Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus that includes a reactant with a vapor phase at greater than atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a tank for housing the reactant, such as ammonia. Ammonia communicates with a reactor having a solid reactant, such as lithium aluminum tetrahydride. A check valve is located between the tank and the reactor and is used to control the flow of ammonia to the reactor. Heat generated by the reaction is useful in raising the temperature of the reactant in the tank. The reactor can also include a gas flow enhancing material that facilitates gas flow through the reactor. A filter and getters are employed downstream of the reactor to remove unwanted solids and impurities from the hydrogen gas stream.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator employs substantially adiabatic hydrolysis and thermal decomposition of chemical hydrides to provide a controllable generation of hydrogen from a small, lightweight container. The hydrogen generator includes a thermally isolated container for containing a chemical hydride, a preheater to heat the chemical hydride to a predetermined temperature before the chemical hydride is hydrolyzed, a water supply controlled to maintain substantially adiabatic and controlled generation of hydrogen from said chemical hydride, and a buffer to supply an initial flow of hydrogen during generator start-up, absorb excess hydrogen during generator shut-down, and to smooth the hydrogen flow due to changing loads.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator employs substantially adiabatic hydrolysis and thermal decomposition of chemical hydrides to provide a controllable generation of hydrogen from a small, lightweight container. The hydrogen generator includes a thermally isolated container for containing a chemical hydride, a preheater to heat the chemical hydride to a predetermined temperature before the chemical hydride is hydrolyzed, a water supply controlled to maintain substantially adiabatic and controlled generation of hydrogen from said chemical hydride, and a buffer to supply an initial flow of hydrogen during generator start-up, absorb excess hydrogen during generator shut-down, and to smooth the hydrogen flow due to changing loads.