Slush hydrogen production method and apparatus

Abstract

A slush hydrogen production device ( ) utilizes a hydrogen slushifier magnetic refrigerator ( ) having a wheel ( ) of material exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect. The wheel is rotated through a magnetic field of varying intensity around the circumference of a wheel housing ( ) created by the windings of superconductive magnets ( ). The material of the wheel ( ) follows a magnetic Carnot cycle as the wheel rotates ( ) through regions of low temperature heat transfer and high temperature heat transfer. Liquid hydrogen is supplied to the regions of low and high temperature heat transfer through inlet pipes ( and ). Gaseous hydrogen is produced in the high temperature heat transfer region and vented away by an outlet pipe ( ). Solid hydrogen is produced in the low temperature heat transfer region by direct solidification upon the magnetic wheel ( ); and is removed by scrapers ( ) and deposited in a compartment ( ) where it mixes with liquid hydrogen to form slush hydrogen. A second magnetic refrigerator ( ) may be used to keep its magnets and the magnets of the hydrogen slushifier magnetic refrigerator ( ) at a temperature region suitable to maintain superconductivity. The slush hydrogen production device ( ) may be part of a larger operating system that includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank ( ), a slush hydrogen storage tank ( ), a slush conditioner ( ) and appropriate connective plumbing.