WO2010117384A1

WO2010117384A1 - Hydrogen electrolysis device for use in vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2010117384A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/056115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam Ortiz
Original assignee: Adam Ortiz
Priority date: 2009-04-08
Filing date: 2009-09-04
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

A hydrogen electrolysis device for use with vehicles is provided. The device includes a canister having a first end and an opposing second end, the canister retaining a hydrogen electrolysis generator, the hydrogen electrolysis generator having a cup portion coupled to a first end of the canister, creating a volume of space between the cup portion and the canister, the cup portion having conductive members extending from the volume of space into the remainder of the canister. The cup portion further includes apertures allowing the flow of liquid and gases from the volume of space into the remainder of the canister. Running current through the conductive members produces hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Description

HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS DEVICE FOR USE IN VEHICLES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS DEVICE FOR USE IN VEHICLES," serial number 61/167,765, filed April 8, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates generally to a hydrogen electrolysis device and more particularly to a hydrogen electrolysis device for use in a vehicle to provide improved gas mileage.

State of the Art

[0003] The use of vehicles is virtually required by every person in the world today. Particularly the use of vehicles operated by a gas or diesel engine. The engines utilize the fossil fuel (gas or diesel) and inject it into cylinders where the gas is compressed and combusted, providing an explosion that drives the pistons. The pistons are mechanically coupled to other engine components that provide power to the vehicle and cause it to move the vehicle. [0004] Efforts have been made to improve the operation of these fossil fuel-based vehicles in order to provide less dependence upon the fossil fuel and provide alternative fuel vehicles. Some of these conventional solutions include utilizing alternative fuels, such as natural gas and hydrogen or providing for an electric vehicle. In particular the hydrogen fuel vehicles provide a canister that holds liquid hydrogen under a predetermined amount of pressure. This liquid hydrogen is then coupled to a fuel line of a vehicle and the vehicle operates as normal with hydrogen providing the fuel for the vehicle.

[0005] These conventional hydrogen fuel vehicles have their drawbacks. First, these vehicles utilize hydrogen under a predetermined amount of pressure in order to operate properly. This provides for a greater difficulty in filling up the tanks when they are emptied. Second, the hydrogen becomes the fuel and the vehicle is not configured to operate on any other type of fuel. Third, it is timely and expensive to convert an existing vehicle into one that utilizes hydrogen as the operating fuel. Fourth, the conventional hydrogen vehicles do not improve the efficiency of the fossil fuel engine vehicle.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative device that can, at a minimum, provide improved function of the vehicle engine efficiency, improve the mileage of the fossil fuel engine and do so in a cost effective manner. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a hydrogen electrolysis device for use with a fossil fuel engine, the electrolysis device operating at the ambient atmospheric pressure and providing a gas delivery system to the engine of hydrogen in gas form rather than liquid form.

[0008] An aspect of the present invention includes a hydrogen electrolysis device for use with vehicles. The device comprises a canister having a first end and an opposing second end and a hydrogen electrolysis generator operatively retained within the canister. The hydrogen electrolysis generator includes a cup portion coupled to the second end of the canister, creating an inner cup volume between the cup portion and the second end of the canister and a canister volume between the cup portion and the first end of the canister. The cup portion comprises conductive members extending from the inner cup volume into the canister volume. The device further comprises apertures within the cup portion wherein liquid and gases flow between the inner cup volume into the canister volume in response to operation of the hydrogen electrolysis generator.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of using a hydrogen electrolysis device with vehicles, the method comprising the steps of providing a hydrogen electrolysis device operating at the ambient atmospheric pressure, coupling the electrolysis device to vehicle, wherein the electrolysis device is coupled to the vehicle power source and fluidly coupled to the air intake of the vehicle engine; producing oxygen and hydrogen gases from the electrolysis device and delivering the oxygen and hydrogen gases to the air intake of the vehicle engine.

[0010] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hydrogen electrolysis device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a hydrogen electrolysis device.

[0013] Fig. 3 A is perspective view of a hydrogen electrolysis generator of a hydrogen electrolysis device.

[0014] Fig. 3B is a bottom view of a hydrogen electrolysis generator of a hydrogen electrolysis device.

[0015] Fig. 3C is side perspective view of a hydrogen electrolysis generator of a hydrogen electrolysis device having four conductive members.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a hydrogen electrolysis device coupled to a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a hydrogen electrolysis device for use with a fossil fuel engine, the electrolysis device operating at the ambient atmospheric pressure and providing a gas delivery system to the engine of hydrogen in gas form rather than liquid form.

[0018] Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1 and 2 depict a hydrogen electrolysis device 10 according to particular embodiments of the present invention. The electrolysis device 10 includes a canister 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. The electrolysis device 10 further includes a gas outlet 18 and a water fill tube 20 coupled to a first end 14 of the canister 12. A hydrogen electrolysis generator 30 is coupled at the second end 16 of the canister 12.

