WO2022208392A1 - Hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell and a system and method for generating hydrogen gas - Google Patents

Hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell and a system and method for generating hydrogen gas Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022208392A1
WO2022208392A1 PCT/IB2022/052953 IB2022052953W WO2022208392A1 WO 2022208392 A1 WO2022208392 A1 WO 2022208392A1 IB 2022052953 W IB2022052953 W IB 2022052953W WO 2022208392 A1 WO2022208392 A1 WO 2022208392A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydrogen gas
electrolyzer
helical coil
anode
cathode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/052953
Other languages
French (fr)
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WO2022208392A9 (en
WO2022208392A4 (en
Inventor
Jacobus Cronje
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Two Oceans Energy Ip Proprietary Limited
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Application filed by Two Oceans Energy Ip Proprietary Limited filed Critical Two Oceans Energy Ip Proprietary Limited
Publication of WO2022208392A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022208392A1/en
Publication of WO2022208392A4 publication Critical patent/WO2022208392A4/en
Publication of WO2022208392A9 publication Critical patent/WO2022208392A9/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/02—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/04—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by the material
    • C25B11/042—Electrodes formed of a single material
    • C25B11/046—Alloys
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/01—Electrolytic cells characterised by shape or form
    • C25B9/015—Cylindrical cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
    • C25B9/63—Holders for electrodes; Positioning of the electrodes

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell for generating hydrogen gas.
  • the invention also relates to a system and a method for generating hydrogen gas.
  • a hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell including: an electrode set comprising an anode and a cathode; and an outer housing for containing an electrolyte within which the anode and the cathode are immersed, the anode and the cathode being connectable to an external electrical power source, the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell being characterized in that the anode comprises an inner helical coil and the cathode comprises an outer helical coil which surrounds the inner helical coil, the outer and inner helical coils defining a common longitudinal axis.
  • the inner helical coil may have a cylindrical configuration.
  • the outer helical coil may have a cylindrical configuration.
  • the inner helical coil may comprise a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix.
  • the outer helical coil may comprise a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix.
  • the inner helical coil may be of steel. More specifically, the inner helical coil may be of stainless steel. Yet more specifically, the inner helical coil may be of hardened stainless steel.
  • the outer helical coil may be of steel. More specifically, the outer helical coil may be of stainless steel. Yet more specifically, the outer helical coil may be of hardened stainless steel.
  • the housing may comprise a top wall, a bottom wall and a liquid impervious outer tube which is sealingly connected at opposite ends to the top and bottom walls so as to define an internal chamber within which the inner and outer helical coils are located.
  • the top wall of the housing may include an outlet for gas generated within the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell.
  • the bottom wall may include an inlet connectable to a source of water.
  • the electrolyte may be in the form of distilled water.
  • the anode of each electrode set may include an additional inner helical coil and the cathode may include an additional outer helical coil, wherein the inner helical coil and the additional inner helical coil are electrically connected to one another and the outer helical coil and the additional outer helical coil are electrically connected to one another.
  • the helical coils and the additional helical coils may be arranged such that they define common longitudinal axes.
  • a system for generating hydrogen gas comprising; a hydrogen gas generator comprising a number of the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells as defined and described hereinabove in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; an external electrical power source to which the anode and cathode of each of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells of the hydrogen gas generator are connected; and hydrogen gas collection means for collecting hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells.
  • the anode and cathodes of the electrode sets may be connected to the external power source in series.
  • the hydrogen gas collection means may include a hydrogen storage vessel in which the hydrogen generated is stored and associated piping for conveying the extracted hydrogen to the storage vessel.
  • a method for generating hydrogen gas including: providing the system for generating a hydrogen gas as defined hereinabove in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; applying a voltage to the electrode sets of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells; and collecting hydrogen gas which is generated by the hydrogen gas generator.
  • Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a system for generating a hydrogen gas in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of the system of Figure 1 ; enlarged fractional three-dimensional view of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows a simplified three-dimensional view of the system of Figure 1, wherein all but one of the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells have been removed for the sake of clarity;
  • Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the simplified system illustrated in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows a side view of an electrode set of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 7 shows a side view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 , with the outer tube removed in order to illustrate the inner and outer helical coils located within the internal chamber;
  • Figure 8 shows a fragmentary partly exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 with the outer tube removed;
  • Figure 9 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 10 shows an exploded side view of the electrode set of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of an electrode set of a system for generating a hydrogen gas in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 12 shows a side of the electrode set of Figure 11 , with the outer tube removed;
  • Figure 13 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of 11 ;
  • Figure 14 shows an exploded side view of the electrode set of 11.
