[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2019156631A1 - Système et appareil de pile à combustible portable - Google Patents

Système et appareil de pile à combustible portable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019156631A1
WO2019156631A1 PCT/SG2019/050070 SG2019050070W WO2019156631A1 WO 2019156631 A1 WO2019156631 A1 WO 2019156631A1 SG 2019050070 W SG2019050070 W SG 2019050070W WO 2019156631 A1 WO2019156631 A1 WO 2019156631A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pemfc
water
portable
reactor vessel
hydrogen gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SG2019/050070
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
De Tao Francis YAP
Han Chong Shaun TAY
Fook Heng HO
Cheng Hok Aw
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ST Engineering Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd filed Critical Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd
Publication of WO2019156631A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019156631A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/065—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants by dissolution of metals or alloys; by dehydriding metallic substances
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/06—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
    • C01B3/065—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents from a hydride
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • H01M8/04126—Humidifying
    • H01M8/04141—Humidifying by water containing exhaust gases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • H01M8/04216—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes characterised by the choice for a specific material, e.g. carbon, hydride, absorbent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04664—Failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04679—Failure or abnormal function of fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04664—Failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04686—Failure or abnormal function of auxiliary devices, e.g. batteries, capacitors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04776—Pressure; Flow at auxiliary devices, e.g. reformer, compressor, burner
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
    • H01M8/0687—Reactant purification by the use of membranes or filters
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
    • C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
    • C01B2203/1628—Controlling the pressure
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
    • C01B2203/169—Controlling the feed
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/30—Fuel cells in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/10—Applications of fuel cells in buildings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable fuel cell apparatus and system.
  • the invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) that can be carried around by a person, such as, on a soldier pack.
  • PEMFC proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • a micro fuel cell is a good portable power source of electricity because of its high energy density than that of batteries.
  • These fuel cells may be Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).
  • DMFC Direct methanol fuel cell
  • SOFC solid oxide fuel cell
  • PEMFC proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • a limitation for the use of these fuel cells is the requirement for high-density hydrogen storage.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a portable proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to complement a soldier pack.
  • PEMFC helps to extend mission endurance, to increase mileage and/or to increase payload capacity for manned or unmanned systems deployed in a field.
  • the PEMFC generates electric power on demand from a hydride cartridge; the hydride cartridge is easily replaced and electric power supply is quickly and easily restarted once a new hydride cartridge is inserted into the PEMFC.
  • the present invention provides a portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) apparatus comprising a housing enclosing: a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); a water storage vessel; a hydride powder disposed in a reactor vessel; a water pump disposed to supply water from the water storage vessel to the reactor vessel; and a check valve disposed in a discharge line connecting the water pump to the reactor vessel, wherein the discharge line comprises a tubing with a predetermined rupture pressure range.
  • PEMFC portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • the apparatus comprises a cooling coil disposed in the water storage vessel to cool down hydrogen gas generated in the reactor vessel.
  • a mouth of the water storage vessel is removeably sealed with a porous membrane so that the water storage vessel is spill-proof and the interior remains at atmospheric pressure.
  • the end of the water intake tube has a weighted clunk to keep the end submerged under water.
  • the apparatus comprises a buffer tank and a recollection valve. The recollection valve is operable to recycle water condensed in the buffer tank into the water storage vessel.
  • a hydrogen purifying filter (or IEF) and a supply valve are connected to the buffer tank.
  • the reactor vessel has a double-walled construction, with the interior of the double-wall being evacuated to a vacuum.
  • the mouth of the reactor vessel is closed with a vessel cap.
  • a mounting plate or coupling plate is disposed on the vessel cap to facilitate quick replacement of the reactor vessel. Quick disconnect couplings on the mounting plate or coupling plate, or a mounting manifold allows quick connection or disconnection.
  • the exterior of the reactor vessel, cap and coupling plate is covered by a heat insulator.
  • a pouch is provided to carry the above PEMFC apparatus.
  • the apparatus also comprises a battery and a controller; with these, the reactor vessel is hot-swappable without power interruption.
