WO2023242511A1

WO2023242511A1 - Hydrogen production method

Info

Publication number: WO2023242511A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/050855
Authority: WO
Inventors: Grégoire DE LASSENCE
Original assignee: De Lassence Gregoire
Priority date: 2022-06-15
Filing date: 2023-06-13
Publication date: 2023-12-21
Also published as: FR3136781A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, comprising the following steps: capturing electrical energy from a potential difference between first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) or between one of the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) and the earth (4), the energy being captured prior to a thunderstorm by moving at least one capture element (2) with an electrically conductive surface (5) into the atmosphere (3); conducting, via at least one electrical cable (8), the electrical energy captured by the electrically conductive surface (5) towards at least one electrolyser (6); and producing hydrogen, by means of the electrolyser (6), from water and the captured electrical energy.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Hydrogen production process

The present invention relates, generally, to the production of hydrogen and, more particularly, to a process for the production of hydrogen.

The term “hydrogen” frequently used in everyday language actually refers to dihydrogen, a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms.

Dihydrogen can be produced by electrolysis of water passed through by an electric current.

Its use as fuel represents an important asset in the context of the energy and ecological transition since its combustion only produces water. The absence of emissions of polluting carbon elements makes it a greener source of energy.

However, its production requires electrical energy, that is to say energy in the form of an electric current.

Lightning is a natural phenomenon occurring during stormy weather. It corresponds to a discharge of electricity coming from the atmosphere, induced by a potential difference within a cloud, between two clouds or between a cloud and the earth.

It was envisaged to recover the energy from electrical discharges at the moment when lightning strikes in order to be used by a consumer for its operation.

However, energy recovery causes strong disturbances, including lightning, which damages the various components of the system dedicated to electrical energy recovery.

Indeed, when lightning strikes, the quantity of electrical energy is so large, and occurs over such a short time, that no electrical circuit can withstand without being damaged.

The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a process for producing hydrogen taking advantage of a natural phenomenon that is the storm to provide the electrical energy necessary for the electrolysis of water without polluting emissions, while limiting the disturbances and the risks of damage linked to lightning.

A process for producing hydrogen is therefore proposed, comprising: capturing electrical energy from a potential difference between first and second zones charged with the atmosphere or between one of the first and second zones charged with the atmosphere and the earth, the capture being carried out before the occurrence of a storm by moving a capture element comprising an electrically conductive surface in the atmosphere; the conduction by at least one electric cable of the electrical energy captured by said electrically conductive surface towards at least one electrolyser; and the production of hydrogen by the electrolyzer from water and captured electrical energy.

It could be envisaged that a plurality of electrolysers be connected to the conductive surface of the sensing element.

For the capture of electrical energy from a potential difference between the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere, the electrolyser is advantageously arranged between the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere.

For the capture of electrical energy from a potential difference between one of the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere and the earth, the electrolyser is advantageously arranged between said charged zone of the atmosphere and the earth.

Carrying out the capture step before the storm occurs makes it possible to avoid the generation of disturbances and the risks of deterioration of the electrolyser, or of the plurality of electrolysers, and of any other electrical element connected to the system hydrogen production.

Carrying out the capture stage before lightning strikes makes it possible to exploit widely available natural energy, without disruption and without pollution. Advantageously, the method can comprise the detection of the occurrence of a storm, the capture of the electrical energy being carried out before the occurrence of the storm, preferably between several days and several hours before the occurrence of the storm.

Preferably, the capture element is moved to the periphery of a cumulonimbus to capture the negatively charged particles and to the center of the cumulonimbus to capture the positively charged particles.

Preferably, the direction of connection of the electrolyzer is adapted according to the direction of the potential difference.

Advantageously, a circuit breaker can be placed between the electric cable and the electrolyser.

The presence of the circuit breaker makes it possible to protect the electrolyser which can then operate without risk of being damaged, particularly when the potential differences present between the charged zones of the atmosphere and the earth are too strong.

Unlike the majority of electrical systems which require a stable and well-defined voltage, the electrolyzer protected by a circuit breaker can operate over a wide voltage range.

According to one characteristic, the movement of the sensing element can be assisted by guidance means, such as a drone or an aircraft.

Preferably, the guide means comprise a member for fixing to the electrically insulating sensing element.

In one embodiment, the electrolyzer can be positioned on a mobile support.

According to one embodiment, the mobile support can be a means of transport such as a vehicle.

For example, the mobile support is a truck, a boat or even an aircraft.

