controlling the pH of the electrolyte which is an indication of the H-ion concentration.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the components of an embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem in cross section (11) which in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the electrolysis subsystem (11) includes:
  • the vapors can also contain ions such as lithium, nickel and palladium and in this embodiment also help provide electrical conductivity to the working electrode (120), which also incorporates a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material.
  • the reactor vessel also serves as a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the chamber (117). Examples of a hydrogen diffusion barrier would include copper and stainless steel.
  • a counter-electrode (130) preferably of non-reacting platinum or other suitable material positioned within the reactor vessel which is electrically isolated from the working electrode by an electrical insulated feed-through (115).
  • Such counter-electrode may include one or more electrolyte injectors (131) which may further ionize the electrolyte as the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102) is injected into the reaction vessel chamber (117).
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials; iii) and may provide alternating current electromagnetic stimulation, including but not limited to radio frequency energy that interacts with the hydrogen and host material atoms in the working electrode.
  • a heat-transfer plenum (142) surrounding the reactor vessel which includes:
  • cooling fluid injectors 146
  • liquid (mist) cooling fluid at a controlled rate into the heat transfer plenum (142) where it undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor to control and maintain the desired temperature, for example between 250C and 700C in the working electrode;
  • a control valve for the controlled release of the heated vapor from the plenum to the thermal management subsystem (20).
  • a cooling fluid manifold 145 that receives the cooling fluid from the thermal management subsystem (20) and distributes it in a controlled release to the cooling fluid injectors (146) into the heat transfer plenum (142).
  • an oxygen separator/recombiner (125) to separate and/or recombine the oxygen-rich remaining electrolyte vapor from the reactor vessel such as:
  • an oxygen seperator to separate and remove the remaining oxygen from the electrolyte vapor and/or
  • an electrolyte relief valve (112) that maintains the pressure of the electrolyte vapor that is within the rated working pressure of the reactor vessel (110).
  • a vapor electrolyte condenser 150
  • an electrolyte reservoir and pump 160
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode to the desired working temperature.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the components of an alternate gas-electrolyte embodiment of the invention, showing a gas electrolyte electrolysis subsystem (12) which in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the gas electrolyte embodiment cross section (12) includes:
  • an electrolysis reactor vessel (110) containing a chamber (117) which contains the hydrogen ion gas electrolyte (107), for example ionized hydrogen gas or HC1 vapor and which in this embodiment the ionized vapor also provides electrical conductivity to the working electrode (120), which also incorporates a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material.
  • the reactor vessel also serves as a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material. Examples of a hydrogen diffusion barrier would include copper and stainless steel.
  • a hydrogen host material positioned within the reactor vessel forming a working electrode (120) with alternate embodiments shown in figures 9-12 and 33
  • a counter-electrode preferably of non-reacting platinum or other suitable material positioned within the reactor vessel which is electrically isolated from the working electrode by an insulated feed-through (115).
  • Such counter-electrode may include one or more hydrogen gas-electrolyte injectors (132) for dispersing the hydrogen ion gas electrolyte (107) into the reaction chamber (117).
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by the electromagnetic signal generator (190) which transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials.
  • a heat-transfer plenum (142) surrounding the reactor vessel which includes:
  • cooling fluid injectors 146
  • liquid (mist) cooling fluid at a controlled rate into the plenum to control and maintain the desired temperature, for example between 250C and 700C in the working electrode.
  • control valve (143) for the controlled release of the heated vapor from the plenum to the thermal management subsystem (20).
  • cooling fluid manifold 145
  • gas ionization uses Am-241 which emits high energy alpha particles at approximately 5.48 MeV. These high energy alphas will strip off electrons from the gaseous hydrogen molecule, dissipating approximately 13.6 eV per electron so one alpha particle can strip many thousand electrons thereby creating many more hydrogen + ions than alpha particles and those ions can create additional ions as they gain energy as they are attracted to the working electrode.
  • Another example is a plasma tube in which hydrogen molecules are ionized by a high voltage electric field.
