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: Purge systems and methods are disclosed for flushing unreacted materials and byproducts from a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor houses a hydrogen generation catalyst and the system comprises a hydrogen generation fuel cartridge containing a reservoir that stores water which may be recovered from the exhaust of a fuel cell. The reservoir may comprise a flexible bladder or a piston-type configuration. Water is delivered from the reservoir to flush the reactor of any residual fuel and/or byproducts.

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: A system for generating hydrogen gas utilizes a volume exchange housing for the storage of a fuel material that reacts to generate hydrogen gas and a hydrogen separation chamber. The system includes a gas permeable membrane or membranes that allow hydrogen gas to pass through the membrane while preventing aqueous solutions from passing therethrough. The system is orientation independent. A throttle valve is also used to self regulate the reaction generating the hydrogen gas.

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: The present invention relates to an improvement in a system for the generation of hydrogen by contacting an aqueous solution of a metal hydride salt with a hydrogen generation catalyst. In particular, the present invention relates to the incorporation within the system of a recycle line of water condensed from the fluid product to the feed line to be contacted with the catalyst. The internal recycle line permits the use of a more concentrated solution of metal hydride as it is diluted by the recycle line prior to contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a fuel container, a spent fuel container, a catalyst system and a control system for generating hydrogen in a manner which provides for a compact and efficient construction while producing hydrogen from a reaction involving a hydride solution such as sodium borohydride.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for hydrogen generation based on hydrolysis of solid chemical hydrides with the capability of controlled startup and stop characteristics wherein regulation of acid concentration, acid feed rate, or a combination of both control the rate of hydrogen generation. The system comprises a first chamber for storing a solid chemical hydride and a second chamber for storing an acidic reagent. The solid chemical hydride is a solid metal borohydride having the general formula MBH4, where M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, aluminum cation, zinc cation, and ammonium cation. The acidic reagent may comprise inorganic acids such as the mineral acids hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof.