WO2010109234A1 - Système de combustible à base d'hydrogène - Google Patents

Système de combustible à base d'hydrogène Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010109234A1
WO2010109234A1 PCT/GB2010/050496 GB2010050496W WO2010109234A1 WO 2010109234 A1 WO2010109234 A1 WO 2010109234A1 GB 2010050496 W GB2010050496 W GB 2010050496W WO 2010109234 A1 WO2010109234 A1 WO 2010109234A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrolyser
water
plates
electrolyte
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/050496
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Keith Bulman
Original Assignee
Keith Bulman
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
Application filed by Keith Bulman filed Critical Keith Bulman
Publication of WO2010109234A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010109234A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • C25B15/02—Process control or regulation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/02—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form
    • C25B11/036—Bipolar electrodes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/05—Pressure cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
    • C25B9/75—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having bipolar electrodes
    • 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a hydrogen fuel system where electricity is used to produce hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water.
  • the invention provides a system for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water used as an electrolyte by means of passing electricity from a source through the electrolyte, the system including an electrolyser, a means for controlling the electricity supplied to the system from the source, a reservoir for storing one or more of the gases produced from the electrolyser and a means for pressurising the reservoir.
  • the source of electricity can be provided by one or more of the following devices, a mechanically driven alternator, for example producing a 12-13 volt dc output, an electrically rechargeable storage battery, for example a lead acid battery of type commonly used in vehicles, an alternator or other electrical generator driven by a fluid flow, for example a wind turbine, a water flow turbine, or other fluid flow.
  • the generator is powered by the flow within a central heating system.
  • the electricity can be provided also by means of photovoltaic panels or other devices which product electricity from light. Electricity can be provided also by means of chemical reaction of the type used in conventional non- rechargeable battery technology.
  • the system may also include any one or more of the following additional components: a water de-ioniser for de-ionising water fed to the electrolyser, a water filter for filtering water fed to the electrolyser, a pressure gauge on the reservoir for monitoring the pressure therein, a pressure operated cut-out switch to prevent operation of the pump when a pre-defined pressure is obtained in the reservoir, a one way valve located at an outlet of the reservoir to prevent flashback, a water separator to return water condensed in the reservoir back to the electrolyser and a control panel to switch between sources of electricity where a plurality of sources is employed.
  • a water de-ioniser for de-ionising water fed to the electrolyser
  • a water filter for filtering water fed to the electrolyser
  • a pressure gauge on the reservoir for monitoring the pressure therein
  • a pressure operated cut-out switch to prevent operation of the pump when a pre-defined pressure is obtained in the reservoir
  • a one way valve located at an outlet of the reservoir to prevent
  • a versatile system for generating a combustible gas in the form of hydrogen and oxygen can be used for many different purposes.
  • one embodiment of the invention utilises the above system to provide combustible gas to a conventional boiler.
  • switching between the hydrogen and oxygen, and a carbon based fuel can be employed or, sufficient hydrogen and oxygen can be produced to avoid the use of carbon based fuel completely.
  • excess heat from the electrolyser can be used for heating.
  • the invention provides an electrolyser, for producing hydrogen and oxygen from water, the electrolyser including a chamber for holding water, a water supply valve for maintaining water in the chamber at a pre-determined level and a cathode and anode, each in the form of a generally helical coil arranged such that there is a generally constant gap between the anode and the cathode, the two coils being held in place by plasties material formed around the outside of the coils.
  • the plastics material is shrunk around the coils.
  • the means for controlling the level of water in the chamber comprises a float valve.
  • the chamber includes a single outlet for hydrogen and oxygen.
  • the invention provides an alternative electrolyser for producing gases from components of an electrolyte, the electrolyser comprising a series of similarly shaped side by side conducting plates for acting as electrodes, each separated by a non-conductive gasket, the gasket forming a seal between adjacent plates and forming a cavity between the plates for the electrolyte.
  • the plates each have one or more holes therein, and the electrolyser further includes one or more ties passing through the holes for compressing the plates to hold them together.
  • the electrolyser further comprises plastics end plates located at each end of the series of plates, said end plates including an electrolyte inlet and a gas outlet.
  • the conducting plates have a surface roughened by sanding.
  • the electrolyte temperature is controlled to be between approximately 22*C and 28*C, and preferably about 25*C.
  • the invention can be put into effect in numerous ways, one embodiment only being described below with reference to the drawings wherein:
  • Figure 1 a shows an electrolyser according to the invention
  • Figure 1 b shows a plan view of a second embodiment of an electrolyser
  • FIGS 2a, b, c and d show details of a third embodiment of an electrolyser
  • Figure 3 shows a system for producing hydrogen and oxygen.
  • an electrolyser 10 i.e. a device for decomposing an electrolyte by means of electricity, which has an anode 12 and a cathode 14 each in the form of a generally helical coil of approximately the same configuration.
  • Each coil is manufactured from stainless steel wire of sufficient strength to be generally self-supporting.
  • the wire is approximately 0.5 -1 mm in diameter.
  • the coils are arranged such that one coil is formed within the other so that there is a generally constant gap between the two coils.
  • the coils are supported in use by enveloping them in a plastic tube 16 which is shrunk over the coils using hot air, during manufacture.
  • the electrolyser 10 includes a chamber 18 which contains water up to a fill level 20.
  • a water inlet 22 includes a float valve 24 to maintain the fill level 20.
  • FIG. 1 b there is shown a plan view of a preferred arrangement wherein four coils 12/14 are arranged within a water chamber 18 ⁇ to provide a larger quantity of combustible gas.
  • FIG 2a shows a further embodiment of an electrolyser 30.
  • the electrolyser 30 is formed from a series of spaced stainless steel electrode plates 40 (shown in Figure 2d) and to end plates 32 (as shown in Figure 2b).
  • the electrode plates 40 and end plates 32 are each separated by a gasket 50 (as shown in Figure 2c).
  • the end plates 32 and the electrode plates 40 each have a series of holes 34, in this case a series of six holes.
  • a threaded stud 36 can be passed through each of the holes 34 to hold a stack of plates 40 in alignment with two end plates 32.
  • Nuts 38 can be used to tension the stud 36 in the holes 34 and thereby compress the stack of electrode plates 40 and end plates 32.
  • the gaskets 50 prevent the electrode plates 40 from touching and provide a cavity between the electrode plates 40 which can allow an electrolyte to come into contact with each side of the plates 40.
  • the electrolyte for example water, can be pumped into an inlet 31 in the end plate 32 and the electrolyte can flow through similar inlets 31 in the plates 40.
  • the electrolyte can flow into all the cavities between the plates 40.
  • a source of electricity which in this embodiment is a DC supply where adjacent plates are connected to opposite poles
  • the flow of electricity generates hydrogen and oxygen gases which are emitted from the top of the electrolyser through two outlets 35. It has been found that hydrogen generally is emitted from the exit holes 35 and oxygen is generally emitted from a further exit hole 33, positioned below the outlets 35.
  • the electrode plates 40 thus act as a anodes and cathodes, and it has been found that their performance is enhanced when the surface of the plates are sanded with a course grit (around 40 to 60 grits per inch) in perpendicular directions to produce a cross-sanded finish. It is believed that this roughened surface produces more surface area for the gases to form and therefore promotes gassing in the electrolyte.
  • the end plates 32 are preferably manufactured from acrylic plastics and may include adaptors for connecting pipes and the like thereto and as an alternative to the bare holes shown.
  • a sealed unit is formed when the plates 40 and gaskets 50 are sandwiched together between the end plates 32. It will be apparent that any number of plates 40 can be assembled between two end plates 34 and gaskets 50.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a system for producing hydrogen and oxygen for use in combustion.
  • the system comprises a water de-ioniser 1 , a water filter 2, and a needle float valve 3, each in series for supplying water to an electrolyser 4.
  • the electrolyser 4 is a plate type electrolyser as described with reference to Figures 2a,b,c and d, although the electrolyser shown in Figures 1 a or 1 b could be employed also.
  • the electrolyser when supplied with electricity produces hydrogen and oxygen which is stored in a reservoir 6.
  • An electrically driven pump 5 can be used to pressurise the reservoir 6 to a suitable pressure above atmospheric pressure in order to supply a combustible gas mix to an outlet 19 via a one-way valve 9.