  • the hydrogen gas ionization can also be located inside the reaction vessel chamber (117).
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode to the desired working temperature.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the components of an alternate reactor vessel/electrode configuration embodiment of the electrolysis subsystem (13) which in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the alternative reactor vessel/electrode configuration embodiment (13) includes:
  • an electrolysis reactor vessel (111) which in this embodiment also serves as the counter-electrode.
  • the counter-electrode includes one or more electrolyte injectors (131) for dispersing the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102).
  • an electromagnetic signal generator (d) for example similar to the one shown in figure 22 where:
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials iii) and may provide alternating current electromagnetic stimulation, including but not limited to radio frequency energy that interacts with the hydrogen and host material atoms in the working electrode.
  • an electrolyte manifold (148) that injects the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102) into the reaction vessel.
  • an oxygen separator/recombiner (125) for separation and/or recombination of the oxygen-rich remaining electrolyte vapor from the reactor vessel for example:
  • an oxygen separator to separate the oxygen formed from the electrolysis from the electrolyte vapor and/or ii) a hydrogen recombiner to recombine residual hydrogen with the oxygen formed from electrolysis in the electrolyte vapor for example a platinum grid.
  • a vapor electrolyte condenser 150
  • an electrolyte reservoir and pump 160
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode.
  • Figure 8a illustrates the components of an alternate reactor vessel/electrode configuration embodiment of the electrolysis subsystem (14) that combines the functions of the cooling fluid and which in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the alternative reactor vessel/electrode configuration embodiment (14) includes:
  • an electrolysis reactor vessel (111) which in this embodiment also serves as the counter-electrode.
  • Such counter-electrode includes one or more electrolyte injectors (131) for dispersing the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102).
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials.
  • an electrolyte manifold (148) that injects the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102) into the reaction vessel.
  • an oxygen separator/recombiner (125) for separation and/or recombination of the oxygen-rich remaining electrolyte vapor from the reactor vessel including:
  • an oxygen separator to separate the oxygen formed from the electrolysis from the electrolyte vapor and/or
  • a hydrogen recombiner to recombine residual hydrogen with the oxygen formed from electrolysis in the electrolyte vapor for example a platinum grid, and/or
  • thermo management subsystem (20) to cool and recycle the electrolyte (102) into the electrolyte manifold (148) for injection by the electrolyte injectors (131).
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode.
  • Figure 8b illustrates the end view cross section of the reactor vessel (111) as shown in figure 8a illustrating a support system for the working electrode (122) which is electrically insulating, and which optionally can be non-magnetic supports (116).
  • Figure 9 illustrates a cross-section view of a working electrode in which a hydrogen host material for example palladium or nickel (1021) is deposited onto an electrically conducting, low hydrogen-permeability base material for example copper, stainless steel, gold plated copper or gold plated stainless steel (1020).
  • a hydrogen host material for example palladium or nickel (1021) is deposited onto an electrically conducting, low hydrogen-permeability base material for example copper, stainless steel, gold plated copper or gold plated stainless steel (1020).
  • Figure 10 illustrates a cross-section view of working electrode in which the deposited hydrogen host material (1021) is deposited onto an electrically conducting, low hydrogen- permeability base material (1020) which is covered by an electrically conductive hydrogen- permeable membrane for example palladium or palladium-silver alloy (1022) and sealed on the ends to contain the hydrogen by hydrogen diffusion barriers (1025).
  • an electrically conductive hydrogen- permeable membrane for example palladium or palladium-silver alloy (1022) and sealed on the ends to contain the hydrogen by hydrogen diffusion barriers (1025).
  • Figure 11 illustrates a cross-section view of a composite working electrode comprised of an electrically conducting, low hydrogen-permeable base material (1020) on which particulate hydrogen host material, for example particles of nickel, palladium, Ni/zirconium oxide, or Pd/zirconium oxide (1028) are placed in a volume between the base material (1020) and a hydrogen permeable membrane (1022) and sealed on the ends to contain the hydrogen by low hydrogen diffusion barrier materials (1025).