  • the present invention provides a portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system comprising: connecting a water pump to supply water from a water storage vessel to a reactor vessel, wherein a pump discharge line comprises a tubing with a predetermined rupture pressure range and a check valve; thermally insulating the reactor vessel with a vacuum double wall and, on an exterior of the reactor vessel, surrounding the reactor vessel with a thermal insulator; hydrolysing a hydride powder disposed in the reactor vessel with a controlled amount of water supplied through the water pump to generate hydrogen gas on demand; and directing the hydrogen gas to flow from an outlet of the reactor vessel to a proton exchange fuel membrane cell (PEMFC) to generate electric power.
  • PEMFC portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • the system further comprises: passing the hydrogen gas through a cooling coil disposed in the water storage vessel to cool the hydrogen gas to a predetermined temperature; condensing water vapour in the hydrogen gas in a buffer tank, which buffer tank is disposed downstream of the cooling coil, so that the condensed water collected in the buffer tank is recycled back into the water storage vessel via a recollection solenoid valve, and purifying the hydrogen gas by passing the hydrogen gas through a purifying filter disposed downstream of the buffer tank.
  • the system is regulated by a controller.
  • the controller comprises an algorithm that responds adaptively to a hydrogen utilization level remaining in the hydride powder. With the controller, a battery allows hot-swapping of the reactor vessel.
  • the present invention provides a process for operating a portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and for producing electric power to drive an electric load carried on a user.
  • the process comprises: generating hydrogen on demand by supplying an amount of water to hydrolyse a hydride powder disposed in a reactor vessel; cooling down a temperature of the hydrogen gas produced by passing the hydrogen gas through a cooling coil disposed in a water storage vessel, condensing water vapour from the hydrogen gas, and purifying the hydrogen gas by passing the hydrogen gas through a purifying filter, before supplying the hydrogen gas to a PEMFC; rupturing the water supply line at a predetermined pressure range, with the water supply line connected to the reactor vessel; and closing the water supply line with a check valve, so as to maintain leak-proof inside the reaction vessel, and shutting down the reactor vessel in a non-recoverable fail-safe mode when the PEMFC encounters a safety issue.
  • PEMFC portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic system for a hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), whilst FIG. 1B illustrates the PEMFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly of components constituted in the above PEMFC apparatus
  • FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate a part of a housing constituted in the above PEMFC apparatus; [0022] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate two reactor vessels according to mounting configurations of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 5A-5E illustrate a pouch for carrying the above PEMFC apparatus.
  • FIG. 1A shows a schematic of a portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the entire PEMFC system 100 is enclosed in a housing 101, which is preferably made from a polymer. Whilst, the PEMFC system 100 is portable and is designed to be carried by a user, for eg. along with a soldier pack 300, the system is not so limited. The following describes such portable PEMFC system 100, which provides a safe, useful and portable power system to the user. As seen from FIG.
  • PEMFC portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell
  • the PEMFC system 100 includes at least a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell 2, a hydrogen generator 3 and an associated controller 110; the hydrogen generator 3 includes a hydrogen reactor vessel 102, an accompanying vessel cap 103 and a water storage vessel 16.
  • the vessel cap 103 closes the hydrogen reactor vessel 102 to provide a leak-proof reaction chamber 10; in one embodiment, the vessel cap 103 is connected to the reactor vessel 102 by welding.
  • a hydride powder 30 is disposed inside the reaction chamber 10, which is hydrolysed with water to produce hydrogen gas.
  • the hydrogen reactor vessel 102 is a double-walled vessel, with the space between the walls being evacuated to a vacuum.
  • the exterior surfaces of the hydrogen reactor vessel 102 and vessel cap 103 are covered by a heat insulator 104, with part of the heat insulator 104 being shown in FIG. 1A.
  • a thickness required of the heat insulator 104 is significantly reduced; the reduced bulk of the heat insulator 104 means reduction in the external dimensions of the heat insulator and reduction is weight for this PEMFC system 100.
