POWER SUPPLY

Abstract

A power supply 100 is described. The power supply 100 has a first electrical outlet 110 and comprises: optionally a set of hydrogen storage devices 200, including a first hydrogen storage device 200A, a set of heaters 300, including a first heater 300A, a first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and/or a first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510; wherein the first hydrogen storage device 200A comprises: a pressure vessel 230A, having a first fluid inlet 210A and a first fluid outlet 220A, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240A optionally thermally coupled to the first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230A is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material 250A in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240A, wherein the first fluid inlet 210A and/or the first fluid outlet 220A are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510, respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 240A has lattice geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

Claims

1. A power supply, having a first electrical outlet, comprising: a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, a set of heaters including a first heater, and either or both of a first releasable fluid inlet coupling and a first releasable fluid outlet coupling; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network, wherein either or both of the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with either or both of the first releasable fluid inlet coupling and the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, respectively; and wherein the thermally conducting network has one or more of a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry, or a fractal geometry in either or both of two dimensions and three dimensions.

2. The power supply according to claim 1, further comprising: a set of electrical generators, including a first electrical generator, configured to generate electricity using hydrogen gas, selected from a group comprising a fuel cell and an electrical generator comprising a heat engine, a second releasable fluid inlet coupling coupleable to the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, and/or a first releasable electrical outlet coupling coupleable to the first electrical outlet; wherein the first electrical generator comprises a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the second releasable fluid inlet coupling.

3. The power supply according to claim 2, wherein the first electrical generator is the fuel cell, selected from a group comprising a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, PEMFC, an alkaline fuel cell, AFC, and a phosphoric acid fuel cell, PAFC.

4. The power supply according to claim 1, further comprising: a set of hydrogen gas generators, including a first hydrogen gas generator configured to generate hydrogen gas, a third releasable fluid inlet coupling and/or a second releasable fluid outlet coupling coupleable to the first releasable fluid inlet coupling.

5. The power supply according to claim 4, wherein the first hydrogen gas generator comprises an electrolysis cell selected from a group comprising an alkaline electrolysis cell and a proton exchange membrane, PEM, electrolysis cell.

6. The power supply according to claim 3 any of claims 3 to 5, having a first electrical inlet coupleable to the first hydrogen gas generator and/or wherein the first electrical outlet is coupleable to the first hydrogen gas generator.

7. The power supply according to claim 1, arrangeable in: a first arrangement, wherein the first hydrogen gas generator, the first hydrogen storage device and the first electrical generator are mutually uncoupled; and a second arrangement, wherein the first hydrogen gas generator and the first electrical generator are fluidically coupled via the first hydrogen storage device.

8. The power supply according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing comprising a set of walls, including a first wall, arranged to house the set of hydrogen storage devices and having the first electrical outlet through the first wall.

9. The power supply according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to control the first heater based, at least in part, on a rate of electrical energy output via the first electrical outlet.

10. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein: the controller is configured to control the first heater based, at least in part, on a predicted rate of electrical energy output via the first electrical outlet.

11. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises the hydrogen storage material and wherein the hydrogen storage material comprises and/or is a solid hydride and/or a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, LOHC.

12. A method of controlling a power supply comprising a set of hydrogen gas generators, including a first hydrogen gas generator, a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, a set of heaters including a first heater, a set of electrical generators, including a first electrical generator and a controller; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network, and wherein the thermally conducting network has either or both of a lattice geometry and a fractal geometry in either or both of two dimensions and three dimensions; wherein the method comprises: generating, by the first hydrogen gas generator, hydrogen gas; storing, by the first hydrogen storage device, the generated hydrogen gas; releasing, at least in part, the stored hydrogen gas comprising controlling, by the controller, the first heater to release, at least in part, the stored hydrogen gas; and generating, by the first electrical generator, electrical energy using the released hydrogen gas.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: controlling, by the controller, the first heater based, at least in part, on a rate of electrical energy generation by the first electrical generator.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: controlling, by the controller, the first heater based, at least in part, on a predicted rate of electrical energy generation by the first electrical generator.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: controlling, by the controller, a rate of hydrogen gas generated by the first hydrogen gas generator based, at least in part, on a rate of electrical energy generation by the first electrical generator.

