Hydrogen production and hybrid use of alkali metals in power generation and electric energy storage technologies using an electrochemical generator and gas turbine installation

Abstract

Hydrogen is an efficient energy carrier for heat and power technologies and electrochemical sources of electric current. The proposed technology eliminates the need for storage and transportation of hydrogen, and provides its production in the amount necessary for direct use at power plants. This article considers the possibility of using alkali metals as the most effective method of hydrogen production by reaction with water. The reaction product (alkali) is repeatedly reduced to pure metal by electrolysis at the expense of energy (during the period of night power failure of TPPs and NPPs) or at the expense of RES energy during the period of its natural availability (HPPs, PV plant, WPPs).

Calculated studies have shown that the process of water reduction by alkali metals is exothermic with the release of heat of high thermodynamic potential, which allows along with the direct conversion of hydrogen into electrical energy using fuel cells to realize additional production of electrical energy on the basis of thermodynamic Rankine or Brayton cycles.