  • a water supply tubing, hydrogen outlet, heater, etc. that enter the reactor vessel 102 are supported on a mounting plate 106.
  • the water supply tubing may be connected at the mounting plate 106 via a quick-disconnect coupling 11; similarly, the hydrogen outlet may be connected at the mounting plate 106 via another quick-disconnect coupling 13.
  • Hydrogen gas produced in the reactor vessel 102 is then supplied to the fuel cell 2 through a pressure regulator 4 and a hydrogen outlet 5.
  • a gas outlet from the fuel cell 2 is connected to an exhaust port 134 located on a manifold 109; the exhaust port 134 is fluidly connected to a purge valve 136, which is operable to vent out gas from the fuel cell 2; in use, the purge valve 136 is controlled by a signal from the controller 110 via a solenoid S3 on the purge valve 136.
  • the purge valve 136 and all the fluid flow components that will be described for connecting into the manifold 109 are, preferably, of a cartridge type; this is to achieve a more compact configuration of the portable PEMFC system 100.
  • the mounting plate 106 can be configured as a coupling plate l06a, so as to do away with the above external quick-disconnect couplings 11, 13.
  • the coupling plate l06a has through passages for the water supply port and hydrogen gas port, and seals (such as O-rings) provide fluid sealing at the interfaces with the cartridge cap 103 and with the manifold 109.
  • seals such as O-rings
  • a separate electric connector l70a (not shown in the figures) is provided on the coupling plate l06a for connections to the heater 36 and thermocouple 37.
  • the coupling plate l06a is removeably connected onto the cartridge cap 103; in the field, to replace a cartridge 105, the coupling plate l06a is preferably disconnected from the manifold 109 and a new cartridge with an associated coupling plate l06a is reconnected onto the manifold 109 for quick replacement.
  • water is stored in the water storage vessel 16.
  • Water is supplied into the reaction chamber 10 via a water outlet port 14 located on the water storage vessel 16, a pump 15, a tubing 144 connecting a discharge port from the pump 15 to a check valve 146 and another tubing joined to the coupling 11 before terminating inside the reaction chamber 10.
  • the tubing 144 is selected to provide a predetermined rupture pressure range, so that during an emergency state of operation, for eg. inside the reaction chamber 10 or caused by an exterior environment outside the PEMFC 100, the tubing 144 is operable to rupture and stop the supply of water into the reaction chamber 10; when this happens, the check valve 146 ensures that the reaction chamber 10 remains closed.
  • the tubing 144 and the check valve 146 provide a non- recoverable fail-safe mechanism for this portable PEMFC system 100.
  • Hydrogen produced in the reaction chamber 10 is supplied through a hydrogen outlet port or coupling 13 located on the mounting plate 106 and flows into a hydrogen line 20; preferably, the hydrogen line 20 is located substantially inside the manifold 109; inside the manifold 109, the hydrogen line 20 is tapped off to a pressure sensor 21 and a pressure relief valve 22.
  • the hydrogen line 20 then goes into a cooling coil 120, which is disposed inside the water storage vessel 16, with an outlet of the cooling coil leading to a buffer tank 122.
  • the hydrogen gas passes through the cooling coil 120 and is being cooled from a high temperature of about 300 degC (in the reaction chamber 10) to about 60-80 degC; any water that condenses out from the hydrogen gas is collected inside the buffer tank 122; the condensed water is recycled into the water storage vessel 16 via a recollection valve 126, which is operable by a signal from the controller 110 to a solenoid Sl .
  • Hydrogen flowing through an outlet 124 at the buffer tank 122 is connected to a purifying filter or IEF 130 before the pressure is controlled by the pressure regulator 4.
  • the hydrogen supply upstream of the purifying filter, IEF 130 is controlled by a supply valve 128 and an accompanying solenoid S2.
  • the supply valve 128 may be used to stop the hydrogen gas supply when the fuel cell 2 is being purged, for eg. at an end of a power generation cycle or at an end of a start-stop cycle, as determined by the controller 110 and/or user.
  • the controller 110 is electrically connected to the fuel cell 2 by a cable 6.