16. A tangible non-transient computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon instructions which when implemented by a computer device comprising a processor and a memory, cause the computer device to perform a method according to claim 12.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0089] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0090] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the power supply of FIG. 1, in more detail;

[0091] FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0092] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of FIG. 3, in more detail;

[0093] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of FIG. 3, in more detail;

[0094] FIG. 6A is a schematic axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment and FIGS. 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sections of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 6A;

[0095] FIGS. 7A to 7C schematically depict thermally conducting networks for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0096] FIG. 8A is a photograph of a foam for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment, in more detail;

[0097] FIG. 9A is a plan elevation view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 9A;

[0098] FIG. 10 is CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0099] FIG. 11 is CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0100] FIG. 12 is a CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0101] FIG. 13 is an alternative CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0102] FIG. 14 is a CAD perspective view of a first heater for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0103] FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0104] FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0105] FIG. 17A is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 17B is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a related hydrogen storage device;

[0106] FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0107] FIG. 19A is a CAD partial cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 19B is a CAD longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device; and FIG. 19C is a CAD perspective view of the thermally conducting network, in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] At least some of the following examples provide a power supply and a method of controlling such a power supply. Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0109] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a power supply 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power supply 100 has a first electrical outlet 110 and comprises: a set of hydrogen storage devices 200 including a first hydrogen storage device 200A, optionally a set of heaters 300 (not shown), including a first heater 300A (not shown), a first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and/or a first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510; wherein the first hydrogen storage device 200A comprises: a pressure vessel 230A, having a first fluid inlet 210A and a first fluid outlet 220A, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240A (not shown) optionally thermally coupled to the first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230A is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material 250A (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240A, wherein the first fluid inlet 210A and/or the first fluid outlet 220A are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling 410 and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510, respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 240A has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0110] In this example, the power supply 100 comprises: a set of electrical generators 600, including a first electrical generator 600A, configured to generate electricity using hydrogen gas, selected from a group comprising a fuel cell and an electrical generator comprising a heat engine, a second releasable fluid inlet coupling 420 coupleable to the first releasable fluid outlet coupling 510, and/or a first releasable electrical outlet coupling coupleable to the first electrical outlet 110; wherein the first electrical generator 600A comprises a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the second releasable fluid inlet coupling. In this example, the first electrical generator 600A is the fuel cell, selected from a group comprising a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, PEMFC, an alkaline fuel cell, AFC, and a phosphoric acid fuel cell, PAFC.

[0111] In this example, the power supply 100 comprises: a set of hydrogen gas generators 700, including a first hydrogen gas generator 700A configured to generate hydrogen gas, a third releasable fluid inlet coupling 430 and/or a second releasable fluid outlet coupling 520 coupleable to the first releasable fluid inlet coupling. In this example, the first hydrogen gas generator 700A comprises an electrolysis cell selected from a group comprising an alkaline electrolysis cell and a proton exchange membrane, PEM, electrolysis cell.

[0112] In this example, the power supply 100 comprises: a controller 800 (not shown) configured to control the first heater 300A based, at least in part, on a rate and/or a predicted rate of electrical energy output via the first electrical outlet 110.

[0113] In this example, the power supply 100 comprises a pump 120, arranged to pump hydrogen from the set of hydrogen gas generators 700 into the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 and thereby increase a pressure due to the hydrogen therein. In this example, the power supply 100 comprises a gate valve 130, arranged to isolate the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 from the set of electrical generators 600.

[0114] In use, the gate valve 130 is closed and hydrogen generated by the set of hydrogen gas generators 700 is pumped, by the pump 120, into the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 and stored therein, as described previously. During storage, heat released by the hydrogen storage material 250A may be transferred out of the first hydrogen storage device 200A via the thermally conducting network 240A, as described previously. Subsequently, following hydrogen storage, the gate valve 130 is opened and the stored hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage material 250A moves to the set of electrical generators 600, whereupon chemical energy of the released hydrogen is converted into electrical energy, output via the first electrical outlet 110, as described previously. During release of the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material 250A, heat is provided to the hydrogen storage material 250A from the set of heaters 300 via the thermally conducting network 240A, as described previously.

[0115] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the power supply of FIG. 1, in more detail.

