CA2613931A1

CA2613931A1 - On-demand water heater utilizing medium from a pulsed electrolysis system and method of using same

Info

Publication number: CA2613931A1
Application number: CA002613931A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Nehemia Davidson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-07
Filing date: 2007-12-07
Publication date: 2009-06-07

Abstract

An on-demand water heater and a method of operating the same is provided, the water heater including an electrolytic heating subsystem (103). The electrolytic heating subsystem (103) is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats the medium (301) contained within the electrolysis tank (303). The medium is pumped out of the electrolysis tank (303), through a conduit (121), and then back into the electrolysis tank (303). As the medium is circulated through the conduit, it heats an integrated heating element (107). When water passes through the on-demand water heater, in response to user demand, the water passes through a heat exchange conduit (111) integrated within the water pipe (109/113) and positioned in close proximity to the heating element (107). As the water passes through the heat exchange conduit (111), it becomes heated.

Description

On-Demand Water Heater Utilizing Medium from a Pulsed Electrolysis System and Method of Using Same FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to water heating systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water heaters are known in the art. One type of water heater, referred to as an instantaneous, flow-through, tankless or on-demand water heater, heats only the amount of water required by the end user. In such a water heater, when the end user opens a hot water tap, the water heater senses the demand and heats the water using a burner or heating element for as long as the demand continues. The amount of heat applied to the water passing through the water heater can be fixed or variable. In a fixed-capacity system, a constant amount of heat is provided by the heating element/burner. As a result of this configuration, as the demand increases the water temperature drops.
In a variable-capacity system, the amount of heat provided by the heating element/bumer is varied by the system controller, thus allowing more heat to be applied when the demand increases, and less heat when the demand decreases, thereby providing the same output temperature regardless of the demand.
Although instantaneous water heaters cost more due to their complexity, typically they are much more efficient than a standard storage water heater.
Regardless of whether a water heater uses a gas flame or a resistive element as the heat source, ultimately the energy required to fuel the heater is a conventional fossil fuel since few regions in the world rely on altemative energy sources. As such, water heaters contribute to the world's dependence on fossil fuels, an energy source of finite size and limited regional availability. Dependence on fossil fuels not only leads to increased vulnerability to potential supply disruption, but also continued global warming due to carbon dioxide emissions.
Within recent years there has been considerable research in the area of alternative fuels that provide a`green' approach to the development of electricity. Clearly the benefit of such an approach, besides combating global warming and lessening the world's dependence on fossil fuels, is that the energy provided by the alternative source can then be used to power a host of conventional electrically power~d devices without requiring any device modification.
Unfortunately, until such an alternative source is accepted and tied in to the existing power grid, there is little for the end consumer to do to lessen their contribution to the world's dependence on fossil fuels other than to simply lessen their I

overall power consumption. To date, such an approach has had limited success with most people refusing to limit their power consumption.
Accordingly, what is needed is a means of helping end users to lower their power consumption without requiring actual sacrifice. The present invention, by providing a high efficiency on-demand water heater utilizing an alternative heat source, provides such a system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an on-demand water heater and a method of operating the same, the water heater including an electrolytic heating subsystem. The electrolytic heating subsystem is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats the medium contained within the electrolysis tank.
The medium is pumped out of the electrolysis tank, through a conduit, and then back into the electrolysis tank. As the medium is circulated through the conduit, it heats an integrated heating element. When water passes through the on-demand water heater, in response to user demand, the water passes through a heat exchange conduit integrated within the water pipe and positioned in close proximity to the heating element. As the water passes through the heat exchange conduit, it becomes heated. In at least one embodiment, the system is configured to allow cold water to be mixed with the hot water, thus providing an additional level of temperature control.
In one embodiment of the invention, the on-demand water heater includes an electrolytic heating subsystem comprised of an electrolysis tank, a membrane separating the electrolysis tank into two regions, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes, at least one pair of high voltage electrodes, a low voltage source, a high voltage source, and means for simultaneously pulsing both the low voltage source and the high voltage source. Coupled to the electrolysis tank is a circulation conduit which includes an integrated heating element, the circulation conduit coupled to a circulation pump. In close proximity to the heating element is a heat exchange conduit that is integrated into a hot water supply pipe. As water passes through the hot water supply pipe, in response to user demand, the water becomes heated as it passes through the heat exchange conduit. The water heater can also include a system controller that can be coupled to one or more temperature monitors, the low and high voltage sources, the pulse generator, the circulation pump, a water level monitor, flow valves and/or a pH or resistivity monitor. The water heater can also include a thermally insulated housing, the housing preferably surrounding at least the heating element and the heat exchange conduit. The water heater can also include means, such as a variable flow valve, for mixing cold water into the heated water in order to achieve the desired water temperature. The water heater can further be comprised of at least one electromagnetic coil capable of generating a magnetic field within a portion of the electrolysis tank. The water heater can further be comprised of at least one permanent magnet capable of generating a magnetic field within a portion of the electrolysis tank.
In another embodiment of the invention, the on-demand water heater includes an electrolytic heating subsystem comprised of an electrolysis tank, a membrane separating the electrolysis tank into two regions, at least one pair of high voltage electrodes, a plurality of metal members contained within the electrolysis tank and interposed between the high voltage electrodes and the membrane, a high voltage source, and means for pulsing the high voltage source. Coupled to the electrolysis tank is a circulation conduit which includes an integrated heating element, the circulation conduit coupled to a circulation pump. In close proximity to the heating element is a heat exchange conduit that is integrated into a hot water supply pipe. As water passes through the hot water supply pipe, in response to user demand, the water becomes heated as it passes through the heat exchange conduit. The water heater can also include a system controller that can be coupled to one or more temperature monitors, the high voltage source, the pulse generator, the circulation pump, a water level monitor, flow valves and/or a pH
or resistivity monitor. The water heater can also include a thermally insulated housing, the housing preferably surrounding at least the heating element and the heat exchange conduit. The water heater can also include means, such as a variable flow valve, for mixing cold water into the heated water in order to achieve the desired water temperature. The water heater can further be comprised of at least one electromagnetic coil capable of generating a magnetic field within a portion of the electrolysis tank. The water heater can further be comprised of at least one permanent magnet capable of generating a magnetic field within a portion of the electrolysis tank.
]In another aspect of the invention, a method of operating an on-demand water heater is provided, the method comprising the steps of heating a liquid contained within an electrolysis tank using an electrolytic heating subsystem, circulating the heated liquid through a circulation conduit and a heating element integrated within the circulation conduit, passing water through a heat exchange conduit integrated within a water pipe in response to a demand for hot water, wherein the heat exchange conduit is proximate the heating element, heating the water as it passes through the heat exchange conduit, and suspending the step of passing water through the heat exchange conduit when the demand for hot water is terminated. In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of measuring the temperature of the water after it has passed through the heat exchange conduit, comparing the measured temperature to a preset temperature, and mixing cold water with the hot water if the measured temperature is above the preset temperature. In at least one other embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of periodically measuring the temperature of the electrolysis liquid, comparing the measured temperature with a preset temperature or temperature range, and modifying at least one process parameter of the electrolytic heating subsystem if the measured temperature is outside (lower or higher) of the preset temperature or temperature range. In at least one embodiment, the step of heating the liquid contained within the electrolysis tank using an electrolytic heating subsystem further comprises the steps of applying a low voltage to at least one pair of low voltage electrodes contained within the electrolysis tank of the electrolytic heating subsystem and applying a high voltage to at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within the electrolysis tank, wherein the low voltage and the high voltage are simultaneously pulsed. In at least one embodiment, the step of heating the liquid contained within the electrolysis tank using an electrolytic heating subsystem further comprises the steps of applying a high voltage to at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within the electrolysis tank, the high voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage, wherein at least one metal member is positioned between the high voltage anode(s) and the tank membrane and at least one other metal member is positioned between the high voltage cathode(s) and the tank membrane. In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of generating a magnetic field within a portion of the electrolysis tank, wherein the magnetic field affects a heating rate corresponding to the liquid heating step.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment providing additional control of the output water temperature via cold water mixing;
Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the medium contained within the electrolysis tank of the electrolytic heating subsystem is circulated through the heating element of the on-demand water heater;
Fig. 4 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem;
Fig. 5 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem shown in Fig. 4 utilizing an electromagnetic rate controller;
Fig. 7 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem shown in Fig. 5 utilizing an electromagnetic rate controller as shown in Fig.
6;
Fig. 8 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem shown in Fig. 6 utilizing a permanent magnet rate controller;

