Method and Apparatus for Dehydrogenation of a Hydrogen Carrier Medium

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an improved process and apparatus for releasing hydrogen gas from chemical hydrogen storage media, such as liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on metal catalysts and require high temperatures, this invention introduces a metal-free reaction accelerator substance alongside the metal catalyst. The hydrogen is first transferred from the LOHC to the accelerator substance and then released as hydrogen gas. This enables faster and more efficient hydrogen release at significantly lower temperatures.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hydrogen refueling stations for vehicles using LOHCs as storage.
• Stationary energy storage systems that store and release hydrogen for grid balancing.
• Portable power systems and backup generators utilizing hydrogen on-demand.
• Integration with fuel cells for combined heat and power units.
• Industrial processes requiring pure hydrogen gas at lower energy costs.
• Mobile hydrogen supply units for remote or off-grid applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables hydrogen release at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and equipment wear.
• Provides higher hydrogen release rates, making the process more economically viable and compact.
• Compatibility with existing fuel logistics infrastructure due to the use of hydrocarbon-like LOHCs.
• Minimizes hydrogen loss during storage, allowing long-term, safe, and pressureless hydrogen storage.
• Facilitates separation and recycling of the chemical accelerators and catalysts, improving process sustainability.
• Allows flexibility in design: can use either liquid or solid accelerators, and various reactor types (e.g., stirred tank, fixed-bed, membrane reactor).
• Capable of producing high-purity hydrogen suitable for sensitive applications such as fuel cell supply.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a process for the dehydrogenation of a carrier medium of hydrogen, comprising the process steps of providing a metal-containing catalytic material, an at least partially charged carrier medium of hydrogen, and a metal-free reaction accelerator substance, transferring the hydrogen from the carrier medium of hydrogen onto the reaction accelerator substance, and releasing hydrogen gas from the reaction accelerator substance.