WO2014064627A1

WO2014064627A1 - Gas generating apparatus and components thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2014064627A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/059594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Detlef Beier; Neil Gould
Original assignee: Quantum Hydrogen Limited
Priority date: 2012-10-24
Filing date: 2013-10-24
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Also published as: HK1206799A1; CN104781450A

Abstract

A gas generating apparatus (100) comprises an electrode plate group assembly (160) which comprises separator device (170) for separating adjacent electrode plates (162, 164) of an electrode plate group assembly (160). The separator device (170) comprises a permeable membrane portion (174), a non-permeable portion (172) surrounding said permeable membrane portion (174), a sealing boundary (171) moulded on said non-permeable portion (172) and surrounding said permeable membrane portion (174), and a first gas collection aperture (176) formed on a first gas transit chamber (173) defining portion of said non-permeable portion (172). The first gas transit chamber (173) spans across a major or the entire lateral portion of said permeable membrane portion (174). The longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary (171) and said permeable membrane portion (174) at said first gas transit chamber (173) defining portion increases as said sealing boundary (171) extends laterally from said one lateral end of said permeable membrane portion (174) towards said first gas collection aperture (176).

Description

GAS GENERATING APPARATUS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to gas generating apparatus and components thereof, and more particularly, to gas generating apparatus such as hydrogen generators and/or oxygen generators which are to generate hydrogen and/or oxygen respectively by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to mobile hydrogen generating apparatus to supply hydrogen as a fuel or a fuel addition for internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND

[002] Combustible gases such as oxygen and hydrogen are regarded by the public as a clean energy source compared to fossil fuels since less pollutants and/or less carbon dioxide are produced during combustion.

[003] US 4,442,801 discloses an internal combustion engine provided with a fuel supplementation system in which water is broken down by electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen which are then added to the fuel delivery system. However, use of hydrogen as a fuel or as a fuel supplement to fossil fuel to power vehicles having internal combustion engines has not be widely used in the mass market.

[004] WO 2010/117384 discloses a hydrogen electrolysis device for use with vehicles. The device includes a canister which retains a hydrogen electrolysis generator and a water filled tube. A mixture of hydrogen and oxygen is delivered from a gas outlet. [005] It is desirable if improved gas generating apparatus can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[006] The disclosure will be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:-

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an example gas generating apparatus according to the present disclosure with the electrolyte tank partially exposed, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hydrogen generating apparatus of Figure 1 in a partially exploded form with the electrolysis core assembly displaced,

Figure 2A is a perspective view of Figure 2 viewed from below,

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the gas generating apparatus of Figure 1 with a top cover of the electrolyte tank removed,

Figure 3A is a partially exploded view of Figure 3 with the electrolysis core assembly detached,

Figure 3B is an exploded view showing the electrolysis core assembly,

Figure 3C is a schematic cross-section view showing an electrode plate group which is cut along a longitudinal axis,

Figure 3D is an enlarged view of an example end coupling device,

Figure 3E is an enlarged view of an example separator,

Figure 3F shows a back side of the example separator of Figure 3E,

Figure 4 is a front perspective view showing the main housing of the gas generating apparatus and a coupling device of Figure 3D,

Figure 4A is a front perspective view of Figure 4 from below, and

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another example gas electrolytic generating apparatus.

DESCRIPTION [007] A gas generating apparatus 100 depicted in Figures 1 to 4 comprises an electrolyte tank 120 and an electrolysis tank 140. The electrolyte tank 120 is for continuously supplying aqueous electrolyte to the electrolysis tank 140 via a liquid supply path to replenish electrolyte which is lost during electrolysis operation in the electrolysis tank when gaseous hydrogen and oxygen are generated. The electrolysis tank and the electrolyte tank share a common main housing 110 of hard plastics in this example but they can of course be separated. The electrolysis tank is fluid tight except at a junction interface at which the electrolysis tank interfaces with the electrolyte tank. The common main housing 110 is partitioned into an upper portion which defines the electrolyte tank and a lower portion which defines the electrolysis tank by a bridging device 130 at the junction interface. The electrolysis tank is fluid tight except at the bridging device so that fluid communication can take place between the electrolysis tank and the electrolyte tank through the bridging device.

[008] The lower portion of the main housing defines a reservoir for receiving aqueous electrolyte for electrolysis, and an electrode plate group assembly 160 is immersed in the reservoir to electrolyze the water in contact with the positive and negative electrode plates when a direct current is supplied to operate the electrode plate group assembly 160. Water in the reservoir is maintained at a level such that the active regions on the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode plate group are immersed in water for maximal electrolysis efficiency.

