U.S. patent application number 11/465707 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for hydrogen energy systems.
Invention is credited to Brian G. Bartel.
Application Number | 20070039815 11/465707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766449 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039815 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartel; Brian G. |
February 22, 2007 |
Hydrogen Energy Systems
Abstract
A hydrogen energy system comprising galvanic hydrogen generators
and hydrogen input manifolds for vehicle engines. The galvanic
hydrogen generators generate hydrogen gas, magnesium hydroxide, and
heat by the galvanic reaction of magnesium anodes with steel
cathodes in salt water. Heat exchangers channel excess heat to a
heat sink such as a thermocouple, Stirling engine, hot water
system, etc. The hydrogen input manifold is bolted between the
engine block and the air intake manifold of a gasoline or diesel
engine. Hydrogen gas is injected into the hydrogen input manifold
to provide supplementary fuel to the engine, lowering the amount of
petroleum that is used.
Inventors: |
Bartel; Brian G.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STONEMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
3113 NORTH 3RD STREET
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
37766449 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465707 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60710538 |
Aug 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
60745056 |
Apr 18, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
204/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01B 3/08 20130101; Y02E
60/36 20130101; C01F 7/428 20130101; C25B 5/00 20130101; C01F 5/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/242 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00 |
Claims
1) A galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating to generating
hydrogen gas from water, comprising: a) at least one galvanic cell,
comprising i) at least one anode; ii) at least one cathode; and
iii) at least one buffer having an electrochemical potential
between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode; b)
at least one container, adapted to contain said at least one
galvanic cell, comprising i) volume in excess of five gallons, ii)
at least one construction seam, iii) at least one hydrogen gas
storage headspace, and iv) at least one hydrogen gas release valve;
c) wherein said at least one construction seam is substantially
permanently sealed; d) wherein said at least one anode initially
weighs at least about seven pounds; and e) wherein said at least
one container is adapted to hold at least one quantity of water
sufficient relative to the quantity of said at least one anode to
prevent overheating resulting in passivation of said at least one
anode.
2) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 1,
further comprising at least one electrolyte comprising such at
least one quantity of water.
3) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 2,
wherein said at least one electrolyte comprises at least one
solution of about twenty percent sea salt in water, by weight.
4) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 2,
wherein said at least one anode, said at least one buffer, and said
at least one cathode are electrically connected together by said at
least one electrolyte.
5) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one container comprises said at least one
cathode.
6) A galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating to generating
hydrogen gas from water, comprising: a) at least one galvanic
hydrogen generator, comprising: i) at least one anode; ii) at least
one container, adapted to contain said at least one anode,
comprising (1) volume in excess of three gallons, (2) at least one
cathode; (3) at least one lid, (4) at least one hydrogen gas
storage headspace, and (5) at least one hydrogen gas release valve;
iii) at least one buffer having an electrochemical potential
between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode; iv)
at least one heat exchanger adapted to move heat from inside said
at least one container to outside of said at least one container;
v) wherein said at least one anode initially weighs at least about
one half pound; b) at least one water tank adapted to receive heat
from said at least one heat exchanger.
7) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
further comprising at least one gas-burning water heater.
8) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 7,
further comprising at least one hydrogen supply tube adapted to
supply hydrogen from said at least one container to said at least
one gas-burning water heater.
9) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 8,
further comprising at least one hydrogen gas regulator adapted to
regulate flow of hydrogen gas through said at least one hydrogen
supply tube.
10) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
further comprising at least one electrolyte comprising such at
least one quantity of water.
11) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 10,
wherein said at least one electrolyte comprises at least one
solution of about twenty percent sea salt in water, by weight.
12) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 10,
wherein said at least one anode, said at least one buffer, and said
at least one cathode are electrically connected together by said at
least one electrolyte.
13) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
wherein said at least one container comprises at least one
electrolyte drain.
14) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 13,
wherein said at least one anode is located above said at least one
electrolyte drain.
15) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
wherein said at least one anode comprises magnesium.
16) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
wherein said at least one buffer comprises aluminum.
17) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
wherein said at least one cathode comprises iron.
18) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
wherein said at least one anode is substantially consumed within
about one week.
19) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
further comprising at least one hydrogen storage tank adapted to
store hydrogen gas at pressures under about 400 pounds per square
inch.
20) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 6,
further comprising at least one hydrogen leak sensor.
21) A galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating to generating
hydrogen gas from water, comprising the steps of: a) operating at
least one galvanic hydrogen generator; b) transferring heat from
such at least one galvanic hydrogen generator to at least one
quantity of water contained in at least one tank; c) transferring
heated water from such at least one tank to at least one clothes
washing machine; and d) replacing at least one old
magnesium-containing anode of such at least one galvanic hydrogen
generator with at least one new magnesium-containing anode.
22) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 21,
further comprising the step of burning hydrogen.
23) The galvanic hydrogen generator system, according to claim 22,
further comprising the step of burning hydrogen in at least one
water heater.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/710,538, filed Aug.
22, 2005, entitled "Hydrogen Energy Systems", and is related to and
claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No.
60/745,056, filed Apr. 18, 2006, entitled "Hydrogen Energy
Systems", the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by
this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to
the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference
section.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to hydrogen energy systems.
More particularly, the present invention relates to efficient
galvanic hydrogen generation. Even more particularly, the present
invention relates to hydrogen-fueled internal combustion
engines.
[0003] No system exists that efficiently, safely, and easily
generates hydrogen gas from water for use as fuel without the need
to supply electrical power from outside the hydrogen generator.
Further, no system exists that provides safe and simple
modification of gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion
engines to run partially on hydrogen fuel.
[0004] No system exists that efficiently, safely, and easily
provides heated water and hydrogen for hot-water using appliances.
Further, so system exists that provides UL listed appliances
adapted to generate heat and hydrogen via galvanic reaction.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists for a system that provides for
efficient, safe, and easy hydrogen generation from water without
the need to supply electrical power from outside the hydrogen
generator. Further, a need exists for a system that provides safe
and simple modification of gasoline or diesel-powered internal
combustion engines to run at least partially on hydrogen fuel.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists for a system that efficiently,
safely, and easily provides heated water and hydrogen for hot-water
using appliances. Further, a need exists for a system that provides
UL listed appliances adapted to generate heat and hydrogen via
galvanic reaction.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide hydrogen energy systems.
[0008] It is a further primary object and feature of the present
invention to provide such systems comprising galvanic hydrogen
generators. It is a further primary object and feature of the
present invention to provide such systems comprising hydrogen
intake manifolds for internal combustion engines.
[0009] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such systems comprising galvanic hydrogen generator
kits. It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such systems comprising hydrogen intake manifold
kits.
[0010] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such systems comprising pre-made packets of galvanically
corrodible materials usable for galvanic hydrogen generation.
[0011] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such systems that efficiently, safely, and easily
provide heated water and hydrogen for hot-water using appliances. A
further object and feature of the present invention is to provide
such a system that provides UL listed appliances adapted to
generate heat and hydrogen via galvanic reaction.
[0012] A further primary object and feature of the present
invention is to provide such systems that are efficient,
inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic cell, comprising at least one anode; at least one cathode;
and at least one buffer having an electrochemical potential between
such at least one anode and such at least one cathode; at least one
container, adapted to contain such at least one galvanic cell,
comprising volume in excess of five gallons, at least one
construction seam, at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace, and
at least one hydrogen gas release valve; wherein such at least one
construction seam is substantially permanently sealed; wherein such
at least one anode initially weighs at least about seven pounds;
and wherein such at least one container is adapted to hold at least
one quantity of water sufficient (relative to the quantity of such
at least one anode) to prevent overheating resulting in passivation
of such at least one anode.
[0014] Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one electrolyte comprising such
at least one quantity of water. Additionally, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one
electrolyte comprises at least one solution of about twenty percent
sea salt in water, by weight. Also, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one anode, such at
least one buffer, and such at least one cathode are electrically
connected together by such at least one electrolyte. In addition,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
at least one container comprises such at least one cathode. And, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one container comprises at least one electrolyte drain.
Further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one anode is located above such at least one
electrolyte drain. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one construction
seam is substantially permanently sealed by welding.
[0015] Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one container further comprises at
least one filter port. Additionally, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising at least one
electrolyte filter. Also, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, wherein such at least one anode initially weighs
at least about forty pounds. In addition, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one anode
initially weighs at least about eighty pounds. And, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least
one anode comprises magnesium. Further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one buffer
comprises aluminum. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one cathode
comprises iron. Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, wherein such at least one cathode comprises
titanium.
[0016] Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one heat exchanger. Also, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further
comprising at least one heat-energy converter. In addition, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one heat-energy converter comprises at least one Stirling
engine. And, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one anode is less than about twenty
millimeters away from such at least one buffer. Further, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one buffer is less than about twenty millimeters away from
such at least one cathode.
[0017] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one pH adjuster adapted to
adjust pH of such at least one quantity of water to above about pH
10. Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one pH adjuster adapted to
adjust pH of such at least one quantity of water to below about pH
10. Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one anode is substantially consumed
within about one year. Also, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, further comprising at least one hydrogen storage
tank adapted to store hydrogen gas at pressures of about 400 pounds
per square inch.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator kit, relating to
generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic cell, comprising at least one anode; wherein such at least
one anode initially weighs at least about seven pounds; at least
one cathode; and at least one buffer having an electrochemical
potential between such at least one anode and such at least one
cathode; at least one container adapted to contain such at least
one galvanic cell, comprising at least one hydrogen gas storage
headspace; at least one hydrogen gas release valve; at least one
water input port; and at least one water output port; wherein such
at least one container is substantially permanently sealed (with
the exception of such at least one hydrogen release valve, such at
least one water input port, and such at least one water output
port); and at least one instruction for using such at least one
galvanic cell to generate hydrogen gas.
[0019] In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
kit, further comprising at least one electrolyte filter. And, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator kit, further comprising
at least one heat exchanger. Further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator kit, further comprising at least one heat-energy
converter. Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator kit, wherein such at least one heat-energy converter
comprises at least one Stirling engine.
[0020] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic charge, comprising at least one anode, and at least one
electrolyte material; and at least one container comprising at
least one hydrogen gas storage headspace, at least one hydrogen gas
release valve, and at least one cathode; wherein such at least one
container is adapted to hold at least one quantity of water
sufficient (relative to the quantity of such at least one anode) to
prevent overheating resulting in passivation of such at least one
anode; and wherein hydrogen gas is generated when such at least one
quantity of water and such at least one galvanic charge are placed
into such at least one container.
[0021] Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one anode comprises at least one
fines. Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one anode comprises at least one
pellet. Also, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein the mass of such at least one quantity of water
comprises at least about five times the mass of such at least one
anode. In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one electrolyte material comprises at
least one salt. And, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one salt comprises sea-salt. Further,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
at least one galvanic charge further comprises at least one
water-permeable container.
[0022] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one galvanic charge further comprises
at least one water-soluble container. Moreover, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one
hydrogen gas storage headspace is adapted to contain substantially
all hydrogen gas generated by such at least one galvanic charge.
Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one container comprises such at least
one cathode. Also, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
sealable opening. In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, wherein such at least one anode comprises
magnesium. And, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one buffer comprises aluminum.
Further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one cathode comprises iron. Even further, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one cathode comprises titanium.
[0023] Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one heat exchanger.
Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one heat-energy converter.
Also, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising at least one hydrogen storage tank. In addition,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
at least one container comprises at least one filter port. And, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further
comprising at least one electrolyte filter. Further, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least
one container comprises at least one electrolyte drain. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one anode is located above such at least one
electrolyte drain. Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, further comprising at least one pH adjuster
adapted to adjust pH of such at least one quantity of water to
above about pH 10. Additionally, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising at least one pH
adjuster adapted to adjust pH of such at least one quantity of
water to below about pH 10.
[0024] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator kit, relating to
generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic charge, comprising at least one anode; and at least one
electrolyte material; at least one container comprising at least
one hydrogen gas storage headspace; at least one hydrogen gas
release valve; and at least one cathode; at least one instruction
for using such at least one galvanic charge and such at least one
container to generate hydrogen gas.
[0025] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
magnesium fines; at least one magnesium pellet; at least one
electrolyte material; at least one water-soluble container adapted
to contain such at least one magnesium fines, such at least one
magnesium pellet, and such at least one electrolyte material. Also,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further
comprising at least one cathode. In addition, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one
electrolyte material comprises sea salt.
