Patent ID: 8771889

Claim:
A hydrogen generator comprising: a cartridge, the cartridge comprising: a casing; a plurality of pellets, each comprising at least one hydrogen containing material capable of releasing hydrogen gas when heated; a plurality of solid heat transfer members, each in direct contact with but not penetrating the casing; a hydrogen outlet valve in the casing; and a hydrogen flow path from each fuel pellet to the hydrogen outlet valve; a compartment configured to removably contain the cartridge, the compartment comprising: a housing comprising a wall; a hydrogen outlet through the housing; a cavity within the housing within which the cartridge can be disposed; and a plurality of heating elements disposed within the housing such that when the cartridge is disposed within the cavity each heating element is in contact with an outer surface of the cartridge casing and disposed so that heat can be conducted from the heating element, through the casing and to a heat transfer member, which can conduct the heat to a portion of the at least one hydrogen containing material not in contact with the casing; and an initiation system comprising the heat transfer members, the heating elements, and circuitry for conducting an electric current to the heating elements, wherein the electrical current can be applied selectively to one or more heating elements for generating heat to selectively heat one or more pellets to initiate a release of hydrogen gas.