[009] The electrode plate group assembly 160 comprises a positive electrode plate 162 and a negative electrode plate 164 which are connected respectively to a positive power terminal and a negative power terminal in order to obtain direct current (DC) power supply to facilitate electrolysis operation. Each of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate is a metal plate, preferably a non-porous or non-permeable metal plate such as copper, aluminium, stainless steel plate, titanium, platinum, or plates coated with one of the aforesaid metals. Liquid inlet apertures are defined on the positive and negative electrode plates at near the bottom end so that aqueous electrolyte can enter the electrode plate group assembly 160 at the bottom end while gas generated by electrolysis will exit near the top end to minimize interference. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate have the same active electrolysis area and therefore have preferably the same outline dimensions. As such, the electrode plate group assembly 160 is substantially prismatic in a direction orthogonal to the active surface of the electrode plates for maximal spatial efficiency.

[0010] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the positive electrode plate 162 and the negative electrode plate 164 are mounted closely together while separated by an insulating separator plate 170. The separator plate 170 comprises a plastic frame 172 on which a permeable or porous membrane 174 is mounted. The permeable membrane is a mesh type membrane which is permeable to water but not permeable to bubbles, especially hydrogen and oxygen bubbles generated by electrolysis of water in the reservoir. The porous membrane juxtaposes the active regions of the positive and negative electrode plates and the size of the porous membrane is equal or comparable to the size of the active regions on the electrode plates. Spacers such as ribs or nodes are distributed on the plastic frame to maintain a transverse separation between the insulator plate and adjacent electrode plates to mitigate collapsing of the membrane towards either of the positive or the negative electrode plates. [001 1 ] The bubble non-permeable membrane on the separator plate permits through passage of water across the separator plate while preventing passage of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles generated by electrolysis. With these properties, water levels on both sides of the separator plate will be equalized due to liquid permeability across the membrane, while mixing of oxygen or hydrogen bubbles generated by electrolysis due to moving of gas bubbles across the porous membrane is mitigated due to bubble non-permeability since the gas bubbles are too large to move or migrate across the porous membrane. An example membrane suitable for this application has about 3000 holes in an area of 5mm x 5mm. In general, a membrane having more than 80 holes per mm², preferably more than 100 holes per mm², and even more preferably having more than 120 holes per mm² would be suitable. For example, a membrane having micro-pores with pore sizes in the nanometre range, for example, in the 100nm to 500 nm range, would be useful. The membrane may be made of polyester or polyamides such as nylons with very fine pores.

[0012] The insulating separator plate 170 includes a first surface which oppositely faces the

[0013] Negative electrode plate 162 and a second surface which oppositely faces the positive electrode plate 164. A hydrogen exit aperture 176 and an oxygen exit aperture 178 are formed as separate and isolated through holes on left and right corners near the top of the separator plate and in the portion of the plastic separator frame which is above the membrane region.

[0014] A first sealing gasket 180 formed of a gas non-permeable or a gas sealing resilient material, such as a rubber sheet or a silicone rubber sheet, is fitted between the negative electrode plate 164 and the separator plate 170. This first sealing gasket 180 includes a periphery portion 182 which defines and surrounds a window opening portion 184. The window opening portion 184 defines a window aperture which has a size and dimensions equal or comparable to the active regions of the negative electrode plate. An active region in the present context means a region where gas bubbles of oxygen or hydrogen are generated in the course of electrolysis. [0015] The separator plate 170, the first sealing gasket 180, and the negative electrode plate 164 of the electrode plate group assembly are tightly mounted and/or closely joined together to cooperatively define a hydrogen generation chamber. This hydrogen generation chamber is bubble sealed since hydrogen bubbles generated on the negative electrode plate surface will be trapped inside the hydrogen generation chamber while moving upwards through water in the reservoir against gravity since the hydrogen bubbles cannot move across the insulating plate. The hydrogen generation chamber is essentially an inter-plate chamber because the volume of the hydrogen generation chamber is defined by the narrow region between the active regions on the negative electrode plate, the insulating plate and the window opening portion of the first sealing gasket. A narrow inter-plate chamber, that is a chamber having a very small inter-plate separation distance, is preferred for compactness or for maximal spatial efficiency for portable or mobile applications since the hydrogen bubble generation process is essentially a reaction which takes place on active region on the negative electrode plate.

[0016] Hydrogen generated by electrolysis is removed from the hydrogen generation chamber through a hydrogen outlet aperture 166 on the negative electrode plate as hydrogen bubbles are pushed away from the negative electrode surface and moves upwards from the reservoir during electrolysis when new bubbles are generated. It will be noted from Figures 3 to 3C that the hydrogen outlet aperture 166 is in direct fluid communication with the hydrogen generation chamber and is directly facing the window opening portion of the first sealing gasket. To deliver generated hydrogen out of the hydrogen generation chamber, a hydrogen outlet aperture 166 is formed on the negative electrode plate and at a location which corresponds to the location of the hydrogen exit aperture 176 on the insulator plate. This hydrogen exit aperture 176 on the negative electrode plate is not used for hydrogen delivery in this example. Although the hydrogen exit aperture 176 on the right top corner of the separator plate is in fluid communication with the hydrogen generation chamber, this hydrogen exit aperture 176 is sealed by a back plate attached to the second sealing gasket and the positive electrode plate in this example as a single hydrogen outlet is required on the negative electrode plate only.

