Abstract: A fluid pump and connector assembly is particularly suited for use in connecting a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell system. The assembly has a first sub-assembly comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a first connector. The assembly also has a second sub-assembly comprising a second connector adapted to connect to the first connector, an actuator and a reciprocating member coupled to the actuator and contacting the diaphragm when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected, wherein a reciprocating motion of the actuator and member causes the diaphragm to reciprocate and pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet without exposing the fluid to the second sub-assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.

Abstract: Catalytic system comprising at least two components: a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides to hydrogen; and a material in solid form, the dissolution reaction of which in water is exothermic.

Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell has electrodes including a cathode and an anode, current pickups provided for each of said electrodes for taking currents from a respective one of the electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes being formed as a frameless box-shaped element, wherein additional hydrogen electrode, an electrolyte container, and a power source are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials used as electrodes and/or catalysts, as well as methods associated with the same. The materials may comprise an alloy or intermetallic compound of a transition metal (e.g., Ni) and a metal additive (e.g., Sn). The transition metal and additive are selected to provide improved electrode and/or catalytic performance. For example, the materials of the invention may have a high catalytic activity, while being less susceptible to coking than certain conventional electrode/catalytic materials. These performance advantages can simplify the equipment used in certain applications, as well as reducing energy and capital requirements. Furthermore, the materials may be manufactured using traditional ceramic processing methods, without the need for complex, unconventional fabrication techniques. The materials are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells (e.g., SOFCs electrodes) and in reactions that use or produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a charge indicator for determining the mass of a fluid contained within a fluid enclosure, wherein the charge indicator responds to a deformation of a solid component in contact with the fluid and wherein the deformation is a function of the mass of fluid contained within the fluid enclosure.

Abstract: A method of producing NH2(R2), the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M1X(BH4)y(NH2(R2))n wherein M1 comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n?4; R2 comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.

Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell anode comprising a porous anode body, which comprises a nickel-based alloy and at least one ceramic additive dispersed throughout the anode body. The amount of the ceramic additive in the anode body is between 5 and 50% by volume. The nickel-based alloy is Ni—Cr or Ni—Al, and the ceramic additive is one of CeO2, yttrium doped ceria, yttrium doped zirconia, TiO2, Li2TiO3, LiAlO2 and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3.

Abstract: An ambient-heat engine has a substantially thermally-conductive housing whose interior is divided into a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber by a substantially gas-impermeable barrier. An ionically-conductive, electrical-energy-generating mechanism forms at least a portion of the barrier. First hydrogen-storage medium is disposed within the high-pressure chamber and second hydrogen-storage medium is disposed within the low-pressure chamber. An electrical-energy storage device connected to the ionically-conductive, electrical-energy-generating mechanism is operable between a charge condition and a discharge condition. In a charge condition, hydrogen atoms within the high-pressure chamber are converted to hydrogen ions and conducted through the electrical-energy-generating mechanism to the low-pressure chamber causing electrical-energy to be generated to the electrical-energy storage device.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation device including a tank, a porous structure, and a guide structure is provided. The tank is used to contain a reaction solution. A solid reactant is distributed in the porous structure. The guide structure is connected with the tank and used to guide the reaction solution in the tank to the porous structure, such that the reaction solution and the solid reactant react to generate hydrogen. A hydrogen generation method is also discussed.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a fuel containing substance and a heater in thermal communication with the fuel containing substance.

Abstract: A process for treating a flue gas is provided. The process comprises burning an amount of elemental magnesium in the flue gas, optionally to produce magnesium oxide and elemental carbon. A process for regenerating elemental magnesium from magnesium oxide is also provided, in addition to processes for producing energy from the elemental carbon.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator, operative to provide molecular hydrogen to an anode of a fuel cell, including a catalyst and employing a water-based fuel including one of salts, bases and acids, as well as at least one of zinc, magnesium, iron and aluminum and a method for electrical power generation using a fuel cell and a hydrogen generator.

Abstract: A power generator has a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.

Abstract: A power generator has a hydrogen source, such as a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.

