Device and Method for Generating Electrical Current

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This patent describes a device and method for generating electricity efficiently by transferring hydrogen from a storage medium (specifically a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, LOHC) to a hydrogen transfer medium, which is then directly used in a fuel cell to generate power. The process enables hydrogen storage and transfer without the need for handling gaseous hydrogen, improving efficiency and safety, especially in mobile (e.g., vehicle) applications. The system uses two different liquid chemical systems: one optimised for dense hydrogen storage (LOHC) and the other for efficient electrochemical conversion in fuel cells (often alcohol/ketone pairs like 2-propanol/acetone).

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

• On-board electricity generation for electric vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships, aircraft) using hydrogen carriers instead of gaseous hydrogen.
• Quiet, autonomous power generation in small- or off-grid installations (e.g., mobile equipment, remote scientific stations, robotics).
• On-site power generation for industrial or emergency backup, where handling of gaseous hydrogen is undesirable.
• Integration into renewable energy systems for long-term storage and conversion of surplus electricity into hydrogen and back.
• Enabling hydrogen mobility and infrastructure using existing fuel storage and distribution systems (tanks, pumps designed for liquid fuels).

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• Increases efficiency and safety by eliminating the need to store and handle gaseous hydrogen.
• Enables use of existing fuel infrastructure due to the liquid nature of the hydrogen storage medium (LOHC).
• Reduces CO2 emissions compared to direct-methanol fuel cells or combustion engines.
• Provides higher energy density and driving range in vehicles than conventional direct-alcohol fuel cell systems.
• Thermoneutral hydrogen transfer process eliminates need for large external heaters, improving energy efficiency and reducing complexity.
• System operates at moderate temperatures (<250°C), avoiding high-temperature engineering challenges and hazards.
• Closed-loop cycling of hydrogen transfer medium; minimal loss and high reusability of working fluids.
• Flexible for both stationary and mobile uses, including long-range transport and intermittent renewable-energy storage.

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Patent Abstract

A device for producing electricity comprises a hydrogen transfer unit (6) for transferring hydrogen from a hydrogen storage medium to a hydrogen transfer medium as well as an electricity generation unit (3) for producing electricity from the hydrogen transfer medium.