U.S. patent application number 11/821024 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas on demand from water with recovery of water and complete recycling of consumable material.
Invention is credited to William J. III Brinkley.
Application Number | 20070248509 11/821024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34394541 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070248509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brinkley; William J. III |
October 25, 2007 |
Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas on demand from
water with recovery of water and complete recycling of consumable
material
Abstract
A hydrogen gas generation system for vehicles and stationary
power applications comprises a trio of rigid, cylindrical high
pressure reservoir tanks interconnected with suitable fittings and
pipelines. A water holding tank alternatively stores hydroxide
solution, or transfers it to an adjacent gas generating tank,
containing a plurality of tubular, aluminum fuel rods. When the
holding tank is suitably pressurized, hydroxide solution is
transferred into the generating tank to start a reaction with a
plurality of elongated, tubular aluminum rods disposed therewithin.
Conversely, the liquid contents of the generating tank can be
forcibly pressured back into the holding tank to stop the gas
generation reaction. High pressure hydrogen gas is humidified in
the third tank prior to combustion as fuel. Humidified hydrogen is
transferred via control valves to the application.
Inventors: |
Brinkley; William J. III;
(Iuka, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen D. Carver
Suite 800
2024 Arkansas Valley Drive
Little Rock
AR
72212-4147
US
|
Family ID: |
34394541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/821024 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10691049 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
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11821024 |
Jun 21, 2007 |
|
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60422159 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01B 3/08 20130101; Y02E
60/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/187 |
International
Class: |
C01B 3/08 20060101
C01B003/08 |
Claims
1. A hydrogen gas generation and collection system comprising: a
holding tank providing a reservoir of hydroxide solution; a gas
generating tank in fluid flow communication with said reservoir,
said generating tank comprising a plurality of metallic fuel rods;
means for pressurizing the holding tank; means for transferring
hydroxide solution into the gas generating tank from said holding
tank in response to pressure to start a gas generating reaction in
said generating tank; means for selectively pressurizing said
generating tank to return hydroxide solution within the gas
generating tank back into said holding tank to stop said reaction;
a humidifier tank in fluid flow communication with said generating
tank for receiving hydrogen gas from said generating tank and for
humidifying it; and, means for delivering humidified hydrogen from
said humidifier tank to an application.
2. The gas generation and collection system of claim 1 wherein said
fuel rods are tubular.
3. The gas generation and collection system of claim 2 wherein said
fuel rods are aluminum.
4. The gas generation and collection system of claim 1 wherein the
hydroxide solution comprises potassium hydroxide.
5. The gas generation and collection system of claim 4 wherein the
hydroxide solution comprises approximately 25% potassium hydroxide
by weight.
6. The gas generation and collection system of claim 1 wherein said
holding tank comprises means for heating the hydroxide
solution.
7. The gas generation and collection system of claim 6 wherein the
temperature of the holding tank hydroxide solution is approximately
180 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. The gas generation and collection system of claim 7 wherein said
fuel rods are tubular.
9. The gas generation and collection system of claim 8 wherein the
hydroxide solution comprises approximately 25% potassium hydroxide
by weight.
10. A hydrogen gas generation and collection system comprising: a
holding tank providing a reservoir of hydroxide solution, said
holding tank comprising means for heating the hydroxide solution; a
gas generating tank in fluid flow communication with said
reservoir, said generating tank comprising a plurality of internal
metallic fuel rods; means for pressurizing the holding tank to
transfer hydroxide solution into the gas generating tank from said
holding tank thereby generating gas in said generating tank; means
for selectively pressurizing said generating tank to return
hydroxide solution within the gas generating tank back into said
holding tank to stop gas generation; a humidifier tank in fluid
flow communication with said generating tank for receiving hydrogen
gas from said generating tank and for humidifying it; means for
delivering humidified hydrogen gas from said humidifier tank to an
application for powering the application, the application producing
exhaust; a condenser for receiving said exhaust and producing
condensate; and, means for delivering said condensate into said
holding tank.
11. The gas generation and collection system of claim 10 wherein
the application comprises an engine or fuel cell.