[0026] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a hydrogen fuel system, relating to injecting
hydrogen fuel into at least one internal combustion engine in at
least one vehicle, comprising: at least one hydrogen input manifold
adapted to input hydrogen between at least one input manifold and
at least one cylinder head of such at least one internal combustion
engine; wherein such at least one hydrogen input manifold comprises
at least one plenum adapted to pass gas between such at least one
input manifold and such at least one cylinder head; at least one
hydrogen provider adapted to provide hydrogen gas; at least one
hydrogen conduit adapted to conduct such hydrogen gas from such at
least one hydrogen provider to such at least one hydrogen input
manifold; wherein such at least one hydrogen input manifold
comprises at least one hydrogen port adapted to port such hydrogen
gas from such at least one hydrogen conduit into such at least one
plenum; at least one pressure regulator adapted to regulate
pressure of such hydrogen gas through such at least one hydrogen
port; and at least one flow regulator adapted to regulate flow of
such hydrogen gas through such at least one hydrogen port.
[0027] And, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system, wherein each
of such at least one plenums passes gas between exactly one output
port of such at least one input manifold and exactly one input port
of such at least one cylinder head. Further, it provides such a
hydrogen fuel system, wherein such at least one hydrogen provider
comprises at least one hydrogen storage tank. Even further, it
provides such a hydrogen fuel system, wherein such at least one
hydrogen provider comprises at least one hydrogen storage tank
adapted to hold hydrogen gas compressed to about 400 pounds per
square inch. Moreover, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system,
wherein such at least one hydrogen provider comprises at least one
hydrogen storage tank adapted to hold hydrogen gas compressed to
about 300 pounds per square inch.
[0028] Additionally, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system,
wherein such at least one flow regulator comprises at least one
switch adapted to switch hydrogen gas flow through such at least
one hydrogen conduit on and off. Also, it provides such a hydrogen
fuel system, wherein such at least one flow regulator comprises at
least one switch accessible to at least one driver of such at least
one vehicle while driving. In addition, it provides such a hydrogen
fuel system, wherein such at least one hydrogen conduit comprises
at least one gas manifold. And, it provides such a hydrogen fuel
system, wherein such at least one hydrogen conduit comprises at
least one tuner adapted to assist tuning such flow of such hydrogen
gas through such at least one hydrogen port. Further, it provides
such a hydrogen fuel system, further comprising at least one idle
sensor adapted to sense idling of such at least one vehicle.
[0029] Even further, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system,
further comprising at least one seal adapted to seal between such
at least one hydrogen input manifold and such at least one input
manifold. Moreover, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system,
further comprising at least one seal adapted to seal between such
at least one hydrogen input manifold and such at least one cylinder
head. Additionally, it provides such a hydrogen fuel system,
further comprising at least one fastener adapted to fasten such at
least one hydrogen input manifold between such at least one input
manifold and such at least one cylinder head. Also, it provides
such a hydrogen fuel system, wherein such at least one fastener
comprises at least one bolt. In addition, it provides such a
hydrogen fuel system, further comprising at least one pressure
gauge adapted to gauge hydrogen gas pressure provided by such at
least one hydrogen provider.
[0030] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a hydrogen fuel kit, relating to injecting
hydrogen fuel into at least one internal combustion engine in at
least one vehicle, comprising: at least one hydrogen input manifold
adapted to input hydrogen between at least one input manifold and
at least one cylinder head of at least one internal combustion
engine; wherein such at least one hydrogen input manifold comprises
at least one plenum adapted to pass gas between such at least one
input manifold and such at least one cylinder head; at least one
hydrogen provider adapted to provide hydrogen gas; at least one
hydrogen conduit adapted to conduct such hydrogen gas from such at
least one hydrogen provider to such at least one hydrogen input
manifold; wherein such at least one hydrogen input manifold
comprises at least one hydrogen port adapted to port such hydrogen
gas from such at least one hydrogen conduit into such at least one
plenum; at least one pressure regulator adapted to regulate
pressure of such hydrogen gas through such at least one hydrogen
port; at least one flow regulator adapted to regulate flow of such
hydrogen gas through such at least one hydrogen port; at least one
instruction adapted to instruct at least one user to install and
use such at least one hydrogen input manifold in at least one
vehicle.
[0031] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a hydrogen fuel kit, relating to injecting
hydrogen fuel into at least one internal combustion engine in at
least one vehicle, comprising: at least one hydrogen input manifold
instruction adapted to instruct at least one user to construct at
least one hydrogen input manifold adapted to fit between at least
one input manifold and at least one cylinder head of at least one
internal combustion engine; at least one parts list adapted to list
parts required to install such at least one hydrogen input manifold
in such at least one internal combustion engine; at least one parts
list adapted to list parts required to supply hydrogen gas to such
at least one hydrogen input manifold; and at least one instruction
adapted to instruct at least one user to install and use such at
least one constructed hydrogen input manifold in such at least one
vehicle.
[0032] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method, relating to adapting petroleum-fueled
vehicles to use hydrogen fuel, comprising the steps of: installing
at least one hydrogen input manifold between at least one intake
manifold and at least one cylinder head of at least one engine of
at least one vehicle; installing at least one hydrogen storage tank
in such at least one vehicle; installing at least one conduit
between such at least one hydrogen storage tank and such at least
one hydrogen input manifold; and installing at least one shutoff
between such at least one hydrogen storage tank and such at least
one hydrogen input manifold. And, it provides such a method,
further comprising the step of filling such at least one vehicle
hydrogen storage tank with hydrogen gas.
[0033] Further, it provides such a method, further comprising the
step of injecting hydrogen gas from such at least one vehicle
hydrogen storage tank into such at least one hydrogen input
manifold while such at least one engine is running. Even further,
it provides such a method, further comprising the step of using
galvanically generated hydrogen to fill such at least one vehicle
hydrogen storage tank. Moreover, it provides such a method, further
comprising the step of adapting such at least one vehicle to run
exclusively on hydrogen when such at least one engine is operating
at idle speed.
[0034] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
anode; at least one container, adapted to contain such at least one
anode, comprising volume in excess of three gallons, at least one
cathode; at least one lid, at least one hydrogen gas storage
headspace, and at least one hydrogen gas release valve; at least
one buffer having an electrochemical potential between such at
least one anode and such at least one cathode; at least one heat
exchanger adapted to move heat from inside such at least one
container to outside of such at least one container; wherein such
at least one anode initially weighs at least about one-half
pound.
[0035] Additionally, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one electrolyte comprising such
at least one quantity of water. Also, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one electrolyte
comprises at least one solution of about twenty percent sea salt in
water, by weight. In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, wherein such at least one anode, such at least
one buffer, and such at least one cathode are electrically
connected together by such at least one electrolyte. And, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one container comprises at least one electrolyte drain.
Further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one anode is located above such at least one
electrolyte drain.
[0036] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one anode comprises magnesium.
Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one buffer comprises aluminum. Additionally,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
at least one cathode comprises iron. Also, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one
cathode comprises titanium. In addition, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one anode
is substantially consumed within about one week. And, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further comprising at
least one hydrogen storage tank adapted to store hydrogen gas at
pressures under about 400 pounds per square inch. Further, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one galvanic hydrogen generator system comprises at least one
Underwriters Laboratories listed appliance.
[0037] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic hydrogen generator, comprising: at least one anode; at
least one container, adapted to contain such at least one anode,
comprising volume in excess of three gallons, at least one cathode;
at least one lid, at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace, and
at least one hydrogen gas release valve; at least one buffer having
an electrochemical potential between such at least one anode and
such at least one cathode; at least one heat exchanger adapted to
move heat from inside such at least one container to outside of
such at least one container; wherein such at least one anode
initially weighs at least about one half pound; at least one water
tank adapted to receive heat from such at least one heat
exchanger.
[0038] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one gas-burning water heater.
Moreover, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising at least one hydrogen supply tube adapted to
supply hydrogen from such at least one container to such at least
one gas-burning water heater. Additionally, it provides such a
galvanic hydrogen generator system, further comprising at least one
hydrogen gas regulator adapted to regulate flow of hydrogen gas
through such at least one hydrogen supply tube. Also, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further comprising at
least one electrolyte comprising such at least one quantity of
water. In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one electrolyte comprises at least
one solution of about twenty percent sea salt in water, by weight.
And, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein
such at least one anode, such at least one buffer, and such at
least one cathode are electrically connected together by such at
least one electrolyte.
[0039] Further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
electrolyte drain. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one anode is
located above such at least one electrolyte drain. Moreover, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at
least one anode comprises magnesium. Additionally, it provides such
a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one
buffer comprises aluminum. Also, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least one cathode
comprises iron. In addition, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, wherein such at least one cathode comprises
titanium. And, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, wherein such at least one anode is substantially consumed
within about one week. Further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising at least one hydrogen
storage tank adapted to store hydrogen gas at pressures under about
400 pounds per square inch.
[0040] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one hydrogen leak sensor. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising at least one hydrogen pressure sensor. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising at least one remote monitoring system. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
wherein such at least one galvanic hydrogen generator comprises at
least one Underwriters Laboratories listed appliance.
[0041] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising the steps of:
operating at least one galvanic hydrogen generator; transferring
heat from such at least one galvanic hydrogen generator to at least
one quantity of water contained in at least one tank; transferring
heated water from such at least one tank to at least one clothes
washing machine; and replacing at least one old
magnesium-containing anode of such at least one galvanic hydrogen
generator with at least one new magnesium-containing anode. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising the step of burning hydrogen.
[0042] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising the step of burning hydrogen in at least
one water heater. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising the step of
co-burning hydrogen in at least one natural gas water heater. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising the step of burning hydrogen in at least one
fuel cell. Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen
generator system, further comprising the step of collecting
hydrogen in at least one storage tank. Even further, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further comprising the
step of selling such collected hydrogen.
[0043] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising the step of remotely monitoring such at
least one galvanic hydrogen generator. Even further, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, further comprising the
step of remotely monitoring at least one hydrogen leak sensor. Even
further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system,
further comprising the step of remotely monitoring at least one
hydrogen pressure sensor. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising the step of remotely
monitoring at least one water temperature sensor. Even further, it
provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
step of transferring heated water from such at least one tank to at
least one clothes washing machine comprises the step of
transferring heated water from such at least one tank to at least
one commercial clothes washing machine. Even further, it provides
such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such at least
one tank comprises at least one water storage tank. Even further,
it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator system, wherein such
step of operating at least one galvanic hydrogen generator
comprises the step of operating at least one Underwriters
Laboratories listed galvanic hydrogen generator.
[0044] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating
to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one
galvanic hydrogen generator, comprising: at least one anode
comprising magnesium; at least one container, adapted to contain
such at least one anode, comprising volume in excess of about three
gallons; at least one cathode; at least one lid, at least one
hydrogen gas storage headspace, and at least one hydrogen gas
release valve; at least one heat exchanger adapted to assist heat
exchange between such at least one galvanic hydrogen generator and
at least one heat sink; wherein such at least one galvanic hydrogen
generator is Underwriters Laboratories listed.
[0045] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising at least one buffer having an
electrochemical potential between such at least one anode and such
at least one cathode. Even further, it provides such a galvanic
hydrogen generator system, further comprising at least one
electrolyte comprising at least one quantity of water.
[0046] Even further, it provides such a galvanic hydrogen generator
system, further comprising each and every novel feature, element,
combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this
patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a side view illustrating a large galvanic
hydrogen generator according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a side view illustrating the large galvanic
hydrogen generator, according to FIG. 1, with an electrolyte filter
and a hydrogen storage tank.
[0049] FIG. 3A shows a top view illustrating a stack according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 3B shows a side view illustrating a stack according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 3C shows a front view illustrating a stack according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows section 4-4 of FIG. 1 illustrating the galvanic
corrosion of the stack, with an expanded detail.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a Pourbaix diagram illustrating the
electrochemical behavior of magnesium under different conditions of
electrical potential and electrolyte pH.
[0054] FIG. 6A shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of magnesium and aluminum.
[0055] FIG. 6B shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of aluminum and iron.
[0056] FIG. 6C shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of magnesium and iron.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a diagram illustrating the combined
electrochemical cell of magnesium, aluminum, and iron.
[0058] FIG. 8 shows a front view illustrating a kit comprising the
large galvanic hydrogen generator according to FIG. 1, an
electrolyte filter, electrolyte, and a hydrogen storage tank.
[0059] FIG. 9 shows a side view illustrating a small galvanic
hydrogen generator according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, with an optional water outlet.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a side view illustrating the small galvanic
hydrogen generator according to FIG. 9, with a heat exchanger.
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a side view illustrating the small galvanic
hydrogen generator according to FIG. 9, with a heat exchanger
coupled to a titanium cathode.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating the types of
energy available from the hydrogen energy system.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view illustrating a galvanic
charge in a water-permeable pouch according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view illustrating a galvanic
charge in a water-soluble pouch according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 15 shows a diagram illustrating a method of generating
hydrogen gas with a galvanic charge according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 16 shows a side view illustrating a plurality of small
galvanic hydrogen generators serially feeding hydrogen to a large
hydrogen storage tank.
