Hydrogen generation systems and methods utilizing sodium silicide and sodium silica gel materials
US9102528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/36
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods combine thermally stable reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen and a non-toxic liquid by-product. The reactant materials can sodium silicide or sodium silica gel. The hydrogen generation devices are used in fuels cells and other industrial applications. One system combines cooling, pumping, water storage, and other devices to sense and control reactions between reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. Springs and other pressurization mechanisms pressurize and deliver an aqueous solution to the reaction. A check valve and other pressure regulation mechanisms regulate the pressure of the aqueous solution delivered to the reactant fuel material in the reactor based upon characteristics of the pressurization mechanisms and can regulate the pressure of the delivered aqueous solution as a steady decay associated with the pressurization force. The pressure regulation mechanism can also prevent hydrogen gas from deflecting the pressure regulation mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.