Pulsed electrolysis apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes a plurality of metal members comprised of at least a first and a second metal member (121/123) contained within the first tank region and at least a third and a fourth metal member (125/127) contained within the second tank region. The system also includes a plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least an anode (117) interposed between the first and second metal members and at least a cathode (115) interposed between the third and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the plurality of high voltage electrodes is pulsed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Under 35 U.S.C. 119, the present application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date and the right of priority to Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,590,490, filed May 30, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for any and all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electrolysis systems and, more particularly, to a high efficiency electrolysis system and methods of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Fossil fuels, in particular oil, coal and natural gas, represent the primary sources of energy in today's world. Unfortunately in a world of rapidly increasing energy needs, dependence on any energy source of finite size and limited regional availability has dire consequences for the world's economy. In particular, as a country's need for energy increases, so does its vulnerability to disruption in the supply of that energy source. Additionally, as fossil fuels are the largest single source of carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas, continued reliance on such fuels can be expected to lead to continued global warming. Accordingly it is imperative that alternative, clean and renewable energy sources be developed that can replace fossil fuels.

[0004] Hydrogen-based fuel is currently one of the leading contenders to replace fossil fuel. There are a number of techniques that can be used to produce hydrogen, although the primary technique is by steam reforming natural gas. In this process thermal energy is used to react natural gas with steam, creating hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This process is well developed, but due to its reliance on fossil fuels and the release of carbon dioxide during production, it does not alleviate the need for fossil fuels nor does it lower the environmental impact of its use over that of traditional fossil fuels. Other, less developed hydrogen producing techniques include (i) biomass fermentation in which methane fermentation of high moisture content biomass creates fuel gas, a small portion of which is hydrogen; (ii) biological water splitting in which certain photosynthetic microbes produce hydrogen from water during their metabolic activities; (iii) photoelectrochemical processes using either soluble metal complexes as a catalyst or semiconducting electrodes in a photochemical cell; (iv) thermochemical water splitting using chemicals such as bromine or iodine, assisted by heat, to split water molecules; (v) thermolysis in which concentrated solar energy is used to generate temperatures high enough to split methane into hydrogen and carbon; and (vi) electrolysis.

[0005] Electrolysis as a means of producing hydrogen has been known and used for over 80 years. In general, electrolysis of water uses two electrodes separated by an ion conducting electrolyte. During the process hydrogen is produced at the cathode and oxygen is produced at the anode, the two reaction areas separated by an ion conducting diaphragm. Electricity is required to drive the process. An alternative to conventional electrolysis is high temperature electrolysis, also known as steam electrolysis. This process uses heat, for example produced by a solar concentrator, as a portion of the energy required to cause the needed reaction. Although lowering the electrical consumption of the process is desirable, this process has proven difficult to implement due to the tendency of the hydrogen and oxygen to recombine at the technique's high operating temperatures.

[0006] A high temperature heat source, for example a geothermal source, can also be used as a replacement for fossil fuel. In such systems the heat source raises the temperature of water sufficiently to produce steam, the steam driving a turbine generator which, in turn, produces electricity. Alternately the heat source can raise the temperature of a liquid that has a lower boiling temperature than water, such as isopentane, which can also be used to drive a turbine generator. Alternately the heat source can be used as a fossil fuel replacement for non-electrical applications, such as heating buildings.

[0007] Although a variety of alternatives to fossil fuels in addition to hydrogen and geothermal sources have been devised, to date none of them have proven acceptable for a variety of reasons ranging from cost to environmental impact to availability. Accordingly, what is needed is a new energy source, or a more efficient form of a current alternative energy source, that can effectively replace fossil fuels without requiring an overly complex distribution system. The present invention provides such a system and method of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an electrolysis system and method of using same. In addition to an electrolysis tank and a membrane separating the tank into two regions, the system includes a plurality of metal members and a plurality of high voltage electrodes. The plurality of metal members includes at least a first metal member and a second metal member contained within the first region of the electrolysis tank and at least a third metal member and a fourth metal member contained within the second region of the electrolysis tank. The plurality of high voltage electrodes includes at least a first high voltage anode contained within the first region of the electrolysis tank and interposed between the first and second metal members, and at least a first high voltage cathode contained within the second region of the electrolysis tank and interposed between the third and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is pulsed. Preferably the liquid within the tank is comprised of one or more of, water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, and/or any other water containing an isotope of either hydrogen or oxygen.

