WO2023161942A2

WO2023161942A2 - System and method for release of hydrogen gas from liquid carrier

Info

Publication number: WO2023161942A2
Application number: PCT/IL2023/050202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adi ABRAMOVICH; Erez KARASENTI; Boaz Nitzan; Baruch HALPERT
Original assignee: Electriq-Global Energy Solutions Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-02-28
Filing date: 2023-02-27
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: WO2023161942A3

Abstract

A system and respective method for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier are described. The system comprises a first reaction chamber carrying one or more catalysts and configured to release hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier, and a second reaction chamber. The second reaction chamber comprises a liquid inlet port connectable to said first reaction chamber enabling flow of spent hydrogen carrier liquid from said first reaction chamber, a gas outlet port for removing hydrogen gas released within said second reaction chamber, and a mounting mechanism configured for carrying one or more reactants. The one or more reactants are selected to react with the spent hydrogen carrier liquid for release of an additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent hydrogen carrier liquid.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RELEASE OF HYDROGEN GAS FROM LIQUID CARRIER

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention is in the field of hydrogen gas as fuel. The invention relates to systems and technique for releasing of hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier.

BACKGROUND

The growing interest in clean energy and understanding of the adverse effects of fossil fuel on the climate and the environment, raised a global priority to seek alternate sources of energy that are clean, abundant, and sustainable. Hydrogen gas provides an additional source to solar and wind.

Various techniques enable the use of hydrogen gas as fuel, while simplifying storage and shipping using hydrogen liquid carrier. The hydrogen gas is released from the hydrogen liquid carrier on site and in accordance with demand for energy. This reduces storage volume and reduces the risk of ignition of the hydrogen gas.

US 2019/0319284 assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure describes reaction chamber for generating hydrogen gas using a hydrogen liquid carrier line. The chamber may include a channel including a catalyst for causing the hydrogen gas to be produced from a hydrogen liquid carrier, the channel including an inlet end for the hydrogen liquid carrier and an outlet end for a spent carrier. The reaction chamber may also include a valve for controlling a rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier flowing through the channel; a gas outlet for evacuating the hydrogen gas generated in the channel; and at least one processor configured to receive at least one indicator of a demand for the hydrogen gas and to control the valve to adjust the rate of flow of the hydrogen liquid carrier to meet the demand for the hydrogen gas. US 2021/0155476 describes a system for extracting hydrogen gas from a liquid hydrogen carrier may include a hydrogen gas reactor, a catalyst for facilitating extraction of the hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen carrier, and a reservoir for containing the liquid hydrogen carrier and a spend liquid hydrogen carrier. The system may be configured to regulate a flow of liquid hydrogen carrier in and out of the hydrogen gas reactor, to move a catalyst relative to a volume of the liquid hydrogen carrier, and to provide a continuous flow of the hydrogen gas, in response to a demand for the hydrogen gas.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The use of hydrogen liquid carrier for releasing of hydrogen gas provides efficient and on-demand supply of hydrogen gas. While simplifying storage and shipment of the fuel, these techniques typically require disposal of remaining liquid carrier, which may require a bi-directional distribution cycle. Furthermore, the spent liquid carrier, left after releasing of hydrogen gas thereof, may contain toxic materials and may be of high alkalic properties.

The present disclosure provides hydrogen release system and technique, configured for utilizing hydrogen carrier provided in solid form, and release of hydrogen gas therefrom, to provide preferably solid waste materials. The present disclosure thus enables to simplify shipping and distribution cycle, while minimizing risk of contamination that may be associated with leakage of liquid hydrogen carrier and/or waste formed by the spent carrier liquid.

Accordingly, in one broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for release of hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier. The system comprises a mixing chamber configured for receiving liquid carrier (e.g., water, preferably deionized water), and for receiving input hydrogen carrier provided in solid state (e.g., powder, flakes etc.). The solid hydrogen carrier is typically provided in a sealed or closed container (e.g., capsule) the mixing chamber further comprises a mechanical arrangement configured to open a sealed capsule containing hydrogen carrier in solid state (e.g., powder, flakes etc.). The mixing chamber is configured for receiving liquid carrier through a liquid inlet port, and hydrogen carrier through a powder port configured to enable input of powder or flakes of solid material combination, and for mixing the liquid carrier and hydrogen carrier to provide a liquid hydrogen carrier. The liquid hydrogen carrier may be stored within the mixing chamber or moved to a separate storing chamber. When releasing of hydrogen gas is needed or following complete release of a current load of liquid hydrogen carrier, a selected volume of the liquid hydrogen carrier may be transferred to a reaction chamber (reactor). For example, a hydrogen gas reactor chamber as described in e.g., US 2019/0319284 or US20210155476, both assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure. The reactor comprises a catalyst selected for promoting release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen carrier liquid. Following a complete (or almost complete) release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen liquid carrier, the remaining spend liquid carrier is transferred for disposal in a spent liquid chamber.

In another broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a technique enabling the use of the spent liquid carrier for improving efficiency of hydrogen gas release. More specifically, the technique utilizes chemical properties of the spent liquid to enable hydrogen releasing chemical reaction and use hydrogen atoms in the spent liquid. This configuration enables to simplify on-site waste treatment by reducing volume of spent liquid carrier and/or providing solid or condensed waste having generally inert chemical properties.

Generally, the hydrogen gas reactor may utilize hydrogen liquid carrier comprising M^BFU, which reacts in presence of a suitable first catalyst to produce hydrogen gas (H2) and spent liquid carrier comprising M¹B02 following release of hydrogen gas. The spent liquid carrier may be highly alkalic (e.g., having pH greater than 10, and may be up to pH of 14). The present disclosure utilizes temperature and pH conditions of the spent liquid carrier to release additional hydrogen gas from the spent liquid carrier using a second chamber and suitable reactants provided in the second chamber.

In this connection, the used spent liquid carrier is transferred from the reactor to a second chamber (spend liquid chamber). The second chamber comprises a selected amount of one or more reactants selected for release of additional hydrogen gas from the spent liquid carrier.

The selected one or more reactants may comprise one or more amphoteric metals that react with water molecules, in acidic or alkalic environment, to release hydrogen gas. However, other reactants may be used, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific choice of reactants. The chemical reaction releases hydrogen gas and effectively dries out the water of the liquid carrier. By proper selection of reactant amounts, and environmental conditions, the reaction of the second chamber may result in paste-like of powder residue as waste. To this end, the second chamber in comprise a waste removal mechanism configured for removing solid waste from the chamber. For example, the second chamber may utilize a screw conveyor system enabling removal of solid waste from the chamber.

To control the chemical reaction between the one or more reactants and the spent liquid carrier, the one or more reactants may generally be positioned/mounted of moveable mechanism enabling to selectively bring the one or more reactants in contact with the spent carrier or separating between the reactants and the spent carrier to stop releasing of hydrogen gas. This may be done in accordance with demand signal indication needed gas amounts, to thereby enable to supply the requires flow of hydrogen gas, while minimize storage of hydrogen gas for safety reasons.

