GB2621115A

GB2621115A - Electrolysis apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2621115A
Application number: GB2211087.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Newman David; Andrew Gilmore Mark
Original assignee: VIRIDIS NAVITAS IP Ltd
Current assignee: VIRIDIS NAVITAS IP Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-29
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2024-02-07
Also published as: GB202211087D0

Abstract

An apparatus for decomposition of water by electrolysis is described 100. The apparatus 100 comprises: a container 144; an electrode having a first surface 104a and a second surface 104b and a magnet. The magnet is disposed either side of the electrode, thus forming a magnetic field along the first and second surfaces of the electrode element. In use, an electrolyte fluid flows adjacent the first and second surfaces of the electrode element. There is relative rotation between the magnetic field and either the electrode element or the electrolyte fluid or both, which creates a potential difference between first and second surfaces of the electrode. The electrode element can comprise at least two electrodes which may be monopolar electrodes located on a rotatable shaft 102. A stack of bipolar electrodes 106a, 106b may be provided between monopolar electrodes on the rotational shaft 102 in the container 144.

Description

ELECTROLYSIS APPARATUS

Field of the Invention:

There is disclosed a magnetic field induced electrolysis 5 technique.

Background to the Invention:

Conventional electrolysis uses electricity to generate an electrical potential for the electrolysis process, which can often be inefficient.

It is an aim to provide a method and an apparatus for electrolysis which is efficient.

Summary of the Invention:

There is disclosed a technique of magnetic field induced electrolysis. Electricity is not used to generate an electrical potential, but rather a potential difference is created using a source of rotational flow of energy that is converted into electrical energy. A direct current (DC) power supply and control system is not required, and therefore a cost reduction is provided over conventional electrolysis systems which do.

Low-cost electrode materials may be used.

There is disclosed an apparatus for decomposition of water by electrolysis comprising: a container; an electrode having a first surface and a second surface; a magnet, disposed adjacent the magnet, and forming a magnetic field along the first and second surfaces of the electrode element; wherein in use an electrolyte fluid flows adjacent the first and second surfaces of the electrode element, and wherein there is relative rotation between the magnetic field and either the electrode or the electrolyte fluid or both to create a potential difference between first and second surfaces of the electrode elements to induce electrolysis.

The relative rotation may create an ionic flow between the first and second surfaces of the electrode element in the electrolyte.

The first and second surfaces may be oppositely charged.

The relative motion may create sufficient electric field/potential difference between the first and second surfaces to split the electrolyte. There is a minimum to that depending on the electrolyte used and the splitting reaction. Once that value is reached, electrical current and ionic current will flow.

One of the surfaces may be an anode and one of the surfaces may be a cathode.

There may further be provided a rotatable shaft to which 15 either the electrode or the magnet is connected to rotate.

In use, the electrolyte fluid may flow through the shaft and exit the shaft in shaft openings positioned between the first and second surfaces, to flow adjacent the first and second surfaces.

The electrode element may comprise two electrodes, wherein the opposing surfaces of the two electrodes are the first and second surfaces, the magnet creating a magnetic field between the two surfaces. Non-opposing surfaces of the two electrodes are electrically connected.

The two electrodes may be monopolar electrodes. The electrode element may further comprise a further electrode disposed between the two monopolar electrodes. The further electrode may be a bipolar electrode. One surface of the further electrode may be positioned opposite the first surface of the electrode element, and the other surface of the further electrode may be positioned opposite the second surface of the further electrode. Each surface of the further electrode may have a charge at an opposite potential of the opposing surface of the electrode element. The further electrode may be a stack of bipolar electrodes between the two electrodes. The magnet may create a magnetic field on each surface of each further 5 electrode. In use an ionic flow may be established between opposite surfaces of each of the plurality of electrodes. There may be two bipolar electrodes, and an ionic flow may be generated between the opposite surfaces of the two bipolar electrodes. There may be n bipolar electrodes, where n is greater than 2, 10 n-1 ionic flows being generated between the opposite surfaces of the n bipolar electrodes.