[0017] A second sealing gasket 190, identical to the first sealing gasket, is mounted to the second surface of the insulating plate in a mirror symmetrical manner. Similar to the first sealing gasket 190, the second sealing gasket includes a periphery portion 192 which defines and surrounds a window opening portion 194. The window opening portion 194 defines a window aperture which has a size and dimensions equal or comparable to the active regions of the positive electrode plate. [0018] The separator plate 170, the second sealing gasket 190, and the positive electrode plate 162 are tightly mounted and/or closely joined together to cooperatively define an oxygen generation chamber. This oxygen generation chamber is bubble sealed since oxygen bubbles generated on the positive electrode plate surface will be trapped inside the oxygen generation chamber while moving upwards against gravity through water in the reservoir since the oxygen bubbles cannot move laterality across the insulating plate. The oxygen generation chamber is essentially an inter-plate chamber because the volume of the oxygen generation chamber is defined by the narrow region between the active regions on the positive electrode plate, the insulating plate and the window opening portion of the second sealing gasket. [0019] Similarly, oxygen generated by electrolysis is removed from the oxygen generation chamber through an oxygen outlet aperture 168 on the negative electrode plate. As the oxygen outlet aperture 168 is distal from the oxygen generation chamber, a sealed oxygen output channel is formed inside the electrode plate group assembly. This sealed oxygen output channel comprises the oxygen exit aperture 178 on the insulator plate and a corresponding aperture on the peripheral portion of the first sealing gasket.

[0020] The positive electrode plate 162 depicted Figure 3C also includes a hydrogen outlet aperture and an oxygen outlet aperture. The hydrogen and oxygen outlet apertures on the positive electrode plate are sealed by a back plate in this example.

[0021 ] In operation, hydrogen bubbles will be generated at the active regions on the surface of the negative electrode plate facing the positive electrode plate by electrolysis of water in the reservoir when direct current is supplied to the electrode plate group assembly. At the same time, oxygen bubbles will be generated at the active regions on the surface of the positive electrode plate. The hydrogen bubbles will rise through water in the reservoir and move upwards towards the top of the reservoir due to gravity because the density of hydrogen bubbles is substantially lower than water. As the hydrogen bubbles are trapped or confined inside the inter-plate hydrogen generation chamber, the hydrogen bubbles will exit through the hydrogen outlet aperture 166 on the negative electrode plate. Water is supplied into the electrode plate group assembly via the water inlet apertures 169, especially the water inlet apertures on the negative electrode plate, to replenish water lost during electrolysis. The water is drawn into the electrode plate group assembly due to a low pressure environment created by gas leaving the sealed gas chambers, namely, the hydrogen and oxygen generation chambers. [0022] Similarly, oxygen generated in the oxygen generation chamber will rise through water in the reservoir through the sealed oxygen output channel. It will be noted that both the hydrogen outlet aperture and the oxygen outlet aperture are on same side of the electrode plate group assembly. [0023] When it is desirable that the hydrogen outlet aperture and the oxygen outlet aperture are to be on opposite sides of the electrode plate group assembly, the oxygen outlet aperture on the negative electrode plate can be sealed and the oxygen outlet aperture on the positive electrode plate 162 is opened to facilitate external gaseous coupling. In this arrangement, hydrogen will be delivered out of the electrode plate group assembly from the hydrogen outlet aperture 166 on the negative electrode plate while oxygen will be delivered from the oxygen outlet aperture on the positive electrode plate or the positive electrode plate most distal from the negative electrode plate.

[0024] In an alternative arrangement, the hydrogen outlet aperture 166 on the negative electrode plate 164 is blocked, the oxygen outlet aperture 166 on the negative electrode plate is opened, the hydrogen outlet aperture on the positive electrode plate is open and the oxygen outlet on the positive electrode plate is blocked. In this arrangement, oxygen and hydrogen are delivered out of the electrode plate group assembly on opposite sides of the electrode plate group assembly.

[0025] In a further alternative both, the hydrogen and oxygen outlet apertures 166, 168 on the negative electrode plate 164 are blocked while that on the positive electrode plate 162 is opened. As a result, hydrogen and oxygen are delivered out of the electrode plate group assembly on same side of the electrode plate group assembly.

[0026] With the formation of separate hydrogen and oxygen generation chamber sin the electrode plate group assembly, hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis tank can be delivered separately and in routes and/or directions selected or determined by a user or designer.