  • the water storage vessel 16 is spill-proof. As seen from FIG. 1A, the water storage vessel 16 is a fully enclosed vessel of about l50cc capacity but has a removeable membrane 140 made from a porous PTFE; the porous membrane 140 allows gas to pass through but is impermeable to water; any hydrogen gas that is recycled back through the water recollection line, ie. via port 123, may escape through the porous membrane 140; in this manner, pressure in the water storage vessel 16 is maintained at atmospheric pressure.
  • the water storage vessel 16 being spill-proof and maintained at atmospheric pressure is a second safety feature built into the PEMFC system 100.
  • a weighted clunk 142 is disposed at a free end of a water intake tube that leads to a suction port of the pump 15.
  • the weighted clunk 142 ensures that the free end of the water intake tube is always submerged under water irrespective of orientation of the entire PEMFC housing 101.
  • the hydride powder is a magnesium hydride (MgH 2 ).
  • MgH 2 magnesium hydride
  • the reaction chamber 10 is preferably heated to about 80-100 degC; initial heating of the reaction chamber 10 is carried out by the controller 110 providing a signal to close a switch 162 connected to a heater port 163, which is electrically connected to the heater 36.
  • Initial power for the heater 36 is obtained from a battery 25; once sufficient hydrogen is generated from the reaction chamber 10 and operation of the PEMFC system 100 is sustainable, electric power generated from the PEMFC is fed through the cable 6 to the controller 110.
  • Hydrolysis of the MgH 2 is controlled by controlling the amount of water fed through the pump 15 according to a demand of an electric load 26 connected to an output port 165; in one embodiment, when the voltage V in the cable 6 exceeds that of the battery 25, electric power from the PEMFC charges up the battery 25.
  • Hydrolysis of MgH 2 is exothermic and a temperature sensor 37, such as a thermocouple, monitors the temperature inside the reaction chamber 10. Signal from the temperature sensor 37 is fed to the controller 110, together with signals from the hydrogen pressure sensors 21, 132.
  • the pressure sensor 21 is located near the reaction chamber 10 while the pressure sensor 132 is located at the PEMFC supply side (ie. near the fuel cell 2). Also seen from FIG.
  • a user may provide a start-stop signal to the controller 110.
  • the cable 6 includes one or more signals from the controller 110 to control operation of the fuel cell 2; for eg, a signal to the fuel cell 2 may control a ventilation fan 180 disposed in the fuel cell 2 to ensure a constant supply of 0 2 /air and to dissipate excess H 2 within the fuel cell 2.
  • FIG. 1B shows a portable hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) apparatus 200 incorporating the above PEMFC system 100.
  • the PEMFC apparatus 200 is thus high-energy dense, portable and lightweight; it is used to extend mission endurance for users, such as soldiers, to increase mileage and/or to increase payload capacity for a manned system or unmanned system deployed in a field.
  • the PEMFC apparatus 200 uses dry hydride powder 30 disposed in the reactor vessel 102 (which constitutes a replaceable hydride cartridge 105) to generate hydrogen on demand, and the controller 110 controls the electric output port 165 (via a signal 164) for powering up and/or charging an external load 26, such as a portable device, carried by the user. In addition, the controller 110 controls the electric supply power from the battery 25 to the heater 36.
  • the dry hydride cartridge 105 is rated at substantially 300Wh, and the battery 25 is selected for a power capacity to allow the hydride cartridge 105 to be hot-swapped to facilitate easy replacement of the hydride cartridge 105 without power interruption at the load 26 which is connected to the output port 165.
  • the above PEMFC system 100 includes 3 modules: (1) a fuel cell 2; (2) a water storage vessel 16; and (3) a reactor vessel 102.
  • the respective modules are integrated and assembled inside a polymeric housing 101 which provides a physical case and protection for the various components to allow the PEMFC to function as a portable power generation system.