[0009] Preferably the high voltage pulses occur at a frequency between 50 Hz and 1 MHz, and more preferably at a frequency between 100 Hz and 10 kHz. Preferably the high voltage pulses have a pulse duration of between 0.01 and 75 percent of the time period defined by the frequency, and more preferably a pulse duration of between 1 and 50 percent of the time period defined by the frequency. Preferably the high voltage is between 50 volts and 50 kilovolts, more preferably between 100 volts and 5 kilovolts. The metal members and the high voltage electrodes are fabricated from any of a variety of materials, although preferably the material is selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys thereof. The metal members and the high voltage electrodes can utilize any of a variety of surface shapes and can be either positioned parallel to one another or not parallel to one another.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the concentration of electrolyte in the liquid is between 0.05 and 10 percent by weight. In at least one other embodiment of the invention, the concentration of electrolyte in the liquid is between 0.05 and 2.0 percent by weight. In yet at least one other embodiment of the invention, the concentration of electrolyte in the liquid is between 0.1 and 0.5 percent by weight.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the electrolysis system is cooled. Cooling is preferably achieved by thermally coupling at least a portion of the electrolysis system to a portion of a conduit containing a heat transfer medium. The conduit can surround the electrolysis tank, be integrated within the walls of the electrolysis tank, or be contained within the electrolysis tank.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the electrolysis system also contains a system controller. The system controller can be used to perform system optimization, either during an initial optimization period or repeatedly throughout system operation.

[0013] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing multiple pairs of low voltage electrodes;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing multiple pairs of high voltage electrodes;

[0017] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing multiple pairs of low voltage electrodes and multiple pairs of high voltage electrodes;

[0018] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing a horizontal cylindrical tank;

[0019] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing a horizontal cylindrical tank and a separation membrane running lengthwise in the tank;

[0020] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one mode of operation;

[0021] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an alternate mode of operation that includes initial process optimization steps;

[0022] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an alternate, and preferred, mode of operation in which the process undergoes continuous optimization; and

[0023] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment based on the embodiment of FIG. 1, except for the inclusion of a system controller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0024] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Electrolysis system 100 includes a tank 101 comprised of a non-conductive material, the size of the tank depending primarily upon the desired output of the system as well as the dimensions of the electrodes and the metal members contained within the tank. Although tank 101 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and that tank 101 can utilize other shapes, for example cylindrical, square, irregularly-shaped, etc. Tank 101 is substantially filled with liquid 103. In at least one preferred embodiment, liquid 103 is comprised of water with an electrolyte, the electrolyte being either an acid electrolyte or a base electrolyte. Exemplary electrolytes include potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The term "water" as used herein refers to water (H.sub.2O), deuterated water (deuterium oxide or D.sub.2O), tritiated water (tritium oxide or T.sub.2O), semiheavy water (HDO), heavy oxygen water (H.sub.2.sup.18O or H.sub.2.sup.17O) or any other water containing an isotope of either hydrogen or oxygen, either singly or in any combination thereof (for example, a combination of H.sub.2O and D.sub.2O).

[0025] A typical electrolysis system used to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen gases utilizes relatively high concentrations of electrolyte. The present invention, however, has been found to work best with relatively low electrolyte concentrations, thereby maintaining a relatively high initial water resistivity. Preferably the water resistivity prior to the addition of an electrolyte is on the order of 1 to 28 megohms. Preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.05 percent to 10 percent by weight, more preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.05 percent to 2.0 percent by weight, and still more preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent by weight.

[0026] Separating tank 101 into two regions is a membrane 105. Membrane 105 permits ion/electron exchange between the two regions of tank 101 while keeping separate the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles produced during electrolysis. Maintaining separate hydrogen and oxygen gas regions is important not only as a means of allowing the collection of pure hydrogen gas and pure oxygen gas, but also as a means of minimizing the risk of explosions due to the inadvertent recombination of the two gases. Exemplary materials for membrane 105 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, tetrafluoroethylene, asbestos, etc. In at least one embodiment, membrane 105 is 25 microns thick and comprised of polypropylene.