Thus, according to a broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier, the system comprises a first reaction chamber carrying one or more catalysts and configured to release hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier, and a second reaction chamber; said second reaction chamber comprises a liquid inlet port connectable to said first reaction enabling flow of spent hydrogen carrier liquid from said first reaction chamber, gas outlet port for removing hydrogen gas released within said second reaction chamber, and a mounting mechanism configured for carrying one or more reactants, selected to react with spent hydrogen carrier liquid for release of an additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent hydrogen carrier liquid. In this connection, the term spent hydrogen carrier relates to liquid solution that reacted within the first reaction chamber to release hydrogen gas therefrom.

According to some embodiments, said second reaction chamber may comprise an openable window, enabling periodical replacement of said one or more reactants mounted on said mounting mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the mounting mechanism may comprise a moveable mounting element configured to selectively bring said one or more reactants into contact with spent hydrogen carrier liquid in said second reaction chamber. According to some embodiments, mounting mechanism may comprise a rotatable axle configured for mounting said one or more reactants in semicircular arrangement about said rotatable axle.

According to some embodiments, the mounting mechanism may comprise a moveable arm configured for mounting said one or more reactants on a moveable end thereof.

According to some embodiments, the mounting mechanism may be configured to lower said one or more reactants in response to lowering liquid levels in said second reaction chamber.

According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants is chemically different than said one or more catalysts in said first reaction chamber.

According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants may comprise solid metal flakes glues or solidified on said mounting mechanism. In some embodiments, the one or more reactants may comprise amphoteric metal selected from Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and Beryllium (Be). For example, the one or more reactants may comprise Aluminum (Al) flakes.

According to some embodiments, the system may further comprise a heat circulation system configured to distribute heat generated in said first or second reaction chamber.

According to some embodiments, the heat circulation system may be configured to preheat at least one of said first and second reaction chambers to initiate hydrogen gas release therein.

According to some embodiments, a working temperature in said second reaction chamber may be within a range between 40°C and 100°C.

According to some embodiments, the second chamber may comprise an evacuation arrangement configured for evacuation of thick paste-like or powder waste material from said second chamber.

According to some embodiments, the evacuation arrangement may comprise a screw conveyer.

According to some embodiments, the system may further comprise a liquid carrier mixing chamber, said liquid carrier mixing chamber comprises at least one liquid inlet port for input of liquid carrier, at least one outlet port for providing hydrogen liquid carrier, a mixing elements and a powder port for receiving solid hydrogen carrier; wherein said powder port is configured for receiving a capsule carrying said solid hydrogen carrier and comprises a mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier from said capsule; thereby providing mixing of said solid hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier for providing hydrogen liquid carrier.

According to some embodiments, the mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier may be a linear pull mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier may be configured for actuating release of said solid hydrogen carrier by spring operation, wherein said spring operation between initiated in response to said capsule being pushed into said mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the said liquid carrier mixing chamber may be associated with a heat circulation system configured for heating liquid carrier and hydrogen carrier in the liquid carrier mixing chamber to a selected mixing temperature.

According to some embodiments, the selected mixing temperature is in the range between 40°C and 90°C.

According to some embodiments, the first reaction chamber is connectable to said liquid carrier mixing chamber for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber, releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid hydrogen resulting in spent liquid hydrogen carrier

According to some embodiments, the liquid carrier mixing chamber is configured for holding liquid carrier and solid carrier as a ratio in the range between 1:2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier. The ratio may be 2.5-liter liquid carrier to 0.675Kg solid hydrogen carrier.

According to another broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier comprising a first reaction chamber and a second chamber; said first reactor chamber comprises a first catalyst selected for releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid carrier leaving spent hydrogen carrier liquid, said second chamber is configured for receiving and storing said spent hydrogen carrier liquid; wherein, said second chamber comprises one or more reactants selected for releasing additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent liquid, said one or more reactants.

According to some embodiments, the said one or more reactants comprise amphoteric metal selected from Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and Beryllium (Be). For example, the one or more reactants comprise Aluminum (Al). According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants comprises solid flakes of reactant material.

According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants may be positioned on moveable mounting mechanism configured to selectively bring said one or more reactants in contact with said spent liquid and selectively removing said one or more reactants from said spent liquid to thereby stop releasing of hydrogen gas.

According to some embodiments, the system may further comprise a heat circulation system, wherein said heat circulation system is operable for maintaining working temperature in said second chamber.

According to some embodiments, a working temperature in said second chamber is within a range between 40°C and 100°C.

According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants are selected for releasing hydrogen gas from solvent of said spent hydrogen carrier liquid, leaving a pastelike or powder waste material.

According to some embodiments, the second chamber comprises evacuation arrangement configured for evacuation of thick paste-like or powder waste material from said second chamber.

According to some embodiments, the evacuation arrangement comprises one or more screw conveyors.

According to some embodiments, the comprising a drying chamber configured for receiving paste-like wase material from said second chamber and for drying said waste material to thereby provide solid waste material that is easy to remove.

According to some embodiments, the second chamber is detachable from said system enables removing of said second chamber for removing waste materials, and reattachment of a clean second chamber, comprising fresh one or more reactants.

According to some embodiments, the second chamber may comprise a gas outlet port for releasing released hydrogen gas toward a hydrogen gas storage or hydrogen operated energy generation unit.

According to some embodiments, the hydrogen liquid carrier comprises metal- borohydride solution.

According to some embodiments, the first reactor chamber may be configured for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber, releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid hydrogen, and wherein spent liquid hydrogen carrier is transferred to said second chamber.

According to yet another broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier comprising a liquid carrier mixing chamber comprising at least one liquid inlet port for input of liquid carrier, at least one outlet port for providing hydrogen liquid carrier, a mixing elements and a powder port for receiving solid hydrogen carrier; wherein said powder port is configured for receiving a capsule carrying said solid hydrogen carrier and comprises a linear pull mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier from said capsule; thereby providing mixing of said solid hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier for providing hydrogen liquid carrier.

According to some embodiments, the liquid carrier mixing chamber may be configured for holding liquid carrier and solid carrier as a ratio in the range between 1 :2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier. The ratio may be 2.5-liter liquid carrier to 0.675Kg solid hydrogen carrier. According to some embodiments, the mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier comprises a linear pull mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is configured for actuating release of said solid hydrogen carrier by spring operation, wherein said spring operation between initiated in response to said capsule being pushed into said mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the system may further comprise at least a first reaction chamber, said first reaction chamber is configured for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber and comprises a first catalyst selected for releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid carrier leaving spent liquid.

According to some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second reaction chamber configured for receiving and storing said spent liquid; wherein, said second reaction chamber comprises a one or more reactants selected for releasing additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent liquid, said one or more reactants.

According to yet another broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for use in releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier, the method comprising: providing hydrogen liquid carrier and inserting said hydrogen liquid carrier into a first reaction chamber, placing a first catalyst in contact with said hydrogen liquid carrier for releasing hydrogen gas and collecting the released hydrogen gas leaving spent liquid carrier; transferring said spent liquid carrier to a second reaction chamber, providing one or more reactants, being different than said first catalyst, in contact with said spent liquid carrier causing said one or more reactants to react with said spent liquid carrier for releasing hydrogen gas and collecting the released hydrogen gas.

