WO2014025249A1

WO2014025249A1 - Apparatus and method for enhancing engine performance and cleaning the same

Info

Publication number: WO2014025249A1
Application number: PCT/MY2013/000144
Authority: WO
Inventors: B. Ashok A/L TP. BALAKRISHNAN
Original assignee: Biofuel Hydrolyzer (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2012-08-06
Filing date: 2013-08-06
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Also published as: WO2014025249A8; IN2014KN02650A; MY169663A

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for supplementing internal combustion engines with Hydrogen and Oxygen gases produced by an electrolysis process. The gases are supplied to a combustion chamber of the engine for enhancing combustion process of the engine, cleaning the engine system and lowering emissions of the engine. The apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of electrodes (108) that are arranged adjacent to each other to generate uniform electromagnetic fields around the electrodes (108) when a minimal electrical current is supplied to the apparatus (10).

Description

Apparatus and Method for Enhancing Engine Performance and

Cleaning the Same

Technical Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for supplementing internal combustion engines with combustible gases and a carbon cleaning agent. More particularly it relates to an improved apparatus and method based on an electrolysis process in which the apparatus and the method enhance combustion process of the engine, clean the engine system from carbon deposits and reduce hydrocarbon emissions of the engine and thereby improving the performance of the engine, the viscosity of the lubrication oil and leading to lower fuel consumption.

Background of the invention

Most vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats and portable machinery such as electric generators utilize internal combustion engines. Generally, these engines use fossil fuel to operate. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being depleted much faster due to rising demand. The production and use of fossil fuels raise environmental concerns.

In the internal combustion engine, combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (air) in a combustion chamber. The expansion of the high temperature and high pressure gases produced by the combustion process exert forces to mechanical components of the engine transforming chemical energy into useful mechanical energy. Incomplete oxidation during the combustion or improper combustion may increase the emissions. Emissions carry harmful substances such as carbon monoxides, nitrogen oxides and other greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide that can adversely affect health and the environment. In order to control the emissions, users and manufacturers of internal combustion engines must comply with stringent regulations and emissions control standards.

For economic and environmental reasons, technologies on fuel and engine have been developed to produce internal combustion engines with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. For example, unleaded fuels are used for reducing carbon deposits in the engine and fuel additives are used for increasing performance and fuel efficiency of the engine. However, the effects of carbon build-up are still present in almost all vehicles and the use of some fuel additives may further increase carbon deposits in the engine. Excessive build-up of carbon deposits in the engine will reduce engine performance and create significant drivability issues.

Several attempts have been made to improve fuel efficiency and emissions of internal combustion engines. For instance, the internal combustion engine is supplemented with combustibles gases such as Hydrogen and Oxygen produced by electrolysis of water wherein the gases are mixed and burnt together with air- fuel mixture of the engine during combustion process. Various type of apparatus for producing Hydrogen and Oxygen gases have been disclosed, for example by the US3980053A, US4936961A, US5293857, US4389981, and CA2067735A which incorporate complex components. Electrolysis of water is known in which electrical current is used to break down water molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen gases. Using a high current supply will produce a greater amount of Hydrogen and Oxygen. However, the high current supply will cause the water temperature to rise and induce evaporation which rapidly reduces the amount of water. The evaporated water may enter the engine and may allow corrosion to set in. Further, a high current, for example in excess of 15 Amperes, will overload the alternator of the vehicle which results in an increase in fuel consumption and engine wear. Several attempts have been made to overcome the heating problem during electrolysis, for example, by dissipating the heat from the apparatus and constructing the apparatus with heat resistant materials which may require complex components and high manufacturing cost.

In view of the above problems and shortcomings, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that enhance the performance of any internal combustion engine wherein the apparatus and the method are based on electrolysis of water that produces a greater amount of Hydrogen and Oxygen using a minimal electrical current wherein the apparatus and method are distinguishable from the existing apparatus and method. The method allows a compact, portable and simple apparatus to be produced. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that enhances performance of any internal combustion by supplementing Hydrogen and Oxygen into the combustion chamber of the engine that reduces fossil fuel consumption, cleans the engine, improves engine efficiency, increases octane/cetane rating and reduces emissions of the engine.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, an apparatus for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine is based on an electrolysis process. For example, electrolyte solution such as sodium is used as an electrolyte. To operate the apparatus, a minimal amount of electrical current is induced into the water to split the water molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen gases. An optimal electric current is adjusted to produce desired amount Hydrogen and Oxygen gases. The apparatus of the present invention is configured with components that allow an efficient electrolysis to be performed in which the apparatus only requires a minimal amount of electrical current for an optimal production of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases. Simplicities of the components allow a compact and portable apparatus to be produced. In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second compartment to hold water in which it goes through a water misting process where it is supplied to an intake system of the engine for further cleaning the engine and enhancing the performance of the engine.

