WO2004074656A1 - Technique de combustion de l'eau - procede, processus, systemes et appareil pour la combustion de l'hydrogene et de l'oxygene - Google Patents

Technique de combustion de l'eau - procede, processus, systemes et appareil pour la combustion de l'hydrogene et de l'oxygene Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004074656A1
WO2004074656A1 PCT/US2003/041719 US0341719W WO2004074656A1 WO 2004074656 A1 WO2004074656 A1 WO 2004074656A1 US 0341719 W US0341719 W US 0341719W WO 2004074656 A1 WO2004074656 A1 WO 2004074656A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
combustion
oxygen
hydrogen
air
water
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PCT/US2003/041719
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English (en)
Inventor
Richard A. Haase
Original Assignee
Haase Richard A
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2003/011250 external-priority patent/WO2003087564A1/fr
Application filed by Haase Richard A filed Critical Haase Richard A
Priority to AU2003300144A priority Critical patent/AU2003300144A1/en
Priority to US10/790,316 priority patent/US8161748B2/en
Publication of WO2004074656A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004074656A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/0005—Reversible uptake of hydrogen by an appropriate medium, i.e. based on physical or chemical sorption phenomena or on reversible chemical reactions, e.g. for hydrogen storage purposes ; Reversible gettering of hydrogen; Reversible uptake of hydrogen by electrodes
    • C01B3/001—Reversible uptake of hydrogen by an appropriate medium, i.e. based on physical or chemical sorption phenomena or on reversible chemical reactions, e.g. for hydrogen storage purposes ; Reversible gettering of hydrogen; Reversible uptake of hydrogen by electrodes characterised by the uptaking medium; Treatment thereof
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0229—Purification or separation processes
    • C01B13/0248—Physical processing only
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0229—Purification or separation processes
    • C01B13/0248—Physical processing only
    • C01B13/0251—Physical processing only by making use of membranes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0229—Purification or separation processes
    • C01B13/0248—Physical processing only
    • C01B13/0259—Physical processing only by adsorption on solids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
    • F01K25/00—Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided for; Plants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for
    • F01K25/005—Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided for; Plants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for the working fluid being steam, created by combustion of hydrogen with oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
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    • F25J1/001—Hydrogen
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    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/004—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
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    • F25J1/0052—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream
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    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0203—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0208—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle in combination with an internal quasi-closed refrigeration loop, e.g. with deep flash recycle loop
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    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
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    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
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    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0261—Details of cold box insulation, housing and internal structure
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    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
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    • F25J3/04527—Integration with an oxygen consuming unit, e.g. glass facility, waste incineration or oxygen based processes in general
    • F25J3/04533—Integration with an oxygen consuming unit, e.g. glass facility, waste incineration or oxygen based processes in general for the direct combustion of fuels in a power plant, so-called "oxyfuel combustion"
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    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04521—Coupling of the air fractionation unit to an air gas-consuming unit, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J3/04563—Integration with a nitrogen consuming unit, e.g. for purging, inerting, cooling or heating
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2210/00—Purification or separation of specific gases
    • C01B2210/0043—Impurity removed
    • C01B2210/0046—Nitrogen
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2210/00—Purification or separation of specific gases
    • C01B2210/0043—Impurity removed
    • C01B2210/0078—Noble gases
    • C01B2210/0082—Argon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J2215/40—Air or oxygen enriched air, i.e. generally less than 30mol% of O2
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    • F25J2260/44—Integration in an installation using nitrogen, e.g. as utility gas, for inerting or purging purposes in IGCC, POX, GTL, PSA, float glass forming, incineration processes, for heat recovery or for enhanced oil recovery using nitrogen for cooling purposes
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improved combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus, which provide environmentally friendly combustion products, as well as to fuel and energy management methods, processes, systems and apparatus for said improved combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus.
  • the combustion and/or fuel and/or energy management methods, processes, systems or apparatus (Water Combustion Technology, WCT) is based upon the chemistry of Water (H 2 O), inco ⁇ orating Hydrogen (H 2 ), Oxygen (0 2 ) and H 2 0 as fuel.
  • the WCT does not use a hydrocarbon as a fuel source, rather the WCT uses H 2 in combination preferably with O 2 a secondarily with air.
  • the primary product of the combustion of H 2 and O 2 is H 2 O.
  • WCT separates H 2 O into H 2 and O2, thereby making H 2 O an efficient method of storing fuel.
  • combustion can incorporate any combustion method, system, process or apparatus, such a furnace, a combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, a turbine or any combustion system wherein mechanical, electrical or heat energy (heat energy can include thrust energy) is created.
  • the discovered WCT relate to improved combustion systems wherein nitrogen (N 2 ) or N 2 and Argon (Ar) is partially or totally removed from the fuel mixture to improve the energy output of combustion and/or reduce the pollution output of combustion.
  • the discovered WCT relate to improved methods, processes, systems and apparatus for combustion that significantly improve the thermodynamics of combustion, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of combustion.
  • the discovered WCT relate to improved methods, processes, systems and apparatus for combustion wherein H 2 O is added to the fuel mixture to control the combustion temperature, thereby utilizing H 2 0 during combustion as a heat sink.
  • the steam produced by combustion and/or the cooling of combustion 1) maintains the power output of combustion, 2) provides method(s) of energy recycle and 3) provides an efficient method of energy storage, 4) while controlling the combustion temperature, thereby cooling the engine.
  • Steam presents a reusable energy source in the exhaust, both from the available kinetic and the available heat energy, as well as the conversion of said steam into H 2 and/or O 2 .
  • Inco ⁇ orating H 2 O into the fuel mixture with the intent of minimizing or excluding N 2 , or N 2 and Ar from the fuel mixture culminates in a fuel mixture that is/are at least one of: O 2 , H 2 and H 2 O; O 2 , H 2 , H 2 0 and N 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 , H 2 0, N 2 and Ar; O 2 , H 2 ,
  • the fuel mixture in the WCT is defined to inco ⁇ orate either: 0 2 and H 2 ; 0 23 H 2 and N 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and Ar; 0 2 , H 2 and air; Q 2s , H 2 and H 2 0; 0 2 , H 2s H 2 0 and N 2 ; H 25 H 2 O s N 2 and Ar; 0 2 , H 2 , H 2 0 and air; or H 2 , H 2 0 and air.
  • the discovered WCT relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus of generating electricity. Four methods, processes, systems and apparatus of generating electricity are discovered.
  • the first places a steam turbine in the exhaust of the combustion engine, wherein said steam turbine is driven by said steam produced in combustion; said steam turbine turning a generator (the term generator is used hereinto define either an alternator or a dynamo), wherein at least a portion of said steam energy is converted into said electrical energy.
  • the third inco ⁇ orates a physical system of focusing air and/or water currents onto a generator or dynamo, wherein said generator or dynamo is driven by said moving air or water to create electrical energy.
  • the fourth uses a photovoltaic cell to create electrical energy.
  • the discovered WCT further relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus for separating O 2 from air.
  • Three are discovered.
  • O 2 is separated utilizing energy available from said WCT to power a cryogenic distillation system, wherein air is chilled and distilled into O 2 and N 2 .
  • air is separated producing O 2 utilizing membranes; said membranes can be of either organic (polymer) construction or of inorganic (ceramic) construction.
  • PSA Pressure Swing Adsorption
  • 0 2 as used herein is to mean at least enriched 0 2 , wherein the 0 2 concentration is at least 40 percent; preferably pure O 2 , wherein the O 2 concentration is at least 80 percent; and most preferably very pure 0 2 , wherein the 0 2 concentration is at least 90 percent.
  • the discovered WCT further relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus of metal catalysis, wherein said steam produced in the WCT is converted into H 2 and metal oxides, as part of a catalyst system. It is further discovered that at least a portion of said H 2 be used as a fuel in the WCT.
  • metal catalysis is to mean any metal or combination of metals in the periodic table, wherein the metal or combination of metals will convert the H 2 O within steam or water vapor into the corresponding metal oxide(s) and H 2 .
  • thermodynamics of combustion are direct consequence of the thermodynamics of combustion.
  • Current combustion systems significantly increase entropy, releasing entropy as well as enthalpy, to their surroundings. This is because it is very difficult for fossil fuel combustion systems to manage temperature without significant entropy and enthalpy losses to their environment; these losses are exhibited as exhaust gases and heat losses to the environment.
  • the first and second laws of thermodynamics are a liability to fossil fuel combustion systems.
  • Hydrocarbon(s) have been used in combination with air as fuel for combustion.
  • the hydrocarbons utilized have been petroleum distillates such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, jet fuel and kerosene, or fermentation distillates such as methanol and ethanol, or naturally occurring substances such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, coal and wood.
  • the combustion of fossil fuel(s) does not work in concert with nature.
  • the products of fossil fuels were thought to work in concert with nature's oxygen-carbon cycle.
  • Oxides of carbon are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. This production in combination with significant deforestation has left plant life incapable of converting enough of the manmade CO 2 back into O 2 .
  • CO an incomplete combustion by-product, is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. Further, global warming is a result of a buildup of CO x in the Earth's atmosphere.