12. The gas generation and collection system of claim 11 wherein
said metallic fuel rods are
13. The gas generation and collection system of claim 10 wherein
the hydroxide solution comprises approximately 25% potassium
hydroxide by weight.
14. The gas generation and collection system of claim 13 wherein
the temperature of the holding tank hydroxide solution is
approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a divisional application based upon a prior Utility
Patent application entitled Method and Apparatus for Generating
Hydrogen Gas on Demand from Water with Recovery of Water and
Complete Recycling of Consumable Material, Ser. No. 10/691,049,
filed Oct. 23, 2003, which was in turn based upon a previously
filed provisional application, Ser. No. 60/422,159, filed Oct. 29,
2002, which was entitled Method and Apparatus for Generating
Hydrogen Gas on Demand from Water with Recovery of Water and
Complete Recycling of Consumable Material, upon which priority is
claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the generation of
hydrogen gas and the employment of it as a combustible fuel. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an "on-demand"
chemical system for producing hydrogen gas and using it for
propulsion, wherein critical elements are recovered and
recycled.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It has long been recognized by those skilled in the art that
hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is relatively
cheap and plentiful. Long recognized as a basic constituent of
water, many have dreamt of its use as a fuel. Accordingly, the
prior art reflects numerous diverse attempts at recovering or
generating hydrogen, and a virtual plethora of patents directed to
propulsion systems and energy storage or transfer systems involving
it.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,719. discloses a power system comprising
a reactor in which a hydride absorbs hydrogen at low pressure and
low temperature, and then heating the hydride at constant volume so
as to release large quantities of hydrogen at high temperatures and
pressure. This released hydrogen is used to produce power and yield
refrigeration. Electrical power can be generated by expanding the
released hydrogen through a turbine or other power producing
devices.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,185 issued Jan. 25, 1977 discloses a
method for generating hydrogen using metallic zinc within an
aqueous solution, preferably ammonium carbonate.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,962 discloses a hydrogen-hydride
absorption system comprising a sequential method of reversibly
combining hydrogen with a hydride-forming material, heating the
hydride at constant volume, and means for conveying hydrogen
between the reactors. In the power or heat pump cycle, the hydride
in a first reactor is heated to desorb hydrogen gas. The gas flows
to a second hydride bed in a second reactor where it is absorbed at
a temperature lower then the temperature of desorption of the first
hydride bed. Absorption of the hydrogen by the second reactor
releases the heat of absorption. This heat of absorption is
typically removed by a heat exchanger. In the heat pump mode of
operation, the above cycle is sequentially repeated through a
series of reactors so that the heat of absorption is sequentially
added to the heat exchange fluid.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,709 issued Apr. 25, 1978 discloses a
fuel system for vehicles that generates hydrogen gas electrically
and stores it on board the vehicle for combustion. The system
includes a gas cylinder, an electrolyzer connected to the gas
cylinder, and a power supply connected to the electrolyzer, and a
gas storage cylinder.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,361 discloses improved-power cycles for
using the hydride-dehydride-hydrogen (HDH) power cycle to produce
hydrogen gas continuously at high pressure and elevated
temperatures. This gas can be used to produce power and
refrigeration. The hydrogen gas can be passed directly to an
expansion device, such as a turbine, or the hydrogen gas can be the
working fluid used to transfer heat to a secondary system. Terry
discloses using the HDH cycle to continuously produce hydrogen gas
to drive an expansion device such as a turbine.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,529 issued Jul. 20, 1993 employs
magnesium anodes in renewable fuel cells that produce hydrogen gas
on demand for powering a vehicle. In operation the magnesium anode
is converted into magnesium hydroxide precipitate, which is removed
and collected for recycling. The magnesium anode and electrolyte is
replaced to recharge the fuel cell.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,473 issued Feb. 15, 1994 discloses a
system reacting an alkali metal with an ionizable hydrogen compound
selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, water or
mixtures thereof to produce hydrogen and an alkali metal chloride
or alkali metal hydroxide, depending upon whether hydrochloric acid
or water is used to react with the alkali metal. The alkali metal
chloride is recycled. The hydrochloric acid is recycled to produce
hydrogen by reaction with the alkali metal. The aluminum hydroxide
formed can be electrolyzed to aluminum metal and water to provide a
method of recovering aluminum metal from aluminum scrap which
previously has not be readily recyclable.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,857 issued Mar. 15, 1994 shows a
combination wherein hydrogen gas fuel is combusted within an
internal combustion engine. The proportion of hydrogen to oxygen is
approximately 2:1, and the density of hydrogen is regulated so that
the burn rate of the combined gas mixture approximates that of a
fossil fuel.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,341 issued Jun. 3, 1997 and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,867,978 issued Feb. 9, 1999 disclose related systems for
generating hydrogen gas from a charge of fuel comprising lithium,
aluminum or alloys thereof. The fuel is heated until molten, and
sprayed with water within a pressure vessel. The process may be
employed with either a Rankine-cycle engine or a hydrogen-oxygen
fuel cell system.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,464 issued Mar. 17, 1998 discloses an
on-demand hydrogen generation system for propulsion. Sodium pellets
are exposed to water to generate hydrogen.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,426 issued Nov. 3, 1998 illustrates an
aqueous hydrogen generation process wherein an electrical vehicle
utilizes a hydrogen-air fuel cell to power electrical drive motors.