Abstract: A system for generating energy for a consumer element in an aircraft includes the consumer element with a fuel cell element and a rechargeable metal hydride storage cell. The rechargeable metal hydride storage cell is designed for supplying the fuel cell element with hydrogen such that energy can be generated for the consumer element. The rechargeable metal hydride storage cell is furthermore designed in such a way that it can be charged with hydrogen.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for producing gaseous hydrogen comprising a reaction chamber having a solution with catalyst, a tank chamber comprising a reactant suitable for reacting with the solution with catalyst for the production of gaseous hydrogen, the tank chamber being provided with removable partition means suitable for defining a first storage chamber, for the reactant, and a second storage chamber, for the reaction by-products, the partition means being adjustable so that the volume of the first storage chamber and the volume of the second storage chamber are variable in a complementary way with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system that consists of a Hydrogen production device made up of a chamber (1-10) for hydrolyzing a metal hydride, separated by a thin membrane (1-1) superposed on a rigid grid (1-5) from at least one reservoir (1-3) containing a liquid solution for the reaction, with at least one hydride-based nanoscale element. This application is an extension and continuation of an alternate patent application with internal priority claim of a patent application No. 0806821, filed on Dec. 5, 2008; that is itself an extension of patent application No. 0806820 filed on Dec. 5, 2008; that is itself is an extension of patent application No. 0804598, file on Aug. 14, 2008; that is itself is an extension of a first invention patent application No. 0803019, filed on Jun. 2, 2008. The present application is therefore a continuation in part of the patent application No. FR0804598, file on Aug. 1, 2008 (PCT-FR/2009/000999, dated Aug. 12, 2009) that is a continuation in part of a first patent application No.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation device adapted to a fuel cell is provided. The hydrogen generation device includes a containing tank and a buffer layer. The buffer layer is disposed in the containing tank and divides the containing tank into a first containing space and a second containing space. The first containing space is capable of containing a liquid reactant. The second containing space is capable of containing a first solid fuel. The liquid reactant is capable of entering the second containing space through the buffer layer and reacts with the first solid fuel to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus (10). Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The generation of hydrogen is regulated automatically by the selective exposure of a catalyst (48) to the fuel mixture depending on the pressure inside the reaction chamber (28) of the gas-generating apparatus. Catalyst sealing mechanisms (40, 42) are provided at least partially within the reaction chamber to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuations in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell using the same are provided, the hydrogen generating apparatus is adapted to the fuel cell, and includes a sleeve, a sliding element, and a withdrawing mechanism. A first end of the sleeve is used for containing liquid water. The sliding element is slidably disposed at a second end of the sleeve, wherein a solid fuel is connected to the sliding element. The withdrawing mechanism is disposed in the sleeve. The solid fuel is apart from the liquid water when the sliding element is fixed to a first position by the withdrawing mechanism, and the solid fuel reacts with the liquid water to generate hydrogen when the sliding element is fixed to a second position by the withdrawing mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a hydrogen supply module, a fuel cell module, and a control module is provided. The fuel cell module receives a hydrogen from the hydrogen supply module. The fuel cell module includes a fuel cell unit and a hydrogen storage unit, wherein the hydrogen storage unit and the fuel cell unit are connected with each other. The control module is electrically connected to the fuel cell module for controlling the hydrogen storage unit to store or release the hydrogen.

Abstract: A power generator having a fuel cell and a fuel container in an enclosure with a pneumatic slide valve interposed between the fuel cell and the fuel container. The fuel cell may provide water vapor which goes to react with the fuel of the container and result in a production of hydrogen for the fuel cell. The valve may be connected to a pressure sensitive membrane that is linked to the valve such that when the pressure within the enclosure increases, the membrane will begin to move and close the valve to cut off the supply of water vapor to the fuel to reduce hydrogen production and consequently the pressure. With a reduction or stoppage of hydrogen production, the pressure may decrease and the membrane may begin to open the valve to let in water vapor to the fuel to make more hydrogen.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed for storing and releasing hydrogen and methods for preparing and using same. These hydrogen storage and releasing materials exhibit fast release rates at low release temperatures without unwanted side reactions, thus preserving desired levels of purity and enabling applications in combustion and fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A novel thermochemical cycle for the decomposition of water is presented. Along with water, hydrogen, and oxygen, the cycle involves an alkali or alkali earth metal based process intermediate and a variety of reaction intermediates. The cycle is driven by renewable energy sources, and can have a maximum operating temperature below 1173 K (900° C.). The kinetics of the cycle are based on the reactant behavior as well as the separability characteristics of the chemicals involved.

