Method and apparatus for integrated water deionization, electrolytic hydrogen production, and electrochemical power generation

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for deionization and hydrogen fuel production in a fuel generation mode, and electricity production in a power generation mode. In one embodiment, a capacitive deionization (CDI) device receives water and electrical energy to produce deionized water that is transferred to a proton electrode membrane electrolysis (PEME) device to produce hydrogen fuel by electrolysis. A storage system receives the hydrogen. The hydrogen is transferred from the storage system to a proton electrode membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) device that produces electrical energy. In another embodiment, the PEME and the PEMFC are functionally combined in a unitary regenerative fuel cell (URFC). In still another embodiment, a humidification unit and the CDI are functionally combined. In yet another embodiment, a CDI, URFC and the humidification unit are combined in a single unitary assembly.

1 . An apparatus for the generation of electrical energy and the production of hydrogen, comprising: 
 a first system fluidly coupled to a water source and electrically coupled to an electrical energy source that receives water and electrical energy to produce deionized water; and    a second system operable in either a fuel generation mode or a power generation mode, the second system being fluidly coupled to the first system to receive deionized water and being electrically coupled to the electrical energy source to receive electrical energy to generate hydrogen and oxygen when the system is operating in the fuel generation mode, the hydrogen being received by a fluidly coupled hydrogen storage system, and the second system receiving hydrogen from the hydrogen storage system and an oxidizer from an oxidizer source that is fluidly coupled to the second system and combining the hydrogen and the oxidizer to generate electrical energy when the system is operating in the power generation mode.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to claim I wherein the hydrogen storage system is further comprised of a compressor that is fluidly coupled to a plurality of storage vessels structured to contain hydrogen, the compressor fluidly receiving the hydrogen generated during the fuel generation mode and fluidly delivering the compressed hydrogen to the storage vessels.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to claim I wherein the hydrogen storage system is further comprised of a storage vessel containing a metal hydride that is fluidly coupled to the second system.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the second system is further comprised of a humidification module that receives hydrogen from the hydrogen storage system and oxidizer from the oxidizer source to humidify the hydrogen and oxidizer prior to combination in the second system.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to claim I further comprising a water storage system fluidly coupled to the first system and the second system, the water storage system further including a water storage vessel to sealably contain deionized water.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the electrical energy source is further comprised of an electrical converter that is electrically coupled to a utility grid and to the first system and or the second system that receives alternating current from the utility grid, and delivers direct current to the first and/or second system.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the second system is further comprised of an electrical converter that is electrically coupled to an electrical load that receives the electrical energy generated by the second system and transfers the electrical energy to the load when the second system is operating in the power generation mode.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a utility grid.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a plurality of electric storage devices.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a prime mover in an electrically powered vehicle.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the first system is further comprised of a capacitive deionization (CDI) device.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the second system is further comprised of a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) device.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the second system is further comprised of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) device that is fluidly coupled to a proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME) device.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the water storage system is further comprised of a recirculation loop that is fluidly coupled to the vessel and the second system that fluidly delivers deionized water from the storage vessel to the second system and fluidly returns at least a portion of the deionized water delivered to the second system when the second system is operating in the power generation mode.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the recirculation loop is further comprised of a pump fluidly coupled to the loop to fluidly deliver the deionized water to the second system, and to fluidly return to the storage vessel the at least a portion of the water fluidly delivered to the second system.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the recirculation loop is further comprised of a heat exchanger.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising an oxygen storage system that is fluidly coupled to the second system that fluidly receives the oxygen generated when the second system is operating in the fuel generation mode, and fluidly delivers oxygen to the second system when the system is operating in the power generation mode.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the oxygen storage system is further comprised of a compressor that is fluidly coupled to a plurality of storage vessels structured to contain oxygen, the compressor fluidly receiving the oxygen generated during the fuel generation mode and fluidly delivering the compressed oxygen to the storage vessels.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the oxidizer source is further comprised of atmospheric air.  
     