The electrode element may be a single electrode, wherein on rotation each side of the single electrode becomes oppositely charged. The single electrode is a porous element, the ionic flow being between surfaces of the porous element. The single electrode is a bipolar electrode.

The electrodes may be discs, cones or cylinders.

The rotatable electrodes may be connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft. The electrodes are rotatable and the magnet 20 is static.

The magnetic field may be in the same plane as the electrode surface to induce polarity in either face of the electrode.

The magnet may comprise a first magnet and a second magnet, disposed either side of the electrode element. The first and second magnets may be parallel to the plane of the electrode elements. The electrode element may extend along a radial plane, the first magnet is positioned at an inner radial position with respect to the electrode element, and the second magnet is positioned at an outer radial position with respect to the electrode element.

Brief Description of Figures:

The invention is described with reference to the following figures, in which: FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e) illustrate an exemplary magnetic field induced electrolyser comprising a monopolar rotating electrode disc; FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d) illustrate alternative implementations incorporating one or more bipolar rotating electrode discs; FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative implementation of an electrode cone in place of an electrode disc; FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative implementation of an electrode cylinder in place of an electrode disc; FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c) illustrate exemplary magnet arrangements for an electrolysis apparatus; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary container for an 15 electrolysis apparatus; and FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system incorporating the container of FIG. 6.

Description of Preferred Embodiments:

In the following description reference is made to monopolar electrodes and bipolar electrodes. A monopolar electrode is electrically connected to an electrical circuit and is placed in an electrolyte and carries either a positive or negative charge. A bipolar electrode is not electrically connected to an electrical circuit but is placed in an electrolyte between an anode and a cathode, such that the surface nearer an anode becomes cathodic and the surface nearer a cathode becomes anodic.

With reference to FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e) there is shown an example 100 of a magnetic field induced electrolyser. The 30 example shown is for the purposes of description. With reference to later figures, alternative implementations of a magnetic field induced electrolyser are shown, and an example overall system in which example magnetic field induced electrolysers may be implemented.

The example magnetic field induced electrolyser 100 of FIG. 5 1(a) includes a vertical rotating shaft 102 positioned in a cylindrical container 144. The rotating shaft 102 extends through a collar 130 at the top surface of the container 144 and sits in a cylindrical base 142 secured in a lower part of the container 144. The cylindrical base 142 comprises a plurality 10 of openings 146 between it's top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface of the container 144 is provided with an opening 132. In the example, the container 144 is otherwise sealed.

A first magnetic disc 104a, a second magnetic disc 104b, a first rotating electrode disc 106a and a second rotating electrode disc 106b are positioned around the rotating shaft 102 between the top surface of the container and the cylindrical base 142. Each of the rotating discs has a central hole. The plane of the surface of each disc is in parallel, and the two magnetic discs 104a, 104b are positioned either side of the two rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b, such that one surface of each rotating electrode disc 106a, 106b faces each other, and the other surface of each rotating electrode disc 106a, 106b faces a surface of a respective magnetic disc 104a, 104b. The rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b are connected to the rotating shaft 102 to rotate. Electrical connections can or should be insulated from the magnetic field.

The upper (or outer) surface of the rotating electrode disc 106a is electrically connected to the lower (or outer) surface of the rotating electrode disc 106b via an electrical connection 30 118.

One magnetic disc 104a is an upper magnetic disc, and the other magnetic disc 104b is a lower magnetic disc, relative to the vertical rotating shaft. The surface areas of the magnetic discs 104a, 104b preferably substantially correspond to the surface areas of the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b. The discs 104a, 104b, 106a, 106b are preferably circular, and are preferably of the same surface area profile. However the discs may be of other shapes, and the surface area profile of the discs is not required to match.

