Hydrogen producing apparatus

The production of one of the simplest molecules, hydrogen (H2), from water and sunlight is an attractive option for storing renewable energy. The objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient method for generating hydrogen from ambient air humidity and light as energy source. This method is carried out with an assembly of photovoltaic (PV) cells and a two compartment apparatus that can be fabricated using existing and low cost methods and devices. For keeping a satisfactory level of hydration while maintaining a device operation at sufficient temperatures, a well-designed temperature and hydration management system/strategy is employed. During the day, solar cells, connected in series in a module configuration, provide the required voltage to drive the water splitting reactions. During operation light transmitted through the PV-module is heating up a heat absorber/collector directly connected to a reversible water sorption material and water is released from this reversible water sorption material and will diffuse through the ion exchange material, thereby wetting it. During operation water is oxidized at the anode and O2 is release into air. Simultaneously H2 is produced and collected at the cathode. During the night, cool humid air circulates through the device and the reversible water sorption material can replenish. The device of present invention reaches a solar to hydrogen efficiency above 5%.

Patent Publication Number: EP3452638

Year filing: 2017

Year approval: 2020

Year publication: 2020

Status: Assigned

Technology domains: Surface technology, coating

Validated for IOF-key: Yes

Attributed to: Associatie KULeuven, Associatie Universiteit Gent