[0027] In the example apparatus of Figure 1 , hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis is coupled to a coupling device 150 for delivery out of the electrolysis tank. The coupling device comprises a rigid and solid block made of hard plastics, for example, Polyoxymethylene (POM) which is also known as acetal. A hydrogen collection path, an oxygen collection path, and a water supply path are integrally formed on the solid block to promote robustness and reliability of the apparatus. The hydrogen collection path includes a hydrogen inlet aperture 151 formed on a major side surface of the solid block, a hydrogen outlet 152 formed at the top side and a hydrogen bore formed inside the solid block and connecting the hydrogen inlet and hydrogen outlet. The oxygen collection path includes an oxygen inlet aperture 153 formed on a major surface of the solid block, an oxygen outlet 154 formed at the top surface and an oxygen bore formed inside the solid block and connecting the oxygen inlet and oxygen outlet. The water supply path is located between the hydrogen and oxygen collection paths and comprises a water inlet aperture 155 formed on the top surface of the solid block, a water outlet formed on the major side surface of the solid block 158 and an internal water bore 159 connecting the water inlet and the water outlet. An exposed water distribution channel extends from the water outlet from near the top of the reservoir to near the bottom to feed water into the electrode plate group assembly via the water inlet apertures. The water distribution channel comprises an open channel 156 which extends downwards towards the bottom of the reservoir and then splits at near the middle portion of the reservoir to facilitate more even distribution of water into the reservoir.

[0028] The coupling device 156 and the electrode plate group assembly 160 are tightened together by fasteners such as nuts and bolts to form a modular electrolysis core assembly with gas tight coupling between the electrode plate group assembly 160 and the coupling device 150. As depicted in Figures 2, 3A and 3B, the coupling device is mounted to the electrode plate group assembly with the major side surface tightly coupled to the negative electrode plate in a gas tight manner such that the hydrogen inlet aperture and the oxygen inlet aperture are aligned respectively with the hydrogen exit aperture and oxygen exit aperture on the negative electrode plate.

[0029] While the water supply path, the oxygen collection path and the hydrogen collection paths are integrally formed on the solid block of the coupling device of Figure 1 , it will be appreciated that the oxygen collection paths and the hydrogen collection paths can be separately formed on separate coupling devices. For example, where the oxygen output aperture and the hydrogen outlet aperture are formed on opposite sides of the electrode plate group assembly, separate coupling devices, one with an integrally formed oxygen collection and another one with an integrally formed hydrogen collection path can be mounted on opposite sides of the electrode plate group assembly to correspond with the hydrogen outlet aperture and oxygen outlet aperture without loss of generality. Where two coupling devices are used, the water collection path can be formed on either or both of the coupling devices. [0030] The bridging device 130 comprises a rigid bridging member 131 which partitions the common housing into the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank, and a plurality of rigid nozzles which extend into the electrolysis tank to facilitate fluid communication between the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank. [0031 ] The bridging member depicted in Figure 1 , 2 and 2A comprises a rigid plastic plate which forms the bottom or floor of the electrolyte tank and on which a plurality of apertures to facilitate fluid communication between the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank is defined. The rigid nozzles are integrally formed in the bridging device and operate as alignment means for aligned coupling with the electrolysis core assembly. The plurality of nozzles includes a hydrogen nozzle 132 for gas tight coupling with the hydrogen bore of the coupling device, an oxygen nozzle 134 for gas tight coupling with the oxygen bore of the coupling device, and a water supply nozzle 136 for supplying water into the electrolysis tank through the water bore.

[0032] The electrolyte tank 120 is partitioned into three compartments, namely, a hydrogen compartment 122, an oxygen compartment 124 and a water compartment 126 which is intermediate the hydrogen and oxygen compartments. The hydrogen compartment is vertically above the hydrogen nozzle on the bridging device, the oxygen compartment is vertically above the oxygen nozzle, and the water compartment is vertically above the water supply nozzle. The oxygen compartment, the hydrogen compartment, and the water compartment are in liquid communication by means of lateral through holes formed on vertical compartment walls separating the various compartments.

[0033] In operation, hydrogen coming in from the electrolysis tank through the hydrogen nozzle during electrolysis will rise vertically to the top of the hydrogen compartment for delivery to an external user destination by a sealed hydrogen duct, oxygen coming in from the electrolysis tank through the oxygen nozzle will rise vertically to the top of the hydrogen compartment for delivery to an external user destination by a sealed oxygen duct, and water will through the water supply nozzle to replenish water lost in the electrolysis tank due to electrolysis. It will be noted that as oxygen and hydrogen will rise rapidly through the water in the electrolyte tank and the top portions of the oxygen and hydrogen compartments are not in fluid communication with the water compartment which holds a water column, there is no exchange of oxygen and hydrogen in the electrolyte tank. It is also noted that the sealed hydrogen and oxygen ducts are separate from each other. [0034] While the electrode plate group assemblies in the present disclosure is mounted with a coupling device as described, it shall be appreciated that oxygen and/or hydrogen can be delivered out of the electrode plate group assembly through other coupling devices such as ducting means without loss of generality. While the example gas generating apparatus includes a built-in electrolyte tank, it will be appreciated that the electrolyte tank and be detached from the electrolysis tank or the common housing without loss of generality.

