By Direct Decomposition Of Binary Compound; E.g., Chemical Storage, Etc. Patents (Class 423/658.2)
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Patent number: 8460634Abstract: A system and process are provided for extracting a substance from a molecular combination. The process comprises heating the molecular combination to dissociate the molecular combination into cations and anions, moving the cations and anions through a magnetic field to separate cations and anions, and isolating cations from anions with a barrier. The system comprises a non-conductive conduit for guiding an ionized particle stream, a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field through which the ionized particle stream moves, and a barrier located in the conduit. The ionized particle stream has a velocity relative to the conduit, and the magnetic field source is oriented relative to the velocity of the ionized particle stream so that cations are separated from anions as the ionized particle stream moves through the magnetic field. The barrier is oriented in the conduit so that cations are isolated from anions after separation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Elementary Energy, Inc.Inventor: Timothy O. Nichols
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Patent number: 8449861Abstract: In a process for photochemical and thermochemical generation of hydrogen and/or oxygen, water is contacted with at least one Si-containing compound selected from silicides, silicide-like compositions, and oxides of the silicides and silicide-like compositions. The Si-containing compound is selected from metallosilicides and non-metallic silicides of the formula RSixOy wherein R represents an organic, metallic, organometallic, biochemically derived and/or inorganic residue, wherein Si is silicon. The compound is preferably a silicide moiety with X>zero.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: H2 Solar GmbHInventors: Martin Demuth, Peter Ritterskamp
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Patent number: 8435476Abstract: Process for supplying a fuel cell with hydrogen, which includes the steps:—intermediate storage of (poly)silanes or (poly)silane solutions—transfer of the (poly)silanes to a reaction chamber—reaction or hydrolysis of the silanes or silane solutions in the reaction chamber with an aqueous solution to liberate H2,—removal of the solid and/or liquid reaction products from the reaction chamber,—transfer of the H2 formed to the fuel cell. The invention also relates to a hydrogen generator for fuel cells based on silanes.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: SPAWNT Private S.a.r.l.Inventor: Julius Pretterebner
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Patent number: 8394738Abstract: A mixed powder of AlH3 and MgH2 is ball-milled in a hydrogen atmosphere while applying force of 5 G through 30 G (in which G is gravitational acceleration), and the thus-obtained milled product is dehydrogenated to produce a hydrogen storage material. The hydrogen storage material comprises an amorphous phase containing an Al—Mg alloy as a mother phase, and a crystalline Al phase having a maximum length of 100 nm or less, the crystalline Al phase being distributed as a dispersed phase in the mother phase.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuya Hosoe, Izuru Kanoya, Terumi Furuta, Hiroshi Sakai
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Publication number: 20130058862Abstract: It is provided that the catalyst shows a high activity in an ammonia decomposition reaction and can efficiently decompose ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. The catalyst for decomposing ammonia of the present invention comprises at least one element (component (A)) selected from the elements of groups 6 to 10 of the long-form periodic table, and an oxide and/or complex oxide of at least one element (component (B)) selected from the elements of groups 2 to 5 and groups 12 to 15 of the long-form periodic table, wherein the calculated specific surface area (S2) of the component (A) is 20 m2/g or larger, and the ratio (S2/S1) of the calculated specific surface area (S2) of the component (A) to the specific surface area (S1) of the catalyst per se is 0.15 to 0.85.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Junji Okamura, Toshitaka Horiuchi, Hideaki Tsuneki, Masanori Yoshimune, Masami Ichinose
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Publication number: 20130059217Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for generating hydrogen, containing a composite metal of iron and nickel, the catalyst used in a decomposition reaction of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine and hydrates thereof; and a method for generating hydrogen, including contacting the catalyst for generating hydrogen with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine and hydrates thereof. According to the invention, hydrogen can be efficiently generated with improved selectivity in the method for generating hydrogen that utilizes the decomposition reaction of hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOLOGYInventors: Qiang Xu, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Ashish Kumar Singh
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Publication number: 20130047789Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for extracting hydrogen from lithium hydride. The apparatus includes a container for melting lithium hydride and a vacuum source for extracting hydrogen from the molten lithium hydride. A source of hydrogen may be provided to re-hydride the lithium metal, such that the apparatus provides a rechargeable source of hydrogen. A method of producing high purity lithium metal is also provided, where gaseous-phase lithium metal is extracted from lithium hydride and condensed to form solid high purity lithium metal. The high purity lithium metal may be hydrided to provide high purity lithium hydride.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: BABCOCK & WILCOX TECHNICAL SERVICES Y-12, LLCInventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