  • particulate hydrogen host material for example particles of nickel, palladium, Ni/zirconium oxide, or Pd/zirconium oxide (1028) are placed in a volume between the base material (1020) and a hydrogen permeable membrane (1022) and sealed on the ends to contain the hydrogen by low hydrogen diffusion barrier materials (1025).
  • Figure 12 illustrates a cross-section view of a composite working electrode shown in figure 11 with the addition of a deposited hydrogen host material (1021) that is deposited onto the electrically conducting, low hydrogen permeability base material (1020).
  • Figure 13 illustrates a cross-section view of a bulk hydrogen host material (1026) for example palladium, nickel or NiTiNOL with an electrically insulated low-hydrogen permeable electrical conductor (1027) which is mechanically and electrically connected to the working electrode which is the bulk hydrogen host material (1029) for example by a spot- weld (1039). It may include an electrolyte impermeable, electrical insulation (1030).
  • a bulk hydrogen host material for example palladium, nickel or NiTiNOL with an electrically insulated low-hydrogen permeable electrical conductor (1027) which is mechanically and electrically connected to the working electrode which is the bulk hydrogen host material (1029) for example by a spot- weld (1039). It may include an electrolyte impermeable, electrical insulation (1030).
  • Figure 14 illustrates a cross section view of a two-sided hydrogen-permeable-membrane deposit enhanced composite working electrode comprised of an electrically conducting hydrogen-permeable-membrane (1022) on which a deposited hydrogen host material (1021) is deposited and contains a hydrogen host particulate material (1028) with an electrical conducting, mechanical connection (1039) for example a spot weld to a low hydrogen permeable electrical conductor (1027).
  • Figure 15 illustrates a cross-section view of a two sided hydrogen permeable membrane composite working electrode in which an electrical wire or mesh conductor for example silver, copper, nickel, or stainless steel (1036) is surrounded by the particulate hydrogen host material (1028) and contained by an electrically conducting hydrogen permeable membrane (1022) in conjunction with electrically insulating hydrogen and particulate containment barriers for example commercially available glass or ceramic materials (1024).
  • the electrical conductor (1036) is mechanically and electrically connected to a low hydrogen permeable penetrator/seal, with electrical conductor feed-through (1037) and attached on the outside of the working electrode to a low hydrogen permeable wire such as but not limited to silver or copper (1034).
  • FIG 16 is a block diagram of the critical steps to load, store, and release hydrogen.
  • the initial step (610) is to prepare the electrolysis subsystem by purging the electrolysis reactor vessel including the working electrode for example by heating the subsystem while under vacuum to remove contaminants.
  • step (620) galvanic potential is applied and the electrolyte is introduced into the prepared system.
  • step (625) additional heat is added as required to vaporize the electrolyte and increase the diffusivity and permeability of the hydrogen host working electrode material.
  • electrolysis is initiated by adjusting the galvanic current flow and external stimulus, if required, is applied to load the working electrode with the hydrogen reactant.
  • the temperature of the working electrode is monitored by the sensor and control subsystem and maintained at the desired temperature by the thermal subsystem.
  • the sensor and control subsystem indicates that the desired amount of hydrogen is loaded into the working electrode, in step (640), storage is achieved by cooling the working electrode to reduce diffusivity and after the working electrode is cooled, the electrolysis potential may be reduced.
  • the working electrode In order to release hydrogen, the working electrode can be heated to increase diffusivity and/or the electrolysis potential reversed to drive the hydrogen out of the working electrode in step (650).
  • Figure 17 is a graph illustrating the increased diffusion of hydrogen in nickel as a function of temperature from E. Wimmer, W. Wolf, J. Sticht, P. Saxe, C. B. Geller, R. Najafabadi, and G. A. Young, "Temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients from ab initio computations: Hydrogen in nickel", Phys Rev B77, 134305 2008 see also
  • Figure 18 illustrates a cross section of the reactor vessel (111) as shown in figure 8a illustrating an electrically insulating, non-magnetic support system (116) for the working electrode (122) having manifold (145), injectors (146) and hydrogen ion electrolyte (102).
