Method and Device for Generating Electrical Current and Use of an Organic Compound for Generating Electrical Current

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This invention describes a method and device for generating electric power using organic compounds containing ether groups as hydrogen carriers in a fuel cell system. The process involves converting the organic compound with water in an acidic environment to create a hydrogen-rich medium, which is then used in a fuel cell to produce electricity while yielding water as a byproduct. The system is particularly suitable for mobile applications (such as vehicles or aircraft) as it offers high energy density with low carbon emissions and is designed for compact, efficient energy conversion.

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

• Fuel cell systems for vehicles, including cars, trucks, and public transport.
• Electric propulsion systems for aircraft or drones.
• Backup or portable power supply units for remote or off-grid areas.
• Decentralized on-site power generation for industrial or residential applications.
• Integration into renewable energy systems for storing and converting hydrogen-rich organic carriers into electricity.
• Power sources for unmanned vehicles, robotics, or specialty equipment requiring high-density, low-emission energy.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables high energy storage density compared to conventional hydrogen carriers, leading to increased range for vehicles and aircraft.
• Low CO2 and CO emissions during electricity generation, supporting environmental sustainability goals.
• Can utilize organic compounds derived from renewable biomass sources, contributing to sustainability.
• Reduces the need for heavy on-board batteries, potentially lowering overall weight and cost for mobile applications.
• The produced water can be recycled within the system, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need to carry extra supplies.
• Offers a closed hydrogen energy cycle, as spent carrier mediums can be regenerated externally and reused.
• System design is compact and scalable, suitable for integration in a wide range of applications.
• Allows use of ambient air as an oxygen source, eliminating the need to carry oxidizers.
• Compatible with existing PEM fuel cell technology and offers extended membrane life due to chemical compatibility of carriers.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating electric current, said method comprising the method steps: providing an organic compound having at least one ether function; reacting the organic compound with water in a reaction chamber (10) having an acidic environment to form an enriched hydrogen carrier medium; converting the enriched hydrogen carrier medium into electricity to form a depleted hydrogen carrier medium in a fuel cell (2), obtaining water; and providing electric current generated during said conversion into electricity.