  • the combustion of air creates oxides of Nitrogen (N), converting a portion of the N 2 to NO ⁇ (NO, NO 2 and/or NO 3 ). NO ⁇ is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. NO ⁇ is known to inhibit photosynthesis, which is nature's biochemical pathway of converting CO 2 back into O 2 .
  • NO ⁇ is endothermic, thereby lessening combustion efficiency. Further, NO ⁇ reacts with O 2 in the atmosphere to produce ozone (O 3 ).
  • O3 is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. O3 should only exist in higher levels of the atmosphere, : wherein O 3 is naturally created from O 2 . In the higher levels of the atmosphere O 3 protects all human, animal and plant life from the harmful rays of the sun.
  • Liquid and solid fossil fuels naturally contain sulfur (S) as a contaminant. In combustion, S is oxidized to SO ⁇ (S0 , SO 3 and/or S0 4 ). SO is toxic to all human, animal and plant life.
  • CO ⁇ , NO ⁇ and SO ⁇ react with water in the air to form acids of CO ⁇ , NO and/or
  • the internal combustion engine has been enhanced significantly to make the engine more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Even with enhancement, the internal combustion engine is only approximately 20 percent efficient and the gas turbine/steam turbine system is only approximately 30 to 40 percent efficient. As depicted in Figure 2, the internal combustion engine looses as a percentage of available energy fuel value: 1) approximately 35 percent in the exhaust, 2) approximately 35 percent in cooling, 3) approximately 9 percent in friction losses and 4) only 1 percent due to poor combustion performance, leaving the engine approximately 20 percent efficient.
  • Hydrocarbon fuels have been modified with additives to minimize the formation of either CO x or NO ⁇ .
  • the Earth is struggling to deal with manmade pollutants that originate from hydrocarbon combustion systems.
  • availability and dependability of large quantities of petroleum hydrocarbons has become a geopolitical issue.
  • cryogenic distillation While there are many methods to prepare O 2 , the separation of air into its component gases is industrially performed by three methods: cryogenic distillation, membrane separation and PSA. There are many methods and processes utilized for cryogenic refrigeration, which is a component of cryogenic distillation. A good reference of cryogenic refrigeration methods and processes known in the art would be "Cryogenic Engineering,” written by Thomas M. Flynn and printed by Dekker. As written by Flynn, cryogenic refrigeration and liquefaction are the same processes, except liquefaction takes off a portion of the refrigerated liquid which must be made up, wherein refrigeration all of the liquid is recycled. All of the methods and processes of refrigeration and liquefaction are based upon the same basic refrigeration principals, as depicted in Figure 1.
  • Flow Diagram 1 As written by Flynn, there are many ways to combine the few components of work (compression), rejecting heat, expansion and absorbing heat. There exist in the art many methods and processes of cryogenic refrigeration, all of which can be adapted for cryogenic liquefaction. A listing of those refrigeration cycles would include: Joule Thompson, Stirling, Brayton, Claude, Linde, Hampson, Postle, Ericsson, Gifford- McMahon and Vuilleu ier.
  • N 2 are commonly based on a dual pressure cycle. Air is first compressed and subsequently cooled. Cooling may be accomplished by one of four methods: 1- Vaporization of a liquid, 2- The Joule Thompson Effect (which performs best when augmented with method 3), 3- Counter-current heat exchange with previously cooled warming product streams or with externally cooled warming product streams and 4- The expansion of a gas in an engine doing external work.
  • the cooled and compressed air is usually introduced into two fractionating zones.
  • the first fractionating zone is thermally linked with a second fractionating zone which is at a lower pressure.
  • the two zones are thermally linked such that a condenser of the first zone reboils the second zone.
  • the air undergoes a partial distillation in the first zone producing a substantially pure N 2 fraction and a liquid fraction that is enriched in 0 2 .
  • the enriched 0 2 fraction is an intermediate feed to the second fractionating zone.
  • the substantially pure liquid N 2 from the first fractionating zone is used as reflux at the top of the second fractionating zone.
  • the second fractionating zone separation is completed, producing substantially pure 0 2 from the bottom of the zone and substantially pure N 2 from the top.
  • a third fractionating zone is employed.
  • the feed to this zone is a vapor fraction enriched in Ar which is withdrawn from an intermediate point in the second fractionating zone.
  • the pressure of this third zone is of the same order as that of the second zone.
  • the feed is rectified into an Ar rich stream which is withdrawn from the top, and a liquid stream which is withdrawn from the bottom of the third fractionating zone and introduced to the second fractionating zone at an intermediate point.
  • Reflux for the third fractionating zone is provided by a condenser which is located at the top.
  • Ar enriched vapor is condensed by heat exchange from another stream, which is typically the enriched O 2 fraction from the first fractionating zone.
  • the enriched O 2 stream then enters the second fractionating zone in a partially vaporized state at an intermediate point, above the point where the feed to third fractionating zone is withdrawn.
  • the disti Ilation of air, a ternary mixture, into N 2 , 0 2 and Ar may be viewed as two binary distillations.
  • One binary distillation is the separation of the high boiling point O 2 from the intermediate boiling point Ar.
  • the other binary distillation is the separation of the intermediate boiling point Ar from the low boiling point N 2 .
  • Ar-0 2 separation is the primary function of third fractionating zone and the bottom section of the second fractionating zone below the point where the feed to the third zone is withdrawn.
  • N 2 -Ar separation is the primary function of the upper section of the second fractionating zone above the point where the feed to the third fractionating zone is withdrawn.
  • the air feed to the first fractionating zone is at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 20 atmospheres absolute. This causes the operating pressure of the second and third fractionating zones to be approximately 3 to 6 atmospheres absolute. Operation of the conventional arrangement at these pressures results in very poor product recoveries due to the previously described effect of pressure on the ease of separation.
  • the term "indirect heat exchange” means the bringing of two fluid streams into heat exchange relation without any physical contact or intermixing of the fluids with each other;
  • air means a mixture comprising primarily N 2 , 0 2 and Ar;
  • the terms “upper portion” and “lower portion” mean those sections of a column ' respectively above and below the midpoint of the column;
  • the term “tray” means a contacting stage, which is not necessarily an equilibrium stage, and may mean other contacting apparatus such as packing having a separation capability equivalent to one tray;
  • the term “equilibrium stage” means a vapor-liquid contacting stage whereby the vapor and liquid leaving the stage are in mass transfer equilibrium, e.g.
  • top condenser means a heat exchange device which generates column downflow liquid from column top vapor
  • bottom reboiler means a heat exchange device which generates column upflow vapor from column bottom liquid.
  • a bottom reboiler may be physically within or outside a column. When the bottom reboiler is within a column, the bottom reboiler encompasses the portion of the column below the lowermost tray or equilibrium stage of the column.
  • H 2 O is presented as a coolant and as a fuel, as well as a combustion product.
  • H 2 O is presented in novel energy recycle methods, processes, systems and apparatus to improve the efficiency of combustion by utilizing water as a combustion product, an energy conduit and an energy storage medium.
  • the inherent energy losses incurred in hydrocarbon combustion are unrecoverable; with hydrocarbon combustion there is no practical method of recovering lost exhaust energy, heat energy or mechanical energy.
  • the discovered WCT relate to chemical methods, processes, systems and apparatus for producing H from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from the WCT. Previous work in this field has focused on refinery or power plant exhaust gases; none of that work discusses the separation of H 2 O back into H 2 .
  • the discovered WCT relate to electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to chemically convert H 2 O into O 2 and H 2 . While there have been improvements in the technology of electrolysis and there have been many attempts to inco ⁇ orate electrolysis with a combustion engine, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is supplemented by H 2 produced by electrolysis, there has been no work with electrolysis to fuel a combustion engine wherein electrolysis is a significant source of 0 2 and H 2 . Previous work in electrolysis as electrolysis relate to combustion systems can be referenced in US 6,336,430, US 6,338,786, US 6,361,893, US 6,365,026, US 6,635,032 and US 4,003,035. The discovered WCT relate to the production of electricity.
  • the mechanical energy for a mechanically driven electrical generation device which can be a generator, is produced by the fuel(s) of the WCT.
  • the steam energy for a steam driven generator is produced by the fuel(s) of the WCT.
  • the WCT Engine exhaust steam energy may drive a steam turbine, thereby driving a generator creating an electrical current.
  • said exhaust gas, H 2 O minimizes environmental equipment.
  • the discovered WCT presents a combustion turbine, wherein the exhaust gas is at least primarily if not totally H 2 O. While there has been much work in the design of steam turbines, in all cases the steam for the steam turbine is generated by heat transfer, wherein said heat for heat transfer is created by nuclear fission or hydrocarbon combustion.
  • the discovered WCT relate to air and water driven turbine technologies to create electricity.
  • Air or water driven turbine electrical generation technology would be applicable to combustion system(s) utilizing the discovered WCT, wherein: there is a reliable source of moving air and/or water. While a moving source of air or a moving source of water may be an excellent source of electrical power generation to fuel the electrolysis of H2O, the concept of either: the use of said electrolysis to fuel the discovered WCT or of a windmill or waterwheel to power said electrolysis in order to fuel the discovered WCT is novel.