Each magnetic disc 104a, 104b is independent of the shaft 102. In the example each magnetic disc 104a, 104b has a first polarity at its center around the shaft 10 polarity at its circumference. In the polarity of the magnetic discs is S, and 102, and an example the the opposite opposite central polarity N. at the circumference of the discs is The magnet polarities can be reversed, with N at the center and S at the circumference. The magnetic discs 104a, 104b are manufactured from a magnetic 15 material.

The magnetic discs 104a may rotate with the rotating shaft 102 if the electrode discs are static. Preferably the magnetic discs are static, and the electrode discs rotate.

The rotating shaft 102 is provided with a plurality of holes 20 110 between the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b to facilitate the flow of electrolyte between the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b.

With reference to FIG. 1(b), the rotating shaft 102 rotates, as denoted by arrow 140. Electrolyte fluid flows through the rotating shaft 102 as denoted by arrow 134, and out of the holes 110 in the rotating shaft 102. The electrolyte fluid travels from the holes 110 of the rotating shaft 102, generally radially outwards as denoted by arrows 148, between the facing surfaces of the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b and across the surfaces of the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b, as a result of centrifugal forces, caused by rotation.

The fluid collects in the bottom of the container 144 as denoted by reference numeral 138, and is released through an opening 132 in the container 144 as denoted by arrow 136. The opening 132 may be valve controlled. The cylindrical base 142 is provided with openings 146 to allow the electrolyte fluid to flow to the bottom of the container. The surface level of the collected fluid 138 may be above the cylindrical base 142.

The outer surface of each rotating electrode disc is connected by electrical connection 118, such that the electrode discs are monopolar with polarity only on the complete surface of each rotating disc electrode facing each other. The electrical connection 150 makes one disc positive and one disc negative, respectively becoming an anode and a cathode. In this example the electrode 106a is positive and the electrode 106b is negative.

Note the outer surface of each rotating disc is connected in the example of two rotating discs. More generally, where there are more than two rotating disc electrodes in a stacked arrangement (as discussed below), the outer surfaces of the outermost two rotating disc electrodes of the stack would be connected.

As illustrated in FIG. 1(c), the fluid flow 148 as shown in FIG. 1(b) creates an electrolyte flux 114 radially outward from the rotating shaft 102.

As shown in FIG. 1(d), an electric current is induced in each rotating disc 106a, 106b by rotation under the external magnetic disc of the permanent magnets 104a, 104b with which it is respectively adjacent. The magnetic flux 108a, 108b of each permanent magnet 104a, 104b is from the circumferential edge (north pole) to the center of the respective disc (south pole), parallel to the surface of the respective disc. Although shown as a single flow in FIG. 1(d), it should be understood that in general a magnetic flux is created from the circumference of each rotating disc 106a, 106b to the center of each rotating disc 106a, 106b. The overall magnetic field 108a, 108b is preferably parallel to the surface of the respective rotating disc 106a, 106b.

In general, ideally the magnetic field should be at a preferred 900 angle to the rotation of the disc. The magnetic 5 field is radially in or out, and the disc radial velocity cuts across the magnetic field.

The magnetic field will in certain locations be at an angle less than or greater than 90° up to for example 10° to 1700, ideally within 45° to 1700. Typically the magnetic field will 10 curve around the poles of magnets, deviating from 90°.

It can also be noted that the technique will work with only one magnet either top or bottom, with the one magnetic disc being adjacent to or alongside one of the rotating electrodes. However it is preferred that two magnets are used to enable more disc electrodes to be stacked in between the magnets (as discussed below).

The rotation of the rotating discs at a 90° angle with respect to the magnetic field induces an electrical current. The induced electric field can drive electrochemical reactions of electrolysis if the rotating discs are in contact with a suitable electrolyte.

