WO2020075178A1

WO2020075178A1 - A method and system for supersonic hydrogen fuel powered ic engines

Info

Publication number: WO2020075178A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sounthirarajan Kumarasamy
Original assignee: Sounthirarajan Kumarasamy
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-03-14
Publication date: 2020-04-16

Abstract

The various embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water.The system comprises of one or more heat transferring units that are adapted to transfer heat from an exhaust of an Hydrogen internal combustion engine, one or more selective conduction layers positioned between an high temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more selective conduction layers are adopted to permit the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the high temperature electrolytic device and prevent electric conduction between the high temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more heat transferring units, the high temperature electrolytic device for receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from an internal combustion engine and the hydrogen internal combustion engine adapted to generate power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the high temperature electrolytic device.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPERSONIC HYDROGEN FUEL POWERED IC

ENGINES

RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims benefit of the Indian Provisional Application No. 201841037958 titled“A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPERSONIC HYDROGEN FUEL POWERED HIGHER EFFICIENCY ENGINES” filed on 08^LhOctobcr 2018 by Kumarasamy, Sounthirarajan., which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally to a method and system for generating hydrogen and oxygen. More particularly, the present invention relates to the method and the system for generating hydrogen and oxygen by utilizing heat exerted from a hydrogen internal combustion engine. Further specifically by using hydrogen and oxygen derived from molecule mixture as fuel for the hydrogen engine supersonic detonation or higher efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, major problem confronted with the use of fossil fuels globally is IC engine vehicle creates air pollution as much as any aircraft, marine, buses, taxis, two wheelers, three wheelers, and heavy vehicle, over their lifetime. The heat energy is exhausted with nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon release it to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide emissions therefore are the most important cause of global warming. C0₂ is inevitably created by burning fuels like oil, natural gas, diesel, organic-diesel, petrol, organic-petrol and ethanol, etc. The emissions of C02 have been dramatically increased within the last 50 years and are still increasing by almost 3% each year.

Air pollution causes various disease such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive, pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and acute lower respiratory infections in children. According to a WHO reports in 2012 around 7 million people died due to air pollution and climate change exposure. So all countries are focusing more on alternative renewable energy and more particularly the hydrogen. Internal combustion engine generates both kinetic and thermal energy, however today’s IC engine use only 30% of kinetic energy. Remaining 70% of the thermal energy from the IC engine cylinders are exposed to the part of the wall through the exhausting gas and it is fully wasted . If we use hydrogen fuel generator, the heat energy wasted as exhaust could be used to generate hydrogen fuel from H20 molecule. This exhausted heat energy is used to convert H20 molecules into steam. With less electricity, the steam is supplied to the hydrogen fuel device which separates Hydrogen and oxygen from H20 molecule by the process called High Temperature Electrolysis. . Using hydrogen and oxygen derived from H20 molecule mixture as fuel for the hydrogen engine,

Hydrogen and oxygen molecule mixture at higher temperatures travel faster and collide with more energy. If collision energies reach a minimum activation energy sufficient to "break" the bonds between the reactants, then a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen follows. Because hydrogen has a low activation energy only a small spark is needed to trigger a reaction with oxygen

However, the big questions are the hydrogen economy, cost of hydrogen gas, hydrogen production cost, where does hydrogen come from? how is it transported? how is it distributed? how is it stored? how much cost to install hydrogen fueling stations? storage is the main technological problem of a viable hydrogen economy.

The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention disclose a system for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water, the system comprises of one or more heat transferring units that are adapted to transfer heat from an exhaust of an Hydrogen internal combustion engine, one or more selective conduction layers positioned between an high temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more selective conduction layers are adopted to permit the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the electrolytic device and prevent electric conduction between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more heat transferring units, the electrolytic device for receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from an internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine adapted to generate power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the electrolytic device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytic device comprises of a first outer cover at the first end, wherein the first outer cover comprises of an exhaust inlet, 02 outlet, and H20 inlet, a rubber sealing, a first inner plate at the first end, a first electric conductor, a first carbon felt, a membrane adapted to purify generated hydrogen, a second carbon felt, a second electric conductor, a second inner plate at a second end and a second outer cover at the second end, wherein the second outer cover comprises of H2 outlet, H20 inlet, and an exhaust inlet coupled with an exhaust inlet connector.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises of a microcontroller for controlling the system, a steam converter adapted to receive water from the water source and convert the water molecule to steam, a first gas and steam separator coupled at the first end of the high temperature electrolytic device, wherein the first gas and steam separator separates Hydrogen and the steam from the generated steam, a first gas compressor adapted to compress the hydrogen gas, a hydrogen storage pipeline adapted to transfer the Hydrogen from the first gas and steam separator to a Hydrogen buffer storage tank and store the Hydrogen in the Hydrogen buffer storage tank, a second gas and steam separator coupled at the second end of the high temperature electrolytic device, wherein the second gas and steam separator separates oxygen and the steam, a second gas compressor adapted to compress the oxygen, a oxygen storage pipeline adapted to transfer the oxygen from the second gas and steam separator to a oxygen buffer storage tank and adapted to store the oxygen in the oxygen buffer storage tank, one or more fuel tube adapted to receive hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrogen buffer storage tank and oxygen buffer storage tank respectively through a hydrogen delivery pipeline and a oxygen delivery pipeline and one or more fuel injectors coupled to the one or more respective fuel tubes, wherein the one or more fuel injectors are adapted to inject the fuel to the Hydrogen internal combustion engine, wherein the Hydrogen internal combustion engine uses the fuel to generate power.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the Hydrogen internal combustion engine comprises one or more cylinders to generate power. In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the one or more dual fuel injectors comprises a coil assembly and a solenoid adapted to inject the fuel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more heat transfer units are thermally coupled to the Hydrogen internal combustion engine adapted to convert water from the water source to water vapour due to heat conduction between the one or more heat transfer units and the Hydrogen internal combustion engine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises thermal insulating sealings adapted to prevent the loss of heat from the Hydrogen internal combustion engine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a bubbler coupled to the high temperature electrolytic device wherein the bubbler is adapted to reduce temperature of the hydrogen.