Fig. 9 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem shown in Fig. 7 utilizing a permanent magnet rate controller;
Fig. 10 illustrates one method of operating the on-demand water heater of the invention;
Fig. 11 illustrates an alternate method of system operation;
Fig. 12 illustrates another alternate method of system operation;
Fig. 13 illustrates another alternate method of system operation; and Fig. 14 illustrates another alternate method of system operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. I is an illustration of an exemplary system 100 in accordance with the invention.
System 100 is comprised of two primary subsystems; on-demand water heater 101 and a pulsed electrolytic heating subsystem 103. As will be described in detail, there are numerous configurations of electrolytic heating subsystem 103 applicable to the invention.
In operation, electrolytic heating subsystem 103 maintains the fluid within the electrolysis tank and within heating element 107 at a relatively high temperature, typically on the order of at least 40 - 50 C, more preferably on the order of 60 - 75 C, and still more preferably on the order of 75 - 95 C. It some embodiments, even higher temperatures are used, for example on the order of 100 - 150 C, or on the order of 150 - 250 C, or on the order of 250 - 350 C. Depending upon the desired operating temperature and the characteristics of the electrolysis medium, subsystem 103, heating element 107 and the coupling conduits can all be designed to operate at high pressures, typically at least high enough to prevent medium boiling.
In use, when a demand is placed on the system to supply hot water, for example when the end-user turns on the hot water tap, cold water enters through pipe 109, passes through heat exchange conduit 111, and exits via pipe 113. Although there are a variety of designs that can be used both for heating element 107 and heat exchange conduit 111, in general the intent is to maximize heat transfer from element 107, which contains the heated electrolysis medium, to the water contained within conduit 111. Accordingly, heat exchange conduit 111 and heating element 107 are preferably positioned in close proximity to one another, for example intertwined together, and may also include protrusions (e.g., interleaved fins) to augment heat transfer.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a system controller 115 controls the performance of the system, preferably by varying one or more operating parameters (i.e., process parameters) of electrolytic heating subsystem 103 to which it is attached.
Varying operating parameters of subsystem 103, for example cycling the subsystem on and off or varying other operational parameters as described further below, allows the steady state temperature of the subsystem and heating element 107 to be maintained at the desired temperature. A temperature monitor 117, coupled to the heating element 107, allows controller to obtain feedback from the system as the operational parameters are varied.
Preferably a second temperature monitor 119, coupled to water pipe 113, monitors the temperature of the output water to insure that the system is operating as desired. Note that in the illustrated configuration in which the electrolysis medium is circulated through conduits 121 by circulation pump 123, preferably pump 123 is also connected to controller 115.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, heating element 107 and heat exchange conduit 111 are contained within a housing 125. In order to maximize system efficiency while minimizing the risks (e.g., fire hazard) associated with incorporating the system into a commercial or residential structure, preferably electrolytic heating subsystem 103, housing 125, and the conduits that couple subsystem 103 to heating element 107, are all thermally insulated. As heating element 107 is maintained at an elevated temperature in order to provide the desired instantaneous heating, in effect thermally insulated housing 125 creates a high temperature oven through which the water pipe, and in particular heat exchange conduit 111, run.
Although system 100 can be operated as a fixed-capacity system, i.e., a system which imparts the same amount of heat to the water flowing through the system regardless of the volume of water, preferably it operates as a variable-capacity system. Such a variable-capacity system can be achieved by varying the output of electrolytic heating subsystem 103 via control of its operating parameters and/or by controlling the flow of electrolysis medium flowing through conduits 121 and heating element 107 (i.e., by utilizing a flow valve or regulating the output of circulation pump 123).
Alternately and as illustrated in Fig. 2, the invention can be implemented as a variable-capacity system by coupling a cold water pipe 201 to hot water output pipe 113. By regulating the amount of cold water entering hot water pipe 113, the temperature of the hot water exiting the overall system can be controlled even though the flow rate, driven by user demand, is varying. Preferably in such an embodiment the temperature of the water is monitored both before (e.g., monitor 119) and after (e.g., monitor 203) the point at which cold water pipe 201 is coupled to hot water pipe 113. A variable flow valve 205 or other means is used to control the flow of cold water into hot water pipe 113, flow valve 205 preferably under the control of system controller 115. In at least one embodiment of the invention, output water temperature control is achieved by a combination of controlling the output of the electrolytic heating subsystem and/or the flow of electrolysis medium through heating element 107 and/or the amount of cold water mixed into the hot water through secondary water input pipe 201.
Fig. 3 illustrates the prefen:ed means used to remove heat from electrolytic heating subsystem 103 in order to heat the water that passes from cold water inlet 109 to hot water outlet 113. It should be understood that although these features are illustrated relative to system 200, they are equally applicable to system 100.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, medium 301 contained within electrolysis tank 303 is circulated through conduit 121 to heating element 107. During operation of electrolytic heating subsystem 103, medium 301 is heated and pumped through conduit 121 and heating element 107, thereby heating the water passing through pipes 109/113 and heat exchange conduit 111.
Particulars of the electrolytic heating subsystem will now be provided. Fig. 4 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of an electrolytic heating subsystem 400. Note that in Figs. 4-9 only a portion of conduits 121 are shown. Additionally, while Fig. 3 only shows a single pair of conduits 121 for tank 303, preferably each region of the electrolysis tank includes an inlet and an outlet conduit 121 as shown in Fig. 4, thus insuring that the electrolysis medium circulated through the heating element is coupled to both regions.
If desired, the flow of electrolysis medium flowing through conduit 121 can be controlled through the inclusion of one or more valves. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, each of the conduits 121 coupled to the two regions of the electrolysis tank 401 include a control valve 403, although it will be appreciated that the system can operate with fewer valves. Control valve or valves 403 are preferably coupled to controller 115 as shown.
Tank 401 is comprised of a non-conductive material. The size of tank 401 is primarily selected on the basis of desired system output, i.e., the level of desired heat, which at least in part is based on the expected flow rates for the on-demand heater 101. Although tank 401 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and that tank 401 can utilize other shapes, for example cylindrical, square, irregularly-shaped, etc. Tank 401 is substantially filled with medium 405. In at least one preferred embodiment, liquid 405 is comprised of water, or more preferably water with an electrolyte, the electrolyte being an acid electrolyte, a base electrolyte, or a combination of an acid electrolyte and a base electrolyte. Exemplary electrolytes include potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The term "water" as used herein refers to water (H20), deuterated water (deuterium oxide or D20), tritiated water (tritium oxide or T20), semiheavy water (HDO), heavy oxygen water (H2 180 or HZ"O) or any other water containing an isotope of either hydrogen or oxygen, either singly or in any combination thereof (for example, a combination of H20 and DZO).
A typical electrolysis system used to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen gases utilizes relatively high concentrations of electrolyte. Subsystem 103, however, has been found to work best with relatively low electrolyte concentrations, thereby maintaining a relatively high initial water resistivity. Preferably the water resistivity prior to the addition of an electrolyte is on the order of 1 to 28 megohms. Preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.05 percent to 10 percent by weight, more preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.05 percent to 2.0 percent by weight, and still more preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent by weight.