[0027] As noted herein, the present system is capable of generating considerable heat. Accordingly, system components such as tank 101 and membrane 105 that are expected to be subjected to the heat generated by the system must be fabricated from suitable materials and designed to indefinitely accommodate the intended operating temperatures as well as the internal tank pressure. For example, in at least one preferred embodiment the system is designed to operate at a temperature of approximately 90.degree. C. at standard pressure. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the system is designed to operate at elevated temperatures (e.g., 100.degree. C. to 150.degree. C.) and at sufficient pressure to prevent boiling of liquid 103. In yet another alternate exemplary embodiment, the system is designed to operate at even higher temperatures (e.g., 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.) and higher pressures (e.g., sufficient to prevent boiling). Accordingly, it will be understood that the choice of materials (e.g., for tank 101 and membrane 105) and the design of the system (e.g., tank wall thicknesses, fittings, etc.) will vary, depending upon the intended system operational parameters (primarily temperature and pressure).

[0028] Other standard features of electrolysis tank 101 are gas outlets 107 and 109. As hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode and oxygen gas is produced at the anode, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 oxygen gas will exit tank 101 through outlet 107 while hydrogen gas will exit through outlet 109. Replenishment of liquid 103 is preferably through a separate conduit, for example conduit 111. In at least one embodiment of the invention, another conduit 113 is used to remove liquid 103 from the system. If desired, a single conduit can be used for both liquid removal and replenishment. It will be appreciated that the system can either be periodically refilled or water and electrolyte can be continuously added at a very slow rate during system operation.

[0029] The electrolysis system of the invention uses a combination of metal members and high voltage electrodes. The metal members include at least two metal members within each region of the electrolysis tank. The high voltage electrodes include at least one high voltage cathode interposed between at least two metal members within one region of the tank, and at least one high voltage anode interposed between at least two metal members within the other region of the tank. Assuming multiple high voltage cathodes and/or multiple high voltage anodes, all cathodes are kept in one region of tank 101 while all anodes are kept in the other tank region, the two tank regions separated by membrane 105.

[0030] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, although a single high voltage cathode 115 and a single high voltage anode 117 are shown, it should be understood that the invention can utilize more than one high voltage cathode and more than one high voltage anode. High voltage electrodes 115/117 are coupled to a high voltage source 119. Preferably and as shown, the faces of the individual high voltage electrodes are parallel to one another. It should be understood, however, that the faces of the electrodes do not have to be parallel to one another.

[0031] As previously noted, the high voltage cathode (or cathodes) is positioned between at least one pair of metal members and the high voltage anode (or anodes) is positioned between at least one pair of metal members. Thus in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, high voltage cathode 115 is positioned between metal members 121 and 123, and high voltage anode 117 is positioned between metal members 125 and 127.

[0032] In one preferred embodiment, electrodes 115/117 and metal members 121/123/125/127 are comprised of titanium. In another preferred embodiment, electrodes 115/117 and metal members 121/123/125/127 are comprised of stainless steel. It should be appreciated, however, that other materials can be used and that the same material does not have to be used for both the metal members and the high voltage electrodes, nor does the same material have to be used for both the high voltage anodes and the high voltage cathodes, nor does the same material have to be used for all of the metal members. In addition to titanium and stainless steel, other exemplary materials that can be used for the metal members and the high voltage electrodes include, but are not limited to, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of these materials. As used in the present specification, a metal hydride refers to any compound of a metal and hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen (e.g., deuterium, tritium).

[0033] Preferably the surface area of the faces of the metal members is a large percentage of the cross-sectional area of tank 101, typically on the order of at least 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 101, and often between approximately 70 percent and 90 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 101. The high voltage electrodes (e.g., electrodes 115 and 117) may be larger, smaller or the same size as the metal members (e.g., metal members 121, 123, 125 and 127).

[0034] Typically the voltage applied to high voltage electrodes 115/117 by source 119 is within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts, and preferably within the range of 100 volts to 5 kilovolts. Rather than continually apply voltage to the electrodes, source 119 is pulsed, preferably at a frequency of between 50 Hz and 1 MHz, and more preferably at a frequency of between 100 Hz and 10 kHz. The pulse width (i.e., pulse duration) is preferably between 0.01 and 75 percent of the time period defined by the frequency, and more preferably between 1 and 50 percent of the time period defined by the frequency. Thus, for example, for a frequency of 150 Hz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.67 microseconds to 5 milliseconds, and more preferably in the range of 66.7 microseconds to 3.3 milliseconds. Alternately, for example, for a frequency of 1 kHz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.1 microseconds to 0.75 milliseconds, and more preferably in the range of 10 microseconds to 0.5 milliseconds. The frequency and/or pulse duration can be changed during system operation, thus allowing the system output efficiency to be continually optimized. Although voltage source 119 can include internal pulsing means, preferably an external pulse generator 129 controls a high voltage switch 131 which, in turn, controls the output of voltage source 119. Other means for pulsing the voltage source are clearly envisioned, for example using a switching power supply coupled to an external pulse generator or using a switching power supply with an internal pulse generator.