  • Previous work in wind driven generator technology can be referenced in US 3,995,972, US 4,024,409, US 5,709,419, US 6,132,172, US
  • the discovered WCT relate to photovoltaic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity, wherein said electricity is used to create at least one of H 2 and O 2 , wherein said H 2 and/or said O 2 is used as a fuel in said WCT.
  • There are many methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the photovoltaic production of electricity as is known in the art.
  • the process comprises mixing in the water an effective amount of water soluble polymer containing a structural unit that is derived from a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and having one or more carboxyl radicals, at least a part of said carboxyl radicals being modified, and one or more corrosion inhibitor compounds selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphoric acids and water soluble salts therefore, phosphonic acids and water soluble salts thereof, organic phosphoric acids and water soluble salts thereof, organic phosphoric acid esters and water-soluble salts thereof and polyvalent metal salts, capable of being dissociated to polyvalent metal ions in water.
  • the Ii patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.
  • U.S. Patent No.4,442,009 issued to O'Leary, et al., on April 10, 1984 presents a method for controlling scale formed from water soluble calcium, magnesium and iron impurities contained in boiler water.
  • the method comprises adding to the water a chelant and water soluble salts thereof, a water soluble phosphate salt and a water soluble poly methacrylic acid or water soluble salt thereof.
  • the O'Leary patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.
  • U.S. Patent No.4,631,131 issued to Cuisia, et al., on December 23, 1986 presents a method for inhibiting formation of scale in an aqueous steam generating boiler system.
  • Said method comprises a chemical treatment consisting essentially of adding to the water in the boiler system scale-inhibiting amounts of a composition comprising a copolymer of aleic acid and alky! sulfonic acid or a water soluble salt thereof, hydroxyl ethylidenel, 1-di ⁇ hosphic acid or a water soluble salt thereof and a water soluble sodium phosphate hardness precipitating agent.
  • the Cuisia patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.
  • U.S. Patent No.4,640,793 issued to Persinski, et al., on February 3, 1987 presents an admixture, and its use in inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, comprising: (a) a water soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than 25,000 comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an unsaturated sulfonic acid, or their salts, having a ratio of 1 :20 to 20: 1 , and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble polycarboxylates, phosphonates, phosphates, polyphosphates, metal salts and sulfonates.
  • the Persinski patent presents chemical combinations which prevent scale and corrosion; however, the Persinski patent does not address electrolysis or combustion.
  • a primary object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes 3 systems and apparatus for an internal combustion engine.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus for electrical energy generation.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus for jet propulsion.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel system for an environmentally friendly, effective and efficient combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel methods, processes, systems and apparatus for environmentally friendly, effective and efficient heat generation.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus that includes hydrogen and oxygen or hydrogen and air or hydrogen and oxygen and air, wherein the temperature of combustion is controlled by the addition of water to combustion so that economical materials of construction for a combustion engine can be used.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible methods, processes, systems and apparatus of increasing the efficiency of combustion.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert water into oxygen and/or hydrogen utilizing the energy available from combustion.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible catalytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the conversion of stream into hydrogen, wherein the steam is produced by a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: oxygen, hydrogen and water; oxygen, hydrogen, water and nitrogen; oxygen, hydrogen, water and air; hydrogen, water and air. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in a description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
  • H 2 O is a product which could perform such a task.
  • Water is made by the combustion of O 2 and H 2 .
  • known methods to produce O 2 are by: liquefaction (cryogenic distillation) of air; membrane separation of air, Pressure Swing Adso ⁇ tion (PSA) of air and electrolysis of H 2 O. All of these processes are friendly to the environment.
  • H 2 is the most abundant element in the universe existing in nearly all compounds and compositions.
  • the discovered WCT utilize the energy of combustion of 0 2 with H 2 as the energy source for combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create energy.
  • the combustion product of 0 2 and H 2 is H 2 O.
  • This combustion reaction is somewhat similar to that of hydrocarbon combustion; however, carbon is removed from the reaction and N 2 is partially or totally removed from the reaction.
  • the WCT eliminates the environmental issues associated with the combustion of C, N and/or S,
  • H 2 O is an environmentally friendly combustion product
  • the combustion temperature of O 2 with H 2 is too high for most combustion materials.
  • the implementation of any new combustion system would be significantly facilitated through .the use of traditional materials of construction, so as to minimize the cost of engine construction.
  • H 2 O is preferably used to control the combustion temperature of O 2 with H .
  • Said H 2 0 can be in one of three forms: a solid (ice particles), a liquid (water vapor) and a gas (steam).
  • H 2 O is in the form of a solid
  • the combustion temperature will be controlled by: the heat capacity of solid H 2 O, the sublimation energy of H 2 0, the heat capacity of H 2 O vapor, the latent heat of vaporization of H 2 0 and the heat capacity of steam.
  • H 2 O is in the form of a liquid
  • the combustion temperature will be controlled by: the heat capacity of liquid H 2 O, the latent heat of vaporization of H 2 0 and the heat capacity of steam.
  • the H 2 0 is a gas
  • the temperature will be controlled by the heat capacity of steam.
  • combustion of 0 2 with H 2 without the inclusion of N 2 and/or Ar or with a minimal inclusion of N 2 and/or Ar from air, improves combustion energy -output by over 300 percent.
  • This aspect of the instant invention can be readily seen by comparing a combustion system which utilizes air for the oxidant, wherein air is approximately only 20 percent 0 2 and 78 percent N 2 , and a combustion system which utilizes very pure 0 2 as the oxidant. Nitrogen reduces the combustion temperature while endothermically producing NO ⁇ , thereby creating pollution while reducing engine efficiency.
  • thermodynamic principals By the first law of thermodynamics, heat added to the system plus work done on the system equals changes in internal energy plus changes in potential and kinetic energy. The recycling of otherwise lost energy by increases both the internal and potential energy, thereby increasing efficiency of the combustion systems.
  • thermodynamics changes in internal energy equal changes in entropy (at a specific temperature) minus the work performed by the system.
  • the invention significantly reduces changes in entropy by recycling otherwise lost entropy while focusing otherwise lost enthalpy into recycled exhaust enthalpy/entropy, the invention significantly increases the internal energy, thereby significantly increasing efficiency.
  • the WCT uses the first and second laws of thermodynamics as an asset.
  • hydrocarbon combustion technology has the first and second laws of thermodynamics as a liability.
  • H 2 0 in the combustion chamber theoretically approaches isothermal combustion.
  • the WCT utilizes electro-chemical pathways to convert H 2 0 into O 2 and H 2 , wherein the electrical energy for these pathways is obtained from at least one of: cooling the engine, exhaust gas energy, combustion output mechanical energy, photovoltaic energy and the energy of air or water motion. Given that the efficiency of most combustion engines (especially the internal combustion engine) is only approximately 20 percent, the discovered WCT can significantly increase the efficiency of combustion.
  • WCT methods, processes, systems and apparatus have the capability to increase the efficiency of a combustion engine to near 40 to 70 percent and the efficiency of the internal combustion engine to near approximately 60 percent. It is theorized that the combustion efficiency can be increased further, depending on the separation efficiency of air into O 2 , N 2 and Ar.
  • the discovered WCT present methods, processes, systems and apparatus for separating 0 2 and N 2 from air in combination with the combustion of 0 2 with H 2 .
  • air is separated utilizing the cryogenic distillation process, which is used to pressure, chill and distill the air, separating air into O 2 and N 2 .
  • the second method air is separated utilizing membranes; the membranes can be of either organic polymer construction or of inorganic construction.
  • PSA Pressure Swing Adso ⁇ tion
  • the separated O 2 produced by at least one of these methods, is preferably used as a fuel in the combustion systems.
  • Cryogenic Distillation In the chemical industry, cryogenic distillation of air into
  • O 2 and N 2 is a common pathway to produce these elemental diatomic gases.
  • nearly all industrial processes for the separation of air into 0 2 and N 2 utilize N 2 or N 2 and Ar as industrial products.
  • the primary use of distilled N 2 and/or Ar would be as a heat sink. This heat sink is preferably utilized to perform at least one of: cool the storage of O 2 or of H 2 , facilitate cryogenic distillation, cool the combustion engine and/or provide refrigeration and/or environmental cooling.
  • this heat sink is preferably used in place of the engine water coolant cooling system (typically a fan cooled radiator) and/or the compressor for the passenger cooling (air conditioning) system.
  • the distillation of Ar is immaterial except as a combustion efficiency improvement; the additional fractionating column to separate Ar should be viewed on a capital investment - efficiency rate of return analysis.
  • Membrane Separation - Membrane separation is much simpler than cryogenic distillation; however, nitrogen is not available as a heat sink. By utilizing the membrane separation process, separate cooling systems will need to potentially be available for the engine and for any passenger or environmental cooling.
  • PSA - PSA separation is simpler than cryogenic processes yet more complicated than membrane separation.
  • PSA has the same drawback, as does membrane separation; N 2 would not be available as a heat sink.
