A concept has been developed for the generation of hydrogen by reacting selected alkali metal hydrides with water. Hydrogen is consumed in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generate DC power for operation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD and Total artificial heart (TAH). Generator and fuel cell operate safely and reliably at about atmospheric pressure producing potable water and electric power. The Hydride - PEM fuel cell power source operates like a battery but provides 2-3 times the energy density of advanced secondary batteries. Life cycle costs will be significantly lower. Lithium aluminum hydride is used for hydrogen generation. Water insoluble and chemically benign lithium meta aluminate is formed in the reaction. The generator operates in a passive and load responsive mode. Reactants are fully utilized. This is accomplished by the use of a corrugated, perforated sheet metal structure for support and distribution of hydride particles. Wicking is relied upon for distribution of water. Layers of wicking material placed adjacent to the metal structure preform this function. Water is stored in a bladder. From there it is forced through a hydrophilic microporous membrane into the generator until the pressure is high enough to force excess water back into the bladder. Hydrogen is kept from entering the bladder by virtue of the membrane bubble pressure.

Proposed Commercial Applications

The combination of a hydride based hydrogen generator and an oxygen or air breathing PEM fuel cell offers significantly higher energy densities than conventional rechargeable batteries in man-portable applications.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44HL049022-03
Application #
2028790
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG7-SSS-W (06))
Project Start
1992-09-30
Project End
1998-09-29
Budget Start
1996-09-30
Budget End
1998-09-29
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1996
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Af Sammer Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Ringwood
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07456
Adlhart, O J; Rohonyi, P; Modroukas, D et al. (1997) A small portable proton exchange membrane fuel cell and hydrogen generator for medical applications. ASAIO J 43:214-9