Patent Application
20080206113
Fuel cells are devices that directly convert chemical energy of reactants, i.e., fuel and oxidant, into direct current (DC) electricity. For an increasing number of applications, fuel cells are more efficient than conventional power generation, such as combustion of fossil fuel, as well as portable power storage, such as lithium-ion batteries.
In general, fuel cell technology includes a variety of different fuel cells, such as alkali fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells and enzyme fuel cells. Today's more important fuel cells can be divided into several general categories, namely (i) fuel cells utilizing compressed hydrogen (H2) as fuel; (ii) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells that use alcohols, e.g., methanol (CH3OH), metal hydrides, e.g., sodium borohydride (NaBH4), hydrocarbons, or other fuels reformed into hydrogen fuel; (iii) PEM fuel cells that can consume non-hydrogen fuel directly or direct oxidation fuel cells; and (iv) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that directly convert hydrocarbon fuels to electricity at high temperature.
Compressed hydrogen is generally kept under high pressure and is therefore difficult to handle. Furthermore, large storage tanks are typically required and cannot be made sufficiently small for consumer electronic devices. Conventional reformat fuel cells require reformers and other vaporization and auxiliary systems to convert fuels to hydrogen to react with oxidant in the fuel cell. Recent advances make reformer or reformat fuel cells promising for consumer electronic devices. The most common direct oxidation fuel cells are direct methanol fuel cells or DMFC. Other direct oxidation fuel cells include direct ethanol fuel cells and direct tetramethyl orthocarbonate fuel cells. DMFC, where methanol is reacted directly with oxidant in the fuel cell, is the simplest and potentially smallest fuel cell and also has promising power application for consumer electronic devices. SOFC convert hydrocarbon fuels, such as butane, at high heat to produce electricity. SOFC requires relatively high temperature in the range of 1000° C. for the fuel cell reaction to occur.
The chemical reactions that produce electricity are different for each type of fuel cell. For DMFC, the chemical-electrical reaction at each electrode and the overall reaction for a direct methanol fuel cell are described as follows:
Half-reaction at the anode:
CH3OH+H2O→CO2+6H++6e−
Half-reaction at the cathode:
1.5O2+6H++6e−→3H2O
The overall fuel cell reaction:
CH3OH+1.5O2→CO2+2H2O
Due to the migration of the hydrogen ions (H+) through the PEM from the anode to the cathode and due to the inability of the free electrons (e−) to pass through the PEM, the electrons flow through an external circuit, thereby producing an electrical current through the external circuit. The external circuit may be used to power many useful consumer electronic devices, such as mobile or cell phones, calculators, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and power tools, among others.
DMFC is discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,992,008 and 5,945,231, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Generally, the PEM is made from a polymer, such as Nafion® available from DuPont, which is a perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer having a thickness in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.50 mm, or other suitable membranes. The anode is typically made from a Teflonized carbon paper support with a thin layer of catalyst, such as platinum-ruthenium, deposited thereon. The cathode is typically a gas diffusion electrode in which platinum particles are bonded to one side of the membrane.
In a chemical metal hydride fuel cell, sodium borohydride is reformed and reacts as follows:
NaBH4+2H2O→(heat or catalyst)→4(H2)+(NaBO2)
Half-reaction at the anode:
H2→2H++2e−
Half-reaction at the cathode:
2(2H++2e−)+O2→2H2O
Suitable catalysts for this reaction include platinum and ruthenium, and other metals. The hydrogen fuel produced from reforming sodium borohydride is reacted in the fuel cell with an oxidant, such as O2, to create electricity (or a flow of electrons) and water byproduct. Sodium borate (NaBO2) byproduct is also produced by the reforming process. A sodium borohydride fuel cell is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,956, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
One of the most important features for fuel cell application is fuel storage. Another important feature is to regulate the transport of fuel out of the fuel cartridge to the fuel cell. To be commercially useful, fuel cells such as DMFC or PEM systems should have the capability of storing sufficient fuel to satisfy the consumers' normal usage. For example, for mobile or cell phones, for notebook computers, and for personal digital assistants (PDAs), fuel cells need to power these devices for at least as long as the current batteries and, preferably, much longer. Additionally, the fuel cells should have easily replaceable or refillable fuel tanks to minimize or obviate the need for lengthy recharges required by today's rechargeable batteries.
One disadvantage of the known hydrogen gas generators is that once the reaction starts the gas generator cartridge cannot control the reaction. Thus, the reaction will continue until the supply of the reactants runs out or the source of the reactant is manually shut down.
Accordingly, there is a desire to obtain a hydrogen gas generator apparatus that is capable of self-regulating the flow of at least one reactant into the reaction chamber.
The present invention is directed toward fuel systems/gas-generating apparatus that have significantly longer shelf life and are more efficient in producing hydrogen.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gas-generating apparatus that includes at least a reaction chamber having a first reactant, and an inducing mechanism operatively connected to a second reactant to release a predetermined amount of the second reactant to react with the first reactant within the reaction chamber. Preferably, the first reactant is a liquid and the second reactant is a solid.
In another embodiment, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a reaction chamber having a reactant, a take-up wheel, and a feeding wheel. The take-up wheel of the present invention is, preferably, an indexing wheel.
According to one example of the present invention, the gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having an indexing wheel that is at least partially teethed or knurled, and a fuel stick urged in contact with the knurled indexing wheel to free a portion of the fuel stick. Alternatively, the indexing wheel has a knurled portion and a polymer encased portion.
In another example, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system having a fuel transporting system, wherein the fuel transporting system introduces the fuel into the reactant to produce hydrogen.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide a further explanation of the present invention, as claimed.