Hydrogen fuel is supplied on demand by a reactor bed of iron
particles that reacts with water in the presence of an alkali
hydroxide catalyst. Potassium hydroxide in a range of
concentrations between 50 to 60 percent by weight is preferred.
Hydrogen gas generated in situ is stored within a compartment
containing iron materials. Iron oxide produced during hydrogen
generation may be recovered and recycled.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,262 issued Feb. 2, 1999 discloses a
self-propelled hydrogen fuel system. A hydrogen gas tank receives
gas from a chemical reactor equipped with a catalyst. Alcohol is
vaporized in an heat exchanger, reacting with the catalyst in the
chemical reactor and forming hydrogen gas and acetic ether, which
are stored in appropriate tanks.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,978 issued Feb. 9, 1999 discloses a
system for generating hydrogen for generating hydrogen gas from a
charge of fuel selected from the group consisting of lithium and
alloys of lithium and aluminum. The charge of fuel is placed into
an enclosed vessel, then heated until it is molten. A reactant
consisting of water is introduced into the vessel, as by spraying
from a nozzle, for reaction with the charge of fuel resulting in
the production of hydrogen gas and heat which are withdrawn from
the vessel. Prior to initiation of the process, an inert gas
atmosphere, such as argon, may be imparted to the interior of the
vessel. A sufficiently large mass flow of the reactant through the
nozzle is maintained to assure that there be no diminution of flow
resulting from the formation on the nozzle of fuel and chemical
compounds of the fuel. Optimum charges of the fuel are application
specific and the ranges of the constituents are dependent upon the
particular use of the system. The process and apparatus of the
invention may be incorporated into a Rankine cycle engine or into a
hydrogen oxygen fuel cell system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This invention provides a unique, on-demand hydrogen
production and generation system. Importantly, the hydrogen gas
collected within the reaction generator tank is first humidified
prior to combustion.
[0020] My preferred hydrogen generation system comprises a
plurality of interconnected holding tanks, and a plurality of
interconnected valves and control pipelines. A first, rigid
upright, cylindrical holding tank acts as a reservoir and as a
return destination, holding, in the best mode, approximately twelve
gallons of hydroxide solution. The holding tank is connected to a
gas generating tank, which contains a plurality of tubular,
aluminum fuel rods. The holding tank can be pressurized to transfer
hydroxide solution into the generating tank to start the reaction;
conversely, the liquid contents of the generating tank, even while
actively reacting, can be emptied and forced into the holding tank
to stop the reaction, as when a vehicle powered by the system stops
or rests.
[0021] Low pressure hydrogen gas is humidified prior to combustion
as fuel. The gas output of the generating tank feeds an adjacent
humidifier tank. Humidity of the hydrogen is adjusted to
approximately 100% in this manner to promote clean and efficient
burning.
[0022] Humidified hydrogen is transferred via control valves to the
application. Preferably, it is delivered to suitable fuel injectors
that feed an internal combustion motor. The normally hot, low
pressure gas exhaust is preferably vented through the engine
exhaust manifold into a condenser for cooling and recycling. Spent
aluminum detritus may also be recovered for recycling.
