Patent US5512145A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5512145A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Energy conversion system
Assignee: COOPER UNION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENT AND ART
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Filing: 1994-10-07
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Granted: 1996-04-30
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Expires: 2014-10-07
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen gas using an electrolyzer and a metal alloy hydride tank for hydrogen storage, wherein a passive load matching device between the energy source and the electrolyzer maximizes hydrogen output, and the electrolyzer and the metal alloy hydride tank operate at mutually low pressure, near ambient, such that pressurization of the system is not required.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel W. Hollenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:06
CPC Classifications
C; C01; C01B; C01B3/00; C01B3/0005; C01B3/001; C01B3/0018; C01B3/0031; C01B3/0047; C01B3/0057; C25; C25B; C25B1/00; C25B1/01; C25B1/02; H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/06; H01M8/0606; H01M8/065; H01M8/0656; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/32; Y02E60/50; Y02P; Y02P20/00; Y02P20/10; Y02P20/133; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/293; Y10S204/00; Y10S204/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source for supplying a voltage; an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; and a passive load matching means electrically connecting the energy source to the electrolyzer for converting any voltage supplied by said energy sources in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source for supplying a voltage; an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; and a passive load matching means electrically connecting the energy source to the electrolyzer for converting any voltage supplied by said energy sources in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy source comprises a photovoltaic array for collecting solar energy and converting said solar energy to electrical power.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy source comprises a windmill for collecting wind power and converting said wind power to electrical power.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy source comprises a hydroelectric generator for collecting water power and converting the water power to electrical power.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for storing hydrogen gas converted by said electrolyzer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hydrogen gas storing mean comprises a vessel containing a metal hydride.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the metal hydride is a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy has a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means for regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vessel temperature regulating means comprises a water jacket surrounding the vessel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hydrogen gas storing means and the electrolyzer operate at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising hydrogen consumption means coupled to said hydrogen gas storing means for generating energy.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a hydrogen engine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a fuel cell.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a hydrogen burner.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source; an electrically operated electrolyzer electrically driven by said energy source to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures produced by said electrolyzer; and means coupled to said electrolyzer and containing metal hydrides for storing hydrogen gas converted by said electrolyzer at only those pressures which are produced by said electrolyzer.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source; an electrically operated electrolyzer electrically driven by said energy source to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures produced by said electrolyzer; and means coupled to said electrolyzer and containing metal hydrides for storing hydrogen gas converted by said electrolyzer at only those pressures which are produced by said electrolyzer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy source comprises a photovoltaic array for collecting solar energy and converting said solar energy to electrical power.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy source comprises a windmill for collecting wind power and converting said wind power to electrical power.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy source comprises a hydroelectric generator for collecting water power and converting the water power to electrical power.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the hydrogen gas storing means comprises a vessel containing a metal hydride.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the metal hydride is a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy has a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the hydrogen gas storing means and the electrolyzer operate at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising hydrogen consumption means coupled to said hydrogen gas storing means for generating energy.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a hydrogen engine.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a fuel cell.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the hydrogen consumption means is a hydrogen burner.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said electrolyzer is operable at an optimum operating voltage and further comprising passive load matching means electrically connecting the energy source to the electrolyzer for converting any voltage from said energy source in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source for supplying voltage; an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig; passive load matching means electrically connecting the energy source to the electrolyzer for converting any voltage supplied by said energy source in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased; means coupled to said electrolyzer for storing hydrogen gas converted thereby and comprising a vessel containing a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy having a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5 which operates to store hydrogen within pressures which are generated by the electrolyzer; means for regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy; and hydrogen consumption means coupled to said hydrogen gas storing means for generating energy.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen, comprising: an electrical energy source for supplying voltage; an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig; passive load matching means electrically connecting the energy source to the electrolyzer for converting any voltage supplied by said energy source in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased; means coupled to said electrolyzer for storing hydrogen gas converted thereby and comprising a vessel containing a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy having a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5 which operates to store hydrogen within pressures which are generated by the electrolyzer; means for regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy; and hydrogen consumption means coupled to said hydrogen gas storing means for generating energy.