According to some embodiments, the one or more reactants may be selected to comprise amphoteric metal.

According to some embodiments, said providing hydrogen liquid carrier may comprise: providing a capsule containing solid hydrogen carrier in a powder port of a mixing chamber, operating a capsule opening mechanism for opening said capsule thereby inserting said solid hydrogen carrier into said mixing chamber, mixing said hydrogen carrier with liquid carrier to provide hydrogen liquid carrier.

According to some embodiments, said hydrogen liquid carrier may comprise metal borohydride in aqueous solution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig- 1 illustrates schematically a system for release of hydrogen gas from carrier fuel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate respectively a mixing chamber and input technique of hydrogen carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs 3A and 3B illustrate a capsule suitable for storing hydrogen carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 exemplifies a spent storage chamber operable as second reaction chamber according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 5A and 5B exemplify an evacuation unit suitable for use in the system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 5A exemplifies formation of a screw conveyer, and Fig. 5B illustrated a screw conveyer-based evacuation system;

Fig. 6 illustrates solid waste being evacuated by a screw conveyer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating technique of operation of hydrogen release system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating operation of hydrogen release system utilizing second reaction chamber according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As indicated above, the present disclosure provides a system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier. Reference is made to Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 100 for providing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier material. The system includes a mixing chamber 110, reactor chamber 120, gas container 130, spent liquid chamber 140, and may include a control unit 500. The mixing chamber 110 is configured to receive input materials, typically including liquid carrier material (e.g., water, preferably deionized water), and hydrogen carrier material, and for mixing the input materials to provide liquid hydrogen carrier. In some configurations, the mixing chamber 110 may operate as storage container for premixed liquid hydrogen carrier. In some other configurations, the mixing chamber 110 may be configured to receive liquid carrier and solid hydrogen carrier and to mix the hydrogen carrier into the liquid carrier to obtain liquid hydrogen carrier. The liquid hydrogen carrier is transferred to the reactor 120 through liquid inter pipe 116. The reactor 120 is configured for holding the liquid hydrogen carrier and a selected catalyst arrangement, to enable selective release of hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen carrier. Following release of hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen carrier, the hydrogen gas is transmitted to gas storing chamber 130 and toward a selected use of the hydrogen gas 135, e.g., in one or more power cell units. The spent liquid carrier is transferred to spent liquid chamber 140, typically to be disposed of, although the present disclosure provides additional release of hydrogen gas from the spent liquid carrier. The control unit 500 may be connected to the moveable mechanisms and additional sensors to provide operational instructions in accordance with requirements for operation of the system.

As indicated above, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mixing chamber 110 may include at least one liquid inlet port 118 for receiving input liquid carrier, and at least one outlet port 117 for selectively transmitting hydrogen liquid carrier to the reactor 120. Additionally, the mixing chamber includes a powder port 112 configured for receiving input solid hydrogen carrier, and one or more mixing elements configured for mixing the liquid carrier and solid hydrogen carrier, to thereby dissolve the hydrogen carrier in the liquid carrier to provide hydrogen liquid carrier.

The powder port 112 may generally be configured to accept hydrogen carrier in solid form, e.g., powder, flakes, or solid bulk of selected dimensions. The solid hydrogen carrier may be provided pre-packed in a capsule or container that can be opened when placed at the powder port 112 to release the hydrogen carrier into the mixing chamber 110. The mixing chamber 110 may include mechanical arrangement for receiving a container/capsule carrying hydrogen carrier and for opening the container to release the hydrogen carrier into the mixing chamber.

Generally, upon mixing hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier (e.g., metal borohydride and water), release of hydrogen gas may occur spontaneously. To utilize the release hydrogen gas, the mixing chamber 110 may include a gas outlet port 113, connected to gas transmission pipe and configured to direct release hydrogen gas to gas container 130. Gas outlets and gas transmission pipes may be associated with a control box 150, e.g., including pressure or flow sensor, configured for detecting release pressure or flow of the hydrogen gas to enable proper control of system operation. Typically, the gas transmission pipe may include control box 150 typically including pressure meter and/or one or more valves. As described herein, mixing hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier on-site and based on demand for liquid hydrogen carrier for release of hydrogen gas, eliminates, or at least significantly reduces energy lose due to spontaneous release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen liquid carrier. Generally, the control boxes 150 and the respective sensors are configured to provide operation data to the control unit 500 to determine proper operation of the system.

The mixed liquid hydrogen carrier is transferred to a reactor chamber 120 for release of hydrogen gas. The reaction chamber generally includes a catalyst unit 122 including catalyst material mounted on moveable mechanism configured to enable bringing the catalyst in contact with the liquid hydrogen carrier for promoting release of hydrogen gas, and selectively removing the catalyst away from the liquid hydrogen carrier to stop release of hydrogen gas. The released hydrogen gas is transmitted through gas outlet channel 126 to gas container 130 or directly to use by one or more hydrogen gas users 135, e.g., power cell. After release of selected amount of gas from a selected quantity of liquid hydrogen carrier, the used liquid material, typically referred to as spent liquid may be transmitted through channel 124 to spent liquid chamber 140. Hydrogen release in the reaction chamber is a generally exothermic reaction that releases heat. The reaction chamber may include heat removal and distribution system 162 and 164 configured to flow heating/cooling fluid between the chambers of the system. For example, at initial operation stage, the heat distribution system may be operated for heating the liquid hydrogen carrier in the reaction chamber 120 to reach a proper working temperature (e.g., 50°C to 90°C). During proper operation, the heat distribution system 162 may operate to distribute heat generated by the reaction at the reaction chamber 120 and may be sued to heat the mixing chamber 110 to improve mixing efficiency. Additionally, the heat distribution system 164 may also operate to heat the spent liquid chamber 140, e.g., when operated as second reaction chamber. The spent liquid chamber 140 may be used for storage of spent liquid. Additionally, or alternatively, the spent liquid chamber 140 may act as second reaction chamber used for promoting chemical interactions releasing additional hydrogen gas from the spent liquid. To this end the spent liquid chamber 140 may include one or more reactants selected to react with the spent liquid for release of hydrogen gas as described in more details further below. The release hydrogen gas may be directed through channel 146 to gas container 130 or directly to use by one or more hydrogen gas users 135, e.g., power cell. Generally, as described in more detail further below, the reaction may operate to dry the spent liquid, resulting in sludge or mostly solid waste material. The spent liquid chamber 140 may include mechanism 144 for removing paste-like or powder waste material.

Figs. 2A and 2B exemplify a configuration of the mixing chamber 110 and illustrate mixing chamber receiving input of hydrogen carrier from a suitable container. In this configuration, the mixing chamber includes liquid inlet and outlet ports 117 and 118, a mixing element 114, and powder port 112 that may be formed as an additional tube structure connected to an opening on top of the mixing chamber 110. The capsule 200, configured for carrying hydrogen carrier may be formed of circumferential tube part 210 and internal part 220. In closed position, the internal part 220 provides top and bottom walls of the capsule 220 defining a closed region within the capsule 220 for storing hydrogen carrier 224. The mixing chamber 110 may also include a gas outlet for transmitting hydrogen gas spontaneously release in the mixing process to storage of use by one or more hydrogen gas users.

