WO2013070096A1

WO2013070096A1 - Portable compact electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013070096A1
Application number: PCT/PH2012/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominic N. Chung, Jr.
Original assignee: Chung Dominic N Jr
Priority date: 2011-11-10
Filing date: 2012-10-31
Publication date: 2013-05-16
Also published as: TW201326535A

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable compact electrolytic hydrogen- oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus, preferably a single unitary upright device, that comprises a water-based means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through electrolysis, upstream gas conditioning means for at least purifying, scrubbing and/or mixing with supplied air the upwardly moving ion gases, and at least a conditioned gas outlet means provided at the upper portion thereof in communication with the gas conditioning means, having a safety mechanism for preventing any gas flashback occurrence. The apparatus is characterized by the provision therein of at least a means for preventing any water splash and spill or leakage tendencies, preferably in form of a combination of water guard and baffle plates and maze-like narrow gas passageways, into the negatively pressurized or vacuumized outlet means connected preferably to an engine's fuel intake manifold. The plates and gas passageways, which are in communication with each other and with the outlet means at the upstream side thereof, also function as liquid and gas separator and gas dryer.

Description

PORTABLE COMPACT ELECTROLYTIC HYDROGEN-OXYGEN GAS GENERATING AND CONDITIONING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to fuel saving implements in form of electrolyzers supplying ionized gases as fuel enhancers and more particularly to a portable compact electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus especially adapted as fuel saving and exhaust gas emission enhancing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to which this invention appertains that onsite on- demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of preferably water-derived hydrogen and oxygen ion gases are the more practical and safer way of dealing with highly flammable and reactive gaseous elements such as hydrogen and oxygen. Normally, such practical way or type of ionized gas production and utilization makes use of a water electrolyzing and gas conditioning and releasing system for safely domesticating or taming and controlling the extracted hydrogen and oxygen gases. A specific example of such system is one that operates in a sequential multi-stage set-up wherein the gas conditioning unit, which is a separate unit connected to the electrolyzer, comprises interconnected separate units or devices such as gas cooling unit, gas purifying and scrubbing units, and pressure-controlled and mix ratio- regulated air and gas mixing unit, among others. The resulting safely usable conditioned gases are effectively and efficiently used in applications such as cooking, heating, welding, engine fuel enhancements, and any hydrogen- related applications.

Of the several applications of such conditioned gases such as those mentioned above, it has been well recognized that hydrogen or mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases as a fuel is a better fuel than fossil fuel. Such gases, particularly hydrogen, release heat energy almost three times greater than any other fuel, and burn clean, producing only water as residue. No wonder that the electrolytically water-derived hydrogen and oxygen ionized

l gases are one of the most sought-for fuels considering further that water is abundantly available worldwide.

As for its specific application in engine fuel enhancement, the aforementioned set-up is embodied in electrolytic reformer apparatus and system disclosed in Utility Model (UM) Registration Nos. PH 2-2009-000068 and PH 2-2009-000069, that produces stream of water-derived mix hydrogen and oxygen ionized gases in an on-demand basis. This reformer apparatus/system comprises separate units or devices that are sequentially connected and in communication with each other through conduits, to wit: an electrolytic cell being electrically powered, a main reserve water tank serving as electrolytic water supply and recirculator and also as gas/water separator, and an gas/air scrubber for filtering the gas mix which enters into an engine fuel intake manifold via a gas output regulating valve.

Notwithstanding the reformer apparatus' or system's capability to electrolytically produce and deliver a superior, clean stream of conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases, there are these problems and shortcomings that exist in that it is not that easy to install and maintain, and has water splash and/or spill tendencies due to air vacuum or suction pressure in the engine's fuel intake manifold. Water suctioned into the manifold can inflict damage or seriously affect the operation and efficiency of the engine's fuel system, and the reformer system. Further, it is the apparatus' or system's having three(3) main separate units/devices that have to be connected to each other by conduits/tubes according to proper positioning and elevation that makes it relatively difficult to install and maintain, hence, affecting or shortening its usage durability.