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) providing an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; and (c) transferring electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the electrolyzer by a passive load matching means to convert any voltage from the energy source in excess of the optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) providing an electrically operated electrolyzer operable at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; and (c) transferring electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the electrolyzer by a passive load matching means to convert any voltage from the energy source in excess of the optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the step of providing an energy source comprises providing a photovoltaic array for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy to electrical power.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the step of providing an energy source comprises providing a windmill for collecting wind power and converting the wind power to electrical power.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the energy source comprises a hydroelectric generator for collecting water power and converting the water power to electrical power.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of storing hydrogen gas converted by the electrolyzer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the hydrogen gas is stored in a vessel containing a metal hydride.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the metal hydride is a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 37, wherein the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy has a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 39, wherein the vessel temperature is regulated by a water jacket surrounding the vessel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the electrolyzer operates at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig and the hydrogen gas is stored at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of consuming hydrogen to generate energy.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a hydrogen engine.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a fuel cell.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a hydrogen burner.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) using said electrical energy from the electrical energy source to drive an electrically operated electrolyzer operable to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures produced by said electrolyzer; and (c) storing hydrogen gas converted by said electrolyzer in a hydrogen storing means containing metal hydrides which operates to store said hydrogen gas at only those pressures which are produced by the electrolyzer.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) using said electrical energy from the electrical energy source to drive an electrically operated electrolyzer operable to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen at pressures produced by said electrolyzer; and (c) storing hydrogen gas converted by said electrolyzer in a hydrogen storing means containing metal hydrides which operates to store said hydrogen gas at only those pressures which are produced by the electrolyzer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the energy source comprises a photovoltaic array for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy to electrical power.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the energy source comprises a windmill for collecting wind power and converting the wind power to electrical power.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the energy source comprises a hydroelectric generator for collecting water power and converting the water power to electrical power.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the hydrogen storing means comprises a vessel containing a metal hydride.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 50, wherein the metal hydride is a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 51, wherein the mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy has a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined range, said range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the vessel temperature is regulated by a water jacket surrounding the vessel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the hydrogen storing means and the electrolyzer operate at pressures between about 0 to 100 psig.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of consuming hydrogen to generate energy.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a hydrogen engine.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a fuel cell.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the hydrogen is consumed by a hydrogen burner.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the electrolyzer is operable at an optimum operating voltage and further including the step of conditioning the electrical energy from the energy source with a passive load matching means to convert any voltage from the energy source in excess of said optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) driving an electrically operated electrolyzer with electrical energy from said energy source at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; (c) converting any voltage from said energy source in excess of the optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased; (d) storing hydrogen gas generated from the electrolyzer in a vessel containing a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy having a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5 at a storage pressure in the range from about 0 to 100 psig, and wherein the electrolyzer operates at a pressure within the range from about 0 to 100 psig; (e) regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined temperature range by a water jacket surrounding the vessel, said temperature range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride; and (f) consuming the stored hydrogen gas to generate energy.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for converting electrical energy to hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrical energy source; (b) driving an electrically operated electrolyzer with electrical energy from said energy source at an optimum operating voltage to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen; (c) converting any voltage from said energy source in excess of the optimum operating voltage into current, such that water conversion within the electrolyzer is increased; (d) storing hydrogen gas generated from the electrolyzer in a vessel containing a mischmetal-nickel aluminum hydriding alloy having a chemical composition of Mn 0 .97 Ni 4 .5 Al 0 .5 at a storage pressure in the range from about 0 to 100 psig, and wherein the electrolyzer operates at a pressure within the range from about 0 to 100 psig; (e) regulating the vessel temperature within a predetermined temperature range by a water jacket surrounding the vessel, said temperature range including a predetermined temperature for absorption of hydrogen to the metal hydride and a predetermined temperature for desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride; and (f) consuming the stored hydrogen gas to generate energy.
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-04-30 | 1999-10-30 | 2000-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-30 | 2003-10-30 | 2004-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-30 | 2007-10-30 | 2008-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |