Abstract: a fuel cell system without a high pressure line of a hydrogen supplying system, including a gas charging line formed between a gas charging station and a high pressure vessel charged with gas by the gas charging station, and a gas supplying line formed between the high pressure vessel and a stack, includes: a regulator provided in the gas supplying line; a solenoid valve provided in the gas supplying line between the regulator and the high pressure vessel; and a check valve provided in a bypass line connecting one point of the gas supplying line between the regulator and the solenoid valve and one point of the gas charging line.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alternative fuel fueling station useful for fueling both electrical and hydrogen alternative fuel vehicles simultaneously. The alternative fuel fueling station includes a solid oxide fuel cell, an electrical conduit, and a compressed hydrogen conduit, such that the alternative fuel fueling station can fuel both the electrical and hydrogen alternative fuel vehicles simultaneously.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a fuel reformer housing container and a fuel reforming apparatus, which are capable of maintaining a level of vacuum inside the fuel reformer housing container favorably and which have less power generation loss. A fuel reformer housing container includes a base having a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer in which reformed gas containing hydrogen gas is generated from fuel, a discharge pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to discharge the reformed gas from the fuel reformer, a supply pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to supply the fuel to the fuel reformer, and a gas adsorbent housed in the concave portion, for adsorbing gas in the concave portion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed to generate hydrogen. The system includes a fuel cartridge, a cartridge interface, and a fuel cartridge receiver. The fuel cartridge includes a liquid permeable material with one or more cavities that encloses a solid anhydrous chemical hydride. The fuel cartridge also includes a housing that is heat and pressure resistant that houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. The fuel cartridge also includes one or more liquid sources that introduce the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material.

Abstract: A system and process for gas homogenization is disclosed. This has application in the areas of generation of gas and its conversion to electricity in downstream applications. The homogenization system minimizes variance in the gas characteristics (composition, flow, pressure, temperature), thereby rendering a steady stream of gas of consistent quality to the downstream machinery. This homogenization system can be adjusted to optimize the output gas stream for specific end-applications, or to optimize the output gas stream for different input feedstocks. This ensures that overall conversion efficiencies are maximized while keeping the process cost-effective. Such a uniform, steady output gas stream has a wide range of applications in the broad areas of generation of electricity (e.g. using internal combustion engines and combustion turbine engines), chemical synthesis (e.g.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for storing hydrogen is described. The hydrogen is infused into hollow spheres. The spheres are made from a polymer which has a tensile strength sufficient to contain hydrogen under selected internal pressure conditions; and has a permeation coefficient which can be adjusted under variable humidity conditions. Adjustment of the humidity level after the hydrogen is infused results in the walls of the spheres becoming impermeable to hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the spheres can then be released at a desired time by readjusting the humidity level. The released hydrogen can be directed to any type of equipment which is fueled by hydrogen or otherwise uses the gas. Related articles and systems are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to generate hydrogen. A liquid permeable material with one or more cavities contains a solid anhydrous chemical hydride and an anhydrous activating agent. A housing that is heat and pressure resistant houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material. A gas outlet port releases hydrogen gas produced by a reaction comprising the solid anhydrous chemical hydride, the anhydrous activating agent, and the liquid. A hydrogen output regulator controls the amount of hydrogen gas that the gas outlet port releases.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a fuel reformer housing container and a fuel reforming apparatus, which are capable of maintaining a level of vacuum inside the fuel reformer housing container favorably and which have less power generation loss. A fuel reformer housing container (11) includes a base (1) having a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer (9) in which reformed gas containing hydrogen gas is generated from fuel, a discharge pipe (5b) for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to discharge the reformed gas from the fuel reformer, a supply pipe (5a) for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to supply the fuel to the fuel reformer (9), and a gas adsorbent (10) housed in the concave portion, for adsorbing gas in the concave portion.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.