There are other references in the prior art that are of relevance in showing the state of the art in this particular field of the invention, to wit:

Palomillo PH Patent No. 1-2005-000445 discloses an electrolytic apparatus for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis by direct current or by incorporating an electronic pulse generator that is capable of increasing gas production to a highest possible level. The gas produced is added to form part of the petroleum fuel of a motor vehicle engine. Rodriguez PH Patent No. 1-2001-000057, entitled "Hydrogen Generator for Internal Combustion Engine", relates to a engine battery powered water- based electrolyzer apparatus that provides hydrogen gas into the intake manifold of an engine to mix with its primary fuel. Electrolysis occurring efficiently at room temperature and low pressure is achieved by automatic circulation of water in a closed system on a time-based frequency monitored by a microprocessor controller.

Chiang PH Utility Model Registration No. 2-2006-000253 discloses an electrolyzer adopted as engine performance booster comprising a sealed housing containing water-immersed electrolytic plates that are alternately arranged.

In Otterstrom et. al. US Pub. No. 2006/0260562 A1 , it is disclosed that an electrolysis unit is powered by a generator driven by a wankel type engine whose working fluid is heated by hot parts of an engine through heat exchangers. The unit supplies hydrogen and oxygen gases to a reformation unit prior to injection into the engine for an enhanced combustion.

Moon et. al. US Pub. No. 201 1/0017607 A1 discloses an on-demand hydrogen production unit using water and by electrolysis that facilitate separate exits for hydrogen and oxygen gases through corresponding outlet ducts into the environment and internal combustion engine, respectively.

WO 2010/069275 A1 discloses an energy saving apparatus and method for producing oxy-hydrogen combustion supporting gas that is characterized by an electrolytic cell comprising negative, positive and neutral electrode plates adjacently and alternately arranged with the outermost plates being the neutral electrode plates. The apparatus is electronically driven by an adjustable pulse- width modulator whose input is connected to a DC power supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus in a form of a single unitary upright device that is provided with at least a means for preventing any water splash and spill or leakage tendencies into the negatively pressurized or vacuumized outlet means connected to an engine's fuel intake manifold. Such means is preferably in form of a combination of water guard and baffle plates and maze-like narrow gas passageways being integrated within the upper portion of the apparatus. The plates and gas passageways, which are in communication with each other and with the outlet means at the upstream side thereof, also function as liquid and gas separator, gas dryer and/or contaminant/sediment trap.

The apparatus, being a single unitary upright device, contains in a single main housing container member an electrolytic water and all its essential elements/components, to wit: a water-based means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through electrolysis, an upstream gas conditioning means for at least purifying, scrubbing and/or mixing with supplied air the upwardly moving ion gases, and at least a conditioned gas outlet means provided at the upper portion thereof in communication with the gas conditioning means, having a safety mechanism for preventing any gas flashback occurrence.

It is therefore the primary object of the invention to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that is provided with built-in means, i.e. baffle plates and maze-like gas passageways, for preventing water splash and/or spill tendencies due to suction pressure from an engine manifold.

Another object thereof is to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that is capable of generating and conditioning water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases by electrolysis within a single unitary upright device where all essential components/elements, which are normally separate units/devices, are contained like the electrolytic cell, water container/reservoir, air/gas scrubber and purifier, gas/liquid separator, and gas regulator.

Still another object thereof is to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that is capable of continuously operating in usage without worrying on a fully discharged/drained engine battery with a provision of power control unit or smart power control box to which the engine's alternator and battery and this apparatus are controllably and electronically connected.

Yet another object thereof is to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that can be quickly and easily installed in a vehicle's engine, with the subsequent maintenance thereof being just as easy.

A further object thereof is to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that provides a superior, clean stream of safely conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases to form part of the petroleum-based fuel of an engine, preferably internal combustion engine.

Still a further object thereof is to provide a portable compact water-based electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus that is very ergonomic, practical, simplistic, safe and efficient, hence, easier, promising and more economical to manufacture and/or commercially engage with.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention are better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment or illustrative example of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram thereof showing the operational process flow of gas generation and conditioning including water splash and spill control;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cut-away view of the upper portion thereof; and Fig. 4 is an operational schematic diagram thereof as applied to or adopted in an engine as gas emission enhancer and/or fuel saving device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the phraseologies and terminologies employed herein are for purposes of description only to support an enabling disclosure, thus should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals designate the same parts or elements all throughout the description, there is shown in FIG. 1 a portable compact electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus 10 that is preferably a single unitary upright device 10a with a main housing container member 10b normally mounted, by suitable mounting means 14, in an upright position, which contains therein all the components or elements comprising thereof in an integrated structural design set-up. Instead of three-chamber electrolytic and gas conditioning processing of the aforementioned prior art, the invention adopts a single built-in system or single-chamber processing, making its installation or mounting to an engine or similar device very quick and easy including the subsequent maintenance thereof.

