WO2025037994A1

WO2025037994A1 - A system for hydrogen generation and use

Info

Publication number: WO2025037994A1
Application number: PCT/PL2023/050096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wiesław NOWAKOWSKI; Jakub NOWAKOWSKI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-08-15
Filing date: 2023-11-19
Publication date: 2025-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-15
Also published as: PL445820A1

Abstract

The subject of this invention is the system for generation and use of hydrogen in which a subsystem for hydrogen generation (U1) contains a reaction chamber (1) with aluminium (2) and sodium hydroxide (3), to which a water nozzle (4) is attached, connected through a duct (5) to a water pump (6). The upper part of the reaction chamber (1) contains an outlet connection (7) connected to a subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2), which is connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation (U3), to which an inlet (27) through oxygen is supplied, is connected. This system is characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2) contains at least one water tank (9) connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation (U3), which outlet (21) is connected through a non-return valve (22) with the condensing tank (23).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the Invention

A SYSTEM FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION AND USE

Technical Field

[0001] This invention consists in the system for generation and use of hydrogen, characterised by a closed circulation of reaction and post-reaction water, in which stable conditions of working pressure were ensured in subsystems for hydrogen generation and purification.

Background Art

[0002] The U.S. patent application US11646432B2 discloses a device for production of hydrogen and electrical energy. The device comprises a chamber configured for placing in it water, sodium hydroxide, and aluminium. The generation adjoining the said chamber is configured to generate electricity from heat output from the chamber. The device further comprises of a system for hydrogen capturing coupled with the chamber, and configured to capture hydrogen from the said chamber. Furthermore, the device comprises in a fuel cell connected to the hydrogen capture system and configured to receive at least some of the hydrogen from the hydrogen capture system, to generate electricity. It is also equipped with a transformer electrically coupled with the generator and the fuel cell.

[0003] The international patent application W02004046408A2 discloses a system for production of gaseous hydrogen, comprising in: (i) a system of a membrane electrode consisting in an anode, a cathode and a membrane conducting ions between them; (ii) electrical connections to transfer electrical energy from the power source to the said cathode and anode; and (iii) non-circulating fuel transport system to transport the water/fuel mix through a capillary action to the said anode to generate gaseous hydrogen. Furthermore, the system for fuel transport comprises in: the first part in contact with the water/fuel mix transporting the water/fuel mix to the anode, and the second part in contact with the said first part, to collect gas from it. [0004] The patent application US2021013531A1 discloses a system and a method for production and use of both hydrogen and electrical energy. The system comprises in: (i) a battery able to simultaneously generate gaseous hydrogen and electrical energy; (ii) a duct for gas transport configured to collect and transport a stream of gas containing gaseous hydrogen generated by the battery; (iii) one or a series of two or more further components for gas processing, connected to the gas flow duct, configured to regulate gas stream properties or flow and injecting a stream of gaseous hydrogen; (iv) one or a series of two or more power converters configured to receive electrical energy generated by the battery and to output regulated electrical energy. The said system is installed on a vehicle deck.

[0005] Yet another application, US2004035054A1, discloses an improvement in a system for hydrogen generation by contacting an aqueous solution of metal hydride salt with a catalyst for hydrogen production. In particular, this invention consists in including in the system a line for returning water condensed from the liquid product to the feeding line which is to be contacted with the catalyst. An inner circulating line enables the use of a more concentrated metal hydride solution, because it is diluted by a circulating line before it contact the catalyst.

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0006] An analysis of the state of the art shown that no system for generation and use of hydrogen was disclosed that is characterised by a closed circulation of reaction and postreaction water, in which stable conditions of working pressure were ensured in subsystems for hydrogen generation and purification..

