Hydrogen generator and fuel cartridge

摘要

A fuel cartridge and a hydrogen generator are provided for supplying hydrogen gas to a hydrogen gas device. The fuel cartridge includes a fuel composition disposed in a container and a multi-layer package material, such as a laminate, enclosing the fuel composition therein. The laminate includes a polymer layer distal the fuel composition and a conductor layer proximate the fuel composition and including a preformed portion. The hydrogen generator includes a punch thermally coupled to a heater assembly and is configured to move between a retracted state and a puncture state. When the fuel cartridge is disposed in the hydrogen generating apparatus, the punch is configured to puncture the polymer layer and bring the coined portion into contact with the fuel composition. Heat is applied to a hydrogen containing material in the fuel composition through the punch and preformed portion to release hydrogen gas.

主权项

1. A method of generating hydrogen gas, comprising:
inserting a fuel cartridge into a hydrogen generator, the hydrogen generator comprising a housing that houses a holder configured to retain the fuel cartridge, a heater assembly, and a punch thermally coupled to the heater assembly, and the fuel cartridge comprising:
a container defining an interior volume and comprising an open portion;a fuel composition disposed within the interior volume of the container, the fuel composition comprising a hydrogen containing material configured to release hydrogen gas when heated; anda multi-layer package material at the open portion of the container and enclosing the fuel composition within the container; puncturing the multi-layer package material by moving the punch from a retracted state to a puncture state, wherein the puncture state of the punch provides a heat conductive path from the heat source to the surface of the fuel composition through the punch; and applying heat to the fuel composition through the punch to release hydrogen gas from the hydrogen generating material.