  • separate cooling systems will need to potentially be available for the engine and for any passenger or environmental cooling.
  • the discovered WCT relate to chemical methods, processes, systems and apparatus of producing H 2 from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from combustion.
  • the WCT converts steam into H 2 utilizing a process, which is normally considered a detriment.
  • the WCT utilizes corrosion to chemically convert steam to H 2 .
  • Corrosion utilizes O 2 to convert a metal to its metal oxide, while releasing H 2 .
  • This metal oxide has traditionally been viewed as a detriment since the metal oxide has less strength, durability and luster than its metal counte ⁇ art.
  • the general chemical reaction for corrosion with water as the oxidant would be: M + H 2 O - eV > MO + H 2
  • M is any metal or combination of metals from the Periodic Table and eV is the electromotive potential.
  • eV is the electromotive potential. Due to the electromotive potential of corrosion, many methods of protecting a metal against corrosion are based upon managing the electromotive potential of the metal.
  • One such method is cathodic protection. Under cathodic protection, the metal is protected against corrosion by producing an electromotive potential in the metal that is counter to the electromotive potential for corrosion of that metal.
  • the WCT proposes driving corrosion by creating an anodic potential.
  • the WCT utilizes catalytic sacrificial metal(s) in the exhaust gas (steam), wherein an anodic potential is preferably used to drive corrosion of a metal or a composition of metals, thereby converting at least a portion of the steam to hydrogen.
  • anodic potential is preferably used to drive corrosion of a metal or a composition of metals, thereby converting at least a portion of the steam to hydrogen.
  • the discovered WCT relate to electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to electro-che ically convert H 2 0 into 0 2 and H 2 . It is to be understood that under the best of engineered circumstances, the electrical energy required by electrolysis to convert H 2 0 into O 2 and H 2 will be greater than the energy obtained by the combustion of 0 2 and H 2 .
  • electrolysis allows for significant improvements in the efficiency of combustion by reclaiming energy which would othe ⁇ vise be lost.
  • the electrical energy recovered is from the steam of combustion or from at least one of: mechanical energy conversion, steam energy conversion, light energy conversion, wind energy conversion or water wheel energy conversion, once the capital cost of conversion equipment is in place, the cost of energy conversion is limited to equipment maintenance expense.
  • mechanical energy, steam energy, moving air (wind) or water energy and photovoltaic (sun) energy are discovered.
  • Electrolysis may create enough fuel from H 2 O at a very low energy conversion cost to increase the fuel efficiency of the entire combustion system.
  • the application of the internal combustion engine is an excellent example of a situation wherein electrolysis may be used to turn H 2 O into a fuel source.
  • the internal combustion engine once in operation, turns normally at approximately 500 to approximately 6000 ⁇ m and infrequently in specially engineered situation to approximately 10,000 to 20,000 ⁇ m.
  • a generator either located on the drive shaft or activated by a transmission device and driven by the drive shaft, could be turned by the mechanical energy of the combustion engine to create an electrical current for the electrolytic conversion of H 2 O into O 2 and H 2 .
  • H 2 O is utilized to control the combustion temperature of the combustion system
  • a steam driven turbine generator can be further utilized in the exhaust stream of the WCT to create electricity. Electricity can then be used for the electrolysis of H 2 O into O 2 and H 2 .
  • the WCT specifically for the generation of electricity, there would not be much excess electricity.
  • the WCT relates to the application of muffler technologies as those technologies are known and used to muffle the noise of combustion.
  • mufflers are installed to limit the noise produced by combustion. While muffler designs do control the noise or air vibration from a combustion engine, current muffler designs waste available combustion exhaust gas energy.
  • the installation of a steam turbine in the combustion engine exhaust gas stream is preferred to produce an electrical current. It is preferred that the steam turbine absorb air vibration from combustion. It is preferred to install easily oxidized metal(s) in a contact muffler chamber to create H 2 from the steam produced in the combustion systems.
  • the combination of a steam driven turbine generator and catalytic conversion metal(s) in the exhaust would be a most preferred combination to convert the steam energy of the exhaust gases from the combustion systems into electrical energy, while muffling the air vibration in the exhaust gases.
  • Figure 2 illustrates in block diagram from a general thermodynamic description of a traditional hydrocarbon combustion engine.
  • Figure 2A illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, processes, systems and apparatus to manage H O, O 2 , H 2 and air in the discovered WCT combustion engine.
  • Figure 3 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, processes, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates alternate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity for electrolysis to convert H 2 O into H and 0 2 .
  • Figure 4 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O , H 2 and air wherein H 2 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 .
  • Figure 5 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 .
  • Figure 6 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , as well as electrolysis to convert H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 .
  • Figure 7 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the combustion temperature and the fuel system inco ⁇ orates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 , as well as electricity for electrolysis to convert H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 .
  • Figure 8 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates catalytic conversion of steam into H , along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O 2 , as well as electrolysis to convert H 2 0 into H 2 and 0 2 .
  • Figure 9 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates the separation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 with at least one of membranes and PSA.
  • Figure 10 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates the separation of air into nitrogen and O2 with at least one of membranes and PSA, as well as electrolysis to convert H 2 0 into H 2 and 0 2 .
  • Figure 11 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H ; 0 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , along with the separation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 with at least one of membranes and PSA, as well as alternate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity for electrolysis to convert H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 .
  • Figure 12 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O 2 .
  • Figure 13 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , along with the separation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 with at least one of membranes and PSA.
  • Figure 14 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for heating the combustion mixture for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • Figure 15 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and 0 2 .
  • Figure 16 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates the separation of air into nitrogen and O 2 with at least one of membranes and PSA.
  • Figure 17 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O 2 .
  • Figure 18 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system inco ⁇ orates catalytic conversion of steam into H 2 , along with the separation of air into nitrogen and O 2 with at least one of membranes and PSA.
  • Figure 19 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for heating the combustion mixture for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • Figure 20 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for liquefaction and cooling of 0 2 and/or H 2 storage for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 , H 2 and air wherein H 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • Figures 21 and 21A illustrate in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for steam turbine(s), wherein the steam turbine(s) located in and powered by the exhaust of a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 air and H 2 ; 0 2s H 2 and air wherein H 2 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • Figure 22 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for an air turbine, wherein said air turbine provides electricity to separate H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 0 is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • FIGS 23 and 23A illustrate in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a H 2 O turbine, wherein said H 2 O turbine provides electricity to separate H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; O 2 , H and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • Figure 24 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for pressure control for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O 2 and H 2 ; air and H 2 ; 0 2 , H 2 and air wherein H 2 O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.
  • the timing of the invention is significant since global warming is becoming a global political issue.
  • the timing of the invention is significant since the availability of oil and natural gas, the sources of hydrocarbons, are becoming global political issues.
  • the timing of the invention is significant since air pollution is becoming a health issue for much of civilization.
  • the timing of the invention is significant since the market of natural gas (methane, ethane, propane and/or butane) is affecting the production and/or market price of electricity.
  • the WCT presents environmentally friendly combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus, which are efficient and which will require a reasonable amount of tooling to implement. And, in the case of the internal combustion en ine s the WCT present a combustion process, which will have a e6 feeP to the driver which is similar to that of hydrocarbon combustion engines; this "feel" will further implementation of the invention.
  • the methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT solve the myriad of challenges that have kept hydrogen based combustion technologies from commercialization. These challenges are, yet are not limited to: 1) fuel combustion temperature and the associated combustion engine cost, 2) the volume of fuel required and the associated fuel storage requirements, 3) engine efficiency and the associated fuel required, 4) the generation of NO ⁇ , 5) engine efficiency and the associated cost of operation, 6) combustion engine size and the associated combustion engine cost, 7) required fuel and fuel storage in general, 8) cost of operation in general, 9) combustion engine cost in general and in the case of the internal combustion engine 10) an engine that meets customer expectations for feel, efficiency, cost and environmental impact.
  • the methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT utilize the heat of combustion of O 2 with H 2 as the primary energy source for combustion systems to create energy.
  • a preferred embodiment of the WCT would be a fuel mixture of O 2 and H 2 .
  • a most preferred embodiment of the WCT would be to add H 2 O to the combustion chamber to control the combustion temperature. It is an embodiment to cool the engine with H 2 O in the combustion chamber, wherein the gas of combustion is at least one of water vapor and steam. It is an embodiment to cool combustion with an excess of air. It is a preferred embodiment of WCT to manage the final temperature in the combustion mixture prior to ignition so that the mixture is in at least one of a gaseous or fluid state. It is a preferred embodiment that the combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT be at least one of: internal combustion, heating combustion and turbine combustion, as these applications are known in the art of combustion science.
  • cryogenic O 2 and/or cryogenic H 2 may inhibit combustion.
  • a preferred embodiment of the WCT would be to at least partially control the combustion temperature and/or the engine temperature by the temperature of 0 2 and/or H 2 . It is most preferred to preheat at least one of: 0 2 , H 2 , and H 2 0 to a temperature/pressure combination that is allows for efficient combustion. To manage this energy it is a preferred embodiment to heat at least one of the: O2, H2, combustion H 2 0 and any combination therein by heat exchange from at least one of: ambient temperature, engine combustion energy, engine exhaust steam energy and radiant energy from an electrical resistant heating device and any combination therein.