[0067] FIG. 17 shows a front view illustrating a kit comprising the
small galvanic hydrogen generator according to FIG. 9, a galvanic
charge, and instructions.
[0068] FIG. 18 shows a front view illustrating a hydrogen intake
manifold system according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0069] FIG. 19 shows a front view illustrating a modification of
the hydrogen intake manifold system according to FIG. 18 comprising
tunable hydrogen supply tubes.
[0070] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the
hydrogen intake manifold according to FIG. 18 installed between the
engine block and the air intake manifold of a typical Honda
four-cylinder engine.
[0071] FIG. 21 shows a front view illustrating a hydrogen intake
manifold kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 22 shows a front view illustrating a hydrogen intake
manifold instructions kit according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 23 shows a diagram illustrating a method of installing
a hydrogen intake manifold.
[0074] FIG. 24 shows a front view illustrating a galvanic hydrogen
generator according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 25 shows a top view illustrating the galvanic hydrogen
generator according to FIG. 24.
[0076] FIG. 26 shows section 26-26 of FIG. 24 illustrating the
galvanic hydrogen generator according to FIG. 24.
[0077] FIG. 27 shows section 27-27 of FIG. 24 illustrating the
galvanic hydrogen generator according to FIG. 24.
[0078] FIG. 28 shows a front view illustrating another galvanic
hydrogen generator according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0079] FIG. 29 shows a top view illustrating the galvanic hydrogen
generator according to FIG. 27.
[0080] FIG. 30 shows a front view of a galvanic hydrogen cell
according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0081] FIG. 31 shows a side view of the galvanic hydrogen cell
according to FIG. 30.
[0082] FIG. 32 shows a block diagram illustrating a galvanic
hydrogen generator adapted to provide heated water and hydrogen gas
to users.
[0083] FIG. 33 shows a block diagram illustrating a galvanic
hydrogen generator appliance adapted to provide heated water and
hydrogen gas to users.
[0084] FIG. 34 shows a block diagram illustrating a method of using
a galvanic hydrogen generator to provide heated water and hydrogen
gas to commercial laundry equipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
[0085] FIG. 1 shows a side view illustrating large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises
large galvanic hydrogen generator 110, as shown. Preferably, large
galvanic hydrogen generator 110 comprises a container, preferably
tank 115, and galvanic cell 130, as shown.
[0086] Preferably, tank 115 comprises a gas-tight tank, preferably
a stainless steel tank, preferably a 99-gallon gas tank (preferably
a propane tank that has been temporarily opened to receive galvanic
cell 130 and then has been sealed shut again along construction
seam 114), as shown. Preferably, tank 115 comprises gas outlet 116,
pressure gauge 117, valve 118, filter 119, and support 120, as
shown. Preferably, tank 115 further comprises water outlet 122, as
shown. Preferably, filter 119 removes water vapor from hydrogen gas
152. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other tanks, such as plastic
tanks, no tank (open ocean), other tank accessories such as
pressure alarms, temperature alarms, pressure relief valves, etc.,
may suffice.
[0087] Preferably, galvanic cell 130 comprises stack 131 comprising
anode 132, buffer 134, and cathode 136, as shown. Preferably,
cathode 136 is more electropositive than anode 132. Preferably,
buffer 134 is between anode 132 and cathode 136 in electronegative
potential. Preferably, anode 132 comprises magnesium, buffer 134
comprises aluminum, and cathode 136 (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one cathode comprises iron) comprises iron
(preferably stainless steel). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
galvanic cell arrangements, such as other metals, no buffer,
membrane buffers, etc., may suffice.
[0088] Preferably, galvanic cell 130 comprises electrolyte 140, as
shown. Preferably, electrolyte 140 (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one electrolyte material comprises at least
one salt) comprises at least one ionic compound, preferably at
least one salt, preferably sea-salt. Most preferably, electrolyte
140 comprises an ionic compound, preferably sea-salt, preferably
dissolved in water to form a twenty-percent solution by weight (at
least embodying herein wherein such at least one electrolyte
material comprises sea salt; and at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one electrolyte comprises at least one solution of
about twenty percent sea salt in water, by weight). Preferably,
tank 115 is at least about half filled with electrolyte 140, as
shown, most preferably filled to at least cover anode 132, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other electrolyte solutions,
such as sodium chloride from other sources, other ionic compounds,
other salts, other salt percentages, semi-solid electrolytes, solid
electrolytes, gaseous electrolytes, etc., may suffice.
[0089] Preferably, when stack 131 and electrolyte 140 are placed in
tank 115, anode 132 rapidly galvanically corrodes, preferably
producing magnesium hydroxide 150, while hydrogen gas 152 is
evolved on cathode 136 and to a lesser extent on buffer 134 (which
also slowly galvanically corrodes to form aluminum hydroxide).
Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 bubbles up into headspace 153 for
storage, as shown. Preferably, this galvanic corrosion reaction
continues until all of anode 132 has been consumed.
[0090] Preferably, water outlet 122 (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
electrolyte drain) is opened to release electrolyte 140 in order to
stop hydrogen gas 152 generation by stopping the galvanic corrosion
of anode 132. Preferably, support 120 supports stack 131 while
permitting electrolyte 140 to flow freely through support 120, as
shown. Preferably, support 120 is a cathodic metal screen, or a
strong perforated plastic plate, etc. Preferably, stack 131 rests
on support 120 which is preferably above water outlet 122 (at least
embodying herein at least one water output port; and at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one anode is located above
such at least one electrolyte drain), as shown, so that electrolyte
140 can drain entirely off stack 131, stopping the galvanic
corrosion of anode 132. This arrangement also permits magnesium
hydroxide 150 to settle to the bottom of tank 115 without covering
up portions of stack 131, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
arrangements, such as suspending the stack above the bottom of the
tank, resting the stack on the bottom of the tank, other supports,
other methods of stopping the galvanic reaction such as polarizing
the electrodes, modifying the electrolyte pH, etc., may
suffice.
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a side view illustrating large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110 according to FIG. 1, with electrolyte filter
164 and hydrogen storage tank 215. Preferably, tank 115 further
comprises filter inlet port 160 (at least embodying herein at least
one water input port), filter outlet port 162 (at least embodying
herein wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
filter port), and filter 164, as shown. Preferably, filter 164
comprises pump 165, as shown. Preferably, pump 165 pumps
electrolyte 140 through filter 164, removing precipitated magnesium
hydroxide 150 from electrolyte 140.
[0092] Preferably, large galvanic hydrogen generator 110 comprises
storage tank 215, as shown. Preferably, storage tank 215 comprises
a gas-tight tank, preferably a stainless steel tank, preferably a
99-gallon propane tank, as shown. Preferably, excess hydrogen gas
152 from tank 115 is moved into storage tank 215 for storage, as
shown. Preferably, the galvanic corrosion reaction of anode 132 and
cathode 136 produces hydrogen gas 152 in sufficient quantities to
generate pressures of at least 100 psi, preferably 300 psi, more
preferably 400 psi (at least embodying herein at least one hydrogen
storage tank adapted to store hydrogen gas at pressures of about
400 pounds per square inch). Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 pressure
is monitored and is maintained at a level that is convenient for
storage and transfer of hydrogen gas 152 while being safely within
the pressure capabilities of tank 115 and/or tank 215. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
etc., other hydrogen storage methods, such as generating metal
hydrides, pressurizing the hydrogen, liquefying the hydrogen, using
multiple storage tanks, etc., may suffice.
[0093] FIG. 3A shows a top view illustrating stack 131 according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Preferably, stack 131 comprises
about seven layers of cathodes 136, about six layers of anodes 132,
and about ten layers of buffers 134, as shown. Preferably, buffers
134 are placed between cathodes 136 and anodes 132, as shown, in
order to slow the galvanic corrosion reaction between anodes 132
and cathodes 136. Preferably, the layers of stack 131 are spaced
closely together enough to minimize the electrical resistance of
electrolyte 140 while still permitting free flow of electrolyte 140
between the layers of stack 131, as shown. Preferably, the centers
of anodes 132 and buffers 134 are no more than about twenty
millimeters apart (at least embodying herein wherein such at least
one anode is adapted to be no more than about twenty millimeters
away from such at least one buffer). Preferably, the sides of
anodes 132 and buffers 134 are no less than about five millimeters
apart to start. Preferably, the centers of buffers 134 and cathodes
136 are no more than about twenty millimeters apart (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one buffer is adapted to be
no more than about twenty millimeters away from such at least one
cathode). Preferably, the sides of buffers 134 and cathodes 136 are
no less than about five millimeters apart to start. The Inventor
has experimentally found that this spacing provides a consistent
and rapid galvanic reaction that avoids overheating and the
resulting electrode polarization. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
arrangements, such as other geometric arrangements, other spacings;
other electrical connections; other methods of fastening the
anodes, cathodes, and buffers to the straps; not using straps; not
electrically connecting the anodes to each other; using other
numbers of layers of anodes, cathodes, and buffers; not using
buffers; etc., may suffice.
[0094] Preferably, anodes 132 are about three inches wide by about
twelve inches tall by about one inch thick and weigh about seven
pounds each (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
anode initially weighs at least about seven pounds). Preferably,
stack 131 comprises about twelve anodes 132, as shown. Preferably,
anodes 132 are electrically connected to each other with strap 133,
as shown. Preferably, strap 133 is connected to anodes 132 with
bolts 135, as shown, which are preferably self-tapped into holes
drilled into anodes 132 in order to provide a good electrical
connection and to prevent electrolyte access which causes galvanic
corrosion between anodes 132 and bolts 135. The thickness of anodes
132 is the only important dimension, because the thickness
determines the distance between the surfaces of anodes 132 and the
surfaces of buffers 134 as anodes 132 corrode. Preferably, stack
131 comprises at least about forty pounds of anode 132 (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one anode initially weighs
at least about forty pounds). More preferably, stack 131 comprises
at least about eighty pounds of anode 132, most preferably about
eighty-four pounds of anode 132 (at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one anode initially weighs at least about eighty
pounds). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, electrolyte concentration, etc., other
anode configurations, such as other electronegative metals,
magnesium-based alloys, other numbers of anodes, other shapes of
anodes, other weights of anodes, other thicknesses of anodes,
anodes that are pre-saturated with hydrogen gas (metal hydride
anodes) prior to galvanic reaction, etc., may suffice.
[0095] Preferably, cathodes 136 are about as tall and wide as the
adjacent anodes 132, as shown, and are about one-quarter inch
thick. Preferably, cathodes 136 are electrically connected to each
other with strap 137, as shown. Preferably, strap 137 is connected
to cathodes 136 with bolts 138, as shown. Preferably, where tank
115 comprises stainless steel, tank 115 comprises another cathode
136 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one container
comprises such at least one cathode), as shown (or, optionally, the
only cathode 136). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, electrolyte
concentration, etc., other anode configurations, such as other
electropositive metals, other iron-based alloys, other numbers of
cathodes, other shapes of cathodes, other weights of cathodes,
other thicknesses of cathodes, etc., may suffice.
[0096] Preferably, buffers 134 are about as tall and wide as the
adjacent anodes 132, as shown, and are about one-quarter inch
thick. Preferably, buffers 134 are electrically connected to each
other with strap 138, as shown. Preferably, strap 138 is connected
to buffers 134 with bolts 139, as shown. Preferably, buffers 134
are optional. Preferably, where buffers 134 are not used, the
centers of anodes 132 and cathodes 136 are no more than about
twenty millimeters apart. Preferably, where buffers 134 are not
used, the sides of anodes 132 and cathodes 136 are no less than
about five millimeters apart to start. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
such issues as advances in technology, user preference, electrolyte
concentration, etc., other anode configurations, such as other
metals, aluminum alloys, other numbers of buffers, no buffers,
other shapes of buffers, other weights of buffers, other
thicknesses of buffers, other buffer spacing, etc., may
suffice.
[0097] FIG. 3B shows a side view illustrating stack 131 according
to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0098] FIG. 3C shows a front view illustrating stack 131 according
to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0099] FIG. 4 shows section 4-4 of FIG. 1 illustrating the galvanic
corrosion of stack 131, with an expanded detail. Preferably, in the
presence of electrolyte 140, anodes 132 are galvanically corroded
by cathodes 136, generating magnesium hydroxide 150 and hydrogen
gas 152, as shown, while also evolving heat and causing an
electrical current to flow between anode 132 and cathode 136.
Preferably, magnesium hydroxide 150 settles to the bottom of tank
115 (assuming anodes 132 are magnesium), as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 bubbles up into headspace 153 (at least embodying
herein at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace), as shown.