The mixing chamber 110 may thus include a mechanical arrangement configured for accepting one or more selected capsules 22 carrying hydrogen carrier, and mechanically opening the capsules 200 to release the hydrogen carrier into the mixing chamber. For example, the mechanical arrangement may be in the form of a spring positioned to be loaded in response to pushing of a capsule 200 into the powder port 112 and released by applying linear pressure on the internal part 220 of the capsule, to thereby shift the internal part along a selected direction and open the capsule. In this connection, Fig. 2A illustrates a closed capsule positioned at the powder port 112 and Fig. 2B illustrates the capsule after shifting of the internal part 220 causing release of the hydrogen carrier into the mixing chamber. The hydrogen carrier may be any one of various materials that are soluble in one or more selected liquid carriers and can release hydrogen gas in response to interaction with selected one or more catalysts. Various hydrogen carrier materials may include metal hydrides, and in some preferred embodiments, to include metal borohydrides. In this connection, metal borohydrides may include any chemical compound that may be described by formula M¹-BH4, where M¹ represents one or more metals selected from column I or II of the periodic table of elements, or alloys of metals selected from column I or II of the periodic table of elements. For example, metal M¹ may include any of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Mg, Ca, and Be. Alternatively, metal M¹ may also include Al, Ti, or other suitable metals. In some further embodiments, metal M¹ may include an alloy of one or more of metals selected from: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Mg, Ca, Be, Al, Ni, and Ti. In some embodiments, the hydrogen carrier may include K-BFL.

The hydrogen carrier may be provided in solid form, being powder, flakes, crystals, or a bulk material. This enables to reduce volume for shipping and storage and thus simplify distribution cycle of hydrogen carrier as fuel. To simplify release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen carrier, the mixing chamber provides for mixing of hydrogen carrier with a liquid carrier to provide hydrogen liquid carrier. To this end, the mixing chamber 110 includes one or more liquid inlet ports 118. The liquid inlet ports may be connectable to a source of liquid carrier to provide a selected volume of liquid carrier for mixing. The liquid carrier may be any liquid material suitable for dissolving the hydrogen carrier. In typical embodiments, the liquid carrier may be water, and preferably deionized water. The use of deionized water provides suitable control over pH and presence of metals in the water, which may react when in contact with the catalyst in the reactor and reduce efficiency of hydrogen gas release.

The mixing chamber 110 may be configured for mixing selected amounts of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier to provide liquid hydrogen carrier of predetermined concentration for efficient release of hydrogen gas. Generally, in some configurations, the mixing chamber 110 is configured for receiving a ratio between 1:2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier. For example, the mixing chamber 110 may be configured for holding between 1 and 5 liters of liquid carrier and operate with capsules 200 carrying between 0.5Kg and 2Kg hydrogen carrier. Generally, in some preferred embodiments, a ratio of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier may be in the range of 1 : 1.5 to 1 :6, for example the ratio may be 1 :3, such as 0.5-lKg hydrogen carrier to 1.5-3Liter liquid carrier. In some specific embodiments a mixing ratio may be 0.675Kg hydrogen carrier to 2.5 Liter liquid carrier.

Illustrations of the capsule 200 in closed and opened configurations are exemplified in Figs. 3A and 3B. The capsule 200 is configured for holding a selected amount of hydrogen carrier is solid form, e.g., powder or flakes. The capsule 200 is generally formed of external cylinder 210 and internal, electable, portion 220. In the example illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B the internal portion 220 includes top and bottom walls and central pillar connecting the top and bottom walls, such that pushing the internal portion linearly along an axis of the capsule, translates the internal portion as illustrated in Fig. 3B to thereby open the capsule. The external cylinder may include support beams 212 for providing structural support to the capsule when being opened. Further, the capsule 200 may include a locking mechanism configured to present undesired opening. Such locking mechanism may include an opening notch, aligned to corresponding pin of the powder port 112 of the mixing chamber 110 to enable desired opening of the capsule when in place.

Generally, the capsule 200 may be made of any one or more selected materials and configured to be opened by selected mechanism when placed in the powder port of the mixing chamber. The capsules 200 may be multi use and may preferably be sealed to avoid humidity from entering the capsule.

The use of capsules and solid hydrogen carrier (e.g., solid M¹-BH4, such as KBH4) provides for simplifying logistics and distribution of hydrogen fuel. While hydrogen is gas state provides low energy density per unit volume, and highly flammable material, the liquid hydrogen carrier greatly reduces volume of the fuel. However, spontaneous release of hydrogen gas from liquid hydrogen carrier typically requires proper storage and/or the use of stabilizing agents such as alkaline additions to the liquid carrier. The use of hydrogen carrier in solid form further reduces volume of material for shipping and distribution and provides stable material not requiring additional stabilizer additives. The solid hydrogen carrier is mixed with liquid carrier (e.g., water, or deionized water) to provide ready to go liquid hydrogen carrier. Such liquid carrier may be provided as deionized water obtained from water source and filtered, e.g., by ion exchanges, to provide soft or deionized water.

Generally, borohydride in aqueous solution may undergo self-hydrolysis, releasing hydrogen gas and alkali metaborates. In various techniques, typically requiring long storage of hydrogen liquid carrier, stability of the hydrogen carrier is required, which can be provided by addition of alkaline substances (such as soluble metal hydroxides). The present technique however may obviate the need for additional stabilizers allowing mixing of hydrogen carrier with liquid carrier on site, and immediately prior to use of the hydrogen liquid carrier for releasing hydrogen gas.

Following mixing of the hydrogen carrier with liquid carrier, the hydrogen liquid carrier is generally transferred to a reaction chamber 120 through liquid transmission pipe 116. Typically, the hydrogen liquid carrier may be transferred using gravitational force, i.e., the mixing chamber 110 is positioned at higher positioned with respect to the reaction chamber 120, allowing hydrogen liquid carrier to flow through pipe 116 to the reaction chamber 120. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more pump units (not specifically shown) may be used to pump hydrogen liquid carrier from the mixing chamber 110 into the reaction chamber 120.

In the reactor chamber 120, the hydrogen liquid carrier is exposed to one or more selected catalysts promoting release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen liquid carrier. Accordingly, the reaction chamber, reactor 120, includes one or more selected catalysts mounted on moveable flatform. The moveable platform is configured to enable selective hydrolysis of the hydrogen carrier by the catalyst for release of hydrogen gas as well as removing the catalyst away from the hydrogen liquid carrier to stop release of hydrogen gas. The catalyst may be any suitable catalyst for facilitating release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen liquid carrier and may include one or more transition metals such as Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Ru, Pt, B, alloys, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, catalyst 122 may include a Group III metal, Cobalt-P, Cobalt-B, Cobalt-Ni, P, and Cobalt-NIB. In some embodiments the catalyst may include Co, alloys or combination thereof, at times referred to as Co-based catalyst.