  • the reactor vessel (111) is between two magnets (340) which are held in place by a low- reluctance magnetic keeper (350). A portion of the magnetic field lines are illustrated by magnetic field lines (330).
  • Figure 19 illustrates the increase in temperature as pressure is increased to load hydrogen into selected metal hydrides as shown from
  • Figure 20 illustrates the permeability of selected metals (excluding stainless steel) to hydrogen as a function of temperature which is important for the design of a low hydrogen permeable barrier as seen in Gillette and Kolpa "Overview of Interstate Pipeline Systems" Argonne National Labs Report ANL/EVS/TM/08-2 (2007), see also
  • Figure 21 illustrates the permeability of a selection of stainless steels to hydrogen as a function of temperature which is seen to be similar to that of copper as seen in Lee, S. K. et a I, "Hydrogen Permeability, Diffusivity, and Solubility of SUS 316L Stainless Steel in the Temperature Range 400 to 800C for Fusion Reactor Applications" Journal of the Korean Physical Society, Vol. 59, No. 5, November 2011, pp. 3019-3023 herein incorporated by reference
  • Figure 22 shows a functional block diagram of two representative implementations of the many implementations known to those skilled in the art of electronic design of an
  • electromagnetic signal generator (190a) and (190b) where the direct current or low frequency electric field for example that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat (180) that transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode and is isolated from the electromagnetic stimulator (185) by either a capacitor (183) as shown in figure 22a or a transformer (184) as shown in figure 22b.
  • the electromagnetic stimulator (185) is isolated from the direct or low frequency electric signal generator by an RF choke (181) including but not limited to radio frequency energy that interacts with the hydrogen and host material atoms in the working electrode.
  • Figure 23 shows a cross-section schematic view of an embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem 15 that uses a liquid/vapor electrolyte and includes the presence of a static and/or dynamic axial magnetic field (300).
  • the electrolysis reactor vessel (110) can be made out of non-magnetic material, for example copper or stainless steel in order to facilitate the function of the magnetic field. It should be recognized that the magnetic field can be applied to any of the representative embodiments. A magnetic field strength of 2500 Gauss (.25 Tesla or Webers/sq. meter) is sufficient.
  • Figure 23 illustrates the components of an embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem in cross section (15) that uses a liquid/vapor electrolyte and includes the presence of a static and/or dynamic axial magnetic field (300) in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the electrolysis subsystem (15) includes:
  • an electrolysis reactor vessel (110) containing a chamber (117) which contains the hydrogen ion electrolyte, (102) for example steam, water vapor and other hydrogen containing vapors.
  • the vapors can also contain ions such as lithium, nickel and palladium and in this embodiment also help provide electrical conductivity to the working electrode (120), which also incorporates a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material.
  • the reactor vessel also serves as a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material. Examples of a hydrogen diffusion barrier would include copper and stainless steel.
  • a counter-electrode (130) preferably of non-reacting platinum or other suitable material positioned within the reactor vessel which is electrically isolated from the working electrode by electrically insulated feed-throughs (115).
  • Such counter-electrode may include one or more electrolyte injectors (131) which may further ionize the electrolyte as the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102) is injected into the reaction vessel chamber (117).
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials; iii) and may provide alternating current electromagnetic stimulation, including but not limited to radio frequency energy that interacts with the hydrogen and host material atoms in the working electrode.
  • a heat-transfer plenum (142) surrounding the reactor vessel which includes:
  • cooling fluid injectors 146
  • liquid (mist) cooling fluid at a controlled rate into the plenum where it undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor to control and maintain the desired temperature, for example between 250C and 700C in the working electrode
  • control valve (143) for the controlled release of the heated vapor from the plenum to the thermal management subsystem (20).