The gases produced by the apparatus are useful for supplementing any internal combustion engines such as petrol engines, diesel engines, generator sets, and gas turbines to allow the gases in these engines to burn with air-fuel mixture during combustion process of the engine. This will improve the combustion process, reduce fuel consumption of the engine, increase octane/cetane levels in the combustion chamber and lower hydrocarbon emissions of the engine for further cleaning the engine.

According to the present invention, a method for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of: performing an electrolysis process by using a minimal electrical current that will not overheat an electrolyte; generating uniform electro-magnetic fields around the electrodes during the electrolysis process for increasing production of combustible gases suitable for supplementing a combustion of the engine, channeling the gases produced by the electrolysis process to a combustion chamber of the engine; and during the combustion, Hydrogen and Oxygen gases act as a cleaning agent resultant to cleaning the engine and lowering emissions of the engine by removing carbon deposits in the engine. The method allows a greater amount of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases to be produced. By adopting the method a compact, simple and portable apparatus can be manufactured. The method further comprising the step of misting process into an intake system of the engine for cleaning the engine and enhancing the performance of the same. For supplementing an internal combustion engine, Hydrogen and Oxygen gases produced by the apparatus are supplied into a combustion chamber via an air intake system or vacuum port of the engine in which the gases will mix with the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and combust. The presence of the Hydrogen and Oxygen gases in the combustion system will enrich the air-fuel mixture by increasing the octane/cetane rating of the current fuel and allow the air-fuel mixture to burn more completely.

When ignited either by spark ignition or compression ignition, the supplied Hydrogen and Oxygen gases will combust together with the air-fuel mixture of the engine to release additional energy and convert into water vapor. The pure Hydrogen and Oxygen available in the combustion chamber give the carbon chain a boost. The water vapor will absorb the inner heat of the engine and turn into super heated dry steam and escapes via exhaust stroke as water vapor in the exhaust system. The water vapor will remove carbon deposits away from the engine and exhaust systems. This will add more power to the engine and reduce the amount of emission. This self-cleaning feature happens every time the engine is running.

The enhanced combustion of fuel means less fuel is required by the engine to power any internal combustible engine. The cleaner combustion helps to remove undesirable deposits of unburned carbon atoms. Studies show that hydrogen is capable to burn 9 times faster than fuel such as petrol and 14 times faster than diesel. The combustion of Hydrogen can cause the crank angle duration of combustion to be reduced by several degrees resulting in a 13% increase in horsepower and torque and a more complete combustion of the fuel.

The apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be maintenance-free in which it only requires the addition of distilled water after a long mileage. For example, only 1 litre of distilled water needs to be refilled after 2000 km of driving. Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are only produced when the engine is running. In other words, no Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are produced when the engine is not running. The Hydrogen and Oxygen gases that are produced are channeled directly to the air intake system of the internal combustion engine for combustion. As such no pressurized gases are supplied or stored under pressure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an example of an electrical connection between an electrical system of an internal combustion engine and the apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows another example of an electrical connection between an electrical system of an internal combustion engine and the apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a tower with spiral electrode; and

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an example of the apparatus according to present invention having a plurality of towers with spiral electrodes as shown in Fig. 3 disposed inside a chamber; Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c show multiple views of another example of the apparatus according to the present invention ; and

Fig. 6 shows an installation diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention to an internal combustion engine; and

Figs 7a, 7b and 7c show multiple views of yet another example of the apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for any internal combustion engines that use fossil fuels. For vehicle application, power or electrical current required to operate the apparatus can be derived from the electrical system or ignition system of the vehicle, for example from the 12/24 volt DC battery.