Preferably, the electrical current flows through electrolyte 140
(at least embodying herein wherein such at least one anode, such at
least one buffer, and such at least one cathode are electrically
connected together by such at least one electrolyte); however,
anodes 132 and cathodes 136 can also be preferably wired together
to permit the electrical current to flow more efficiently, and/or
to permit the electrical current to be harnessed for electrical
power. Preferably, galvanic cell 130 (at least embodying herein at
least one galvanic cell) as described will generate hydrogen gas
152 and heat at a consistent and convenient rate (preferably at
least sufficient hydrogen to supplement the daily fuel of a typical
commuter car) for at least about six months, preferably for at
least about one year (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one anode is substantially consumed within about one year).
Preferably, when anodes 132 have been consumed, large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110 is replaced with a new large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110, while the used large galvanic hydrogen
generator 110 is taken away for recycling. Due to the possibility
of hydrogen embrittlement of tank 115, tank 115 should be
thoroughly inspected before re-use. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
methods of use, such as remote generator monitoring, generator
leasing, adapting the system to provide other hydrogen generation
rates, etc., may suffice.
[0100] FIG. 5 shows a Pourbaix diagram illustrating the
electrochemical behavior of magnesium under different conditions of
electrical potential and electrolyte pH. Preferably, where anode
132 substantially comprises magnesium, cathode 136 is selected to
provide an electrical potential that will result in corrosion
conditions below line (a), as shown, wherein magnesium anode 132
corrodes while hydrogen gas 152 is produced at cathode 136.
Preferably, electrolyte 140 is filtered and adjusted as needed to
maintain pH below the pH boundary for passivation, as shown, which
is where magnesium anode 132 corrodes to form magnesium oxide which
is insoluble and which tends to seal anode 132 against further
corrosion. The pH of the system may be purposefully raised into the
passivation zone in order to shut-down the galvanic corrosion
reaction, if desired (at least embodying herein at least one pH
adjuster adapted to adjust pH of such at least one quantity of
water to above about pH 10). The Pourbaix diagram shown is for pure
magnesium in water at 25 degrees Celsius. This diagram was cited
from a book by Marcel Pourbaix: "Atlas of Electrochemical
Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions", Pergamon, N.Y., 1966.
[0101] Preferably, large galvanic hydrogen generator 110 operates
at a steady electrolyte 140 temperature between about one hundred
to about one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit, preferably about one
hundred thirty five degrees Fahrenheit. Also, electrolyte 140 is
preferably salt water, not pure water. These temperature and
electrolyte 140 changes will affect the Pourbaix diagram of the
immunity (unreactive bare metal), corrosion, and passivation
(unreactive metal oxide surface) conditions for magnesium anodes
132. Excessive temperature and excessively high pH will result in
passivation. Preferably, a sufficiently large volume of electrolyte
140 is used to prevent overheating, preferably by providing a
sufficient surface area to radiate away excess heat through tank
115. Preferably, electrolyte 140 is filtered and/or replaced as
needed to remove suspended magnesium hydroxide 150 and thereby
lower electrolyte 140 pH (at least embodying herein at least one pH
adjuster adapted to adjust pH of such at least one quantity of
water to below about pH 10). Preferably, the conditions for
corrosion below line (a) are maintained for efficient hydrogen gas
152 generation.
[0102] Preferably, electrolyte 140 comprises sea-salt water (at
least embodying herein wherein such at least one salt comprises
sea-salt), as shown. The chloride ions present in electrolyte 140
freely exchange with the hydroxide ions in the magnesium hydroxide
150 on the surfaces of anodes 132 to form magnesium chloride, which
is highly soluble. The magnesium chloride dissolves in electrolyte
140 and then freely exchanges with hydroxide ions in solution to
form magnesium hydroxide again, some of which precipitates and
settles to the bottom of tank 115, as shown. In this way, the
surfaces of anodes 132 are kept clean and available for corrosion
reactions. Other sea-salt ions, such as fluoride, bromide, and
iodide, also participate.
[0103] FIG. 6A shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of magnesium and aluminum. Preferably, magnesium anode 132
reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide 150 while hydrogen
gas 152 forms on the aluminum cathode 136, as shown. This reaction
is driven by the galvanic electrical potential of the
magnesium-aluminum cell, which is about 0.67 Volts in seawater, as
shown.
[0104] FIG. 6B shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of aluminum and iron. Preferably, aluminum anode 132 reacts
with water to form aluminum hydroxide while hydrogen gas 152 forms
on the iron cathode 136, as shown. This reaction is driven by the
galvanic electrical potential of the aluminum-iron cell, which is
about 1.23 Volts in seawater, as shown.
[0105] FIG. 6C shows a diagram illustrating the electrochemical
cell of magnesium and iron. Preferably, magnesium anode 132 reacts
with water to form magnesium hydroxide 150 while hydrogen gas 152
forms on the iron cathode 136, as shown. This reaction is driven by
the galvanic electrical potential of the magnesium-iron cell, which
is about 1.93 Volts in seawater, as shown.
[0106] FIG. 7 shows a diagram illustrating the combined
electrochemical cell of magnesium, aluminum, and iron. Preferably,
magnesium anode 132 reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide
150 while hydrogen gas 152 forms on the iron cathode 136, as shown.
This reaction is driven by the galvanic electrical potential of the
magnesium-iron cell, which is about 1.93 Volts in seawater, as
shown. Preferably, aluminum buffer 134 behaves as a cathode 136 to
the magnesium and as an anode 132 to the iron, as shown.
Preferably, aluminum buffer 134 (at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one buffer comprises aluminum) corrodes only slightly
because it receives anodic protection from the magnesium.
[0107] Preferably, buffer 134 (at least embodying herein at least
one buffer having an electrochemical potential between such at
least one anode and such at least one cathode) slows the galvanic
reaction between anode 132 and cathode 136 by physically and
electrically separating anode 132 and cathode 136, which slows the
galvanic reaction enough to permit a large mass of anode 132 to be
packed into the small space of tank 115 (at least embodying herein
at least one container adapted to contain such at least one
galvanic cell) without overheating, as shown in FIG. 4. By slowing
the galvanic reaction between anode 132 and cathode 136, anode 132
is protected from passivation caused by overheating and/or
excessive pH. This permits large galvanic hydrogen generator 110 to
generate hydrogen gas 152 at a consistent rate for long periods of
time. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended hydrogen generation rate,
etc., other buffers, such as no buffers, membrane buffers, other
metal buffers, salt bridges, etc., may suffice.
[0108] FIG. 8 shows a front view illustrating kit 800 comprising
large galvanic hydrogen generator 110 according to FIG. 1,
electrolyte filter 164, electrolyte 140, and hydrogen storage tank
215. Preferably, kit 800 is deliverable to a user at any location.
Preferably, stack 131 comes pre-installed in tank 115, as shown. In
an alternative preferred embodiment, stack 131 is placed into tank
115 by the user. Preferably, kit 800 is assembled by attaching
electrolyte filter 164 (at least embodying herein at least one
electrolyte filter), adding water and electrolyte 140 to large
galvanic hydrogen generator 110, and then sealing large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one container is substantially permanently sealed),
preferably by welding tank 115 along construction seam 114 (at
least embodying herein wherein such at least one container is
substantially permanently sealed by welding). Preferably, in order
to prevent hydrogen gas 152 generation during welding, electrolyte
140 (preferably dry salt, concentrated brine, etc.) is contained in
a time-delayed-opening container, preferably a water-soluble pouch.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, water is added through
electrolyte filter 164 ports after tank 115 is welded. After tank
115 is sealed, it preferably remains sealed at least until anode
132 is consumed, in order to prevent hydrogen gas 152 leakage.
[0109] Preferably, excess hydrogen gas 152 pressure from tank 115
is transferred into storage tank 215, as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 is taken from storage tank 215 as needed for use
as fuel. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other kit
components, such as usage meters, payment receivers, other hydrogen
transfer hose or tube connections, insulation, radiators,
additional stacks, monitoring equipment, voltage converters, anode
depletion indicators, etc., may suffice.
[0110] FIG. 9 shows a side view illustrating small galvanic
hydrogen generator 910 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, with optional water outlet 922. Preferably,
hydrogen energy system 100 comprises small galvanic hydrogen
generator 910, as shown. Preferably, small galvanic hydrogen
generator 910 comprises tank 915 and galvanic cell 930, as
shown.
[0111] Preferably, tank 915 comprises a gas tank, preferably a
stainless steel gas tank, preferably a 20-pound capacity propane
tank, as shown. Preferably, tank 915 comprises gas outlet 116,
pressure gauge 117, valve 118 (at least embodying herein at least
one hydrogen gas release valve), filter 119, and support 920, as
shown. Preferably, tank 915 further comprises water outlet 922
(which is optional), as shown. Preferably, filter 119 removes water
vapor and/or other impurities from hydrogen gas 152. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
intended use, economics, etc., other tanks, such as conventional
gas cylinders, other sizes of liquefied gas tanks, other types of
high-pressure tanks, non-metal containers, etc., may suffice.
[0112] Preferably, galvanic cell 930 comprises anode 932 and
cathode 936, as shown. Preferably, cathode 936 is more
electropositive than anode 932. Preferably, anode 932 comprises
magnesium and cathode 936 comprises iron (preferably stainless
steel). Most preferably, cathode 936 comprises tank 915, as
shown.
[0113] Preferably, galvanic cell 930 comprises electrolyte 140, as
shown. Preferably, a sufficient volume of water with electrolyte
140 is present to prevent passivation of anode 932 by radiating
away excess heat and by having sufficient volume to prevent the pH
of electrolyte 140 from getting too high (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one container is adapted to hold at least one
quantity of water sufficient (relative to the quantity of such at
least one anode) to prevent overheating resulting in passivation of
such at least one anode). Preferably, the pH of electrolyte 140
reaches a steady state during the galvanic reaction that is
dependent primarily on the electrolyte 140 volume, the electrolyte
140 temperature, the anode 132 surface area, the cathode 936
surface area, and the concentration of electrolyte 140. Preferably,
tank 915 is at least about half filled with electrolyte 140, as
shown (preferably about two to three gallons of electrolyte 140 in
the case of a 20-lb capacity propane tank using about five pounds
of anode 132). Most preferably, a mass of water comprising at least
about five times the mass of anode 932 is used (at least embodying
herein wherein the mass of such at least one quantity of water
comprises at least about five times the mass of such at least one
anode). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended use, type of electrolyte,
presence of a heat exchanger, etc., other quantities of
electrolyte, such as the ocean, just enough electrolyte to cover
the anodes, a larger quantity of electrolyte recirculating from a
separate tank or heat exchanger, etc., may suffice.
[0114] Preferably, when anode 132 and electrolyte 140 are placed in
tank 915, anode 932 rapidly galvanically corrodes, preferably
producing magnesium hydroxide 150, while hydrogen gas 152 is
evolved on cathode 936 (at least embodying herein wherein hydrogen
gas is generated when such at least one quantity of water and such
at least one galvanic charge are placed into such at least one
container), as shown. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 bubbles up into
headspace 953 for storage, as shown. Preferably, a quantity of
anode 132 is used that will produce a quantity of hydrogen gas 152
that is safely containable by headspace 953 (at least embodying
herein wherein such at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace is
adapted to contain substantially all hydrogen gas generated by such
at least one galvanic charge) in tank 915, even if anode 932 is
completely consumed without releasing any hydrogen gas 152 from
tank 915. Preferably, about five pounds of magnesium shot are used
as anode 932 in the case of a 20-lb capacity propane tank, as
shown. Preferably, anode 932 comprises small pellets of anode
material (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one anode
comprises at least one pellet), most preferably magnesium shot, as
shown. Preferably, anode 932 comprises at least one portion of
anode material fines having very large surface area (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one anode comprises at least
one fines), as shown, preferably shavings, powder, fine wires, etc.
Preferably, the anode material fines corrode very rapidly to
quickly generate a useful pressure of hydrogen gas 152 in tank 915.
Preferably, about one-fifth of anode 932 initially comprises anode
material fines. Preferably, anode 932 is consumed within hours or
days in this preferred arrangement.