[0019] Referring further to the drawings, Figs. 3A and 3B depict a hydrogen electrolysis generator 30 in accordance with the present invention. The generator 30 includes a cup portion 32 having conductive members 34 extending through the cup portion, wherein a portion of the conductive members 34 are within the cup portion 32 and the other portion of the conductive members 34 extend away from the cup portion and into the canister 12. The cup portion 32 also includes apertures 36 extending from the inner cup volume 38 to the inner volume of the canister 12. These apertures 36 allow for fluid and gas to pass between the canister inner volume and the cup inner volume 38.

[0020] The cup portion 32 is coupled to the second end 16 of the canister 12, such that inner cup volume 38 is defined between the cup portion 32 and the bottom end of the canister 12. The cup portion 32 is coupled such that a seal is created between the cup portion 32 and the canister 12, wherein the only fluid access to the inner cup volume 38 is through apertures 36.

[0021] In operation and referring to Figs. 1-3B and 4, the canister 12 is filled with water through fill tube 20. The water may be any type of water, including but not limited to, tap water, distilled water, rain water, treated water, and the like. The water is filled to a predefined level. The water level within the canister 12 can be monitored by use of fill guage 24, the fill guage 24 showing the water level by being in fluid communication with the canister 12. The wires 22 are coupled on one end to the conductive members 34 and to a power source 40 on the other end. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the wires 22 may be directly coupled to a vehicle battery. In other embodiments, the wires 22 may be coupled to a fuse or other vehicle accessory that operates when the vehicle starts, such as, but not limited to a cigarette lighter. In these embodiments, vehicle accessories, such as the cigarette lighter connection, or a similar connection providing power at startup of the vehicle, the hydrogen electrolysis device 10 operates in response to starting of the vehicle engine.

[0022] Once the vehicle is supplying power to the hydrogen electrolysis device 10, electrical current is run through the wires and through the conductive members 34. The wires are insulated so that only the conductive members 34 are passing current through the water. [0023] As current is passed through the conductive members 34, the water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The inner cup volume 38 having a portion of the conductive members 34 extending into it also provides for additional electrolysis in a manner different than the electrolysis occurring due to the portion of the conductive members 34 extending into the inner volume of the canister 12. Water in the canister 12 passes through the apertures 36 and into the inner cup volume 38. The electrolysis that occurs within the inner cup 38 has a percolation effect wherein the hydrogen and oxygen gas passes through the apertures. This dual type of electrolysis provides for a greater amount of hydrogen production and a greater explosion of gas at the top surface of the water within the canister 12. The gas (hydrogen and oxygen) pass through the gas outlets 18. One outlet 18 is coupled to the air intake 42, and the other outlet 18 is coupled to the engine 44 through a PCV valve opening 46. This connection creates a system that circulates air flow through the canister 12, there by keeping the pressure within the canister 12 at approximately the ambient atmospheric pressure. The hydrogen provides for greater spread of flame during the combustion process of the vehicle engine. The increased flame provides for greater combustion efficiency, translating into better fuel consumption resulting in improved gas mileage and further requiring less gas in order to operate the vehicle. The hydrogen introduction at the fuel air mixing portion of the vehicle engine operation provides increased power to the engine. Additionally, the emissions of the engine are reduced.

[0024] According to particular embodiments of the present invention, the hydrogen electrolysis device 10 when installed within a vehicle operates more efficiently when the water level within the device 10 is at or below the height of the engine block. This prevents drawing of water into the engine. Additionally, the electrolysis device 10 further includes water shield 26 within the canister 12. Water shield 26 serves to prevent water from entering the engine 44 through the gas outlets 18 as the gas is drawn into the engine 44 through the outlets 18. Electrolysis device 10 also includes lower water shield 33, which prevents water from passing from the lower portion of cup 32 into second end 16. Lower water shield 33 seals the lower portion of cup 32, ensuring that water and gas can only pass into or out of cup 32 through apertures 36.

[0025] It will be understood that multiple hydrogen electrolysis devices may be utilized within a single vehicle. For example and without limitation, a truck or SUV may require two to three hydrogen electrolysis devices and a four cylinder vehicle may only require one hydrogen electrolysis device. In operation, the hydrogen electrolysis device 10 may improve gas mileage of a vehicle by 25%-40%.

[0026] Additionally, it will be understood that embodiments of the present invention include a vehicle with a hydrogen electrolysis device installed within the vehicle. In these embodiments, the hydrogen electrolysis device is similar to that shown in Figs. 1-4.