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Patent number: 8372371Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making alkali metal silicide compositions, and the compositions resulting from the method, comprising mixing an alkali metal with silicon and heating the resulting mixture to a temperature below about 475° C. The resulting compositions do not react with dry O2. Also, the invention relates to sodium silicide compositions having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprising at least three peaks with 2Theta angles selected from about 18.2, 28.5, 29.5, 33.7, 41.2, 47.4, and 56.2 and a solid state 23Na MAS NMR spectra peak at about 18 ppm. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of removing a volatile or flammable substance in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the alkali metal silicide compositions of the invention react with water to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignees: Signa Chemistry, Inc., Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Michael Lefenfeld, James L. Dye
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Patent number: 8372184Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Societe BICInventor: Joerg Zimmermann
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Patent number: 8372947Abstract: Reversible, high density hydrogen storage that provides a mechanism for reversible uptake/storage/release of hydrogen fuel in response to combination of thermal, mechanical, magnetic, electrical, optical or chemical stimuli. Exemplary media are based on natural and/or synthetic composite materials, and potentially can achieve the highest possible storage density, while using a simple, fast and energy-efficient means for hydrogen uptake and release when needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventor: Andrei G. Fedorov
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Publication number: 20130004413Abstract: A hydrogen storage material comprises an oxide and a hydride that can react with each other reversibly to produce hydrogen gas. A solid state hydrogen storage device and process of producing and storing hydrogen are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Ping Liu
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Patent number: 8337807Abstract: A solid mixture of fullerene and titanium hydride, a method of its formation, and a method of its use to rapidly produce a gaseous mixture of molecular hydrogen and fullerene on demand. The solid mixture may be resistively heated by discharge of a high power electrical current from a capacitor bank through the mixture to produce the mixture of hydrogen and fullerene within a few tens of microseconds. The resulting gaseous mixture of hydrogen and fullerene may be ionized and accelerated for the purpose of mitigating electromagnetic disruptions in a magnetically confined plasma.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: FAR-TECH, Inc.Inventor: Ioan-Niculae Bogatu
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Patent number: 8337806Abstract: A hydrogen producing fuel comprises a chemical hydride and metal hydride. In one embodiment the chemical hydride evolves hydrogen spontaneously upon exposure to water vapor, and the metal hydride reversibly absorbs/desorbs hydrogen based on temperature and pressure. The hydrogen producing substance may be formed in the shape of a pellet and may be contained within a hydrogen and water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane. The hydrogen producing substance may further be soaked in a hydrophobic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20120288440Abstract: The present invention relates to pulverulent materials suitable for storing hydrogen, and more particularly to a method of preparing such a material, in which: (A) a composite metallic material having a specific granular structure is prepared by co-melting the following mixtures: a first metallic mixture (m1), which is an alloy (a1) of body-centred cubic crystal structure, based on titanium, vanadium, chromium and/or manganese, or a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a1); and a second mixture (m2), which is an alloy (a2), comprising 38 to 42% zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum and/or tungsten and 56 to 60 mol % of nickel and/or copper, or else a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a2), with a mass ratio (m2)/(m1+m2) ranging from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %; and (B) the composite metallic material thus obtained is hydrogenated, whereby the composite material is fragmented (hydrogen decrepitation).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S.)Inventors: Jean Charbonnier, Patricia De Rango, Daniel Fruchart, Salvatore Miraglia, Sophie Rivoirard, Natalia Skryabina
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Publication number: 20120275981Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing nonpassivated silicon, which process comprises providing a sample of silicon and, under inert conditions, reducing the mean particle size in the sample by applying a mechanical force to the sample. The invention also provides nonpassivated silicon which is obtainable by such a process, and compositions which comprise the nonpassivated silicon. Further provided is a process for producing hydrogen, which process comprises contacting water with nonpassivated silicon, thereby producing hydrogen by hydrolysis of said silicon. The invention also provides a pellet for generating hydrogen, the pellet comprising nonpassivated silicon encapsulated within an organic coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: John Stuart Foord, Sobia Ashraf
