WO2023146929A1

WO2023146929A1 - Hybrid power system

Info

Publication number: WO2023146929A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/011561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lorenzo Rossi
Original assignee: Worksport Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-27
Filing date: 2023-01-25
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

A power system for providing electrical power to an electrical load, such as an electric vehicle. The power system includes a battery that provides the electrical power to the electrical load, a solar panel for charging the battery, and a hydrogen fuel cell unit for charging the battery. To support the hydrogen fuel cell, the power system further includes a storage tank for storing water, a storage tank for storing hydrogen, an electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water, and an optional dehumidifier that extracts water from air when water levels are excessively low. The system may further include sensors, controllers, purifiers, compressors, and/or other components. An electric vehicle using such a system is also disclosed.

Description

HYBRID POWER SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/267,220, entitled “Hybrid Power System”, filed January 27, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a hybrid power system for powering an electrical load.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Power systems for powering an electrical load include a battery which stores electrical power. Currently, power systems utilize one of a lithium ion battery or a hydrogen fuel cell battery. In such aspects, the battery must be charged. It should be appreciated that the operation of the electrical load, such as a vehicle, is limited by the capacity of the battery. Thus, in instances where the battery is a lithium ion battery, the battery is charged by a local power grid. In cases where the battery is a hydrogen fuel cell battery, hydrogen replenishes the hydrogen fuel cell battery.

[0004] It remains desirable to extend the operation of an electrical load and minimize the charging of the battery.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect described herein, a hybrid power system for providing electrical power to an electrical load is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a main battery, a solar panel, a hydrogen fuel cell unit, a first storage tank, a second storage tank, an electrolyzer, a first sensor, a dehumidifier and a controller. The main battery may provide electrical power to the electrical load. The solar panel may be configured to charge the main battery. The hydrogen fuel cell unit may also be configured to charge the main battery. The first storage tank stores water and is in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel cell unit. The second storage tank stores hydrogen and the electrolyzer processes the water to generate hydrogen. The electrolyzer may be powered by the main battery and operatively connected to the first storage tank. The hydrogen fuel cell unit, the first storage tank, the second storage tank, and the electrolyzer are coupled together to form a closed loop. The first sensor detects the level of water in the first storage tank. The dehumidifier is powered by the main battery and fluidly coupled to the first storage tank. The controller is configured to activate and deactivate the dehumidifier. The controller may be configured to activate the dehumidifier when a level of the water in the first storage tank is below a first predetermined level and deactivate the dehumidifier when the level of the water in the first storage tank is above a second predetermined level, the second predetermined level being greater than the first predetermined level.

[0006] In one aspect, the controller may be configured to transmit a notification to a user when use of the dehumidifier is insufficient to meet a consumption rate of the hydrogen fuel cell unit. In such an aspect, the notification indicates a need to replenish the first storage tank with water.

[0007] In another aspect, the hybrid power system may further include a purifier operatively coupled to the first storage tank and configured to remove chemicals or particles from the water.

[0008] In another aspect, the hybrid power system may further include a purifier. The purifier may be operatively coupled to the second storage tank and may be configured to remove contaminants from the hydrogen stored in the second storage tank.

[0009] In another aspect, the hybrid power system may further include a compressor. The compressor may be configured to introduce hydrogen into the hydrogen fuel cell unit at a predetermined pressure. The compressor may be interposed between the electrolyzer and the second storage tank or between the second storage tank and the hydrogen fuel cell unit. In such an aspect, the predetermined pressure is at least 30 PSI.

[0010] In another aspect, the first storage tank may include a first port which may be opened and closed by a first cover so as to provide access for replenishing the first storage tank with water. The second storage tank may include a second port which may be opened and closed by a second cover so as to provide access for replenishing the second storage tank with hydrogen.

[0011] In another aspect, the hybrid power system may further include a second sensor for detecting a level of hydrogen in the second storage tank. Other aspects of the hybrid power system includes the main battery is a lithium-ion battery, wherein the main battery is configured to have a capacity of at least 30 kilowatts per hour.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the hybrid power system, the electrical load is an electric vehicle. In such an aspect, the solar panel may be incorporated onto or as a roof, hood, trunk, and/or side panels of the electric vehicle. Further, the electric vehicle may include an in-vehicle display configured to display a notification to a user to replenish the first storage tank with water. [0013] In yet another aspect, the hybrid power system may further include a third sensor. The third sensor may be operatively connected to the hydrogen fuel cell unit and configured to detect power characteristics of the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the power characteristics including capacity and output.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the first storage tank is configured to hold an amount of water sufficient to produce at least 5 kilograms of hydrogen. For instance, the first storage tank has a capacity of at least 12 gallons. The first storage tank may be further configured to collect a water byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell unit.