  • a cooling fluid manifold that receives the cooling fluid from the thermal management subsystem (20) and distributes it in a controlled release to the cooling fluid injectors (146) into the heat transfer plenum (142).
  • an oxygen separator/recombiner (125) to separate and/or recombine the oxygen-rich remaining electrolyte vapor from the reactor vessel such as:
  • an oxygen seperator to separate and remove the remaining oxygen from the electrolyte vapor and/or
  • an electrolyte relief valve (112) that maintains the pressure of the electrolyte vapor that is within the rated working pressure of the reactor vessel (110).
  • a vapor electrolyte condenser 150
  • an electrolyte reservoir and pump 160
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode to the desired working temperature.
  • Figure 24 illustrates an Electrolysis Subsystem (16) alternate embodiment cross-section with circumferential, time-varying magnetic field (310). While the field is both inside and outside the reactor vessel (110), only the field inside the reactor vessel that interacts with the electrolysis current is shown.
  • the circumferential magnetic field is generated by an alternating voltage generator and center-tapped current step-up transformer (187) with outputs (A) and (C) shown in figure 26.
  • Figure 24 illustrates the components of an embodiment of an electrolysis subsystem in cross section (16) which in conjunction with the thermal management subsystem (20) and the sensor and control subsystem (30) makes up the electrolysis system (10).
  • the electrolysis subsystem (16) includes:
  • an electrolysis reactor vessel (110) containing a chamber (117) which contains the hydrogen ion electrolyte, (102) for example steam, water vapor and other hydrogen containing vapors.
  • the vapors can also contain ions such as lithium, nickel and palladium and in this embodiment also help provide electrical conductivity to the working electrode (120), which also incorporates a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material.
  • the reactor vessel also serves as a hydrogen diffusion barrier to prevent hydrogen from diffusing out of the back side of the working electrode material. Examples of a hydrogen diffusion barrier would include copper and stainless steel.
  • a hydrogen host material positioned within the reactor vessel forming a working electrode (120). See figures 9-12 and 33, for examples of working electrode embodiments and configurations.
  • a counter-electrode (130) preferably of non-reacting platinum or other suitable material positioned within the reactor vessel which is electrically isolated from the working electrode by an electrical insulated feed-through (115).
  • Such counter-electrode may include one or more electrolyte injectors (131) which may further ionize the electrolyte as the hydrogen ion electrolyte (102) is injected into the reaction vessel chamber (117).
  • the direct current or low frequency electric field such as that produced by a galvanostat/potentiostat transports the hydrogen ions toward the working electrode
  • ii) and provides the electrical potential that galvanically and/or galvanistatically compresses the hydrogen ions into the crystal lattice sites in working electrode materials; iii) and may provide alternating current electromagnetic stimulation, including but not limited to radio frequency energy that interacts with the hydrogen and host material atoms in the working electrode.
  • a heat-transfer plenum (142) surrounding the reactor vessel which includes:
  • cooling fluid injectors 146
  • liquid (mist) cooling fluid at a controlled rate into the plenum where it undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor to control and maintain the desired temperature, for example between 250C and 700C in the working electrode
  • control valve (143) for the controlled release of the heated vapor from the plenum to the thermal management subsystem (20).
  • a cooling fluid manifold (145) that receives the cooling fluid from the thermal management subsystem (20) and distributes it in a controlled release to the cooling fluid injectors (146) into the heat transfer plenum (142).
  • an oxygen separator/recombiner (125) to separate and/or recombine the oxygen-rich remaining electrolyte vapor from the reactor vessel such as:
  • an oxygen seperator to separate and remove the remaining oxygen from the electrolyte vapor and/or ii) a fuel cell or platinum grid to recombine the excess oxygen and the residual hydrogen in the electrolyte vapor
  • an electrolyte relief valve (112) that maintains the pressure of the electrolyte vapor that is within the rated working pressure of the reactor vessel (110).
  • a vapor electrolyte condenser 150
  • an electrolyte reservoir and pump 160
  • a heater 140 to heat the reactor vessel including the counter-electrode and the working electrode to the desired working temperature.
