초록 ▼

A process and apparatus are disclosed for generating hydrogen gas from a charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium and alloys of lithium and aluminum. The charge of fuel is placed into an enclosed vessel, then heated until it is molten. A reactant consisting of water is introduced

A process and apparatus are disclosed for generating hydrogen gas from a charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium and alloys of lithium and aluminum. The charge of fuel is placed into an enclosed vessel, then heated until it is molten. A reactant consisting of water is introduced into the vessel, as by spraying from a nozzle, for reaction with the charge of fuel resulting in the production of hydrogen gas and heat which are withdrawn from the vessel. Prior to initiation of the process, an inert gas atmosphere, such as argon, may be imparted to the interior of the vessel. A sufficiently large mass flow of the reactant through the nozzle is maintained to assure that there be no diminution of flow resulting from the formation on the nozzle of fuel and chemical compounds of the fuel. Optimum charges of the fuel are application specific and the ranges of the constituents are dependent upon the particular use of the system. The process and apparatus of the invention may be incorporated into a Rankine cycle engine or into a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A Rankine cycle engine comprising:a hydrogen gas generator including:an enclosed vessel defining a single chamber containing a charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium, and alloys of lithium and aluminum, and alloys of lithium and aluminum and lithium

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A Rankine cycle engine comprising:a hydrogen gas generator including:an enclosed vessel defining a single chamber containing a charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium, and alloys of lithium and aluminum, and alloys of lithium and aluminum and lithium hydride, and alloys of lithium and lithium hydride;means capable of heating the charge of fuel within said vessel to a temperature at which the fuel is molten without any introduction of water to said vessel;feedwater pump means for introducing to said vessel for reaction with the charge of fuel a reactant consisting of water resulting in the production of hydrogen gas and heat, said introducing means including a nozzle directed at the surface of the molten fuel with sufficient pressure that the reactant penetrates the surface thereof and causes agitation of the molten mass of fuel; andtubing means for withdrawing the hydrogen gas from said vessel; d engine further comprising:an oxygen gas generator;a burner for combusting hydrogen gas from said hydrogen gas generator and oxygen gas from said oxygen gas generator to generate superheated steam;a turbine for receiving the superheated steam products of combustion from the burner and producing power therefrom and exhausting lower energy steam; anda condenser for receiving the lower energy steam from said turbine and changing its state into water;said feedwater pump means also being operable for cycling the water through said engine.