Abstract: A high pressure proton exchange membrane based water electrolyzer system that may include a series of proton exchange membrane (PEM) cells that may be electrically coupled together and coupled to a proton exchange membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that is spiral wound onto a conductive center post, wherein an innermost PEM cell of the MEA may be electrically connected with the conductive center post, or center electrode, and wherein an outermost PEM cell of the MEA may be electrically coupled to pressure vessel cylinder, or outer electrode. Each PEM cell may include an anode portion and a cathode portion separated by a portion of the PEM membrane. In addition, a non-permeable separator layer may also be spiral wound around the conductive center post and separates the wound portions of the PEM core.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, and method associated therewith, for recovering the compression energy stored in hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis of water in a high-pressure water electrolyzer. The restored compression energy may be recovered and converted to a useable form to provide power to the high-pressure water electrolyzer, or alternatively to provide usable power to a coupled system that uses high-pressure hydrogen gas or oxygen gas such as a fuel cell for an electric vehicle, or both for use in providing power to the electrolyzer and to the fuel cell electric vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a PV array and an electrolyzer operatively connected together and each operatively connected to a utility power grid so that electricity produced by the PV array is selectively delivered to the utility power grid and the electrolyzer. The resulting process increases the efficiency of the solar-hydrogen production process, and results in lower-cost renewable hydrogen.

Abstract: A product includes a vehicle battery, capable of being charged using solar energy, a plurality of photovoltaic cells, arranged in at least one of series or parallel, forming an array that produces a self-regulated voltage and current for charging the vehicle battery using solar energy, and an electrical connection linking the array to the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a PV array and an electrolyzer operatively connected together and each operatively connected to a utility power grid so that electricity produced by the PV array is selectively delivered to the utility power grid and the electrolyzer. The resulting process increases the efficiency of the solar-hydrogen production process, and results in lower-cost renewable hydrogen.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic (PV) module(s) is arranged in series and/or parallel electrical connection to deliver direct current electrical power to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. The electric power is delivered by the array at its maximum power point (Vmpp) to deliver Ioper at Voper for the electrolyzer. The arrangement of the PV modules in the array, or the arrangement of cells in the electrolyzer, is continually monitored and controlled by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyzer systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. A DC-DC converter may be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: An array of solar powered photovoltaic modules is optimally oriented and operated to provide more electrical energy for uses such as powering an electrolyzer system for hydrogen production. The array is positioned with its light receiving surface at an optimal angle, preferably a continually changing angle determined by two-axis solar tracking, when continually measured solar irradiance indicates suitable sunlight, and at a horizontal position when measured solar irradiance indicates excessive atmospheric cloudiness.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a photoelectrochemical (PEC) electrode or photoelectrode for use in splitting water by electrolysis. The photoelectrode has an electrically conductive surface in contact with an electrolyte solution. This surface is a doped tin oxide layer, which is in electrical contact with the semiconductor solar cell material of the PEC photoelectrode. In a variation of the present invention, another layer of metal oxide having transparent, anti-reflective, and conductive properties is disposed between the doped tin oxide layer and the semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the efficiency of a solar powered hydrogen generation system is disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen with an efficiency greater than 12%. This high efficiency for the solar powered electrolysis of water was obtained by matching the voltage generated by photovoltaic modules to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer. Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar generated hydrogen less expensive and more practical for use as an environmentally clean and renewable fuel.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a photoelectrode and also provides a photoelectrode comprising a semiconductor layer having a first and second opposite major surfaces, with the first major surface overlaid with a layer of indium tin oxide having a thickness, crystal structure, and composition sufficient for robust operation in an electrochemical cell for electrolysis of water.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a photoelectrochemical (PEC) electrode or photoelectrode for use in splitting water by electrolysis. The photoelectrode has an electrically conductive surface in contact with an electrolyte solution. This surface is a doped tin oxide layer, which is in electrical contact with the semiconductor solar cell material of the PEC photoelectrode. In a variation of the present invention, another layer of metal oxide having transparent, anti-reflective, and conductive properties is disposed between the doped tin oxide layer and the semiconductor material.