     
         20 . A power generation apparatus having a fuel generation mode for generating hydrogen fuel, and a power generation mode for generating electrical energy, comprising: 
 a water deionizer that receives electrical current from an electrical energy source and water from a water source to produce deionized water;    an electrolyzer in fluid communication with the water deionizer that receives the deionized water from the deionizer and electrical current from the electrical energy source to decompose the deionized water into hydrogen and oxygen while operating in the fuel generation mode;    a hydrogen storage system in fluid communication with the electrolyzer that fluidly receives the hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer while operating in the fuel generation mode; and    a fuel cell assembly that is in fluid communication with a source of an oxidizer and in fluid communication with the storage system that fluidly receives the hydrogen from the storage system and fluidly receives the oxidizer from the oxidizer source and combines the hydrogen and the oxidizer to produce electrical energy while operating in the power generation mode.    
     
     
         21 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the water deionizer is further comprised of a capacitive deionization (CDI) device.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the electrolyzer is further comprised of a proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME) device.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the fuel cell assembly is further comprised of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) device.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the electrolyzer is further comprised of a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) device.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the fuel cell assembly is further comprised of a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) device.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the hydrogen storage system is further comprised of a compressor that is in fluid communication with a plurality of storage vessels, the compressor fluidly receiving the hydrogen generated by the electrolyzer and fluidly delivering the compressed hydrogen to the storage vessels.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the hydrogen storage system is further comprised of a metal hydride storage medium.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the fuel cell assembly is further comprised of a humidification module that is in fluid communication with each of the deionizer, the storage system and the oxidizer source to fluidly receive deionized water from the deionizer to humidify the hydrogen fluidly received from the storage system and the oxidizer fluidly received from the oxidizer source.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  further comprising a water storage system in fluid communication with the deionizer and the electrolyzer, the storage system including a water storage vessel to sealably contain deionized water.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the electrical energy source is further comprised of an electrical converter in electrical communication with a utility grid and in communication with the deionizer and/or the electrolyzer that delivers direct current to the deionizer and/or the electrolyzer.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the fuel cell assembly is further comprised of an electrical converter that is in electrical communication with an electrical load that receives the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and transfers the electrical energy to the load.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a utility grid.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a plurality of electrical storage devices.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein the electrical load is further comprised of a prime mover in an electrically powered vehicle.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus according to  claim 29  wherein the water storage system is further comprised of a recirculation loop that is in fluid communication with the vessel and the fuel cell assembly that fluidly delivers deionized water from the storage vessel to the fuel cell assembly and fluidly returns at least a portion of the deionized water delivered to the fuel cell assembly.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus according to  claim 35  wherein the recirculation loop is further comprised of a pump fluidly coupled to the loop to fluidly deliver the deionized water to the fuel cell assembly, and to fluidly return to the storage vessel the at least a portion of the water fluidly delivered to the fuel cell assembly.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus according to  claim 36  wherein the recirculation loop is further comprised of a heat exchanger.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus according to  claim 20  further comprising an oxygen storage system that is in fluid communication with the electrolyzer and the fuel cell assembly that fluidly receives oxygen from the electrolyzer and fluidly delivers oxygen to the fuel cell assembly.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus according to  claim 38  wherein the oxygen storage system is further comprised of a compressor that is in fluid communication with a plurality of storage vessels, the compressor fluidly receiving the oxygen generated by the electrolyzer and fluidly delivering the compressed oxygen to the storage vessels.  
     
     
         40 . An apparatus for water deionization and reactant conditioning, comprising: 
 a first electrode having a first surface, a second opposing surface and a length, the first electrode further having a plurality of spaced apart first passages for fluidly transporting water, the first passages extending inwardly from the first surface towards the second surface and having an electrosorptive material layer disposed therein, and a plurality of spaced apart second passages for fluidly transporting a reactant, the second passages extending inwardly from the second surface towards the first surface, the first and second passages extending along the length of the first electrode and fluidly isolated from each other, the first passages being in alternating disposition with respect to the second passages;    a second electrode having a first surface, a second opposing surface and a length, the second electrode further having a plurality of spaced apart first passages for transporting deionized water, the first passages extending inwardly from the first surface towards the second surface, and a plurality of spaced apart second passages for transporting water, the second passages extending inwardly from the. second surface towards the first surface and having an electrosorptive material layer disposed therein, the first and second passages extending along the length of the second electrode and fluidly isolated from each other, the first passages being in alternating disposition with respect to the second passages;    an electrically insulative, fluid permeable membrane positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode to permit fluid permeation between the second passages in the first electrode and first passages in the second electrode;    an electrically insulative, non-fluid permeable layer disposed on the first surface of the first electrode, and the second surface of the second electrode; and    a power supply with a first polarity and a second polarity, the first polarity being electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the second polarity being electrically coupled to the second electrode.    
     