[0015] In another aspect, an electric vehicle is disclosed. The electric vehicle includes a motor for driving operation of the electric vehicle, ancillary electric devices; and the hybrid power system disclosed above. In such an aspect, the hybrid power system is configured to power the motor and the ancillary electric devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hybrid power source incorporating the principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hybrid power source showing a second aspect of the hybrid power source.

[0018] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Implementations herein are directed toward a hybrid power system 10 including a main battery unit 12 for providing electrical power to an electrical load 100, a solar panel 14 and a hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 is configured to charge the main battery unit 12. A first storage tank 18 stores water and an electrolyzer 20 processes the water to generate hydrogen, which is stored in a second storage tank 22. The hydrogen is used to replenish the hydrogen processed by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 to generate electricity. The output (e.g. water) from the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 is collected within the first storage tank 18 and is also processed to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen fuel cell unit 16, the electrolyzer 20 and the first and second storage tanks 18, 22 form a closed loop. A dehumidifier 24 is configured to replenish water in the first storage tank 18 when the water drops below a first predetermined level. As such, the main battery unit 12 may be continuously charged so as to prolong the operation of the electrical load 100 and reduce the charging of the main battery unit 12 relative to the current power systems.

[0020] Referring now to the diagram shown in FIG. 1, depicted therein is a hybrid power system 10 embodying the principles of the present disclosure. The hybrid power system 10 is configured to utilize solar power and water drawn through the environment to charge the main battery unit 12. For illustrative purposes, the hybrid power system 10 is described in the context of a system for providing power to an electrical load 100 which is an electric vehicle (“EV”); however, it should be appreciated that any electrical load may be powered by the hybrid power system 10, to include a residential home and the like. It should be further appreciated that FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposes, and when integrated into an electric vehicle 100, the components associated with the hybrid power system 10 are packaged within the electric vehicle 100, wherein the main battery unit 12 is configured to power motors (not shown) which drive the electric vehicle 100 in a manner currently known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The operation of the hybrid power system 10 is controlled by a controller 26. The controller 26 may be implemented in a computer executing a program written in a non-transitory, non-volatile storage medium configured to perform instructions for operating the hybrid power system 10 as described in greater detail below.

[0022] The main battery unit 12 is configured to power the electric vehicle 100, in particular the motor of the electric vehicle 100 and ancillary electric devices (not shown) common to an electric vehicle 100, such as the windshield wipers, cameras, radio, and the like. The main battery unit 12 may be lithium-ion battery configured to be recharged, it should be appreciated that other types of batteries may be modified for use herein as technology evolves. Preferably, the main battery unit 12 has a capacity of at least 30 kilowatt-per Hour (k-Wh).

[0023] A solar panel 14 is configured to charge the main battery unit 12. In one aspect, the solar panel 14 includes an array of photovoltaic cells and may be incorporated into a housing structure which houses the electrical load 100. For example, the solar panel 14 may be incorporated as the roof, hood and trunk and side panels of the electric vehicle 100. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the larger the solar panel 14 or the larger the number of photovoltaic cells, the larger the electrical output potential is. Further, the electrical output is affected by environmental conditions such as the amount of sun exposure, the temperature and the like.

[0024] The hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 is also configured to charge the main battery unit 12. The hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 includes a plurality of hydrogen fuel cells. Generally a hydrogen fuel cell includes pairs of anode and cathode plates separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane. A flow plate channels the hydrogen gas, provided at the regulated pressure, from the second storage tank 22 to the anode, which includes a catalyst, usually platinum or carbon. At the anode, oxidation of the hydrogen occurs and negative hydrogen electrons are separated from positive hydrogen protons. The polymer electrolyte membrane passes/conducts the positively charged protons from the anode, through the polymer electrolyte membrane and to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons, however, are not passed/conducted through the polymer electrolyte membrane. Rather, the negatively charged electrons must flow along an electrical conductor/circuit, from the flow plate associated with the anode, to the flow plate associated with the cathode, thus establishing an electrical current. At the cathode, which similarly employs a catalyst material such as platinum or carbon, oxygen directed by the flow plate combines with the hydrogen electrons and protons to form water and heat, which are channeled away from the flow plate as the byproducts of the chemical reaction creating the electrical current.