  • the PEMFC 100 apparatus 200 includes the following:
  • the fuel cell stack 2 is the primary power source for the PEMFC system 100 that produces electric energy through the recombination reaction between oxygen ions and hydrogen ions across a proton exchange membrane;
  • the battery 25 serves as a secondary power source for the PEMFC system 100 to supplement power during the start-up process before the fuel cell 2 supplies electric power, and during operation to allow hot-swapping of the hydride cartridge 105; the battery 25 is also used for heating up the reaction chamber 10 to initiate chemical reaction in the reactor vessel 102;
  • the manifold 109 is to provide flow pathway before hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell 2.
  • the manifold 109 includes at least:
  • the hydrogen purifying filter 130 maintains purity of the hydrogen content
  • USB port 170 for debugging and maintenance (including electronic data extraction).
  • An LCD display 172 is connected through a serial port (not shown in the figures) at the controller 110 to indicate to the user the amount of energy capacity left in the PEMFC system 100.
  • FIGs. 3 A and 3B show the water storage vessel 16.
  • the water storage vessel 16 is integrated in a housing lOla, which constitutes a sub-unit of the apparatus housing 101.
  • the water storage vessel 16 includes the following components: i. the water storage vessel 16; it has a capacity of about 150 cc and contains some water to hydrolyse the hydride powder 30 to produce H 2 gas on demand;
  • the cooling coil 120 serves to cool H 2 gas with the aid of water contained in the water storage vessel 16; temperature of the hydrogen gas is cooled from substantially 300 degC (in the reaction chamber 10) to a substantial range of 60 to 80 degC before hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell 2. Hydrogen gas above 80 degC would reduce the operation efficiency of the PEMFC system 100 and also shorten working lifespan of the proton exchange membrane; at the same time, water vapour in the hydrogen gas is removed by condensation in the buffer tank 122;
  • the water pump 15 to supply controlled amounts of water to the reaction chamber 10 to allow hydrolysis of the hydride powder 30 to produce H 2 gas on-demand;
  • the buffer tank 122 condenses and separates water vapor entrained in the hydrogen gas during hydrolysis of the hydride powder 30;
  • the recollection valve 126 recollects water from the buffer tank 122 and recycles water to the water storage vessel 16;
  • the weighted clunk 142 allows entry of water from the water storage vessel 16 to the water pump 15 irrespective of orientations of the water storage vessel 16 by making use of gravity force.
  • FIG. 4A shows the reactor vessel 102 according to one embodiment.
  • the reactor vessel 102 contains the dry hydride powder 30 disposed inside the vacuum reactor vessel 102 that offers excellent heat insulation. This allows the contents in the reactor vessel 102 to retain their heat for an extended period of time, while an exterior of the reactor vessel remains cool and safe to touch.
  • the reaction between water and magnesium hydride produces hydrogen gas, which is then supplied to the fuel cell 2 to generate useful (electric) energy to the user.
  • the reactor vessel 102 contains of the following sub-components:
  • the heater 36 initially powered by the battery 25 to supply sufficient heat to initiate hydrolysis of the hydride powder 30;
  • the water delivery tube delivers controlled amounts of water from the water storage vessel 16 through the water pump 15 to the hydride powder 30;
  • H 2 gas outlet port H 2 gas produced during hydrolysis of the hydride powder 30 is directed out of the reaction chamber 10 to the fuel cell 2;
  • thermocouple 37 to monitor the reaction temperature within the reaction chamber 10.
  • FIG. 4B shows a hydrogen cartridge 105 a according to another mounting configuration.
  • the hydrogen cartridge l05a is removeable connected to a base plate of the PEMFC apparatus 200 via a manifold mounting l06b. Similar to the above coupling plate l06a mounting configuration, the water inlet port and the hydrogen gas outlet port are configured on the manifold mounting l06b, while a separate electrical connector l07b provides connections to the heater 36 and thermocouple 37.
  • the hydrogen cartridge 105 is connected to the base plate of the PEMFC apparatus via a twistlock mechanism for quick disconnection or replacement; in another configuration, the hydrogen cartridge 105 is connected to the base plate via a plug-and- catch mechanism for quick disconnection or replacement.