Abstract: Disclosed is super water absorbent polymers applied to contain water, and the polymers may further collocate with water absorbent cotton materials to accelerate water absorbent rates. The described water absorbent materials are combined with solid hydrogen fuel to complete a stable hydrogen supply device. Performance of the hydrogen supply device is not effected by inverting or tilting thereof. Even if inverting or tilting the device, the water contained in the water absorbent materials does not flow out from the device. As such, the MEA film in the fuel cell connected to the hydrogen supply device will not blocked by the water, thereby avoiding the fuel cell performance degradation even breakdown.

Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic device having improved degree of freedom in designing. A cellular phone 1 has a display part 9, a frame 44 holding the display part 9, and a case 7 having a peripheral wall portion 31b which forms an open portion 31c. The frame 44 can be mounted in the case 7 from the open portion 31c, is screwed to the peripheral wall portion 31b by a screw 79 inserted in a direction intersecting the mounting direction, and fixed to the case 7, with the display part 9 exposed at the open portion 31c.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for capturing electrical energy from a process designed for producing hydrogen. An electrode is placed within a stream of liquid alkali metal that flows through a titration module and interacts with water to produce, among other byproducts, hydrogen. Another electrode is placed within a reaction chamber that houses the water. The electrodes can then be coupled to a terminal, and during the hydrogen generation process (when the liquid alkali metal and water interact) the stream of liquid alkali metal acts as an anode and the electrode in the water as a cathode. Current flows, and energy is captured and made available as electrical energy at the terminal, which can be connected to electrical loads. The terminal may be connected with the terminal of a fuel cell that is consuming the hydrogen that is being produced, thus providing additional voltage and/or current.

Abstract: A system that stabilizes or supplements the variable power output from an external energy source by producing power from aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloy produces hydrogen from water, and also releases heat. During this process, the aluminum alloy is oxidized to alumina mixture, which can be recycled in a smelting unit to regenerate the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy can be easily transported in existing transportation system to different locations. The system produces electricity on-demand using portions of the existing power generation and transportation systems with minimal carbon footprint/emission.

Abstract: An on-board fuel cell system adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle includes a main passage connecting a hydrogen-gas storage device with an inlet of a fuel cell, a circulation passage that connects an outlet of the fuel cell with a first point in the main passage, a pump disposed in the circulation passage, and a bypass passage that connects a second point between the outlet of the storage device and the first point, with a third point located in the circulation passage between the outlet of the fuel cell and the pump. During a normal operation condition of the system, the hydrogen gas flows from the storage device to the fuel cell through the main passage, and hydrogen gas discharged from the fuel cell returns to the main passage through the circulation passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes and methods of generating hydrogen via the hydrolysis or solvolyis of a compound of the formula (I), R1R2HNBHR3R4, using ligand-stabilized homogeneous metal catalysts.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation materials are a complex hydride which generates hydrogen upon hydrolysis, and an aqueous solution comprising water for causing the hydrolysis, and an accelerator dissolved therein for accelerating a hydrogen generation reaction. A method of hydrogen generation by a hydrogen generator comprises a first step S1 of detecting that the internal pressure of a reactor is lower than a reference pressure, and supplying the aqueous accelerator solution to the reactor; a second step S2 of dissolving the complex hydride in the aqueous accelerator solution to cause a hydrogen generation reaction; and a third step S3 of detecting that the internal pressure of the reactor is higher than the reference pressure, and stopping the supply of the aqueous accelerator solution, and repeats the flow from the first step S1 to the third step S3.

Abstract: A power generating system for operating below a surface of a body of water includes a fuel cell stack configured to react hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. An oxygen source is configured to provide oxygen to the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen source is configured to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen source is at least partially submerged in water and incorporates a non-hydride metal alloy that reacts with water to produce hydrogen from the water.

