A solid fuel for generating H.sub.2 or D.sub.2 gases, comprising magnesium orohydride diammoniate (MBDA) or its deuterated analog as the H.sub.2 or D.sub.2 source, an oxidizer selected from LiNO.sub.3 and KNO.sub.3, and a binder of polytetrafluoroethylene is a thermally stable gas generator composition which yields greater than 12.5 weight percent H.sub.2 or D.sub.2. The MBDA weight percentages by weight ranges from 80-90, the oxidizer ranges from 5-15, and the binder ranges from 2-15.
An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.
A fuel cartridge for a hydrogen generating system having a cartridge containing a substantially anhydrous chemical hydride reactant. A plurality of liquid conduits extends into the cartridge and each of the liquid conduits has a length and a plurality of liquid distribution apertures formed along the length. The liquid distribution apertures have a diameter of less than approximately 1 mm. The chemical hydride reactant forms a bed and the liquid conduits extend along at least half of a length of the bed.
An apparatus, system, and method generate hydrogen through a controlled chemical reaction between water and a chemical hydride. The invention includes a chemical hydride isolated from water by a water-selective membrane. A fluid containing water is brought into contact with the water-selective membrane. The water diffuses through the water-selective membrane and reacts with the chemical hydride. The water diffuses through the membrane at a predetermined rate based on a water concentration gradient across the water-selective membrane. The water-selective membrane is substantially impermeable to elements and molecules other than water. Hydrogen generated within the chemical hydride is collected and used in various applications.
The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.