Preferably, the electrical cable connecting the collection element and the electrolyzer is covered with an insulating sheath.

According to one embodiment, the capture element can be a balloon filled with hot air or gas lighter than the air covered with less partially of an electrically conductive material, for example a layer of aluminum.

Preferably, the hydrogen production process comprises a probing step preceding the capture step and intended to measure from a voltmeter the potential difference in the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the earth before the occurrence of a storm in order to determine if the potential difference is high enough to operate the electrolyzer and low enough not to damage the electrolyzer.

The hydrogen production process can thus comprise the capture of electrical energy from a potential difference formed between a first capture element connected to the electrolyser and positioned in a first positively charged zone of the atmosphere and a second element collection also connected to the electrolyzer and positioned in a second negatively charged zone of the atmosphere.

Other purposes, advantages and characteristics will emerge from the description which follows, given for purely illustrative purposes and made with reference to the appended drawing in which:

[Fig 1] illustrates a hydrogen production system according to one embodiment of the invention.

The expression “at least one” used in this description is equivalent to the expression “one or more”.

Figure 1 illustrates a hydrogen production system 1 for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water using an electric current.

The hydrogen production system 1 comprises one or more capture elements 2 configured to capture the electrical energy of a potential difference formed between first and second charged zones of the atmosphere 3, or formed between one of the first and second charged zones of atmosphere 3 and earth 4.

Preferably, the capture element 2 is able to float in the air such as, for example, a balloon or a kite. The capture element 2 can be filled with hot air or filled with a gas lighter than air, for example hydrogen or helium. The capture element 2 comprises an electrically conductive surface 5, which can cover all or part of the capture element 2, and makes it possible to capture the electrical energy coming from the potential differences formed in the atmosphere 3 which it passes through or between the atmosphere 3 and the earth 4.

By collection, we mean the recovery of electrical energy by the collection element 2, and more particularly by the electrically conductive surface 3.

The conductive surface 5 can be, for example, a layer of electrically conductive material positioned on the surface of the capture element 2.

The electrically conductive material of the conductive surface 5 may be a metallic material such as, for example, aluminum.

It can be provided that the conductive surface 5 of the collection element 2 is configured so as to be able to be arranged in a folded position favoring its storage and its movement to a place of collection of electrical energy, and in an deployed position promoting capture.

In the example illustrated, the capture element 2 is a canvas balloon filled with hot air or gas lighter than air, covered at least partially with a layer of aluminum.

The configuration of the balloon provides both a large surface area in contact with the charged particles present in the atmosphere 3, and great stability when the balloon moves.

In addition, considering its low mass and its electrical conduction capacity, aluminum is a particularly advantageous conductive material.

The hydrogen production system 1 further comprises an electrolyser 6 disposed between the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere 3 or disposed between one of the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere 3 and the earth 4 .

In the example illustrated, the electrolyser is connected to earth 4 and placed between atmosphere 3 and earth 4. By electrolyzer we mean a device comprising a reactor within which an electrolysis reaction takes place, that is to say the formation of dihydrogen and dioxygen from water passed through by an electric current.

The electrolyser 6 advantageously includes a water inlet 7 necessary for the electrolysis reaction.

Preferably, the hydrogen production system 1 also includes a water reserve (not visible in Figure 1) making it possible to supply water to the water inlet 7.

The electric current, also necessary for the electrolysis reaction, is conveyed from the conductive surface 5 to the electrolyser 6 on the ground by at least one electric cable 8.

Preferably, the electrical cable 8 connecting the conductive surface 5 and the electrolyser 6 is covered with an insulating sheath allowing it to pass through the electrically charged zones of the atmosphere 3 without electrical disturbance.

The electrolyser 6 is also connected to earth 4 by an electric cable 9.

The hydrogen production system 1 could be expected to include a plurality of electrolysers 6.

It could also be envisaged that the hydrogen production system 1 includes several capture elements 2.

The invention also relates to a process for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water, comprising a step of capturing electrical energy coming from potential differences between charged zones of the atmosphere 3 and the earth 4.

By capture, we mean the recovery of electrically charged particles, with a view to their transport to the electrolyser 6 on the ground.

The capture of the electrical energy necessary for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water is carried out before a storm occurs, when the storm is brewing.

The sensing element 2 comprising the electrically conductive surface 5 is moved so that the conductive surface 5 travels through the atmosphere 3, and in particular through the charged areas of the atmosphere 3 present when a storm is brewing.