Generally, release of hydrogen gas may be described by the following reaction in the presence of one or more selected catalysts:

M¹-BH4(_aq)+ 2H2O(1)^ M¹-BO2(aq)+4H2(g)

The hydrogen liquid carrier is kept in the reactor chamber 120 to release a desired amount of hydrogen gas therefrom. The one or more catalysts may generally include catalyst unit 122 mounted on a moveable mechanism enabling to selectively bring the catalyst into contact with the hydrogen liquid carrier when release of hydrogen gas is desired and move the catalyst away from the hydrogen liquid carrier when release of hydrogen gas is not desired. Generally, a control unit 500 may be used to control operation of the catalyst mechanism to insert the catalyst into the hydrogen liquid carrier in response to demand for hydrogen gas from a power unit connected to the system and configured for using the hydrogen gas to provide power for a load. This is to prevent over release of hydrogen gas and reduce amount of hydrogen gas stored, to thereby reduce risks associated with flammability of hydrogen gas and storing conditions.

Generally, the hydrogen liquid carrier may be used within the reactor 120 until a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas has been released. To this end control unit 500 may be configured to receive signal from control box 150 indicative of flow rate and/or pressure variation of release hydrogen gas. In response to signals indicating flow rate and/or pressure variation is below a predetermined threshold, while operating to release hydrogen gas, the control unit 500 may generate a signal indicating complete release. At this stage the existing batch of hydrogen liquid carrier may be transferred to the spent liquid chamber 140 leaving the reactor 120 available to receive another batch from the mixing chamber 110. Typically, the reactor chamber has an openable window allowing an operator to replace the catalyst from time to time.

Typically, the reaction chamber 120 includes a sealed hatch allowing access to the inside of the chamber for replacing the catalyst positioned on moveable mount. This enables refreshing of the catalyst from time to time to enable efficient promoting of hydrogen gas release.

Reference is made to Fig. 4 illustrating a spent liquid chamber 140 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the spent liquid chamber 140 include liquid inlet 124 for receiving spent liquid from the reactor 120, gas outlet 146 for transferring released hydrogen gas to storage and one or more gas users, removal mechanism 144 and one or more reactants 142 mounted on a moveable platform 141. The one or more reactants 142 are selected to react with the spent liquid for releasing of additional amount of hydrogen gas, thereby enhancing efficiency of hydrogen release by the system. Accordingly, the spent liquid chamber 140 may also function as a second reaction chamber, or second chamber. The spent liquid chamber 140 may also include a window 143, or hatch opening, enabling replacement of the one or more reactants.

As indicated herein, the second chamber 140 generally includes a mounting mechanism 141 configured for holding selected one or more reactants 142 and selectively bring the reactants in contact with solution located within the chamber. For example, the mounting mechanism 141 may be formed of an axle extending along the chamber 140 at a selected height determined by predetermined water level WL indicting height of the spent solution filling the chamber 140. The mounting mechanism 141 may include mounts for holding a semi-circular mashed container of the one or more reactants 142, providing that when the mechanism 141 is rotated to an active position, the reactants 142 are located under water level WL being in contact with the liquid in the chamber 140. It should be noted that second chamber 140 may utilize various other configurations of the mounting mechanism 141. For example, the mounting mechanism may be in the form of a lever, rotatable about a pivot, and configured to mount the one or more reactants at an end thereof, to enable lowering the reactants into the liquid in the chamber. Generally, as the reaction undergoing in the second chamber 140 typically utilizes water of the solution as a reactant for releasing hydrogen gas therefrom, the mounting mechanism 141 may be configured to lower the respective active position, to thereby enable the reaction to proceed following reduction in water level WL. To this end, the second reaction chamber may include a water level measurement unit. This may be associated with a floater positioned within the chamber 140 and connected to a sensor. The water level measurement unit may be configured to provide output data on water level WL enabling a control unit or operator to lower the mounting mechanism when needed and or provide indication that the reaction is complete.

The hydrogen gas release reaction at the reaction chamber 120 may involve hydrolyzation of borohydride to borate. In aqueous solution, following this reaction to complete, or almost complete, conversion of the borohydrides results in highly alkaline solution. This enables selection of one or more reactants to react with the alkaline solution for release of additional hydrogen gas originating from the water molecules of the solution. To this end, the one or more reactants 142 in the second chamber 140 may be selected to include amphoteric metals, exhibiting chemical reaction with alkaline aqueous solution to release hydrogen gas. More specifically, the one or more reactants 142 may be selected from Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and Beryllium (Be), typically provided in from of flakes held together to form a condensed reaction unit.

In the specific example of Aluminum, and the use of potassium borohydride as hydrogen carrier, the reaction with the alkaline aqueous solution, formed during hydrogen release in the first reaction chamber 120, is of the form: 2A1+2KOH+6H₂O^2K⁺[A1(OH)₄]'+3H₂ releasing additional hydrogen gas originating from the water molecules, while generally drying the spent liquid to provide paste-like or generally solid waste. The resulting material generally includes potassium aluminate, and as a result of the reaction involving water molecules, the spent liquid may generally dry out as the reaction progresses.

The chemical reaction releasing hydrogen gas originating from water molecules of the spent liquid. This enables further enhancing efficiency of hydrogen release, while utilizing a relatively low-cost additional source. Further, such additional release of hydrogen may provide for simplifying fuel distribution and waste removal. More specifically, the technique eliminates the need for complex treatment of alkaline liquid waste and provides a compact paste-like (or sludge) waste that can be transferred more easily to proper treatment and recycling center. At this stage the waste material includes tetraborate salts such as potassium tetraborate, and aluminum hydroxide salts, with small amounts of water remaining.

Similarly, to the reactor chamber 120, the chemical reaction of the second chamber 140 is used to release hydrogen gas. Further, the present disclosure utilizes hydrogen carrier materials to provide simple and safe technique for storage of hydrogen gas. To this end, the system of the present disclosure utilizes controlled reactions to enable selective release of hydrogen gas in accordance to input signals indicating demand for hydrogen gas, e.g., by a power cell using the released hydrogen gas. Accordingly, the one or more reactants, generally including one or more amphoteric metals, may generally be mounted on a moveable mechanism 141 allowing selective moving the one or more reactants 142 into contact with the spent liquid for release of hydrogen gas, and removing the reactants from contacts to effectively stop release of hydrogen gas. In this connection the one or more reactants may be mounted in a semi-circle configuration on a rotatable axle of the mounting mechanism 141. Alternatively, the one or more reactants may be mounted on a fixed mount, and the chamber includes mechanism for varying height of the spent liquid, to thereby bring the liquid into contact with the reactants or remove the fluid from contact therewith. For example, this may be provided by raising water level WL in the chamber, as a result of piston action of lower surface of the chamber. It should be noted that as the chemical reaction typically involves water molecules as reactant, and releases hydrogen gas, level of the spent liquid may be reducing as the reaction progress. To this end the moveable mechanism holding the solid reactants (typically amphoteric metal) may enable lowering of the reactants to align with reducing level of the solution. This may be achieved by moveable axis of rotation and/or moving arm enabling selective lowering of the reactants to ensure contact with the spent liquid solution.