Accordingly to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water, the method comprises of transferring heat from an exhaust of an hydrogen internal combustion engine by one or more heat transferring units, permitting the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the electrolytic device and preventing electric conduction between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units by one or more selective conduction layers, receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from the internal combustion engine and generating power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the electrolytic device by the internal combustion engine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises of controlling at least one of the internal combustion engine, the electrolytic device, a first gas and steam separator, a second gas and steam separator, an oxygen buffer storage tank, a hydrogen buffer storage tank, one or more fuel tubes and one or more fuel injectors by a microcontroller, receiving water from the water source and convert the water molecule to steam by a steam converter, separating Hydrogen and the steam from the generated steam by a first gas and steam separator, compressing the hydrogen gas by a first gas compressor, transferring the Hydrogen from the first gas and steam separator to a Hydrogen buffer storage tank and store the Hydrogen in the Hydrogen buffer storage tank by a hydrogen storage pipeline, separating oxygen and the steam by a second gas and steam separator, compressing the oxygen by a second gas compressor, transferring the oxygen from the second gas and steam separator to a oxygen buffer storage tank and adapted to store the oxygen in the oxygen buffer storage tank by a oxygen storage pipeline, receiving hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrogen buffer storage tank and oxygen buffer storage tank respectively through a hydrogen delivery pipeline and a oxygen delivery pipeline by one or more fuel tubes and injecting the fuel to the internal combustion engine by the one or more fuel injectors, wherein the internal combustion engine uses the fuel to generate power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary block diagram of a system for generating hydrogen and oxygen, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure IB is a diagram illustrating the concept and process steps in super-sonic hydrogen higher efficiency IC engine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded or disassembled view of the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a system for generating hydrogen, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a disassembled view of the electrolytic device used in the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5is a diagram illustrating a use case scenario of super-sonic hydrogen higher efficiency IC engine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the dual injectors used in the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7is a method for generating hydrogen from water, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for performing person centric semantic search in a mobile device or any other electronic device. In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The specification may refer to“an”,“one” or“some” embodiment s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”,“comprises”,“including” and/or“comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantages details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The various embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water.The system comprises of one or more heat transferring units that are adapted to transfer heat from an exhaust of an internal combustion engine, one or more selective conduction layers positioned between an electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more selective conduction layers are adopted to permit the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the electrolytic device and prevent electric conduction between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more heat transferring units, the electrolytic device for receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from an internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine adapted to generate power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the electrolytic device.

More specifically, in the present invention a device for generating hydrogen and oxygen for use in a hydrogen fuel powered internal combustion engines is provided. Particularly, the above is achieved by finding the maximum potential energy available (Qmaximum) in the exhaust. It is calculated by identifying flow rate (m/, specific heat (cp), and the difference between the temperature of exhaust (T_exhaust /and the temperature of the environment (T_am) as

Qmaximum⁼ WlCp (Texhaust- Tatm)·

m= Constant Mass Flow , C_p = Specific Heat,

T_exhaust = Temperature of exhaust,

T_atm = The temperature of the environment.

The energy released in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is dissipated in 25%Effective power Mobility and Accessories, 5%Friction and parasitic Losses, 30% Coolant Losses, 40%Exhaust Gas Losses.The present invention utilizes the above exhaust heat(40%) and Radiator (coolant) heat(30%) energy losses to generate hydrogen and oxygen by using high temperature electrolysis.