[0025] The first storage tank 18 is configured to store water. The first storage tank 18 is in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. Preferably, the capacity of the first storage tank 18 is configured to hold a sufficient amount of water to produce at least 5 kg of hydrogen. As such, the capacity of the first storage tank 18 may be at least 12 gallons.

[0026] The electrolyzer 20 is operatively connected to the first storage tank 18. The electrolyzer 20 is powered by the main battery unit 12 and is operable to electrolyze the water stored in the first storage tank 18 to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is stored in a second storage tank 22 and supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 to replenish the hydrogen processed by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 to generate electricity. As is known, the output of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 is electricity with water as a byproduct. The water is directed into the first storage tank 18. It should be appreciated that the connection of the first storage tank 18, the electrolyzer 20, the second storage tank 22 and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 forms a closed loop. In particular, as the hydrogen is processed by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 into electricity, the water byproduct is collected within the first storage tank 18 and is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer 20 wherein the resulting hydrogen is introduced into the second storage tank 22 and processed by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 to generate electricity.

[0027] A first sensor 28 is operatively connected to the first storage tank 18. The first sensor 28 is configured to detect a level of water within the first storage tank 18. When the level drops below a first predetermined level, the first sensor 28 communicates with the controller 26. It should be appreciated that the first sensor 28 may be configured to detect a level of water based upon various parameters, such as weight, depth, volume or the like. The parameters may be processed by the controller 26 to determine the level. Any sensor currently known or later developed may be modified configured to detect such parameters may be implemented as the first sensor 28.

[0028] The controller 26 processes the communication from the first sensor 28 and actuates the dehumidifier 24 to extract water from the environment to replenish the water within the first storage tank 18. The dehumidifier 24 is fluidly coupled to the first storage tank 18. Any dehumidifier 24 currently known or later developed may be modified for use herein. The dehumidifier 24 is actuated until the level in the first storage tank 18 reaches a second predetermined level, wherein the controller 26 turns off the dehumidifier 24.

[0029] It should be appreciated that in arid climates, the amount of water extracted by dehumidifier 24 may not be sufficient to meet the consumption rate of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. In such an instance, the controller 26 may be configured to send a notification to the user to replenish the first storage tank 18 with water using other means, such as a residential or commercial water spigot 30. It should be appreciated that in instances where the hybrid power system 10 is implemented in an electric vehicle, a notification may appear on an in-vehicle display or may be transmitted to a user’s mobile device. In such an aspect, the first storage tank 18 may include a first port 32 which may be opened and closed by a first cover 34 so as to provide access for replenishing the first storage tank 18 with water.

[0030] In another aspect, a second sensor 36 is operatively connected to the second storage tank 22. The second sensor 36 is configured to detect a level of hydrogen within the second storage tank 22. When the level drops below a predetermined level, the second sensor 36 communicates with the controller 26. It should be appreciated that the second sensor 36 may be configured to detect a level of hydrogen based upon various parameters, such as weight, depth, volume or the like. The parameters may be processed by the controller 26 to determine the level. Any sensor currently known or later developed may be modified configured to detect such parameters may be implemented as the second sensor 36. In such an aspect, the second storage tank 22 may include a second port 38 which may be opened and closed by a second cover 40 so as to provide access for replenishing the second storage tank 22 with hydrogen. Such a feature may be beneficial in instances where the hydrogen replenishing rate is not sufficient to keep up with the electric generation of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. The hydrogen may be provided by a hydrogen fuel station 42 which may be available in the public in the same manner as a gas station, or may be delivered.

[0031] A third sensor 44 may be operatively connected to the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. The third sensor 44 is configured to detect the power characteristics of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16, to include capacity and output. The third sensor 44 is configured to transmit the power characteristics to the controller 26, wherein the controller 26 may process the battery characteristics to determine or otherwise predict if the rate of consumption of hydrogen exceeds the rate of production so as to actuate the dehumidifier 24 to generate water for hydrogen production.

[0032] In another aspect, the hybrid power system 10 may include a compressor 46. The compressor 46 is operatively coupled to the second storage tank 22 and is configured to introduce hydrogen into the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 at a predetermined pressure. For instance, the compressor 46 may be configured to inject hydrogen from the second storage tank 22 into the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 at a pressure of at least 30 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). The compressor 46 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that this is an optional feature of the hybrid power system 10 and is shown interposed between the electrolyzer 20 and the second storage tank 22. However, it should be appreciated that the compressor 46 may be interposed between the second storage tank 22 and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16.