In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:
As illustrated in the accompanying drawings and discussed in detail below, the present invention is directed to a fuel supply, which stores fuel cell fuels, such as methanol and water, methanol/water mixture, methanol/water mixtures of varying concentrations, pure methanol, and/or methyl clathrates described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,364,977 and 6,512,005 B2, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Methanol and other alcohols are usable in many types of fuel cells, e.g., DMFC, enzyme fuel cells and reformat fuel cells, among others. The fuel supply may contain other types of fuel cell fuels, such as ethanol or alcohols, metal hydrides, such as sodium borohydrides, other chemicals that can be reformatted into hydrogen, or other chemicals that may improve the performance or efficiency of fuel cells. Fuels also include potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte, which is usable with metal fuel cells or alkali fuel cells, and can be stored in fuel supplies. For metal fuel cells, fuel is in the form of fluid borne zinc particles immersed in a KOH electrolytic reaction solution, and the anodes within the cell cavities are particulate anodes formed of the zinc particles. KOH electrolytic solution is disclosed in United States published patent application no. 2003/0077493, entitled “Method of Using Fuel Cell System Configured to Provide Power to One or More Loads,” published on Apr. 24, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fuels can also include a mixture of methanol, hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, which flows past a catalyst formed on silicon chips to create a fuel cell reaction. Moreover, fuels include a blend or mixture of methanol, sodium borohydride, an electrolyte, and other compounds, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,554,877, 6,562,497, and 6,758,871, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, fuels include those compositions that are partially dissolved in a solvent and partially suspended in a solvent, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,470 and those compositions that include both liquid fuel and solid fuels, described in United States published patent application no. 2002/0076602. These references are also incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Fuels can also include a metal hydride such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and water, discussed above. Fuels can further include hydrocarbon fuels, which include, but are not limited to, butane, kerosene, alcohol, and natural gas, as set forth in United States published patent application no. 2003/0096150, entitled “Liquid Hereto-Interface Fuel Cell Device,” published on May 22, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fuels can also include liquid oxidants that react with fuels. The present invention is therefore not limited to any type of fuels, electrolytic solutions, oxidant solutions or liquids or solids contained in the supply or otherwise used by the fuel cell system. The term “fuel” as used herein includes all fuels that can be reacted in fuel cells or in the fuel supply, and includes, but is not limited to, all of the above suitable fuels, electrolytic solutions, oxidant solutions, gases, liquids, solids, and/or chemicals and mixtures thereof.
As used herein, the term “fuel supply” includes, but is not limited to, disposable cartridges, refillable/reusable cartridges, containers, cartridges that reside inside the electronic device, removable cartridges, cartridges that are outside of the electronic device, fuel tanks, fuel refilling tanks, other containers that store fuel and the tubes connected to the fuel tanks and containers. While a cartridge is described below in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is noted that these embodiments are also applicable to other fuel supplies and the present invention is not limited to any particular type of fuel supply.
The fuel supply of the present invention can also be used to store fuels that are not used in fuel cells. These applications can include, but are not limited to, storing hydrocarbons and hydrogen fuels for micro gas-turbine engines built on silicon chips, discussed in “Here Come the Microengines,” published in The Industrial Physicist (December 2001/January 2002) at pp. 20-25. As used in the present application, the term “fuel cell” can also include microengines. Other applications can include storing traditional fuels for internal combustion engines and hydrocarbons, such as butane for pocket and utility lighters and liquid propane.
Suitable known hydrogen generating apparatus are disclosed in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/679,756 filed on Oct. 6, 2003; 10/854,540, filed on May 26, 2004; 11/067,167, filed on Feb. 25, 2005; and 11/066,573, filed on Feb. 25, 2005. The disclosure of these references is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The gas-generating apparatus of the present invention may include a reaction chamber having a first reactant and a second reactant. The first and second reactants can be a metal hydride, e.g., sodium borohydride, and water. Both reactants can be in gaseous, liquid, aqueous or solid form. Preferably, the solid reactant is a solid metal hydride or metal borohydride, and the fluid reactant stored in the reaction chamber is water optionally mixed with additives and catalysts. One of the reactants may include methyl clathrates, which essentially include methanol enclosed or trapped inside other compounds. Water and metal hydride of the present invention react to produce hydrogen gas, which can be consumed by a fuel cell to produce electricity. Other suitable reactants or reagents are discussed below, and are also disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/854,540, previously incorporated by reference above.
Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus can include a device or system that is capable of controlling the release of the second reactant or combining of the two reactants. The operating conditions inside the gas-generating apparatus, preferably a pressure, are capable of controlling the release of the second reactant in the reaction chamber. For example, the second reactant can be released when the pressure inside the reaction chamber is less than a predetermined value. The release of the second reactant is preferably self-regulated. Thus, when the reaction chamber reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the release of the second reactant can be halted to stop the production of hydrogen gas. Similarly, when the pressure of the reaction chamber is reduced below the predetermined pressure, the second reactant can again be released into the reaction chamber. The second reactant in the reservoir can be released by indexing mechanism, supply and take-up reels, ratcheting mechanism, or among others. Preferably, when using a solid metal hydride fuel, such as sodium borohydride, the solid fuel component is introduced into the liquid or gas fuel component, as described in the embodiments below.
Referring to
Gas-generating apparatus 12 generally includes a reaction chamber 18 enclosed within sidewalls 20. Reaction chamber 18 is at least partially filled with a fluid fuel component 22. Fluid fuel component 22, which is preferably a liquid but may also be a gas, preferably comprises an agent that is capable of reacting with a hydrogen-bearing fuel, with or without an optional catalyst, to generate hydrogen gas. Fluid fuel component 22 may also contain hydrogen. Preferably, fluid fuel component 22 includes, but is not limited to, water, alcohols, and/or dilute acids. The most common source of the agent in fluid fuel component 22 is water; however, one skilled in the art would understand that other types of agents may also be used in the present invention.
In this embodiment, an indexing wheel 24 is disposed within reaction chamber 18. Indexing wheel 24 is preferably submerged or partially submerged within fluid fuel component 22. Indexing wheel 24 is any appropriate type of wheel known in the art, made, for example, from non-reactive metals, such as stainless steel, plastics, or similar rigid materials inert to fluid fuel component 22. Indexing wheel 24 is rotatably attached to at least one of sidewalls 20. Indexing wheel 24 is ratcheted, i.e., indexing wheel 24 is able to turn only in one direction. Indexing wheel 24 includes any appropriate ratcheting mechanism known in the art, such as unidirectional stops, sloped teeth and a pawl, or similar mechanisms (not shown).
A plurality of sealed pouches 26 are disposed on an outer surface of indexing wheel 24. Sealed pouches 26 contain a solid fuel component, preferably sodium borohydride, NaBH4, preferably in powder, granular, or tablet form. However, one skilled in the art would understand that other types of solid fuel components may also be used in the present invention. For example, sealed pouches 26 may be formed on a tape 25 that is adhered to the circumference of indexing wheel 24.