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Publication number: 20120266863Abstract: The invention is using a hydrogen-containing solid as an energy storage material for naval and stationary uses. The system is designed and analyzed optimally for producing thermal energy necessary to dissociate magnesium hydride which in turn produces the needed hydrogen to operate a fuel-cell and meet the electricity demand. The collected hydrogen is used to power the various energy needs of the Navy as well as of homes. In addition, the solar thermal system may also be used to provide heat to hot water, and other heating needs. The system has an overall energy efficiency between 20% and 30% with both thermal and hydrogen storage capability for overall energy storage and provides smooth energy needs of a building.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Surendra Saxena, Yong X. Tao
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Patent number: 8287838Abstract: A thermochemical water-splitting process all reactions of which operate at relatively low temperatures and high efficiencies, and in which relatively inexpensive materials and processing methods are made possible. This invention involves the decomposition of a metal halide compound, i.e., one which is capable of being reduced from a higher oxidation state to lower oxidation state, e.g. vanadium chloride III?vanadium dichloride. The process is cyclic and regenerative, and the only net inputs are water and heat; and the only net outputs are hydrogen and oxygen. The process makes it possible to utilize a wide variety of available heat, including solar, sources for the energy input.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Steven Amendola
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Patent number: 8258077Abstract: A crystalline Al phase and a crystalline TiH2 phase each having a maximum length of 200 nm or less are dispersed in an amorphous phase containing an Al—Mg alloy to obtain a hydrogen storage material capable of reversibly storing and releasing hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuya Hosoe, Izuru Kanoya, Hiroshi Sakai, Terumi Furuta
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Publication number: 20120156576Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a continuous flow of hydrogen by catalyzed hydrolysis of a complex hydride, which comprises at least adding continuously and at constant rate a fuel solution to a reactor comprising a complex hydride stabilized on a hydroxide on a cobalt boride catalyst that is added in excess inside said reactor. Sodium borohydride is preferably used, the hydroxide is sodium hydroxide and the catalyst is supported on nickel foam. Parameters and optimal conditions to achieve continuous production of hydrogen have been determined, which is essential in the operation of fuel cells. A facility comprising a semi continuous reactor designed to perform the above process, which needs no refrigeration is also an object of the present invention, as well as a washing and reactivation process of a catalyst of the type used in the process mentioned above.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: María de los Ángeles JIMÉNEZ DOMÍNGUEZ, María del Mar Jiménez Vega, Belén Sarmiento Marrón, Asunción Fernández Camacho, Gisela Mariana Arzac De Calvo, Enrique Jiménez Roca
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Publication number: 20120148925Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen gas mixture. An ammonia-rich gaseous mixture containing ammonia and oxygen enters into a conduit within which combustion and decomposition of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating hydrogen. A mixture of gaseous products resulting from the reaction is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the incoming reactants including ammonia and oxygen are heat exchanged with the outgoing product mixture containing non-combusted hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Shawn Grannell, Donald E. Gillespie
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Publication number: 20120141369Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Societe BICInventor: Joerg Zimmermann
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Patent number: 8187348Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a container with multiple concentric hollow cylinders of chemical hydride fuel disposed within the container. A water vapor source is disposed within the container and operable to deliver water vapor to the cylinders of chemical hydride fuel. Generated hydrogen is provided via a hydrogen output port formed in the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang
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Publication number: 20120128578Abstract: A system and process are provided for extracting a substance from a molecular combination. The process comprises heating the molecular combination to dissociate the molecular combination into cations and anions, moving the cations and anions through a magnetic field to separate cations and anions, and isolating cations from anions with a barrier. The system comprises a non-conductive conduit for guiding an ionized particle stream, a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field through which the ionized particle stream moves, and a barrier located in the conduit. The ionized particle stream has a velocity relative to the conduit, and the magnetic field source is oriented relative to the velocity of the ionized particle stream so that cations are separated from anions as the ionized particle stream moves through the magnetic field. The barrier is oriented in the conduit so that cations are isolated from anions after separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventor: Timothy O. Nichols
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Patent number: 8172912Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. The gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Encite, LLCInventors: Stephen A. Marsh, Donald M. Parker, Peter N. Pintauro