  • HOS hydrogen generation system
  • the heater 36 is powered up by the battery 25 to heat up the reaction chamber 10 to initiate and to promote the reaction between the hydride powder 30 and water to produce H 2 gas.
  • the H 2 produced during the reaction is cooled along the way to substantially 60-80 degC as hydrogen flows through the manifold 109 and cooling coil 120 towards the fuel cell 2.
  • H ions and O ions undergo recombination and, as a result, produce electric power, which is channelled to the load 26 (such as charging of an external battery or electric device), for eg., carried by the user.
  • the energy output from the PEMFC system 100 is predominantly contributed by the battery 25 while chemical reaction builds up within the reaction chamber 10.
  • H 2 flow
  • operation of the fuel cell 2 takes over supply from the battery 25 to become the source of electric power as seen at the electric output port 165.
  • the battery 25 together with any rechargeable battery connected to the output port 165 would in-turn be recharged by the electric energy produced at the fuel cell 2.
  • the controller 110 includes an algorithm that responds adaptively to the hydrogen utilization level remaining in the hydride cartridge 105. For eg., if the hydride cartridge 105 is about half utilized, there is likelihood of water being present in the reaction chamber 10; in this case, more heat is required and the controller 110 algorithm responds adaptively to extend the heater heating duration before more water is supplied into the reaction chamber 10.
  • FIGs. 5A-5E show a pouch 300 for carrying the above PEMFC apparatus 200.
  • the pouch 300 is suitable to be carried on a back of the user or soldier, with a cover 302 for closing a top of the pouch 300.
  • On an outside surface of the pouch 300 is an air inlet vent 320 through which air and oxygen is supplied to the PEM stack 2.
  • FIG. 5C shows a rear view of the pouch 300;
  • FIG. 5C shows shoulder straps 304 for carrying by the user, and some velco strips 306 for attaching the pouch 300 onto a vest worn by the user; on the inner surface of the pouch (as seen in FIG.
  • FIG. 5D is an inside view of the pouch with the cover 302 being in an open position. As can be visualised in FIG. 5D, the inside of the pouch 300 is provided with some foam cushions 312 to protect the PEMFC apparatus 200 and EMI shield linings 314 to prevent radio interference.
  • FIG. 5E shows more clearly the air intake vent 320.
  • the vessel cap 103 is removeable by turning a twist-lock that connects the vessel cap 103 to the reactor vessel 102.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un système de pile à combustible à membrane échangeuse de protons portable (PEMFC pour Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell ) et sur un appareil pour générer de l'énergie électrique, qui est approprié pour être transporté dans une poche. Le système de pile PEMFC offre plusieurs caractéristiques de sécurité et de protection lorsque le système de pile PEMFC ou l'appareil est portable et porté par un utilisateur. Le système de pile PEMFC ou l'appareil comprend une bobine de refroidissement disposée dans le récipient de stockage d'eau pour refroidir l'hydrogène gazeux généré à une température prédéterminée, un réservoir tampon est disposé en aval de la bobine de refroidissement de telle sorte que l'eau condensée collectée dans le réservoir tampon soit recyclée dans le récipient de stockage d'eau par le biais d'une électrovanne de collecte. Le système ou l'appareil comprend en outre un clapet de non-retour disposé dans une conduite de décharge reliant la pompe à eau au récipient de réacteur, la ligne de décharge comprenant une tuyauterie ayant une plage de pression de rupture prédéterminée pour fournir un mécanisme à sécurité intégrée non récupérable pour le système ou l'appareil.