It should be noted that level of contact between the one or more reactants and the spent liquid may vary to determine rate of the reaction. More specifically, the entire surface area of the reactants may be brought into contact with the liquid to increase surface area of the one or more reactants being in contact with the spent liquid to maximize release of hydrogen gas. Alternatively, the one or more reactants may be brought into partial contact with the spent liquid to limit release of hydrogen gas by providing limited surface area of the one or more reactants being in contact with the spent liquid.

As indicated above, the one or more reactants generally include one or more amphoteric metals, such as Al, Zn, Pb, Sn, Be. For example, the reactants may include Aluminum flakes or sheets, held or glues together to be mounted on a respective fixed or moveable platform. In the specific example of Aluminum reactants, the technique of the present disclosure utilizes alkaline conditions of the spent liquid following presence of borate resulting from hydrogen gas release at the reaction chamber 120. The alkaline solution of the spent liquid operates to react with Aluminum oxide coating of the aluminum flakes, bringing neutral aluminum in contact with the alkaline solution and allowing reaction with the solution to release hydrogen gas.

The second chamber 140 may also include, or be associated with, a heat distribution system 164. The heat distribution system may include heat transfer liquid flowing in corresponding pipes between the different chamber of the system, removing excess heat generated in the reaction chamber 120 or the second chamber 140, where the chemical reactions are generally exothermic, and heating selected chambers to provide suitable environment for mixing or for a reaction to start. The heat distribution may be formed of a piping arrangement and heat transmission fluid, e.g., water. And may also include a heat source configured to provide initial heat to enable starting operation of the reaction chamber 120. Generally, spent liquid is transmitted to the second chamber 140 directly after being used at the reaction chamber 120. Accordingly, the spent liquid may be transferred to the second chamber 140 at relatively high temperature, typically in the range of 50°-90°C. Such relatively high temperature is typically suitable for the reaction in the second chamber 140. However, as the reaction progresses, heat may need to be removed from the chamber 140 to avoid boiling of the spent liquid. Further, in case that the reaction in the second chamber 140 is not initiated immediately, and the spent liquid cools before release of hydrogen gas in needed, the heat distribution system 164 may be used to reheat the spent liquid to promote reaction and release of hydrogen gas. Generally, the heat distribution system 164 may be operated to maintain a working temperature in the second chamber 140. The working temperature may be in the range between 40°C and 100°C, and preferably around 50°C.

Experimental data, collected by the inventors, indicates that mixing spent liquid with aluminum flaked releases hydrogen gas. The technique of the present disclosure may provide between 40% and up to 80% extra hydrogen gas on top of the initial catalytic reaction in the reaction chamber 120.

Accordingly, in the example of potassium borohydride, the use of 4. IKg KBH4 in 1 IL of water and 286gr aluminum yield hydrogen gas equivalent to simple use of 7Kg KBH4 without the use of the second chamber. This indicated an increase in fuel utilizing efficiency as well as simplifying distribution, recycling, and waste management. As indicated above, the second chamber 140 includes an opening enabling replacing the reactants, e.g., by providing fresh batch of amphoteric metal (e.g., aluminum) flakes.

As indicated above, the reaction in the second chamber 140 involves water molecules of the spent liquid as a reactant, and release of hydrogen gas utilizes oxidation of amphoteric metals and release of hydrogen gas from the water molecules. This reaction may generally dry out the spent liquid, leaving a paste-like or powder waste material. More specifically, the reaction releasing hydrogen gas involves water molecules as reactant. This reduces the water ratio in the solution generally resulting in sediments formed of salts. To this end the second chamber 140 may generally include an evacuation arrangement 144 configured for removing waste including high solid ratio. For example, the evacuation arrangement 144 may include a screw conveyer suitable for selectively evacuating waste material including powder, solid sediments chunks and/or paste-like waste material, from the chamber 140 to waste container. Figs. 5A-5C exemplify screw conveyers suitable for use according to the present disclosure.

In this connection. Fig. 5A exemplifies a screw conveyer system. The screw conveyer generally includes a cylindrical channel and a screw or helix wings mounted on a rotatable axis positioned along the channel. The screw conveyer is typically used for transferring various materials including solid chunks and powder that may otherwise sink to bottom of a liquid transferring channel and limit flow therethrough. Fig. 5B exemplifies construction of a screw conveyer configured for removing sediments from a container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the screw conveyer includes a motor 501, material inlet 505, external tune 507, material outlet 509, removeable closing hatch 503. The screw conveyer itself is formed of an axle having screw flight 511 and generally also a stoppage mechanism such as opposite screw flight 513. Generally, the screw conveyer is positioned such that the material inlet allows material in the second chamber 140 to flow into the conveyer. The system may utilize a seal enabling selective closing the inlet to prevent material from flowing into the screw conveyer, e.g., when spent liquid is introduced into the chamber 140. When operated, the material inlet 505 allows material to flow, generally by gravity, into the tube 507. Motor 501 receives operational commands (typically from control unit 500, or from an operator) to rotate at a selected rotation speed, causing the screw flight of the conveyer 511 to push the materials along the tube 507. The material is pushed along the tube until it reaches the material outlet 509 and is then output from the system to a waste container. In some configurations, the screw conveyer may include opposite screw flight 513 configured to stop propagation of material along the tube 507, generally pushing the material toward the material outlet 509. Such opposite screw flight 513 may typically be used when the material outlet is located in a different direction that flow through the tube, requiring the material to change direction during flow. An example of operation of the screw conveyer is illustrated in Fig. 6 showing a picture of a screw conveyer used for removing potassium aluminate waste material from a second reaction chamber 140 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Reference is made to Figs. 7 and 8 illustrating flow diagrams indicating method for release of hydrogen gas according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig- 7 show operation of mixing hydrogen carrier for operation of the first reaction chamber 120; Fig. 8 shows operation of re-using spent liquid carrier for release of hydrogen gas and simplifying waste management. The technique of the present disclosure may provide complete operation for release of hydrogen gas from suitable carrier, while simplifying distribution cycles. More specifically, the present technique enables distribution of generally solid fuel and removal of generally solid or low-volume waste materials as compared to conventional techniques that require handling liquid fuel and liquid waste materials. As shown in Fig. 7, some embodiments of the present technique utilize providing hydrogen carrier capsule 7010. The hydrogen carrier may be distributed in capsules containing selected amount of hydrogen carrier salts, such as borohydride salts (e.g., KBH4). To mix the solid hydrogen carrier, the technique includes inserting liquid carrier into a mixing chamber of hydrogen release system 7020. The liquid carrier may generally include water, and may be distilled water, deionized water, or may be simple tap water provided directly from the grid. In some embodiments, the technique may include utilizing ion exchange filter to improve quality of grid water providing deionized water. Generally, in some embodiments, the technique includes heating or pre-heating the liquid carrier 7025 using heat distribution system. In this connection, the heat distribution system may be operable for distribution of heat generated in the exothermic reaction of hydrogen release undergoing in the first reaction chamber. The so-generated heat may be distributed using heat distribution system to heat the mixing chamber. Heating of the liquid carrier may be done before inserting hydrogen carrier to the mixing chamber, as well as during mixing of the hydrogen carrier and the liquid carrier.