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Patent number: 8147788Abstract: A method is disclosed for directly preparing an alkaline earth metal borohydride, i.e. Mg(BH4)2, from the alkaline earth metal boride MgB2 by hydrogenating the MgB2 at an elevated temperature and pressure. The boride may also be doped with small amounts of a metal chloride catalyst such as TiCl3 and/or NiCl2. The process provides for charging MgB2 with high pressure hydrogen above at least 70 MPa while simultaneously heating the material to about 350° C. to about 400° C. The method is relatively simple and inexpensive and provides a reversible hydride compound having a hydrogen capacity of at least 11 wt %.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ewa Carin Ellinor Rönnebro, Godwin Severa, Craig M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20120040261Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus for effectively generating hydrogen from ammonia and relates to the hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen from ammonia. The apparatus comprises an ammonia oxidation part having ammonia oxidation catalysts which oxidizes ammonia, and an ammonia decomposition part having an ammonia decomposition catalyst which decomposes ammonia to generate nitrogen and hydrogen. The decomposition part is located downstream of the oxidation part in a direction of feed gas flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicants: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Hidekazu Arikawa, Susumu Hikazudani, Chikashi Inazumi, Sadao Araki, Takuma Mori
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Patent number: 8110175Abstract: A system and process are provided for extracting a substance from a molecular combination. The process comprises heating the molecular combination to dissociate the molecular combination into cations and anions, moving the cations and anions through a magnetic field to separate cations and anions, and isolating cations from anions with a barrier. The system comprises a non-conductive conduit for guiding an ionized particle stream, a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field through which the ionized particle stream moves, and a barrier located in the conduit. The ionized particle stream has a velocity relative to the conduit, and the magnetic field source is oriented relative to the velocity of the ionized particle stream so that cations are separated from anions as the ionized particle stream moves through the magnetic field. The barrier is oriented in the conduit so that cations are isolated from anions after separation.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Timothy O. Nichols
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Publication number: 20120016041Abstract: A method of adapting an axial flow reaction vessel having opposed ports to an opposed axial flow reaction vessel includes installing a process fluid collection system within the body of the vessel in fluid communication with one or more of the ports; providing the vessel with a bed of particulate catalyst or sorbent containing a layer of inert particulate material around the process fluid collection system; and adapting the feed to the vessel through one or more of the ports such that a process fluid fed to the vessel is passed axially and in the opposite direction through the fixed bed of catalyst or sorbent and is collected by the process fluid collection system disposed centrally within the bed and in fluid communication with one or more of the ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: Johnson Matthey PLCInventors: Charles William Hooper, Michael Peter Roberts
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Publication number: 20120015802Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst which can be used in the process for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia, can generate heat efficiently in the interior of a reactor without requiring excessive heating the reactor externally, and can decompose ammonia efficiently and steadily by utilizing the heat to produce hydrogen. Also disclosed is a technique for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia efficiently utilizing the catalyst. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising an ammonia-combusting catalytic component and an ammonia-decomposing catalytic component. Also specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, nickel and molybdenum.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Junji Okamura, Masanori Yoshimune, Masaru Kirishiki, Hideaki Tsuneki, Shinya Kitaguchi
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Patent number: 8097235Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a process of forming a hydrogen material including the steps of providing a metal hydride material, providing a Bronsted acid material, combining the metal hydride material and Bronsted acid material, and pyrolyzing the combined material forming a hydrogen storage material having a hydrogen release temperature less than the metal hydride material.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Rana F. Mohtadi
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Patent number: 8097234Abstract: A capsule having a hydrogen gas permeable shell with solid-state hydride material, such as hydrogen rich LiAlH4, Li3AlH6, and/or AlH3 encapsulated therein. The hydrogen gas permeable shell has pores that are between about 1 nm to about 150 ?m in diameter to allow hydrogen gas to be extracted from the capsule. After passing the capsule through a hydrogen extraction zone, the capsule containing the spent solid-state hydride material is removed and is sent to recycling, wherein the capsule is opened to remove the spent solid-state hydride material, and the spent solid-state hydride material is rehydrogenated and repacked in a hydrogen gas permeable shell. The shell of the spent solid-state hydride material can be recycled and reused to make new shells.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Tina T. Salguero
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Patent number: 8093175Abstract: The invention relates to a composition capable of trapping hydrogen comprising: (a) at least one mineral compound of formula (I) below: MX(OH)??(I) in which: M represents a divalent transition element; O represents an oxygen atom; X represents an atom chosen from S, Se, Te, Po; and H represents a hydrogen atom; and (b) at least one nitrate salt of formula (II) below: ZNO3??(II) in which Z is a monovalent cation. Use of these compositions either in pulverulent form for trapping gaseous hydrogen by direct interaction, or in the form of an adjuvant in a containment material for, for example, trapping hydrogen released by radiolysis in radioactive waste packages.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Chantal Riglet-Martial
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Publication number: 20110300065Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Haruyuki NAKANISHI, Norihiko NAKAMURA, Hidekazu ARIKAWA, Hirofumi FUJIWARA, Hidehito KUBO, Keiji TOH, Akiko KUMANO, Shohei MATSUMOTO
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Publication number: 20110293510Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen gas mixture. A premixed, ammonia-rich gaseous mixture of anhydrous ammonia and air enters into a conduit within which combustion and decomposition of a portion of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating heat and hydrogen. The hydrogen mixes with the bulk of the gas mixture and the liberated heat drives the combustion reaction to completion, including portions of the gas not associated with the initial combustion and decomposition process. A mixture of gaseous products resulting from the reaction is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. In the preferred embodiment, combustion and decomposition of a portion of the mixture is initiated with a heating element disposed within the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Shawn Grannell, Donald E. Gillespie
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Publication number: 20110286913Abstract: A method and a device for generating of hydrogen are provided with which an instantaneous release of hydrogen in considerable amounts is possible. The method comprises a one or two step mixing including injecting the fuel and an activator fluid into a reaction chamber. The device is adapted to be operated with such a method. Further, a fuel suitable for the use with such a method is provided, the fuel being based on a dry metal hydride or a dry metal borohydride being dispersed in a non-aqueous dispersion medium. Moreover, a method for (re-) fuelling the hydrogen generating device at a service station and a method for supplying a service station with fuel are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: H2FUEL-SYSTEMS B.V.Inventor: Gerardus Wilhelmus Lugtigheid
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Patent number: 8062624Abstract: Hydrogen is stored by adsorbing the hydrogen to a carbon nanomaterial that includes carbon nanospheres. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow carbon nanostructures with a maximum diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm. The nanospheres have an irregular outer surface with graphitic defects and an aspect ratio of less than 3:1. The carbon nanospheres can store hydrogen in quantities of at least 1.0% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Headwaters Technology Innovation, LLCInventors: Bing Zhou, Cheng Zhang
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Patent number: 8052959Abstract: A hydrogen supply device and a method of supplying hydrogen are provided in which a hydrogen gas odorized with the odor agent is supplied by applying heat to a granular mixture of hydrogen storage glass beads and odor agent encapsulating capsules using irradiation with infrared light emitted from a light source.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiko Oshikawa
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Patent number: 8052784Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing and releasing hydrogen using packed-bed hydrogen storage elements in conjunction with elements such as optical or thermal energy for stimulating the release of stored hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system may include valves, piping, and other fixtures for ease of filling and emptying the unit. The system may also serve as a portable self-contained means of safe hydrogen storage that may be transported between the filling or generation site and the site of hydrogen release or use.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Leslie A. Field
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Publication number: 20110257275Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Publication number: 20110256052Abstract: A system and method for producing a hydrogen fuel gas is provided. In particular, a hydrogen fuel product is produced from steam exposed to a heated catalyst, wherein at least a portion of the hydrogen fuel product produced is used in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: THOMAS MERRITT
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Patent number: 8029602Abstract: A fuel cell and a method for chemically storing hydrogen. Embodiments of the fuel cell include a mixture having at least one boron-nitrogen-hydrogen compound and a reactive hydride where the mixture has more than about 10 wt % hydrogen density and a hydrogen storage density of about 0.1 kg H21?1.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas J. Groshens
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Patent number: 8021606Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy containing a phase of a chemical composition defined by a general formula A5·xB1+xC24: wherein in the general formula A5·xB1+xC24, A denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements; B denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba; C denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, and Hf; and x denotes a numeral in a range from ?0.1 to 0.8: and the phase has a crystal structure belonging to a space group of R-3m and having a length ratio of the c-axis to the a-axis of the lattice constant in a range of 11.5 to 12.5.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: GS Yuasa International Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & TechnologyInventors: Tetsuya Ozaki, Tetsuo Sakai, Manabu Kanemoto, Minoru Kuzuhara, Tadashi Kakeya, Masaharu Watada