  • Figure 25 illustrates detail of the electrical connections of figure 24 between the 3-terminal electromagnetic (EM) signal generator (191) shown in detail in figure 26.
  • the outputs (A) and (C) connect to the counter electrode (130) and output (B) connects to the electrolysis reactor vessel (110).
  • the counter electrode (130) is insulated from the reactor vessel (110) by electrically insulating feed-throughs, (115). While the field is both inside and outside the reactor vessel, only the field inside the reactor vessel interacts with the electrolysis current.
  • Figure 26 illustrates a 3-Terminal electromagnetic (EM) signal generator (191) comprised of a galvanostat/potentiostat (180) and an electromagnetic stimulator (185) which are connected together through a capacitor (183).
  • the electromagnetic stimulator is isolated from the galvanostat/potentiostat by an RF choke (181) and the combined signal is connected to the center tap of the current step-up transformer (187).
  • the electromagnetic stimulator is not required to perform electrolysis.
  • Figure 27 illustrates an electrode design with radial magnetic field showing both the ferromagnetic porous or fenestrated conductive pipe counter electrode (445) such as nickel, and a non-magnetic working electrode (410).
  • the arrangement of electrodes is similar to that shown in Figure 28 where the electrically conducting porous pipe counter electrode (135) is now ferromagnetic (445).
  • the reactor containment vessel and supporting components are not shown in this illustration for clarity.
  • the non-magnetic working electrode is comprised of a hydrogen host material such as nickel or palladium surrounded by a non-magnetic permeable low hydrogen permeable base material such as copper or austenitic stainless steel.
  • the electrodes and their containment vessel are housed in a magnetic field for example a field generated by permanent magnets (340) with the magnetic north poles (342), and south poles (343) configured as shown and where the magnetic field lines from the magnets are closed through a low reluctance ferromagnetic material (350).
  • a magnetic field for example a field generated by permanent magnets (340) with the magnetic north poles (342), and south poles (343) configured as shown and where the magnetic field lines from the magnets are closed through a low reluctance ferromagnetic material (350).
  • ferromagnetic material of the composite working electrode causes the magnetic lines of flux to be drawn toward the working electrode thereby creating quasi-radial lines of flux (320).
  • FIG 28 illustrates an electrically conducting porous pipe counter electrode (135) with electrolyte passage (400) that is coaxially located within a working electrode (120) composed of a hydrogen host material (1026) and a low hydrogen permeable, electrically conducting base material (1020).
  • the porous counter electrode (135) serves to both further ionize the electrolyte and uniformly distribute it within the electrolysis chamber (117).
  • Figure 29 illustrates a composite counter electrode cross-section with a conducting fenestrated pipe or tube (470) that is surrounded by a porous-ceramic cylinder (440).
  • the combination of the fenestrated pipe and the porous ceramic cylinder assure a uniform distribution of the electrolyte introduced via the electrolyte passage (103).
  • Figure 30 illustrates a conductive porous ferromagnetic counter-electrode cross-section which provides both the electrolyte passage (103) and the ferromagnetic porous or fenestrated conductive pipe (445) which both ionizes and uniformly distributes the ionized electrolyte to the working electrode (not shown.)
  • Figure 31 illustrates the inclusion of an electrical discharge plasma generator and/or hydrogen oxygen recombiner for example, a spark plug (500) in a typical reactor vessel (111).
  • the electrical discharge plasma generator and/or hydrogen-oxygen recombiner is powered by a high voltage pulse generator (510) such as a solid state ignition system. It should be recognized that the electrical discharge plasma generator can be incorporated into multiple configurations of the reactor vessel subsystem.
  • Figure 32 illustrates an axial arrangement of a working electrode (410) inside a fenestrated counter electrode (420).
  • the working electrode surrounds a fenestrated cooling fluid passage (430) to introduce cooling fluid and a porous metal or ceramic pipe (440) to uniformly distribute the cooling fluid into the cooling vapor exhaust plenum (460).