Separating tank 401 into two regions is a membrane 407. Membrane 407 permits ion/electron exchange between the two regions of tank 401. Assuming medium 405 is water, as preferred, small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen are produced during operation.
Accordingly membrane 407 also keeps the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles produced during electrolysis separate, thus minimizing the risk of inadvertent recombination of the two gases. Exemplary materials for membrane 407 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, tetrafluoroethylene, asbestos, etc. Preferably tank 401 also includes a pair of gas outlets 409 and 411, corresponding to the two regions of tank 401. The volume of gases produced by the process can either be released, through outlets 409 and 411, into the atmosphere in a controlled manner or they can be collected and used for other purposes.
As the electrolytic heating subsystem is designed to reach relatively high temperatures, the materials comprising tank 401, membrane 407 and other subsystem components are selected on the basis of their ability to withstand the expected temperatures and pressures.
As previously noted, the subsystem can be designed to operate at temperatures ranging from 40 C to 350 C or higher.
Additionally, at elevated temperatures higher pressures are typically required to prevent boiling of liquid 405. Accordingly, it will be understood that the choice of materials for the subsystem components and the design of the subsystem (e.g., tank wall thicknesses, fittings, etc.) will vary, depending upon the intended subsystem operational parameters, primarily temperature and pressure.
Replenishment of medium 405 can be through one or more dedicated lines. Fig. 4 shows a portion of one such conduit, conduit 413, coupled to one of the regions of tank 401. Alternately, a replenishment conduit can be coupled to both regions of tank 401 (not shown).
Alternately, the replenishment conduit can be coupled to one or more of conduits 121 (not shown). Although medium replenishment can be performed manually, preferably replenishment is performed automatically, for example using system controller 115 and flow valve 415 within line 413.
Replenishment can be performed periodically or continually at a very low flow rate. If periodic replenishment is used, it can either be based on the period of system operation, for example replenishing the system with a predetermined volume of medium after a preset number of hours of operation, or based on the volume of medium within tank 401, the volume being provided to controller 115 using a level monitor 417 within the tank or other means. In at least one preferred embodiment system controller 115 is also coupled to a monitor 419, monitor 419 providing either the pH or the resistivity of liquid 405 within the electrolysis = CA 02613931 2007-12-07 tank, thereby providing means for determining when additional electrolyte needs to be added. In at least one preferred embodiment system controller 115 is also coupled to a temperature monitor 421, monitor 421 providing the temperature of the electrolysis medium.
In at least one embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem, two types of electrodes are used, each type of electrode being comprised of one or more electrode pairs with each electrode pair including at least one cathode (i.e., a cathode coupled electrode) and at least one anode (i.e., an anode coupled electrode). All cathodes, regardless of the type, are kept in one region of tank 401 while all anodes, regardless of the type, are kept in the other tank region, the two tank regions separated by membrane 407. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, each type of electrode includes a single pair of electrodes.
The first pair of electrodes, electrodes 423/425, are coupled to a low voltage source 427.
The second set of electrodes, electrodes 429/43 1, are coupled to a high voltage source 433. In the illustrations and as used herein, voltage source 427 is labeled as a`low' voltage source not because of the absolute voltage produced by the source, but because the output of voltage source 427 is maintained at a lower output voltage than the output of voltage source 433. Preferably and as shown, the individual electrodes of each pair of electrodes are parallel to one another; i.e., the face of electrode 423 is parallel to the face of electrode 425 and the face of electrode 429 is parallel to the face of electrode 431. It should be appreciated, however, that such an electrode orientation is not required.
In one preferred embodiment, electrodes 423/425 and electrodes 429/431 are comprised of titanium. In another preferred embodiment, electrodes 423/425 and electrodes 429/431 are comprised of stainless steel. It should be appreciated, however, that other materials can be used and that the same material does not have to be used for both the low and high voltage electrodes. Additionally, the same material does not have to be used for both the anode(s) and the cathode(s) of the low voltage electrodes, nor does the same material have to be used for both the anode(s) and the cathode(s) of the high voltage electrodes. In addition to titanium and stainless steel, other exemplary materials that can be used for the low voltage and high voltage electrodes include, but are not limited to, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of these materials. Preferably the surface area of the faces of the low voltage electrodes (e.g., electrode 423 and electrode 425) cover a large percentage of the cross-sectional area of tank 401, typically on the order of at least 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 401, and more typically between approximately 70 percent and 90 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 401. Preferably the separation between the low voltage electrodes (e.g., electrodes 423 and 425) is between 0.1 millimeters and 15 centimeters. In at least one embodiment the separation between the low voltage electrodes is between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the low voltage electrodes is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the low voltage electrodes is between 5 millimeters and 2 centimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the low voltage electrodes is between 5 centimeters and 8 centimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the low voltage electrodes is between 10 centimeters and 12 centimeters.
In the illustrated embodiment, electrodes 429/431 are positioned outside of the planes containing electrodes 423/425. In other words, the separation distance between electrodes 429 and 431 is greater than the separation distance between electrodes 423 and 425 and both low voltage electrodes are positioned between the planes containing the high voltage electrodes. The high voltage electrodes may be larger, smaller or the same size as the low voltage electrodes.
As previously noted, the voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is greater than that applied to the low voltage electrodes. Preferably the ratio of the high voltage to the low voltage applied to the high voltage and low voltage electrodes, respectively, is at least 5:1, more preferably the ratio is between 5:1 and 100:1, still more preferably the ratio is between 5:1 and 33:1, and even still more preferably the ratio is between 5:1 and 20:1. Preferably the high voltage generated by source 433 is within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts, more preferably within the range of 100 volts to 5 kilovolts, and still more preferably within the range of 500 volts to 2.5 kilovolts.
Preferably the low voltage generated by source 427 is within the range of 3 volts to 1500 volts, more preferably within the range of 12 volts to 750 volts, still more preferably within the range of 24 volts to 500 volts, and yet still more preferably within the range of 48 volts to 250 volts.
Rather than continually apply voltage to the electrodes, sources 427 and 433 are pulsed, preferably at a frequency of between 50 Hz and 1 MHz, more preferably at a frequency of between 100 Hz and 10 kHz, and still more preferably at a frequency of between 150 Hz and 7 kHz. The pulse width (i.e., pulse duration) is preferably between 0.01 and 75 percent of the time period defined by the frequency, and more preferably between 0.1 and 50 percent of the time period defined by the frequency, and still more preferably between 0.1 and 25 percent of the time period defined by the frequency. Thus, for example, for a frequency of 150 Hz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.67 microseconds to 5 milliseconds, more preferably in the range of 6.67 microseconds to 3.3 milliseconds, and still more preferably in the range of 6.67 microseconds to 1.7 milliseconds. Alternately, for example, for a frequency of 1 kHz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.1 microseconds to 0.75 milliseconds, more preferably in the range of 1 microsecond to 0.5 milliseconds, and still more preferably in the range of 1 microsecond to 0.25 milliseconds. Additionally, the voltage pulses are applied simultaneously to the high voltage and low voltage electrodes via sources 427 and 433, respectively. In other words, the voltage pulses applied to high voltage electrodes 429/431 coincide with the pulses applied to low voltage electrodes 423/425. Although voltage sources 427 and 433 can include internal means for pulsing the respective outputs from each source, preferably an external pulse generator 435 controls a pair of switches, i.e., low voltage switch 437 and high voltage switch 439 which, in turn, control the output of voltage sources 427 and 433 as shown, and as described above.