A releasing mechanism 28 is also contained within reaction chamber 18. Releasing mechanism 28 is fixedly attached at one end thereof to one of sidewalls 20, while an opposite end of releasing mechanism 28 is preferably configured with a sharp cutting or puncturing surface. Preferably, releasing mechanism 28 is configured such that the sharp cutting surface of releasing mechanism 28 is in contact with sealed pouches 26. As indexing wheel 24 is turned, the sharp cutting surface of releasing mechanism 28 opens sealed pouches 26 sequentially, which introduces the contained solid fuel component into fluid fuel component 22. Releasing mechanism 28 may be any appropriate releasing mechanism known in the art, such as a knife, blade, needle, or similar sharp object made from a rigid material such as non-reactive metal or plastic. Releasing mechanism 28 may have a smooth or serrated-edged cutting surface, a sharply pointed tip, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the serrated-edge cutting surface is a movable cutting surface, capable of moving or vibrating side-to-side and may be powered by a power source, such as a battery or fuel cell 14.
The size of indexing wheel 24 generally determines the amount of fuel that can be made available in reaction chamber 18. Releasing mechanism 28 opens only those sealed pouches 26 moved past releasing mechanism 28 with each indexed movement of indexing wheel 24. The size of indexing wheel 24, i.e., the diameter of indexing wheel 24, is selected so that a preferred distance along the circumference of indexing wheel 24 is traversed with each indexed movement of indexing wheel 24. Further, the larger the circumference of indexing wheel 24, the larger the number of sealed pouches 26 that may be placed on the outer surface of indexing wheel 24. Preferably, the size of indexing wheel 24 is small enough to fit entirely inside reaction chamber 18.
Alternatively, pouches 26 may be positioned on a side face of the wheel 24 spiraling towards the center. Releasing mechanism 28 is positioned perpendicular to the wheel. In addition, pouches 26 may be positioned on the inner and outer faces of wheel 24 with releasing mechanisms 28 placed above and below wheel 24. Wheel 24 may then be geared according to any method known in the art such that pouches 26 on opposing faces of wheel 24 are alternately opened.
Once released into fluid fuel component 22, the solid fuel component reacts with fluid fuel component 22 to produce hydrogen gas for use in fuel cell 14. The reaction between the solid fuel component and fluid fuel component 22 is described in detail in the '167 and '573 applications, previously incorporated by reference. As more and more gas is produced, the pressure within reaction chamber 18, designated as P1, can be relieved by transferring the produced gas through fuel conduit 16 and into fuel cell 14. An optional pressure relief valve, not shown, may also be included in case pressure P1 exceeds a threshold value.
A check valve 34 is provided at or near the interface of fuel conduit 16. Check valve 34 helps to control the flow of gas into and out of gas-generating apparatus 12 and may be used to seal gas generating apparatus 12. For example, check valve 34 may be a unidirectional valve that allows gas to flow from gas generating apparatus 12 into fuel conduit 16 but not in the reverse direction. Additionally, check valve 34 is preferably automatically opened when pressure P1 within reaction chamber 18 reaches a threshold level P2; any pressure below threshold level P2 causes check valve 34 to close and prevent additional flow of gas out of reaction chamber 18.
Optionally, a gas-permeable, liquid impermeable membrane 32 such as, for example, Gore-Tex®, is positioned over valve 34 to prevent potentially damaging liquid from entering fuel cell 14. Conduit 16 is also preferably sealed with another valve, e.g., shut-off valve 35, located downstream that can be opened by the fuel cell when hydrogen is needed.
The motion of indexing wheel 24 is preferably automatically controlled by pressure P1, the internal pressure of reaction chamber 18, triggering the ratcheting system which controls the turning of wheel 24. The ratcheting system may be any known ratcheting system in the art. One example of an appropriate ratcheting system is shown in
Diaphragm 40 is fixedly attached to a rod 38, so that the movement of diaphragm 40 due to the opposing forces of reaction chamber pressure P1 and spring force K moves rod 38. The other end of rod 38 is attached to a pawl such as a spring arm 50. Spring arm 50 is preferably a thin flexible member made from a non-reactive metal or plastic with one end thereof fixedly attached to sidewall 20 and the other end thereof engaged with an indexing mechanism 46.
Indexing mechanism 46 is fixedly attached to indexing wheel 24 and preferably contains a plurality of downwardly-angled teeth 48. Teeth 48 are preferably shaped with a smooth outer surface so that spring arm 50 is relatively easily pushed over the top of each tooth 48 so that spring arm 50 may catch underneath it. The size of each tooth 48 is selected so that indexing wheel 24 rotates a fixed amount for each movement of a single tooth 48.
When reaction chamber pressure P1 is less than spring force K exerted by spring 42, spring 42 pushes/pulls diaphragm 40 away from wheel 24. Rod 38 is lifted and, in turn, lifts spring arm 50. Since the free end of spring arm 50 is caught beneath one of teeth 48, the lifting of spring arm 50 turns wheel 24. When reaction chamber pressure P1 is greater than spring force K exerted by spring 42, diaphragm 40 biases rod 38 toward wheel 24 so that the free end of spring arm 50 is advanced over and catches beneath another tooth 48 in anticipation of the next need for a new infusion of fuel.
The pressure cycle that triggers the ratcheting system controlling the motion of indexing wheel 24 is summarized in Table 1 and is further described below.
Initially, reaction chamber pressure P1 can be made to be sufficient to lower rod 38 onto spring arm 50. This may be accomplished by any method known in the art. For example, once system 10 is assembled, a predetermined amount of an initializing inert gas or hydrogen may be injected into reaction chamber 18 via, for example, valve 34 or any other means. Preferably, the predetermined amount of the inert gas or hydrogen is sufficient for rod 38 to exert sufficient force on spring arm 50 to prevent spring arm 50 from returning to its neutral state and, therefore, preventing indexing wheel 24 from turning. Also, preferably reaction chamber pressure P1 is initially high enough to open check valve 34 to start the flow of gas to fuel cell 14 when shut-off valve 35 is opened. As the gas in reaction chamber 18 is transferred to fuel cell 14 through conduit 16, reaction chamber pressure P1 decreases.
Once reaction chamber pressure P1 dips below spring force K, spring 42 expands, and diaphragm 40 flexes. Rod 38 is drawn upward so that it lifts spring arm 50. As the free end of spring arm 50 is engaged with tooth 48, spring arm 50 carries/moves tooth 48 along with its motion, thereby turning indexing wheel 24. As indexing wheel 24 is turned, the sharp edge of releasing mechanism 28 cuts, splits, or pierces open at least one of sealed pouches 26, and the contained fuel component is introduced into fluid fuel component 22 to produce hydrogen gas. As reaction chamber pressure P1 again builds within reaction chamber 18 due to the new gas production, reaction chamber pressure P1 increases until reaction chamber pressure P1 exceeds K so that reaction chamber pressure P1 overcomes the force of spring 42 and, via diaphragm 40, lowers rod 38. Rod 38 once again pushes on spring arm 50, thereby forcing the tip of spring arm 50 over the edge of at least one of teeth 48 of structure 46 in preparation for the next turn of wheel 24.