  • a low hydrogen permeable containment vessel (450) contains all of the components.
  • FIG 33 illustrates another alternate arrangement of multiple working and counter electrodes.
  • the alternate composite working electrode includes an electrically conducting low hydrogen permeable base material (1020) on which a hydrogen host material (1026) is deposited.
  • the base material (1020) also forms a cooling vapor exhaust plenum (460) inside which includes a porous or fenestrated pipe to introduce cooling fluid (470).
  • the example alternate counter electrode includes a porous or fenestrated conducting material (475) to uniformly distribute the electrolyte and said alternate counter electrode is shaped to include an electrolyte fluid or vapor plenum (490) and a porous or fenestrated conductive pipe (470) to introduce and ionize the electrolyte.
  • Multiple counter and working electrodes can be configured inside the same reactor vessel, not shown.
  • Figure 5 is used to illustrate one example of the operation of the electrolysis reactor system as a whole. It begins with preparing and loading the hydrogen containing liquid electrolyte into the electrolyte reservoir and pump (160). Under controls from the Sensor and Control system (30), the reactor vessel (110), working electrode (120) and counter electrode (130) are heated by the heating elements (140) to the desired operating temperature for example 250 degrees C for the counter-electrodes and the same or higher temperature for the working electrode since the higher temperature increases the diffusivity of the hydrogen.
  • the electromagnetic signal generator (190) applies the desired potential between the counter electrode (130) and the working electrode (120).
  • electrolyte is pumped from the electrolyte reservoir and pump (160) through the counter electrode (130) and out through the electrolyte ejector nozzles (131) in the form of an ionized mist or steam (102).
  • Said ionized mist or steam is transported to the working electrode (120) by the electrical potential between the counter electrode (130) and the working electrode (120), monitored and under the control of the Sensor and Control subsystem (30), where the electrolysis occurs and the hydrogen atoms are adsorbed, absorbed and diffuse into the working electrode hydrogen host material, assisted by the electrical potential that produces an equivalent gas pressure, fugacity
  • the Sensor and Control subsystem (30) monitors the temperature of the working electrode and causes the heater to turn on if necessary to maintain the hydrogen host material at a temperature that increases diffusivity.
  • the Sensor and Control subsystem (30) will command the Thermal Management Subsystem (20) to inject cooling fluid in the form of a liquid mist into the heat transfer plenum (142) where the liquid makes fluidic contact with the reactor vessel (110) and extracts heat as it warms and absorbs the heat of vaporization as it changes phase from a liquid to steam with the steam being transported through a control valve (143) to the Thermal Management Subsystem (20) for energy recovery using one of several techniques that are well known for example a steam turbine, thermo-electric generator or organic Rankin engine.
  • the Sensor and Control subsystem (30) can command the galvanostat/potentiostat to reduce the current or electric potential between the counter electrode and the working electrode to reduce hydrogen flow and thus the amount of heat being produced in the working electrode.
  • the working electrode After the working electrode has been loaded to capacity with hydrogen, the working electrode, reactor vessel, and counter electrode are cooled to reduce diffusivity of the hydrogen out of the host lattice material for storage of the hydrogen.
  • the electrical potential can be maintained between the counter electrode and the working electrode to produce a galvanostatic pressure to maintain storage.
  • the potential between the counter electrode and the working electrode is reduced and may even be reversed to drive the hydrogen out of the working electrode, and out through the hydrogen outlet (109) for use.
  • Electrolysis Reactor System (1) involves numerous nonlinear interactions. System operation is managed by the Sensor and Control subsystem (30) which receives numerous inputs from multiple sensors located as required throughout the Electrolysis Reactor System (1) and using computer algorithms including nonlinear, sometimes referred to as control of chaos, algorithms, provides output signals to the numerous control points of the system and external stimuli of the working electrode and electrolyte.