Generally, the apparatus 10 comprises a means 11 for generating a mix of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (0₂) ion gases G (shown by arrows G') through ionization or dissociation, preferably electrolysis, of water W such as electrolyte water, plain tap water or filtered rain water, contained therein that occupies or fills up more or less the lower half thereof. The apparatus 10 further comprises upstream gas conditioning means 15 for carrying out or performing at least one, combination or all of the following processes as applied to the upwardly moving ion gases G: purifying, scrubbing and/or mixing with air A (shown also by arrows A'). In addition to that, the apparatus 10 also comprises at least a conditioned gas outlet means 16 provided at the upper portion thereof. The outlet means 16 which is in communication with the gas conditioning means 15, is provided with safety mechanism 16a for preventing any gas flashback occurrence, preferably comprising a one-way valve 16b preventing gas flow back into the apparatus 10, and a safety gas outlet 16c as emergency pressure relief.

The water W, preferably electrolyte water, in the apparatus 10 or main housing container member 10b is controllably supplied by an external water supply shown by an arrow 12 via at least a funnel-type water-filling port 13 provided at a side thereof. The port 13 has a water level control means (not shown), preferably a combination of water-actuated water inlet and water level responsive elements or mechanisms, that prevents over filling of the water W, and maintains a constant level of the water W inside the housing container member 10b.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the apparatus 10 is characterized by a provision therein of at least a means 17 for preventing any water splash and spill or leakage tendencies into the outlet means 16 due to presence of a suction pressure in the latter, i.e. air vacuum suction from an air intake manifold M of an engine E, resulting in the vacuumized or negatively pressurized outlet means 16. The means 17, preferably in form of one or more water guard and baffle plates 18 in combination with multi-directional maze-like narrow gas passageways 19, is provided in communication with and downwardly of the outlet means 16. The pathways of the gases G in the plates 18 and passageways 19 are shown by continuous arrows B in FIGs. 2 and 3. In operation, the means 17 also functions as a liquid and gas separator or gas dryer due to the constrictive and intricate structural attributes or features thereof.

Specifically as shown in the preferred embodiment or illustrative example of the invention in FIGs. 1 , 2 and 3, the water guard and baffle plates 18 is provided transversely across the upper portion of the housing container member 10b (which can be of any suitable shapes or forms), defining at least a narrow exiting gas opening 20. For a more detailed description, the plates 18 are downwardly and convergently inclined, defining at a convergent intersection thereof the narrow existing gas opening 20 that constrictively controls the passage of the exiting gases that are scrubbed and/or purified when passing through against the surfaces of the baffle plates 18, gravitationally separating, trapping or leaving behind contaminants or sediments. At the upstream side thereof, the plates 18 are in communication with the upper multi-directional maze-like narrow gas passageways 19 having respective narrow gas inlets 19a and outlets 19b at the opposite end portions thereof. Like the plates 18, the surfaces of the passageways 19 with their respective narrow inlets/outlets, act also as contaminant or sediment traps or scrubbers. Both the plates 18 and passageways 19 are integrally connected and are disposed right below the outlet means 16 such that the suction pressure is made ineffective, if not totally neutralized, therein preventing any water splash and spill tendencies or occurrences.

Summarily, the combined pressure-neutralizing, gas-air scrubbing and water splash/spill-shielding effects of the upstream maze-like structure of the passageways 19 and the downstream shield-like structure of the plates 18 consequently result in: (1 ) the prevention of the water W in liquid form from going up into the outlet means 16 or outlet tube 16d that leads to the air intake manifold M of the engine E; (2) the drying action of the structures acting as dryer on the mix of gases G or mix of gases and air AG passing therethrough; (3) the prevention, by mechanical gravity and as special shield divider, of water splash and spill tendencies (the unwanted forced entry of water spillage into the manifold M can inflict damage to the engine E) due to vehicle's enertial or acceleratory movement or sudden change of positions, and the air vacuum or negative/suction pressure in the engine's air intake manifold M; and (4) a cooler structure of the apparatus 10 due to an improved gas exhaust system.