PCT/SG2019/050070 2018-02-06 2019-02-07 Système et appareil de pile à combustible portable Ceased WO2019156631A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG10201801031W 2018-02-06
SG10201801031W 2018-02-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019156631A1 true WO2019156631A1 (fr) 2019-08-15

Family

ID=65818587

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SG2019/050063 Ceased WO2019156627A1 (fr) 2018-02-06 2019-02-01 Appareil et système de pile à combustible portable
PCT/SG2019/050070 Ceased WO2019156631A1 (fr) 2018-02-06 2019-02-07 Système et appareil de pile à combustible portable

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SG2019/050063 Ceased WO2019156627A1 (fr) 2018-02-06 2019-02-01 Appareil et système de pile à combustible portable

Country Status (2)

Country Link
SG (1) SG11202007519VA (fr)
WO (2) WO2019156627A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112357880A (zh) * 2020-11-12 2021-02-12 中南大学 一种高容量水解制氢材料及其制备方法和应用及制氢装置
CN114843561A (zh) * 2022-05-13 2022-08-02 中国第一汽车股份有限公司 燃料电池的控制方法及装置
CN116960396A (zh) * 2023-09-20 2023-10-27 武汉海亿新能源科技有限公司 一种化工生产用氢燃料电池发电供热系统及其控制方法
CN117393796A (zh) * 2023-12-13 2024-01-12 武汉雄韬氢雄燃料电池科技有限公司 一种具有双重冷却模式的燃料电池系统
CN119153730A (zh) * 2024-11-11 2024-12-17 江苏源氢新能源科技股份有限公司 氢燃料电池系统

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3853126A4 (fr) 2018-09-18 2022-05-25 H3 Dynamics Holdings Pte. Ltd. Véhicule sans pilote
US20220131214A1 (en) * 2019-02-01 2022-04-28 Hes Energy Systems Pte. Ltd. High energy density fuel cell apparatus and system with a hydride-based hydrogen generator as a scalable power solution concept
CN110588442B (zh) * 2019-08-16 2024-04-12 上海电气集团股份有限公司 燃料电池系统的高压箱
CN110767921B (zh) * 2019-11-07 2022-10-11 安徽伯华氢能源科技有限公司 一种氢燃料电池系统
CN111377402A (zh) * 2020-03-13 2020-07-07 杭州氢源科技有限公司 一种氢化镁水解制氢装置及其控制方法
CN114122467B (zh) * 2021-10-26 2024-05-24 西安交通大学 一种储氢材料水解供氢的常低温自启动的氢能供电装置及供电方法
CN114243068B (zh) * 2021-12-20 2023-10-10 重庆大学 一种基于镁基材料的氢能供电设备
CN115172790A (zh) * 2022-05-20 2022-10-11 安徽青木子德慧能源发展有限公司 一种基于高温质子交换膜氢燃料电池大功率发电的集成系统
CN116216634B (zh) * 2022-12-30 2024-10-18 中国科学院青岛生物能源与过程研究所 一种氢化镁水解制氢系统及其控制方法
CN117276582B (zh) * 2023-11-22 2024-02-09 北京晶品特装科技股份有限公司 一种便携式氢燃料电池设备中的多功能供水装置

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100247426A1 (en) * 2009-03-30 2010-09-30 Signa Chemistry, Inc. Hydrogen generation systems utilizing sodium silicide and sodium silica gel materials
US20170018789A1 (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-01-19 Ardica Technologies, Inc. Reducing Heat Loss from a Lightweight Vacuum Insulated Vessel
US20170054175A1 (en) * 2014-03-19 2017-02-23 Intelligent Energy Limited Flexible fuel cell power system
WO2017127022A1 (fr) * 2016-01-18 2017-07-27 Advanced Material Engineering Pte. Ltd. Générateur d'hydrogène portable
CN206599440U (zh) * 2017-03-08 2017-10-31 苏州芷宁信息科技有限公司 基于硼氢化物水解体系的简单可控氢气发生装置

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7648786B2 (en) * 2006-07-27 2010-01-19 Trulite, Inc System for generating electricity from a chemical hydride
KR101342599B1 (ko) * 2007-10-31 2013-12-17 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 수소 발생장치 및 이를 채용한 연료전지