  • the reservoir 6 includes a pressure gauge 7 and a pressure operated electrical switch 8 which controls the supply of electricity to the electrolyser 4 and to the pump 5. Since the gas generated from the electrolyser 4 is likely to contain water vapour then water vapour condensing in the chamber 6 is returned to the electrolyser via a water separator 10.
  • the supply of electricity to the electrolyser can be from any source as mentioned above, although in this embodiment the energy required to operate the electrolyser is supplied from mains power 22.
  • a trickle battery charger 14 supplies approximately 12 volts at a low amperage to a lead acid battery 15 which is of the 'deep discharge' type.
  • the battery 15 supplies an electrical motor 17 via a voltage regulator 16.
  • the electrical motor 17 drives a conventional car alternator 12 via a drive belt 18.
  • the alternator 12 can be used to supply electrical power to the electrolyser 4.
  • the battery 15 can be used to power the electrolyser 4 directly.
  • power can be obtained from an alternator connected to a central heating pump 1 1 or via a fluid turbine driven by the central heating flow.
  • a control panel 13 can be provided to switch between electrical sources.
  • electrical power can be obtained from “renewable” sources such as fluid flow turbines and panels which produce electricity from light.
  • the control panel can be used to switch between sources.
  • the electrolysers shown in the embodiments above are preferably supplied with electricity of approximately 10-15 volts at around 10-20 amps, when gas is required.
  • the electricity is pulsed at approximately 20-50 Hz which improves the performance of the electrolyser.
  • the combustible gas produced by the electrolysis can be used to heat water in a central heating system, for example a domestic hot water central heating system or other small scale heating system.
  • a central heating system for example a domestic hot water central heating system or other small scale heating system.
  • the system described has the advantage that it can be used adjacent a conventional heating boiler and can supply combustion gas to the boiler in place of the carbon fuel it was designed for, or to supplement the carbon fuel either as a primary source of combustion gas or as a secondary source of combustion gas depending on the amount of electricity used to produce the gas.
  • the combustible gas could be used for any other purpose, for example for generating fuel for a vehicle.
  • the system described is particularly advantageous where electricity can be used in small quantities to produce combustible gas and where the gas can be stored for use in one go, for example the combustible gas can be generated slowly throughout the day, for example using wind turbine, and can then be used for heating a dwelling when it is occupied, say, only in the evening.
  • voltages of 12-13V have been described, other higher voltages for example up to 1 10V or higher could be used to produce a larger amount of gas, over a greater area of electrodes.
  • hydrogen and oxygen have been described as being collected together, they could be collected and stored separately.
  • a water temperature of between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius, preferably 25 degrees Celsius has been found to maximise gas production.
  • a water temperature regulation arrangement is provided also.
  • this regulation is in the form of a circulation of electrolyte water. Since the passing of high amperage through the water tends to increase its temperature then the water regulator would need to cool the electrolyte water. However, where low ambient temperatures are encountered and/or where low amperage is used, then it may be necessary to increase the temperature of the electrolyte water so that it falls within the range mentioned above.
  • the electrical power can be controlled to regulate the temperature of the electrolyte water.
  • the storage vessels mentioned above ideally should have a pressure between 2mBar and 3mBar at which pressure it has been found that there is no need to regulate the gas output from the vessel to a conventional central heating boiler and a reasonably efficient compression ratio of the gases can be achieved.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système permettant de produire des gaz hydrogène et oxygène à partir d'eau utilisée comme électrolyte au moyen du passage d'électricité depuis une source à travers l'électrolyte. Le système comprend un électrolyseur (4), un moyen (8) permettant de contrôler l'électricité fournie au système à partir de la source, un réservoir (6) permettant de stocker un ou plusieurs gaz produit(s) à partir de l'électrolyseur et un moyen (5) permettant de mettre le réservoir sous pression. Un gaz combustible utile peut être stocké prêt à l'emploi, par exemple pour être utilisé dans une chaudière pour chauffer de l'eau, dérivé de nombreuses sources électriques.
PCT/GB2010/050496 2009-03-24 2010-03-24 Système de combustible à base d'hydrogène WO2010109234A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0905014.7A GB0905014D0 (en) 2009-03-24 2009-03-24 Hydrogen fuel system
GB0905014.7 2009-03-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010109234A1 true WO2010109234A1 (fr) 2010-09-30