[0007] The aim of this invention is to develop such a system for generation and use of hydrogen that contains a combined system for reaction water and water obtained in hydrogen oxidation processes, in which stable conditions of working pressure are ensured in subsystems for hydrogen generation and purification. Solution to Problem

[0008] This invention consists in the system for generation and use of hydrogen in which a subsystem for hydrogen generation contains a reaction chamber with aluminium and with sodium hydroxide, to which a water nozzle is attached, connected through a duct to a water pump. The upper part of the reaction chamber contains an outlet connection connected to a subsystem for hydrogen purification, which is connected to a subsystem for hydrogen oxidation, to which a device supplying gas, in which oxygen is present, is connected. This system is characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen purification contains at least one water tank connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation, which outlet is connected through a non-return valve with the condensing tank. The outlet tip is immersed in water present in the condensing tank. The condensing tank contains a pressure valve and a duct connected to the water tank.

[0009] Preferably, the outlet of products of the synthesis, downstream from the non-return valve, is connected to a vortex tube, to which a duct from the device, in a form of a compressor, is connected.

[0010] Optionally, the subsystem for hydrogen purification contains two water tanks serially connected with a tube and connected to at least two filters serially connected with a tube.

[0011] Preferably, the system for hydrogen reaction comprises in at least one hydrogen fuel cell connected with cables to the battery. Alternately, the system for hydrogen oxidation reaction can be a diesel engine.

[0012] Optionally, Peltier cells are placed around the reaction chamber, connected with cables to the battery, where the Peltier cells contact a flow heat exchanger that cools the said cells from the outside.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0013] The preferable outcome of the invention is water recovery from the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation and using it as reaction water for hydrogen generation and water for hydrogen purification. This system is characterised by its being self-contained and reduces a need to use water from external sources. This design of the system reduces its weight. Furthermore, the system according to the invention ensures a constant pressure in the subsystems for hydrogen generation and purification, achieved through the use of the pressure valve in the condensing tank. The high degree of water condensing and recovery was achieved by using the vortex tube (Ranque's tube) cooling the post-reaction gas of the subsystem using hydrogen. This ensures that also water in the condensing tank is cooled, and thus ensures better sorption of water vapour from the subsystem for hydrogen purification and thus, obtaining hydrogen of high purity. Furthermore, the system according to the invention is characterised by high hydrogen purification due to water tanks and filters arranged in series. Heat energy released in the reaction tank may be used to generate electricity by using Peltier cells. On the outside, these cells are cooled with water in a heat exchanger. With this option, an external source of cold water or air may be required.

[0014] The reaction chamber is a tightly sealed tank filled with a mixture of granulated aluminium or its alloys, preferably of different granule sizes, and with dry sodium hydroxide. It can be transported over long distances, similarly as other canned products. Its weight is very low in relation to the weight of the entire system. The tightly sealed chamber can be stored for many years without losing its performance characteristics. When the casing is made of galvanised metal sheet, it is provided with protection against corrosion. The operation of the system can be stopped at any time by cutting off the water flow to the reaction chamber, and then restarted at any time.

[0015] The system according to the invention can be used both in mobile and in stationary devices. Furthermore, it is characterised by an easy connection and disassembling of the reaction chamber (a hydrogen cartridge).

[0016] The system can also be used in diesel-powered cars, which are the main source of dusts forming smog. The system may become an additional source of energy, reducing the use of liquid conventional fuels in diesel engines, and limiting the use of expensive catalysts by increasing the combustion temperature. [0017] The use of simple controlling devices in the form of a pump dosing water ensures that hydrogen is obtained in quantities corresponding to the actual demand of a device powered by the system, and this increases its economic and technical effectiveness.

[0018] As hydrogen is generated at a place of its use, no losses related to hydrogen penetration through walls of cylinders or tanks used to store hydrogen occur. As metal parts of devices are exposed to hydrogen only periodically and not constantly, the risk of hydrogen embrittlement , i.e., deterioration in their strength and other technical parameters, is lower.

[0019] The system for hydrogen generation and use is made of cost-effective and commonly available materials. The reaction chamber is made of galvanised metal sheet used, for example, in containers for paint or canned food products. The reagents used are aluminium and sodium hydroxide. Aluminium is fragmented, it may either be pure or an alloy with other elements, where the chemical composition of alloys is unimportant; thus recycled aluminium can be used.

