Abstract: The reaction of alkali, alkali-earth metal hydride with water is utilized for the generation of hydrogen in a novel generator configuration. This overcomes the problems encountered in earlier hydride based generator configurations inasmuch as it overcomes the problem associated with the expansion of the hydride upon its conversion to hydroxide or oxide when reacting with water. This is accomplished by using a hydride cartridge of unique configuration. The combination of the corrugated cartridge structure and the wicking material dispersed throughout the cartridge facilitate the complete utilization of the hydride and water in a demand responsive mode. This is important in applications where intermediate hydrogen storage is impractical, as is the case in the use of these generators--e.g., for electric power generation in fuel cells in general and for Underwater Vehicles specifically because space restraints.

Abstract: The reaction of alkali, alkali-earth metal hydride with water is utilized for the generation of hydrogen in a novel generator configuration. This overcomes the problem associated with the expansion of the hydride upon its conversion to hydroxide or oxide when reacting with water encountered in prior art generators. The hydride cartridge is comprised of a structure of corrugated perforated sheet metal and several layers of water wicking material, which hydride granules has dispersed within it. The hydride cartridge is housed in a reactor to which liquid water is admitted in a controlled mode. As the water enters the reactor and reaches the cartridge, hydrogen is instantaneously generated by the hydride water reaction. The hydrogen generation continues as long as unreacted hydride remains and water is being admitted. The wicking material allows the reaction to proceed inasmuch as it overcomes the rate limiting effect of diffusion barriers which may develop as portions of the hydride granules are reacted.