Patent ID: 7363965
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: B01D,C01B,F17C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A hydrogen storage unit for a hydrogen powered vehicle comprising: a hydrogen storage vessel at least partially filled with a hydrogen storage alloy, said hydrogen storage vessel having a hydrogen inlet including a connector for detachably connecting said hydrogen storage vessel to an outside hydrogen source such that said hydrogen storage vessel and said outside hydrogen source are in gaseous communication; a primary loop in thermal communication with and at least partially disposed within said hydrogen storage vessel, said primary loop having a cooling fluid inlet for receiving a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet for expelling said cooling fluid from said primary loop, said inlet including a connector for detachably connecting said primary loop to a source of cooling fluid such that said primary loop and said source of cooling fluid are in fluid communication; and a secondary loop thermally coupled to said primary loop wherein said secondary loop transfers heat to said primary loop during operation of said hydrogen powered vehicle; wherein a heat transfer fluid contained within said primary loop is circulated through said primary loop using a directional coupled turbine utilizing the flow of heat transfer fluid through the secondary loop to circulate heat transfer fluid through said primary loop.