Threshold level P2 and spring force K are carefully selected so that the automatic operation of gas generating apparatus is not interrupted. Preferably, spring force K is very slightly less than threshold level P2. In such a case, spring 42 will lift rod 38 just prior to the closing of valve 34.
Alternatively, a mechanism such as an external button may be depressed by a user to open a first pouch to start the reaction.
Alternatively, indexing wheel 24 may be controlled electronically by a controller, such as, for example, a microprocessor connected to fuel cell 14 that controls a motor driving indexing wheel 24 (not shown). The controller in this alternative embodiment may monitor the P1 using sensors in reaction chamber 18. The pressure sensor may be any type of pressure sensor known in the art that is capable of being placed in reaction chamber 18 and measuring pressure in the anticipated range of approximately 0-100 psi, although this range may vary depending upon the fuel cell system and fuel used. For example, the pressure sensor may be a pressure transducer available from Honeywell, Inc. of Morristown, N.J. The pressure sensor may also be a glass or silica crystal that behaves like a strain gauge, i.e., the crystal emits a current depending upon the amount of pressure. Another example of an appropriate sensor for sensing the pressure within reaction chamber 18 is a piezoelectric sensor. Piezoelectric sensors are solid state elements that produce an electrical charge when exposed to pressure or to impacts. Suitable piezoelectric sensors are available from many sources, including PCB Piezotronics of DePew, N.Y.
In another embodiment, check valve 34 is omitted from apparatus 10 and threshold pressure P2 is no longer a factor. In this embodiment, when shut off valve 35 is closed, pressure P1 of reaction chamber 18 would exceed spring force K to stop the movement of wheel 24, discussed above. When valve 35 is open, pressure P1 is reduced to allow the indexing of wheel 24. A pressure regulator can be positioned between the gas-generating apparatus 10 and fuel cell 14 to regulate the output of hydrogen. Suitable pressure regulators are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application “Hydrogen-Generating Fuel Cell Cartridges,” bearing Ser. No. 11/327,580, filed on Jan. 6, 2006. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Optional liquid impermeable, gas permeable layer/membrane 32 allows the passage of gases, such as hydrogen gas, out of the apparatus, and at the same time keeps liquid within reaction chamber 18. Membrane 32 may be formed from any liquid impermeable, gas permeable material known to one skilled in the art. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, hydrophobic materials having an alkane group. More specific examples include, but are not limited to: polyethylene compositions, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyglactin (VICRY®), lyophilized dura matter, or combinations thereof. Gas permeable member 30 may also comprise a gas permeable/liquid impermeable membrane covering a porous member. Examples of such membrane are CELGARD® and GORE-TEX®. Other gas permeable, liquid impermeable members usable in the present invention include, but are not limited to, SURBENT® Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) having a porous size of from about 0.1 μm to about 0.45 μm, available from Millipore Corporation. The pore size of SURBENT® PVDF regulates the amount of water exiting the system. Materials such as electronic vent-type material having 0.2 μm hydro, available from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., may also be used in the present invention. Additionally, 0.25 inch diameter rods having a pore size of about 10 μm or 2 inch diameter discs with a thickness of about 0.3 μm available from GenPore, and sintered and/or ceramic porous material having a pore size of less than about 10 μm available from Applied Porous Technologies Inc. are also usable in the present invention. Furthermore, nanograss materials, from Bell Labs, are also usable to filter the liquid. Nanograss controls the behavior of tiny liquid droplets by applying electrical charges to specially engineered silicon surfaces that resemble blades of grass. Additionally, or alternatively, the gas permeable, liquid impermeable materials disclosed in commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/356,793 are also usable in the present invention, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Such a membrane 32 may be used in any of the embodiments discussed herein. In addition, a filler or foam may be placed over membrane 32 to minimize clogging of the membrane with byproducts or slurry.
A pressure reduction pouch 30 is preferably placed in reaction chamber 18 and, more preferably, submerged within fluid fuel component 22. Pressure reduction pouch 30 is made of a material that is able to release its contents when the pressure in reaction chamber 18 reaches a predetermined value. For example, pressure reduction pouch 30 may be formed from a membrane that allows passage of its contents through its sidewalls when under a predetermined pressure. Alternatively, pressure reduction pouch 30 may be formed from a material that ruptures under a predetermined pressure. Preferably, when hydrogen gas is being produced, pressure reduction pouch 30 includes at least one composition that raises the pH of fluid fuel component 22. Raising the pH of fluid fuel component 22 lowers the reaction rate to the point where almost no hydrogen evolves. In other words, the introduction of the contents of pressure reduction pouch 30 neutralizes the system. Accordingly, the contents of pressure reduction pouch 30 is, preferably, a basic composition having a pH greater than about 7, preferably from about 9 to about 14. An exemplary composition that is appropriate for use in pressure reduction pouch 30 is sodium hydroxide. Additionally, the contents of pressure reduction pouch 30 may be in a solid form, such as powder, or in a liquid form. Such a pressure reduction pouch 30 may be used in any of the embodiments described herein.
Another device to control the pressure of reaction chamber 18 is to place a secondary fuel cell 14′ on a sidewall 20, as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, however, rod 38 is hingedly attached directly to ratcheting mechanism 46, so that as diaphragm 40 flexes as described above, rod 38 pushes on ratcheting mechanism 46. A spring-loaded pawl 50, which is hingedly attached to wheel 24, engages with one of teeth 48 so that wheel 24 is locked into position with ratcheting mechanism 46 when rod 38 pushes on ratcheting mechanism 46. In other words, wheel 24 can only turn in one direction as pawl 50 and teeth 48 act as a stop preventing wheel 24 from spinning counter-clockwise (in
As reaction chamber pressure P1 drops, diaphragm 40 is pushed toward wheel 24 by spring 42. This motion translates rod 38 toward wheel 24, thereby forcing ratcheting mechanism 46 clockwise (in this embodiment.) As pawl 50 is engaged with one of teeth 48, pawl 50 cannot slip over teeth 48. As such, the motion of ratcheting mechanism 46 pushes pawl 50, causing wheel 24 to turn. At least one of sealed pouches 26 is forced past releasing mechanism 28, thereby introducing solid fuel component into the liquid fuel component.