According to the present invention, the hydrogen and oxygen generating devices for heat energy exhausted by a hydrogen fuel powered internal combustion engine is said to occur when an explosive kinetic energy from the hydrogen fuel has been used only. But thermal energy from the hydrogen IC engine cylinders exposed part of the wall through the exhausting gas has yet wasted. This thermal loss is an important part of the energy balance. This wasted thermal energy is used to generate fuel from H20 molecule. Using hydrogen and oxygen derived from H20 molecule mixture as fuel for the hydrogen engine supersonic detonation or higher efficiency. The device includes an electrolytic device adapted for receiving water from a water source and converting the high temperature steam to hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. The device further includes one or more heat transferring units thermally connected to the electrolytic device, the one or more heat transferring units are adapted to assist in maintaining temperature of desired range at the electrolytic device. The device furthermore includes one or more selective conduction layers positioned between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, the one or more selective conduction layers are adapted to permit heat transfer from the heat transferring units to the electrolytic device and prevent electric conduction between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units.

The device also includes a first conduit connected between the electrolytic device and the water source for transporting said water from the water source to the electrolytic device. The first conduit is thermally coupled to the internal combustion engine so that temperature of water from the water source is raised to the desired range due to heat conduction between the first conduit and the internal combustion engine. The electrolytic device as mentioned includes a membrane which is configured to receive the high temperature steam from the water source, a frame enclosing the membrane, at least two metal electrode plates attached to a first side and a second side of the membrane to facilitate electrolysis of the water at the high temperature, and electrodes are attached to the at least two metal electrode plates, wherein the electrodes are configured to attract hydrogen and oxygen ions from the membrane of water when electricity is supplied.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for generating hydrogen and oxygen. The system includes an internal combustion engine configured to function with one or more fuels and a hydrogen and oxygen generating unit thermally coupled to the internal combustion engine. The hydrogen and oxygen generating unit includes an electrolytic device receiving said water from a water source then converted to steam.The electrolytic device is configured to convert steam to hydrogen and oxygen by performing electrolysis. The system further includes one or more heat transferring units thermally connected to the electrolytic device. The one or more heat transferring units are configured to assist in maintaining a desired temperature at the electrolytic device by utilizing heat generated at the internal combustion engine. The system furthermore includes one or more selective conduction layers positioned between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units. The one or more selective conduction layers are configured to permit heat transfer and prevent electric conduction between the electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units.

The system according to one aspect includes a power distributor configured to provide current to the hydrogen generating unit. The system furthermore includes a shell and tube type heat exchanger configured to reduce the temperature of hydrogen and oxygengas generated by the generating unit. A gas coolant system connected to the hydrogen generating unit is configured to purify hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generating unit. The purifier includes a palladium membrane. The system may also include a compressor configured to increase the pressure of the hydrogen and oxygen gas generated by the generating unit. The compressed hydrogen and oxygen gas are stored in separately buffer storage tanks. The pressure in the tank is controlled by pressure micro control device.

The system is In-built with the hydrogen IC Engine which uses its waste exhaust energy to produce Hydrogen and oxygen, temporary buffer storage at low pressure app. 50 to 100 psi and these is fed to IC Engine as a fuel. Thus, eliminating the need for: Storage facilities which is expensive. Transportation of H2 to the location of use or vice versa, Safety issue.

The internal combustion engine in most vehicles burns gasoline. To do the burning, an engine needs oxygen, and the oxygen comes from the air all around us. But what if vehicles carried their own and pumped pure oxygen into the engine instead. The air around us is about 21 percent oxygen. Almost all the rest is nitrogen, which is inert when it runs through the engine. The oxygen controls how much gasoline an engine can burn. The ratio of gas to oxygen is about 1:14— for each gram of gasoline that burns, the engine needs about 14 grams of oxygen. The engine can bum no more gas than the amount of oxygen allows. Any extra fuel would come out of the exhaust pipe unburned. So if the vehicles used hydrogen and oxygen, it would be inhaling 100 percent oxygen instead of 21 percent oxygen, or about five times more oxygen. This would mean that it could burn about five times more fuel. And that would mean about five times more horsepower.

Air/Fuel Ratio

The theoretical or stoichiometric combustion of hydrogen and oxygen is given as:2H₂ + 0₂ = 2H₂0

Moles of H₂ for complete combustion = 2 moles Moles of 0₂ for complete combustion = 1 mole

Since air is used as the oxidizer instead oxygen, the nitro-gen in the air needs to be included in the calculation:

Moles of N₂ in air = Moles of 0₂ x (79% N₂ in air / 21% 0₂ in air)= 1 mole of 0₂ x (79% N₂ in air / 21% 0₂ in air)= 3.762 moles N₂ Number of moles of air = Moles of 0₂ + moles of N₂= 1 + 3.762= 4.762 moles of air Weight of 0₂ = 1 mole of 0₂ x 32 g/mole = 32 g Weight of N₂ = 3.762 moles of N₂ x 28 g/mole = 105.33 g

Weight of air = weight of 0₂ + weight of N (1) = 32g + 105.33 g= 137.33 g Weight of H₂= 2 moles of H₂ x 2 g/mole = 4 g

Stoichiometric air/fuel (A/F) ratio for hydrogen and air is:

A/F based on mass: = mass of air/mass of fuel= 137.33 g / 4 g = 34.33: 1 A/F based on volume: = volume (moles) of air/volume (moles) of fuel= 4.762 / 2= 2.4: 1 The percent of the combustion chamber occupied by hydrogenfor a stoichiometric mixture:

% H₂ = volume (moles) of H₂/total volume (2)

= volume H₂/(volume air + volume of H₂)

29.6%= 2 / (4.762 + 2) =29.6%

As these calculations show, the stoichiometric or chemically correct A/F ratio for the complete combustion of hydrogen in air is about 34:1 by mass. This means that for complete combustion, 34 pounds of air are required for every pound of hydrogen. This is much higher than the 14.7:1 A/F ratio re-quired for gasoline.

Since hydrogen is a gaseous fuel at ambient conditions it displaces more of the combustion chamber than a liquid fuel. Consequently, less of the combustion chamber can be occupied by air. At stoichiometric conditions, hydrogen dis-places about 30% of the combustion chamber, compared to about 1 to 2% for gasoline.

All fuels, the reactants, in this case hydrogen and oxygen, are at a higher energy level than the products of the reaction. This results in the net release of energy from the reaction, and this is known as an exothermic reaction. After one set of hydrogen and oxygen molecules have reacted, the energy released triggers molecules in the surrounding mixture to react, releasing more energy. The result is an explosive, rapid reaction that releases energy quickly in the form of heat, light and sound.

Fuel/air mixture and which is mostly inert, the reaction is likely to be much more complete, more quickly, meaning more likely to occur inside the piston during the power stroke. This would address the up to 45% of total available power lost to incomplete fuel burn.The main thing needed to be solved is a means of producing high quantities of Hydrogen and oxygen from the H20 onboard the automobile.

Figure 1A is diagram illustrating an exemplary block diagram of a system for generating hydrogen and oxygen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a diagram illustrating the concept and process steps in super-sonic hydrogen higher efficiency IC engine, according to an embodiment of present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention disclosed in the Figure 1A, the system 100 includes a water source 102, a power distributor 103, a pump 104, an internal combustion engine 105, a hydrogen-generating unit 106, an oxygen reservoir 108, a bubbler 110, a heat exchanger 112, a hydrogen gas purifier 114, a hydrogen reservoir 118, a compressor 116, a valve 119 and a fuel injector 120.

The water source 102 in accordance with the current embodiment can be a water reservoir or a container that can hold a required amount of water proportional to the size of the internal combustion engine. Pressure of the water from the water source 102 is increased with the help of the pump 104 which is present in the passage of water. Water is then transferred to the hydrogen-oxygen generating unit 106 through a conduit (l05a). During the transfer of water through the conduit l05a, heat collected from the internal combustion engine 105 is applied to the conduit l05a by thermally coupling (denoted by dotted circles) with another conduit l05b carrying high temperature exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine 105. In an embodiment, due to the contact of heat from another conduit, the water passing through the conduit is vaporized. (The process will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 2)

Thereafter, the water vapor is passed to the hydrogen generating unit 106. In the hydrogen generating unit 106, the water vapor is split to hydrogen and oxygen gases. In an embodiment, the oxygen released as a byproduct from the hydrogen generating unit 106 is stored in the oxygen reservoir 108. In an embodiment, when the system 100 is utilized in a submarine, the oxygen released from the hydrogen generating unit 106 is used for assisting in maintaining suitable oxygen levels in the submarine.

The power distributor 103 is used to distribute power to the hydrogen generating unit 106 and the pump 104. In an embodiment, the power distributor 103 is configured to provide a Direct Current (DC) power supply to both the hydrogen generating unit 106 and the pump 104, wherein the DC power supply is provided from an alternator (not shown in the figure) coupled to the internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, type of current supplied from the power distributor 103 can be Alternating Current (AC) and an AC to DC adapter to be used.

The hydrogen liberated from the hydrogen generating unit 106 is passed through the bubbler 110. The bubbler 110 is configured to assist in determining the continuous generation of hydrogen. When, the hydrogen gas passes through the bubbler 110, the temperature of the hydrogen is reduced due to contact with the water. Thereafter, the hydrogen is passed through the heat exchanger 112 for cooling the gas. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger 112 used is of shell and tube heat exchanger type where a stream of water is used to pass in contact with the hydrogen carrying conduit. The step of passing the hydrogen through the heat exchanger is to reduce the temperature of the hydrogen gas. Particularly, for the convenience of explanation, a hydrogen gas transferring tube (not shown in the figure) is introduced to a stream of water flow to conduct the heat carried by the hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen gas is then passed to a purifier 114. In an embodiment, the purifier 114 is a palladium membrane purifier. The purified hydrogen is compressed by the compressor 116. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor 116 may include a compressor motor, a compressor regulator and a power supply unit (not shown in the figure). The compressor 116 is powered through the power distributor 103. Thereafter, the compressed hydrogen gas is transferred to the hydrogen reservoir 118. The hydrogen reservoir 118 may include an inlet tube and an outlet tube equipped with non-return valves (not shown in the figure). In an embodiment, the hydrogen reservoir 118 is made of materials such as metal hydrides. The hydrogen reservoir 118 is connected to a valve 119. The valve 119 is a variable flow control valve . The hydrogen gas is transferred to the fuel injector 120 to introduce it to the internal combustion engine. By transferring the hydrogen gas to the fuel injector 120, the probability of backfiring in the internal combustion engine during combustion cycle is reduced.