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Publication number: 20110223101Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogen generating and regenerating system which supplies combustion gas and steam pressure from water to produce inexpensive energy. The system comprising of the process to supply hydrogen and oxygen over a porous metallic catalyst bed in a combustion chamber and igniting producing heat for boiler water to provide steam to turn a steam turbine. Then catalytically reforming steam over porous material producing hydrogen in a converter reactor zone and subsequently also producing combustion gas pressure in the combustion chamber that flow through the converter to turn a gas turbine, a compressor and a generator. The system passes a second catalytic promoter through the converter reactor zone to reactivate porous material by to produce additional hydrogen without using hydrogen generated. The gas combustion pressure passes through the turbine and heat exchangers preheating recycled water providing optimum efficiency and creating clean cheap electrons.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: William Timothy Williams, Caley Timothy Williams
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Publication number: 20110206593Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D.W. Fahs
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Publication number: 20110176988Abstract: The ammonia decomposition catalyst of the present invention is a catalyst for decomposing ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen, including a catalytically active component containing at least one kind of transition metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel, preferably including: (I) a catalytically active component containing: at least one kind selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium; (II) a catalytically active component containing a nitride of at least one kind of transition metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel; or (III) a catalytically active component containing at least one kind of iron group metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, and at least one metal oxide, thereby making it possible to effectively decompose ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen at relatively low temperatures and atType: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Junji Okamura, Masaru Kirishiki, Masanori Yoshimune, Hideaki Tsuneki
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Patent number: 7981168Abstract: Ceramic materials that are highly resistant to strong acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid and halides such as hydrogen iodide are employed to make block elements through which a large number of circular ingress channels extend in perpendicular directions and which are joined and piled in the heat exchanging medium section to provide a compact heat exchanger that excels not only in corrosion resistance but also in high-temperature strength.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shintaro Ishiyama, Shigeki Maruyama
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Publication number: 20110165061Abstract: A system for reversibly storing hydrogen includes a storage tank with an internal volume with a thermally conducting composite material situated within the storage tank and having a three-dimensional and interconnected framework of a conductive metal within the internal volume of the storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jun Yang, Donald J. Siegel, Andrea Pulskamp, Andrew Robert Drews, Shinichi Hirano, Christopher Mark Wolverton
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Patent number: 7968078Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid. The method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid includes: (a) mixing a metal borohydride and a zwitterionic material; (b) adding a solvent thereto to dissolve the mixture; and (c) generating hydrogen from the solution. The provided method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid can reduce manufacturing costs, reduce a heating value of hydrogen during hydrolysis, increase a hydrogen generation rate, and allow a hydrogen generating apparatus to be small in size.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myong Hoon Lim, Jae-Hun Rho, Tae Hee Park, Jae Hoi Gu, Yong Ho Yu
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Publication number: 20110150756Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with optimized startup times, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and methods of operating the same. Startup and shutdown methods for a PSA assembly, and optionally an associated fuel processing system, are disclosed to provide for shortened startup times. The PSA assemblies may be in fluid communication with a hydrogen source that may be used or otherwise configured or controlled to purge the PSA adsorbent columns of adsorbents during startup and/or shutdown procedures, the hydrogen source additionally or alternatively may be used or otherwise configured or controlled to charge the columns with hydrogen for idling in a pressurized state. The use of this hydrogen source, together with specific startup and shutdown methodologies, provides for reducing the startup time of the PSA assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Patton M. Adams, James A. Givens, Arne Laven, Sudha Rani Laven, Curtiss Renn
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Patent number: 7959896Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for methods of producing and releasing hydrogen from hydrogen storage compositions having a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state. In the hydrogenated state, such a composition comprises a hydride and a hydroxide. In a dehydrogenated state, the composition comprises an oxide. A first reaction is conducted between a portion of the hydride and water to generate heat sufficient to cause a second hydrogen production reaction between a remaining portion of the hydride and the hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Florian O Mertens, Scott W Jorgensen, John J Vajo