[0035] As described herein, the electrolysis process of the invention generates considerable heat. It will be appreciated that if the system is allowed to become too hot for a given pressure, the fluid within tank 101 will begin to boil. Additionally, various system components may be susceptible to heat damage. Although the system can be turned off and allowed to cool when the temperature exceeds a preset value, for example using a control system coupled to a thermocouple or other heat monitor which triggers the control system when the system (or tank fluid) exceeds the preset value, this is not a preferred approach due to the inherent inefficiency of stopping the process, allowing the system to cool, and then restarting the system. A more efficient, and preferred, approach uses means which actively cool the system to maintain the temperature within an acceptable range. In at least one preferred embodiment, the cooling system does not allow the temperature to exceed 90.degree. C. Although it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a specific type of cooling system or a specific implementation of the cooling system, in at least one embodiment tank 101 is surrounded by coolant conduit 133, portions of which are shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 10. Within coolant conduit 133 is a heat transfer medium, for example water. Coolant conduit 133 can either surround a portion of the electrolysis tank as shown, or be contained within the electrolysis tank, or be integrated within the walls of the electrolysis tank. The coolant pump and refrigeration system is not shown in the figures as cooling systems are well known by those of skill in the art.

[0036] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, there are numerous minor variations of the system described herein and shown in FIG. 1 that will function substantially the same as the disclosed system. As previously noted, alternate configurations can utilize differently sized/shaped tanks, different electrolytic solutions, and a variety of different electrode configurations and materials. Additionally the system can utilize a range of input powers, frequencies and pulse widths (i.e., pulse duration). In general, the exact configuration depends upon the desired output as well as available space and power. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate a few alternate configurations, including the use of multiple sets of metal members (i.e., FIG. 2), multiple sets of high voltage electrodes (i.e., FIG. 3), multiple sets of metal members and high voltage electrodes (e.g., FIG. 4), and horizontal cylindrical tanks (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, the alternate configuration replacing metal member 121 with four metal members 201-204, replacing metal member 123 with four metal members 205-208, replacing metal member 125 with four metal members 209-212, and replacing metal member 127 with metal members 213-216. Note that in FIG. 2, membrane 105 hides all but a small portion of metal member 211 and all of metal member 212.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, the alternate configuration replacing high voltage electrode 115 with two high voltage electrodes 301-302 and replacing high voltage electrode 117 with two high voltage electrodes 303-304.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, the alternate configuration replacing metal member 121 with four metal members 401-404, replacing metal member 123 with four metal members 405-408, replacing metal member 125 with four metal members 409-412, replacing metal member 127 with four metal members 413-416, replacing high voltage electrode 115 with two high voltage electrodes 417-418 and replacing high voltage electrode 117 with two high voltage electrodes 419-420. Note that in FIG. 4, membrane 105 hides all but a small portion of metal member 411 and all of metal member 412.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, the alternate configuration replacing tank 101 with a horizontally configured cylindrical tank 501, replacing membrane 105 with an appropriately shaped membrane 503, replacing metal member 121 with disc-shaped metal member 505, replacing metal member 123 with disc-shaped metal member 507, replacing metal member 125 with disc-shaped metal member 509, replacing metal member 127 with disc-shaped metal member 511, replacing high voltage electrode 115 with disc-shaped high voltage electrode 513, and replacing high voltage electrode 117 with disc-shaped high voltage electrode 515.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, the alternate configuration replacing tank 101 with a horizontally configured cylindrical tank 601 which utilizes a lengthwise membrane 603. Additionally, metal member 121 is replaced with metal member 605, metal member 123 is replaced with metal member 607, metal member 125 is replaced with metal member 609, metal member 127 is replaced with metal member 611, high voltage electrode 115 is replaced with high voltage electrode 613, and high voltage electrode 117 is replaced with high voltage electrode 615.

[0042] It should be understood that the present invention can be operated in a number of modes, the primary differences between modes being the degree of process optimization used during operation. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates one method of operation requiring minimal optimization. As illustrated, initially the electrolysis tank is filled with liquid, e.g., water (step 701). Assuming the use of an electrolyte as preferred, the electrolyte can either be mixed into the water prior to filling the tank or after the tank is filled. The frequency of the pulse generator is then set (step 703) as well as the pulse duration (step 705) and the output of the high voltage power supply (step 707). It will be appreciated that the order of set-up, i.e., steps 703-707, is clearly not critical to the electrolysis process. Once set-up is complete, electrolysis is initiated (step 709) and continues (step 711) until the process is terminated (step 713).

[0043] After process termination, electrolysis can be re-initiated when desired. Prior to electrolysis re-initiation, if desired the water in the electrolysis tank can be removed (step 715) and the tank refilled (step 717). Prior to refilling the tank, a series of optional steps can be performed. For example, the tank can be washed out (optional step 719) and the electrodes can be cleaned, for example to remove oxides, by washing the electrodes with diluted acids (optional step 721). Spent, or used up, electrodes can also be replaced prior to refilling (optional step 723).

[0044] The above sequence of processing steps works best once the operational parameters have been optimized for a specific system configuration since the system configuration will impact the heat production efficiency of the process and therefore the system output. Exemplary system configuration parameters that affect the optimal electrolysis settings include tank size, quantity of water, type and/or quality of water, electrolyte composition, electrolyte concentration, pressure, electrode size, electrode composition, electrode shape, electrode configuration, electrode separation, metal member size, metal member composition, metal member shape, metal member configuration, high voltage setting, pulse frequency and pulse duration.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate procedure appropriate, for example, for use with new, untested system configurations, the approach providing optimization steps. Initially the tank is filled (step 801) and initial settings for pulse frequency (step 803), pulse duration (step 805) and high voltage supply output (step 807) are made. Typically the initial settings are based on previous settings that have been optimized for a similarly configured system. For example, assuming that the new configuration was the same as a previous configuration except for the composition of the electrodes, a reasonable initial set-up would be the optimized set-up from the previous configuration.

[0046] After the initial set-up is completed, electrolysis is initiated (step 809) and the output of the system is monitored (step 811), for example the rate of temperature increase. System optimization can begin immediately or the system can be allowed to run for an initial period of time (step 813) prior to optimization. The initial period of operation can be based on achieving a predetermined output, for example a specific rate of temperature increase, or achieving a steady state output (e.g., a specific temperature). Alternately the initial period of time can simply be a predetermined time period, for example 3 hours.

[0047] After the initial time period is exceeded, assuming that the selected approach uses step 813, the system output is monitored (step 815) while optimizing one or more of the operational parameters. Although the order of parameter optimization is not critical, in at least one preferred embodiment the first parameter to be optimized is pulse duration (step 817) followed by the optimization of the pulse frequency (step 818). Then the voltage of the high voltage supply is optimized (step 819). In this embodiment after optimization is complete the electrolysis process is allowed to continue (step 821) without further optimization until the process is halted, step 823. In another, and preferred, alternative approach illustrated in FIG. 9, optimization steps 817-819 are performed continuously throughout the electrolysis process until electrolysis is suspended. Alternately a subset of steps 817-819 are performed continuously throughout the electrolysis process.

[0048] The optimization process described relative to FIGS. 8 and 9 can be performed manually. In the preferred embodiment, however, the system and the optimization of the system are controlled via a system controller such as controller 1001 shown in FIG. 10. Assuming that controller 1001 is used to control and optimize the pulse frequency, pulse duration and high voltage, system controller 1001 is coupled to the pulse generator and the power supply as shown. If the system controller is only used to control and optimize a subset of these parameters, the system controller is coupled accordingly (i.e., coupled to the pulse generator to control pulse frequency and duration; coupled to the high voltage source to control the high voltage). In order to allow complete automation, preferably system controller 1001 is also coupled to a system monitor, for example at least one temperature monitor 1003 as shown. In at least one preferred embodiment system controller 1001 is also coupled to a monitor 1005, monitor 1005 providing either the pH or the resistivity of liquid 103 within electrolysis tank 101, thereby providing means for determining when additional electrolyte needs to be added. In at least one preferred embodiment system controller 1001 is also coupled to a liquid level monitor 1007, thereby providing means for determining when additional liquid needs to be added to the electrolysis tank. Preferably system controller 1001 is also coupled to one or more flow valves 1009 which allow water, electrolyte, or a combination of water and electrolyte to be automatically added to the electrolysis system in response to pH/resistivity data provided by monitor 1005 (i.e., when the monitored pH/resistivity falls outside of a preset range) and/or liquid level data provided by monitor 1007 (i.e., when the monitored liquid level falls below a preset value).