  • a system for generating a hydrogen gas in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
  • the system 10 comprises, broadly, a hydrogen gas generator 12 including a plurality of hydrogen electrolyzer cells 14, an external electrical power source in the form of a 12V battery 16, and a hydrogen gas collection system 18.
  • the hydrogen gas generator 12 includes an array of the hydrogen electrolyzer cells 14.
  • Each electrolyzer cell 14 includes an electrode set comprising an anode in the form of an inner cylindrical helical coil 20, a cathode in the form of an outer cylindrical helical coil 22; and a housing 24 for containing an electrolyte in the form of distilled water within which the helical coils 20, 22 are immersed.
  • the anode and the cathode of each electrolyzer cell are electrically connected to the battery 16 in series.
  • the outer helical coil 22 surrounds and is spaced from the inner helical coil 20, with the inner and outer helical coils being arranged co-axially and defining a common longitudinal axis.
  • the inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are of hardened stainless steel and each coil comprises a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix. More specifically, the inner and outer helical coils are in the form of cylindrical helical compression coil springs.
  • each electrolyzer cell comprises a top end plate 26, a bottom end plate 28 and a liquid impervious dielectric cylindrical outer tube 30 which is sealingly connected at opposite ends to the top and bottom walls so as to define an internal chamber 32 within which the inner and outer helical coils are located.
  • the end plates are secure to one another by means of tie rods 31 which are threaded at ends thereof to receive securing nuts 31.1.
  • the top end plate 26 of the housing includes an outlet 34 for gas generated within the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell.
  • the bottom end plate 28 includes an inlet 36 connectable to a source of electrolyte water via an inlet connector 40 including a one way valve preventing a return flow of electrolyte water.
  • the Applicant envisages that the outlet 34 will be fitted with a safety pressure-relief valve providing for discharge of excess gas within the internal chamber 32 above a specified threshold gas pressure.
  • the hydrogen gas collection system 18 includes an elongate collection manifold 42 and a plurality of gas collection pipes 44 connected between the outlets 34 of each electrolyzer cell 14 for collecting gas generated in the electolyzer cells.
  • the inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are mounted to the top and bottom end plates 26, 28 at opposite ends of the coils in a state of tension allowing for vibration to be imparted to the helical coils as will be explained hereinbelow. Upper ends 20.1 and 22.1 of the inner and outer helical coils, respectively, project beyond the top end plates 26 providing for connection of electrical conductors 38 thereto via electrical connectors 25.
  • the inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are mounted to the top and bottom end plates 26, 28 so as to extend therebetween in a state of tension wherein a tensile force of 0.07Nm is applied to the helical coils.
  • tension in the inner and outer helical coils allows for vibration of the helical coils which enhances the formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles within the electrolyte. Hydrogen bubbles form on the surface of the cathode while oxygen bubbles form on the surface of the anode.
  • the system 10 includes a function generator 45 which allows for user-defined modulated electrical signals to be applied to the anode and the cathode.
  • the function generator 45 is connected to the battery 16 via conductors 38.1 and to the inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 of each hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell 14 via the electrical conductors 38 and is operable to produce various voltage patterns at different frequencies and amplitudes.
  • the frequency and amplitude of the signals of the electrical signals applied to the anode and the cathode can be modulated by the function generator so as to cause the inner and outer helical coils to oscillate, thereby assisting in shaking off bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen gas which form on the surfaces of the helical coils in order to allow for collection of the gases.
  • each hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell 14 In order to generate hydrogen bubbles which form at the outer helical coil and oxygen bubbles which form at the inner helical, a voltage is applied the anode and cathode of each hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell 14.
  • the round coils of the inner and outer helical coils present a large surface area which is exposed to the electrolyte for the formation of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
  • gas bubbles can form anywhere on the curved helical surfaces of the helical coils.
  • the intensity of hydrogen gas bubble formation can be manipulated by shortening or stretching the outer helical coil. In this manner the amount of hydrogen gas produced can be controlled.
  • the frequency and/or amplitude of the voltages applied to the anodes and cathodes can be modulated so as to cause the anodes and cathodes to oscillate thereby shaking off oxygen and hydrogen gas bubbles from the anode and cathode, respectively.
  • the Applicant envisages that the inner and outer helical coils will be configured so as to have natural frequencies which complement and enhance oscillation applied to the inner and outer coils by modulated voltage patterns generated by the function generator.