[0033] In another aspect, the hybrid power system 10 may further include a purifying unit 48. The purifying unit 48 may include a first purifier 48a operatively coupled to the first storage tank 18. The first purifier 48a is configured to remove any contaminants from the water. Any such first purifier 48a currently known or used in the art may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including a reverse osmosis filtration system configured to generate what is commonly known as “ultrapure water.” In another aspect, shown in FIG. 2, the purifier unit 48 includes a second purifier 48b. The second purifier 48b is coupled to the second storage tank 22 and is configured to remove any contaminants from the hydrogen stored in the second storage tank 22. Any such second purifier 48b currently known or used in the art may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including a hydrogen permeable membrane such as a proton exchange membrane. It should be appreciated that the hybrid power system 10 may be configured to include both a first purifier 48a and a second purifier 48b as shown in FIG. 2, or may be configured to include one of the first or the second purifier 48a, 48b.

[0034] With reference again to FIG. 1, an operation of the system is now described in the context of an electric vehicle 100. The solar panel 14 and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 charges the main battery unit 12. It should be appreciated that conventional DC/DC boost circuits may be implemented to control and regulate the charge of the main battery unit 12. Further conventional protection circuits, such as switches, diodes or the like may be implement to prevent a reverse current from flowing from the main battery unit 12 to the solar panel 14 and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 when a reverse operation of the motor occurs, due to a braking or slowing of the electric vehicle, which charges the main battery unit 12.

[0035] The controller 26 monitors the first storage tank 18, the second tank and the capacity of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. Naturally, the capacity of the main battery unit 12 is reduced when the motor is actuated, and is continuously charged by the solar panel 14 (assuming sun light is available) and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. As the electrolyzer 20 continues to generate hydrogen, the water level in the first storage tank 18 will drop, even though the byproduct of water is captured during the production of electrical energy by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. The first sensor 28 monitors the level of water in the first storage tank 18. The controller 26 actuates the dehumidifier 24 when the level in the first storage tank 18 drops below the predetermined level, wherein the main battery unit 12 is placed in electrical communication with the dehumidifier 24. This may be performed by conventional means such as an opening or closing of a switch SW1. The dehumidifier 24 is actuated until the level of water within the first storage tank 18 is above a second predetermined level. It should be appreciated that the second predetermined level is greater than the first predetermined level.

[0036] Concurrently, the second sensor 36 and the third sensor 42 continuously transmit the hydrogen level and power characteristics of the corresponding second storage tank 22 and hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 to the controller 26. There may be instances where the production of hydrogen is not needed. This may be determined based upon the power consumption of the electric vehicle 100, the output of the main battery 12, the power characteristics of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 and the rate at which the level of hydrogen within the second storage tank 22 drops. In such an instance the controller 26 turns off the electrolyzer 20. This may be done by turning switch SW2 on. However, in instances where hydrogen production is needed, the controller actuates the switch SW2 to turn on the electrolyzer 20. There may be an instance, where the production of water by the dehumidifier 24 and/or hydrogen by the electrolyzer is not sufficient to meet the hydrogen consumption rate of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 or the level of hydrogen in the second storage tank 22 is not sufficient to meet a desired electric generation of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. In such an instance, the controller 26 is configured to send an alert to the user to either replenish the hydrogen, water or both. This provides the user with the ability to manually replenish the first storage tank 18 and the second storage tank 22 with water or hydrogen, as the case may be.

[0037] Accordingly, the hybrid power system 10 is configured to maximize the operation of the electric vehicle by charging the main battery unit 12 with both solar power and the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16. The hydrogen fuel cell unit 16 is positioned to generate electricity by replenishing the water in the first storage tank 18 with water extracted from the air by the dehumidifier 24.

[0038] While the specific construction of the components such as the hydrogen fuel cell unit 16, the main battery unit 12, the solar panel 14, the dehumidifier 24, the purifier 48, electrolyzer 20, compressor 46 and the sensors 28, 36 and 44 are is beyond the scope of the present disclosure and may and will vary depending the design criteria and capacity of the particular power station.

Claims

CLAIMS I CLAIM:

1. A hybrid power system for providing electrical power to an electrical load, the hybrid power system comprising: a main battery for providing electrical power to the electrical load; a solar panel configured to charge the main battery; a hydrogen fuel cell unit configured to charge the main battery; a first storage tank for storing water, the first storage tank in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel cell unit; a second storage tank for storing hydrogen; an electrolyzer for processing the water to generate hydrogen, the electrolyzer powered by the main battery and operatively connected to the first storage tank, wherein the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the first storage tank, the second storage tank, and the electrolyzer form a closed loop; a first sensor for detecting the level of water in the first storage tank; a dehumidifier powered by the main battery and fluidly coupled to the first storage tank; and a controller configured to activate and deactivate the dehumidifier, wherein the controller is configured to activate the dehumidifier when a level of the water in the first storage tank is below a first predetermined level and deactivate the dehumidifier when the level of the water in the first storage tank is above a second predetermined level, the second predetermined level being greater than the first predetermined level.

2. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a notification to a user when use of the dehumidifier is insufficient to meet a consumption rate of the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the notification indicating a need to replenish the first storage tank with water.

3. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, further including a purifier operatively coupled to the first storage tank and configured to remove chemicals or particles from the water.

4. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, further including a purifier operatively coupled to the second storage tank and configured to remove contaminants from the hydrogen stored in the second storage tank.

5. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, further including a compressor configured to introduce hydrogen into the hydrogen fuel cell unit at a predetermined pressure, the compressor being interposed between the electrolyzer and the second storage tank or between the second storage tank and the hydrogen fuel cell unit.

6. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the predetermined pressure is at least 30 PSI.

7. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first storage tank includes a first port which may be opened and closed by a first cover so as to provide access for replenishing the first storage tank with water.

8. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second storage tank includes a second port which may be opened and closed by a second cover so as to provide access for replenishing the second storage tank with hydrogen.

9. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, further including a second sensor for detecting a level of hydrogen in the second storage tank.

10. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main battery is a lithium-ion battery.

11. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main battery is configured to have a capacity of at least 30 kilowatts per hour.

12. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical load is an electric vehicle.

13. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the solar panel is incorporated onto or as a roof, hood, trunk, and/or side panels of the electric vehicle.

14. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 12, further comprising an in-vehicle display configured to display a notification to a user to replenish the first storage tank with water.

15. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third sensor operatively connected to the hydrogen fuel cell unit and configured to detect power characteristics of the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the power characteristics including capacity and output.

16. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first storage tank is configured to hold an amount of water sufficient to produce at least 5 kilograms of hydrogen.

17. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first storage tank has a capacity of at least 12 gallons.

18. The hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first storage tank collects a water byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell unit.

19. An electric vehicle, comprising: a motor for driving operation of the electric vehicle; ancillary electric devices; and a hybrid power system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hybrid power system is configured to power the motor and the ancillary electric devices.

20. A hybrid power system for providing electrical power to an electrical load, the hybrid power system comprising: a main battery for providing electrical power to the electrical load, the main battery having a capacity of at least 30 kilowatts per hour; a solar panel configured to charge the main battery; a hydrogen fuel cell unit configured to charge the main battery; a first storage tank for storing water, wherein: the first storage tank is in fluid communication with the hydrogen fuel cell unit and comprises a first port which may be opened and closed by a first cover so as to provide access for replenishing the first storage tank with water, the first storage tank is configured to hold an amount of water sufficient to produce at least 5 kilograms of hydrogen, the first storage tank collects a water byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell unit; a second storage tank for storing hydrogen and comprising a second port which may be opened and closed by a second cover so as to provide access for replenishing the second storage tank with hydrogen; an electrolyzer for processing the water to generate hydrogen, the electrolyzer powered by the main battery and operatively connected to the first storage tank, wherein the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the first storage tank, the second storage tank, and the electrolyzer form a closed loop; a first sensor for detecting the level of water in the first storage tank; a second sensor for detecting a level of hydrogen in the second storage tank; a third sensor operatively connected to the hydrogen fuel cell unit and configured to detect power characteristics of the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the power characteristics including capacity and output; a dehumidifier powered by the main battery and fluidly coupled to the first storage tank; a controller configured to activate and deactivate the dehumidifier, wherein the controller is configured to activate the dehumidifier when a level of the water in the first storage tank is below a first predetermined level and deactivate the dehumidifier when the level of the water in the first storage tank is above a second predetermined level, the second predetermined level being greater than the first predetermined level, wherein the controller is further configured to transmit a notification to a user when use of the dehumidifier is insufficient to meet a consumption rate of the hydrogen fuel cell unit, the notification indicating a need to replenish the first storage tank with water; a first purifier operatively coupled to the first storage tank and configured to remove chemicals or particles from the water; a second purifier operatively coupled to the second storage tank and configured to remove contaminants from the hydrogen stored in the second storage tank; and a compressor configured to introduce hydrogen into the hydrogen fuel cell unit at a predetermined pressure of at least 30 PSI, the compressor being interposed between the electrolyzer and the second storage tank or between the second storage tank and the hydrogen fuel cell unit.