In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus 10 is further characterized in that the gas conditioning means 15 for mixing the gases G with air A is preferably in a form of a breather port 20a which acts or serves as a bubbler integrally provided thereto. The port 20a comprises an air intake passageway 21 with air inlet 22 and outlet 23 at the top and bottom portions, respectively, thereof. With such set-up, the air A exiting from the air outlet 23 enters into the bottom portion of the apparatus 10, bubbling its way in the upward direction (shown by the arrows A') into the water W contained therein to undergo in itself and to act as bubbler subjecting the gases G to scrubbing, purifying and/or drying process. The scrubbed, cleaned and/or dried air A and gases G then mix together as they rise or move upward and leave the water W occupying and passing through the space S above the water W. Should there be contaminants or impurities still remaining in the air A or gases G, they cannot pass through the plates 18 and passageways 19 without being trapped and/or separated and removed from the air A or gases G as afore-discussed. For a more efficient water ionization or dissociation process and operation and a better and much improved gas production, the means 11 for generating the mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G is preferably in a form of an electrolytic cell unit 24. It is preferred that the electrolytic cell unit 24 is comprised of electrolytic plates 25 (cathodes and anodes) which are made of materials such as metal alloys, preferably stainless steel and titanium, and any other suitable metals, preferably corrosion-resistant metal or metal alloy, or any combination of such materials. But the most preferred material for the invention is stainless steel and corrosion-resistant stainless steel and titanium plate alloy, but the quantity of alloy metals is lesser compared to those of the prior art. Further, a best mode or embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 24 is one that comprises preferably six (6) generally rectangular electrolytic plates 25 having a size dimension of about 75 mm (millimeter) by about 50 mm, and spacedly installed at an plate spacing interval of about 0.8 mm. Such form of the plates 25 makes them more efficient and cost effective. In usage or operation, the apparatus 10 is connected to a vehicle's power source battery 26 through a power control unit (PCU) 27 to which an alternator 28 is likewise connected as shown in FIG. 4. The PCU 27 automatically manages, controls and monitors at least the power storage/capacity level, generation, usage/consumption or load distribution, voltage (12V/24V DC) and/or amperage of the connected devices, especially the battery 26. This set-up is mainly for the purpose of preventing any unwanted full discharging or draining of the battery 26 in usage specifically through the PCU's electronic circuit (not shown) that regulates the flow of electrical current from the vehicle. As part of the PCU's functionality, it exercises precision control and/or regulation over fuel cell power output of the apparatus 10 and discharge and recharge of the battery 26 under all driving conditions. Hence, there result an electrical current draw efficiency through such PCU-based set-up, and a low electrical current production, i.e. as much as one(1 ) ampere, for a high output and a steadily consistent flow of hydrogen and oxygen gas production, making the apparatus 10 very efficient and most affordable.

Although the invention can well be adopted for use to applications other than engines, the apparatus 10 is most preferably and suitably applied to engines, particularly internal combustion engine E. In this particular preferred application, the gas outlet means 16 of the apparatus 10 is connected to a fuel intake manifold M of a vehicle's engine E, thus functioning as an exhaust system enhancer and a fuel saving device thereto with an overall fuel saving efficiency of up to about 30% to 50%. As an exhaust system enhancer, the apparatus 10 significantly reduces toxic and harmful emissions derived from any petrol powered internal combustion engine E. With the apparatus 10 installed and in use, there would result a more complete combustion since the superior, clean stream of conditioned mix of air and gases AG forming part of the engine's fuel-air mixture has very minimal or has no unburned fuel components like carbon. It is in the infeasibility of attaining a complete fuel combustion (without harmful emissions of unburned carbon into the environment) using petrol-based fuel in an internal combustion engine (ICE) that encourages the use of mix of air and gases (H₂ and O2) AG as a much better and more efficient fuel, in part or full, to such engine. For a more efficient combustion with increased engine performance and cleaner exhaust emissions, the invention is preferably adopted to be installed to a vehicle such as motorcycle, car, van, jeep bus, truck, heavy equipment, boat and aircraft, but the most preferred ones are the motorcycle, scooter, car/automobile and van/AUV (Asian Utility Vehicle).