In the described example the electrode discs are rotated whilst the magnetic discs are static. As noted above, the magnetic discs may rotate if the electrode discs are static or rotating. In another alternative the fluid may be rotated (or agitated) in addition to or instead of the rotation of the rotating discs 106a, 106b or the magnetic discs. Fluid could be rotated via an external pump, with suitable channels created in the electrode discs. Fluid will move because of the frictional forces acting on the fluid by the electrode discs, similar to a centrifugal pump or centrifuge. Thus one or more of the magnetic discs, the electrode discs or the fluid may rotate.

As illustrated in FIG. 1(e), the magnetically induced electric field across the rotating discs 106a, 106b causes an ionic flux 112 (for example, in alkaline solutions, OH-ions) to be generated between the inner surfaces of the opposing pair of 5 rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b, which is associated with an electric current. An electrical current 150 flows in the circuit 118 connected between the rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b as a result of the ionic flux 112 created, with the circuit being completed by the electrical connection 118 between the 10 outer surfaces of the rotating discs 106a, 106b.

As further shown in FIG. 1(e), reference numerals 120 denotes bubbles which are created in the electrolyte solution. Oxygen bubbles are generated from a positively charged surface (or anode) and hydrogen bubbles are generated from a negatively charged surface (or cathode). An electromotive force drives electrochemical reactions of oxidation and reduction. If water is present, then there are water splitting reactions of hydrogen and oxygen. In essence electrons move by connecting the outer surfaces of the disc positive to negative, and ions if positive (e.g. protons) move in the opposite direction in the solution from positive to negative or if negative (e.g. OH-) move in the same direction negative to positive. The electrons are from the disc, and they move because of potential difference generated by induction. Electrolyte ions such as, for example, present in sulphuric acid or sodium hydroxide (base) are needed to facilitate this charge movement in solution.

With reference to FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e) the principles of operation of a magnetic field induced electrolyser have been described, in which there are provided two rotating monopolar 30 electrode discs.

With reference to FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d), there are illustrated alternative implementations to the two rotating monopolar electrode disc arrangement of FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e), in which at least one bipolar rotating electrode disc is provided.

In FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d) reference is made to alternatives to the monopolar rotating discs 106a, 106b of FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e), 5 but it will be understood that other elements such as disclosed in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e) are needed to implement a magnetic field induced electrolyser. In particular there is a requirement for magnet(s) to generate a magnetic field, as exemplified by magnets 104a, 104b of FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e). As will be further 10 described below, the implementation of magnets for any of the rotating disc arrangements as shown in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d) is not limited to the magnet arrangement of FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e).

FIG. 2(a) shows a first example of a single rotating bipolar electrode disc 106c. The rotating bipolar electrode disc 106c is porous, and electrons are able to pass through the disc to flow from a negative (cathode) potential on one side of the disc to a positive (anode) potential on another side of the disc.

The potential (positive or negative) of each side of the disc is determined by the direction of rotation of the disc and 20 the direction of magnetic flux.

Whilst the single disc arrangement of FIG. 2(a) could be implemented as a non-porous disc, this will result in electron flow only at the edge of the disc. The porous disc allows electron flow in an area approximately equating to the disc surface area.

FIG. 2(b) illustrates an example of a single rotating bipolar electrode disc 106d. The single rotating bipolar electrode disc 106d is disposed between a first electrode disc 160 and a second electrode disc 162. An electrical connection 182 between the outer surfaces of the two outermost electrode discs means that each is a monopolar disc. The respective surfaces of the rotating bipolar disc electrode 106d have a negative/positive potential according to the monopolar electrode (anode/cathode) they are facing. The surface opposite the anode has a negative potential and the surface opposite the cathode has a positive potential. Electrons flow from the cathode electrode 162 to the anode electrode 160.

In FIG. 2(c), two rotating bipolar electrode discs 106e, 106f are disposed between the monopolar (anode) electrode disc 160 and the monopolar (cathode) electrode disc 162. The respective sides of the rotating bipolar electrode discs have a negative/positive potential, and electrons flow from the cathode to the anode between the rotating electrode disc surfaces. The anode electrode disc 160 and cathode electrode disc 162 are connected via the electrical connection 182. This electrical connection 182 could be provided by the shaft 102.

