METHOD FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND STORAGE IN OFF-LINE POWER PLANTS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: off-line power engineering primarily for submarines. SUBSTANCE: method includes hydrogen production by generating steam, passing it through sorbent composed of iron with catalyst, and placing iron in oxidation reaction. Used as one of source reaction components is water produced as result of electrical energy generation reaction occurring in electrochemical generator. In addition off-line air-independent steam generating plants may use thermal-exothermal decomposition reaction of oxygen-containing material (such as hydrogen peroxide) to produce steam required for iron- steam method of hydrogen generation. Iron oxidation reaction is conducted at temperature varying (increasing) in the process to ensure uniform hydrogen feed; three-dimensional structures of 4-6 g/cu. cm density made of finely dispersed and pressed iron ensuring steam admission to depth of maximum 1-2 mm are used for complete oxidation of iron and its subsequent reduction. In addition iron storage is sectionalized and new sections are put in operation in succession as rate of hydrogen emission in operating section reduces. Proposed methods may be combined. Oxidized iron is reduced in off-line power plant by hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or their mixture. Operating cycle of off-line hydrogen production and storage plants lasts from tens to thousands of hours. EFFECT: enhanced safety and extended time of hydrogen storage. 4 cl