In at least one preferred embodiment, the frequency and/or pulse duration and/or low voltage and/or high voltage can be changed by system controller 115 during system operation, thus allowing the operation of the electrolytic heating subsystem to be controlled.
For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 4, low voltage power supply 427, high voltage power supply 433 and pulse generator 435 are all connected to system controller 115, thus allowing controller 115 to control the amount of heat generated by the electrolytic heating subsystem. It will be appreciated that both power supplies and the pulse generator do not have to be connected to system controller 115 to provide heat generation control. For example, only one of the power supplies and/or the pulse generator can be connected to controller 115.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, there are numerous minor variations of the electrolytic heating subsystem described above and shown in Fig. 4 that can be used with the invention. For example, and as previously noted, alternate configurations can utilize tanks of different size and/or shape, different electrolytic solutions, and a variety of different electrode configurations and materials. Exemplary alternate electrode configurations include, but are not limited to, multiple low voltage cathodes, multiple low voltage anodes, multiple high voltage cathodes, multiple high voltage anodes, multiple low voltage electrode pairs combined with multiple high voltage electrode pairs, electrodes of varying size or shape (e.g., cylindrical, curved, etc.), and electrode pairs of varying orientation (e.g., non-parallel faces, pairs in which individual electrodes are not positioned directly across from one another, etc.). Additionally, alternate configurations can utilize a variety of input powers, pulse frequencies and pulse durations as previously noted.
In an exemplary embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem, a cylindrical chamber measuring 125 centimeters long with an inside diameter of 44 centimeters and an outside diameter of 50 centimeters was used. The tank contained 175 liters of water, the water including a potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte at a concentration of 0.1 % by weight.
The low voltage electrodes were 75 centimeters by 30 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters and had a separation distance of approximately 10 centimeters. The high voltage electrodes were 3 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters and had a separation distance of approximately 32 centimeters.
Both sets of electrodes were comprised of titanium. The pulse frequency was maintained at 150 Hz and the pulse duration was initially set to 260 microseconds and gradually lowered to 180 microseconds during the course of a 4 hour run. The low voltage supply was set to 50 volts, drawing a current of between 5.5 and 7.65 amps, and the high voltage supply was set to 910 volts, drawing a current of between 2.15 and 2.48 amps. The initial temperature was 28 C and monitored continuously with a pair of thermocouples, one in each side of the tank. After conclusion of the 4 hour run, the temperature of the tank fluid had increased to 67 C.
Illustrating the correlation between electrode size and heat production efficiency, the high voltage electrodes of the previous test were replaced with larger electrodes, the larger electrodes measuring 9.5 centimeters by 5 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters, thus providing approximately 6.3 times the surface area of the previous high voltage electrodes. The larger electrodes, still operating at a voltage of 910 volts, drew a current of between 1.73 and 1.9 amps. The low voltage supply was again set at 50 volts, in this run the low voltage electrodes drawing between 0.6 and 1.25 amps. Although the pulse frequency was still maintained at 150 Hz, the pulse duration was lowered from an initial setting of 60 microseconds to 15 microseconds. All other operating parameters were the same as in the previous test.
In this test, during the course of a 5 hour run, the temperature of the tank fluid increased from 28 C to 69 C. Given the shorter pulses and the lower current, this test with the larger high voltage electrodes exhibited a heat production efficiency approximately 8 times that exhibited in the previous test.
Fig. 5 is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem, this embodiment using a single type of electrodes. Subsystem 500 is basically the same as subsystem 400 shown in Fig. 4 with the exception that low voltage electrodes 423/425 have been replaced with a pair of metal members 501/503; metal member 501 interposed between high voltage electrode 429 and membrane 407 and metal member 503 interposed between high voltage electrode 431 and membrane 407. The materials comprising metal members 501/503 are the same as those of the low voltage electrodes. Preferably the surface area of the faces of members 501 and 503 is a large percentage of the cross-sectional area of tank 401, typically on the order of at least 40 percent, and often between approximately 70 percent and 90 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 401. Preferably the separation between members 501 and 503 is between 0.1 millimeters and 15 centimeters. In at least one embodiment the separation between the metal members is between 0.1 millimeters and I millimeter. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the metal members is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the metal members is between 5 millimeters and 2 centimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the metal members is between 5 centimeters and 8 centimeters. In at least one other embodiment the separation between the metal members is between 10 centimeters and 12 centimeters. The preferred ranges for the size of the high voltage electrodes as well as the high voltage power, pulse frequency and pulse duration are the same as in the exemplary subsystem shown in Fig. 4 and described above.
In a test of the exemplary embodiment of the electrolytic heating subsystem using metal members in place of low voltage electrodes, the same cylindrical chamber and electrolyte-containing water was used as in the previous test. The metal members were 75 centimeters by 30 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters and had a separation distance of approximately 10 centimeters. The high voltage electrodes were 3 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters and had a separation distance of approximately 32 centimeters. The high voltage electrodes and the metal members were fabricated from stainless steel.
The pulse frequency was maintained at 150 Hz and the pulse duration was initially set to 250 microseconds and gradually lowered to 200 microseconds during the course of a 2 hour run. The high voltage supply was set to 910 volts, drawing a current of between 2.21 and 2.45 amps. The initial temperature was 30 C and monitored continuously with a pair of thermocouples, one in each side of the tank. After conclusion of the 2 hour run, the temperature of the tank fluid had increased to 60 C.
As with the previously described set of tests, the correlation between electrode size and heat production efficiency was demonstrated by replacing the high voltage electrodes with larger electrodes measuring 9.5 centimeters by 5 centimeters by 0.5 centimeters. The larger electrodes, still operating at a voltage of 910 volts, drew a current of between 1.6 and 1.94 amps. The pulse frequency was still maintained at 150 Hz, however, the pulse duration was lowered from an initial setting of 90 microseconds to 25 microseconds. All other operating parameters were the same as in the previous test.
In this test during the course of a 6 hour run, the temperature of the tank fluid increased from 23 C to 68 C, providing an increase in heat production efficiency of approximately 3 times over that exhibited in the previous test.
As with the previous exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that there are numerous minor variations of the electrolytic heating subsystem described above and shown in Fig. 5 that can be used with the invention. For example, and as previously noted, alternate configurations can utilize tanks of different size and/or shape, different electrolytic solutions, and a variety of different electrode/metal member configurations and materials. Exemplary alternate electrode/metal member configurations include, but are not limited to, multiple sets of metal members, multiple high voltage cathodes, multiple high voltage anodes, multiple sets of metal members combined with multiple high voltage cathodes and anodes, electrodes/metal members of varying size or shape (e.g., cylindrical, curved, etc.), and electrodes/metal members of varying orientation (e.g., non-parallel faces, pairs in which individual electrodes are not positioned directly across from one another, etc.). Additionally, alternate configurations can utilize a variety of input powers, pulse frequencies and pulse durations.