FIG. 2(d) shows an extension of the arrangement of FIG. 15 2(c), in which the two rotating bipolar electrode discs 106e, 106f are replaced by four rotating bipolar electrode discs 106g, 106h, 106i, 1061.

In general the examples of FIGS. 2(c) and 2(d) extend to any arrangement of two or more rotating electrode discs, and to 20 multiple combinations of magnets and rotating electrode discs, in series or in parallel.

FIG. 2(d) shows four bipolar rotating discs positioned between two monopolar electrodes. Each of the rotating bipolar electrode discs 106h to 106i has one positive surface and one negative surface, and the outer surface of the two electrode discs at the extremity of the stacked electrode discs 106a and 106g in FIG. 5(b) are connected electrically to allow for the flow of electric current: electrode disc 106g being an anode electrode and electrode disc 106e being a cathode electrode.

Ionic current flows between each pair of opposing disc surfaces to complete a circuit.

By providing stacked rotating electrode discs as shown in FIG. 2(d)), the effective surface area of the rotating electrode discs is increased without increasing the magnet requirements. The magnets can be designed to allow electrode discs to be stacked, and the inclusion of additional electrode discs reduces the design costs by reducing the number of magnets needed -increasing the stacked electrode discs does not require an increase in magnets for a given magnet design. This may be preferable to increasing the diameter of the electrode discs to achieve a greater surface area.

It can be seen in each of the arrangements of FIGS. 2(a) to 10 2(d) that there is provided at least one bipolar electrode disc, with opposite sides of the bipolar electrode discs being oppositely charged.

The monopolar electrodes may or may not rotate with the bipolar electrode(s).

Note that electrolyte fluid does not have to be introduced via the rotating shaft as shown in the examples, and could be introduced from any point in the vessel. The fluid could be in a pool in the bottom of the vessel in which the electrodes rotate.

FIGS. 1 and 2 have illustrated example alternate implementations of rotating electrode disc(s).

Rotating disc electrodes are shown in each of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is not a necessity for the rotating electrodes to have a surface which has a 900 plane to the rotatable shaft 102, such as discs as described do. The rotating electrodes may, for example, be cones or cylinders.

With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an example in which the rotating disc electrodes are rotating cone electrodes -thus cones rather than discs.

Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown two rotating electrodes 402 and 404, which are shown in cross-section as having a cone-structure rather than a disc structure. It can be understood that in each of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, any rotating electrode disc shown can be replaced by a rotating electrode cone.

It should be noted that when the rotating electrodes are 5 provided at an angle to the shaft, such as when cones are used, the magnetic field also preferably needs to be provided at an angle, but does not need to be parallel to the cones surface.

Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), there is illustrated an example in which the rotating disc electrodes are rotating 10 cylinder electrodes -thus cylinders rather than discs. FIG. 4(a) shows a side-on cross-section similar to FIG. 3, and FIG. 4(b) shows a top-down cross-section through A-A in FIG. 4(a).

Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), around the rotating shaft 102 is positioned three concentric cylinders, denoted reference numerals 420, 418, 416 of increasing diameter. An electrical connection 414 connects the inner and outer cylinders 420, 416. The inner and outer cylinders are thus monopolar electrodes, and form an anode and a cathode, with the cylinder 420 being positively charged, and cylinder 416 being negatively charged.

The central concentric cylinder, 418, is disposed between the other two cylinders, and is a bipolar electrode the polarity of each surface being determined by the charge of the monopolar cylinder (anode or cathode) it faces.

Exemplary disc magnets 410 and 414 are shown in FIG. 4(a), 25 which generate the required magnetic field for operation. The arrangement is not limited to the shown magnet deployment.

