System for generating hydrogen and method thereof

Abstract

An electrochemical system having a plurality of discrete electrochemical cell stacks is described. The system includes a water-oxygen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cell stacks and a hydrogen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells. A means for ventilating the system and a control system for monitoring and operating said electrochemical system, said control system including a means for detecting abnormal operating conditions and a means for degrading the performance of said electrochemical system in response to said abnormal condition.

1 . A method of generating hydrogen gas comprising the steps of: 
 disassociating hydrogen from a reactant;    forming hydrogen gas;    monitoring a pressure of said hydrogen gas;    comparing said pressure of said hydrogen gas to a threshold parameter; and,    generating a signal in response to said pressure being less than said threshold parameter.    
     
     
         2 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of monitoring the amount of time said pressure is below said threshold parameter.  
     
     
         3 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 2  further comprising the step of stopping the generation of said hydrogen in response to said signal.  
     
     
         4 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 3  wherein said signal is generated if said pressure is below said threshold parameter for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         5 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 4  wherein said threshold parameter is at least 10% below the desired operating pressure.  
     
     
         6 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 5  wherein said threshold parameter is 180 psi.  
     
     
         7 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 6  wherein said predetermined amount of time is 200 seconds.  
     
     
         8 . A method of generating hydrogen gas comprising the steps of: 
 electrochemically separating hydrogen from water;    forming hydrogen gas;    monitoring a pressure of said gas;    comparing said pressure to a minimum threshold parameter;    measuring the length of time said pressure is less than said minimum threshold parameter; and,    generating a signal if said length of time exceeds a second parameter.    
     
     
         9 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 8  further comprising the step of stopping said disassociation of said hydrogen from said water in response to said signal.  
     
     
         10 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 9  wherein said minimum threshold parameter is 10% less than a desired operating pressure.  
     
     
         11 . The method of generating hydrogen gas of  claim 10  wherein said minimum threshold parameter is 180 psi.  
     
     
         12 . A system for generating hydrogen gas comprising: 
 at least one electrochemical cell;    a hydrogen management system coupled fluidly coupled to said at least one electrochemical cell;    a pressure sensor coupled to said hydrogen management system; and,    a control panel electrically coupled to said pressure sensor.    
     
     
         13 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 12  wherein said pressure sensor includes a means for generating a signal indicative of an actual pressure.  
     
     
         14 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 13  wherein said control panel includes means comparing said actual pressure signal to a threshold parameter.  
     
     
         15 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 14  wherein said control panel is electrically connected to said at least one electrochemical cell.  
     
     
         16 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 15  wherein said control panel further includes means for stopping the operation of said at least one electrochemical cell.  
     
     
         17 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 16  wherein said threshold parameter is 10% less than a desired operating pressure.  
     
     
         18 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 17  wherein said threshold parameter is 180 psi.  
     
     
         19 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 18  wherein said control panel further includes a timer means for monitoring the length of time said actual pressure is less than said threshold parameter.  
     
     
         20 . The system for generating hydrogen gas of  claim 19  wherein said control panel timer means further includes a means for generating a signal when said length of time exceeds a predetermined time parameter.