[0116] In use, water is electrolysed by the set of hydrogen gas generators 700, with electrical energy for the electrolysis obtained from solar panels (i.e. a renewable energy source). Generated hydrogen is dried and admitted, via a check valve to ensure unidirectional flow, to the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 and stored therein, as described previously.

[0117] Air (oxidant) is filtered by an air filter, pumped by the pump 120 via a pressure transducer and a particulate filter for particulate matter into a humidifier and hence to the set of electrical generators 600. Particularly, the pressure transducer records the pressure and the stream is re-filtered in another filter. The air is then humidified before entering the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) (i.e. the set of electrical generators 600). Unused hydrogen exits the set of electrical generators 600 along with water vent. This unused hydrogen is filtered for particulate matter. Water is vented and unused hydrogen is sent back to the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 (not shown).

[0118] FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method is of controlling a power supply comprising a set of hydrogen gas generators, including a first hydrogen gas generator, a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a set of heaters including a first heater, a set of electrical generators, including a first electrical generator and a controller; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network optionally thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network, and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0119] At S31, the first hydrogen gas generator generates hydrogen gas.

[0120] At S32, the first hydrogen storage device stores the generated hydrogen gas.

[0121] At S33, the stored hydrogen gas is, at least in part, released, optionally by the controller controlling the first heater to release, at least in part, the stored hydrogen gas.

[0122] At S34, the first electrical generator generates electrical energy using the released hydrogen gas.

[0123] The method may include any of the steps described with respect to the first aspect and/or the second aspect.

[0124] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of FIG. 3, in more detail.

[0125] The power supply 100 may use smart metering, as described previously, in order to predict and supply the expected fuel or power to the output or to each of the three subsystems (i.e. the set of hydrogen gas generators, the set of hydrogen storage devices and the set of electrical generators), as described previously, for example under a feedback control loop as shown in FIG. 4.

[0126] The input energy data can either come from the user, or from database of information on the internet. The smart meter allows for comparison between desired/required output and supplied information. This results in a feedback loop that changes the process variables (flow, temperature, pressure) to meet required output.

[0127] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of FIG. 3, in more detail.

[0128] At S51, the controller analyses energy sink/usage.

[0129] At S52, the controller sets a quota for energy use.

[0130] At S53, the controller sets a schedule for energy use.

[0131] At S54, the controller monitors energy delivery.

[0132] At S55, the controller provides an alert if the energy use approaches 90% of the quota.

[0133] The smart metering system allows for the usage statistics to come either from the user and/or other supplied data. This then sets the expected quote of energy usage. Subsequently, the process is tailored according to power requirement schedule. The system also monitors energy usage according to the feedback system. Action is taken once energy approaches 90% of expected amount.

[0134] The communication protocol may be ZigBee, GPRS/GSM, Wi-Fi or PLC. This will be tailored to each bespoke system as required. Alternatively, PLC standard may be used throughout with appropriate systems in place according to their relevant standard.

Example 1: Hydrogen Storage Device

[0135] FIG. 6A is a schematic axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a power supply 100 according to an exemplary embodiment and FIGS. 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sections of the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 6A

[0136] FIG. 6 shows a hydrogen storage device 200 for the power supply 100. The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a hollow metal cylinder (outer cylindrical vessel wall (1)) and along with two metallic end-caps (2), providing the pressure vessel. Inside this volume exists the hydrideable metal/metal alloy (5), an aluminium fractal structure (4) with metallic foam in contact with it (not shown in figure). Both end-caps (2) contain an internal cavity for the location of multiple peltier devices (6) and heat/cold sinks (7). In the outer cylindrical vessel wall (1), there are three gas inlets (10) and three gas outlets (11) allow for heating/cooling gas (air) access to this internal cap cavity to add/remove heat. There is also an electronic entry/exit point (12) in the outer cylindrical vessel wall (1). In one of the end-caps four ports (holes) are included, allowing access into the pressure vessel; they are a hydrogen gas inlet (8), a hydrogen gas outlet (9), a pressure sensor connection (15) and a temperature sensor connection (14). The end-caps are held in place and form a seal through a thread and o-ring arrangement (3). The end-caps can be removed for easy access to the pressure vessel. The end-caps have covers (13) which can be removed for easy access to the heating/cooling gas containment volume within them. That is, the hydrogen storage device 200 comprises the pressure vessel 1, having the first fluid inlet 8 and the first fluid outlet 9, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 4 optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 1 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 4, wherein the first fluid inlet 8 and/or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 4 has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