Preferably, the capture element 2 moves within a cumulonimbus 10, a characteristic cloud occurring during stormy weather.

The recovery of electrical energy before the storm occurs, and therefore before lightning strikes, makes it possible to limit the disturbances and risks linked to lightning.

Preferably, the recovery of electrical energy by collection is carried out between several hours and several days before the storm occurs, and before lightning occurs.

In this regard, the hydrogen production process can advantageously include the detection of the upcoming occurrence of a storm, in order to be able to capture the electrical energy before the storm occurs.

Detecting the upcoming occurrence of a storm includes, for example, a step of monitoring weather forecasts.

When a coming storm is detected, the sensing element 2 is released into the atmosphere to capture the electrical energy arising from the potential difference between the electrically charged areas of the atmosphere 3, linked to the storm which prepares itself, and the earth 4.

Preferably, the hydrogen production process may include a probing step preceding the capture step and intended to measure the potential difference in the atmosphere 3 or between the atmosphere 3 and the earth 4 before the occurrence of a storm.

The probing step makes it possible to determine whether the potential difference is high enough to operate the electrolyser 6 and low enough not to damage the electrolyser 6.

In this regard, the hydrogen production system 1 may include a voltmeter to measure the potential difference.

The probing step is carried out by moving the conductive surface 5 in the atmosphere 3.

When an adequate potential difference is measured, the conductive surface 5 can be positioned in the deployed position to promote the capture of electrical energy and proceed to the capture step. By adequate potential difference is meant a potential difference whose value lies within an operating range of the electrolyzer 6.

Preferably, to capture electrical energy, the capture element 2 is moved to the periphery of the cumulonimbus 10 to capture the negatively charged particles and to the center of the cumulonimbus 10 to capture the positively charged particles.

The electrical energy thus captured by the electrically conductive surface 5 is conveyed by the electrical cable 8 to the electrolyser 6, which is connected to earth 4, and the electrolyser 6 produces hydrogen from water and the electrical energy captured.

Advantageously, the direction of connection of the electrolyser 6 can be adapted according to the direction of the potential difference.

The connection of the electrolyzer depends on the area covered by the capture element 2. It is likely to travel through a zone of positive ions, generally at the edge of the cumulonimbus, or a zone of negative ions in the center of it. .

The direction of the potential difference can be tested regularly, using a voltmeter, in order to adapt the direction of connection of the electrolyser 6.

In this regard, it could be envisaged that the hydrogen production system 1 includes a voltmeter and means for automatically switching the direction of connection of the electrolyser 6.

The step of capturing electrical energy by the conductive surface 3 can cause more or less significant lightning and cause damage to the hydrogen production system 1. A circuit breaker 11 is therefore, preferably, positioned between the electrolyser 4 and the electric cable 8 connecting the electrolyser 4 and the electrically conductive surface 3.

In addition, the movement of the capture element 2 in the atmosphere 3 is, preferably, assisted by guiding means 12 such as a drone, in order to search more effectively for areas charged with positive or negative ions of the atmosphere 3, and in particular the cumulonimbus 10. The guide means 12 may comprise a fixing member 13 to the capture element 2, such as a fixing arm.

Preferably, the fixing member 13 is electrically insulating to limit the risks of damage to the hydrogen production system 1 linked to lightning which may occur during the step of capturing the electrical energy by the conductive surface 3 of the capture element 2.

Advantageously, the fixing member 13 can be configured to be able to be separated from the capture element 2.

As illustrated, the electrolyzer 6 can be positioned on a support 14.

The support 14 can be fixed or mobile.

Preferably, the support 14 is movable in order to be able to move the electrolyser 6, the collection element 2 and the water reserve supplying the water inlet 7 of the electrolyser 6, in stormy and electrically charged areas of the atmosphere 3.

The support 14 can be a means of transport, such as a vehicle. The support 14 is, for example, a truck, a boat or even an aircraft.

In an embodiment where the support 14 is a boat, it can be provided that the water inlet 7 is supplied by the water on which the boat is sailing.

In order to facilitate the movement of the capture element 2 and the access of the latter to different zones of the atmosphere 3, the hydrogen production system 1 can comprise an electric cable unwinder 15 for the electrical capable 8 connecting the electrically conductive surface 3 and the electrolyzer 6.

The electric cable unwinder 15 can be placed on the support 14.