[0035] In the example of Figure 3B, an electrode plate group 160 comprising a single electrolysis cell comprising a pair of electrode plates of opposite polarity together and a subassembly comprising a separator plate 176 and gaskets 182, 192 on both sides of the separator plate is shown. The electrode plate group 160 can be expanded into an arrangement comprising multiple electrolysis cells by including a number of sub-assemblies each including an electrode plate and an associated sub-assembly of a separator plate 176 and gaskets 182, 192. A positive surface and a negative surface will appear on opposite surfaces of an additional electrode plate during electrolysis operation when a voltage is applied to the electrode plates at the ends of the electrode plate group.

[0036] As depicted in Figure 3E and 3F, a sealing boundary 171 is formed on the non- permeable plastic portion on the separator plate 176. This sealing boundary 171 is formed as a moulded protrusion which surrounds the permeable portion 174. When the electrode plate group is assembled, the separator plate 176 will be pressed against an electrode plate group and this sealing boundary 171 will cooperate with the corresponding electrode plate to define a gas generating chamber. During electrolysis operation, gas will be generated on active regions of the electrode plate which are facing the permeable portions 174. The generated gas will move towards the gas collection aperture, which can be a hydrogen outlet 176 or an oxygen outlet in this example, via a gas transit chamber 173. The gas transit chamber 173 is a portion of the gas generation chamber which is located on the portion of the plastic frame containing the gas collection aperture 176,178 and between sealing boundary 171 and the permeable portion 174. In order to facilitate a more efficient collection of generated gas, the gas transit chamber 173 spans laterally across the entire gas generation chamber. It will be noted that the gas generation chamber extends across the width of the entirety of the permeable portion 174. In order that both oxygen and hydrogen outlets are formed on the same plastic frame, each one of the oxygen and hydrogen outlets is formed on or near one lateral end of the permeable portion. For example, the hydrogen outlet 176 is formed on a far left corner and the oxygen outlet 178 is formed on a far right corner as shown in Figure 3E. The insulator plate 176 has an identical layout on the other side as depicted in Figure 3F and the relative lateral locations of the oxygen and hydrogen outlets are reversed. Therefore, the hydrogen outlet 176 is formed on a far right corner and the oxygen outlet 178 is formed on a far left corner as shown in Figure 3F which shows the other surface of the insulator plate of Figure 3E when flipped over. [0037] In Figures 3E and 3F, the darker portions of the non-permeable portion is so made to illustrate that they are the portion to be covered by a gasket material where gaskets are used for improved gas sealing.

[0038] To improve transport of gases from the gas transit chamber towards the gas collection aperture, the portion of the gas transit chamber at a lateral end which is distal from the gas collection aperture flares towards the collection aperture flares as it extends towards the gas collection aperture. This funnel shaped configuration with a narrowed portion at the end of the gas transit chamber distal from the gas collection aperture operate to accelerate bubbles collected from that lateral end of the gas generation chamber to move faster towards the gas collection aperture as the gas pressure at that lateral end of the gas transit chamber 173 will be higher due to the narrowing. It is noted that the narrowed gas transit chamber 173 at that lateral end of said gas transit chamber 173 mitigates congestion of gas bubbles there. To further enhance gas transport, a plurality of gas guiding fins 175 is distributed around the gas collection aperture. The orientations of the gas guiding fins 175 are distributed such that gas arriving from different lateral regions of the gas transit chamber has a more equalised opportunity to reach the gas collection aperture 176 as the gas guiding fins 175 are oriented to provide different resistance to gas coming in from different lateral regions of the gas transit chamber.

[0039] The separator plate of this disclosure teaches an example of a separator device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first gas transit chamber is defined by a portion of the non- permeable portion which extends between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion. The first gas transit chamber defining portion of the non-permeable portion spans across a major or the entire lateral portion of said permeable membrane portion. The longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said first gas transit chamber defining portion increases as said sealing boundary extends laterally from said one lateral end of said permeable membrane portion towards said first gas collection aperture. [0041 ] In some embodiments, the permeable membrane portion may extend between a first lateral end and a second lateral end, and said first gas collection aperture is located near or close to said first lateral end of said permeable membrane portion, and wherein rates of increase of longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said first gas transit chamber defining portion are different on two lateral sides of said first gas collection aperture such that the rate of increase of said longitudinal separation distance on the side of the first lateral end is higher while the rate on the side of the second lateral end is lower.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rate of increase of said longitudinal separation distance on the side of the second lateral comprises a first rate portion and a second rate portion, and wherein the rate of increase on a side closer to said second lateral end is lower than the rate of increase on a side closer to said first gas collection aperture.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non- permeable portion has a funnel shape which converges from the lateral ends of said permeable membrane portion towards said first gas collection aperture.