Example 2: Structure Shapes for Thermally Conducting Network

[0137] FIGS. 7A to 7C schematically depict thermally conducting networks for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0138] FIG. 7 shows there are shown three alternative fractal networks (A) Gosper Island; (B) ‘Snowflake’ design; and (C) Koch Snowflake for the thermally conducting network of the hydrogen storage device 200. The 2D radially symmetric fractal patterns extend axially. Axial cross-sections, midpoint radial cross-sections and perspective views for the fractal networks are shown.

Example 3: Metal Foam

[0139] FIG. 8A is a photograph of a foam for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment, in more detail.

[0140] FIG. 8A shows a photograph of voids (i.e. open space) in a metal foam, particularly aluminium foam. The aluminium foam is produced from 6101 aluminium alloy, retaining 99% purity of the parent alloy. The foam has a reticulated structure in which cells (i.e. pores) are open and have a dodecahedral shape. The foam has a bulk density of 0.2 g/cm.sup.3; a porosity of 93% porosity and about 8 pores/cm.

[0141] FIG. 8B schematically depicts a metal hydride powder included and/or in contact with a metal foam which in turn is thermally coupled to a thermally conducting network.

Example 4: Compact Design of Hydrogen Storage Device

[0142] FIG. 9A is a plan elevation view of a hydrogen storage device 200′ for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200′ of FIG. 9A.

[0143] FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically depict a compact design of a hydrogen storage device 200′. The hydrogen storage device 200′ comprises a hydrogen gas containment volume formed from a cuboid-based container vessel (1) with square-planar lid (2). The lid (2) is secured through the use of four axial-corner screws in screw fixings (7) and it is sealed by an O-ring (3) positioned between the vessel (1) and the lid (2). The hydrogen containment volume has within it a hydrideable metal/metal alloy (5) and metal foam (not shown). On one surface there is a thermally conducting network (4) having a flat square-based fractal geometry, that acts to dissipate heat radially. A Peltier device (6), thermally coupled to the thermally conducting network (4) and outside of the vessel (1) acts as a heater/cooler. Two holes (8) and (9) located through the lid (2) and the thermally conducting network (4) act as a hydrogen gas inlet (8) and outlet (9), respectively. That is, the hydrogen storage device 200′ comprises the pressure vessel 1, having the first fluid inlet 8 and the first fluid outlet 9, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 4 optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 1 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 4, wherein the first fluid inlet 8 and/or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 4 has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0144] FIG. 10 is CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200″ for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. The hydrogen storage device 200″comprises a pressure vessel 201″, having a first fluid inlet 208″ and a first fluid outlet 209″, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 204″ optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 201″ is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 204″, wherein the first fluid inlet 208″ and/or the first fluid outlet 209″ are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 204″ has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0145] In this example, the pressure vessel 201″ is generally cylindrical, having a generally dished first end and a necked second end opposed thereto, and having a single aperture providing both the first fluid inlet 208″ and the first fluid outlet 209″. In other words, the pressure vessel 201″ is bottle-shaped. An inner wall portion 2011″ of the pressure vessel 201″ provides an axial cylindrical, elongate blind passageway 210″, arranged to receive a first heater 206″ (not shown), that extends from the first end towards the second end and that is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2010″ of the pressure vessel 201″. A second blind passageway in the first end is arranged to receive a thermocouple (not shown).

[0146] In this example, the thermally conducting network 204″ has a lattice geometry in three dimensions, in which generally each node is connected by four arms to four other nodes, respectively, in an axially adjacent preceding layer, such that generally each node is thus connected by eight arms to eight other nodes, four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer and four nodes in an axially adjacent proceeding layer. Nodes proximal the inner wall portion 2011″ and the outer wall portion 2010″ are similarly connected thereto, respectively. In one example, an effective density (also known as lattice volume ratio) of the lattice geometry is uniform in one, two or three dimensions (i.e. mutually orthogonal dimensions). In this example, an effective density of the lattice geometry is uniform in a first dimension, particularly axially, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly radially. Particularly, the effective density decreases radially outwards, such that there is faster heat transfer proximal the passageway 410 and hence the first heater. In this example, the thermally conducting network 404 is formed from an aluminium alloy. Alternatively, the thermally conducting network 404 may be formed from copper, respective alloys thereof such as brass or bronze alloys, and/or stainless steel, as described previously.