[0027] Particular embodiments of the hydrogen electrolysis device 10 may include a hydrogen electrolysis generator 30 that has three conductive members 34 as shown in Fig. 3A and other may have four conductive members 34 as shown in Fig. 3C. Embodiments with three conductive members 34 are for fuses that are 10 amp fuses and embodiments with four conductive members 34 are for fuses that are 15 amp fuses. This allows for additional protection, wherein the fuse will break if the current to the hydrogen electrolysis device 10 exceeds 10 amps or 15 amps respectively. While it is shown to have three or four conductive members 34, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to strictly three or four conductive members 34.

[0028] Aspects and particular examples of embodiments of the present invention including performance testing is provided and attached hereto as an Appendix. The Appendix is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

[0029] Particular embodiments of the present invention include a method of using a hydrogen electrolysis device with a vehicle. The method may include providing a hydrogen electrolysis device operating at the ambient atmospheric pressure, coupling the electrolysis device to vehicle, wherein the electrolysis device is coupled to the vehicle power source and fluidly coupled to the air intake of the vehicle engine; producing oxygen and hydrogen gases from the electrolysis device and delivering the oxygen and hydrogen gases to the air intake of the vehicle engine. The method may also include operating the hydrogen electrolysis device in response to starting the vehicle engine. Other steps may include filling the canister of the hydrogen electrolysis with water and refilling the canister when the water level drops below a certain predetermined level.

[0030] Accordingly, the components defining any hydrogen electrolysis device may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a hydrogen electrolysis device. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass) carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, the components defining any hydrogen electrolysis device may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. Other possible steps might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components for example.

[0032] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen electrolysis device for use with vehicles, the device comprising: a canister having a first end and an opposing second end; a hydrogen electrolysis generator operatively retained within the canister, the hydrogen electrolysis generator having a cup portion coupled to the second end of the canister, creating a inner cup volume between the cup portion and the second end of the canister and a canister volume between the cup portion and the first end of the canister, wherein the cup portion comprises conductive members extending from the inner cup volume into the canister volume; and apertures within the cup portion wherein liquid and gases flow between the inner cup volume into the canister volume of space in response to operation of the hydrogen electrolysis generator.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cup portion is coupled to the second end of the canister such that a seal is created between the cup portion and the canister, wherein the only fluid access to the inner cup volume is through the apertures.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a gas outlet and a gas inlet coupled to the first end of the canister.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a fill tube, wherein the canister is filled with water through the fill tube.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the amount of water within the canister is a predefined amount, the canister comprising a fill guage to designate the predetermined amount of water.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the fill guage is a float valve.

7. The device of claim 4, further comprising a power source, wherein the power source is electrically connected to the conductive members through wires.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the hydrogen generator operates in response to supplying current from the power source through the conductive members.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein electrolysis is performed within the inner cup volume and the canister volume in response to running current through the conductive members, wherein the conductive members are at least partially submerged in water.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein a percolation effect of electrolysis is created in response to electrolysis being performed in the inner cup volume.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein a greater amount of hydrogen is produced by the hydrogen generator in response to the combination of the electrolysis having a percolation effect in the inner cup volume and the electrolysis in the canister volume.

12. The device of claim 4, wherein pressure in the canister is maintained at approximately ambient pressure in response to circulation of air through the outlet and inlet valves.

13. A method of using a hydrogen electrolysis device with a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a hydrogen electrolysis device operating at the ambient atmospheric pressure; coupling the electrolysis device to vehicle, wherein the electrolysis device is coupled to the vehicle power source and fluidly coupled to the air intake of the vehicle engine; producing oxygen and hydrogen gases from the electrolysis device; and delivering the oxygen and hydrogen gases to the air intake of the vehicle engine.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating the hydrogen electrolysis device in response to starting the vehicle engine.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising filling the canister of the hydrogen electrolysis with water.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising refilling the canister when the water level drops below a certain predetermined level.

17. A vehicle with a hydrogen electrolysis device, the device comprising: a vehicle with an internal combustion engine; and a hydrogen electrolysis device comprising: a canister having a first end and an opposing second end; a hydrogen electrolysis generator operatively retained within the canister, the hydrogen electrolysis generator having a cup portion coupled to the second end of the canister, creating a inner cup volume between the cup portion and the second end of the canister and a canister volume between the cup portion and the first end of the canister, wherein the cup portion comprises conductive members extending from the inner cup volume into the canister volume; and apertures within the cup portion wherein liquid and gases flow between the inner cup volume into the canister volume of space in response to operation of the hydrogen electrolysis generator.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the hydrogen electrolysis generator is in fluid communication with the air intake of the vehicle engine and a PVC valve of the vehicle engine.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein hydrogen is produced by the hydrogen electrolysis generator in response to operation of the vehicle engine.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the vehicle engine operates with greater efficiency in response to delivery of hydrogen to the vehicle engine.