Yet another alternate ratcheting system is shown in
Also provided on an interior surface of upper housing portion 20a are a series of indexing ribs 5. Indexing ribs 5 are preferably a plurality of evenly-spaced rectangular protrusions extending outward from upper portion 20a.
Enclosed within interior space 18 in the portion defined by upper portion 20a is a ratcheted wheel 24 having a plurality of sealed pouches 26 disposed around the perimeter of ratcheted wheel 24. Sealed pouches 26 contain a fuel gas, such as hydrogen or any other fuel gas known in the art or described herein. Sealed pouches 26 may be made from any material known in the art capable of containing the fuel gas, such as plastic, glass, or other fluid-impermeable materials. Preferably, sealed pouches 26 are made thin-walled so that sealed pouches 26 may be readily punctured, broken or ruptured when necessary. A releasing mechanism 28, such as a cutting or sharply pointed needle is fixedly attached to housing 20 within interior space 18. Releasing mechanism 28 is configured to puncture, cut or break open at least one of sealed pouches 26 as sealed pouches 26 are indexed past releasing mechanism 28.
A pressure-sensitive diaphragm 40 made from any flexible material is disposed between upper portion 20a and lower portion 20b. Diaphragm 40 is spring-loaded, with a spring 42 being provided within lower portion 20b. Spring 42 may be any type of spring known in the art which is capable of biasing diaphragm 40 toward wheel 24, such as a coiled compression spring or stacked spring washers.
A rotating plunger 7a is rotatably connected to diaphragm 40 via a link pin 41, as shown in
In operation, interior space 18 is initially charged, such as with a charge of the fuel gas also stored in sealed pouches 26, so that fuel gas pressure P1 is high enough to open valve 34 when the shutoff valve (not shown) is opened. Fuel gas pressure P1 is also sufficiently high to flex diaphragm 40 toward lower housing portion 20b and compress spring 42.
As diaphragm 40 deflects from fuel gas pressure P1, translating plunger 7b moves in the same direction, i.e., toward lower housing portion 20b. As rotating plunger 7a is engaged with translating plunger 7b, rotating plunger 7a also translates in the same direction. Indexing tabs 6 slide along indexing ribs 5. Indexing ribs 5 are eventually forced over the angled surface on indexing tabs, causing rotating plunger 7a to turn. As rotating plunger 7a is engaged with translating plunger 7b, translating plunger 7b, and, therefore, wheel 24, also rotate on link pin 41. As wheel 24 turns, at least one of sealed pouches 26 is forced past and opened by releasing mechanism 28. Fuel gas pressure P1 may continue to build with the release of new gas from sealed pouches 26, if the withdrawal of gas from interior space 18 through valve 34 is slower than the addition of gas from sealed pouches 26.
As the pressure continues to increase, indexing tabs 6 are freed from indexing ribs 5, and one complete indexing motion of wheel 24 is achieved. As fuel gas is consumed and/or transferred through valve 34 and fuel gas pressure P1 is reduced, spring 42 pushes against diaphragm 40 to translate rotating plunger 7a back toward and re-engage with translating plunger 7b in anticipation of the next indexing movement.
In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
A rotational spring 56 is attached to indexing wheel 24. Rotational spring 56 may be any type of spring known in the art that is capable of turning indexing wheel 24. For example, rotational spring 56 may be a wound torsion or clock spring. Rotational spring 56 exerts a rotational force on wheel 24 and is preferably located within a center pocket of indexing wheel 24 (not shown).
As in the embodiment discussed above with respect to
In operation, reaction chamber 18 is preferably initially pressurized, as described above with respect to the first embodiment. As such, piston 40 is in a lowered position so that wheel 24 is locked. Check valve 34 is opened upon connection of gas generating apparatus 12 to fuel cell 14 and after shut-off valve 35 is opened, so reaction chamber pressure P1 starts to decrease. As reaction chamber pressure P1 decreases, the gas within piston chamber 38 flows into reaction chamber 18, thereby decreasing piston chamber pressure P3. When enough gas has transferred from piston chamber 38 into reaction chamber 18 to decrease piston chamber pressure P3 to the extent that piston chamber pressure P3 is less than spring force K, spring 42 returns to its neutral state, thereby raising piston 40. Index wheel 24 is then free to turn due to the rotational force provided by rotational spring 56. At the same time, reaction chamber pressure P1 may reduce to the point that the pressure required to hold open check valve 34, P2, is no longer available. Check valve 34 closes, thereby shutting off the further flow of gas from reaction chamber 18 to fuel cell 14.
Similar to
Referring to
However, in this embodiment, a second spring mechanism 141′ is used to move a puncturing element 128 toward wheel 124 when a fuel pouch 126 is positioned to be pierced. As with spring mechanism 141, second spring mechanism 141′ has a pressure-sensitive diaphragm 140′ exposed to reaction chamber pressure P1 and a biasing spring 142 to provide a spring force K′ to oppose reaction chamber pressure P1. When reaction chamber pressure P1 is greater than spring force K′, piercing element 128 is held away from wheel 124 and pouches 126 due to the force of reaction chamber pressure P1 pushing against diaphragm 140′. When spring force K′ is greater than reaction chamber pressure P1, piercing element 128 is pushed towards wheel 124 and pouches 126 by spring 142′. Preferably, spring 142′ is slightly weaker than spring 142 so that wheel 124 is turned before piercing element 128 is pushed toward wheel 124.
Indexing wheel 124 and pressure-driven piercing mechanism 128 can also be used when pouches 126 are replaced by fuel-producing pods 127 as shown in
Solid fuel component 107 and liquid fuel component 122 are separated by a thin frangible membrane 104. A rod 103 is in contact with solid fuel component 107, extends through a fuel conduit 113, and out of pod 127 through a cap 105. Rod 103 can move toward solid fuel component 107 a small amount when impacted by a sufficient force. O-ring 102 cushions the impact. For example, if pressure changes in the system are sudden, rod 103 will experience a striking impact. However, it is also anticipated that reactions may take place much more slowly, in which case rod 103 will experience a gradual force and not an impact.
When rod 103 is struck, such as by pressure-driven piercing mechanism 128, rod 103 pushes solid fuel component through frangible membrane 104 into liquid fuel component 122. Preferably, a void 109 is provided below liquid fuel component 122 and separated therefrom by a flexible membrane 108, such as a thin sheet of rubber or urethane. Void 109 allows the greater volume of liquid fuel component 122 due to the addition of solid fuel component 107 to expand adequately.