There is now illustrated example alternate magnet implementations which may be deployed with any electrode arrangement. The electrode arrangements described are not 30 limited to any described magnet arrangement.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show two example magnet arrangements, but others may be provided. The essential requirement for the magnets is that they generate a current and ionic flux from one disc surface to another disc surface. Ideally the magnetic field produced by the magnet should be parallel to the disc surface. All the described magnet arrangements allow for bipolarity generation across discs, so they can be stacked.

The example magnetic field induced electrolyser 100 of FIG. 1, and the alternative magnet arrangements shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), disclose two rotating discs 106a, 106b disposed between magnets. In general one, two or more rotating discs may be provided between two magnets.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates an arrangement consistent with FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e), in which rotating electrode discs 106a, 106b are disposed between magnetic discs 104, 104b. Electrolyte flow is denoted by arrows 200, denoting the electrolyte flow from the rotating shaft 102 in a radial direction, between the rotating disc electrodes 106a, 106b.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates an alternative arrangement in which one magnet 208 is disposed circumferentially around the inside of the cylinder, at the circumferential ends of the rotating disc electrodes 106a, 106b and another magnet 206 is disposed around the rotating shaft 102. A magnetic field is created to provide the electrolysis effect as described above. Electrolyte flow is denoted by arrows 200, denoting the electrolyte flow from the rotating shaft 102 in a radial direction, between the rotating disc electrodes 106a, 106b, the central magnet having openings or holes to allow electrolyte flow from the rotating shaft 102.

The provision of the electrolyte flow through the rotating shaft 102 is only exemplary.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of a container apparatus in which the magnetic field induced electrolyser of FIG. 2(a) may be implemented. The example of FIG. 2(a) is shown as this is the simplest to illustrate, but it will be understood by one skilled in the art how any of the arrangements or electrodes and/or magnets as described may be implemented in a container apparatus as shown in FIG. 6.

The container apparatus 700 includes a container 702 and 5 the rotating shaft 102. Two magnetic discs 104a, 104b are provided, centered around the rotating shaft 102.

A single rotating bipolar disc 106c, corresponding to the arrangement of FIG. 2(a), is shown disposed between the magnets The rotating shaft 102 extends into the container and is 10 supported by the disc 142. The disc 142 may be a perforated polypropylene (PP) -or other material -disc for bearing support and containing a lip seal.

The portion of the rotating shaft 102 extending from the container 702 is connected to a tank 706, which receives recycled 15 electrolyte solutions. The tank 706 may be stainless steel, with tungsten carbide or ceramic steel or other suitable material.

A pulley 708 may provide a belt drive for rotating the rotating shaft 102, or it may have a direct drive, such as a mechanical or electrical direct drive.

Element 712 is a sparging pipe, for optionally providing feed within the container. The feed may be added to flush with N2 for lab tests to make sure no explosive mixture of 112 and 02 is present. However in principle only a source of water for hydrogen is needed. However hydrogen and another oxidant can be used, such as chloride which would then generate chlorine gas or dissolved liquid form. The sparging pipe also be used to reduce gathered 112 in the atmosphere below 496. There may be more than one sparging pipe.

Element 710 is a pipe open to the atmosphere, preferably 30 controlled by a flow meter, for extracting gases.

Element 132 is a pipe for recycling electrolytes.

FIG. 7 illustrates an overall system incorporating the container apparatus of FIG. 6.

The container outlet 132 is connected to a pipe 810 and in turn a pump 812, which is further connected to a flask 808 via 5 a pipe 813. Used electrolyte is collected in the flask 808.

The tank 706 is connected to the flask 808 via a valve 804, a pipe 802 connecting the tank 706 and the valve 804, and a pipe 806 connecting the valve 804 and the flask 808. The pipes 802 and 806 recirculate the electrolyte.