[0115] Preferably, optional water outlet 922 is opened to release
electrolyte 140 in order to stop hydrogen gas 152 generation by
stopping the galvanic corrosion of anode 132. Preferably, support
920 supports anode 932 while permitting electrolyte 140 to flow
freely through support 920, as shown. Preferably, support 920
comprises a cathodic metal screen, as shown, or a perforated
plastic plate, etc. Preferably, anode 932 rests on support 920
which is preferably above water outlet 922, as shown, so that
electrolyte 140 can drain entirely off of anode 932 and
substantially stop the galvanic corrosion of anode 932. This
arrangement also permits magnesium hydroxide 150 to settle to the
bottom of tank 915 without covering up portions of anode 932, as
shown. Any magnesium hydroxide that is released into the
environment by draining electrolyte 140 is substantially
environmentally harmless (magnesium hydroxide is milk of magnesia,
a common antacid). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use,
safety regulations, etc., other reaction shut-down procedures, such
as poisoning the electrolyte, passivating the electrodes, freezing
the electrolyte, removing the cathodes, etc., may suffice.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows a side view illustrating small galvanic
hydrogen generator 910 according to FIG. 9, with heat exchanger
1000. Preferably, small galvanic hydrogen generator 910 comprises
heat exchanger 1000, as shown. Preferably, heat exchanger 1000
absorbs heat from tank 915 and transports that heat to heat sink
1005 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
heat-energy converter comprises at least one Stirling engine), as
shown, which preferably comprises a Stirling engine, a
thermocouple, a water heater, and/or a home heating system, etc.
Preferably, heat exchanger 1000 at least comprises tubing 1010 and
pump 1020, as shown. Preferably, pump 1020 pumps fluid (preferably
water, oil, helium, etc.) through tubing 1010 as a heat carrier.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended use, rate of heat removal
required to avoid passivation, etc., other heat exchanger
arrangements, such as submerging the hydrogen generator in fluid,
radiator fins on the tank, heat exchange tubes internal to the
tank, exchanging heat directly from the electrodes, etc., may
suffice.
[0117] FIG. 11 shows a side view illustrating small galvanic
hydrogen generator 910 according to FIG. 9, with heat exchanger
1100 coupled to titanium cathode 1136. Preferably, small galvanic
hydrogen generator 910 comprises heat exchanger 1100, as shown.
Preferably, heat exchanger 1100 comprises at least one titanium
cathode 1136, tubing 1110, and pump 1020, as shown. Preferably,
pump 1020 pumps fluid (preferably water, oil, glycol, air, etc.)
through tubing 1110 as a heat carrier. Preferably, heat is
transferred directly off of titanium cathode 1136 which is
preferably a rod partially inserted into tank 915, as shown. In an
alternative preferred embodiment, titanium cathode 1136 is placed
entirely into tank 915 and heat exchanger 1000 is used to remove
the excess heat, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use,
desired reaction rate, etc., other cathode materials, such as
graphite, platinum, silver, nickel, etc., may suffice.
[0118] Because titanium is substantially more electropositive than
iron, using titanium cathode 1136 accelerates the rate of galvanic
corrosion in small galvanic hydrogen generator 910. This causes
more heat and hydrogen gas 152 to be produced per unit of time;
small galvanic hydrogen generator 910 preferably operates at a
steady state of about one hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit
in this preferred arrangement. In order to prevent passivation of
anode 932, this heat is preferably removed from small galvanic
hydrogen generator 910 by using heat exchanger 1100 and/or by using
heat exchanger 1000. This arrangement is useful where heat energy
is preferred, and where extra-fast hydrogen gas 152 generation is
needed. However, extra care must be taken to prevent passivation of
anode 932.
[0119] Because iron is an anode to titanium, it is important to
shut down the galvanic corrosion reaction before magnesium anode
932 is completely consumed so that steel tank 915 does not corrode
and rupture when titanium cathode 1136 (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one cathode comprises titanium) is being
used.
[0120] Preferably, heat exchanger 1000, heat exchanger 1100, and
heat sink 1005 are also used on large galvanic hydrogen generator
110. Preferably, kit 800 further comprises heat exchanger 1000,
heat exchanger 1100, and/or heat sink 1005.
[0121] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating the types of
energy available from hydrogen energy system 100. Preferably,
excess heat generated by hydrogen energy system 100 can be
converted into mechanical energy and/or electricity by Stirling
engine, steam engine, etc. Preferably, excess heat can be converted
into electricity by use of a thermoelectric materials,
thermocouples, Peltier junctions, etc. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152
generated by hydrogen energy system 100 is used as fuel in fuel
cells, internal combustion engines, external combustion engines,
etc. Preferably, electrical current generated by hydrogen energy
system 100 can be harvested by placing a resistor between anode 132
and cathode 136, especially in the case of large galvanic hydrogen
generator 110 which has a conveniently wired-together stack
131.
[0122] Heat, hydrogen, and electrical voltage are constantly
produced by hydrogen energy system 100 as long as galvanic
corrosion occurs. Essentially, the flow of electrons from the anode
to the cathode, caused by the difference in electronegativity
between the anode and the cathode, powers the chemical reaction of
magnesium burning in water, which generates heat, hydrogen, and
magnesium hydroxide, as shown.
[0123] Heat is a byproduct of the galvanic reaction, and may be
removed from the system as long as enough heat remains to permit
the galvanic reaction to occur at the desired rate (room
temperature, etc.). Removing excess hydrogen gas 152 from the
system has only a small increasing affect on the galvanic reaction
rate, and the reaction is also substantially unimpeded by high
hydrogen pressure in the system. Magnesium hydroxide may need to be
removed from the system for the purposes of keeping the pH of the
system in the corrosion range, but is otherwise not a significant
factor in the reaction rate. The reaction rate is slowed by the
coating of magnesium hydroxide 150 that forms on anodes 132, but
this coating is continuously dissolved by chloride ions in
electrolyte 140 as previously mentioned.
[0124] The current between anode 132 and cathode 136 has a large
affect on the performance of the system. If a resistor is applied
across the current between anode 132 and cathode 136, the
production of hydrogen gas 152 by the system is slowed because
electrons only slowly become available for the galvanic reaction.
Further, if electrons flowing between anode 132 (at least embodying
herein at least one anode) and cathode 136 (at least embodying
herein at least one cathode) are diverted, for example into a
separate hydrolysis cell, the hydrolysis performed by those
electrons is at the expense of hydrogen gas 152 generation by the
galvanic cell. By this same mechanism, the small amount of
incidental hydrolysis that occurs in the galvanic cell is at the
expense of hydrogen gas 152 production by the galvanic cell. Each
electron flowing from anode to cathode can perform electrolysis or
corrosion, but not both.
[0125] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view illustrating galvanic
charge 1300 in water-permeable pouch 1303 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy
system 100 comprises galvanic charge 1300, as shown. Preferably,
galvanic charge 1300 comprises anode 1332 and electrolyte compound
1340, as shown. Preferably, electrolyte compound 1340 dissolves in
water to form electrolyte 140 (at least embodying herein at least
one electrolyte comprising such at least one quantity of water), as
shown. Preferably, galvanic charge 1300 comprises water-permeable
pouch 1303, a pre-measured quantity of anode 1332 (preferably
magnesium), and a pre-measured quantity of electrolyte compound
1340 (preferably sea-salt), as shown. Preferably, galvanic charge
1300 is added to a pre-measured quantity of water in a container
with cathode 136 to generate a galvanic cell, as shown in FIG. 15.
Preferably, galvanic charge 1300 is added to water in tank 915
(where tank 915 comprises cathode 136), as shown in FIG. 15.
[0126] Preferably, water-permeable pouch 1303 comprises
water-permeable material capable of securely holding anode 1332 and
electrolyte compound 1340, as shown. Preferably, water-permeable
pouch 1303 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
galvanic charge further comprises at least one water-permeable
container) comprises fabric, non-woven mesh, plastic screening,
etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other
water-permeable pouch materials, such as paper, pouring the anode
and electrolyte into the tank with no pouch, etc., may suffice.
[0127] Preferably, anode 1332 (at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one anode comprises magnesium; and at least embodying
herein at least one magnesium fines; and at least embodying herein
at least one magnesium pellet) comprises anode material shot and
anode material fines, preferably magnesium shot and magnesium
fines, as shown. Preferably, the magnesium fines are consumed over
the course of a few minutes or hours to generate a quick supply of
hydrogen gas 152, while the magnesium shot is consumed over the
course of a few days or weeks to provide a continuing supply of
hydrogen gas 152.
[0128] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view illustrating galvanic
charge 1400 comprising water-soluble pouch 1403 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, galvanic
charge 1300 comprises galvanic charge 1400, as shown. Preferably,
water-permeable pouch 1303 comprises water-soluble pouch 1403, as
shown. Preferably, water-soluble pouch 1403 comprises water-soluble
material capable of securely holding anode 1332 and electrolyte
compound 1340 (at least embodying herein at least one electrolyte
material), as shown. Preferably, water-soluble pouch 1403 (at least
embodying herein at least one water-soluble container adapted to
contain such at least one magnesium fines, such at least one
magnesium pellet, and such at least one electrolyte material; and
at least embodying herein wherein such at least one galvanic charge
further comprises at least one water-soluble container) comprises
water-soluble plastic (preferably polyvinyl alcohol film, as
shown), paper, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use,
etc., other water-soluble materials, such as anode foil, etc., may
suffice.
[0129] FIG. 15 shows a diagram illustrating method 1500 of
generating hydrogen gas 152 with galvanic charge 1300 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably,
hydrogen energy system 100 comprises method 1500, as shown.
[0130] Preferably, small galvanic hydrogen generators 910 are
stored dry (with galvanic charges 1300 either stored inside tank
915 or stored separately) until hydrogen gas 152 is needed.
Preferably, when hydrogen gas 152 is needed, water and galvanic
charge 1300 are added to one or more small galvanic hydrogen
generators 910, as shown.
[0131] Preferably, when anode 1332 has been consumed and the
resulting hydrogen gas 152 has been emptied from tank 915, tank 915
is opened and emptied, is refilled with water 1505, a new galvanic
charge 1300 (at least embodying herein at least one galvanic
charge) is placed into tank 915, as shown, and tank 915 (at least
embodying herein at least one container) is re-sealed. Preferably,
tank 915 opens and closes with screw-type seal 916, as shown.
Preferably, magnesium hydroxide 150 from the previous use is dried
and recycled. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
advances in technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other
steps, such as scheduled galvanic hydrogen generator replacement
for users, scheduled galvanic hydrogen generator maintenance for
users, galvanic hydrogen generator remote monitoring, providing
galvanic hydrogen fuel stations, etc., may suffice.
[0132] FIG. 16 shows a side view illustrating a plurality of small
galvanic hydrogen generators 910 serially feeding hydrogen gas 152
into storage tank 215. Preferably, small galvanic hydrogen
generators 910 are used to fill storage tank 215, as shown.
Preferably, small galvanic hydrogen generators 910 are serially
connected to manifold 1610 which preferably directs hydrogen gas
152 into storage tank 215, as shown. Preferably, small galvanic
hydrogen generators 910 are replaced or recharged when they are
spent.
[0133] Preferably, storage tanks 215 (at least embodying herein at
least one hydrogen storage tank) and small galvanic hydrogen
generators 910 are utilized as home hydrogen fueling stations,
portable hydrogen fueling stations, fleet hydrogen fueling
stations, etc. Galvanic hydrogen fueling stations are safely
portable and provide fast hydrogen generation on demand without a
local source of electricity.
[0134] FIG. 17 shows a front view illustrating kit 1700 comprising
small galvanic hydrogen generator 910 according to FIG. 9, galvanic
charge 1300, and instructions 1705. Preferably, hydrogen energy
system 100 comprises kit 1700, as shown. Preferably, instructions
1705 (at least embodying herein at least one instruction for using
such at least one galvanic cell to generate hydrogen gas; and at
least embodying herein at least one instruction for using such at
least one galvanic charge and such at least one container to
generate hydrogen gas) instruct a user to (safely) generate
hydrogen gas 152 by adding galvanic charge 1300 and water to small
galvanic hydrogen generator 910, as shown in FIG. 15. Preferably,
kit 1700 comprises multiple galvanic charges 1300. Preferably, kit
1700 comprises heat exchanger 1000 (at least embodying herein at
least one heat exchanger), heat exchanger 1100, and/or heat sink
1105 (at least embodying herein at least one heat-energy
converter). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, intended use, other kit components,
such as safety monitors, voltage converters, pressure relief
valves, replacement filters, etc., may suffice.
[0135] FIG. 18 shows a front view illustrating hydrogen intake
manifold system 1800 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises
hydrogen intake manifold system 1800, as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen intake manifold system 1800 comprises hydrogen intake
manifold 1810, hydrogen delivery tubes 1820, hydrogen delivery
nozzles 1830, and hydrogen supply line 1840 (at least embodying
herein at least one hydrogen conduit adapted to conduct such
hydrogen gas from such at least one hydrogen provider to such at
least one hydrogen input manifold), as shown.
[0136] Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold 1810 has about the same
shape as the intake manifold gasket for the engine that hydrogen
intake manifold 1810 is being installed on (a Honda four-cylinder
engine hydrogen intake manifold was used to illustrate this
particular embodiment), as shown. Preferably, hydrogen intake
manifold 1810 comprises material durable enough to provide good
service in an engine environment, preferably metal (preferably
steel), gasket material, high-temperature plastics and/or
composites, ceramics, etc. Most preferably, hydrogen intake
manifold 1810 comprises aluminum, as shown. Preferably, hydrogen
intake manifold 1810 is at least thick enough to accommodate the
placement of hydrogen delivery nozzles 1830, as shown in the side
view. Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold 1810 comprises
bolt-holes 1816 for bolting hydrogen intake manifold 1810 between
engine block 2015 and air intake manifold 2020 (as shown in FIG.
20). Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold 1810 comprises plenums
1814 for passing gas between engine block 2015 and air intake
manifold 2020 (as shown in FIG. 20). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
hydrogen intake manifold shapes, such as other numbers of plenums,
other numbers of nozzles per plenum, separate hydrogen intake
manifolds for each plenum, other plenum shapes, etc., may
suffice.
[0137] Preferably, hydrogen delivery nozzles 1830 connect hydrogen
delivery tubes 1820 to hydrogen intake manifold 1810 through
hydrogen injection ports 1812 (at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one hydrogen input manifold comprises at least one
hydrogen port adapted to port such hydrogen gas from such at least
one hydrogen conduit into such at least one plenum), as shown.
Preferably, hydrogen delivery nozzles 1830 each provide free flow
of hydrogen gas 152 into plenums 1814 (at least embodying herein
wherein each of such at least one plenums passes gas between
exactly one output port of such at least one input manifold and
exactly one input port of such at least one cylinder head) of
hydrogen intake manifold 1810 (at least embodying herein at least
one hydrogen input manifold adapted to input hydrogen between at
least one input manifold and at least one cylinder head of such at
least one internal combustion engine), as shown. In an alternate
preferred embodiment, hydrogen delivery nozzles 1830 shape,
regulate, and/or distribute the flow of hydrogen gas 152 into
plenums 1814 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
hydrogen input manifold comprises at least one plenum adapted to
pass gas between such at least one input manifold and such at least
one cylinder head). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
arrangements, such as no nozzles where the delivery tubes go
directly into the plenums, etc., may suffice.
[0138] Preferably, hydrogen delivery tubes 1820 are metal gas
delivery tubes, preferably one-quarter inch steel tubing, as shown.
Preferably, flammable-gas compatible fittings 1822 are used to
connect hydrogen delivery tubes 1820 to hydrogen supply line
1840.
[0139] FIG. 19 shows a front view illustrating a modification of
the hydrogen intake manifold 1800 according to FIG. 18 comprising
tunable hydrogen supply tubes 1820. Preferably, hydrogen delivery
tubes 1820 comprise approximately equal lengths of tubing each
connected to hydrogen delivery manifold 1920 (at least embodying
herein wherein such at least one hydrogen conduit comprises at
least one gas manifold), as shown. Preferably, by having hydrogen
delivery tubes 1820 (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one hydrogen conduit comprises at least one tuner adapted to
assist tuning such flow of such hydrogen gas through such at least
one hydrogen port) comprise approximately equal lengths,
approximately equal hydrogen gas 152 flow and pressure is delivered
to each plenum 1814 (at least embodying herein at least one
pressure regulator adapted to regulate pressure of such hydrogen
gas through such at least one hydrogen port), as shown. Also, this
arrangement is more easily tunable to provide maximum engine
performance. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
advances in technology, user preference, etc., other tunable
arrangements, such as equal-length tubes without a manifold,
adjustable flow controllers on each tube, etc., may suffice.
[0140] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating hydrogen
intake manifold 1810 according to FIG. 18 installed between engine
block 2015 and air intake manifold 2020 of a typical Honda
four-cylinder engine. Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold 1810
comprises hydrogen intake manifold 2010, as shown, wherein hydrogen
delivery nozzles 1830 are installed at an angle in order to
accommodate the shape of engine block 2015, as shown.
[0141] Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is stored in vehicle hydrogen
tank 2030 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
hydrogen provider comprises at least one hydrogen storage tank), as
shown, preferably at about 300 psi when full (at least embodying
herein wherein such at least one hydrogen provider comprises at
least one hydrogen storage tank adapted to hold hydrogen gas
compressed to about 300 pounds per square inch), more preferably at
about 400 psi when full (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one hydrogen provider comprises at least one hydrogen storage
tank adapted to hold hydrogen gas compressed to about 400 pounds
per square inch). Preferably, tank 2030 comprises a 20-gallon
liquefied gas tank, preferably a propane tank, as shown.
[0142] Preferably, vehicle hydrogen tank 2030 comprises filling
assembly 2032, as shown. Preferably, filing assembly 2032 comprises
connector 2033, pressure gauge 2034, valve 2035, and safety valve
2036, as shown. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is added to vehicle
hydrogen tank 2030 via filing assembly 2032. Preferably, vehicle
hydrogen tank 2030 comprises distribution assembly 2037, as shown.
Preferably, distribution assembly 2037 comprises pressure gauge
2038 (at least embodying herein at least one pressure gauge adapted
to gauge hydrogen gas pressure provided by such at least one
hydrogen provider), optional filter 2039, and valve 2041, as shown.
Preferably, vehicle hydrogen tank 2030 is mounted in the trunk of
the user's vehicle. Preferably, galvanically generated hydrogen gas
152 is used to fill vehicle hydrogen tank 2030. More preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 that was generated by large galvanic hydrogen
generator 110 and/or small galvanic hydrogen generator 910 is used
to fill vehicle hydrogen tank 2030. Preferably, vehicle hydrogen
tank 2030 holds between one and seven day's supply of hydrogen gas
152 for use as supplementary fuel in a gasoline or diesel engine.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other vehicle hydrogen tanks,
such as compressed gas cylinders, other types of liquefied gas
containers, metal hydride storage banks, electrolysis cells, etc.,
may suffice.
[0143] Preferably, hydrogen supply line 1840 connects vehicle
hydrogen tank 2030 to hydrogen delivery tubes 1820, as shown.
Preferably, the flow of hydrogen gas 152 through hydrogen supply
line 1840 is controlled by solenoid valve 2040, as shown.
Preferably, solenoid valve 2040 (at least embodying herein at least
one flow regulator adapted to regulate flow of such hydrogen gas
through such at least one hydrogen port) is switched on and off by
dashboard switch 2050 (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one flow regulator comprises at least one switch adapted to
switch hydrogen gas flow through such at least one hydrogen conduit
on and off), as shown, which is preferably mounted in the vehicle
easily accessible to the vehicle driver (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one flow regulator comprises at least one
switch accessible to at least one driver of such at least one
vehicle while driving). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
hydrogen flow control methods, such a manual control, no control
except for the tank valve, computerized flow control, other types
of valves, etc., may suffice.
[0144] Preferably, optional idle sensor 2060 is switched on and off
by dashboard switch 2050, as shown. Preferably, idle sensor 2060
senses when the engine is operating at idle speed and shuts off the
vehicle (gasoline or diesel) fuel pump, allowing the engine to run
exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Preferably, the flow of hydrogen gas
152 is tuned to provide the optimal amount of hydrogen gas 152 to
run the engine at idle speed. Preferably, the flow of hydrogen gas
152 is driven by the gas pressure in vehicle hydrogen tank 2030 (at
least embodying herein at least one hydrogen provider adapted to
provide hydrogen gas). Preferably, gasoline is automatically added
to the hydrogen fuel by the vehicle fuel injection system to
achieve engine speeds above idle. Preferably, when hydrogen intake
manifold 2010 is used, the engine is tuned to "top-dead-center" in
order to accommodate the high speed of hydrogen gas 152 ignition.
Preferably, idle sensor 2060 operates by physically sensing the
position of throttle 2062, by optically sensing the position of
throttle 2062, as shown, and/or by monitoring the existing vehicle
throttle position sensor (especially in newer, computerized cars).
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, type of vehicle, etc., other hydrogen
and gasoline/diesel fuel control methods, such as hydrogen pumps,
other types of throttle sensors, computerized hydrogen flow
control, computerized hydrogen injectors, etc., may suffice.
[0145] Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold 2010 is bolted between
engine block 2015 and air intake manifold 2020, as shown.
Preferably, one intake manifold gasket 2011 is installed between
hydrogen intake manifold 2010 and engine block 2015, as shown, and
one intake manifold gasket 2011 is installed between hydrogen
intake manifold 2010 and air intake manifold 2020, as shown.
[0146] FIG. 21 shows a front view illustrating hydrogen intake
manifold kit 2100 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises
hydrogen intake manifold kit 2100, as shown. Preferably, hydrogen
intake manifold kit 2100 comprises hydrogen intake manifold 1810,
hydrogen supply line 1840, vehicle hydrogen tank 2030, solenoid
valve 2040, dashboard switch 2050, idle sensor 2060, electrical
wires 2105, instructions 2110, two intake manifold gaskets 2011 (at
least embodying herein at least one seal adapted to seal between
such at least one hydrogen input manifold and such at least one
input manifold; and at least embodying herein at least one seal
adapted to seal between such at least one hydrogen input manifold
and such at least one cylinder head), and fasteners 2115, as shown.
Preferably, fasteners 2115 (at least embodying herein at least one
fastener adapted to fasten such at least one hydrogen input
manifold between such at least one input manifold and such at least
one cylinder head) comprise bolts 2116 (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one fastener comprises at least one bolt), as
shown. Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold kits 2100 are
customized for the type of engine in which they are to be
installed. Preferably, instructions 2110 (at least embodying herein
at least one instruction adapted to instruct at least one user to
install and use such at least one hydrogen input manifold in at
least one vehicle) comprise complete instructions for installing
hydrogen intake manifold 1810 in a user's vehicle. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
vehicle type, safety regulations, etc., other kit components, such
as tunable nozzles, flow controllers, computer interfaces, tools,
hydrogen tank covers, pressure relief valves, tubing connectors,
filters, etc., may suffice.
[0147] FIG. 22 shows a front view illustrating hydrogen intake
manifold instructions kit 2200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100
comprises hydrogen intake manifold instructions kit 2200, as shown.
Preferably, hydrogen intake manifold instructions kit 2200
comprises instructions 2210, as shown. Preferably, instructions
2210 comprise hydrogen manifold plans 2220, parts list 2230, and
installation instructions 2240, as shown.
[0148] Preferably, hydrogen manifold plans 2220 provide detailed
specifications for making at least one hydrogen intake manifold
(preferably hydrogen intake manifold 1810) adapted to fit a user's
particular vehicle engine. Preferably, hydrogen manifold plans 2220
comprise drawings that can be used to fabricate a hydrogen intake
manifold at a machine shop local to the user. Most preferably,
hydrogen manifold plans 2220 comprise CAD drawings that can be used
to automatically machine a hydrogen manifold on a CAD/CAM system at
a machine shop local to the user. Preferably, instructions 2210,
and particularly hydrogen manifold plans 2220 (at least embodying
herein at least one hydrogen input manifold instruction adapted to
instruct at least one user to construct at least one hydrogen input
manifold adapted to fit between at least one input manifold and at
least one cylinder head of at least one internal combustion
engine), are also provided on electronic media, preferably on
compact disc 2221, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use,
etc., other instructions media, such as internet downloads, memory
sticks, other optical discs, paper-only, etc., may suffice.
[0149] Preferably, parts list 2230 provides at least one list of
specific parts (tubing, bolts, hydrogen storage tank, pressure
gauges, etc.) required by the user to install the hydrogen intake
manifold made according to hydrogen manifold plans 2220.
[0150] Preferably, installation instructions 2240 (at least
embodying herein at least one instruction adapted to instruct at
least one user to install and use such at least one constructed
hydrogen input manifold in such at least one vehicle) comprise
complete instructions for installing the hydrogen intake manifold
made according to hydrogen manifold plans 2220 using the parts
listed in parts list 2230 (at least embodying herein at least one
parts list adapted to list parts required to install such at least
one hydrogen input manifold in such at least one internal
combustion engine; and at least embodying herein at least one parts
list adapted to list parts required to supply hydrogen gas to such
at least one hydrogen input manifold).
[0151] FIG. 23 shows a diagram illustrating method 2300 of
installing hydrogen intake manifold 1810. Preferably, hydrogen
energy system 100 comprises method 2300, as shown. Preferably,
method 2300 comprises the steps of: installing (step 2310 (at least
embodies herein the step of installing at least one hydrogen input
manifold between at least one intake manifold and at least one
cylinder head of at least one engine of at least one vehicle))
hydrogen input manifold 1810 between intake manifold 2020 and a
cylinder head (engine block 2015) of an engine of a vehicle (or
electrical generator); installing (step 2320 (at least embodies
herein the step of installing at least one hydrogen storage tank in
such at least one vehicle)) hydrogen storage tank 2030 in the
vehicle (or electrical generator); installing (step 2330 (at least
embodies herein the step of installing at least one conduit between
such at least one hydrogen storage tank and such at least one
hydrogen input manifold)) a tube (preferably hydrogen supply line
1840) between hydrogen storage tank 2030 and hydrogen intake
manifold 1810; and installing (step 2340 (at least embodies herein
the step of installing at least one shutoff between such at least
one hydrogen storage tank and such at least one hydrogen input
manifold)) a shutoff (preferably solenoid 2040) between hydrogen
storage tank 2030 and hydrogen intake manifold 1810. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
type of vehicle, etc., other steps, such as performing safety
tests, installing pressure relief valves, etc., may suffice.