[0044] In some embodiments, a plurality of gas guide fins is mounded on said non-permeable portion and said gas guide fins are distributed around said first gas collection aperture to guide and distribute flow of gas towards said first gas collection aperture, and wherein one of said gas guide fins extends in a direction pointing towards a lateral end of said permeable membrane portion which is distal from said first gas collection aperture and adjacent said first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, said separator device is two sided and comprises a front side and a back side, and corresponding or equivalent features for cooperating with another electrode plate are formed on a second or back side of said separator device; and wherein said corresponding features include a second gas collection aperture which is formed on a second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion, and said second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion extends between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion; wherein said second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion spans across a major or the entire lateral portion of said permeable membrane portion; and wherein longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said second gas transit chamber defining portion increases as said sealing boundary extends laterally from said one lateral end of said permeable membrane portion towards said second gas collection aperture.

[0046] In some embodiments, said second gas collection aperture is outside said first gas transit chamber defining portion and located near a lateral end of said permeable membrane portion which is distal from said first gas collection aperture,

[0047] In some embodiments, layout and configuration of said corresponding features on said second side are identical to that on the first side when viewed with said second side flipped over.

[0048] There is disclosed in this disclosure an electrode plate group assembly of an electrolytic gas generating apparatus. The electrode plate group assembly comprises a plurality of electrode plates and a separator sandwiched between adjacent electrode plates of opposite polarity with or without a sealing gasket, wherein each separator is a separator device disclosed herein.

[0049] In some embodiments, layout and configuration of the separator device is arranged such that a first surface of said separator device oppositely faces an adjacent electrode plate of a first polarity such that said sealing boundary of said first surface of said separator device cooperates with said adjacent electrode plate to define a first gas generation chamber and said first gas transit chamber; and wherein gas generated in said first generation chamber during operation is to exit through said first gas collection aperture via said first gas transit chamber.

[0050] In some embodiments, the separator device is arranged such that a second surface of said separator device oppositely faces an adjacent electrode plate of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and that said sealing boundary on said second surface of said separator device cooperates with said oppositely facing electrode plate of said opposite polarity to define a second gas generation chamber and said second gas transit chamber; and wherein gas generated in said second generation chamber during operation is to exit through said first gas collection aperture via said second gas transit chamber. [0051 ] There is disclosed in this disclosure an end coupling member of an electrode plate group assembly of a gas generating apparatus which is to generate gases by electrolysis. The end coupling member comprises a first gas outlet and a second gas outlet for coupling gas generated by electrolysis out of said electrode plate group assembly and an electrolyte inlet for feeding electrolyte into said electrode plate group assembly. Each of said first outlet, said second gas outlet and said electrolyte inlet comprises a conduit portion which are integrally formed on a single piece of material.

[0052] In some embodiments, said conduit portion is integrally formed on a block of hard plastics and each said conduit portions comprises a bore inside said block. [0053] In some embodiments, an electrolyte distribution channel in liquid connection with said electrolyte inlet is integrally formed on said block and extends from said electrolyte inlet to an end of said block distal from said electrolyte inlet to feed electrolyte into said electrode plate group assembly, and wherein said electrolyte distribution channel comprises paths which extend and spread both longitudinally and laterally on said block. [0054] There is disclosed in this disclosure an electrode plate group assembly of an electrolytic gas generating apparatus, wherein the electrode plate group assembly comprises a plurality of electrode plates such that adjacent electrode plates of opposite polarity are separated by an insulating separator, and an end coupling member according to the disclosure herein, and wherein said electrode plate group assembly and said end coupling member are coupled in a gas tight manner with the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet of said end coupling member coupled respectively with the first gas collection aperture and the second gas collection aperture of said electrode plate group assembly, and the electrolyte inlet of said end coupling member is coupled with an electrolyte inlet of said electrode plate group assembly.

[0055] There is disclosed in this disclosure an electrolytic gas generating apparatus comprising an electrode plate group assembly according to any of preceding Claims, wherein the gas generating apparatus is for generating hydrogen and/or oxygen through electrolysis of an aqueous electrolyte.

[0056] There is disclosed in this disclosure gas generating apparatus comprising an electrolysis tank and a built-in electrolyte tank, wherein the electrolysis tank comprises an electrode plate group assembly and a reservoir, and the electrolyte tank is to replenish the reservoir with water lost during electrolysis; wherein the electrode plate group assembly comprises positive and negative electrode plates which are arranged to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water in the reservoir when direct current is supplied to the electrode plate group assembly and to supply hydrogen separately from oxygen generated and/or to supply oxygen separately from hydrogen generated; and wherein the electrolysis tank and the electrolyte tank share a common rigid housing and are movable and removable as a single unit. [0057] In some embodiments, said electrode plate group assembly is according to the disclosure herein. In some embodiments, a bridging device partitions the rigid common housing into the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank, and a water supply aperture is formed on the bridging device to facilitate flow of water from the electrolyte tank to the reservoir of the electrolysis tank.