  • Sensor and Control subsystem (30) receives numerous inputs from multiple sensors located as required throughout the Electrolysis Reactor System (1) and using computer algorithms including nonlinear, sometimes referred to as control of chaos, algorithms, provides output signals to the numerous control points of the system and external stimuli of the working electrode and electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte is a hydrogen containing gas (107), for example but not limited to t3 ⁇ 4 or t3 ⁇ 4 in methane or a hydrogen containing compound that will decompose to hydrogen when heated such as but not limited to L1AIH 4 or LiH and that the hydrogen gas can be then ionized.
  • the oxygen separator/recombiner (125) and the vapor electrolyte condenser (150) are not required and replaced by a gas electrolyte reservoir and pump (161) and a gas ionizer (147) which are under the control of the Sensor and Control subsystem (30).
  • the remaining functions of this embodiment are functionally the same as previously described above.
  • Figures 7, 8a and 8b illustrate examples of alternative configurations wherein the positioning of the working electrode and the counter electrode are repositioned while providing the required functions of the working electrode and counter electrode. The remaining functions of these embodiments are functionally the same as previously described.
  • FIGS 9 through 15 illustrate examples of alternative configurations of the working electrode which can be incorporated in the embodiments described above.
  • the working electrode can simultaneously incorporate different hydrogen host materials to include any lattice materials into which hydrogen will diffuse including but are not limited to palladium, palladium alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, ceramics, and other materials or aggregates of materials for example nanoparticles of nickel and zirconium oxide as well as nanoparticles of palladium and zirconium oxide.
  • Figures 19, 23, 24, 25, and 27 illustrate examples of embodiments involving the application of axial (300), transverse (330), radial (320), and circumferential (310) static and dynamic magnetic fields to assist in the diffusion of hydrogen into and/or out of the working electrode.
  • the addition of magnetic fields shown in these embodiments work with the electrolysis current to load and release the hydrogen into and out of the host lattice of the working electrode as described in previous embodiments.
  • Figure 31 illustrates an embodiment that includes the addition of a spark generator (500) and a high voltage pulse generator (510) to provide both ionized hydrogen gas and/or to recombine excess hydrogen and oxygen. This feature can be incorporated in the embodiments described above.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne la production, le stockage et la libération contrôlée d'hydrogène pour une utilisation dans l'économie d'hydrogène. Plus spécifiquement, l'invention concerne une nouvelle conception de système d'électrolyse qui utilise une électrolyse de gaz et de vapeurs ionisées pour produire et stocker de l'hydrogène dans un matériau hôte d'hydrogène et la capacité à inverser le potentiel d'électrolyse pour fournir une libération d'hydrogène sûre et contrôlée.
PCT/US2015/017572 2014-02-28 2015-02-25 Système de réacteur d'électrolyse WO2015130820A1 (fr)

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CN111472014A (zh) * 2020-01-22 2020-07-31 中国船舶重工集团公司第七一八研究所 一种家用吸氢机
WO2023117017A3 (fr) * 2021-12-21 2023-11-09 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Procédé et système d'électrolyse de l'eau
WO2023239496A3 (fr) * 2022-06-08 2024-01-11 X Development Llc Gestion de chaleur hybride pour électrolyseur d'hydrogène

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US6991719B2 (en) * 2003-05-13 2006-01-31 Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell Llc Method for producing and transporting hydrogen
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US20050150164A1 (en) * 2001-06-26 2005-07-14 Hydro Tech International Inc. Process and device for producing hydrogen
US6991719B2 (en) * 2003-05-13 2006-01-31 Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell Llc Method for producing and transporting hydrogen
US20080296172A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-04 Kuzo Holding Inc. Pulsed electrolysis apparatus and method of using same
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111472014A (zh) * 2020-01-22 2020-07-31 中国船舶重工集团公司第七一八研究所 一种家用吸氢机
WO2023117017A3 (fr) * 2021-12-21 2023-11-09 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Procédé et système d'électrolyse de l'eau
WO2023239496A3 (fr) * 2022-06-08 2024-01-11 X Development Llc Gestion de chaleur hybride pour électrolyseur d'hydrogène

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