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GB (1) GB0905014D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010109234A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRM20100651A1 (it) * 2010-12-13 2012-06-14 Hydrofaster S R L Elettrolizatore, in particolare per applicazioni motoristiche
WO2013017820A2 (fr) 2011-07-31 2013-02-07 Corcost Limited Dispositif à alimentation solaire
WO2014170337A1 (fr) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Clean Power Hydrogen Limited Système générateur d'hydrogène gazeux
WO2022002335A1 (fr) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-06 Draganov Bozhidar Dimitrov Électrolyseur pour la production d'hydrogène à partir d'eau par électrolyse comprenant au moins une électrode en forme de spirale logarithmique tridimensionnelle
WO2022208392A1 (fr) * 2021-03-31 2022-10-06 Two Oceans Energy Ip Proprietary Limited Cellule d'électrolyseur de gaz hydrogène ainsi que système et procédé de génération de gaz hydrogène

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001098560A2 (fr) * 2000-06-22 2001-12-27 John Lee Cuve electrolytique pour l'electrolyse d'un liquide
JP2003328169A (ja) * 2002-05-14 2003-11-19 Takeshi Shinpo 水素ガス発生装置
US20040203166A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Sullivan John Timothy Electrolysis apparatus and method utilizing at least one coiled electrode
US20070089997A1 (en) * 2005-10-20 2007-04-26 Depalo Robert J Method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen and oxygen

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001098560A2 (fr) * 2000-06-22 2001-12-27 John Lee Cuve electrolytique pour l'electrolyse d'un liquide
JP2003328169A (ja) * 2002-05-14 2003-11-19 Takeshi Shinpo 水素ガス発生装置
US20040203166A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Sullivan John Timothy Electrolysis apparatus and method utilizing at least one coiled electrode
US20070089997A1 (en) * 2005-10-20 2007-04-26 Depalo Robert J Method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen and oxygen

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRM20100651A1 (it) * 2010-12-13 2012-06-14 Hydrofaster S R L Elettrolizatore, in particolare per applicazioni motoristiche
WO2013017820A2 (fr) 2011-07-31 2013-02-07 Corcost Limited Dispositif à alimentation solaire
WO2014170337A1 (fr) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Clean Power Hydrogen Limited Système générateur d'hydrogène gazeux
US10443137B2 (en) 2013-04-16 2019-10-15 Clean Power Hydrogen Limited Hydrogen gas generator system
WO2022002335A1 (fr) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-06 Draganov Bozhidar Dimitrov Électrolyseur pour la production d'hydrogène à partir d'eau par électrolyse comprenant au moins une électrode en forme de spirale logarithmique tridimensionnelle
WO2022208392A1 (fr) * 2021-03-31 2022-10-06 Two Oceans Energy Ip Proprietary Limited Cellule d'électrolyseur de gaz hydrogène ainsi que système et procédé de génération de gaz hydrogène

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0905014D0 (en) 2009-05-06

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