As fuel components 107, 122 react, fuel gas is produced. The fuel travels through fuel conduit 113 and out to the reservoir (not shown) to replenish the fuel gas therewithin, and raise reaction chamber pressure P1. When reaction chamber pressure P1 becomes sufficiently low again so that wheel 124 is turned as described above with respect to
An alternate fuel-producing pod 127′ is shown in
When pushed toward wheel 124, pressure-driven piercing mechanism 128 pierces both frangible membranes 115, 115′, charging liquid fuel component 122′ which passes through fluid conduit 111 to react with solid fuel component 107. The fuel gas produced creates sufficient pressure within fluid conduit 111 to push solid fuel component 107 through frangible membrane 104 and into liquid fuel component 122. As will be recognized by those in the art, a sufficient quantity of charging liquid fuel component 122′ may be provided to react all of solid fuel component 107. In this case, liquid fuel component 122 may be eliminated.
As will be recognized by those in the art, charging fuel component 122′ may be housed in any type of frangible or breakable container known in the art, such as a capsule made of glass, plastic, or the like. Additionally, instead of a reservoir such as reservoir 106, charging fuel component 122′ could be contained within a plurality of chambers 117 of an array, such as a micro-machined array 123 as shown in
Alternatively, chamber 106 may contain a capsule or package 151 as shown in
Alternatively, both outer walls 155 and pouch 153 could be fashioned from a similar fragile material so that both containers open when impacted. Solid fuel component 107 and liquid fuel component 122 can then mix in pod 127 or in the fuel gas reservoir. In such a case, pouch 153 need not be nested within outer walls 155, but two chambers 153a and 153b may simply reside adjacent to one another separated by a wall 156 made of the fragile material, as shown in
Referring to
The indexing mechanism in this exemplary embodiment includes a piston 242 sealingly disposed within a piston chamber 238 connected to a fuel conduit 216 via a pressure transfer tube 258. Thus, piston chamber 238 is exposed to the gas pressure in reaction chamber 218 via fuel conduit 216 and pressure transfer 258. A shaft 264 is fixedly attached at one end to piston 242 and extends out of an open end of piston chamber 238. Shaft 264 is configured with slots or similar structures along the length thereof. These slots engage with ratchet wheel 266.
Ratchet wheel 266 is attached to indexing wheel 224 so that ratchet wheel 266 is locked with indexing wheel 224 when turned in one direction, e.g., counterclockwise, but rotates freely with respect to indexing wheel 224 when turned in the opposite direction, e.g., clockwise. The other end of shaft 264 is connected to a biasing spring 268 which biases shaft 264 toward pressure transfer tube 258. Spring 268 may be any spring known in the art, such as a helical spring, with a sufficient spring constant to drive shaft 264. Preferably, the turning ratio of ratchet wheel 266 and indexing wheel 224 is the same; however, ratchet wheel 266 and indexing wheel 224 may also have different turning ratios.
Preferably, reaction chamber 218 is initially pressurized so that the pressure therewithin, P1, is higher than a triggering pressure, P2, to cause check valve 234 to open. As piston chamber 238 is fluidly connected to reaction chamber 218, a piston chamber pressure P3 is equal to reaction chamber pressure P1. Piston chamber pressure P3 pushes on piston 240, and the force provided by piston chamber pressure P3 and the force from biasing spring 268, K, balance at this point. When the forces on piston 242 balance, ratchet wheel 266 is prevented from turning.
As gas in reaction chamber 218 is transferred to a fuel cell 214 through a fuel conduit 216, reaction chamber pressure P1 decreases. With the decrease in reaction chamber pressure P1 comes a similar decrease in piston chamber pressure P3. Once piston chamber pressure P3 is reduced to the point that it no longer balances spring force K, spring 268 overcomes piston chamber pressure P3 causing piston 242 and shaft 264 to slide axially within piston chamber 238 towards transfer tube 258, which causes ratchet wheel 266 to turn. As ratchet wheel 266 is locked with respect to indexing wheel 224 when turned in this direction, indexing wheel 224 also turns.
Similar to
The produced gas in reaction chamber 218 increases reaction chamber pressure P1. A portion of this produced gas is transferred through pressure transfer tube 258 into piston chamber 238. As such piston chamber pressure P3 is also increased and presses on piston 240. Once piston chamber pressure P3 exceeds spring force K, piston 242 and shaft 264 slide within piston chamber 260 towards biasing spring 268, which compresses. As stated above, ratchet wheel 266 moves freely when piston 242 and shaft 264 are moving towards biasing spring 268. Thus, although piston 242 and shaft 264 move ratchet wheel 266 and biasing spring 268, the movement of ratchet wheel 266 does not turn indexing wheel 224. When reaction chamber pressure P1 exceeds threshold pressure P2, the pressure to open check valve 234, gas begins to flow out of reaction chamber 218 and through optional shut-off valve 235 and into fuel cell 214.
Reaction chamber pressure P1 and piston chamber pressure P3 are again reduced due to the outflow of gas to fuel cell 214. When piston chamber pressure P3 no longer exceeds spring force K, biasing spring 268 slides shaft 264 and piston 242 axially within piston chamber 238 toward transfer tube 258. This movement causes ratchet wheel 266 and indexing wheel 224 to move in concert as described above to introduce more solid fuel component into fluid fuel component 222. This cycle is summarized below in Table 3.
Referring to
Feeding wheel 372 includes a tape 325 having a plurality of sealed pouches 326 formed thereon. Each sealed pouch 326 contains a predetermined amount of solid fuel. Preferably, feeding wheel 372 is mounted on an axle 369 in such a manner that feeding wheel 372 may spin easily. In other words, feeding wheel 372 may be free of any gears or other mechanism to advance or stop its movement. However, feeding wheel 372 and take-up wheel 370 may be mounted on gears 386a, 368b to assure that they move in concert with one another. When gears are used, preferably a clutch or slip mechanism is included to allow take up wheel 370 and feeding wheel 372 to slip relative to each other to prevent breakage of tape 325 due to the varying diameter of wheels 370, 372, as tape 325 is used. Similar to indexing wheel 24 as described above with respect to
Tape 325 extends from feeding wheel 372 to take-up wheel 370. Preferably, take-up wheel 370 is an indexing wheel similar to indexing wheel 24 as described above with respect to
In an alternative embodiment, both take-up wheel 370 and feeding wheel 372 are indexing wheels that use the same or different driving mechanism, such as one or more of the mechanisms described above. Furthermore, in another example, feeding wheel 372 is an indexing wheel that, when turned by one or more of the mechanisms described above, pushes a predetermined portion of tape 325 over the sharp edge of releasing mechanism 328 to split open sealed pouches 326. In this exemplary embodiment, take-up wheel 370 is preferably geared with feeding wheel 372 to wind the spent portions of tape 325.