US8895204B2 (en) * 2010-11-08 2014-11-25 Intelligent Energy Limited Water reactive hydrogen fuel cell power system
US10283796B2 (en) * 2011-02-11 2019-05-07 Intelligen Energy Limited Fuel cell system
SG2013022967A (en) * 2013-03-25 2014-10-30 Horizon Energy Systems Pte Ltd Method and generator for hydrogen production

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100247426A1 (en) * 2009-03-30 2010-09-30 Signa Chemistry, Inc. Hydrogen generation systems utilizing sodium silicide and sodium silica gel materials
US20170054175A1 (en) * 2014-03-19 2017-02-23 Intelligent Energy Limited Flexible fuel cell power system
US20170018789A1 (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-01-19 Ardica Technologies, Inc. Reducing Heat Loss from a Lightweight Vacuum Insulated Vessel
WO2017127022A1 (fr) * 2016-01-18 2017-07-27 Advanced Material Engineering Pte. Ltd. Générateur d'hydrogène portable
CN206599440U (zh) * 2017-03-08 2017-10-31 苏州芷宁信息科技有限公司 基于硼氢化物水解体系的简单可控氢气发生装置

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112357880A (zh) * 2020-11-12 2021-02-12 中南大学 一种高容量水解制氢材料及其制备方法和应用及制氢装置
CN114843561A (zh) * 2022-05-13 2022-08-02 中国第一汽车股份有限公司 燃料电池的控制方法及装置
CN116960396A (zh) * 2023-09-20 2023-10-27 武汉海亿新能源科技有限公司 一种化工生产用氢燃料电池发电供热系统及其控制方法
CN116960396B (zh) * 2023-09-20 2023-12-05 武汉海亿新能源科技有限公司 一种化工生产用氢燃料电池发电供热系统及其控制方法
CN117393796A (zh) * 2023-12-13 2024-01-12 武汉雄韬氢雄燃料电池科技有限公司 一种具有双重冷却模式的燃料电池系统
CN117393796B (zh) * 2023-12-13 2024-03-01 武汉雄韬氢雄燃料电池科技有限公司 一种具有双重冷却模式的燃料电池系统
CN119153730A (zh) * 2024-11-11 2024-12-17 江苏源氢新能源科技股份有限公司 氢燃料电池系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SG11202007519VA (en) 2020-09-29
WO2019156627A1 (fr) 2019-08-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2019156631A1 (fr) Système et appareil de pile à combustible portable
EP3918654B1 (fr) Appareil et système de pile à combustible à haute densité d'énergie comprenant un générateur d'hydrogène à base d'hydrure en tant que concept de solution d'alimentation évolutive
JP6059286B2 (ja) 発電機の遮断弁
EP0917225B1 (fr) Appareil de pile à combustible portable contenant un réservoir de stockage de l'hydrogène
EP2789073B1 (fr) Systèmes et procédés pour gérer une pile à combustible
CN100463273C (zh) 燃料重整装置和燃料电池系统
CN109982963B (zh) 设有缓冲罐的氢气生成系统和方法
CN101395752A (zh) 微电力发生器中的水回收
CN103477488A (zh) 燃料电池系统
US10665884B2 (en) Flexible fuel cell power system
KR101899626B1 (ko) 가스 흐름 밸브와 압력 방출구가 조합된 가스 발생기
US9705145B2 (en) Hydrogen generator
KR101817432B1 (ko) 연료전지 시스템
EP4075552A1 (fr) Système de production d'énergie à l'hydrogène
JP2003234116A (ja) 燃料電池の制御方法および制御装置
KR101903803B1 (ko) 연료전지시스템
JP2010001188A (ja) 水素製造装置及び燃料電池
CN210489741U (zh) 一种产氢装置及其组成的便携式燃料电池电源
JP7729669B1 (ja) 金属―空気電池
US20160010893A1 (en) Heating device
RU2819780C2 (ru) Способ генерирования газообразного водорода и система для его осуществления с буферной емкостью
US20090197132A1 (en) Fuel-cell structure
CN117597804A (zh) 具有燃料电池系统的电动汽车和火灾风险缓解方法
HK1149633A (en) Apparatus, system, and method for securing a cartridge
JP2007194002A (ja) 燃料電池システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19751338

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19751338

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1