An optimal electrical current is required to perform the electrolysis process. Insufficient current supply will not produce the desired result. The electrical current supply is optimally adjusted to perform an electrolysis process that can produce a greater amount of Hydrogen and Oxygen without over heating the electrolyte that will allow it to evaporate or form into steam. The electrical current supply is also optimally adjusted to ensure that no excessive current is drawn from the electrical system or overloads the alternator of the engine. This is achieved by disposing improved components in the apparatus. According to the present invention, the improved components comprises a plurality of electrodes in the form of coils that are arranged next to each other to allow uniform electrical current to flow through and electro-magnetic fields to form. Fig. 1 shows an example of an electrical connection between an electrical system of an internal combustion engine and the apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus (10) comprises a container (101) having a reservoir or electrolysis chamber (102) for holding an electrolyte solution (303); electrodes (108) having an anode electrode and a cathode electrode wherein the electrodes are in the form of spirals or coils. The apparatus (10) is interconnected to an electrical system of an internal combustion engine. The Hydrogen and Oxygen gases produced by the apparatus (10) are channeled out via an outlet (113) into an air intake system (190) or vacuum port of any internal combustion engine. A relay (104) is provided between the electrical connection of the apparatus (10) and the electrical system of the internal combustion engine wherein the relay (104) acts as an automatic switch to operate the apparatus (10) when it receives electrical current from the electrical system. A fuse (106) is also provided in the said electrical connection for regulating electric current.

A float having a magnetic switch with buzzer, indicating a mechanism or sensor can be provided on the apparatus for indicating electrolyte level or alerting overflow or depletion of electrolyte in the chamber (102). Conduits such as T- connecter and hoses are provided for channeling gases produced from the chamber (102) to an air intake system or vacuum port of the engine.

The chamber (102) is partially filled with the electrolyte solution which provides a room for the gases. The spiral electrodes (108) are totally immersed in the electrolyte solution (303). The spiral configuration of the electrodes (108) creates magnetic forces that produce more Hydrogen and Oxygen gases and requires low consumption of electrical energy. This energy-saving design will derive only a low amount of electrical current from any internal combustion engine battery or electrical system and prevent overloading of the alternator. The spiral electrode (108) is formed from a Titanium wire coated with Nickel/Platinum or a stainless steel or any suitable electrical conductor wherein the wire is helically coiled around a tower.

As shown in Fig. 1, a first point (87) of the relay (104) is connected to the positive terminal of an internal combustion engine battery. A fuse is provided with between the connections. In this example a 20A inline fuse is used. A second point (88) of the relay is connected to an ignition switch or viper motor. A third point (30) is connected to the positive terminal of the apparatus (10). A fourth point (85) is connected to the negative terminal of the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) of the present invention requires at least 0.5-3.0 amps of direct current (DC), which is a very small amount of electrical current. It is configured to permit a useful output with minimal power input so that optimal amount of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases can be produced with the least amount of electrical energy that generates exothermic heat.

Referring to Fig. 2, the relay (104) is connected to a positive terminal of an internal combustion engine battery (502). The connection is bridged with the fuse (106). The relay (104) is also connected to a negative terminal of the apparatus (10) which is the cathode electrode. A negative terminal of the battery (502) is connected to a chassis where a negative terminal of the apparatus (10) is connected to.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the spiral electrode (108). A Titanium coated with Nickel/Platinum wire (188) is helically coiled around a tower (198) which is in the form a cylindrical bar. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an example of the apparatus (10) according to present invention having a plurality of towers having spiral electrodes disposed inside the chamber (102). The anode electrodes are arranged in a manner that the arrangement allows the electrodes to be connected to the corresponding anode electrodes and a positive pole or terminal. As shown in Fig, 3, the first (301) and second (302) towers are connected to the positive pole (404). The cathode electrodes are to be connected to the corresponding cathode electrode and a negative pole or terminal (408). Third (303) and fourth (304) towers are connected to the negative pole. Fifth tower (305) is connected to positive and negative towers. The positive towers create electro-magnetic field lines for a uniform distribution of positive charge releasing positive Hydrogen and Oxygen on one side and negative Hydrogen on the other side of the towers, thus creating a formation of positive Hydrogen (+ve HH), negative Hydrogen (-ve HH) and oxygen (O2). This is called a uniform electro-magnetic field. The container (101) can be made from any suitable material that can hold liquid and internal components in place. For example, the container (101) and the tower (198) is made from an acrylic material. The container (101) is secured by sealing the container with liquid gaskets. The outlet (113) is provided to channel out Hydrogen and Oxygen gases produced during the electrolysis process and an inlet (1 1 1) is provided to allow water to be replenished.

Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c show multiple views of another example of the apparatus according to the present invention. As mentioned above, the apparatus (50) as shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c produces Hydrogen and Oxygen gases with as little as 0.5-3.0 amps DC and configured to permit a useful output with minimal power input. The principle is to produce as much Hydrogen and Oxygen gases as possible with the least amount of electrical energy that generates exothermic heat. In reality, once the apparatus is charged up it actually acts like a wet cell battery. It holds a charge of 0.5-3.0 amps DC and can operate when charged with the power switch turned off, until the remaining suspended Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are emptied and the cell ultimately discharges. The power switch is primarily used to maintain the charge.