[0152] Preferably, method 2300 comprises the step of filling (step
2350 (at least embodies herein the step of filling such at least
one vehicle hydrogen storage tank with hydrogen gas)) storage tank
2030 with hydrogen gas 152.
[0153] Preferably, method 2300 comprises the step of injecting
(step 2360 (at least embodies herein the step of injecting hydrogen
gas from such at least one vehicle hydrogen storage tank into such
at least one hydrogen input manifold while such at least one engine
is running)) hydrogen gas 152 from storage tank 2030 into hydrogen
intake manifold 1810 while the engine is running.
[0154] Preferably, method 2300 comprises the step of using (step
2370 (at least embodies herein the step of using galvanically
generated hydrogen to fill such at least one vehicle hydrogen
storage tank)) galvanically generated hydrogen gas 152 to fill
storage tank 2030.
[0155] Preferably, method 2300 comprises the step of adapting (step
2380 (at least embodies herein the step of adapting such at least
one vehicle to run exclusively on hydrogen when such at least one
engine is operating at idle speed)) the vehicle to run exclusively
on hydrogen gas 152 at idle speed. Preferably, idle sensor 2060 (at
least embodying herein at least one idle sensor adapted to sense
idling of such at least one vehicle) senses when the engine is
operating at idle speed and shuts off the vehicle fuel pump,
allowing the engine to run exclusively on hydrogen gas 152 for
fuel.
[0156] FIG. 24 shows a front view illustrating galvanic hydrogen
generator 2410 according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises
galvanic hydrogen generator 2410, as shown. Preferably, galvanic
hydrogen generator 2410 comprises at least one container,
preferably tank 2415, as shown. Preferably, galvanic hydrogen
generator 2410 is adapted to hold a plurality of galvanic cells
2430, as shown.
[0157] Preferably, tank 2415 comprises a substantially gas-tight
tank, preferably a stainless steel tank having a lid, preferably
about a 5-gallon filter housing (for example, a modified Hayward
Filtration Duoline filter housing, manufactured by Hayward
Filtration, a Hayward Industries, Inc. company, of Elizabeth, N.J.,
U.S.), as shown. Preferably, tank 2415 comprises lid 2411, gas
outlet 2416, pressure gauge 2417, valve 2418, and filter 2419, as
shown. Preferably, tank 2415 further comprises water outlet 2422,
as shown. Preferably, tank 2415 further comprises heat exchanger
2423, as shown. Preferably, tank 2415 comprises pressure relief
valve 2421 (at least embodying herein at least one hydrogen gas
release valve), as shown. Preferably, filter 2419 removes water
vapor from hydrogen gas 152. Preferably, tank 2415 further
comprises support 2420, as shown. Preferably, lid 2411 (at least
embodying herein at least one lid) is held onto tank 2415 under
pressure by connectors 2412, as shown. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
tanks, such as plastic tanks, no tank (open ocean), other tank
accessories such as water filters, emergency shutdowns, etc., may
suffice.
[0158] FIG. 25 shows a top view illustrating galvanic hydrogen
generator 2410 according to FIG. 24. Preferably, heat exchanger
2423 comprises cold water inlet 2505 and hot water outlet 2510, as
shown. Preferably, heat exchanger 2423 comprises three-quarters
inch diameter copper pipe. Preferably, heat exchanger 2423 (at
least embodying herein at least one heat exchanger adapted to move
heat from inside such at least one container to outside of such at
least one container) is attached, preferably brazed, to the
interior of tank 2415. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, tank shape,
etc., other heat exchangers, such as other pipe configurations,
double-walled tank heat exchangers, etc., may suffice.
[0159] FIG. 26 shows section 26-26 of FIG. 24 illustrating the
galvanic hydrogen generator 2410 according to FIG. 24. Preferably,
galvanic hydrogen generator 2410 comprises electrolyte 2440, as
shown. Preferably, electrolyte 2440 comprises at least one ionic
compound, preferably at least one salt, preferably sea-salt. Most
preferably, electrolyte 2440 (at least embodying herein at least
one electrolyte comprising such at least one quantity of water)
comprises an ionic compound, preferably sea-salt, preferably
dissolved in water to form a twenty-percent solution by weight (at
least embodying herein wherein such at least one electrolyte
comprises at least one solution of about twenty percent sea salt in
water, by weight). Preferably, tank 2415 is filled to substantially
cover the coils of heat exchanger 2423, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
etc., other electrolyte solutions, such as sodium chloride from
other sources, other ionic compounds, other salts, other salt
percentages, semi-solid electrolytes, solid electrolytes, gaseous
electrolytes, etc., may suffice.
[0160] Preferably, support 2420 supports galvanic cells 2430 while
permitting magnesium hydroxide 150 to pass through and settle to
the bottom of tank 2415, as shown. Preferably, support 2420 is a
cathodic metal screen, as shown, or alternatively a strong
perforated plastic plate. Preferably, galvanic cells 2430 rest on
support 2420 which is preferably above water outlet 2422 (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one anode is located above
such at least one electrolyte drain; and at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
electrolyte drain), as shown, so that electrolyte 2440 can drain
entirely off galvanic cells 2430, stopping the galvanic corrosion
of anode 2432 in an emergency (at least embodying herein wherein
such at least one anode, such at least one buffer, and such at
least one cathode are electrically connected together by such at
least one electrolyte). This arrangement also permits magnesium
hydroxide 150 to settle to the bottom of tank 2415 without covering
up portions of galvanic cells 2430 or heat exchanger 2423, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other arrangements, such as
suspending the stack above the bottom of the tank, resting the
stack on the bottom of the tank, other supports, other methods of
stopping the galvanic reaction such as polarizing the electrodes,
modifying the electrolyte pH, etc., may suffice.
[0161] FIG. 27 shows section 27-27 of FIG. 24 illustrating galvanic
hydrogen generator 2410 according to FIG. 24.
[0162] FIG. 28 shows a front view illustrating another galvanic
hydrogen generator 2410 according to another preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, tank 2415 comprises tank
2815, as shown. Preferably, tank 2815 holds about fifty-five
gallons of electrolyte 2440 and about sixty pounds of galvanic
cells 2430.
[0163] FIG. 29 shows a top view illustrating galvanic hydrogen
generator 2410 according to FIG. 28, with cover 2811 shown swung
open. Preferably, tank 2815 comprises multiple chambers 2905, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, heat output required, hydrogen output
required, etc., other lidded tanks, such as lidded reaction
vessels, steel barrels, other lidded industrial tanks, plastic
tanks with iron-containing cathodes added, etc., may suffice.
[0164] FIG. 30 shows a front view of galvanic hydrogen cell 2430
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, galvanic cells 2430 are used in galvanic hydrogen
generator 2410, as shown in FIGS. 24-27. Preferably, galvanic cell
2430 comprises anode 2432, buffer 2434, and connectors 2435, as
shown. Preferably, connectors 2435 comprise steel. Preferably, tank
2415 comprises cathode 2436 (at least embodying herein at least one
cathode), as shown in FIG. 26. Preferably, cathode 2436 is more
electropositive than anode 2432. Preferably, buffer 2434 is between
anode 2432 and cathode 2436 in electronegative potential.
Preferably, anode 2432 comprises magnesium. Preferably, buffer 2434
(at least embodying herein at least one buffer having an
electrochemical potential between such at least one anode and such
at least one cathode) comprises aluminum. Preferably, cathode 2436
comprises iron, preferably stainless steel. Preferably, buffer 2434
is riveted to anode 2432 with connectors 2435, as shown.
Preferably, connectors 2435 comprise cathodes 2436. Preferably,
buffer 2434 is curved, as shown in FIG. 31, to permit electrolyte
2440 to pass between anode 2432 and buffer 2434. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
etc., other galvanic cell arrangements, such as other metals, no
buffer, a straight but offset buffer, membrane buffers, other anode
shapes, other buffer shapes, integral cathodes, other surface area
ratios, etc., may suffice.
[0165] Preferably, when galvanic cell 2430 and electrolyte 2440 are
placed in tank 2415, anode 2432 rapidly galvanically corrodes,
preferably producing magnesium hydroxide 150, while hydrogen gas
152 is evolved on cathode 2436 and to a lesser extent on buffer
2434 (which also slowly galvanically corrodes to form aluminum
hydroxide), as shown in FIG. 26. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152
bubbles up into headspace 2453 (at least embodying herein at least
one hydrogen gas storage headspace) for storage, as shown in FIG.
26. Preferably, this galvanic corrosion reaction continues until
substantially all of anode 2432 has been consumed.
[0166] Preferably, tank 2415 (at least embodying herein at least
one container, adapted to contain such at least one anode,
comprising volume in excess of three gallons) holds about fifteen
new galvanic cells 2430 (five are shown in FIG. 26). Preferably,
tank 2815 holds about sixty new galvanic cells 2430. Preferably,
galvanic cells 2430 are replaced when the galvanic reaction slows
inconveniently or stops. Preferably, galvanic cells 2430 are
replaced about weekly (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one anode is substantially consumed within about one week).
Preferably, used buffers 2434 and connectors 2435 are removed from
tank 2415 from the top while magnesium hydroxide 150 and
electrolyte 2440 are drained through water outlet 2422.
[0167] FIG. 31 shows a side view of galvanic hydrogen cell 2430
according to FIG. 30. Preferably, anode 2432 (at least embodying
herein at least one anode) is about three inches wide by about
twelve inches long by about one-quarter inches thick. Preferably,
anode 2432 weighs more than about one half pound (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one anode initially weighs
at least about one-half pound). Preferably, buffer 2434 is about
three inches wide by about twelve inches long by about
one-sixteenth inches thick. Preferably, anode 2432 weighs about one
pound. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other galvanic cell shapes,
sizes, and surface area to volume ratios may suffice.
[0168] FIG. 32 shows a block diagram illustrating galvanic energy
system 3200 adapted to provide heated water and hydrogen gas 152 to
users. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises galvanic
energy system 3200, as shown. Preferably, galvanic energy system
3200 comprises galvanic reactor 3210 and water tank 3220, as shown.
Preferably, galvanic energy system 3200 further comprises hydrogen
tank 3230, as shown. Preferably, galvanic energy system 3200
further comprises boiler 3240, as shown. Preferably, galvanic
energy system 3200 further comprises sensors 3245 and monitoring
system 3250, as shown.
[0169] Preferably, galvanic reactor 3210 comprises large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110. Preferably, galvanic reactor 3210 comprises
small galvanic hydrogen generator 910. Most preferably, galvanic
reactor 3210 comprises galvanic hydrogen generator 2410.
[0170] Preferably, galvanic energy system 3200 further comprises
galvanic recirculator 3260, as shown. Preferably, galvanic
recirculator 3260 circulates heat between galvanic reactor 3210 and
water tank 3220. Preferably, galvanic recirculator 3260 circulates
heat by pumping water between galvanic reactor 3210 and water tank
3220 through cold pipe 3261 and hot pipe 3262 with pump 3263 and/or
pump 3264, as shown. Preferably, water is pumped from water tank
3220, through galvanic reactor 3210 (where heat is picked up
through heat exchanger 2423), and back to water tank 3220, as
shown. Preferably, water is recirculated through galvanic
recirculator 3260 substantially constantly. Preferably, the water
in galvanic recirculator 3260 is at atmospheric pressure.
Preferably, constant circulation of water through heat exchanger
2423 assists in keeping the temperature of galvanic reactor 3210
low enough to prevent significant passivation of anodes 2432.
[0171] Preferably, hydrogen tank 3230 comprises at least one tank
adapted to hold pressurized hydrogen gas 152, as shown. More
preferably, hydrogen tank 3230 comprises at least one twenty-gallon
propane tank. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 generated in galvanic
reactor 3210 is transferred to hydrogen tank 3230 through gas tube
3231, as shown. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is stored in hydrogen
tank 3230 until needed. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is stored in
hydrogen tank 3230 at under two hundred pounds per square inch.
[0172] Preferably, boiler 3240 burns gaseous fuel to heat water.
Preferably, boiler 3240 comprises at least one natural-gas burning
boiler. Preferably, boiler 3240 comprises at least one natural-gas
burning water heater. Preferably, boiler 3240 is supplied with
natural gas from gas supply 3242 through gas meter 3244, as shown.