[0058] The electrolyte tank 220 and the electrolysis tank 240 may be separate, as depicted for example in the gas generating apparatus 200 of Figure 5. In some embodiments, the electrolyte tank 220 and the electrolysis tank 240 may be connected conduits or pipes, such as flexible pipes. [0059] Table of numerals

Gas generating apparatus 100

Common housing 110

Electrolyte tank 120

Bridging device 130

Bridging plate 131

Hydrogen nozzle 132

Oxygen nozzle 134

Water nozzle 136

Electrolysis tank 140

Coupling device 150, 151 -156

Electrode plate group 160

Positive electrode plate 162

Negative electrode plate 164

Water inlet apertures 169

Separator plate 170

Sealing boundary 171

Separator plastic frame 172

Gas transit chamber 173

Separator membrane 174

Gas guiding fins 175

Hydrogen exit aperture 176

Oxygen exit aperture 178

First sealing gasket 180

First sealing frame 182

First sealing window 184

Second sealing gasket 190

Second sealing frame 192

Second sealing window 194

Gas generating apparatus 200

Electrolyte tank 220

Electrolysis tank 240

Claims

A separator device for separating adjacent electrode plates of an electrode plate group assembly of a gas generating apparatus which is to generate gases by electrolysis; wherein said separator device comprises a permeable membrane portion, a non- permeable portion surrounding said permeable membrane portion, a sealing boundary moulded on said non-permeable portion and surrounding said permeable membrane portion, and a first gas collection aperture formed on a first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion, said first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion extending between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion; wherein said first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion spans across a major or the entire lateral portion of said permeable membrane portion; and wherein longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said first gas transit chamber defining portion increases as said sealing boundary extends laterally from said one lateral end of said permeable membrane portion towards said first gas collection aperture.

A separator device according to Claim 1 , wherein said permeable membrane portion extends between a first lateral end and a second lateral end, and said first gas collection aperture is located near or close to said first lateral end of said permeable membrane portion, and wherein rates of increase of longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said first gas transit chamber defining portion are different on two lateral sides of said first gas collection aperture such that the rate of increase of said longitudinal separation distance on the side of the first lateral end is higher while the rate on the side of the second lateral end is lower.

A separator device according to Claim 2, wherein the rate of increase of said longitudinal separation distance on the side of the second lateral comprises a first rate portion and a second rate portion, and wherein the rate of increase on a side closer to said second lateral end is lower than the rate of increase on a side closer to said first gas collection aperture. A separator device according to any of preceding Claims, wherein said first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion has a funnel shape which converges from the lateral ends of said permeable membrane portion towards said first gas collection aperture.

A separator device according to any of preceding Claims, wherein a plurality of gas guide fins is mounded on said non-permeable portion and said gas guide fins are distributed around said first gas collection aperture to guide and distribute flow of gas towards said first gas collection aperture, and wherein one of said gas guide fins extends in a direction pointing towards a lateral end of said permeable membrane portion which is distal from said first gas collection aperture and adjacent said first gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion.

A separator device according to any of preceding Claims, wherein said separator device is two sided and comprises a front side and a back side, and corresponding or equivalent features for cooperating with another electrode plate are formed on a second or back side of said separator device; and wherein said corresponding features include a second gas collection aperture which is formed on a second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion, and said second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non-permeable portion extends between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion; wherein said second gas transit chamber defining portion of said non- permeable portion spans across a major or the entire lateral portion of said permeable membrane portion; and wherein longitudinal separation distance between said sealing boundary and said permeable membrane portion at said second gas transit chamber defining portion increases as said sealing boundary extends laterally from said one lateral end of said permeable membrane portion towards said second gas collection aperture.

A separator device according to Claim 6, wherein said second gas collection aperture is outside said first gas transit chamber defining portion and located near a lateral end of said permeable membrane portion which is distal from said first gas collection aperture,

A separator device according to Claims 6 or 7, wherein layout and configuration of said corresponding features on said second side are identical to that on the first side when viewed with said second side flipped over.