Most diesel vehicles do not have vacuum ports. The gases produced by the apparatus (50) will be fed directly into the engine. The system is an on demand system. Fig. 6 shows an installation diagram of the apparatus (50) shown in Figs 5a, 5b and 5c to a diesel engine. The diesel engine (601) is equipped with a turbocharger system. As shown in Fig. 6, three barbs are connected to the engine's manifold (603). The gases produced from the apparatus (50) are channeled out via an outlet (553) to a first inlet provided at the manifold (603) by using a 4 mm diameter vacuum hose. A non-return valve is connected just before the first inlet to prevent air from flowing back to the apparatus (50). Another vacuum hose connects a second outlet provided at the manifold (603) to an inlet (520) provided at the chamber (502) of the apparatus (50) with another non-return valve and a control valve attached to it. The air from the engine turbocharger system flows into the electrolyzing chamber (502) is regulated by a control valve. The air builds up in the chamber (502) will force the gases to feed into the first inlet provided at the manifold (603).

As shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, the apparatus (50) has a second compartment (503) that is attached to the electrolyzing chamber (502). A submersible 40 psi DC pump (540) is disposed in the second compartment (503) wherein the operation of the pump (540) is controlled by an integrated motherboard. In operation, the pump (540) pumps about 10 ml of water with a TDS of less than 5ppm at every 60 seconds interval for 5—10 seconds via a water outlet (563) of the second compartment (503). The water outlet (563) is connected to the manifold (603) of the engine via a third vacuum hose. A 0.5 mm brass mist nozzle is attached to a non-return valve and connected to the third barb provided at the manifold (603). The Hydrogen and Oxygen gases combined with the water will convert into steam in the combustion chamber, which absorbs the inner heat from the engine normally at 350 - 450 °C and turn it into super heated dry steam. The steam is pushed out during the exhaust stroke and out to the tailpipe where it will condense back into water vapor producing odorless clean exhaust emissions i.e. lowering HC, CO, CO2 and NO2 emissions almost to zero. In short, the exhaust emissions drop off the emission scale and produces water vapor from the vehicle's tailpipe.

As mentioned above, carbon deposits, which is a natural byproduct of the combustion process of fossil fuels is vented through a vehicle's exhaust system. As such, it is normal for a thin layer of carbon to cover engine parts and exhaust components that come into contact with the combustion process. The introduction of contaminants into the combustion process such as oil, poor fuel quality or overly rich fuel mixtures, as well as poor driving habits or driving in such conditions as inner-city and stop-and-go traffic can cause more rapid carbon build-up that will become excessive and reduce engine performance; ultimately requiring costly service or repairs if left unchecked. Figs 7a, 7b and 7c show multiple views of yet another example of the apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus (70) or system cleans throttle body, air bypass valve, injectors, valves, combustion chambers, oxygen sensor and catalytic converters without having to remove any engine components. The cleaning process takes effect after normal operating temperature of the engine has been reached. Referring to Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c, there are at least two outlets namely gas outlet (773) and water outlet (763) provided on the apparatus (70) that are connected to the engine's intake manifold. For a petrol engine, the connection of the apparatus is through an air intake port whereas for a diesel engine the connection of the apparatus is via an intake manifold.

When Hydrogen and Oxygen gases produced from the apparatus mixed with air- fuel mixture of the engine, the combustion becomes efficient and complete. The bi-product of the combustion mixture generates an ultra-high temperature steam which will loosen all carbon deposits attached to the internal components of the engine such as the fuel system and ejects the carbons deposits via the engine's exhaust system. This cleaning process not only delivers an immediate reduction in overall fuel consumption but also reduce long-term costs (and vehicle down time), and in diagnosing drivability faults by quickly eliminating carbon deposits related issues. The added benefit is that emissions from the internal combustion will also improve the engine horsepower and torque.