We could plan for the electrolyser 6 to be connected to a hydrogen storage unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrolyser 6 can be placed between first and second electrically charged zones of the atmosphere 3. A first sensing element 2 connected to the electrolyser 6 is intended to be positioned in a first positively charged zone of the atmosphere 3 and a second sensing element 2 also connected to the electrolyser 6 is intended to be positioned in a second negatively charged zone of the atmosphere 2 in order to capture the electrical energy of a potential difference formed between the first and second charged zones.

The hydrogen production process can thus comprise the capture of electrical energy from a potential difference formed between a first capture element 2 connected to the electrolyser 6 and positioned in a first positively charged zone of the atmosphere 2 and a second capture element 2 also connected to the electrolyzer 6 and positioned in a second negatively charged zone of the atmosphere 3.

According to one example, the first and second sensing elements 2 can each be directed into the atmosphere by a guiding means 12. In this case, each guiding means 12 can be, for example, an aircraft.

It could be envisaged that the aircraft directing the first and second sensing elements 2 are aerostats.

According to one example, the electrolyser 6 can be positioned on the ground.

According to another example, the guide means 12 of one of the first and second sensing elements 2 and the support 14 of the electrolyser 6 can be formed by the same structure, for example an aircraft. The structure formed, for example, by an aircraft may include a hydrogen storage unit connected to the electrolyzer 6.

The first and second collection elements 2 are, advantageously, each connected to the electrolyser 6 by an electric cable.

It is then possible to make the collection element 2 travel through the cumulonimbus 10, from several hours to several days before the storm, so as not to generate too many disturbances, in order to recover the electrical energy from the potential differences. present, before lightning strikes, and take advantage of it to produce hydrogen.

The hydrogen production process is efficient and can be easily implemented, using few structural elements.

The electrical energy of the potential differences captured before the occurrence of a storm is lower than the electrical energy captured during the occurrence of lightning. The voltages thus generated, lower than during the occurrence of lightning, make it possible to avoid damage to the electrical equipment of the hydrogen production system 1.

Furthermore, unlike the recovery of charges during the occurrence of lightning, which occurs over a very short time, the recovery of charges before the occurrence of the storm can be carried out over a longer time interval, for the capture of a quantity of electrical charges adequate for the operation of the electrolyzer 6. Despite the low frequency of occurrence of storms, the quantity of electrical energy that can be recovered from potential differences makes the production process hydrogen particularly profitable in terms of quantity of hydrogen produced.

The recovery of electrical energy from potential differences between charged zones present in the atmosphere or between a charged zone of the atmosphere and the earth, before the occurrence of a storm, makes it possible to produce hydrogen. . The hydrogen thus produced can be stored and, optionally, transported for its use as a source of green energy at a location different from the location of its production.

Claims

1. Process for producing hydrogen, comprising: capturing electrical energy from a potential difference between first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) or between one of the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) atmosphere (3) and the earth (4), the capture being carried out before the occurrence of a storm by moving at least one capture element (2) comprising an electrically conductive surface (5) in the atmosphere (3); the conduction by at least one electric cable (8) of the electrical energy captured by said electrically conductive surface (5) to at least one electrolyser (6); and the production of hydrogen by the electrolyzer (6) from water and captured electrical energy.

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising detecting the occurrence of a storm, the capture of the electrical energy being carried out before the occurrence of the storm, preferably between several days and several hours before the occurrence of the storm. thunderstorm.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a probing step preceding the capture step and intended to measure from a voltmeter the potential difference between the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) or between one of the first and second charged zones of the atmosphere (3) and the earth (4) before the occurrence of a storm in order to determine whether the potential difference is high enough to operate the electrolyzer (6) and sufficiently weak not to damage the electrolyzer (6).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the capture element (2) is moved to the periphery of a cumulonimbus (10) to capture the negatively charged particles and to the center of the cumulonimbus (10) to capture the positively charged particles.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the direction of connection of the electrolyzer (6) is adapted as a function of the direction of the potential difference.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a circuit breaker (1 1) is arranged between the electric cable (8) and the electrolyser (6).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the movement of the sensing element (2) is assisted by guiding means (12), such as a drone or an aircraft.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electrolyzer (6) is positioned on a mobile support (14), such as a truck, a boat or an aircraft.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical cable (8) connecting the sensing element (2) and the electrolyzer (6) is covered with an insulating sheath.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the sensing of electrical energy from a potential difference formed between a first sensing element (2) connected to the electrolyser (6) and positioned in a first charged zone positively from the atmosphere (3) and a second capture element (2) also connected to the electrolyzer (6) and positioned in a second negatively charged zone of the atmosphere (3).