In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrolytic heating subsystem uses a reaction rate controller to help achieve optimal performance of the heating subsystem relative to the water heater. The rate controller operates by generating a magnetic field within the electrolysis tank, either within the region between the high voltage cathode(s) and the low voltage cathode(s) or metal member(s), or within the region between the high voltage anode(s) and the low voltage anode(s) or metal member(s), or both regions. The magnetic field can either be generated with an electromagnetic coil or coils, or with one or more permanent magnets. The benefit of using electromagnetic coils is that the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the coil or coils can be varied by controlling the current supplied to the coil(s), thus providing a convenient method of controlling the reaction rate.
Fig. 6 provides an exemplary embodiment of an electrolytic heating subsystem 600 that includes an electromagnetic rate controller. It should be understood that the electromagnetic rate controller shown in Figs. 6 and 7, or the rate controller using permanent magnets shown in Figs. 8 and 9, is not limited to a specific tank/electrode configuration. For example, electrolysis tank 601 of system 600 is cylindrically-shaped although the tank could utilize other shapes such as the rectangular shape of tank 401. As in the previous embodiments, the electrolytic heating subsystem includes a membrane (e.g., membrane 603) separating the tank into two regions, a pair of gas outlets (e.g., outlets 605/607), inlet and outlet conduits 121 (one pair per region in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6) to allow the electrolysis medium to be circulated through the heat exchanger, and preferably flow control valves (e.g., valves 403) coupled to the system controller. A separate replenishment conduit can be used as previously illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, although such a conduit is not shown in Figs. 6-9, thereby simplifying the illustration. Preferably the system also includes a water level monitor (e.g., monitor 609), a pH or resistivity monitor (e.g., monitor 611), and a temperature monitor 613. This embodiment, similar to the one shown in Fig. 4, utilizes both low voltage and high voltage electrodes. Specifically, subsystem 600 includes a pair of low voltage electrodes 615/617 and a pair of high voltage electrodes 619/621.
In the electrolytic heating subsystem illustrated in Fig. 6, a magnetic field of controllable intensity is generated between the low voltage and high voltage electrodes within each region of tank 601. Although a single electromagnetic coil can generate fields within both tank regions, in the illustrated embodiment the desired magnetic fields are generated by a pair of electromagnetic coils 623/625. As shown, electromagnetic coil 623 generates a magnetic field between the planes containing low voltage electrode 615 and high voltage electrode 619 and electromagnetic coil 625 generates a magnetic field between the planes containing low voltage electrode 617 and high voltage electrode 621.
Electromagnetic coils 623/625 are coupled to a controller 627 which is used to vary the current through coils 623/625, thus allowing the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coils to be varied as desired. As a result, the rate of the reaction driven by the electrolysis system, and thus the amount of heat generated by the subsystem, can be controlled. In particular, increasing the magnetic field generated by coils 623/625 decreases the reaction rate. Accordingly, a maximum reaction rate is achieved with no magnetic field while the minimum reaction rate is achieved by imposing the maximum magnetic field. It will be appreciated that the exact relationship between the magnetic field and the reaction rate depends on a variety of factors including reaction strength, electrode composition and configuration, voltage/pulse frequency/pulse duration applied to the electrodes, electrolyte concentration, and achievable magnetic field, the last parameter dependent primarily upon the composition of the coils, the number of coil tums, and the current available from controller 627.
Although the subsystem embodiment shown in Fig. 6 utilizes coils that are interposed between the low voltage electrode and the high voltage electrode planes, it will be appreciated that the critical parameter is to configure the system such that there is a magnetic field, preferably of controllable intensity, between the low voltage and high voltage electrode planes. Thus, for example, if the coils extend beyond either, or both, the plane containing the low voltage electrode(s) and the plane controlling the high voltage electrode(s), the system will still work as the field generated by the coils includes the regions between the low voltage and high voltage electrodes. Additionally it will be appreciated that although the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 utilizes a single controller 627 coupled to both coils, the system can also utilize separate controllers for each coil (not shown).
Similarly, while the illustrated subsystem utilizes dual coils, the invention can also use a single coil to generate a single field which affects both tank regions, or primarily affects a single tank region.
Additionally it will be appreciated that the electromagnetic coils do not have to be mounted to the exterior surface of the tank as shown in Fig. 6. For example, the electromagnetic coils can be integrated within the walls of the tank, or mounted within the tank. By mounting the electromagnetic coils within, or outside, of the tank walls, coil deterioration from electrolytic erosion is minimized.
The magnetic field rate controller is not limited to use with electrolytic heating subsystems employing both low and high voltage electrodes. For example, the electromagnetic rate controller subsystem can be used with embodiments using high voltage electrodes and metal members as described above and shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment based on the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, replacing low voltage electrodes 615/617 with metal members 701/703, respectively. As with the electromagnetic rate controller used with the dual voltage system, it will be appreciated that configurations using high voltage electrodes and metal members can utilize internal electromagnetic coils, electromagnetic coils mounted within the tank walls, and electromagnetic coils mounted outside of the tank walls.
Additionally, and as previously noted, the electromagnetic rate controller is not limited to a specific tank and/or electrode configuration.
As previously noted, although electromagnetic coils provide a convenient means for controlling the intensity of the magnetic field applied to the reactor, permanent magnets can also be used with the electrolytic heating subsystem of the invention, for example when the magnetic field does not need to be variable. Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate embodiments based on the configurations shown in Figs. 6 and 7, but replacing coils 623 and 625 with permanent magnets 801 and 803, respectively. Note that in the view of Fig. 8, only a portion of electrode 615 is visible while none of electrode 621 is visible.
Similarly in the view of Fig. 9, only a portion of metal member 701 is visible while none of electrode 621 is visible.
As previously described, the water heating system of the invention can be operated in a variety of ways, depending primarily upon the desired level of system control.
Further detail regarding the primary and preferred methodologies will now be provided.
In the simplest method of use, electrolytic heating subsystem 103 is operated on a continuous basis (step 1001 of Fig. 10). In a configuration such as that shown in Fig. 3, pumping of the heated fluid is preferably continuous (step 1003). When the user requires hot water (step 1005), as evidenced by turning on a hot water tap, water flows through the water pipe (e.g., pipe 109) and through the heat exchange conduit 111 (step 1007). As the water passes through the heat exchange conduit it becomes heated due to the proximity of the heat exchange conduit to the heating element, e.g., element 107 (step 1009). Hot water is then supplied to the end user (step 1011) until the demand for hot water ends (step 1013), at which time water flow through the water pipe and the heat exchange conduit is suspended (step 1015).
Fig. 11 illustrates an alternate method similar to that shown in Fig. 10 with the exception of the continuous pumping step (step 1003). As shown, in this method the heated medium is not pumped continuously, rather it is only pumped after there has been a hot water demand placed on the system (step 1005). Accordingly, after the hot water demand, the heated medium is pumped through the heating element (step 1101). Once again, as the water passes through the heat exchange conduit it becomes heated due to the proximity of the heat exchange conduit to the heating element (step 1009). Hot water is then supplied to the end user (step 1011) until the demand for hot water ends (step 1013), at which time water flow through the water pipe and the heat exchange conduit is suspended (step 1015) as is pumping of the heated medium (step 1103).
Fig. 12 illustrates an alternate method providing further control over the temperature of the hot water as described above relative to Fig. 2. In general, the steps are the same as shown in Fig. 10 = CA 02613931 2007-12-07 except for the inclusion of additional steps to monitor and adjust the temperature of the hot water supplied by the system. More specifically, after the water is heated (step 1009), the temperature of the water exiting the on-demand heater is determined (step 1201), for example using temperature monitor 119. This temperature is compared by the system controller to a preset temperature (step 1203), the pre-set temperature preferably set by the end user using a thermostat coupled to the system controller. If the temperature is acceptable (step 1205), hot water is supplied (step 1011) until the hot water demand is terminated (step 1013), causing water flow through pipe 109 and heat exchange conduit 111 to be suspended (step 1015). If the temperature is too hot (step 1207), cold water is mixed with the hot water (step 1209). The temperature of the water leaving this mixing region is then determined (step 1211), for example using temperature monitor 203. The post-mix water temperature is then compared to the preset temperature (step 1213). If the temperature is acceptable (step 1215), hot water is supplied (step 1011) until the hot water demand is terminated (step 1013), causing water flow through pipe 109 and heat exchange conduit 111 to be suspended (step 1015). If the temperature of the post-mix water is still not acceptable (step 1217), further adjustment of the ratio of cold water to hot water is made (step 1209) until the temperature becomes acceptable (step 1215).
Fig. 13 illustrates the methodology shown in Fig. 12 combined with the heated medium pumping regimen of Fig. 11.
As previously described, if desired the system can be configured to adjust the operating parameters of the electrolytic heating subsystem during operation, for example based on the temperature of heating element 107. This type of control can be used, for example, to insure that the temperature of heating element 107 does not exceed a preset temperature or that the temperature of heating element 107 remains within a preset range, even if the system output varies with age.
Typically this type of process modification occurs periodically; for example the system can be configured to execute a system performance self-check every 30 minutes or at some other time interval. As process modification is used to optimize the system, it will be appreciated that it is done in addition to, not as a replacement for, the processes described relative to Figs. 10-13.
Fig. 14 illustrates a preferred method of modifying the output of the electrolytic heating subsystem. In this aspect of operation, periodically the system undergoes self-checking and self-modification (step 1401). In the first step, the temperature of heating element 107 or another representative region of the system is determined (step 1403). The measured temperature is then compared to a preset temperature (step 1405), the preset temperature set by the end-user, the installer, or the manufacturer. If the temperature is within the preset temperature range (step 1407), the system simply goes back to standard operation until the system determines that it is time for another system check. If the measured temperature falls outside of the preset range (step 1409), the electrolysis process is modified (step 1411). During the electrolysis process modification step, i.e., step 1411, one or more process parameters are varied. Exemplary process parameters include pulse duration, pulse frequency, system power cycling, electrode voltage, and, if the system includes an electromagnetic rate control system, the intensity of the magnetic field. Preferably during the electrolysis modification step, the system controller modifies the process in accordance with a series of pre-programmed changes, for example altering the pulse duration in 10 microsecond steps until the desired temperature is reached.
Since varying the electrolysis process does not have an immediate affect on the monitored temperature, preferably after making a system change a period of time is allowed to pass (step 1413), thus allowing the system to reach equilibrium, or close to equilibrium, before determining if further process modification is required. During this process, the system controller continues to monitor the temperature of the heating element or another temperature associated with the electrolytic heating subsystem as previously disclosed (step 1415) while determining if further system modification is required (step 1417) by continuing to compare the monitored temperature with the preset temperature. Once the temperature reaches an acceptable level (step 1419), the system goes back to standard operation.
As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.
Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An on-demand water heater system comprising:
an electrolytic heating subsystem comprising:
an electrolysis tank;
a liquid within said electrolysis tank;
a membrane separating said electrolysis tank into a first region and a second region;
at least one pair of low voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode;
at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said first region, wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said second region, and wherein a first separation distance corresponding to the distance between the electrodes of each pair of high voltage electrodes is greater than a second separation distance corresponding to the distance between the electrodes of each pair of low voltage electrodes;
a low voltage source with a first output voltage electrically connected to said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes;
a high voltage source with a second output voltage electrically connected to said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes, wherein said second output voltage is higher than said first output voltage; and means for simultaneously pulsing both said low voltage source and said high voltage source voltage at a specific frequency and with a specific pulse duration;
a liquid circulation conduit comprising:
a conduit inlet coupled to said electrolysis tank;
a conduit outlet coupled to said electrolysis tank; and a heating element integrated within said liquid circulation conduit and interposed between said conduit inlet and said conduit outlet, wherein said liquid within said liquid circulation conduit heats said heating element;