The apparatus (70) as shown in Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c provides two-line cleaning system (553, 773). The cleaning system is connected to the vacuum port or manifold of any internal combustion engine. In the first cleaning phase a carbon detox solution is injected into the manifold. This carbon detox solution safely dissolves contaminants, gum and varnish deposits in the combustion chamber. In the second cleaning phase, the gases produced by the apparatus (70) cleans the internal component of the engine which includes injector screens, intake & exhaust valves, top of pistons, combustion chamber, oxygen sensor, and catalytic converter. During the second cleaning process it loosens the soft carbon deposits, passing them harmlessly out to the exhaust. In the third cleaning phase, the water with TDS less than 15 ppm is pumped out from the apparatus via a pump (740). The water is then sprayed through a nozzle (0.5 mm) spraying mist through the vacuum port or manifold. Water is converted into steam and it cleans most of the residues in the combustion chamber and exits via the vehicle's exhaust system. Preferably, the apparatus (70) as shown in Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c is configured to have the following features:

Fully automated controlled operation;

3-Stage carbon cleaning process;

Cleans petrol and diesel engines;

Top-up, water level and refill with LED Indicators;

System runs unattended;

Works on any internal combustion engines, old or new;

Portable - 12 /24 Volt DC Operation;

Voltage and ampere digital meter indicators;

Caters up to 16000 cc internal combustion engines;

Timer to shut off after cleaning;

Portable and light-weight;

Integrated mother-board for functionality; and

Air ventilator and cooling fan system.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine and cleaning the same comprising

a container (101) having a chamber (102) for holding an electrolyte solution;

a plurality of electrodes comprising anode and cathode electrodes placed in the chamber (102);

wherein the chamber (102) has an inlet (111) and an outlet (113);

characterized in that

the electrodes are in the form of coils (188) that are arranged adjacent to each other for generating uniform electro-magnetic fields around the electrodes when an electrical current passes through the electrodes;

wherein the electro-magnetic field generated from the arrangement increases a production of combustible gases suitable for supplementing combustion of the engine; wherein the gases are channeled out via the outlet (113);

and when the gases combust it cleans the engine by removing carbon deposits in the engine and thereby lowering emissions.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a second compartment (503, 703) for holding water and a pump (540, 740) placed in the compartment (503, 703) for supplying mist via an outlet (563, 763) of the compartment (503, 703) to a manifold of a diesel engine for further cleaning the engine and enhancing the performance of the engine.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein an inlet (520, 720) is provided on the chamber (502, 702) for receiving air from turbocharger of the engine.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the coil (188) is a wire that is helically coiled around a tower (198).

5. An apparatus claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the electrodes are immersed in the electrolyte solution.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the electrical current is derived from an electrical system of the internal combustion engine such as an ignition system of the engine.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the electrical current passing through the electrodes is minimal which will not overheat the electrolyte or overloads an alternator.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the wire is made from a Titanium coated with Nickel/Platinum.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the anode electrodes are arranged to be connected to the corresponding anode electrodes and to a positive pole (404) for receiving an electrical current.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the cathode electrodes are arranged to be connected to the corresponding cathode electrodes and to a negative pole (408) for receiving an electrical current.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrolyte includes distilled water.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the combustible gases are Hydrogen and Oxygen gases.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrical current is in the range of 0.5-3 ampere of DC current.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the outlet (113, 553, 773) is connected to a vacuum port of a petrol engine or a manifold of a diesel engine via a hose.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pump (540, 740) is controlled by an integrated motherboard.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claims 3 and 14 wherein air builds up in the chamber (502, 702) will force the gases out of the chamber (502, 702) via the outlet (553, 773) and enter the manifold of the diesel engine.

17. A method for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine and cleaning the same comprising the steps of

generating electro-magnetic fields around the electrodes during an electrolysis process for increasing production of combustible gases suitable for supplementing combustion of the engine,

providing a uniform electro-magnetic fields around the electrodes during the electrolysis process;

performing the electrolysis by using a minimal electrical current that will not overheat an electrolyte solution,

wherein the gases produced by the electrolysis process are used as a fuel to supplement the combustion process of the engine and when combust thereby removing carbon deposits in the engine and lowering emissions of the engine.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the method further comprising the step of misting process into a manifold of a diesel engine for further cleaning the engine and enhancing the performance of the engine.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the uniform electromagnetic fields around the electrodes are generated by forming coils into the electrodes and arranging the electrodes adjacent to each other.

20. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the uniform electrical current of electrodes are provided by forming coils into electrodes and connecting the electrodes with other corresponding electrodes and supplying a minimal electrical current to the electrodes.

21. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the electrodes comprising anode and cathode electrodes wherein the anode electrodes are connected to the corresponding anode electrodes and the cathode electrode are connected to the corresponding cathode electrodes.

22. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the anode electrodes and cathode electrodes are connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal respectively for receiving an electrical current.

23. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the minimal electrical current is in the range of 0.5~3 ampere of DC current.