Abstract: Reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides can be achieved if engines are fuelled with mixtures of gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and natural gas. Storing the gaseous fuels separately is desirable so that the fuel mixture ratio can be changed responsive to engine operating conditions. The present apparatus increases the storage density of gaseous fuels such as hydrogen by storing them in gaseous form at high pressures and at sub-ambient temperatures. A first thermally insulated space for holding a first gaseous fuel in a liquefied form is separated from a second thermally insulated space for holding a second gaseous fuel by a thermally conductive fluid barrier. The second gaseous fuel liquefies at a lower temperature than the first gaseous fuel such that the second gaseous fuel can be stored within the second thermally insulated space in a gaseous form at a sub-ambient temperature.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen. One embodiment of such a method comprises providing a storage apparatus having a substrate and a nanostructure mat on at least a portion of a side of the substrate. The nanostructure mat comprises a plurality of nanostructures having a surface ionization state which causes more than one layer of hydrogen to adsorb onto the nanostructures. The method can also include exposing the nanostructure mat to hydrogen such that more than one layer of hydrogen adsorbs onto the nanostructures.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a hydrogen gas storage and supply method, comprising (a) providing a dry, solid-state hydrogen fuel source comprising a solid metal hydride or chemical hydride and a reaction-controlling agent in a solid state, wherein the hydride and the reaction-controlling agent are mixed at a desired proportion; and (b) delivering a desired amount of a liquid reactant to contact and react with a desired amount of the solid-state fuel source to produce hydrogen gas continuously or intermittently on demand, responsive to the needs of a fuel cell.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas station is disclosed comprising, a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas through reforming reaction of an organic compound, a gas supply port configured to communicate with a gas supply pipe to supply the reformed gas to a plurality of fuel cells, and a gas recovery port configured to communicate with a gas recovery pipe to receive an off gas containing hydrogen unconsumed from the fuel cells, the hydrogen gas station being configured to consume the off gas.

Abstract: A flexible bag for receiving flowable material is suspended, as from a gantry, and is tethered transversely and yet has substantially free movement along three sides for complete filling. The length of the tethers may be selected to prevent complete collapse of the bag when empty, and tubular perforated members having an “H” configuration within the bag may be provided for this purpose. Auxiliary structures provide for cooling of materials provided to the bag, their diffusion on inlet to the bag, their recirculation in the bag, and their removal from the bag. Accessories for use with wet gas provide for separation of inlet liquid and drainage of condensate within the bag.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for online and on-site tracer generation for tagging natural gas stored in underground storage fields wherein feedstock is drawn from a feedstock source. The feedstock undergoes initial analysis to determine hydrocarbons levels. The feedstock then undergoes reaction to produce tracers such as ethylene, propylene, acetylene hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The feedstock is then analyzed to determine post reaction tracer concentration. The feedstock including generated tracers is then introduced back into the feedstock stream. Tracer levels in the pre-reaction or initial analysis of feedstock are compared with tracer levels in the post-reaction feedstock and the rate of flow of feedstock through the system is adjusted to achieve a predetermined level of tracer concentration. The level of tracer concentration will then be used to identify the particular natural gas charge in a storage field.

Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank includes a housing, and a heat exchanger provided within the housing. The heat exchanger has an upstream side heat transfer pipe formed flatly, a downstream side heat transfer pipe formed flatly, and a connection pipe for connecting the two heat transfer pipes to each other. The heat exchanger has a plurality of fins which are formed between the two heat transfer pipes so as to extend along the lengthwise direction of the two heat transfer pipes. A composite of granular MH powder and flaky aluminum powder is stored in the housing in the condition that the composite is in contact with the two heat transfer pipes and the fins. For example, powder of a rare-earth alloy (MmNi5) having a particle size of not larger than 500 &mgr;m is used as the MH powder. For example, flaky aluminum powder having a mean particle size of 80 &mgr;m and a thickness of 0.5 &mgr;m to 2 &mgr;m is used as the flaky aluminum powder.

Abstract: LPG storing cylinder (1) has a top portion fixed to a valve block (2) provided with a through hole (4) for attaching a gas take-out nozzle (3). The gas take-out nozzle (3) is attached to the through hole (4) as it is urged with an urging spring (6) for valve closing. A gas take-out passage (7) within the gas take-out nozzle (3) communicates with the nozzle attaching through hole (4) by a window hole (8). A sealing ring (10) is fitted into a portion where the window hole (8) is formed to shut off a communication between an interior area of the gas storing cylinder (1) and the gas take-out passage (7). A guide pipe (12) to communicate the interior area of the cylinder with a valve chamber (5) projects from an inner end wall of the valve block (2) into the interior area of the LPG storing cylinder (1).

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: A case for a hydrogen absorption indirect heat exchanger of the present invention includes a square cylindrical portion 11 having each portion thereof formed integrally by die-casting or extrusion molding. The corners 11a of this square cylindrical portion 11 and the center portion of its side 11b are shaped to a greater thickness than that of other portions. The weight of the case can be reduced while the case powder capacity is secured.