a circulation pump coupled to said liquid circulation conduit and interposed between said electrolysis tank and said heating element; and a water pipe comprising a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet and a heat exchange conduit interposed therebetween, wherein said heat exchange conduit is positioned in proximity to said heating element.

2. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising a system controller coupled to said electrolytic heating subsystem.

3. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, wherein said system controller is coupled to at least one of said low voltage source, said high voltage source, said simultaneous pulsing means, and said circulation pump.

4. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with water within said hot water outlet of said water pipe, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

5. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with said liquid within said liquid circulation conduit, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

6. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with said liquid within said heating element, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

7. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a flow valve within an inlet line coupled to said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said flow valve.

8. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a water level monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said water level monitor.

9. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a pH
monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said pH monitor.

10. The on-demand water heater system of claim 2, further comprising a resistivity monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said resistivity monitor.

11. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising a variable flow valve coupled to said hot water outlet and to a source of cold water.

12. The on-demand water heater system of claim 11, further comprising a system controller coupled to said variable flow valve and to a first temperature monitor and to a second temperature monitor, wherein said first temperature monitor monitors water temperature within said hot water outlet and before said variable flow valve, and wherein said second temperature monitor monitors water temperature within said hot water outlet and after said variable flow valve.

13. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said liquid includes at least one of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, and water containing an isotope of oxygen.

14. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.05 and 10.0 percent by weight.

15. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.05 and 2.0 percent by weight.

16. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.1 and 0.5 percent by weight.

17. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said specific frequency is between 50 Hz and 1 MHz.

18. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said specific frequency is between 100 Hz and 10 kHz.

19. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said specific pulse duration is between 0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said specific frequency.

20. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said specific pulse duration is between 0.1 and 50 percent of a time period defined by said specific frequency.

21. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said simultaneous pulsing means comprises a pulse generator coupled to said low voltage source and to said high voltage source.

22. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said simultaneous pulsing means comprises a pulse generator coupled to a low voltage switch and coupled to a high voltage switch, wherein said low voltage switch is coupled to said low voltage source, and wherein said high voltage switch is coupled to said high voltage source.

23. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said simultaneous pulsing means comprises a first internal pulse generator coupled to said low voltage source and a second internal pulse generator coupled to said high voltage source.

24. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein a ratio of said second output voltage to said first output voltage is within the range of 5:1 to 100:1.

25. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said first output voltage is between 3 volts and 1500 volts and said second output voltage is between 50 volts and 50 kilovolts.

26. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein said first output voltage is between 12 volts and 750 volts and said second output voltage is between 100 volts and 5 kilovolts.

27. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, wherein each low voltage cathode is comprised of a first material, wherein each low voltage anode is comprised of a second material, wherein each high voltage cathode is comprised of a third material, wherein each high voltage anode is comprised of a fourth material, and wherein said first, second, third and fourth materials are selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides and alloys of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides.

28. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising a thermally insulating housing containing said heating element and said heat exchange conduit.

29. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic rate controller subsystem, said electromagnetic rate controller subsystem comprising:
at least one electromagnetic coil, said at least one electromagnetic coil generating a controllable magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank; and means for controlling magnetic field intensity of said magnetic field, wherein said controlling means is coupled to said at least one electromagnetic coil.

30. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil is contained within said electrolysis tank.

31. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil is integrated within a wall of said electrolysis tank.

32. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil surrounds a section of said electrolysis tank.

33. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

34. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

35. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes, and wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

36. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, said magnetic field intensity controlling means further comprising a variable output power supply.

37. The on-demand water heater system of claim 29, further comprising a system controller coupled to at least one of said electrolytic heating subsystem, said water heating subsystem and said electromagnetic rate controller subsystem.

38. The on-demand water heater system of claim 1, further comprising at least one permanent magnet, said at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank.

39. The on-demand water heater system of claim 38, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

40. The on-demand water heater system of claim 38, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

41. The on-demand water heater system of claim 38, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes, and wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

42. The on-demand water heater system of claim 38, wherein said at least one permanent magnet is comprised of a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, wherein said first permanent magnet generates a magnetic field within a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes, and wherein said second permanent magnet generates a magnetic field within a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes.

43. An on-demand water heater system comprising:
an electrolytic heating subsystem comprising:
an electrolysis tank;
a liquid within said electrolysis tank;
a membrane separating said electrolysis tank into a first region and a second region;
at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said first region, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said second region;
a plurality of metal members contained within said electrolysis tank, wherein at least a first metal member of said plurality of metal members is contained within said first region and interposed between said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane, and wherein at least a second metal member of said plurality of metal members is contained within said second region and interposed between said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane;
a high voltage source with an output voltage electrically connected to said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes; and means for pulsing said high voltage source voltage at a specific frequency and with a specific pulse duration;
a liquid circulation conduit comprising:
a conduit inlet coupled to said electrolysis tank;
a conduit outlet coupled to said electrolysis tank; and a heating element integrated within said liquid circulation conduit and interposed between said conduit inlet and said conduit outlet, wherein said liquid within said liquid circulation conduit heats said heating element;

a circulation pump coupled to said liquid circulation conduit and interposed between said electrolysis tank and said heating element; and a water pipe comprising a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet and a heat exchange conduit interposed therebetween, wherein said heat exchange conduit is positioned in proximity to said heating element.

44. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising a system controller coupled to said electrolytic heating subsystem.

45. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, wherein said system controller is coupled to at least one of said high voltage source, said pulsing means and said circulation pump.

46. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with water within said hot water outlet of said water pipe, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

47. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with said liquid within said liquid circulation conduit, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

48. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a temperature monitor in thermal contact with said liquid within said heating element, wherein said system controller is coupled to said temperature monitor.

49. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a flow valve within an inlet line coupled to said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said flow valve.

50. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a water level monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said water level monitor.

51. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a pH
monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said pH monitor.

52. The on-demand water heater system of claim 44, further comprising a resistivity monitor within said electrolysis tank, wherein said system controller is coupled to said resistivity monitor.

53. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising a variable flow valve coupled to said hot water outlet and to a source of cold water.

54. The on-demand water heater system of claim 53, further comprising a system controller coupled to said variable flow valve and to a first temperature monitor and to a second temperature monitor, wherein said first temperature monitor monitors water temperature within said hot water outlet and before said variable flow valve, and wherein said second temperature monitor monitors water temperature within said hot water outlet and after said variable flow valve.

55. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said liquid includes at least one of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, and water containing an isotope of oxygen.

56. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.05 and 10.0 percent by weight.

57. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.05 and 2.0 percent by weight.

58. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.1 and 0.5 percent by weight.

59. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said specific frequency is between 50 Hz and 1 MHz.

60. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said specific frequency is between 100 Hz and 10 kHz.

61. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said specific pulse duration is between 0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said specific frequency.

62. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said specific pulse duration is between 0.1 and 50 percent of a time period defined by said specific frequency.

63. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said pulsing means comprises a pulse generator coupled to said high voltage source.

64. The on-demand water heater system of claim 63, wherein said pulse generator is integrated within said high voltage source.

65. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said pulsing means comprises a pulse generator coupled to a high voltage switch, wherein said high voltage switch is coupled to said high voltage source.

66. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said output voltage is between 50 volts and 50 kilovolts.

67. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein said output voltage is between 100 volts and 5 kilovolts.

68. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, wherein each high voltage cathode is comprised of a first material, wherein each high voltage anode is comprised of a second material, wherein each metal member of said plurality of metal members is comprised of a third material, and wherein said first, second and third materials are selected from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides and alloys of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides.

69. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising a thermally insulating housing containing said heating element and said heat exchange conduit.

70. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising an electromagnetic rate controller subsystem, said electromagnetic rate controller subsystem comprising:

at least one electromagnetic coil, said at least one electromagnetic coil generating a controllable magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank; and means for controlling magnetic field intensity of said magnetic field, wherein said controlling means is coupled to said at least one electromagnetic coil.

71. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil is contained within said electrolysis tank.

72. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil is integrated within a wall of said electrolysis tank.

73. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil surrounds a section of said electrolysis tank.

74. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

75. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

76. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane, and wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

77. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, said magnetic field intensity controlling means further comprising a variable output power supply.

78. The on-demand water heater system of claim 70, further comprising a system controller coupled to at least one of said electrolytic heating subsystem, said water heating subsystem and said electromagnetic rate controller subsystem.

79. The on-demand water heater system of claim 43, further comprising at least one permanent magnet, said at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank.

80. The on-demand water heater system of claim 79, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

81. The on-demand water heater system of claim 79, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

82. The on-demand water heater system of claim 79, wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane, and wherein said portion of said electrolysis tank includes a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

83. The on-demand water heater system of claim 79, wherein said at least one permanent magnet is comprised of a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, wherein said first permanent magnet generates a magnetic field within a first section of said first region of said electrolysis tank, said first section defined by said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane, and wherein said second permanent magnet generates a magnetic field within a second section of said second region of said electrolysis tank, said second section defined by said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes and said membrane.

