Hydrogen generation and utility load leveling system and the method

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for the electrolytic, thermal, and photolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen. In the first step of the cycle a concentrated hydrohalic acid solution is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen, halogen, and dilute hydrohalic acid solution. In the second, or hydrogen halide formation and electrolyte reformation step, the halogen is reacted with steam in a gas phase thermal and photolytic process to reform the hydrogen halide and produce oxygen. An advantage of the novel reformation step is the ability to utilize a contaminated water feedstream for the production of the reusable hydrogen halide. The present invention also provides both an apparatus and method for the radiation-augmented electrolytic and thermal production of hydrogen and oxygen. Reduction of electrical and thermal energy requirements is achieved by using radiation to: (i) activate photo-sensitive metallic hexahalide ions, which reduces the electrolysis electrode potential; and (ii) energize a portion of the hydrogen halide formation reaction. By utilizing radiation-augmented electrolysis, the conventional halogen oxidation reaction is replaced by oxidation of a metallic hexahalide, which occurs at a lower overvoltage and smaller reversible cell potential. Radiant energy thus both replaces electrical energy for the production of hydrogen, and increases the efficiency of electrical energy storage.