[0023] Thus a basic object is to generate a safe, powerful, and
non-polluting energy source for vehicles.
[0024] Another basic object is to reduce the contemporary reliance
upon fossil fuels.
[0025] Another object of my invention is to safely and quickly
produce hydrogen gas in an "on demand" manner suitable for use with
vehicles.
[0026] Still another object of my invention is to provide an
affordable and cost-efficient replacement fuel source for
vehicles.
[0027] Another object is to safely and dependably turn on and/or
turn off the chemical production of hydrogen gas, thereby providing
a hydrogen propulsion system suitable for practical use.
[0028] Yet another important object of my invention is to provide
an environmentally friendly, non-polluting energy source for
vehicles.
[0029] Thus, another object is to provide an energy source that can
be easily and economically renewed and/or stored.
[0030] Still another object is to recycle and reuse various
constituent materials and chemicals utilized in the preferred
reaction process.
[0031] A further object is to provide a low-cost energy source for
vehicles.
[0032] Yet another object is to convert a fluid and solid into raw
hydrogen suitable for use within modern internal combustion
engines.
[0033] A related object is to regulate and control the humidity if
the propelling hydrogen generated through the process.
[0034] Another important object is to recycle the aluminum control
rods preferably employed in the reaction.
[0035] Conversely, an important object is to optimize the rate at
which the moisture-controlled hydrogen gas generated though my
system may be liberated for use at a rate of consumption
commensurate with the energy use of a traveling vehicle.
[0036] Another basic object is to provide hydrogen gas to propel
vehicles or power various power plants.
[0037] Another important object is to de-salinate water. It is a
feature of this invention that sea water (i.e., salt water) may be
substituted for the tap water or distilled water normally used, and
it can be received from the condenser as drinking water, on a
one-gallon-in, one-gallon-out basis.
[0038] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will
appear or become apparent in the course of the following
descriptive sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In the following drawings, which form a part of the
specification and which are to be construed in conjunction
therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed
throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various
views:
[0040] FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of my preferred hydrogen
gas generation system;
[0041] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the liquid
holding tank of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the
generating tank of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the gas
generating tank, with portions broken away for clarity or omitted
for brevity; and,
[0044] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the
humidity control tank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the overall block
diagram of the preferred system. A large, upright, cylindrical
liquid holding tank 1 acts as a reservoir and as a return
destination. Liquid preferably comprising water and potassium
hydroxide can enter tank 1 via valve 10, and it can exit via line
29 and shut-off valve 4. When valve 4 is opened, fluid, preferably
a hydroxide solution, flows into generating tank 2, via a conduit
as explained hereinafter. Resulting hydrogen gas is outputted via
line 30 into a humidity control tank 3. Humidity is controlled in
this tank, and hydrogen gas collected and outputted via line 32
reaches pressure valve 5. Tanks 1-3 comprise welded, high pressure
vessels that are cylindrical, rigid, and upright.
[0046] The reference numeral 6 (FIG. 1) schematically designates a
plurality of fuel injectors (i.e., hydrogen gas injectors) employed
upon an internal combustion engine. Suitable injectors are
illustrated in use with a hydrogen-powered motor in my prior U.S.
Pat. No. 5,085,176, which, for disclosure purposes, is hereby
incorporated by reference. The engine or alternatively, a suitable
fuel cell into which hydrogen is to be injected, has been generally
designated by the reference numeral 7. Engine exhaust, primarily
low pressure, high temperature steam, is outputted through the
exhaust manifold 8 into a cooler or condenser 9, that in turn
outputs water into tank 1 via line 34. Once the system is turned
on, and the engine 7 is started, hydrogen fuel will be produced on
demand, at a rate commensurate with the speed and consumption of
the engine. The main generation takes place in tank 2, but tank 1
has a control effect on the apparatus.
[0047] If FIG. 2 tank 1 is seen filled to approximate capacity with
liquid 12, comprising a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide.