  • Figure 19 approximates the preferred embodiment of combustion heating the combustion mixture. While not most preferred, an embodiment of combustion would be to add H 2 O at least one of N 2 and Ar to the combustion chamber, utilizing as a heat sink the H 2 O as well as N 2 and/or Ar to control the combustion temperature. While not preferred, an embodiment would be to utilize air instead of O 2 as a source of O 2 , whenever enough O2 is not available, to combust with H 2 to produce H 2 O as the primary combustion product, knowing that NO ⁇ will be a secondary combustion product. An embodiment for the combustion of air and H 2 is preferably accomplished with H 2 O added to the combustion chamber, thereby utilizing H 2 O as a heat sink to reduce the combustion temperature, thereby minimizing NO ⁇ , and to produce steam.
  • An embodiment for the combustion of air and H 2 is preferably accomplished with excess air to cool combustion, thereby minimizing the formation of NO ⁇ .
  • WCT the methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the most preferred embodiment(s), the preferred embodiments) and the embodiments) of combustion will be herein after be referred to as WCT. Methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the WCT are approximated in figures 2 through 24.
  • Cryogenic distillation principals inco ⁇ orated into the WCT are those principles as are known in the art of cryogenic distillation. It is to be understood that per the Vapor- Liquid-Equilibrium diagram for each stage of distillation, the temperature of distillation is dependent upon the distillation pressure; higher separation pressures lead to higher separation temperatures. It is to be understood that the N 2 /O 2 separation portion contains either one, two or three columns for the production of 0 2 , depending on the purity desired; the second column may be eliminated to reach purities of 0 2 which are less than
  • the third column is desired to separate Ar from 0 2 .
  • a most preferred embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson
  • a preferred embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson Effect and the vaporization of a liquid.
  • An embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson Effect and the expansion of a gas doing work in an engine.
  • a most preferred embodiment is to operate the first stage distillation column at 100 to 200 psia.
  • a preferred embodiment is to operate the first stage distillation column at atmospheric to 500 psia.
  • a preferred embodiment is the use of recycled N 2 as a heat sink, wherein said N 2 is used to cool at least one of: 0 2 storage, H 2 storage, a cooling system of the combustion engine, a cooling system for electrolysis, the combustion engine, electrolysis, air in an air conditioning system, an portion of cryogenic distillation of air and/or any combination therein.
  • a most preferred embodiment is to cryogenically distill air, wherein the energy utilized for cryogenic separation is energy generated by the WCT and wherein the separated O 2 is utilized as a fuel in the WCT.
  • FIGS 5, 7, 8, 12, 1 and 17 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT, wherein cryogenic distillation is used to separate air, wherein 0 2 from said separation is used as a fiiel in said WCT.
  • Membranes - Membranes of either organic or inorganic construction, can effectively be used to separate air into O 2 .
  • Membrane separation principals incorporated into the WCT are to be those principles as known in the art of membrane separation. Staged membrane separation is preferred to produce the purest O 2 .
  • With the use of inorganic or organic polymer membranes it is preferred to place an electrical potential across a membrane designed to hold an electrical potential to facilitate separation.
  • PSA - Whether of positive pressure or vacuum adso ⁇ tion, PSA can effectively be used to separate air.
  • PSA principals inco ⁇ orated into the WCT are those principles as are l ⁇ iown in the an of PSA. While there are material designs for the adso ⁇ tion of 0 2 as well as N 2 , it is preferred to perform 0 2 adso ⁇ tion to minimize the size of PSA. It is most preferred to utilize PSA to separate air, wherein the 0 2 from said separation is used as a fuel in WCT. It is most preferred to utilize the energy of combustion from the WCT to provide energy, wherein said energy powers said PSA, wherein said PSA separates air, wherein the 0 2 from said separation is used as a fuel in the WCT.
  • Figures 9, 10, 11, 13, 16 and 18 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT, wherein at least one of organic membrane(s), inorganic membrane(s), PSA and/or any combination therein is used to separate air, wherein 0 2 from said separation is used as a fuel in said WCT.
  • liquefaction of either H 2 or O 2 is a depicted option. It is preferred to utilized warm generated 0 2 and H 2 in combustion as a first preference over liquefied O 2 or H 2 ; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in Figure 20.
  • the WCT relates to chemical methods of producing H 2 from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from the WCT.
  • FIGS 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus discovered in this aspect of the WCT.
  • the WCT converts steam into H 2 utilizing the corrosion process.
  • a preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H 2 utilizing the corrosion of at least one metal.
  • a most preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H 2 , wherein said H 2 is produced by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein that corrosion is enhanced by an electrical current in the metal(s).
  • a preferred embodiment to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H 2 wherein said H is created by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein said H 2 is used as a fuel in said WCT.
  • a most preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H 2 , wherein said H 2 is created by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein said corrosion is enhanced by an electrical current in the metal(s), wherein said H 2 is used as a fuel in the WCT.
  • liquefaction of H 2 is a depicted option. It is preferred to utilized warm generated H 2 in combustion as a first preference over liquefied H2; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in Figure 20.
  • the WCT relate to electrolysis methods, processes, systems and apparatus to electrolytically convert H 2 O into O 2 and H 2 , wherein said O 2 and H 2 are used as fuel in the WCT.
  • Electrolysis principals inco ⁇ orated into the WCT are to be those principles as. l ⁇ iown in the art of electrolysis.
  • Figures 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 1 1 approximate the methods, processes, systems and apparatus for electrolysis in the WCT. It is preferred to utilize warm generated O 2 and H 2 in combustion as a first preference over liquefied O 2 or H 2 ; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in Figure 20.
  • the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in H 0 prior to electrolytic separation, as well as in O 2 and in H .
  • Said 0 2 and H 2 are available for fuel in the WCT and/or for a fuel cell to create electrical energy.
  • the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in H 2 O, wherein said H 2 O can electrolytically be converted to O 2 and H 2 , wherein at least a portion of said electrolytically converted O 2 and/or H 2 are is used as fuel in the WCT and/or in a fuel cell to create electrical energy.
  • the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in at least one of: H 2 O, 0 2 , H 2 and any combination therein, as well as in batteries.
  • the mechanical rotating energy produced by the WCT enter a transmission, wherein said transmission engage in a manner that is inversely proportional to the torque and/or work output of the WCT, wherein said transmission output mechanical rotating energy turn said generator to create said electrical energy.
  • Said transmission is to be as is known in the art. It is most preferred that said transmission engage a flywheel capable of storing rotational kinetic energy, wherein said flywheel turns said generator.
  • Figures 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to recycle mechanical rotating energy as discovered.
  • a preferred embodiment is the conversion of mechanical rotating energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing an electrical generator device.
  • a most preferred embodiment is wherein said electrical energy is utilised in the electrolysis of H 2 0 into H 2 and 0 2 .
  • a most preferred embodiment is the conversion of mechanical rotating energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing an electrical generator device, wherein said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 , wherein said H 2 and/or O 2 is used as fuel in the WCT.
  • a compressor for at least one of: liquefaction of O 2 , chilling of O 2 , liquefaction of H 2 , chilling of H 2 and any combination therein. It is most preferred that said compressor be powered by the WCT.
  • Figure 20 illustrates in block diagram form chilling and/or liquefaction of O 2 and/or H 2 .
  • a preferred embodiment is the conversion of steam energy, wherein said steam energy is created by the WCT, wherein said steam energy is converted into electrical energy utilizing at least one steam turbine, wherein said steam turbine(s) turns at least one generator creating said electrical energy. It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternator is used, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted from an alternating current to a direct current, as is known in the art. A most preferred embodiment is wherein at least a portion said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H 2 0 into H 2 and O 2 .
  • a most preferred embodiment is the conversion of steam energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing at least one steam turbine, wherein each said steam turbine(s) turn a generator device, wherein said generator device(s) creates an electrical current, wherein at least a portion of said electrical current is utilized in the electrolysis of H 2 0 into H 2 and O 2 , wherein at least a portion of said H 2 and/or O 2 is used as fuel in said WCT.
  • a preferred embodiment of the WCT is the conversion of the energy of moving air or water into electrical energy, wherein said electrical energy is created by a generator from the moving air or water utilizing a generator which turns in direct consequence of the moving air or water, wherein at least a portion of said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 . It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternating current is created, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted to a direct current.
  • a most preferred embodiment is use of at least a portion of said H 2 and/or O 2 as fuel in the WCT.
  • the energy of steam is measured in temperature and in pressure. Assuming saturated steam, steam energy is measured by pressure alone, i.e. the steam is normally termed 150, 300 or 400 psig steam, etc. Only in the case superheated steam is steam energy measured by both pressure and temperature. Steam looses temperature and pressure as energy is used. Upon loosing energy, steam temperature and pressure (usually just measured as pressure) reduces and the steam begins condensing water. Once all of the steam energy is depleted, there is no pressure or water vapor, just hot water. Using this knowledge, one may expect all electrical generation facilities to use every last BTU or psig of steam. Such is not done, because such is not economical, given the required investment in pollution control equipment, heat transfer equipment (boilers) and in steam turbines.