[0147] FIG. 13 is an alternative CAD radial cross-section for the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. In this example, a node density (i.e. number of nodes per unit volume) of the lattice geometry, generally otherwise similar to the lattice geometry of FIG. 12 mutatis mutandis, is relatively lower than that of the lattice geometry of FIG. 12. A cross-sectional area of the arms is relatively larger than that of FIG. 12.

[0148] FIG. 14 is a CAD perspective view of a first heater 206″ for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the first heater 206″ is an elongate cartridge heater, to be received in the passageway 210″. The first heater 206″ may be a push-fit into the passageway 210″, to improve thermal coupling between the first heater 206″ and the inner wall portion 2011″ of the pressure vessel 201″. Additionally and/or alternatively, the first heater 206″ may be thermally bonded to the inner wall portion 2011″, for example using conductive paste or solder.

[0149] FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater 206′″ for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment, particularly a FIREROD cartridge heater available from Watlow.

[0150] FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of a first heater 206′″ for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment, particularly a FIREROD cartridge heater available from Watlow (part number G10A31, 10 inch length by ⅜ inch diameter 600 W (240V)). The first heater 506 is the metric equivalent of the first heater 206′″.

[0151] FIG. 17A is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pressure vessel 230, having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240 thermally coupled to a first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240, wherein the first fluid inlet 210 and/or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and wherein the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions.

[0152] In this example, the pressure vessel 230 is generally cylindrical, having a generally internally dished first end and a flanged second end opposed thereto, and having a single aperture providing both the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220. In other words, the pressure vessel 230 is can-shaped. An inner wall portion 2301 of the pressure vessel 230 provides an axial cylindrical, elongate blind passageway P, arranged to optionally receive a second heater 300B (not shown) of the set of heaters 300, particularly a cartridge heater (not shown), that extends from the first end towards the second end and that is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. Blind passageways in the second end are arranged to receive thermocouples TC. In this example, the first heater 300A is provided by a recirculating heater, for example heated using waste heat from a fuel cell coupled thereto, and includes a double helix heating tube 350, having an inlet 310 and an outlet 320, in thermal contact with the thermally conducting network 20, which is arranged between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the heating tube 350. The double helix heating tube 350 extends from the second end towards the first end is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. The inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are directly in thermal contact with the inner wall portion 2301 and the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230, respectively. A pressure gauge PG is provided in the second end. The second end is mechanically releasably coupled to the pressure vessel 230, using mechanical fasteners.

[0153] In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions, in which generally each node is connected by four arms to four other nodes, respectively, in an axially adjacent preceding layer, such that generally each node is thus connected by eight arms to eight other nodes, four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer and four nodes in an axially adjacent proceeding layer. Nodes proximal the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the heating tube 350 are in mutual thermal contact therewith. In this example, an effective density of the lattice geometry is uniform in a first dimension, particularly axially, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly radially. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a porosity of at least 90%. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 is formed from an aluminium alloy. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises inner 2401 and outer 2400 portions, having annular shapes. The outer portion 2400 is received in thermal contact with and between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 while the inner portion 2401 is received in thermal contact with and within the inner helix 3501.

[0154] FIG. 17B is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a related hydrogen storage device 200. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17A, the thermally conducting network 240 of the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 17B comprises inner 2401, middle 240M and outer 2400 portions. The inner portion 2401 has a cylindrical shape and the middle 240M and outer 2400 portions have annular shapes. The outer portion 2400 is received in thermal contact and without the outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350, the middle portion 240M is received in thermal contact with and between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices while the inner portion 2401 is received in thermal contact with and within the inner helix 3501.

[0155] FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. The hydrogen storage device 200 is generally as described with respect to the hydrogen storage devices 200 of FIGS. 17A and 17B and like reference signs denote like features.