Preferably, there is 25% potassium hydroxide by weight. Inlet
fittings 11 and 15 and exhaust fitting 14 are welded to the rigid
tank body. Water inlet 15 is coupled to line 34 (FIG. 1). Inlet 11
is coupled to line 38. Importantly, a 110 volt A.C. water heater
element 13 is placed near the bottom of tank 1 to raise the water
temperature to approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively
a twelve-volt D.C. element may be used.
[0048] With joint reference now directed to FIGS. 3 and 4, tank 2
comprises a rigid, upright, generally cylindrical enclosure like
the other tanks in the system. Tank 2 can be selectively filled
with liquid from tank 1 via line 40 (FIG. 1) and inlet fitting 19
(FIG. 3). External pressure is applied to gas outlet 21, as
explained later. The reference numeral 17 broadly designates the
hydroxide solution forced into tank 2 for hydrogen generation. A
large inspection fitting 16 at the top of tank 2 (FIGS. 3, 4) can
be removed to permit user access into the tank interior 45. The
reference numeral 20 (FIGS. 3, 4) broadly designates hydrogen gas
bubbles that are yielded upon the reaction between the solution 17,
and the plurality of aluminum tubes 18 disposed in an orderly and
regular array within the tank 2. When fitting 16 is removed, and
after draining out fluid 17, these elongated, cylindrical aluminum
tubes 18 may be placed within the tank. Afterwards, returning
fitting 16 atop the tank 2 allows the interior to be sealed and
pressured.
[0049] As best seen in FIG. 4, each of the fuel tubes 18 is
preferably tubular, and preferably they comprise aluminum. In the
best mode the tubes are 2.5 inches outer diameter, with a 2.0 inch
inner diameter. Since the tubes 18 have a hollow interior, a
maximal exposure of metal to hydroxide solution results, so the
reaction speed is increased. In fact, the reaction is highly
exothermic, and generates hydrogen under considerable pressure
(i.e., 20-300 PSI). As the reaction continues, the aluminum tubes
reduce to powder. The aluminum hydroxide waste collects as dust or
fine grained powder 51 (FIG. 4) at the bottom of the tank 2, and it
can be removed during regular maintenance and periodic tank
cleaning, as fuel tubes 18 (FIGS. 3, 4) are periodically replaced
to recharge the system.
[0050] Hot hydrogen gas escapes under pressure from outlet 21
(FIGS. 3, 4) via line 30 (FIG. 1) and reaches inlet 24 on tank 3.
Preferably this tank is filled with substantially pure water. FIG.
5 shows how the hydrogen gas bubbles 49 rise within the column of
water 23, reaching the head space 50, where humidified hydrogen gas
is represented schematically by bubbles 25. This humidified
hydrogen gas, comprising a mixture of hydrogen and moisture or
steam, exits via outlet 22 and travels via pipeline 32 (FIG. 1) to
the aforedescribed valve 5.
[0051] To turn the system "on" or "off" liquid is transferred
between tanks I and 2. Liquid is transferred into tank 2 from tank
1 (FIG. 1) by gravity flow if tank I is positioned higher than tank
2. Alternatively, external air pressure, nominally 100 PSI, can be
inputted though valve 10 (FIG. 1). Valve 4 (FIG. 1) is then opened
to allow hydroxide solution in tank 1 (FIG. 1) to flow into tank 2
(FIG. 1) at the approximate level called for by the current engine
demand for consumption of hydrogen. Then valve 4 (FIG. 1) is closed
to allow pressure to build up in tank 2 (FIG. 1), as the exothermic
chemical reaction produces hydrogen from the fuel tubes 18 (FIGS.
3, 4).
[0052] Liquid transfer from tank 2 (FIG. 1) to tank I (FIG. 1) can
result from internal hydrogen gas pressure during the hydrogen
generation reaction, as pressure between 20 to 300 PSI results.
Closing valve 5 (FIG. 1) and opening valve 10 on tank 1 (FIG. 1)
and valve 4 (FIG. 1) enables tank 2 (FIG. 1) to discharge its
contents back into tank 1 (FIG. 1). When all the contents of tank 2
(FIG. 1) is thus transferred, valve 4 (FIG. 1) is closed.
[0053] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set
forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the
structure.
[0054] As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
* * * * *