[0020] All materials are commonly available, and none of them is classified as a hazardous material. The reaction chamber can be recycled, and the reaction product, sodium aluminate, can be widely used e.g., in sewage treatment plants to treat water, in the chemical industry, or, after filtration, in the aluminium production process (the Bayer process).

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] An example of the invention embodiment was illustrated in the drawing in which individual figures present:

Fig. 1. A general diagram of a system for hydrogen generation and use;

Fig. 2. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a hydrogen fuel cell;

Fig. 3. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a hydrogen fuel cell, with an additional cooling of flue gases;

Fig. 4. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a diesel engine; Fig. 5. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a hydrogen fuel cell, and with an extended subsystem for hydrogen purification;

Fig. 6. A system from Fig. 5 with additional cooling of flue gases;

Fig. 7. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a hydrogen fuel cell and with Peltier cells and a heat exchanger on the reaction chamber;

Fig. 8. A system for hydrogen generation and use with a hydrogen fuel cell and with Peltier cells and a heat exchanger on the reaction chamber and the condensing tank;

Fig. 9. A system for hydrogen generation and use from Fig. 7, with an emphasis on subsystem for hydrogen generation, purification, and oxidising..

Description of Embodiments

[0022] In examples of embodiment, the system for hydrogen generation and use comprises in the subsystem for hydrogen generation (Ul), the subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2) and the subsystem for hydrogen oxidising (U3), where the outlet of products of oxidation in the system for hydrogen oxidation (U 3 ) is connected by a reverse connection with the system for hydrogen purification (U2).

Examples of embodiment Nos. 1 and 2 (Fig. 2 and 3).

[0023] The subsystem for hydrogen generation (Ul) consists in container 1 containing fragmented aluminium 2 and sodium hydroxide 3. A spraying water nozzle 4 is connected to the container 1 and connected with a pump 6 through a duct 5. The upper part of the chamber 1 contains an outlet connection 7 tightly connected with subsystem for hydrogen purification U2 through a duct 8.

[0024] The subsystem for hydrogen purification U2 contains a water tank 9 in which an outlet of the duct 8 is located below the water surface. Water W from the water tank 9 feeds the pump 6 through a solenoid valve 12. The water tank 9 is connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation U3 through a transport duct 16 with a control valve 17. The subsystem for hydrogen oxidation U3 consists of a hydrogen fuel cell 18 connected with cables 19 to a battery 20. An outlet 21 of products of the synthesis (water molecules) from the fuel cell is connected through a non-return valve 22 to a condensing tank 23, where a tip of the outlet 21 is immersed in water W in the condensing tank 23. The condensing tank 23 contains in its upper part a pressure valve Z which sets stable pressure cognitions in the system for hydrogen generation U1 and purification U2.

[0025] In one option of this embodiment, a duct with cold expanded air is routed to the outlet 21, preferably from a vortex tube 24 supplied with compressed air from a device supplying air in the form of an air compressor. The compressor 25b is connected through a control valve 26 at an oxygen inlet 27 to the hydrogen fuel cell 18. The hydrogen fuel cell 18 is also provided with an outlet duct 28 for unprocessed hydrogen, equipped with a nonreturn valve 29 connected to the duct 16 transporting hydrogen.

An example of embodiment No. 3 (Fig. 4)

[0026] In another alternate example of the invention embodiment, the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation is a diesel engine 18b. The subsystem for hydrogen purification U2 contains a water tank 9 in which an outlet of the duct 8 is located below the water surface. Water W from the water tank 9 feeds the pump 6 through a solenoid valve 12. The water tank 9 is connected to a combustion chamber of the diesel engine 18b through a transport duct 16 with a control valve 17. An outlet 21 of flue gases, including water molecules, is connected through a non-return valve 22 to a condensing tank 23, where a tip of the outlet 21 is immersed in water W in the condensing tank 23. A preferable option of the embodiment is when a duct with cold air is connected to the outlet 21, preferably from a vortex tube 24 supplied with compressed air from a compressor 25b. At the same time, this compressor is a device 25b dosing oxygen present in the air, which is supplied through a control valve 26 and a duct 27 to the combustion engine 18b. The diesel engine 18b is also provided with an outlet duct 28 for unprocessed hydrogen, equipped with a non-return valve 29 connected to the duct 16 transporting hydrogen. Examples of embodiment Nos. 4 and 5 (Fig. 5 and 6).