[0156] In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 17A and 17B, the hydrogen storage device 200 does not include the inner wall portion 2301 of the pressure vessel 230 of FIGS. 17A and 17B and does not include blind passageways in the second end to receive thermocouples. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 17A and 17B, the thermally conducting network 240 is cylindrical, to be received in thermal contact with the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 17A and 17B, the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are integrated within the thermally conducting network 240. Hence, the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are mutually spaced apart from and only indirectly in thermal contact with the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230, respectively, via the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 includes a bed compression disc 231, internal to the pressure vessel 230 proximal the first end and bed compression disc bolts 232 mechanically coupled thereto, extending through the first end, for uniaxially compressing the hydrogen storage material to improve thermal contact with the thermally conducting network. O-rings 233 are arranged in the outer wall portion 2300 to prevent loss of the hydrogen storage material during compression thereof.

[0157] FIG. 19A is a CAD partial cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 19B is a CAD longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200; and FIG. 19C is a CAD perspective view of the thermally conducting network, in more detail.

[0158] The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pressure vessel 230, having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240 thermally coupled to a first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240, wherein the first fluid inlet 210 and/or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and wherein the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions. In this example, the hydrogen storage material comprises and/or is a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, LOHC. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a dynamic hydrogen storage device 200. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are mutually spaced apart at opposed ends of the first vessel 230, thereby defining, at least in part, a path for flow of the hydrogen storage material and/or hydrogen therebetween, for example via the voids of the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 comprise releasable couplings, thereby providing coupling thereto and uncoupling therefrom, for example repeatedly, of corresponding couplings. In this example, the lattice geometry is Bravais lattice particularly a cubic lattice specifically a primitive cubic lattice. In this example, the thermally conducting arms have a cross sectional dimension (for example a diameter or a width) of about 0.5 mm. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 partially fills an internal volume of the first vessel 230, of at least 90%, by volume of the first vessel 230. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises a LOHC hydrogenation and/or dehydrogenation catalyst, for example provided on and/or in a surface thereof. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a porosity in a range from 75% to 95%, by volume of the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a specific surface area in a range from 1 m.sup.−1 to 10 m.sup.−1, particularly about 7 m.sup.−1. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises a LOHC hydrogenation and/or dehydrogenation catalyst, for example provided on and/or in a surface thereof. In this example, the first heater is arranged heat the hydrogen storage material to temperature in a range from 150° C. to 300° C. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pump (not shown) arranged to flow the hydrogen storage material through the first vessel 230. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a reactor.

[0159] Generally, the first vessel 230 is an elongated cylinder formed from a Ti alloy (to withstand an operating pressure of about 2 bar at a temperature of about 260° C. for dehydrogenation), having a bore extending therethrough for the first heater, particularly a Joule cartridge heater. The first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are provided with Swagelok releasable couplings. The first fluid inlet 210 is arranged at an acute angle to the axis of the first vessel and the first fluid outlet is arranged parallel to the axis, to suit the particular application.

SUMMARY

[0160] A power supply and a method of controlling such a power supply are provided. The power supply has a first electrical outlet, and comprises a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, optionally a set of heaters including a first heater, a first releasable fluid inlet coupling and/or a first releasable fluid outlet coupling; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network optionally thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network, wherein the first fluid inlet and/or the first fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions. In this way, the power supply provides a modular and/or scalable source of electrical power, obtainable from hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material. Particularly, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material may be released, for example by heating thereof, via the thermally conducting network, by the first heater. Chemical energy of the released hydrogen may be then converted, at least in part, to electrical energy via an electrical generator. Furthermore, modularity and/or scalability of the power supply is provided by the first releasable fluid inlet coupling and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling. For example, by coupling and subsequently recoupling the first releasable fluid inlet coupling, different hydrogen gas generators, having different capacities, availabilities and/or characteristics, may be coupled to the set of hydrogen storage devices. For example, by coupling and subsequently recoupling the first releasable fluid outlet coupling, different electrical generators, such as fuel cells and/or conventional combustion electrical generators, having different capacities, efficiencies, availabilities and/or characteristics, may be coupled to the set of hydrogen storage devices. In this way, the power supply may be configured efficiently for a particular electrical power output, for example a peak electrical output, a total capacity and/or a duration of the power supply, as required for expected usage and/or demand.

Definitions

[0161] At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processor circuits. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0162] Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” may mean including the component(s) specified but is not intended to exclude the presence of other components.

[0163] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.