84. A method of operating an on-demand water heater associated with a water system, the method comprising the steps of:
heating a liquid contained within an electrolysis tank of an electrolytic heating subsystem, wherein said liquid heating step further comprises the step of performing electrolysis in said electrolysis tank of said electrolytic heating subsystem, wherein said liquid heating step is performed by said electrolytic heating subsystem;
circulating said heated liquid through a liquid circulation conduit and through a heating element integrated within said liquid circulation conduit;

passing water through a heat exchange conduit in proximity to said heating element, wherein said water passing step is performed when a demand for hot water is sent to the water system;
heating said water as it passes through said heat exchange conduit; and suspending said water passing step when said demand for hot water is terminated.

85. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
measuring a temperature corresponding to said water after said water has passed through said heat exchange conduit;
comparing said measured temperature with a preset temperature; and mixing cold water with said water when said measured temperature is above said preset temperature, wherein said cold water mixing step is performed on said water after said water has passed through said heat exchange conduit.

86. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
periodically measuring a temperature corresponding to said liquid within said electrolysis tank of said electrolytic heating subsystem;
comparing said measured temperature with a preset temperature; and modifying at least one process parameter of said electrolytic heating subsystem when said measured temperature is above said preset temperature.

87. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
periodically measuring a temperature corresponding to said liquid within said electrolysis tank of said electrolytic heating subsystem;
comparing said measured temperature with a preset temperature; and modifying at least one process parameter of said electrolytic heating subsystem when said measured temperature is below said preset temperature.

88. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
periodically measuring a temperature corresponding to said liquid within said electrolysis tank of said electrolytic heating subsystem;
comparing said measured temperature with a preset temperature range; and modifying at least one process parameter of said electrolytic heating subsystem when said measured temperature is outside of said preset temperature range.

89. The method of claim 84, wherein said circulating step is performed after said demand for hot water is sent to the water system.

90. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of selecting said liquid from the group consisting of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, water containing an isotope of oxygen, or some combination of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, and water containing an isotope of oxygen.

91. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
monitoring a level of said liquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding more of said liquid to said electrolysis tank when said monitored liquid level falls below a preset value.

92. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of adding an electrolyte to said liquid.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of selecting a concentration of said electrolyte to be within a range of 0.05 to 10.0 percent by weight.

94. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of selecting a concentration of said electrolyte to be within a range of 0.05 to 2.0 percent by weight.

95. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of selecting a concentration of said electrolyte to be within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 percent by weight.

96. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
monitoring pH of said liquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding an electrolyte to said liquid when said monitored pH falls outside of a preset range.

97. The method of claim 84, further comprising the steps of:
monitoring resistivity of said liquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding an electrolyte to said liquid when said monitored resistivity falls outside of a preset range.

98. The method of claim 84, said electrolysis performing step further comprising the steps of:
applying a low voltage to at least one pair of low voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank of said electrolytic heating subsystem, said low voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said low voltage at a first frequency and with a first pulse duration; and applying a high voltage to at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, said high voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage at said first frequency and with said first pulse duration, wherein said high voltage pulsing step is performed simultaneously with said low voltage pulsing step, and wherein said low voltage electrodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes are positioned between said high voltage electrodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes.

99. The method of claim 98, further comprising the steps of:
fabricating said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes from a first material;
fabricating said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes from a second material; and selecting said first material and said second material from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides and alloys of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides.

100. The method of claim 98, further comprising the steps of selecting said high voltage within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts and selecting said low voltage within the range of 3 volts to 1500 volts.

101. The method of claim 98, further comprising the steps of selecting said high voltage within the range of 100 volts to 5 kilovolts and selecting said low voltage within the range of 12 volt to 750 volts.

102. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of selecting said high voltage and said low voltage such that a ratio of said high voltage to said low voltage is at least 5 to 1.

103. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of selecting said first frequency to be within the range of 50 Hz to I MHz.

104. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of selecting said first frequency to be within the range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

105. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between 0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.

106. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between 0.1 and 50 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.

107. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of generating a magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank, wherein said magnetic field affects a heating rate corresponding to said liquid heating step.

108. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, and wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region.

109. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region.

110. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the steps of positioning at least a first electromagnetic coil adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning at least a second electromagnetic coil adjacent to a second region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said second region.

111. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to a first region and a second region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said first region, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said second region.

112. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, and wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region.

113. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region.

114. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the steps of positioning at least a first permanent magnet adjacent to a first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning at least a second permanent magnet adjacent to a second region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said first region, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes define said second region.

115. The method of claim 107, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to a first region and a second region of said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes an anode and a cathode, wherein said anodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said anodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said first region, and wherein said cathodes of said at least one pair of low voltage electrodes and said cathodes of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes are contained within said second region.

116. The method of claim 107, further comprising the step of controlling an intensity corresponding to said magnetic field.

117. The method of claim 116, said intensity controlling step further comprising the step of controllably varying an output of a power supply coupled to at least one electromagnetic coil, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil performs said magnetic field generating step.

118. The method of claim 84, said electrolysis performing step further comprising the steps of applying a high voltage to at least one pair of high voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, said high voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage at a first frequency and with a first pulse duration, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes includes at least one high voltage cathode electrode and at least one high voltage anode electrode, wherein each high voltage cathode electrode is positioned within a first region of said electrolysis tank and each high voltage anode electrode is positioned within a second region of said electrolysis tank, wherein at least a first metal member of a plurality of metal members is located within said first region of said electrolysis tank between said high voltage cathode electrodes and a membrane located within said electrolysis tank, and wherein at least a second metal member of said plurality of metal members is located within said second region of said electrolysis tank between said high voltage anode electrodes and said membrane.

119. The method of claim 118, further comprising the steps of:
fabricating said at least one pair of high voltage electrodes from a first material;
fabricating said plurality of metal members from a second material; and selecting said first material and said second material from the group consisting of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides and alloys of titanium, stainless steel, copper, iron, steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, and metal hydrides.

120. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said high voltage within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts.

121. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said high voltage within the range of 100 volts to 5 kilovolts.

122. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said first frequency to be within the range of 50 Hz to 1 MHz.

123. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said first frequency to be within the range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

124. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between 0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.

125. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between 0.1 and 50 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.

126. The method of claim 118, further comprising the step of generating a magnetic field within a portion of said electrolysis tank, wherein said magnetic field affects a heating rate corresponding to said liquid heating step.

127. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to said first region of said electrolysis tank.

128. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to said second region of said electrolysis tank.

129. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the steps of positioning at least a first electromagnetic coil adjacent to said first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning at least a second electromagnetic coil adjacent to said second region of said electrolysis tank.

130. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one electromagnetic coil adjacent to said first region and said second region of said electrolysis tank.

131. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to said first region of said electrolysis tank.

132. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to said second region of said electrolysis tank.

133. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the steps of positioning at least a first permanent magnet adjacent to said first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning at least a second permanent magnet adjacent to said second region of said electrolysis tank.

134. The method of claim 126, said magnetic field generating step further comprising the step of positioning at least one permanent magnet adjacent to said first region and said second region of said electrolysis tank.

135. The method of claim 126, further comprising the step of controlling an intensity corresponding to said magnetic field.

136. The method of claim 135, said controlling step further comprising the step of controllably varying an output of a power supply coupled to at least one electromagnetic coil, wherein said at least one electromagnetic coil performs said magnetic field generating step.