  • steam turbine(s) of the WCT be installed in a configuration, wherein the exhaust of the WCT turn said steam turbine(s), wherein condensation is removed. It is most preferred to transfer said condensation to electrolysis. Said removal of steam energy is most preferably performed in a staged system, wherein at each stage a portion of the energy of the steam is removed by a steam turbine and the resulting condensation is removed prior to the next steam turbine or stage of energy removal. It is most preferred that all of the steam energy (pressure) be removed by the steam turbine/water removal system(s). It is preferred that at least a portion of the energy of the steam (pressure) be removed by the steam turbine/ water removal syste .
  • Figures 21 and 21 A approximates the methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert steam energy into electrical energy.
  • the energy of moving air or water is measured in mass and velocity. Since the mass of air or water into an air or water turbine is equals the mass out of said turbine, the change in velocity is the measure of energy removal. That energy difference can be directly calculated using the laws of physics, specifically kinetic energy. However, it must be noted that the difference in velocity, the removed energy, which can be converted into electrical energy by the turbine will have an opposite drag force. For a stationary combustion engine of the discovered WCT, said drag force can be counterbalanced by the support structure of the turbine. However, in transportation applications wherein the drag force is counter to the direction of motion, said drag force will reduce transportation efficiency. In transportation applications, the vehicle inherently contains a drag force that reduces transportation efficiency.
  • FIG. 23 and 23A approximates WCT methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert moving water energy into electrical energy. It is preferred to use said electrical energy from said water energy to electrolytically convert H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 . It is most preferred to use said H 2 and/or said O 2 as fuel for said WCT.
  • Heating The discovered WCT is especially suited for applications to generate heat. Heat generation may be performed using the WCT in both industrial and domestic applications. In the case of heating a gas or a liquid, the heat energy of the WCT can be effectively transferred via any heat exchange equipment as is known in the art of heat transfer. In the case of heating air, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion be discharged directly into said air to be heated. In the case of heating air to be used in an enclosed human, plant and/or animal application, wherein the combustion components are at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; and O 2 , H 2 and H 2 O, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion discharge directly into said air, thereby providing humidified heated air.
  • the exhaust of combustion discharge directly into said water to be heated, wherein the water heater or hot water storage has a vent to release generated NO ⁇ .
  • the combustion components are at least one of: 0 2 and H 2 ; and 0 2 , H 2 and H 2 0, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion can be discharged directly into said water to be heated, and wherein the water heater or hot water storage has a pressure relief device, as is known in the art. It is most preferred in heating applications that the WCT create electricity, as well as heat the subject gas and/or liquid.
  • Configurations for the heating of a gas or a liquid are limited to the creativity of the designer; however, configurations approximating the WCT, wherein the heating of a gas or a liquid is performed is approximated in Figures 2 through 18, wherein heat transfer can be performed either in the exhaust of said combustion or in the block of said WCT (CE). (In this case cooling said CE is not a loss of efficiency since the removed heat has a pu ⁇ ose.)
  • the discovered WCT is especially suited for applications to remove heat.
  • Heat removal may be performed using the WCT, wherein at least one of: cryogenic distillation is performed and/or the WCT provides mechanical energy, wherein said mechanical energy powers a refrigeration system.
  • cryogenic distillation is performed and/or the WCT provides mechanical energy, wherein said mechanical energy powers a refrigeration system.
  • the heat sink capability of the chilled N 2 from said cryogenic distillation is preferably transferred via heat exchange equipment, as is known in the art of heat transfer.
  • a refrigeration unit is preferably used, wherein said refrigeration unit is powered by energy is created by the WCT.
  • the heat sink capability of the chilled N 2 from said cryogenic distillation be transferred either directly to said air and/or via any heat exchange technology as is known in the art of heat transfer. It is most preferred in cooling applications that the WCT create electricity, as well as cool a gas and/or liquid. System configurations for the cooling of a gas or a liquid are limited to the creativity of the designer.
  • Water Chemistry Water is the most efficient and economical method of storing 0 2 and/or H 2 .
  • Electrolysis of water is the preferred method of converting stored H 2 and or O 2 as H 2 O into combustible form. Electrolysis is best performed with a dissolved electrolyte in the water; the dissolved electrolyte or salt will improve conductivity in the water, thereby reducing the required electrical energy to perform electrolysis. It is an embodiment to perform electrolysis upon water that contains an electrolyte. It is preferred to perform electrolysis upon water that contains a salt. It is most preferred to perform electrolysis upon water that contains polyelectrolytes. However, many dissolved cation(s) and anion(s) combination(s) can precipitate over time reducing the efficiency of electrolysis.
  • a dispersant is preferably added to water to prevent scale.
  • Dispersants are low molecular weight polymers, usually organic acids having a molecular weight of less than 25,000 and preferably less than 10,000.
  • Dispersant chemistry is based upon carboxylic chemistry, as well as alkyl sulfate, alkyl sulfite and alkyl sulfide chemistry; it is the oxygen atom that creates the dispersion, wherein oxygen takes its form in the molecule as a carboxylic moiety and/or a sulfoxy moiety.
  • Dispersants that can be used which contain the carboxyl moiety are, but are not limited to: acrylic polymers, acrylic acid, polymers of acrylic acid, methaerylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, vinyl benzoic acid, any polymers of these acids and/or any combination therein.
  • Dispersants that can be used contain the alkyl sulfoxy or allyl sulfoxy moieties include any alkyl or allyl compound, which is water soluble containing a moiety that is at least one of: SO, S0 2 , SO 3 , and/or any combination therein.
  • any water soluble organic compound containing at least one of a carboxylic moiety and/or a sulfoxy moiety is an embodiment that any water soluble organic compound containing at least one of a carboxylic moiety and/or a sulfoxy moiety. (This is with the knowledge that not all dispersants have equivalent dispersing properties.) Acrylic polymers exhibit very good dispersion properties, thereby limiting the deposition of water soluble salts and are most preferred embodiments as a dispersant. The limitation in the use of a dispersant is in the dispersants water solubility in combination with its carboxylic nature and/or sulfoxy nature.
  • Water is inherently corrosive to metals. Water naturally oxidizes metals, some with a greater oxidation rate than others. To minimize corrosion, it is preferred that the water have a pH of equal to or greater than 7.5, wherein the alkalinity of the pH is from the hydroxyl anion. Further, to prevent corrosion or deposition of water deposits on steam turbines, it is preferred to add a corrosion inhibitor to the water. It is an embodiment to utilize nitrogen containing corrosion inhibitors, such as hydrazine, as is known in the art. It is preferred not to utilize nitrogen containing corrosion inhibitors.
  • Corrosion inhibitors are added to water to prevent corrosion.
  • Chelants can be used to prevent corrosion, as wel 1 as complex and prevent the deposition of many cations, including hardness and heavy metals.
  • Chelants or chelating agents are compounds having a heterocyclic ring wherein at least two kinds of atoms are joined in a ring. Chelating is forming a heterocyclic ring compound by joining a chelating agent to a metal ion. Chelants contain a metal ion attached by coordinate bonds (i.e. a covalent chemical bond is produced when an atom shares a pair of electrons with an atom lacking such a pair) to at least two nonmetal ions in the same heterocyclic ring.
  • Examples of the number of chelants used for mineral deposition in the present invention are water soluble phosphates consisting of phosphate, phosphate polymers, phosphate monomers and/or any combination thereof.
  • the phosphate polymers consist of, but are not limited to, phosphoric acid esters, metaphosphates, hexametaphosphates, pyrophosphates and/or any combination thereof.
  • Phosphate polymers are particularly effective in dispersing magnesium silicate, magnesium hydroxide and calcium phosphates.
  • Phosphate polymers are particularly effective at corrosion control. With proper selection of a polymer, along with maintaining an adequate polymer concentration level, the surface charge on particle(s) can be favorably altered.
  • Chelants lock the metals in the water into soluble organic ring structures of the chelants. Chelants provide reactive sites that attract coordination sites (i.e. areas of the ion that are receptive to chemical bonding) of the cations. Iron, for example, has six coordination sites. All coordination sites of the iron ion are used to form a stable metal chelant. Chelants combine with cations such as calcium, magnesium, iron and copper that could otherwise form deposits. The resulting chelated particles are water soluble. The effectiveness of chelant(s) is limited by the concentration of competing anions, alkalinity and temperature.
  • the effect of adding sufficient amounts of the number of chelant(s) by the WCT is to reduce available free metal ions in the water and therefore, reduce the phosphate demand.
  • Phosphate such as phosphoric acid and/or pyrophosphoric acid is used to complex or form metal phosphates, which are insoluble.
  • phosphate polymers such as metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and as a chelant to prevent correspondingly any precipitation of calcium and/or magnesium, while providing corrosion control.
  • Metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate soften the water by removing the free calcium and/or magnesium ions from the water and by bringing the metal ions into a soluble slightly-ionized compound or radical.
  • the water containing any excess metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate will actually dissolve any phosphate or carbonate which may deposit.
  • Metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate do not throw the metal ions out of solution as is the case of usual water softening compounds, but rather lock up the metal ions in a metaphosphate and/or a hexametaphosphate complex molecule; these molecules provide a one or two molecule thickness coating on metal surfaces to limit metal corrosion. This is particularly important for heavy metal materials.
  • the WCT will have applications wherein the recycling or uses of the exhaust gasses of combustion create high operating pressures. Further, it is very feasible that there may be unintended operating situations, wherein the operating pressure becomes greater than the design pressure of the equipment employed; any such situation can be a significant safety issue. In the case of the internal combustion engine, a significant industry paradigm shift may be required for the industry to even consider trapping and recycling combustion engine exhaust gases.
  • the discovered WCT will contain at least one of: H 2 , N 2 , O 2 , H 2 O and/or any combination therein at various pressures in many aspects of the invention. To ensure that the WCT operate safely, in the event of an equipment operating failure or of equipment operating in excess of the intended pressure, pressure relief is preferred. Pressure relief can limit the potential event of a catastrophic failure.
  • pressure relief device(s) be installed throughout the WCT as those devices are known in the art and as are normally located via a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis and/or a Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Example devices include pressure relief valves, rupture discs and pressure relief control loops.
  • a pressure relief device be installed downstream of any compression generating portion of the WCT.
  • pressure relief device(s) be installed immediately downstream of any compressor and in the combustion engine exhaust.
  • Figures 2 through 18 approximate the location of pressure control/relief in the combustion engine exhaust.
  • Figure 24 approximates pressure relief designs.
  • a combustion engine (CE) is symbolically shown for receiving as fuel H 2 and at least one of: 0 2 and air.
  • Said combustion engine may be of any type, wherein combustion is performed to generate at least one of: mechanical torque, heat, thrust, electricity and/or any combination therein. It is preferred that H 0 be received in the combustion chamber, along with said fuel, said H 2 O in the combustion chamber is to be termed combustion H 2 0.
  • H 2 flowing to CE is to have a flow.
  • 0 2 flowing to CE to have a flow.
  • Air flowing to CE is to have a flow.
  • Means to measure said H 2 flow, measure said O 2 flow and measure said air flow are to be provided such that a proportional signal in relation to flow is sent to the CE controller (CONT) from each of said H 2 flow measuring device, said 0 2 flow measuring device and said air flow measuring device.
  • H 2 flowing to CE is to have flow valve(s).
  • 0 flowing to CE to have flow control valve(s).
  • Air flowing to CE is to have flow control device(s) in the form of a valve or a compressor.
  • CONT is to have as input said H 2 flow signal, said O 2 flow signal and said air flow signal.
  • Said controller is to receive an input signal from an external source indicating the combustion setpoint. Said controller is to compare said combustion setpoint to said H 2 flow signal, sending a proportional signal to said H flow control valve that is in proportion to the difference in the combustion setpoint and the H 2 flow signal, thereby proportioning said H 2 flow control valve. CONT is to compare said 0 2 flow signal and said air flow signal to an H 2 /O 2 ratio setpoint, providing a proportional signal to an O 2 flow control valve and to an air flow control device, wherein: said H 2 flow, said O 2 flow and said air flow are such that the molar ratio of H 2 /O 2 is approximately 2:1.
  • CONT sends a signal to close said air flow control device.
  • CONT compares said O 2 flow signal and said air flow signal to said H 2 /O 2 ratio setpoint obtaining an air flow difference, sending a proportional signal to said air flow control device that is in proportion to said difference, thereby proportioning said air flow control device.
  • the H 2 flow control valve(s) consist of a two staged system of flow control valves.
  • the first H 2 flow control valve, downstream of generated H 2 and downstream of H 2 storage is to control H 2 flow to CE.
  • the second H 2 flow control valve (for installations that have generated H 2 ) is to be located from the generated H 2 line and be located in the H 2 line flow from H 2 storage.
  • the second H 2 flow control valve is to remain closed until the first H 2 control valve is near approximately 100 % open (thereby assuring full usage of generated H 2 prior usage of stored H 2 ) at which time the second H 2 flow control valve will begin opening to supply H 2 from storage.
  • the 0 2 flow control valve(s) consist of two staged flow control valves.
  • the first 0 2 flow control valve, downstream of generated 0 2 and downstream of O 2 storage is to control O 2 flow to CE.
  • the second O 2 flow control valve is to be located from the generated O line and be located in the 0 2 line ' flow from 0 2 storage.
  • the second 0 2 flow control valve is to remain closed until the first O2 control valve is near approximately 100 % open (thereby assuring full usage of generated 0 2 prior usage of stored 0 2 ) at which time the second 0 2 flow control valve will begin opening to supply O from storage.
  • combustion H 2 O have flow to said combustion chamber(s) in CE. It is preferred that a source of coolant flow to and/or through the block of CE. It is preferred that a temperature measurement device have a means of measuring combustion temperature and/or CE block temperature near the combustion chambers) of CE. Means to measure said combustion H 2 O flow and measure said combustion temperature are to be provided such that a proportional signal is sent to a controller (CONT) from each of said combustion H 2 O flow measuring device and said combustion temperature measuring device. CONT is to have as input said combustion H 2 O flow signal, afore said H 2 flow signal and said temperature signal.
  • CONT have a hot temperature setpoint, a coolant temperature setpoint, a warm temperature setpoint and an H 2 /H 2 O ratio setpoint. It is preferred that CONT compare afore said H 2 flow signal and said combustion H 2 O flow signal to said H 2 /H 2 O ratio setpoint, in combination with comparing said temperature signal to said warm temperature setpoint, said coolant temperature setpoint, said hot temperature setpoint and provide a proportional signal to said combustion H 2 O flow control vale and to said coolant flow control valve.
  • CONT send a signal to said coolant flow control valve to close said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said combustion H 2 O flow control valve to close said combustion H 2 0 flow control valve.
  • CONT send a signal to said coolant flow control valve to close said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said combustion H O flow control valve, wherein said signal is proportional to the difference between said measured temperature signal and the warm temperature setpoint, and wherein the H 2 /H 2 O ratio is greater than said H 2 /H 2 0 ratio setpoint, thereby proportioning said combustion H 2 0 flow control valve.
  • CONT send a signal to the combustion H 2 0 flow control valve, wherein the H /H 2 0 ratio is equal to said H 2 /H 2 0 ratio setpoint, thereby proportioning said combust on water flow control valve; and send a signal to said coolant flow control valve, where n said signal is proportional to the difference between said temperature signal and sai d coolant setpoint, thereby proportioning said coolant flow control valve.
  • CONT send a signal to open the combustion H 2 O flow control valve 100%, which obtains a H 2 /H 2 O ratio less than said H 2 /H 2 O setpoint; and send a signal in proportion to the difference between the temperature signal and said coolant setpoint to said coolant flow valve, thereby proportioning said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said H 2 flow control valve, thereby closing said H 2 flow control valve; and send a signal to said O2 flow control valve, thereby closing said 0 2 flow control valve; and send a signal to said air flow control device, thereby closing said air flow control device.
  • the WCT Engine operate at a temperature between said warm temperature setpoint and said coolant temperature setpoint. It is preferred that energy not leave the WCT engine via coolant. It is most preferred that required engine cooling be performed by the addition of combustion H 2 O to the combustion chamber(s).
  • Said WCT Engine is to preferably obtain O 2 from at least one of: O 2 storage, cryogenic distillation, membrane separation, PSA, electrolysis of H 2 O and/or any combination therein.
  • Said cryogenic distillation is to obtain 0 2 from at least one of air and/or electrolysis of H 2 O.
  • Said membrane separation and/or said PSA is preferably to obtain O 2 from air.
  • Said cryogenic distillation and/or said membrane separation and/or said PSA is to preferably be powered by said WCT Engine.
  • Said 0 2 storage is to preferably be performed at cryogenic temperatures.
  • the mechanical energy for said cryogenic storage is preferably created by said WCT Engine.
  • Said WCT Engine is preferably to obtain H 2 from at least one of: H 2 storage, steam corrosion of a metal(s), electrolysis of H 2 O and/or any combination therein.
  • Said steam, to produce H 2 from said corrosion. is preferably an exhaust product of said WCT
  • Said H 2 storage is to preferably be performed at cryogenic temperatures.
  • the mechanical energy for said cryogenic storage is preferably created by said WCT Engine.
  • Afore said electrolysis of H 2 O is preferably to obtain electrical energy for electrolysis from a generator driven by at least one of: a steam turbine, mechanical rotating energy, an air turbine powered by the energy of moving air, a water turbine powered by the energy of moving water and/or any combination therein and/or photovoltaic cell(s). It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternator or dynamo is used, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted from an alternating current to a direct- current.
  • Said steam turbine is most preferably powered by steam generated by afore said WCT Engine.
  • Said mechanical rotating energy is preferably powered by afore said WCT Engine.