Figure 2 is an exploded or disassembled view of the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hydrogen generating unit 106 includes plurality of components to facilitate generation of hydrogen from the water vapor. The hydrogen generating unit 106 includes a first inlet 202, a second inlet 204, a first conduit 206, a second conduit 208, heat transferring units 210, a connecting tube 212, an electrolytic device 214, thermal conduction layers 216, metal conducting layers 218, a hydrogen conduit 220, an oxygen conduit 222, a thermal insulator junction 226, and a thermal insulation 230.

The hydrogen generating unit 106 is thermally coupled to an internal combustion engine (not shown in the figure). In an embodiment, the thermal coupling is established by receiving hot exhaust gas at the hydrogen generating unit 106 from the internal combustion engine. In the same embodiment, the first inlet 202 of the first conduit 206 is provided with a thermal insulator junction 226 to withstand the heat provided by another conduit l05b from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine is received at the first conduit 206 from another conduit l05b. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust heat is collected from a single tube, another conduit l05b. However, there can be multiple conduits or a manifold connected to the internal combustion engine because the internal combustion engine may have multiple combustion cylinders to suit the requirement. More the number of cylinders, more heat can be generated from the exhaust gases. The increase in heat may result in increased rate or evaporation of water passing through the second conduit 208. The first conduit 206 and the second conduit 208 are thermally coupled (denoted by dotted circular). The heat from the first conduit 206 is transferred to the second conduit 208. Water passing through the second conduit 208 is vaporized with the aid of heat from the first conduit 206.

Thereafter, the vaporization of water can be either instantaneous or can occur over a period of time. The second conduit 208 transfers the water vapor to the electrolytic device 214. Before transferring the water vapor to the electrolytic device 214, the water vapor passes through a first segment of the heat transferring units 210 which receives the hot exhaust gas from the first conduit 206. A second segment of heat transferring units 210 is present at the other side of the electrolytic device 214. The heat transferring units 210 are configured to increase the temperature of the second conduit 208 as well as the hydrogen generating unit 106. Thus, the heat transferring units 210 are positioned on the either sides of the hydrogen generating unit 106. Further, the heat transferring units 210 that are present in the either sides are connected through the connecting tube 212. The connecting tube 212 enables transfer of exhaust gas between two segments of the heat transferring units 210. The exhaust gas is then emitted through a third conduit 224. The heat transferring units 210 assist in maintaining high temperature range in the hydrogen generating unit 106 to facilitate electrolysis. Post to the completion of electrolysis of the water vapor, gaseous atomic hydrogen and oxygen are generated. The oxygen generated through the process is transferred thorough the oxygen conduit 222 and the hydrogen generated is transferred through the hydrogen conduit 220.

Further, the metal layers 218 are made of one of the materials among nickel, copper, mild steel, stainless steel, or alloys thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal layers 218 are configured to conduct heat from the heat transferring units 210 to the thermal conduction layers 216. In an embodiment, the type of electrolysis performed in the electrolytic device 214 is high- temperature electrolysis or steam electrolysis. When part of energy is supplied as heat to the electrolytic device 214 in the high temperature electrolysis, the electrolytic process is more efficient. Between the metal layers 218 and the electrolytic device 214, thermal conduction layers 216 are positioned. The thermal conduction layers 216 are configured to transfer heat from the heat transferring units 210 and prevent electrical conduction between the metal layers 218 and the electrolytic device 214. In an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal conduction layers 216 are made of materials such as mica. Any material that is thermally conducting and electrically non-conducting or resistant can be used in the thermal conduction layers 216. In an embodiment, the thickness of the thermal conduction layers 216 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. In an embodiment, a combination of the thermal conduction layers 216 and the metal layers 218 is called as selective conduction layers.

Water from the water source 102 is transferred through the second conduit 208. Due to the thermal coupling between the first conduit 206 and the second conduit 208, water in the second conduit 208 is vaporized. The water vapor is then transferred to the electrolytic device 214. When an electric current is passed through the electrolytic device 214, the hydrogen and oxygen gases are generated from the water vapor as a result of electrolytic dissociation. The hydrogen gas is transported with the aid of the hydrogen conduit 220 and the oxygen gas is transported with the aid of the oxygen conduit 222. A constant high working temperature is maintained at the electrolytic device 214 by the heat transferring units 210 and thermal insulation 230. The thermal insulation 230 may enclose the hydrogen generating unit 106 and prevent heat transfer between the hydrogen generating unit 106 and the atmosphere. This may increase the efficiency of electrolysis as additional energy required for electrolytic dissociation is provided in the form of heat.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a system for generating hydrogen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 for generating hydrogen includes components or elements that constitute the system 100 and the hydrogen generating unit 106. In addition, the system 300 in accordance with the present embodiment includes individual cylinder heads 302 of the internal combustion engine 105, an alternator 304, and a hydrogen supply line 306.