     
         41 . The apparatus according to  claim 40  wherein the electrosorptive material layer disposed within the first passages in the first electrode and the second passages in the second electrode is comprised of a carbon aerogel composite.  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus according to  claim 40  further comprising a discharging switch that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode that permits the first electrode to be substantially electrically coupled to the second electrode when actuated.  
     
     
         43 . An apparatus for water deionization and reactant conditioning, comprising: 
 a first dielectric plate having a first surface, a second opposing surface and a length, the first dielectric plate further having a plurality of spaced apart first passages for fluidly transporting water, the first passages extending inwardly from the first surface towards the second surface, and a plurality of spaced apart second passages for fluidly transporting a reactant, the second passages extending inwardly from the second surface towards the first surface, the first and second passages extending along the length of the first dielectric plate and fluidly isolated from each other, the first passages being in alternating disposition with respect to the second passages;    a second dielectric plate having a first surface, a second opposing surface and a length, the second dielectric plate further having a plurality of spaced apart first passages for transporting deionized water, the first passages extending inwardly from the first surface towards the second surface, and a plurality of spaced apart second passages for transporting water, the second passages extending inwardly from the second surface towards the first surface, the first and second passages extending along the length of the second dielectric plate and fluidly isolated from each other, the first passages being in alternating disposition with respect to the second passages;    a fluid permeable membrane positioned between the first dielectric plate and the dielectric plate to permit fluid permeation between the second passages in the first dielectric plate and first passages in the dielectric plate;    an electrosorptive material layer disposed on the first surface of the first dielectric plate, and the second surface of the second dielectric plate;    a first plate electrode disposed on the electrosorptive layer on the first surface of the first plate that substantially electrically contacts the layer;    a second plate electrode disposed on the electrosorptive layer on the second surface of the second plate that substantially electrically contacts the layer; and    a power supply with a first polarity and a second polarity, the first polarity being electrically coupled to the first plate electrode, and the second polarity being electrically coupled to the second plate electrode.    
     
     
         44 . The apparatus according to  claim 43  wherein the electrosorptive material layer disposed on the first surface of the first dielectric plate, and the second surface of the second dielectric plate is comprised of a carbon aerogel composite.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus according to  claim 43  further comprising a discharging switch that is electrically coupled to the first plate electrode and the second plate electrode that permits the first plate electrode to be substantially electrically coupled to the second plate electrode when actuated.  
     
     
         46 . A method for producing hydrogen and generating electrical energy therefrom, comprising: 
 receiving water from a water source;    deionizing the water received to obtain deionized water;    dissociating the deionized water to obtain hydrogen; and    combining the hydrogen with an oxidizer in a fuel cell device to generate electrical energy.    
     
     
         47 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of receiving water is further comprised of receiving water from a municipal source of water.  
     
     
         48 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of deionizing is further comprised of: 
 introducing the water received from the water source into a capacitive deionization (CDI) device; and  
 applying an electric current to the CDI device to generate deionized water.  
 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of dissociating the deionized water is further comprised of: 
 introducing the deionized water into an electrolyzer; and  
 applying an electric current to the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen.  
 
     
     
         50 . The method according to  claim 49  wherein the step of introducing the deionized water into an electrolyzer is further comprised of introducing the deionized water into a proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME) device, and the step of applying an electric current to the electrolyzer is further comprised of applying an electric current to the PEME device.  
     
     
         51 . The method according to  claim 49  wherein the step of introducing the deionized water into an electrolyzer is further comprised of introducing the deionized water into a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) device, and the step of applying an electric current to the electrolyzer is further comprised of applying an electric current to the URFC device.  
     
     
         52 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of combining the hydrogen with an oxidizer in a fuel cell device is further comprised of humidifying the hydrogen and the oxidizer with the deionized water.  
     
     
         53 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of combining the hydrogen with an oxidizer in a fuel cell device is further comprised of combining the hydrogen and the oxidizer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) device.  
     
     
         54 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of combining the hydrogen with an oxidizer in a fuel cell device is further comprised of combining the hydrogen and the oxidizer in a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) device.  
     
     
         55 . The method according to  claim 46  wherein the step of dissociating the deionized water is further comprised of storing the hydrogen obtained in a storage system.