Abstract: A fuel source for a hydrogen generator is described. The fuel source includes a chemical hydride, at least one catalyst precursor and a hygroscopic salt. When one or more of the at least one catalyst precursor and hygroscopic salt contact water, a catalyst is formed for facilitating the generation of hydrogen from the chemical hydride.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, an ammonia borane containing hydrogen storage material is provided to be present with substantially reduced formation of borazine or diborane. In at least one embodiment, the hydrogen storage material includes at least one ammonia borane (NH3BH3); and at least one amide of the formula M(NH2)x, wherein M is a cationic element or a combination of two or more cationic elements from groups 1 to 14 of the periodic table and x represents a total cationic charge to charge balance M.

Abstract: A hydrogen production method includes: a first process in which nitrogen compounds of metal and water are reacted to produce ammonia and hydroxide of the metal; a second process in which hydrogen compounds of a metal and the ammonia produced in the first process are reacted; and a third process in which hydrogen compounds of a metal and the hydroxide of the metal produced in the first process are reacted.

Abstract: A process for forming lithium hydride for use in storing and producing hydrogen is presented. The process includes reacting lithium oxide with water to form a regenerated lithium hydroxide and reacting the regenerated lithium hydroxide with magnesium to form magnesium oxide and a regenerated lithium hydride. The magnesium oxide can be regenerated to form magnesium. The process can further include reacting lithium hydride to form hydrogen and lithium oxide. Such hydrogen production can include reaction between lithium hydride and lithium hydroxide, and/or reaction between lithium hydride and water.

Abstract: An energy supplying system is provided with an energy generating section that generates energy by being supplied with hydrogen and oxygen, a hydrogen supplying unit that generates hydrogen by a reaction of water contained in exhaust gas from the energy generation unit with magnesium hydride contained therein, a regenerating section that generates magnesium hydride and second oxygen with magnesium hydroxide generated by the reaction of water and magnesium hydride in the hydrogen supplying section, and an oxygen supplying section that supplies oxygen to the energy generation section by being supplied with oxygen from the regenerating section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible power supply including a hydrogen supply device connected to a flexible fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen supply device includes a moldable hydrogen fuel. In one embodiment, the flexible fuel cell is a sheet structure, and the hydrogen supply device is a flexible flat bag, wherein the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply device are adhered to complete a sheet of a flexible power supply. The sheet of flexible power supply can be put in the pocket of cloth or baggage, or directly sewn on the outside of cap or overcoat.

Abstract: Disclosed is super water absorbent polymers applied to contain water, and the polymers may further collocate with water absorbent cotton materials to accelerate water absorbent rates. The described water absorbent materials are combined with solid hydrogen fuel to complete a stable hydrogen supply device. Performance of the hydrogen supply device is not effected by inverting or tilting thereof. Even if inverting or tilting the device, the water contained in the water absorbent materials does not flow out from the device. As such, the MEA film in the fuel cell connected to the hydrogen supply device will not blocked by the water, thereby avoiding the fuel cell performance degradation even breakdown.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and devices that generally relate to silanes and silicides and to uses thereof for hydrogen generation. Methods and devices for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and for other applications such as fuel or a supplementary fuel for internal combustion engines and reducing agents to improve catalyst efficiency are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.

Abstract: Catalytic system comprising at least two components: a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides to hydrogen; and a material in solid form, the dissolution reaction of which in water is exothermic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogen generating microporous metals, methods for preparing microporous metals, and methods for producing hydrogen from water using the metals and systems of the invention. In particular, microporous metals selected from the group comprising aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), capable of producing hydrogen upon reaction of the metal with water having a neutral pH are provided. Methods for preparing microporous metals comprising the steps of selecting a metal that is sufficiently electropositive (i.e. water reactive); and introducing microporosity in the selected metal by means of mechanical deformation, or metallurgical techniques, in order to generate the microporous metal are also provided, as is a method for producing hydrogen comprising reacting a microporous metal powder with water at a pH of between 4 and 10.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell unit comprising a plurality of fuel cells, each having one anode and one cathode, the anode adjoining an anode gas compartment and the cathode adjoining a cathode gas compartment, hydrogen being supplied to the anode and an oxidizing agent being supplied to the cathode. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode compartment during a retention time before start-up of the fuel cell system, in which no fuel cell reaction takes place in the fuel cell unit. Hydrogen is stored in an adsorption storage element during fuel cell operation and released to the anode compartment during the retention time.