Abstract: A skid with built-in heating elements for heating and supporting a compressed-gas dispensing bulk vessel, or cylinder, while allowing for manipulation and transportation of the cylinder and skid assembly. The skid incorporates all of the features necessary for handling a cylinder while also providing a means for heating the cylinder in a controlled manner. The heater skid comprises a framework for receiving the cylinder and one or more heaters coupled to the framework so that the received cylinder is proximate to the heaters, thus, allowing the heaters to heat the cylinder. A control system for the heaters is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hardened asbestos-free, porous, calcium silicate filler material for an acetylene storage vessel is made by mixing quicklime with water to form a first mixture. Then ground quartz silica is added to form a second mixture. A fibrous reinforcing material is blended in to form a third mixture. A precipitated silica (or synthetic silica) is added and homogenized to form a fourth mixture. The fourth mixture is transferred into a cylinder to be filled and is cured under saturated steam pressure. Thereafter, the cylinder is dried. A gas storage cylinder so formed has a monolithic dry mass filling a metal shell. The mass has a porosity of about 88 to 92%, a density in the range of 250 g/l to 350 g/l, and a crush strength of 250 to 550 psig.

Abstract: A hardened asbestos-free, porous, calcium silicate filler material for an acetylene storage vessel is made by mixing quicklime with water to form a first mixture and at the same time mixing water, synthetic silica, cellulose fibers and ground quartz silica to form a second mixture. The first mixture is then added to the second mixture to form a third mixture. The third mixture is homogenized. Then a suspending agent is dispersed in the third mixture to form a fourth mixture. The fourth mixture is transferred into a cylinder to be filled and is cured under saturation steam pressure. Thereafter, the cylinder is dried. A gas storage cylinder so formed has a monolithic dry mass filling a metal shell. The mass has a porosity of about 88 to 91% and a density in the range of 250 g/l to 270 g/l.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for storing gaseous hydrocarbon fuel in storage containers under relatively low pressure by including in the cylinders highly microporous carbons prepared by further chemical activation of activated carbon comprising activation an active carbon precursor material with an alkali solution, predrying the blend to below about 25% moisture content, heat treating this blend at from about 652.degree. to about 1100.degree. C., and acid washing and drying the microporous activated carbon product, which is characterized by greater than 50% of its total pore volume comprising pores of from above 8 .ANG. to 20 .ANG. in width and greater than 70% of its total pore volume comprising pores of less than 20 .ANG. in width and greater than 95% of its total pore volume comprising pores of less than 50 .ANG. in width.

Abstract: A low pressure gas storage system comprising an annular anchor ring, a granular bed within the ring, a flexible membrane of gas storage chamber positioned above the bed, and a flexible membrane of air chamber encompassing the gas storage chamber and exerting pressure thereon; and a plurality of flexible, radially-extending restraining means positioned against and over the air chamber to exert a predetermined pressure thereon.

Abstract: A calcium silicate filler mass for use in storing a gas solution or liquid gas, said filler mass having a high compressive strength and containing at least 0.5 weight percent reinforcing carbon fibers uniformly disposed within said calcium silicate, said filler having uniformly distributed throughout very fine pores of less than about 25 microns, and being substantially absent of voids and having a porosity of at least about 85%. There is also disclosed an acetylene storage vessel for storing gas solutions of acetylene which includes said silicate filler mass disposed within a metal shell and a method of forming said acetylene storage vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for tagging methane by adding thereto one or more of the tracer compounds sulfur hexafluoride and chloropentafluoroethane. The methane being tagged is normally being stored in underground storage fields to provide identity and proof of ownership of the gas. The two tracer compounds are readily detectable at very low concentrations by electron capture gas chromatography apparatus which can be made portable and thus suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: An expansible dry seal gasholder includes a piston disposed within a container side wall and a plurality of generally annular fender structures disposed between the piston and the side wall and spaced therefrom and from each other, with flexible fabric sealing members interconnecting the piston and the fender structures and the side wall and closing the spaces therebetween. Respectively pivotally mounted between the arms of a clevis at the top of each fender structure are generally L-shaped latch members, each having one end thereof connected by a roller chain to the upper end of the next innermost fender structure, with the latch member of the innermost fender structure being connected to the upper end of the piston. The clevis brackets are adjustable effectively to vary the lengths of the chains.

Abstract: Method for depositing a layer or carpet of bitumen in an underground cavern which has a water sump layer in the bottom, and which is used for storing gaseous hydrocarbons, whereby the deposited bitumen carpet minimizes the vaporization of the cavern water into the stored gaseous hydrocarbon.