As indicated above, the hydrogen carrier may be distributed in closed capsules. The mixing chamber generally includes a powder port mechanism configured to open the capsule allowing the hydrogen carrier to be inserted into the mixing chamber. To this end, the technique may include operating the powder port mechanism 7030 to allow the hydrogen carrier to fall into the mixing chamber 7035. The powder port mechanism may include a linear pull or push mechanism configured to linearly translate inner section of the capsule, generally as illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B above.

Following inserting liquid carrier and hydrogen carrier, the technique includes mixing of the materials in the mixing chamber 7040 to provide hydrogen liquid carrier. To this end the technique may utilize operation of a mixing element 114, typically formed as a rotating blender blade. The mixing may be aided by heating of the mixing chamber using the heat distribution system, utilizing heat generated at the first or second reaction chambers. Generally, during mixing of hydrogen carrier, an amount of hydrogen gas is released spontaneously. To this end the technique may include collecting the initial release of hydrogen gas from the mixing chamber 7045. As indicated above, the mixing chamber may include a gas outlet port 113 allowing collection of gas released in the mixing chamber. Generally, the gas spontaneous release occurs until the hydrogen liquid carrier reaches alkaline levels that inhibit the spontaneous gas release. In some embodiments, the hydrogen liquid carrier may be transferred directly to the first reaction chamber 7050. The technique may thus be operable to avoid release of the complete amount of hydrogen gas spontaneously in the mixing chamber, to enable control over hydrogen release process, and operating the first reaction chamber to release hydrogen gas 7060 in accordance with system operation requirements and load demand for energy.

The technique may thus simplify fuel distribution and treatment. As indicated above, distribution of relatively small volumes of solid fuel provides simple and safer distribution chain as compared to shipping larger volumes of liquid fuel in tanks. Further, to limit spontaneous gas release, stored hydrogen liquid carrier may require additional alkaline agents. This is while the present technique obviates the need for additive stabilizing materials, by mixing the hydrogen carrier with liquid carrier directly prior to use of hydrogen liquid carrier and on-site.

Following release of hydrogen gas at the first reaction chamber, some embodiments of the present technique provide additional gas release using a second reaction chamber as illustrated in Fig. 8. As shown, the technique may include providing hydrogen carrier in a first reaction chamber 8010, placing first catalyst in contact with hydrogen liquid carrier 8020, and collecting hydrogen gas 8030 released due to interaction of the hydrogen liquid carrier in presence of the first catalyst. Generally, the process in the first reaction chamber includes monitoring of gas release rate 8032, typically using one or more pressure or flow sensors positioned at the gas outlet 126 of the first reaction chamber. When hydrogen gas release rate is determined to be below a predetermined threshold 8034, operation of the first reaction chamber is considered as complete. For example, the predetermined threshold may be indicative of release of 90%- 98% of the available hydrogen. More specifically, in embodiments utilizing metal borohydride hydrogen carrier in aqueous solution, complete release generally relates to conversion of 90%-98% of borohydride to borate while release hydrogen gas.

Following complete of the hydrogen gas release, the spent liquid carrier is transmitted to the second reaction chamber 8040. The technique may utilize operation of one or more pumps, and/or utilize gravitational force for causing flow of the spent liquid carrier from the first reaction chamber to the second reaction chamber. In the second reaction chamber, the present technique utilizes placing one or more reactants 8050 in contact with the spent liquid carrier. As indicated above, the one or more reactants are selected based on chemical properties to react with alkaline aqueous solution to release hydrogen gas available in water molecules of the solution. Accordingly, the chemical reaction releases hydrogen gas from the hydrogen atoms in water molecules of the solution. In some examples, the one or more reactants may include amphoteric metals, such as Aluminum. The amphoteric metal reactants may be provided as metal flakes or chunks mounted on a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism enables the present technique to selectively initiate reaction in the second reaction chamber but placing the one or more reactants in contact with the spent liquid carrier, and to effectively stop the reaction by moving the reactants away from the spent liquid carrier. While the chemical reaction between the spent liquid carrier and the selected reactants takes place, the technique includes collecting release hydrogen gas 8060. The hydrogen gas is collected through a gas outlet of the second reaction chamber and is transferred to gas storage and/or directly to a user, e.g., power cell unit. Generally, the gas outlet may include one or more sensors, such as pressure and/or flow sensors, monitoring flow of release hydrogen gas. Additionally, the second reaction chamber may include a water level measurement unit, generating data indicative of water level in the chamber.

The reaction in the second reaction chamber may be operated, in accordance with input data on demand for hydrogen gas by the connected load (e.g., power cell), until the spent liquid carrier is dried out 8070 or until the reaction is to be stopped for various other reasons. Drying out of the spent liquid carrier may be determined by water level going below a selected threshold. Upon completing the reaction, the technique may include operating an evacuation system for clearing out the second reaction chamber 8080. As indicated above, the evacuation system may be configured of a screw conveyer configured for removing waste from the second reaction chamber into a waste container. The waste may be generally solid waste 8090, on include solid chunks with certain amount of moisture. The waste material is typically of smaller volume with respect to the spent liquid carrier, as water molecules have generally reacted releasing hydrogen gas.

Accordingly, the present technique provides a system and method for release of hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier. Various embodiments of the present technique provide for simplifying field distribution and waste collection processes, saving costs associated with shipping of large volumes of fuel and/or waste, and increasing shipping and storage safety.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier, the system comprises a first reaction chamber carrying one or more catalysts and configured to release hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier, and a second reaction chamber; said second reaction chamber comprises a liquid inlet port connectable to said first reaction chamber enabling flow of spent hydrogen carrier liquid from said first reaction chamber, a gas outlet port for removing hydrogen gas released within said second reaction chamber, and a mounting mechanism configured for carrying one or more reactants, selected to react with spent hydrogen carrier liquid for release of an additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent hydrogen carrier liquid.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said second reaction chamber comprises an openable window, enabling periodical replacement of said one or more reactants mounted on said mounting mechanism.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a moveable mounting element configured to selectively bring said one or more reactants into contact with spent hydrogen carrier liquid in said second reaction chamber.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a rotatable axle configured for mounting said one or more reactants in semicircular arrangement about said rotatable axle.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a moveable arm configured for mounting said one or more reactants on a moveable end thereof.

6. The system of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said mounting mechanism is configured to lower said one or more reactants in response to lowering liquid levels in said second reaction chamber.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said one or more reactants being chemically different than said one or more catalysts in said first reaction chamber.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said one or more reactants comprise solid metal flakes glues or solidified on said mounting mechanism.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said one or more reactants comprise amphoteric metal selected from Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and Beryllium (Be).

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said one or more reactants comprise Aluminum (Al) flakes.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a heat circulation system configured to distribute heat generated in said first or second reaction chamber.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said heat circulation system is configured to preheat at least one of said first and second reaction chambers to initiate hydrogen gas release therein.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein a working temperature in said second reaction chamber is within a range between 40°C and 100°C.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said second chamber comprises evacuation arrangement configured for evacuation of thick paste-like or powder waste material from said second chamber.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said evacuation arrangement comprises a screw conveyer.