Referring to
Preferably, grinding wheel 450 is rotatably attached to sidewall 420a so that grinding wheel 450 may grind a portion of a fuel stick 482 to be introduced into fluid fuel component 422. Grinding wheel 450 may be of any diameter capable of releasing a portion of fuel stick into fluid fuel component 422. In this embodiment, grinding wheel 450 includes an outer surface, part of which includes a rough surface 478. Rough surface 478 may be roughened or knurled with grinding structures of any configuration known in the art, such as teeth, raised grains, or other protruding blades or scraping structures. Rough surface 478 may be formed from any material known to one skilled in the art appropriate for grinding, such as stainless steel. Preferably, the material of rough surface 478 is of a kind that is capable of grinding a solid fuel without sustaining significant damage, such as significant wearing or breaking to prevent grinding. The width of rough surface 478 may be selected to assure that an appropriate amount of fuel component is ground off of fuel stick 482 with each portion of a turn of grinding wheel 450.
At least one sidewall 420a opens to a fuel stick compartment 428 which houses a fuel stick 482. Fuel stick 482 is a solid fuel component, such as the fuel components described above in powdered form and sealed within pouches. In this embodiment, the fuel component is pressed, molded, or otherwise shaped into a solid form. While fuel stick 482 may be of any size or configuration, fuel stick 482 is preferably a stick having a square, rectangular, oval or round cross-sectional shape. The width of fuel stick 482 at its widest point is preferably smaller than the width of the grinding surface of grinding wheel 450.
Fuel stick compartment 428 preferably includes a biasing spring 486 which provides a force, on a fuel stick 482, which biasing force pushes fuel stick 482 toward the grinding wheel 450. The constant biasing force provided by 486 on fuel stick 482 ensures that fuel stick 482 remains in constant contact with grinding wheel 450. Additionally, to prevent fluid fuel component 422 from seeping into fuel stick compartment 428, fuel stick compartment 428 or reaction chamber 418 includes a seal 484. Preferably, seal 484 is made from a deformable sealing material that is inert to fuel stick 482 and fluid fuel component 422, such as natural or synthetic rubber and silicone.
The grinding wheel 450 of the present invention preferably includes an indexed driving mechanism, such as those described above with respect to the indexing wheels of
As the gas in reaction chamber 418 transfers to a fuel cell (not shown), the pressure inside reaction chamber 418 decreases. Once the pressure inside reaction chamber 418 reaches a predetermined value, grinding wheel 450 turns or is turned by the driving mechanism such that roughened surface 478 of grinding wheel 450 passes over fuel stick 482 to dislodge a portion of the fuel composition into fluid fuel component 422. The dislodged fuel reacts with fluid fuel component 422 to produce a fuel gas such as hydrogen. As the pressure again builds within reaction chamber 418, the driving mechanism stops the rotation of grinding wheel 450. Preferably, fuel seal 480 is in contact with fuel stick 482 when the rotation of grinding wheel 450 is stopped.
In an alternative example, as illustrated in
Preferably, a motor is used for turning grinding wheel 450. This motor can be controlled electronically by a controller, such as, for example, a microprocessor, connected to a fuel cell (not shown) that controls a motor driving grinding wheel 450 (not shown). Similar to the motor-driven alternative described above with respect to
Referring to
Also disposed within housing 520 is a fuel silo 522. Fuel silo 522 is a chamber containing a powdered or granular fuel component 596. Fuel silo 522 stores fuel component 596 until transferred to a slidable tray 599 with a compartment 597 formed therein located near an open lower end 593 of fuel silo 522.
To transfer a portion of fuel component 596 from fuel silo 522 to compartment 597, a piston 592 is positioned near the top of fuel silo 522 and is movably attached to housing 520 by a biasing spring 594. Biasing spring 594 provides a force which pushes piston 592 against an upper surface of fuel component 596 housed within fuel silo 522. Therefore, piston 592 is continuously attempting to push fuel component 596 into compartment 597. Preferably, a check valve 591 is located in a sidewall 520a to ensure that a vacuum is not created within fuel silo 522. Such a vacuum would likely inhibit the motion of piston 592.
In this embodiment, the indexing or the delivery of discrete quantities of a fuel component on demand is pressure-driven in the following manner. Generally, slidable tray 599 is housed within a guiding chamber 595 formed near open lower end 593 of fuel silo 522. Compartment 597 is disposed within slidable tray 599 and preferably includes an open top and a bottom formed by a plate 506 which is biased toward the open top of compartment 597 by a spring 508. The size of compartment 597 is selected so that a specific amount of solid fuel component 596 is introduced into reaction chamber 518 with each pass of slidable tray 599.
A biasing spring 523 is attached at one end to slidable tray 599 and at the other end to a sidewall 520b which forms one of the walls of guiding chamber 595. Biasing spring 523 provides a force, K, pushing slidable tray 599 toward reaction chamber 518. The pressure within reaction chamber 518, P1, provides a variable force pushing slidable tray 599 toward sidewall 520b. As illustrated in
As the gas in reaction chamber 518 is transferred to a fuel cell through valve 534, reaction chamber pressure P1 decreases. Once reaction chamber pressure P1 no longer exceeds spring force K, as shown in
As slidable tray 599 is moved such that compartment 597 no longer aligns with open lower end 523 of fuel silo 522, as shown in
Some examples of the solid fuel components that are used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, hydrides of elements of Groups IA-IVA of the Periodic Table of Elements and mixtures thereof, such as alkaline or alkali metal hydrides, or mixtures thereof. Other compounds, such as alkali metal-aluminum hydrides (alanates) and alkali metal borohydrides may also be employed. More specific examples of metal hydrides include, but are not limited to, lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, lithium borohydride, sodium hydride, sodium borohydride, potassium hydride, potassium borohydride, magnesium hydride, calcium hydride, and salts and/or derivatives thereof. The preferred hydrides are sodium borohydride, magnesium borohydride, lithium borohydride, and potassium borohydride. Preferably, the hydrogen-bearing fuel comprises the solid form of NaBH4, Mg(BH4)2, or methanol clathrate compound (MCC) is a solid which includes methanol. In solid form, NaBH4 does not hydrolyze in the absence of water and therefore improves shelf life of the cartridge. However, the aqueous form of hydrogen-bearing fuel, such as aqueous NaBH4, can also be utilized in the present invention. When an aqueous form of NaBH4 is utilized, the chamber containing the aqueous NaBH4 also includes a stabilizer. Exemplary stabilizers can include, but are not limited to, metals and metal hydroxides, such as alkali metal hydroxides. Examples of such stabilizers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the stabilizer is NaOH.