  • the hydrogen gas collection system includes a gas accumulator vessel 46 in which gas generated by within the electolyzer cells is stored.
  • the gas accumulator vessel 46 is connected to the gas collection manifold 42 via pipe 48 which includes a one-way valve 50 preventing a return flow of gas to the manifold.
  • a spark arrestor 52 is provided in a feed pipe 54 for feeding gas from the gas accumulator to an engine.
  • the anode of each electrode set includes an additional inner helical coil and the cathode includes an additional outer helical coil.
  • the anode of each electrode set comprises an inner helical coil 120.1 and an additional inner helical coil 120.2 which surrounds and which is electrically connected to the inner helical coil.
  • the cathode of each electrode set comprises an outer helical coil 122.1 and an additional outer helical coil 120.2 which surrounds and which is electrically connected to the outer helical coil.
  • the additional outer helical coil 122.2 surrounds the additional helical coil 120.2, while the outer helical coil 122.1 is located between the inner helical coil 120.1 and the additional helical coil 120.2.
  • the helical coils 120.2, 120.2, 122.1 and 122.2 have the same properties as the helical coils 20 and 22, with the only difference being the number and dimensions of the coils.
  • features of the electrode set shown in Figures 11 - 14 which are the same as and/or similar to those of the electrode set shown in Figures 1 - 10 are designated by the same and/or similar reference numerals.
  • the Applicant has found that for certain applications, the double helical coils for the anode and cathode of each electrode set, increase the amount of hydrogen gas generated due to the increased surface area provided by the additional helical coils.
  • each electrolyzer cell 14 is 60ml and the hydrogen gas collection system described herein is able to generate in the region of 20 litres of hydrogen gas per minute at a mixed hydrogen/oxygen gas pressure of 150kPa - 200kPa, which pressure is sufficient to feed the gasses through the accumulator 46 to the internal combustion engine.
  • the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen gas generator 12 is used as a fuel to power the engine.
  • the hydrogen gas is fed to the engine via the feed pipe 54.
  • the oxygen gas generated in the electrolyzer cells is not separated from the hydrogen although this may be done if required.
  • the Applicant has found that the oxygen lowers the flashpoint of the oxygen/hydrogen gas mixture and serves as a lubricant in the motor.
  • the hydrogen gas generator described herein can be scaled to achieve desired outputs in a wide variety of different applications. Hydrogen and oxygen gas form in the electrolyzer cells as a result of the fracturing of water molecules.
  • the gas in the form of bubbles travel upwards in a spiral creating a spinning vortex effect.
  • the waveforms generated by the function generator cause controlled oscillation of the helical coils which enhance the speed and volume of gas formation.
  • the system 10 for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas provides a portable and scalable fuel cell which generates sufficient hydrogen in an efficient and controllable manner to serve as a combustible fuel for operating equipment.

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for generating hydrogen gas, including an array of electrolyzer cells 14. Each electrolyzer cell 14 includes an electrode set comprising an anode comprising an inner cylindrical helical coil 20, a cathode comprising an outer cylindrical helical coil 22; and a housing for containing an electrolyte within which the helical coils 20, 22 are immersed. The housing comprises a top end plate 26, a bottom end plate 28 and an outer tube 30 defining an internal chamber 32 within which the helical coils are located. A gas outlet 34 is defined in the top end plate 26 and the bottom end plate 28 includes an inlet 36 connectable to a source of the electrolyte. The system includes a function generator for applying user-defined modulated electrical signals to the anode and the cathode causing the outer helical coils to oscillate, which assists in shaking off bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen gas from the coils.

Description

HYDROGEN GAS ELECTROLYZER CELL AND A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
GENERATING HYDROGEN GAS
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell for generating hydrogen gas. The invention also relates to a system and a method for generating hydrogen gas.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell including: an electrode set comprising an anode and a cathode; and an outer housing for containing an electrolyte within which the anode and the cathode are immersed, the anode and the cathode being connectable to an external electrical power source, the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell being characterized in that the anode comprises an inner helical coil and the cathode comprises an outer helical coil which surrounds the inner helical coil, the outer and inner helical coils defining a common longitudinal axis. The inner helical coil may have a cylindrical configuration.
The outer helical coil may have a cylindrical configuration.
The inner helical coil may comprise a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix.
The outer helical coil may comprise a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix.
The inner helical coil may be of steel. More specifically, the inner helical coil may be of stainless steel. Yet more specifically, the inner helical coil may be of hardened stainless steel.