16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a liquid carrier mixing chamber, said liquid carrier mixing chamber comprises at least one liquid inlet port for input of liquid carrier, at least one outlet port for providing hydrogen liquid carrier, a mixing elements and a powder port for receiving solid hydrogen carrier; wherein said powder port is configured for receiving a capsule carrying said solid hydrogen carrier and comprises a mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier from said capsule; thereby providing mixing of said solid hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier for providing hydrogen liquid carrier.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is a linear pull mechanism.

18. The system of claims 16 or 17, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is configured for actuating release of said solid hydrogen carrier by spring operation, wherein said spring operation between initiated in response to said capsule being pushed into said mechanism.

19. The system of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said liquid carrier mixing chamber is associated with a heat circulation system configured for heating liquid carrier and hydrogen carrier in the liquid carrier mixing chamber to a selected mixing temperature.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said selected mixing temperature is in the range between 40°C and 90°C.

21. The system of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said first reaction chamber is connectable to said liquid carrier mixing chamber for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber, releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid hydrogen resulting in spent liquid hydrogen carrier

22. The system of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein said liquid carrier mixing chamber is configured for holding liquid carrier and solid carrier as a ratio in the range between 1 :2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said ratio is 2.5 -liter liquid carrier to 0.675Kg solid hydrogen carrier.

24. A system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier comprising a first reaction chamber and a second chamber; said first reactor chamber comprises a first catalyst selected for releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid carrier leaving spent hydrogen carrier liquid, said second chamber is configured for receiving and storing said spent hydrogen carrier liquid; wherein, said second chamber comprises one or more reactants selected for releasing additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent liquid, said one or more reactants.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said one or more reactants comprise amphoteric metal selected from Aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and Beryllium (Be).

26. The system of claim 25, wherein said one or more reactants comprise Aluminum (Al).

27. The system of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein said one or more reactants comprises solid flakes.

28. The system of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein said one or more reactants is positioned on moveable mounting mechanism configured to selectively bring said one or more reactants in contact with said spent liquid and selectively removing said one or more reactants from said spent liquid to thereby stop releasing of hydrogen gas.

29. The system of any one of claims 24 to 28, further comprising a heat circulation system, wherein said heat circulation system is operable for maintaining working temperature in said second chamber.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said working temperature in said second chamber is within a range between 40°C and 100°C.

31. The system of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein said one or more reactants are selected for releasing hydrogen gas from solvent of said spent hydrogen carrier liquid leaving a paste-like or powder waste material.

32. The system of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein said second chamber comprises evacuation arrangement configured for evacuation of thick paste-like or powder waste material from said second chamber.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein said evacuation arrangement comprises one or more screw conveyors.

34. The system of claim 32 or 33, further comprising a drying chamber configured for receiving paste-like wase material from said second chamber and for drying said waste material to thereby provide solid waste material that is easy to remove.

35. The system of any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein said second chamber is detachable from said system enabling removing of said second chamber for removing waste materials, and re-attachment of a clean second chamber, comprising fresh one or more reactants.

36. The system of any one of claims 24 to 35, wherein said second chamber comprises a gas outlet port for releasing released hydrogen gas toward a hydrogen gas storage or hydrogen operated energy generation unit.

37. The system of any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein said hydrogen liquid carrier comprises metal-borohydride solution.

38. The system of any one of claims 24 to 37, further comprising a liquid carrier mixing chamber, said liquid carrier mixing chamber comprises at least one liquid inlet port for input of liquid carrier, at least one outlet port for providing hydrogen liquid carrier, a mixing elements and a powder port for receiving solid hydrogen carrier; wherein said powder port is configured for receiving a capsule carrying said solid hydrogen carrier and comprises a mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier from said capsule; thereby providing mixing of said solid hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier for providing hydrogen liquid carrier.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein said liquid carrier mixing chamber is configured for holding liquid carrier and solid carrier as a ratio in the range between 1 :2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein said ratio is 2.5 -liter liquid carrier to 0.675Kg solid hydrogen carrier.

41. The system of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is a linear pull mechanism.

42. The system of any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is configured for actuating release of said solid hydrogen carrier by spring operation, wherein said spring operation between initiated in response to said capsule being pushed into said mechanism.

43. The system of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein said first reactor chamber is configured for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber, releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid hydrogen, and wherein spent liquid hydrogen carrier is transferred to said second chamber.

44. A system for releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen liquid carrier comprising a liquid carrier mixing chamber comprising at least one liquid inlet port for input of liquid carrier, at least one outlet port for providing hydrogen liquid carrier, a mixing elements and a powder port for receiving solid hydrogen carrier; wherein said powder port is configured for receiving a capsule carrying said solid hydrogen carrier and comprises a linear pull mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier from said capsule; thereby providing mixing of said solid hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier for providing hydrogen liquid carrier.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein said liquid carrier mixing chamber is configured for holding liquid carrier and solid carrier as a ratio in the range between 1 :2 and 1 :5 of hydrogen carrier and liquid carrier.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein said ratio is 2.5 -liter liquid carrier to 0.675Kg solid hydrogen carrier.

47. The system of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is a linear pull mechanism.

48. The system of any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein said mechanism for releasing solid hydrogen carrier is configured for actuating release of said solid hydrogen carrier by spring operation, wherein said spring operation between initiated in response to said capsule being pushed into said mechanism.

49. The system of any one of claims 44 to 48, further comprising at least a first reaction chamber, said first reaction chamber is configured for receiving liquid hydrogen carrier from said liquid carrier mixing chamber and comprises a first catalyst selected for releasing hydrogen gas from said liquid carrier leaving spent liquid.

50. The system of claim 49, further comprising a second reaction chamber configured for receiving and storing said spent liquid; wherein, said second reaction chamber comprises a one or more reactants selected for releasing additional portion of hydrogen gas from said spent liquid, said one or more reactants.

51. A method for use in releasing hydrogen gas from hydrogen carrier, the method comprising: providing hydrogen liquid carrier and inserting said hydrogen liquid carrier into a first reaction chamber, placing a first catalyst in contact with said hydrogen liquid carrier for releasing hydrogen gas and collecting the released hydrogen gas leaving spent liquid carrier; transferring said spent liquid carrier to a second reaction chamber, providing one or more reactants, being different than said first catalyst, in contact with said spent liquid carrier causing said one or more reactants to react with said spent liquid carrier for releasing hydrogen gas and collecting the released hydrogen gas.

52. The method of claim 51 , wherein said one or more reactants comprises amphoteric metal.

53. The method of claim 51 or 52, wherein said providing hydrogen liquid carrier comprises: providing a capsule containing solid hydrogen carrier in a powder port of a mixing chamber, operating a capsule opening mechanism for opening said capsule thereby inserting said solid hydrogen carrier into said mixing chamber, mixing said hydrogen carrier with liquid carrier to provide hydrogen liquid carrier.

54. The method of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein said hydrogen liquid carrier comprises metal borohydride in aqueous solution.