The internal combustion engine 105 includes cylinder heads 302, as displayed in the figure. In the current exemplary embodiment, the internal combustion engine 105 has four cylinder heads 302. However, any number of cylinders may be present in the internal combustion engine 105. Each of the cylinder heads 302 is connected to the conduit l05b. The exhaust gas from the outlet (not shown) is collected from the internal combustion engine 105 at the conduits l05b. The conduits l05b are thermally coupled to the second conduit 208. The second conduit 208 is configured to carry water from the water source 102. The pump 104 is configured to increase pressure of the water. Due to heat from the exhaust gas in the conduits l05b, the water in the second conduit 208 is vaporized. In the current exemplary embodiment, the second conduit 208 is wound around the conduits l05b. The second conduit 208 traverses through one of the heat transferring units 210. The water vapor is then transferred at constant or variable rate to the hydrogen generating unit 106.

Electrolysis is performed at the hydrogen generating unit 106 to dissociated water vapor from the second conduit 208 to hydrogen and oxygen gas. The electricity for performing electrolysis is provided by the power distributor 103. In an embodiment, the power distributor 103 obtains power from the alternator 304 which is rotationally coupled to the internal combustion engine 105. The hydrogen gas, thus generated is transported through the hydrogen conduit 220, as represented in the diagram. The hydrogen gas in the hydrogen conduit 220 is transported to the compressor 116 to increase the pressure and stored in the reservoir 118. For example, the reservoir 118 may be made of metal hydride material. The metal hydride reservoirs are used to increase the safety in the system 300, as hydrogen has a low flash point.

The hydrogen from the reservoir 118 is channelized through the hydrogen supply line 306 to the fuel injectors 120. In the present embodiment, four fuel injectors 120 are provide, where each of the fuel injectors 120 correspond to the respective internal combustion engine cylinder(s). In an embodiment, the fuel injectors 120 provided are of gas fuel injector type. However, other types of fuel injectors can also be used. The pressure and velocity of the hydrogen gas is increased by the fuel injectors 120 and supplied to the cylinder heads 302. The combustion occurs in the internal combustion engine 105 which releases high temperature exhaust with an approximate temperature range of 200 degrees centigrade to 1000 degrees centigrade. Thus, a cycle of generating hydrogen and introducing into the internal combustion engine 105 is continued. Excess hydrogen created is stored in the hydrogen reservoir 118 at a desired pressure.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a disassembled view of the electrolytic device used in the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrolytic device 214 includes a membrane 402, a frame 404, metal mesh plates 406, and anode plate 408 and cathode plate 410. The electricity that is to be supplied to the electrolytic device 214 is connected to the anode plate 408 and the cathode plate 410. In an embodiment of the present invention, the anode plate 408 and the cathode plate 410 are made of Nickel, Copper, Aluminum, and alloys thereof. The membrane 402 has the metal mesh plates 406 attached to either side. In an embodiment, the membrane 402 is made of ceramic. In an embodiment, the metal mesh plates 406 are made of stainless steel alloy. For instance, the metal mesh plates 406 are configured to spread high temperature water vapor on the membrane 402. The membrane 402 is enclosed with the frame 404 top side, bottom side and sideways. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is made of a material which is a mixture of silica and rubber at suitable proportions. The water vapor is supplied to reach the membrane 402. When the water vapor touches the membrane 402, electricity is in supply with the anode plate 408 and the cathode plate 410. Due to the electricity, the hydrogen ions are attracted towards the cathode plate 410 and the oxygen ions are attracted towards the anode plate 408. Thereafter, the collected oxygen is transported through the oxygen conduit 222 which is attached to the anode plate 408. The collected hydrogen at the cathode plate 410 is transported through the hydrogen conduit 220.

Performing electrolysis when water is at a vapor phase is one of the biggest advantages of the present invention. The amount of electricity required to split hydrogen and oxygen ions from water molecules is very less. For example, a 12 volt direct current power supply with 2 to 10 amperes of current may perform splitting of hydrogen and oxygen ions at a constant rate. This advantage is exploited in the present invention.

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the metal plates used in the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the metal plates 218 are made of materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, and alloys thereof. The primary purpose of the metal plates 218 in the hydrogen generating unit 106 is to conduct heat from the heat transferring units 210. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, one or more holes are made in the metal plates 218 to transport the water vapor to the electrolytic device 214 and hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolytic device 214.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the dual fuel injectors used in the hydrogen generating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dual injector comprises of a coil assembly Al, solenoid A2, hydrogen nozzle A3, connector A4, oxygen nozzle A5, solenoid A6, electrical connection A7, hydrogen fuel connector A8 and oxygen fuel connector.

Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal conduction plate 216 is made of materials such as mica. One or more holes can be created in the thermal conduction plate 216 to facilitate assembly of conduits that transport gases (water vapor, hydrogen and oxygen) to and from the electrolytic device 214.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating hydrogen from water, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes plurality of steps to generate hydrogen from water. The method starts where the process of generating hydrogen is initiated. The power distributor 103 is activated to supply power to components such as the hydrogen generating unit 106, the compressor 118, and the pump 104. Due to continuous running of the internal combustion engine, heat is continuously generated. The heat generated by the internal combustion engine is collected. The heat is collected through one or more conduits. One of the techniques to collect heat from the internal combustion engine is by coupling individual exhaust conduits (in case of multi-cylindered engine) to individual water transporting conduits and transfer heat. Another technique is to couple exhaust manifold (collection of exhaust conduits) to a unified water transporting conduit to. Yet another technique can be by combining individual exhaust conduits to the exhaust manifold. While each of the techniques has its own advantage, the application of the technique is based on the environment of hydrogen generation. The techniques are mentioned here to establish a broader application of the present invention. Due to conduction of heat from the exhaust conduits (the first conduit 206 in the present invention) to the water transporting conduit (the second conduit 208 in the present invention), water is evaporated to form water vapor. For example, the average temperature present in the exhaust conduits may lie in the range of 200 degrees Celsius to 1000 degrees Celsius (depending on the technique as explained before). This temperature may be suitable for conversion of water to water vapor over a predetermined time. The water vapor is then electrolyzed. Initially, water vapor of high temperature range is transferred to the electrolytic device 214 (explained in detail with reference to Figure 4).

On passing the electric current to the electrolytic device 214, gaseous hydrogen and oxygen atoms are generated from water vapor. The hydrogen generated by the process of electrolysis is cooled. In an embodiment, the hydrogen is transferred through a shell type heat exchanger for the purpose of cooling. Thereafter, the hydrogen is compressed at a step 712. The compressed hydrogen is injected into the hydrogen internal combustion engine with the aid of fuel injectors. The fuel supply module sends fuel under pressure to the dual fuel injectors, one per cylinder. The quantity of fuel that reaches the injector is precisely controlled by an ECU which considers air temperature, throttle position, engine speed, engine torque and exhaust data gathered from sensors in and around the engine to regulate the supply at each intake stroke. In a direct dual fuel injection system, such as hydrogen 1C engines use and, increasingly, the hydrogen and oxygen gases is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber under extremely high pressure with a required mixture ratio.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presented embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Glossary of Terms

100 - Micro Controller

101 - D- water storage tank

102 - Gas and Steam separator

103 - Gas compressor

104 - Dual source hydrogen and oxygen generator

105 - Air cooled cylinder head

106 - Gas and Steam Separator

107 - Gas Compressor

108 - Hydrogen buffer storage tank

109 - Steam Convertor

110 - Oxygen Buffer Storage Tank

111 - Hydrogen and Oxygen Fuel Tube

112 - Dual fuel injectors

113 Super Sonic Hydrogen ICEngine

114 - Oxygen storage tank to micro control sensor line

115 - Exhaust pipe line

116 - Hydrogen delivery pipe line

117 - Oxygen delivery pipe line

118 - Oxygen storage pipe line

119 - Hydrogen storage pipe

120 - Dual Source Hydrogen and oxygen fuel generator micro control sensor line 121 - Hydrogen powered higher efficiency IC engine Cylinder

122 - Connector

123 - Electric Power Generator

200 - Dual source Hydrogen and Oxygen generator 201 - Screw

202 - Outer cover

203 - Exhaust inlet in outer cover

204 - 02 outlet

205 - H20 inlet

206 - Exhaust out in outer cover

207 - Rubber sealing

208 - Inner plate

209 - Electric conductor

210 - Carbon felt

211 - Membrane

212 - Carbon felt

213 - Electric conductor

214 - Inner plate

215 - Outer cover

216 - Exhaust out let in outer cover

217 - H20 inlet

218 - H2 outlet

219 - Exhaust inlet

220 - Screw

221 - Exhaust inlet connector.

300 - Supersonic Hydrogen IC engine 301- Main alternator 302Auxilary alternator

303 - Air intakes

304 - Rectifiers/ inverters

305 - Electronic controls

306 - Control stand

307 - Batteries

308 - Wheel

309 - Prior/Gear

310 - Traction motor

311 - Motor Blower

312- Truck frame

313 - Air compressor 314 - Radiator

315 - Radiator Fan

Al - Coil assembly.

A2 - Solenoid.

A3 - Hydrogen Nozzle.

A4 - Connector

A5 - Oxygen Nozzle

A6 - Solenoid

A7 - Electrical connection

A8 - Hydrogen fuel connector

A9 - Oxygen fuel connector.