The outer helical coil may be of steel. More specifically, the outer helical coil may be of stainless steel. Yet more specifically, the outer helical coil may be of hardened stainless steel.
The housing may comprise a top wall, a bottom wall and a liquid impervious outer tube which is sealingly connected at opposite ends to the top and bottom walls so as to define an internal chamber within which the inner and outer helical coils are located.
The top wall of the housing may include an outlet for gas generated within the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell. The bottom wall may include an inlet connectable to a source of water.
The electrolyte may be in the form of distilled water.
The anode of each electrode set may include an additional inner helical coil and the cathode may include an additional outer helical coil, wherein the inner helical coil and the additional inner helical coil are electrically connected to one another and the outer helical coil and the additional outer helical coil are electrically connected to one another. The helical coils and the additional helical coils may be arranged such that they define common longitudinal axes.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for generating hydrogen gas, the system comprising; a hydrogen gas generator comprising a number of the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells as defined and described hereinabove in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; an external electrical power source to which the anode and cathode of each of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells of the hydrogen gas generator are connected; and hydrogen gas collection means for collecting hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells.
The anode and cathodes of the electrode sets may be connected to the external power source in series.
The hydrogen gas collection means may include a hydrogen storage vessel in which the hydrogen generated is stored and associated piping for conveying the extracted hydrogen to the storage vessel.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for generating hydrogen gas, the method including: providing the system for generating a hydrogen gas as defined hereinabove in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; applying a voltage to the electrode sets of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells; and collecting hydrogen gas which is generated by the hydrogen gas generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features of the invention are described hereinafter by way of a non-limiting example of the invention, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a system for generating a hydrogen gas in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a top view of the system of Figure 1 ; enlarged fractional three-dimensional view of the system of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows a simplified three-dimensional view of the system of Figure 1, wherein all but one of the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells have been removed for the sake of clarity;
Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the simplified system illustrated in Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows a side view of an electrode set of the system of Figure 1 ;
Figure 7 shows a side view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 , with the outer tube removed in order to illustrate the inner and outer helical coils located within the internal chamber;
Figure 8 shows a fragmentary partly exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 with the outer tube removed;
Figure 9 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of the system of Figure 1 ; Figure 10 shows an exploded side view of the electrode set of Figure 9;
Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of an electrode set of a system for generating a hydrogen gas in accordance with the invention;
Figure 12 shows a side of the electrode set of Figure 11 , with the outer tube removed;
Figure 13 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the electrode set of 11 ; and
Figure 14 shows an exploded side view of the electrode set of 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figures 1 - 10 of the drawings, a system for generating a hydrogen gas, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises, broadly, a hydrogen gas generator 12 including a plurality of hydrogen electrolyzer cells 14, an external electrical power source in the form of a 12V battery 16, and a hydrogen gas collection system 18.
The hydrogen gas generator 12 includes an array of the hydrogen electrolyzer cells 14. Each electrolyzer cell 14 includes an electrode set comprising an anode in the form of an inner cylindrical helical coil 20, a cathode in the form of an outer cylindrical helical coil 22; and a housing 24 for containing an electrolyte in the form of distilled water within which the helical coils 20, 22 are immersed.
The anode and the cathode of each electrolyzer cell are electrically connected to the battery 16 in series. The outer helical coil 22 surrounds and is spaced from the inner helical coil 20, with the inner and outer helical coils being arranged co-axially and defining a common longitudinal axis.
The inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are of hardened stainless steel and each coil comprises a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix. More specifically, the inner and outer helical coils are in the form of cylindrical helical compression coil springs.
The housing 24 of each electrolyzer cell comprises a top end plate 26, a bottom end plate 28 and a liquid impervious dielectric cylindrical outer tube 30 which is sealingly connected at opposite ends to the top and bottom walls so as to define an internal chamber 32 within which the inner and outer helical coils are located. The end plates are secure to one another by means of tie rods 31 which are threaded at ends thereof to receive securing nuts 31.1.
The top end plate 26 of the housing includes an outlet 34 for gas generated within the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell. The bottom end plate 28 includes an inlet 36 connectable to a source of electrolyte water via an inlet connector 40 including a one way valve preventing a return flow of electrolyte water. The Applicant envisages that the outlet 34 will be fitted with a safety pressure-relief valve providing for discharge of excess gas within the internal chamber 32 above a specified threshold gas pressure.