[0027] The subsystem for hydrogen generation U1 consists in container 1 containing fragmented aluminium 2 and sodium hydroxide 3. A spraying water nozzle 4 is connected to the container 1 and connected with a pump 6 through a duct 5. The upper part of the chamber 1 contains an outlet connection 7 connected with subsystem for hydrogen purification U2 through a duct 8.

[0028] The subsystem for hydrogen purification U2 contains two water tanks 9, 10 serially connected with a tube 11. Water W from the water tanks 9,10 feeds the pump 6 through a valve 12. The second water tank 10 is connected with a filter 13 for hydrogen purification, which is serially connected through a tube 14 with another filter 15 for hydrogen purification. The last filter 15 for hydrogen purification is connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation U3 through a transport duct 16 with a control valve 17. In the example of embodiment, filters 13,15 are fabric ring filters, used, for example, to dry compressed and expanded air.

[0029] The subsystem for hydrogen oxidation U3 consists of a hydrogen fuel cell 18 connected with cables 19 to a battery 20. An outlet 21 of products of the synthesis (water molecules) and unprocessed air from the fuel cell is connected through a non-return valve 22 to a condensing tank 23, where a tip of the outlet 21 is immersed in water W in the condensing tank 23. A preferable option of the invention embodiment is when a duct with cold expanded air is connected to the outlet 21, preferably from a vortex tube 24 supplied with compressed air from a compressor 25b. At the same time, this compressor is a device dosing oxygen present in the air, which is supplied through a control valve 26 and a duct 27 to the hydrogen fuel cell 18. The hydrogen fuel cell 18 is also provided with an outlet duct 28 for unprocessed hydrogen, equipped with a non-return valve 29 connected to the duct 16 transporting hydrogen. Examples of embodiment Nos. 6 and 7 (Fig. 7 and 8).

[0030] Further examples of embodiment are based on solutions described in examples of embodiments Nos. 5 and 6. In another option of embodiment, Peltier cells 30 are installed around the reaction chamber 1, connected with cables 31 with the battery 20. These cells are cooled from the outside with a flow heat exchanger 32, in which water flows. In yet another option of embodiment, thermoelectric (Peltier) cells 33 are also installed on a condensing tank 33 and connected with cables with the battery 20. The cells 33 are also cooled from the outside with a flow heat exchanger 34, preferably containing flowing water.

Claims

1. The system for hydrogen generation and use of, in which a subsystem for hydrogen generation (Ul) contains a reaction chamber (1) with aluminium (2) and sodium hydroxide (3), to which a water nozzle (4) is connected, which is also connected through a duct (5) with a water pump (6), while the upper part of the reaction chamber (1) contains an outlet connection (7) connected with a subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2) that is connected to a subsystem for hydrogen oxidation (U3), to which an oxygen inlet (27) is connected characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2) contains at least one water tank (9) connected to the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation (U3) which outlet (21) is connected through a non-return valve (22) to a condensing tank (23), and the tip of the outlet (21) is immersed in water (W) contained in the condensing tank, where the condensing tank (23) contains a pressure valve (Z) and a duct (P) connected to the water tank (9).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterised in that the outlet (21) of products of the synthesis, downstream from the non-return valve (22), is connected to a vortex tube (24), to which a duct from the device (25b), compressing air, is connected.

3. The system according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen purification (U2) contains two water tanks (8,9) serially connected with a tube (11) and connected to at least two filters (13,15) serially connected with a tube (14).

4. The system according to any of claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen reaction (U3) is at least one hydrogen fuel cell (18) connected to a battery (20) with cables (19).

5. The system according to any of claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that the subsystem for hydrogen oxidation (U3) is a diesel engine.

6. The system according to any of claims from 1 to 5, characterised in that Peltier cells (30) are installed around the reaction chamber (1), connected with the battery (20) with cables, where the Peltier cells (30) are in contact with a flow heat exchanger (31).