The container 718 and the flask 808 are connected to respective air outlet pipe 814 and 816 which provide a gas exit. Pipe 816 may be equivalent to pipe 710 in FIG. 6.

The apparatus has been described as being constructed around a vertical rotating shaft. In practice the discs may rotate around any axis. A horizontal rotating shaft may be provided, to which the rotating elements are fixed, but in general the shaft may be disposed at any angle. The rotating element may be positioned at 90° to the shaft, as per FIGS. 1 to 3, or may be positioned at another angle to the shaft, as per FIG. 4.

The electrolyser can produce, e.g. hydrogen and oxygen and other possibilities. The principle aim of the apparatus is to produce hydrogen. However the apparatus can be used to produce other chemical with or without hydrogen production, for example hydrogen with ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen with hydrochloride. The device may also be used to reduce carbon dioxide to form fuels/chemicals such as methanol, formic acid, or methane.

The invention has been described by way of reference to 30 examples, and is not limited to the specifics of any example set out. All examples may be combined. In particular the different magnet arrangements described may be implemented in a combination with any other features described.

The invention may be implemented as an apparatus or as a method for controlling or operating an apparatus.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for decomposition of water by electrolysis comprising: a container; an electrode having a first surface and a second surface; a magnet, disposed adjacent the magnet, and forming a magnetic field along the first and second surfaces of the electrode element; wherein in use an electrolyte fluid flows adjacent the first and second surfaces of the electrode element, and wherein there is relative rotation between the magnetic field and either the electrode or the electrolyte fluid or both to create a potential difference between first and second surfaces of the electrode elements to induce electrolysis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the relative rotation creates an ionic flow between the first and second surfaces of the electrode element in the electrolyte.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first and second surfaces are oppositely charged.
4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein one of the surfaces is an anode and one of the surfaces is a cathode.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein there is further provided a rotatable shaft to which either the electrode or the magnet is connected to rotate.
6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein in use the electrolyte fluid flows through the shaft and exits the shaft in shaft openings positioned between the first and second surfaces, to flow adjacent the first and second surfaces.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the electrode element comprises two electrodes, wherein the opposing surfaces of the two electrodes are the first and second surfaces, the magnet creating a magnetic field between the two surfaces.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein non-opposing surfaces of the two electrodes are electrically connected.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the two electrodes are monopolar electrodes.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the electrode element further comprises a further electrode disposed between the two moncpolar electrodes.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the further electrode is a bipolar electrode.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein one surface of the further electrode is positioned opposite the first surface of the electrode element, and the other surface of the further electrode is positioned opposite the second surface of the further electrode.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each surface of the further electrode is charged opposite the potential of the opposing surface of the electrode element.
14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the further electrode is a stack of a stack of bipolar electrodes between the two electrodes.
15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the magnet creates a magnetic field on each surface of each further electrode.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15 wherein in use an ionic flow is established between opposite surfaces of each of the plurality of electrodes.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein there are two bipolar electrodes, an ionic flow being generated between the opposite surfaces of the two bipolar electrodes.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein there are n bipolar electrodes, where n is greater than 2, n-1 ionic flows being generated between the opposite surfaces of the n bipolar electrodes.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrode element is a single electrode, wherein on rotation each side of the single electrode becomes oppositely charged.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the single electrode is a porous element, the ionic flow being between surfaces of the porous element.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the single electrode is a bipolar electrode.
22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the electrodes are discs, cones or cylinders.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 22 wherein the rotatable electrodes are connected to rotate with therotatable shaft.
24. The apparatus of any one of claim 23 wherein the electrodes are rotatable and the magnet is static.
25. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the magnetic field is in the same plane as the electrode.
26. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein the magnet comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, disposed either side of the electrode element.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the first and second magnets are parallel to the plane of the electrode elements.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the electrode element extends along a radial plane, the first magnet is positioned at an inner radial position with respect to the electrode element, and the second magnet is positioned at an outer radial position with respect to the electrode element.