An electrode plate group assembly of an electrolytic gas generating apparatus, wherein the electrode plate group assembly comprises a plurality of electrode plates and a separator sandwiched between adjacent electrode plates of opposite polarity with or without a sealing gasket, wherein each separator is a separator device according to any of the preceding Claims; and wherein the separator device is arranged such that a first surface of said separator device oppositely faces an adjacent electrode plate of a first polarity such that said sealing boundary of said first surface of said separator device cooperates with said adjacent electrode plate to define a first gas generation chamber and said first gas transit chamber; and wherein gas generated in said first generation chamber during operation is to exit through said first gas collection aperture via said first gas transit chamber. 10. An electrode plate group assembly according to Claim 9, wherein the separator device is arranged such that a second surface of said separator device oppositely faces an adjacent electrode plate of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and that said sealing boundary on said second surface of said separator device cooperates with said oppositely facing electrode plate of said opposite polarity to define a second gas generation chamber and said second gas transit chamber; and wherein gas generated in said second generation chamber during operation is to exit through said first gas collection aperture via said second gas transit chamber.

1 1 . An end coupling member of an electrode plate group assembly of a gas generating apparatus which is to generate gases by electrolysis; wherein the end coupling member comprises a first gas outlet and a second gas outlet for coupling gas generated by electrolysis out of said electrode plate group assembly and an electrolyte inlet for feeding electrolyte into said electrode plate group assembly; and wherein each of said first outlet, said second gas outlet and said electrolyte inlet comprises a conduit portion which are integrally formed on a single piece of material.

An end coupling member according to Claim 1 1 , wherein said conduit portion is integrally formed on a block of hard plastics and each said conduit portions comprises a bore inside said block.

An end coupling member according to Claim 1 1 , wherein an electrolyte distribution channel in liquid connection with said electrolyte inlet is integrally formed on said block and extends from said electrolyte inlet to an end of said block distal from said electrolyte inlet to feed electrolyte into said electrode plate group assembly, and wherein said electrolyte distribution channel comprises paths which extend and spread both longitudinally and laterally on said block.

An electrode plate group assembly of an electrolytic gas generating apparatus, wherein the electrode plate group assembly comprises a plurality of electrode plates such that adjacent electrode plates of opposite polarity are separated by an insulating separator, and an end coupling member according to any of Claims 1 1 -13, and wherein said electrode plate group assembly and said end coupling member are coupled in a gas tight manner with the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet of said end coupling member coupled respectively with the first gas collection aperture and the second gas collection aperture of said electrode plate group assembly, and the electrolyte inlet of said end coupling member is coupled with an electrolyte inlet of said electrode plate group assembly.

An electrolytic gas generating apparatus comprising an electrode plate group assembly according to any of preceding Claims, wherein the gas generating apparatus is for generating hydrogen and/or oxygen through electrolysis of an aqueous electrolyte.

A gas generating apparatus comprising an electrolysis tank and a built-in electrolyte tank, wherein the electrolysis tank comprises an electrode plate group assembly and a reservoir, and the electrolyte tank is to replenish the reservoir with water lost during electrolysis; wherein the electrode plate group assembly comprises positive and negative electrode plates which are arranged to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water in the reservoir when direct current is supplied to the electrode plate group assembly and to supply hydrogen separately from oxygen generated and/or to supply oxygen separately from hydrogen generated; and wherein the electrolysis tank and the electrolyte tank share a common rigid housing and are movable and removable as a single unit.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein said electrode plate group assembly is according to any of preceding Claims.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claims 16 or 17, wherein a bridging device partitions the rigid common housing into the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank, and a water supply aperture is formed on the bridging device to facilitate flow of water from the electrolyte tank to the reservoir of the electrolysis tank. A gas generating apparatus according to any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein a rigid portion of the bridging device forms bottom of the electrolyte tank and a rigid portion of the bridging device forms ceiling of the electrolysis tank.

A gas generating apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the electrolysis tank is gas tight and the bridging device comprises a rigid bridging member on which there is formed a plurality of rigid nozzles to facilitates fluid communication between the electrolyte tank and the electrolysis tank.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the rigid nozzles are elongate and protrude from the bridging device into the electrolysis tank.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claims 20 or 21 , wherein the plurality of rigid nozzles comprises a hydrogen output nozzle for guiding hydrogen generated by electrolysis to move out of the electrolysis tank.

A gas generating apparatus according to any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the plurality of rigid nozzles comprises a water supply nozzle for supplying water from the water to the reservoir.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claim 23, wherein the plurality of rigid nozzles comprises an oxygen output nozzle for guiding oxygen generated by electrolysis to move out of the electrolysis tank, the water supply nozzle being intermediate and separating the oxygen and hydrogen output nozzles.

A gas generating apparatus according to any of Claims 22 to 24, wherein the electrode plate group assembly is to separate hydrogen and oxygen bubbles during electrolysis of water in the electrolysis tank, and to deliver the separated hydrogen from the electrode plate group assembly to the electrolyte tank via the hydrogen output nozzle on the bridging device.

A gas generating apparatus according to Claim 25, wherein the electrode plate group assembly is to deliver the separated oxygen from the electrode plate group assembly to the electrolyte tank via the hydrogen output nozzle on the bridging device.