Abstract: A solar energy collection and storage system and a method of collecting and storing solar energy. The system includes a device for focusing solar energy onto a reaction chamber for the conversion of metal hydride to liquid metal and hydrogen, a metal/metal hydride chamber containing a metal/metal hydride mixture, a hydrogen storage system using hydrides and a thermo-cline for recovering the thermal energy from the hydrogen when it is cooled from 2000 F to ambient conditions for storage.

Abstract: An automatic reactant dispenser for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants, the dispenser comprising a container generally surrounding the electrodes with a cover that controls dispensation of a reactant produced at the electrode during electrolysis of the reactant product. In one embodiment, the cover has a plurality of apertures that allow passage of droplets of liquid reactant through the cover. The apertures are spaced on the cover so as to maintain separation of the droplets as they pass through the cover. In another embodiment, the bottom of the cover has a plurality of pockets which collect liquid reactant. Buoyant forces from the accumulated liquid reactant cause the cover to pivot open to release the accumulated liquid reactant. The pivoting of the cover may also temporarily interrupt the electrical circuit energizing the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants. The electrode comprises an elongated box made of graphite having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a space therebetween, the second side being porous to convey one of the reactants through it into the space as the reactants are produced without conveying the reactant product. The reactant conveyed through the porous portion into the electrode internal space exits the electrode through an outlet aperture at an end of the electrode.

Abstract: A reactant product valve for an electrolysis cell. The valve comprises first and second members disposed generally horizontally in the reactant product above the electrodes. The second member floats on liquid reactant product, sinks in liquid reactant and is movable between a closed position and open positions to control flow of reactant product through the valve. A plurality of apertures in the second member are offset horizontally from a plurality of apertures in the first member. The valve has at least one open position at which the second member is spaced from the first member so that the apertures in the first member communicate with the apertures in the second member, thereby allowing movement of reactant product through the valve. In the closed position the second member is adjacent the first member and the apertures do not communicate, thereby prohibiting movement of reactant product through the valve.

Abstract: A method of converting and storing energy in a repeatable cycle using a rechargeable electrolytic cell providing a thermal energy output during discharge, and which recharges electrically. The cell contains chemical reactants and reactant product. The reactant product is electrolyzed into the reactants by at least one electrode in operational communication with the reactant product. The electrode has a porous portion, and one of the reactants, the oxidizer, is conveyed through the porous portion of the electrode, without conveying the reactant product through it, into a hollow internal cavity in the electrode. The reactants are separated and stored in the cell. The stored reactants are controllably combined to produce the reactant product and the thermal energy output. The thermal energy is removed from the cell for useful purposes.

Abstract: A rechargeable energy cell providing a thermal energy output during discharge, and which recharges electrically. The cell contains chemical reactants and reactant product. The reactants are controllably combined in a reaction portion of the cell to produce the reactant product and the thermal energy output. In the preferred embodiment, the reaction portion is designed to facilitate heat transfer. The reactant product is electrolyzed into the reactants, which are separated and stored in the cell, by at least one electrode in operational communication with the reactant product. The electrode has a hollow internal cavity, and a portion of the electrode functions as a valve to convey one of the reactants electrolyzed by the electrode into the cavity without conveying the reactant product into the cavity. The system is fully reversible and results in energy densities which are over 1 kilowatt-hour per Kilogram of cell weight.

Abstract: A stirling engine which uses a dual pressure shell surrounding the high pressure and temperature engine components. Space between the shells is filled with an incompressible and insulating liquid material, such as a liquid salt. The liquid may have a filler material to prevent excessive movement. The liquid provides a time varying pressure field, driven by the pressure variations in the Stirling engine working fluid, which cancels the pressure differential on heat transfer tubing. The heat transfer tubing is inside of a dome which contains an incompressible, highly thermally conductive liquid, such as Sodium. The combination described allows a Stirling engine to operate at significantly higher temperatures and pressures relative to existing technology.