For usage convenience and easy maintenance, the housing container member 10b, though can be of any shapes or forms and made of any suitable materials, is preferably of generally rectangular shape or form and made of suitable transparent or translucent materials such as plastic, preferably hard plastic; fiberglass; rubber, preferably hard rubber; or glass, preferably tempered glass. Before defining the scope of the following claims, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the illustrative examples or variations set forth in the preceding description and drawings. It is to be noted that the invention is capable of other variations and limitless applications not disclosed herein. Further, this invention is likewise capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways falling within the teaching and scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A portable compact electrolytic hydrogen-oxygen gas generating and conditioning apparatus comprising a means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through ionization or dissociation of water contained therein being controllably supplied by a water supply means, upstream gas conditioning means for at least purifying, scrubbing and/or mixing with air the upwardly moving ion gases, and at least a conditioned gas outlet means provided at the upper portion thereof in communication with said gas conditioning means, having a safety mechanism for preventing any gas flashback occurrence; characterized in that there is provided in communication with and downwardly of said outlet means at least a means for preventing any water splash and spill or leakage tendencies into said outlet means due to presence of a suction pressure therein, which also functions as a liquid and gas separator or gas dryer.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for preventing any water splash and spill/leakage tendencies is in a form of one or more water guard and baffle plates provided transversely across thereof defining at least a narrow exiting gas opening and being in communication with upper multi- directional maze-like narrow gas passageways having respective narrow gas inlets and outlets at the opposite end portions thereof, both said plates and passageways being integrally provided and disposed right below said outlet means such that the suction pressure is made ineffective, if not totally neutralized, therein preventing any water splash and spill tendencies.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plates are downwardly and convergently inclined defining at a convergent intersection thereof the narrow existing gas opening that constrictively controls the passage of the exiting gases that are scrubbed and/or purified when passing through against the surfaces of said baffle plates, gravitationally separating or leaving out condensed contaminants.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 that is a single unitary upright device having a main housing container member that contains therein all the components or elements thereof.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized in that the gas conditioning means for mixing said gases with air is in a form of a breather port integrally provided thereto having an air intake passageway with air inlet and outlet at the top and bottom portions, respectively, thereof such that air from said air outlet enters into the bottom portion of said apparatus, bubbling its way upward into the water contained therein to undergo in itself and to act as bubbler subjecting the gases to scrubbing and/or purifying process before mixing with said gases in the space above the water.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized in that said safety mechanism of said outlet means comprising a one-way valve preventing gas flow back into the apparatus and a safety gas outlet.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized in that said water supply means is in a form of a funnel-type water-filling port provided at a side thereof, having water level control means preventing over filling of the water to be ionized or dissociated.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized in that said means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through ionization or dissociation of water is in a form of an electrolytic cell unit that comprises electrolytic plates made of materials selected from at least one or combination of stainless steel, titanium, and other metal, preferably corrosion- resistant metal alloy.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said electrolytic cell unit comprises preferably six (6) electrolytic plates with about 75 mm by about 50 mm size and about 0.8 mm plate spacing.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 that is connected to a vehicle's power source battery through a power control unit (PCU) to which an alternator is likewise connected such that at least the power storage/capacity level, generation, usage/consumption or load distribution, voltage and/or amperage of the connected devices are automatically managed, controlled and monitored, especially said battery, preventing any unwanted discharging or draining up thereof in usage.

1 1 . An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said PCU through an electronic circuit thereof efficiently and electronically enables low electrical current production to as much as one(1 ) ampere for a high output and a steadily consistent flow of hydrogen and oxygen gas production.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , 2 or 10 wherein the gas outlet means thereof is connected to a fuel intake manifold of a vehicle's engine, functioning as an exhaust system enhancer and fuel saving device thereto.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1 1 wherein said engine is an internal combustion engine of a vehicle selected from one of motorcycle, car, van, jeep bus, truck, heavy equipment, boat and aircraft.

14. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said main housing container member is made of suitable transparent or translucent materials selected from at least one or combination of plastic, fiberglass and glass.