Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydrogen generation utilizing two or more liquid fuel components, using a fuel delivery system comprising a single reversible or bi-directional pump co-operable with flow control means comprising passive or active valves to deliver two or more fuel components to a mixing zone, reaction zone, or reaction chamber of a hydrogen generation system. The pump is operable in a forward direction to deliver one fuel component, and in a reverse direction to deliver a second fuel component. Control of the pump speed, direction and duty cycle of the pump in continuous or pulsed modes provides for delivery of first and second fuel components in desired proportions, to control hydrogen generation. The system also allows for dilution, mixing and flush cycles to be provided using a single pump, reducing the number of active elements required for fuel delivery and flow control in systems using two or more liquid fuel components.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation fuel cartridge system which can be removably connected to a fuel cell power module is disclosed. The removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge comprises a fuel storage module and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) that is interchangeable with each module. All controls are preferably contained in the BOP. A heat exchanger may be employed to control the temperature of the cartridge and components such as the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen generation based on the hydrolysis of a solid fuel are disclosed. The hydrogen generator comprises a fuel chamber for storing a solid chemical hydride, a chamber for storing a liquid reagent, and a liquid distributor disposed within the fuel chamber. The contact between the solid chemical hydride and the liquid reagent produces a substantially fluid nongaseous product and hydrogen gas. The liquid distributor is configured to move through at least a portion of the substantially fluid nongaseous product within the fuel chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydrogen generation utilizing two or more liquid fuel components, using a fuel delivery system comprising a single pump. Advantageously, a single reversible cycle pump is used to deliver two or more fuel components of a fuel mixture in desired proportions to a mixing zone, reaction zone, or reaction chamber of a hydrogen generation system, while reducing the number of active elements required for fuel delivery and flow control of multiple fuel components. Alternatively, a unidirectional single or duel feed pump co-operable with flow control means comprising a valve provides for delivering first and second fuel components in desired proportions. Control of the pump speed, and duty cycle of the pump in continuous or pulsed modes, provides for delivery of first and second fuel components in desired proportions, to control hydrogen generation, and to provide for dilution, mixing, and flush cycles, using a single pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydrogen generation utilizing two or more liquid fuel components, using a fuel delivery system comprising a single reversible or bi-directional pump co-operable with flow control means comprising passive or active valves to deliver two or more fuel components to a mixing zone, reaction zone, or reaction chamber of a hydrogen generation system. The pump is operable in a forward direction to deliver one fuel component, and in a reverse direction to deliver a second fuel component. Control of the pump speed, direction and duty cycle of the pump in continuous or pulsed modes provides for delivery of first and second fuel components in desired proportions, to control hydrogen generation. The system also allows for dilution, mixing and flush cycles to be provided using a single pump, reducing the number of active elements required for fuel delivery and flow control in systems using two or more liquid fuel components.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which a fuel cell purge cycle recaptures fluid material such as water and hydrogen from an electrode of a fuel cell and can recycle the hydrogen to the anode, leading to improved fuel cell efficiency with minimal parasitic load. Pressure fluctuations of a hydrogen generation system may be integrated with the fuel cell purge cycle to recycle hydrogen to the fuel cell and water to the hydrogen generation system.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating hydrogen gas using a catalyst or reagent and a boron hydride compound. The preferred hydrogen generation system includes a fuel cartridge and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) module. Solid fuel is stored in individual fuel packets in a fuel chamber, and converted into a fuel solution. Fuel is pumped to a reactor where it produces hydrogen and borate. The hydrogen and borate product exit the reactor and are deposited in a hydrogen separation chamber separated from the fuel chamber by a moveable partition. Hydrogen is separated by a membrane and exits the generator. As fuel is consumed, the movable partition is disposed toward the fuel chamber and the borate product is deposited on one side of the movable partition. The controls are preferably contained in the BOP module.

Abstract: A packaging system and method are disclosed for delivering a solid fuel component in pre-measured quantities for hydrogen generation. Each quantity may be contained in a sealed pack or in a plurality of packs connected in series for indexing through a solid fuel dispenser. The solid fuel may be a boron hydride that is stored in its dry form and mixed with a liquid, as needed. The liquid may include water. The solid fuel component may be provided in various forms, including granules, pellets and powder.

Abstract: A packaging system and method are disclosed for delivering a solid fuel component in pre-measured quantities for hydrogen generation. Each quantity may be contained in a sealed blister pack or in a plurality of blister packs connected in series for indexing through a solid fuel dispenser. The solid fuel may be a metal borohydride that is stored in its dry form and mixed with a liquid, as needed. The liquid may include water. The solid fuel component may be provided in various forms, including granules, pellets and powder.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation fuel cartridge system which can be removably connected to a fuel cell power module is disclosed. The removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge comprises a fuel storage module and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) that is interchangeable with each module. All controls are preferably contained in the BOP. A heat exchanger may be employed to control the temperature of the cartridge and components such as the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Hybrid systems and methods for managing hydrogen system pressure and providing continuous electrical power during startup and hydrogen flow transients in an electrical power system are disclosed. The hybrid systems of the present invention comprise a hydrogen gas generator, an electricity producing hydrogen consuming device, and an auxiliary power source wherein the auxiliary power source is capable of storing energy produced by hydrogen produced by the generator, and the electricity producing hydrogen consuming device and the auxiliary power source are connected in parallel to an energy consuming device.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system including a removable hydrogen generation fuel cartridge module and method are disclosed. The fuel cell power system incorporates one or more of the following elements: a) a mechanism for fuel regulation which may be controlled by an auxiliary module; b) a means for heat exchange in communication with the reactor and/or the fuel cartridge body; c) an air filter for the incoming oxidant gas feed to the power module; d) a means to transfer mechanical energy from the power module to the fuel cartridge; and e) a means for heat exchange.

Abstract: Hydrogen generators and power module systems that use solid chemical hydrides and acidic reagents for hydrogen storage and generation on demand are disclosed. The generators incorporate mechanisms for controlling the contact between solid chemical hydride and acidic reagents to control the rate of hydrogen generation and characteristics of the reaction products, including bulk density. The preferred systems of the present invention combine functions of fuel reagent storage, reaction chamber, and gas-liquid separation into a minimum number of components to reduce the balance of plant of hydrogen generation systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring at least two system parameters (such as system temperature or pressure, or system pressure at two different locations) of a hydrogen generation system and controlling hydrogen generation from a fuel solution. The system comprises a hydrogen generator having a fuel chamber for a liquid fuel, a reactor chamber where the fuel undergoes a reaction to produce hydrogen, and at least two sensors in communication with the reactor chamber, the sensors measuring at least two system parameters of the hydrogen generator. The methods include control sequences for controlling the fuel flow rate to the reactor based on the sensed parameters.

Abstract: Solid self-stabilized borohydride fuel compositions, fuel cartridges, related methods of preparation and hydrogen generation are provided. The fuel compositions comprise mixtures of at least one borohydride salt with a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, aluminum cation, zinc cation, and ammonium cation, preferably sodium borohydride, and at least one hydroxide salt with a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, aluminum cation, zinc cation, and ammonium cation, preferably sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.