Claims

Claim:

1. A system (100) for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water, the system comprising:

one or more heat transferring units that are adapted to transfer heat from an exhaust of an Hydrogen internal combustion engine;

one or more selective conduction layers positioned between an high temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more selective conduction layers are adopted to permit the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the high temperature electrolytic device and prevent electric conduction between the high temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units, wherein the one or more heat transferring units;

the high temperature electrolytic device for receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from an Hydrogen internal combustion engine; and

the Hydrogen internal combustion engine adapted to generate power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the high temperature electrolytic device;

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more the High temperature electrolytic device comprises:

a first outer cover at the first end, wherein the first outer cover comprises: an exhaust inlet,

0₂outlet, and

H₂0 inlet,

a rubber sealing;

a first inner plate at the first end;

a first electric conductor;

a first carbon felt;

a membrane adapted to purify generated hydrogen;

a second carbon felt;

a second electric conductor;

a second inner plate at a second end; and a second outer cover at the second end, wherein the second outer cover comprises:

H₂ outlet,

H₂0 inlet, and

an exhaust inlet coupled with an exhaust inlet connector.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises:

a microcontroller for controlling the system;

a steam converter adapted to receive water from the water source and convert the water molecule to steam

a first gas and steam separator coupled at the first end of the high temperature electrolytic device, wherein the first gas and steam separator separates Hydrogen and the steam from the generated steam;

a first gas compressor adapted to compress the hydrogen gas;

a hydrogen storage pipeline adapted to transfer the Hydrogen from the first gas and steam separator to a Hydrogen buffer storage tank and store the Hydrogen in the Hydrogen buffer storage tank;

a second gas and steam separator coupled at the second end of the High temperature electrolytic device, wherein the second gas and steam separator separates oxygen and the steam;

a second gas compressor adapted to compress the oxygen;

a oxygen storage pipeline adapted to transfer the oxygen from the second gas and steam separator to a oxygen buffer storage tank and adapted to store the oxygen in the oxygen buffer storage tank;

one or more fuel tube adapted to receive hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrogen buffer storage tank and oxygen buffer storage tank respectively through a hydrogen delivery pipeline and a oxygen delivery pipeline; and

one or more fuel injectors coupled to the one or more respective fuel tubes, wherein the one or more fuel injectors are adapted to inject the fuel to the Hydrogen internal combustion engine, wherein the Hydrogen internal combustion engine uses the fuel to generate power.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Hydrogen internal combustion engine comprises one or more cylinders to generate power.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more dual fuel injectors comprises a coil assembly and a solenoid adapted to inject the fuel.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more heat transfer units are thermally coupled to the Hydrogen internal combustion engine adapted to convert water from the water source to water vapour due to heat conduction between the one or more heat transfer units and the Hydrogen internal combustion engine.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises thermal insulating sealings adapted to prevent the loss of heat from the Hydrogen internal combustion engine.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a bubbler coupled to the High temperature electrolytic device wherein the bubbler is adapted to reduce temperature of the hydrogen.

9. A method for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water, the method comprising:

transferring heat from an exhaust of an Hydrogen internal combustion engine by one or more heat transferring units;

permitting the heat transfer from the one or more heat transferring units to the High temperature electrolytic device and preventing electric conduction between the High temperature electrolytic device and the one or more heat transferring units by one or more selective conduction layers;

receiving water from a water source and converting the water molecule into the hydrogen and the oxygen utilizing the heat transferred from the Hydrogen internal combustion engine; and

generating power from the hydrogen and oxygen generated from the High temperature electrolytic device by the internal combustion engine.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method further comprises:

controlling at least one of the Hydrogen internal combustion engine, the High temperature electrolytic device, a first gas and steam separator, a second gas and steam separator, an oxygen buffer storage tank, a hydrogen buffer storage tank, one or more fuel tubes and one or more Dual fuel injectors by a microcontroller;

receiving water from the water source and convert the water molecule to steam by a steam converter;

separating Hydrogen and the steam from the generated steam by a first gas and steam separator;

compressing the hydrogen gas by a first gas compressor;

transferring the Hydrogen from the first gas and steam separator to a Hydrogen buffer storage tank and store the Hydrogen in the Hydrogen buffer storage tank by a hydrogen storage pipeline;

separating oxygen and the steam by a second gas and steam separator;

compressing the oxygen by a second gas compressor;

transferring the oxygen from the second gas and steam separator to a oxygen buffer storage tank and adapted to store the oxygen in the oxygen buffer storage tank by a oxygen storage pipeline;

receiving hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrogen buffer storage tank and oxygen buffer storage tank respectively through a hydrogen delivery pipeline and a oxygen delivery pipeline by one or more fuel tubes; and

injecting the fuel to the Hydrogen internal combustion engine by the one or more dual fuel injectors, wherein the hydrogen internal combustion engine uses the fuel to generate power.