[0049] As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An electrolysis system comprising: an electrolysis tank; a membrane separating said electrolysis tank into a first region and a second region, wherein said membrane permits ion and electron exchange between said first and second regions; a plurality of metal members contained within said electrolysis tank, said plurality of metal members comprised of at least a first metal member and a second metal member contained within said first region, and said plurality of metal members comprised of at least a third metal member and fourth metal member contained within said second region; a plurality of high voltage electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, said plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least a first high voltage anode contained within said first region and interposed between said first metal member and said second metal member, and said plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least a first high voltage cathode contained within said second region and interposed between said third metal member and said fourth metal member; a high voltage source electrically connected to said plurality of high voltage electrodes; and means for pulsing said high voltage source voltage at a specific frequency and with a specific pulse duration.

2. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising means for cooling said electrolysis system.

3. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said cooling means is comprised of a conduit containing a heat transfer medium, wherein a portion of said conduit is in thermal communication with at least a portion of said electrolysis tank.

4. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising a liquid within said electrolysis tank, wherein said liquid includes at least one of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, or water containing an isotope of oxygen.

5. The electrolysis system of claim 4, further comprising an electrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentration of between 0.05 and 10.0 percent by weight.

6. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first metal member is comprised of a first material, wherein said second metal member is comprised of a second material, wherein said third metal member is comprised of a third material, wherein said fourth metal member is comprised of a fourth material, wherein said first high voltage anode is comprised of a fifth material, wherein said first high voltage cathode is comprised of a sixth material, and wherein said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth materials are selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.

7. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising a system controller coupled to said electrolytic system, wherein said system controller is coupled to at least one of said high voltage source, said pulsing means, a temperature monitor contained within said electrolysis tank, a pH monitor contained within said electrolysis tank, a resistivity monitor contained within said electrolysis tank, a liquid level monitor contained within said electrolysis tank, and a flow valve coupled to means for filling said electrolysis tank with liquid.

8. A method of operating an electrolysis system comprising the steps of applying a high voltage to at least a first high voltage anode and a first high voltage cathode contained within an electrolysis tank, said high voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage at a first frequency and with a first pulse duration, and wherein said first high voltage anode is interposed between at least a first metal member and a second metal member within a first region of said electrolysis tank, and wherein said first high voltage cathode is interposed between a third metal member and a fourth metal member within a second region of said electrolysis tank, said first and second regions of said electrolysis tank separated by a membrane.

9. A method of operating an electrolysis system comprising the steps of: filling an electrolysis tank with a liquid; positioning a plurality of metal members within said electrolysis tank, wherein said plurality of metal members is comprised of at least a first metal member, a second metal member, a third metal member and a fourth metal member, wherein said positioning step further comprises the steps of positioning said first and second metal members within a first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning said third and fourth metal members within a second region of said electrolysis tank, said first and second regions of said electrolysis tank separated by a membrane; positioning a plurality of high voltage electrodes within said electrolysis tank, wherein said plurality of high voltage electrodes is comprised of at least a first high voltage anode and a first high voltage cathode, wherein said positioning step further comprises the steps of positioning said first high voltage anode between said first and second metal members within said first region of said electrolysis tank and positioning said first high voltage cathode between said third and fourth metal members within said second region of said electrolysis tank; and applying a high voltage to said plurality of high voltage electrodes, said high voltage applying step further comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage applied to said plurality of high voltage electrodes at a first frequency and with a first pulse duration.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of selecting said liquid from the group consisting of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, or water containing an isotope of oxygen.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of adding an electrolyte to said liquid.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: fabricating said first metal member from a first material; fabricating said second metal member from a second material; fabricating said third metal member from a third material; fabricating said fourth metal member from a fourth material; fabricating said first high voltage anode from a fifth material; fabricating said first high voltage cathode from a sixth material; and selecting said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth materials from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of selecting said high voltage to be within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of selecting said first frequency to be within the range of 50 Hz to 1 MHz.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between 0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: monitoring pH of said liquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding electrolyte to said liquid when said monitored pH falls outside of a preset range.

17. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: monitoring resistivity of said liquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding electrolyte to said liquid when said monitored resistivity falls outside of a preset range.

18. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: monitoring a liquid level within said electrolysis tank; and adding more of said liquid to said electrolysis tank when said monitored liquid level falls below a preset value.

19. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: monitoring heat generation of said electrolysis system; selecting an operating parameter from at least one of said high voltage, said first frequency, and said first pulse duration; and optimizing said operating parameter of said electrolysis system in response to said monitored heat generation.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of achieving a preset value for said heat generation prior to performing said optimizing step.