The solid form of the hydrogen-bearing fuel is preferred over the liquid form. In general, solid fuels are more advantageous than liquid fuels because the liquid fuels contain proportionally less energy than the solid fuels and the liquid fuels are less stable than the counterpart solid fuels. Accordingly, the most preferred fuel for the present invention is powdered or agglomerated powder sodium borohydride.
According to the present invention, the liquid reactant preferably comprises an agent that is capable of reacting with a hydrogen-bearing fuel in the presence of an optional catalyst to generate hydrogen. Preferably, the agent is, but not limited to, water, alcohols, and/or dilute acids. The most common source of agent is water. As indicated above and in the formulation below, water may react with a hydrogen-bearing fuel, such as NaBH4 in the presence of an optional catalyst to generate hydrogen.
X(BH4)y+2H2O→X(BO)2+4H2
Where X includes, but is not limited to, Na, Mg, Li and all alkaline metals, and y is an integer.
The reactant also includes optional additives that reduce or increase the pH of the solution. The pH of the reactant can be used to determine the speed at which hydrogen is produced. For example, additives that reduce the pH of the reactant result in a higher rate of hydrogen generation. Such additives include, but are not limited to, acids, such as acetic acid and sulfuric acid. Conversely, additives that raise the pH can lower the reaction rate to the point where almost no hydrogen evolves. The solution of the present invention can have any pH value less than 7, such as a pH of from about 1 to about 6 and, preferably, from about 3 to about 5. Additional discussion of appropriate pH may be found in co-owned, co-pending '572 application previously incorporated by reference.
In some exemplary embodiments, the reactant optionally includes a catalyst that can initiate and/or facilitate the production of hydrogen gas by increasing the rate at which the reactant reacts with the fuel component. This optional catalyst of these exemplary embodiments includes any shape or size that is capable of promoting the desired reaction. For example, the catalyst can be small enough to form a powder or it can be as large as the reaction chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the catalyst is a catalyst bed. The catalyst can be located inside the reaction chamber or proximate to the reaction chamber, as long as at least one of either the reactant or the fuel component comes into contact with the catalyst.
The catalyst of the present invention may include one or more transitional metals from Group VIIIB of the Periodic Table of Elements. For example, the catalyst may include transitional metals such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os) and iridium (Ir). Additionally, transitional metals in Group IB, i.e., copper (Cu), silver (Ag) and gold (Au), and in Group IIB, i.e., zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), may also be used in the catalyst of the present invention. The catalyst may also include other transitional metals including, but not limited to, scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn). Transition metal catalysts useful in the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,329, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The preferred catalyst of the present invention is CoCl2.
Some of the catalysts of the present invention can generically be defined by the following formula:
MaXb
wherein M is the cation of the transition metal, X is the anion, and “a” and “b” are integers from 1 to 6 as needed to balance the charges of the transition metal complex.
Suitable cations of the transitional metals include, but are not limited to, iron (II) (Fe2+), iron (III) (Fe3+), cobalt (Co2+), nickel (II) (Ni2+), nickel (III) (Ni3+), ruthenium (III) (Ru3+), ruthenium (IV) (Ru4+), ruthenium (V) (Ru5+), ruthenium (VI) (Ru6+), ruthenium (VIII) (Ru8+), rhodium (III) (Rh3+), rhodium (IV) (Rh4+), rhodium (VI) (Rh6+), palladium (Pd2+), osmium (III) (Os3+), osmium (IV) (Os4+), osmium (V) (Os5+), osmium (VI) (Os6+), osmium (VIII) (Os8+), iridium (III) (Ir3+), iridium (IV) (Ir4+), iridium (VI) (Ir6+), platinum (II) (Pt2+), platinum (III) (Pt3+), platinum (IV) (Pt4+), platinum (VI) (Pt6+), copper (I) (Cu+), copper (II) (Cu2+), silver (I) (Ag+), silver (II) (Ag2+), gold (I) (Au+), gold (III) (Au3+), zinc (Zn2+), cadmium (Cd2+), mercury (I) (Hg+), mercury (II) (Hg2+), and the like.
Suitable anions include, but are not limited to, hydride (H−), fluoride (F−), chloride (Cl−), bromide (Br−), iodide (I−), oxide (O2−), sulfide (S2−), nitride (N3−), phosphide (P4−), hypochlorite (ClO−), chlorite (ClO2−), chlorate (ClO3−), perchlorate (ClO4−), sulfite (SO32−), sulfate (SO42−), hydrogen sulfate (HSO4−), hydroxide (OH−), cyanide (CN−), thiocyanate (SCN−), cyanate (OCN−), peroxide (O22−), manganate (MnO42−), permanganate (MnO4−), dichromate (Cr2O72−), carbonate (CO32−), hydrogen carbonate (HCO3−), phosphate (PO42−), hydrogen phosphate (HPO4−), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4−), aluminate (Al2O42−), arsenate (AsO43−), nitrate (NO3−), acetate (CH3COO−), oxalate (C2O42−), and the like. A preferred catalyst is cobalt chloride.
In some exemplary embodiments, an optional additive may be included in the reactant and/or in the reaction chamber. This optional additive is any composition that is capable of substantially preventing the freezing of or reducing the freezing point of the reactant and/or the fuel component. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive can be an alcohol-based composition, such as an anti-freezing agent. Preferably, the additive of the present invention is CH3OH. However, as stated above, any additive capable of reducing the freezing point of the reactant and/or the fuel component may be used.
Additionally, in order to control the flow characteristics, such as pressure and flow rate, of the fuel gas produced by any of the gas-generating apparatus discussed above with respect to
Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the present specification and practice of the present invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the present specification and examples be considered as exemplary only with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US06/22842 | 6/12/2006 | WO | 00 | 12/12/2007 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60689538 | Jun 2005 | US |