Preferably, flow of natural gas to boiler 3240 is regulated by
regulator 3245, as shown. In practice, regulator 3245 and gas meter
3244 are commonly a single piece of equipment. Preferably, boiler
3240 is lit in response to the temperature reading of temperature
sensor 3222 attached to water tank 3220. Preferably, if water usage
causes the water in water tank 3220 to go below a threshold
temperature (preferably 115 degrees Fahrenheit) despite the heat
input from galvanic reactor 3210, then boiler 3240 is lit to
provide additional heat. Preferably, galvanic energy system 3200
further comprises boiler recirculator 3270, as shown. Preferably,
boiler recirculator 3270 circulates water from water tank 3220
through the heat exchanger in boiler 3240, as shown. Typically,
galvanic recirculator 3260 and boiler recirculator 3270 share pump
3271 and piping adjacent water tank 3220, as shown.
[0173] Preferably, regulator 3245 receives hydrogen gas from
hydrogen tank 3230 through gas tube 3232 (at least embodying herein
at least one hydrogen supply tube adapted to supply hydrogen from
such at least one container to such at least one gas-burning water
heater), as shown. Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is mixed with
natural gas in regulator 3245 (at least embodying herein at least
one hydrogen gas regulator adapted to regulate flow of hydrogen gas
through such at least one hydrogen supply tube), as shown.
Preferably, the mixture of hydrogen 152 and natural gas is burned
by boiler 3240 (at least embodying herein at least one gas-burning
water heater) to heat water, as shown. Preferably, the mixture of
hydrogen 152 and natural gas is piped to other gas-heated
appliances 3246, as shown. Most natural gas burning appliances can
use hydrogen 152 and natural gas mixtures, at a lower flow rate,
without modification of the appliance. Most natural gas burning
appliances can use pure hydrogen 152, at a lower flow rate, with
modification to the gas burner.
[0174] Preferably, water is added to water tank 3220 from water
source 3280, as shown. Preferably, water source 3280 comprises at
least one municipal water system. Preferably, water is withdrawn
from water tank 3220 (at least embodying herein at least one water
tank adapted to receive heat from such at least one heat exchanger)
and sent to end use 3290, as shown. Preferably, end use 3290
comprises industrial process heating (for example, heating air for
clothes dryers). Preferably, end use 3290 comprises hot water use
(for example, hot water for clothes washing machines).
[0175] Preferably, sensors 3240 and monitoring system 3250 allow a
user to collect status data relating to galvanic energy system
3200. Preferably, sensors 3240 sense the hydrogen pressure in
galvanic reactor 3210. Preferably, sensors 3240 sense the hydrogen
pressure in hydrogen tank 3230 (at least embodying herein at least
one hydrogen pressure sensor). Preferably, sensors 3240 sense the
temperature in water tank 3220. Preferably, sensors 3240 sense the
operational status of pump 3263 and/or pump 3264. Preferably,
sensors 3240 sense the rate of gas flow through regulator 3245.
Preferably, sensors 3240 sense the rate of gas flow through
hydrogen flow meter 3233. Preferably, sensors 3240 sense hydrogen
gas 152 leaking into the atmosphere (at least embodying herein at
least one hydrogen leak sensor). Preferably, monitoring system 3250
(at least embodying herein at least one remote monitoring system)
allows a user to inspect the output of sensors 3240 via a readout
local to the system. Preferably, monitoring system 3250 allows a
user to inspect the output of sensors 3240 via a data readout
remote to the system. Preferably, sensors 3240 transmit data to
monitoring system 3250 wirelessly. In another preferred embodiment,
sensors 3240 transmit data to monitoring system 3250 through wire
connections. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
advances in technology, user preference, regulatory requirements,
etc., other sensors, such as sensors attached to alarms, sensors
attached to emergency shutoffs, anode life sensors, pH sensors,
etc., may suffice.
[0176] FIG. 33 shows a block diagram illustrating galvanic energy
appliance 3300 adapted to provide heated water and hydrogen gas 152
to users. Preferably, hydrogen energy system 100 comprises galvanic
energy appliance 3300, as shown. Preferably, galvanic energy
appliance 3300 comprises galvanic reactor 3310 and hydrogen tank
3330, as shown. Preferably, galvanic energy appliance 3300 further
comprises sensors 3340 and monitoring system 3350, as shown.
[0177] Preferably, galvanic reactor 3310 comprises large galvanic
hydrogen generator 110. Preferably, galvanic reactor 3310 comprises
small galvanic hydrogen generator 910. Most preferably, galvanic
reactor 3310 comprises galvanic hydrogen generator 2410.
Preferably, galvanic reactor 3310 is sized to provide for a
particular requirement for heat and/or hydrogen gas 152 production.
Preferably, titanium cathode 1136 may also be used with galvanic
reactor 3310.
[0178] Preferably, galvanic energy appliance 3300 further comprises
galvanic recirculator 3360, as shown. Preferably, galvanic
recirculator 3360 circulates heat between galvanic reactor 3310 and
an external heat sink (such as, for example, water tank 3220, an
industrial process, a Stirling engine, etc.), as shown. Preferably,
galvanic recirculator 3360 circulates heat by pumping water between
galvanic reactor 3310 and the external heat sink through cold pipe
3361 and hot pipe 3362 with pump 3363, as shown. Preferably, water
is pumped from the external heat sink (or water source), through
galvanic reactor 3310 (where heat is picked up through heat
exchanger 2423), and back out to the external heat sink (or end
use), as shown. Preferably, water is recirculated through galvanic
recirculator 3360 as heat is needed by the external heat sink.
Preferably, water is recirculated through galvanic recirculator
3360 substantially constantly. Preferably, the water in galvanic
recirculator 3360 is at atmospheric pressure. Preferably,
especially where galvanic energy appliance 3300 is used as an
on-demand water heater, the water in galvanic recirculator 3360 is
at municipal water pressure.
[0179] Preferably, hydrogen tank 3330 comprises at least one tank
adapted to hold pressurized hydrogen gas 152, as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 generated in galvanic reactor 3310 is transferred
to hydrogen tank 3330 through gas tube 3331, as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 is stored in hydrogen tank 3330 until needed.
Preferably, hydrogen gas 152 is stored in hydrogen tank 3330 at
under two hundred psi.
[0180] Preferably, flow meter 3345 receives hydrogen gas 152 from
hydrogen tank 3330 through gas tube 3332, as shown. Preferably,
hydrogen gas 152 piped to hydrogen-using appliances (such as, for
example, fuel cells, hydrogen stoves, automobiles, etc.),
hydrogen-using chemical processes, or to larger storage tanks.
[0181] Preferably, sensors 3340 and monitoring system 3350 allow a
user to collect status data relating to galvanic energy appliance
3300. Preferably, sensors 3340 sense the hydrogen gas 152 pressure
in galvanic reactor 3310. Preferably, sensors 3340 sense the
hydrogen gas 152 pressure in hydrogen tank 3330. Preferably,
sensors 3340 sense the temperature in galvanic reactor 3310.
Preferably, sensors 3340 sense the temperature of water in hot pipe
3362. Preferably, sensors 3340 sense the status of pump 3363.
Preferably, sensors 3340 sense the rate of gas flow through
hydrogen flow meter 3333. Preferably, sensors 3340 sense hydrogen
gas 152 leaking into the atmosphere. Preferably, monitoring system
3350 allows a user to inspect the output of sensors 3340.
Preferably, monitoring system 3350 is battery powered. Preferably,
monitoring system 3350 is powered by an electrical outlet.
Preferably, monitoring system 3350 is adapted to provide remotely
accessible data, such as, for example, Internet accessible data.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other monitoring system power
sources, such as an on-board fuel cell, solar power, etc., may
suffice.
[0182] Preferably, galvanic energy appliance 3300 is a freestanding
appliance, as shown, with standard gas and/or water connections.
Preferably, galvanic energy appliance 3300 is adapted to assist
safe and easy replacement of anodes 132. Preferably, galvanic
energy appliance 3300 (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one galvanic hydrogen generator system comprises at least one
Underwriters Laboratories listed appliance) is inspected and listed
(approved) by Underwriters Laboratories.
[0183] FIG. 34 shows a block diagram illustrating method 3400 of
using galvanic reactor 3310 to provide heated water and hydrogen
gas 152 to commercial laundry equipment. Preferably, hydrogen
energy system 100 comprises method 3400, as shown.
[0184] Preferably, method 3400 comprises the steps of: operating
(step 3410) at least one galvanic hydrogen generator (preferably
galvanic reactor 3310); transferring heat (step 3420) from such at
least one galvanic hydrogen generator (preferably galvanic reactor
3310) to at least one quantity of water contained in at least one
tank (preferably water tank 3220); transferring heated water (step
3430) from such at least one tank (preferably water tank 3220) to
at least one clothes washing machine; and replacing (step 3440) at
least one old magnesium-containing anode 132 of such at least one
galvanic hydrogen generator with at least one new
magnesium-containing anode 132, as shown (at least embodying herein
the step of operating at least one galvanic hydrogen generator; and
at least embodying herein the step of transferring heat from such
at least one galvanic hydrogen generator to at least one quantity
of water contained in at least one tank; and at least embodying
herein the step of transferring heated water from such at least one
tank to at least one clothes washing machine; and at least
embodying herein the step of replacing at least one old
magnesium-containing anode of such at least one galvanic hydrogen
generator with at least one new magnesium-containing anode).
[0185] Preferably, method 3400 further comprises the step of
burning hydrogen (step 3450), as shown (at least embodying herein
the step of burning hydrogen). Preferably, method 3400 further
comprises the step of burning hydrogen in at least one water heater
(preferably boiler 3240) (at least embodying herein the step of
burning hydrogen in at least one water heater). Preferably, method
3400 further comprises the step of co-burning hydrogen in at least
one natural gas water heater (preferably boiler 3240) (at least
embodying herein the step of co-burning hydrogen in at least one
natural gas water heater). Preferably, method 3400 further
comprises the step of burning hydrogen in at least one fuel cell
(at least embodying herein the step of burning hydrogen in at least
one fuel cell). Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
advances in technology, user preference, etc., other hydrogen
burning steps, such as burning hydrogen in a barbecue grill, in a
vehicle engine, in an air heater, and/or in a gas-heated dryer,
etc., may suffice.
[0186] Preferably, method 3400 further comprises the step of
collecting hydrogen (step 3460) in at least one storage tank
(preferably hydrogen tank 3230), as shown (at least embodying
herein the step of collecting hydrogen in at least one storage
tank). Preferably, method 3400 further comprises the step of
selling (step 3462) such collected hydrogen (at least embodying
herein the step of selling such collected hydrogen).
[0187] Preferably, method 3400 further comprises the step of
remotely monitoring (step 3470) such at least one galvanic hydrogen
generator (preferably galvanic reactor 3310), as shown (at least
embodying herein the step of remotely monitoring such at least one
galvanic hydrogen generator). Preferably, method 3400 further
comprises the step of remotely monitoring at least one hydrogen
leak sensor 3340 (at least embodying herein the step of remotely
monitoring at least one hydrogen leak sensor). Preferably, method
3400 further comprises the step of remotely monitoring at least one
hydrogen pressure sensor 3340 (at least embodying herein the step
of remotely monitoring at least one hydrogen pressure sensor).
Preferably, method 3400 further comprises the step of remotely
monitoring at least one water temperature sensor 3340 (at least
embodying herein the step of remotely monitoring at least one water
temperature sensor).
[0188] Preferably, such step of transferring heated water (step
3430) from such at least one tank (preferably water tank 3220) to
at least one clothes washing machine comprises the step of
transferring heated water from such at least one tank (preferably
water tank 3220) to at least one commercial clothes washing machine
(at least embodying herein wherein the step of transferring heated
water from such at least one tank to at least one clothes washing
machine comprises the step of transferring heated water from such
at least one tank to at least one commercial clothes washing
machine). Preferably, such at least one tank comprises at least one
water heater tank (preferably integral to boiler 3240). Preferably,
such at least one tank comprises at least one water storage tank
(preferably water tank 3220).
[0189] Preferably, such step of operating (step 3410) at least one
galvanic hydrogen generator (preferably galvanic reactor 3310)
comprises the step of operating (step 3412) at least one
Underwriters Laboratories listed galvanic hydrogen generator
(preferably galvanic energy appliance 3300) (at least embodying
herein wherein such step of operating at least one galvanic
hydrogen generator comprises the step of operating at least one
Underwriters Laboratories listed galvanic hydrogen generator).
Preferably, users will benefit from using a UL listed galvanic
energy appliance 3300 because users will not be required to obtain
additional regulatory approval to install and use galvanic energy
appliance 3300 at their home or business.
[0190] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred
embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the
broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as
diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by
the below claims as read in connection with the above
specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
above descriptions and the below claims.
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