A SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING AND UTILIZING ATMOSPHERIC HYDROGEN GAS

摘要

The present invention is drawn toward systems and methods of extracting hydrogen gas from an ambient (14) or conditioned atmosphere (34), preferably for use in a hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen collection system is defined by walls (12) that are preferentially permeable to hydrogen gas and substantially impermeable to gases reactive with hydrogen gas. Further, the walls (12) are preferably extensively folded to increase the surface area through which hydrogen gas can pass. In order to facilitate the passing of hydrogen gas through the walls (12) of the hydrogen collection system, a pumping device (20) coupled to the system can be provided. Once the hydrogen gas has been collected, it can be reacted with oxygen or otherwise used in the collection chamber (10) or transported to a different chamber (46) through a conduit (28) where it can be stored or used.