  • the WCT Engine is to preferably generate mechanical energy in the form of torque. It is preferred that said mechanical energy turn a generator, wherein said generator create electrical energy. Exhaust from said WCT Engine is preferably to turn a steam turbine, wherein said steam turbine turns a generator, wherein said generator creates electrical energy. It is preferred that at least a portion of said electrical energy is used to electrolytically convert H 2 O into H 2 and O 2 . It is most preferred to use a portion of said H 2 and/or said O 2 as fuel for said WCT Engine.
  • Materials of construction for the WCT Engine, the fuel and energy management systems and apparatus are to be those as known in the art for each application as said application is otherwise performed in the subject art.
  • various composite and metal alloys are known and used as materials for use at cryogenic temperatures.
  • Various composite and metal alloys are known and used as materials for use at operating temperatures of over 500 °F.
  • Various ceramic materials can be conductive, perform at operating temperatures of over 2,000 °F, act as an insulator, act as a semiconductor and/or perform other functions.
  • Various iron compositions and alloys are known for their performance in combustion engines that operate approximately in the 200 to 1,500 °F range. Titanium and titanium alloys are known to operate over 2,000 and 3,000 °F.
  • Tantalum and tungsten are known to operate well over 3,000 °F. It is preferred to have at least a portion of the construction of the WCT Engine contain an alloy composition wherein at least one of: a period 4, period 5 and/or a period 6 heavy metal is used, as that metal(s) is known in the art to perform individually or to combine in a alloy to limit corrosion and/or perform in a cryogenic temperature application and/or perform in a temperature application over 1 ,000 °F. While aluminum is lightweight and can perform limited structural applications, aluminum is limited in application temperature. Due to the operating temperatures involved in the WCT Engine, thermoplastic materials are not preferred unless the application of use takes into account the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material.
  • a traditional gasoline internal combustion engine obtains approximately 20 miles per gallon.
  • E F 20 pg + -35% E F + «35% E F + ⁇ 9% E F + ⁇ 1 % E F
  • E F E w + ⁇ 80% EF in energy losses for internal CE(s).
  • E F 20 mpg + 80% E F ;
  • E F 100 mpg and E w * 20% E F
  • E F E w + E E ⁇ + Ec + Efric + C E Assuming: 1) complete engine insulation, 2) a steam turbine with 80% efficiency, 2) a generator with 90% efficiency and 3) an electrolysis unit with 80% efficiency turns E x and Ec together into approximately 30% E F Using WCT,
  • E F Ew + 0.30 E F + -9% E F + -1% E F
  • n-Octane 1 1.4 kcal/g and at 454 g/lb.
  • E F 5176 kcal/lb. (This excludes endothermic losses in the formation of NO ⁇ .)
  • density of n-Octane is approximately 5.9 lb/gallon, which leads to energy figures for n-Octane in the average automobile:
  • H 2 is 100% as delivered. Since cryogenics are at least approximately 16% efficient, the production of 0 is conservatively estimated to be 16% efficient.
  • H 2 has a market price of approximately $0.50/lb. and gasoline has a price of approximately $1.60 per gallon or approximately $0.27 per pound.
  • gasoline has a price of approximately $1.60 per gallon or approximately $0.27 per pound.
  • the efficiency of combustion is approximately 99 percent.
  • the efficiency of the natural gas turbine is approximately 20 percent.
  • F X voT e ⁇ M H2 + M 02 + M H2 o + M A)r ⁇
  • Preferred operation is H 2 with air while stoichiometically increasing the jet air intake for H 2 thermodynamics and/or to operate with excess air for cooling. 2.
  • H 2 with 0 2 and excess air cooling is most preferred.
  • 0 2 with H 2 O is preferred.
  • H 2 and air are preferred at altitudes wherein there is enough air available.
  • H 2 , 0 2 and air is preferred at moderate altitudes and high altitudes.
  • H 2 , O 2 and H 2 O is preferred at all altitudes and most preferred at very high altitudes, such as in a space plane appl ication .
  • H 2 , O 2 and air is preferred in after burn or high thrust situations, thereby increasing thrust capability upwards of 150% over that available with K or H 2 combined with air.
  • H 2 O is preferred to cool exhaust, thereby reducing the WCT heat signature and the ability of a heat seeking missile to find the WCT.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engine Equipment That Uses Special Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à des procédés, des processus, des systèmes et un appareil de combustion améliorés permettant l'obtention de produits de combustion non polluants, ainsi qu'à des procédés, des processus, des systèmes et un appareil de gestion du combustible et de l'énergie. Les procédés, les processus, les systèmes et l'appareil (technique de combustion de l'eau) (WCT) de cette invention sont basés sur la chimie de l'eau (H20) . La technique WCT n'utilise aucune source de combustible à base d'hydrocarbure, mais utilise H2 de préférence associé à O2 et de façon secondaire de l'air. La technique WCT améliore considérablement la thermodynamique de la combustion, ce qui permet d'accroître de manière significative l'efficacité au moyen de la première et de la seconde loi de la thermodynamique. La technique WCT a trait à une combustion dans laquelle H2O est ajouté à un mélange de combustible pour réguler la température de combustion, H2O étant ainsi utilisé en tant que source froide. La vapeur d'échappement produite par la technique WCT: 1) maintient la puissance de sortie de la combustion, 2) fournit un ou plusieurs procédés efficaces de recyclage de l'énergie, 3) fournit une source d'énergie efficace et 4) régule la température de combustion, ceci permettant le refroidissement du moteur à combustion.
PCT/US2003/041719 2002-04-11 2003-10-11 Technique de combustion de l'eau - procede, processus, systemes et appareil pour la combustion de l'hydrogene et de l'oxygene WO2004074656A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

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AU2003300144A AU2003300144A1 (en) 2003-02-14 2003-10-11 Water combustion technology-methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen
US10/790,316 US8161748B2 (en) 2002-04-11 2004-03-01 Water combustion technology—methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen

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US44788003P 2003-02-14 2003-02-14
US60/447,880 2003-02-14
PCT/US2003/011250 WO2003087564A1 (fr) 2002-04-11 2003-04-10 Procedes, processus, systemes et appareils de la technologie de combustion de l'eau pour la combustion d'hydrogene et d'oxygene
USPCT/US03/11250 2003-04-10

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Cited By (5)

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WO2006079264A1 (fr) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-03 Shu Lee Systeme de moteur ecologique
WO2007070692A3 (fr) * 2005-12-13 2008-04-24 Richard Alan Haase Technologie de combustion a l'eau, cycle de haase
GB2446214A (en) * 2007-01-31 2008-08-06 Mark Downer Combined fuel generation and combustion system
GB2456169A (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-08 Nebb Technology As A method and associated apparatus for the production of hydrogen and/or electric energy
ITCT20120008A1 (it) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-24 Giuseppe Mignemi Gruppo volano-motore a quattro tempi ad idrogeno ed ossigeno elettrolitici in assenza di azoto estratto da una pompa del vuoto (v) 12.000 giri/1' o ad acetilene a 6.000 giri/1' accoppiato con turbina a vapore mista ad azione atto ad equipaggiare una

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US5924287A (en) * 1991-05-29 1999-07-20 Best; Frederick George Domestic energy supply system
US6289666B1 (en) * 1992-10-27 2001-09-18 Ginter Vast Corporation High efficiency low pollution hybrid Brayton cycle combustor

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US4440545A (en) * 1981-11-02 1984-04-03 Ethyl Corporation Gasohol having corrosion inhibiting properties
US4841731A (en) * 1988-01-06 1989-06-27 Electrical Generation Technology, Inc. Electrical energy production apparatus
US5924287A (en) * 1991-05-29 1999-07-20 Best; Frederick George Domestic energy supply system
US5226593A (en) * 1992-01-10 1993-07-13 Beryozkin Vladimir L Method and means of heating space areas and objects
US6289666B1 (en) * 1992-10-27 2001-09-18 Ginter Vast Corporation High efficiency low pollution hybrid Brayton cycle combustor
US5388395A (en) * 1993-04-27 1995-02-14 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Use of nitrogen from an air separation unit as gas turbine air compressor feed refrigerant to improve power output

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006079264A1 (fr) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-03 Shu Lee Systeme de moteur ecologique
WO2007070692A3 (fr) * 2005-12-13 2008-04-24 Richard Alan Haase Technologie de combustion a l'eau, cycle de haase
GB2446214A (en) * 2007-01-31 2008-08-06 Mark Downer Combined fuel generation and combustion system
GB2456169A (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-08 Nebb Technology As A method and associated apparatus for the production of hydrogen and/or electric energy
GB2456169B (en) * 2008-01-04 2013-11-20 Nebb Technology As Combined hydrogen and power production
ITCT20120008A1 (it) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-24 Giuseppe Mignemi Gruppo volano-motore a quattro tempi ad idrogeno ed ossigeno elettrolitici in assenza di azoto estratto da una pompa del vuoto (v) 12.000 giri/1' o ad acetilene a 6.000 giri/1' accoppiato con turbina a vapore mista ad azione atto ad equipaggiare una

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