The hydrogen gas collection system 18 includes an elongate collection manifold 42 and a plurality of gas collection pipes 44 connected between the outlets 34 of each electrolyzer cell 14 for collecting gas generated in the electolyzer cells.
The inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are mounted to the top and bottom end plates 26, 28 at opposite ends of the coils in a state of tension allowing for vibration to be imparted to the helical coils as will be explained hereinbelow. Upper ends 20.1 and 22.1 of the inner and outer helical coils, respectively, project beyond the top end plates 26 providing for connection of electrical conductors 38 thereto via electrical connectors 25. The inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 are mounted to the top and bottom end plates 26, 28 so as to extend therebetween in a state of tension wherein a tensile force of 0.07Nm is applied to the helical coils. In use, tension in the inner and outer helical coils allows for vibration of the helical coils which enhances the formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles within the electrolyte. Hydrogen bubbles form on the surface of the cathode while oxygen bubbles form on the surface of the anode.
The system 10 includes a function generator 45 which allows for user-defined modulated electrical signals to be applied to the anode and the cathode. The function generator 45 is connected to the battery 16 via conductors 38.1 and to the inner and outer helical coils 20, 22 of each hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell 14 via the electrical conductors 38 and is operable to produce various voltage patterns at different frequencies and amplitudes. The frequency and amplitude of the signals of the electrical signals applied to the anode and the cathode can be modulated by the function generator so as to cause the inner and outer helical coils to oscillate, thereby assisting in shaking off bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen gas which form on the surfaces of the helical coils in order to allow for collection of the gases.
In order to generate hydrogen bubbles which form at the outer helical coil and oxygen bubbles which form at the inner helical, a voltage is applied the anode and cathode of each hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell 14. The round coils of the inner and outer helical coils present a large surface area which is exposed to the electrolyte for the formation of hydrogen and oxygen gas. As the helical coils do not have flat areas or sharp corners which may lead to an over concentration of gas bubbles, gas bubbles can form anywhere on the curved helical surfaces of the helical coils. The intensity of hydrogen gas bubble formation can be manipulated by shortening or stretching the outer helical coil. In this manner the amount of hydrogen gas produced can be controlled. Furthermore, the frequency and/or amplitude of the voltages applied to the anodes and cathodes can be modulated so as to cause the anodes and cathodes to oscillate thereby shaking off oxygen and hydrogen gas bubbles from the anode and cathode, respectively. The Applicant envisages that the inner and outer helical coils will be configured so as to have natural frequencies which complement and enhance oscillation applied to the inner and outer coils by modulated voltage patterns generated by the function generator.
The hydrogen gas collection system includes a gas accumulator vessel 46 in which gas generated by within the electolyzer cells is stored. The gas accumulator vessel 46 is connected to the gas collection manifold 42 via pipe 48 which includes a one-way valve 50 preventing a return flow of gas to the manifold. A spark arrestor 52 is provided in a feed pipe 54 for feeding gas from the gas accumulator to an engine.
With reference to Figures 11 - 14, another embodiment of the electolyzer cells of the system for generating a hydrogen gas, in accordance with the invention, is illustrated, in which the anode of each electrode set includes an additional inner helical coil and the cathode includes an additional outer helical coil. As such, the anode of each electrode set comprises an inner helical coil 120.1 and an additional inner helical coil 120.2 which surrounds and which is electrically connected to the inner helical coil. Similarly, the cathode of each electrode set comprises an outer helical coil 122.1 and an additional outer helical coil 120.2 which surrounds and which is electrically connected to the outer helical coil. As is apparent from Figure 12, the additional outer helical coil 122.2 surrounds the additional helical coil 120.2, while the outer helical coil 122.1 is located between the inner helical coil 120.1 and the additional helical coil 120.2.
It will be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in Figures 11 - 14, the helical coils 120.2, 120.2, 122.1 and 122.2 have the same properties as the helical coils 20 and 22, with the only difference being the number and dimensions of the coils. As such, features of the electrode set shown in Figures 11 - 14 which are the same as and/or similar to those of the electrode set shown in Figures 1 - 10 are designated by the same and/or similar reference numerals. The Applicant has found that for certain applications, the double helical coils for the anode and cathode of each electrode set, increase the amount of hydrogen gas generated due to the increased surface area provided by the additional helical coils.
In a prototype hydrogen generator wherein the hydrogen generator tested by the applicant, for supplying hydrogen gas for operating a 5kW internal combustion piston engine, the volumetric capacity of each electrolyzer cell 14 is 60ml and the hydrogen gas collection system described herein is able to generate in the region of 20 litres of hydrogen gas per minute at a mixed hydrogen/oxygen gas pressure of 150kPa - 200kPa, which pressure is sufficient to feed the gasses through the accumulator 46 to the internal combustion engine.
The hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen gas generator 12 is used as a fuel to power the engine. The hydrogen gas is fed to the engine via the feed pipe 54. The oxygen gas generated in the electrolyzer cells is not separated from the hydrogen although this may be done if required. The Applicant has found that the oxygen lowers the flashpoint of the oxygen/hydrogen gas mixture and serves as a lubricant in the motor. It will be appreciated that the hydrogen gas generator described herein can be scaled to achieve desired outputs in a wide variety of different applications. Hydrogen and oxygen gas form in the electrolyzer cells as a result of the fracturing of water molecules. The gas in the form of bubbles travel upwards in a spiral creating a spinning vortex effect. The waveforms generated by the function generator cause controlled oscillation of the helical coils which enhance the speed and volume of gas formation.
The system 10 for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas provides a portable and scalable fuel cell which generates sufficient hydrogen in an efficient and controllable manner to serve as a combustible fuel for operating equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell including: an electrode set comprising an anode and a cathode; and an outer housing for containing an electrolyte within which the anode and the cathode are immersed, the anode and the cathode being connectable to an external electrical power source, the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell being characterized in that the anode comprises an inner helical coil and the cathode comprises an outer helical coil which surrounds the inner helical coil, the outer and inner helical coils defining a common longitudinal axis.
2. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inner helical coil has a cylindrical configuration.
3. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer helical coil has a cylindrical configuration.
4. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner and outer helical coils each comprise a slender round wire element formed into a cylindrical helix.
5. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inner and outer helical coils are of steel.
6. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner and outer helical coils are of stainless steel.
7. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing comprises a top wall, a bottom wall and a liquid impervious outer tube which is sealingly connected at opposite ends to the top and bottom walls so as to define an internal chamber within which the inner and outer helical coils are located.
8. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the top wall of the housing includes an outlet for gas generated within the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell.
9. The hydrogen gas electrolyzer as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the bottom wall includes an inlet connectable to a source of water.
10. The hydrogen gas electolyzer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anode of each electrode set includes an additional inner helical coil and the cathode includes an additional outer helical coil, wherein the inner helical coil and the additional inner helical coil are electrically connected to one another and the outer helical coil and the additional outer helical coil are electrically connected to one another.
11. The hydrogen gas electolyzer as claimed in claim 10, wherein the helical coils and the additional helical coils are arranged such that they define common longitudinal axes.
12. A system for generating a hydrogen gas, the system comprising; a hydrogen gas generator comprising a number of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 ; an external electrical power source to which the anode and cathode of each of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells of the hydrogen gas generator are connected; and hydrogen gas collection means for collecting hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen gas electolyzer cells.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the hydrogen gas collection means includes a hydrogen storage vessel in which the hydrogen generated is stored and associated piping for conveying the extracted hydrogen to the storage vessel.
14. A method for generating hydrogen gas, the method including: providing the system for generating a hydrogen gas as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13; applying a voltage to the electrode sets of the hydrogen gas electrolyzer cells; and collecting hydrogen gas which is generated by the hydrogen gas generator.
PCT/IB2022/052953 2021-03-31 2022-03-30 Hydrogen gas electrolyzer cell and a system and method for generating hydrogen gas WO2022208392A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2021/02167 2021-03-31
ZA202102167 2021-03-31

Publications (3)

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US20100170454A1 (en) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-08 Clean-Fuel Technologies, Inc. Hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method
WO2010109234A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Keith Bulman Hydrogen fuel system
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CN107151804B (en) * 2017-05-09 2019-04-12 中国人民解放军92609部队 A kind of double spiral electrode component and the electrolytic cell with double spiral electrode component

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US20100038236A1 (en) * 2008-08-18 2010-02-18 Alex Rivera Hydrogen-from-water on-demand supplemental vehicle fuel electrolyzer system
US20100170454A1 (en) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-08 Clean-Fuel Technologies, Inc. Hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method
WO2010109234A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Keith Bulman Hydrogen fuel system
US20130174930A1 (en) * 2011-07-14 2013-07-11 Roberto Lara Arroyo Apparatus and methods for a hydroxy gas assisted combustion engine
CN107151804B (en) * 2017-05-09 2019-04-12 中国人民解放军92609部队 A kind of double spiral electrode component and the electrolytic cell with double spiral electrode component

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