U.S. patent application number 12/653752 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green On Demand, LLP (G.O.D.). Invention is credited to Joseph Edward LEIATO, Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman LEIATO, Joseph Michael MOON.
Application Number | 20110147204 12/653752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43501554 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110147204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEIATO; Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman
; et al. |
June 23, 2011 |
Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of
water
Abstract
Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis
of water including an elongated, tubular housing with a first open
end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a
first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid; a solid
rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a
electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first
lid; a plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged concentrically
with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes
are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a
connector element is provided within the tubular housing for
electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least
one connector which is attached to the connector element reaches
through the first lid; at least one neutral conductive tube is
placed between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and at least
one neutral conductive tube is placed between the rod anode and the
first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.
Inventors: |
LEIATO; Timothy Iinug Mark
Yataman; (Grafenwoehr, DE) ; LEIATO; Joseph
Edward; (Grafenwoehr, DE) ; MOON; Joseph Michael;
(Virginia Beach, VA) |
Assignee: |
Green On Demand, LLP
(G.O.D.)
Virginia Beach
VA
|
Family ID: |
43501554 |
Appl. No.: |
12/653752 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C25B 9/17 20210101; Y02T
10/12 20130101; C25B 11/036 20210101; C25B 1/04 20130101; F02M
25/12 20130101; C25B 11/00 20130101; Y02E 60/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/272 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis
of water comprising: an elongated, tubular housing with a first
open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed by a
first lid and the second end is closed by a second lid; a solid rod
anode arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a
electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first
lid; a plurality of tube shaped cathodes arranged concentrically
with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes
are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a
connector element is provided within the tubular housing for
electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least
one connector attached to the connector element reaches through the
first lid; at least one neutral conductive tube located between two
consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and at least one neutral
conductive tube located between the rod anode and the first tube
shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the tube shaped
cathodes has a plurality of extensions which are connected to the
connector element.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a first comb-shaped
spacer structure is arranged under the first lid, the first
comb-shaped spacer structure has a central opening for the solid
rod anode and a plurality of spacers for the concentric arrangement
of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes with
respect to the central anode and the first comb-shaped spacer
structure has plurality of cutouts, which enable passage of the
extensions of the tube shaped cathodes to the connector
element.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first comb-shaped
spacer structure is formed on a carrier, which has a plurality of
passage openings for hydrogen and holds the connector element on
the opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer structure.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first comb-shaped
spacer structure and the carrier are made from electrically
isolating material.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electrically
isolating material is polycarbonate.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lid has an
outlet nozzle for the generated hydrogen.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second lid has an
inlet nozzle for water.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second comb-shaped
spacer structure is formed on an inward surface of the second lid
and the comb-shaped spacer structure has a central seating for the
solid rod anode.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the comb-shaped spacer
structure provides spacers for the concentric arrangement of the
tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes with respect to
the central anode.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular housing,
the first lid and the second lid are made from electrically
isolating material.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the electrically
isolating material is polycarbonate.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lid has a
cylindrical extension surrounding the electrical connector of the
rod anode and an outlet for gas produced at the anode is attached
to the cylindrical extension.
14. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the massive rod anode
has a diameter of approximately 1 cm.
15. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein tube shaped cathodes
and the neutral conductive tubes have a wall thickness of
approximately 1 mm.
16. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the massive rod anode,
the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes are made
from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, palladium or titanium.
17. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis
of water comprising: an elongated, tubular housing with a first
open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed by a
first lid and the second end is closed by a second lid and the
tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid being made from
an electrically isolating material; a solid rod anode arranged
centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of
the rod anode reaches through the first lid; a plurality of tube
shaped cathodes arranged concentrically with respect to the central
anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain
pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is
provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the
tube shaped cathodes, wherein two connectors which are attached to
the connector element reach through the first lid; and three
neutral conductive tubes located between the rod anode and the
first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode and three
neutral conductive tubes are located between every two of
consecutive tube shaped cathodes arranged in the tube shaped
housing.
18. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis
of water comprising: an elongated, tubular housing with a first
open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with
a first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid and the
tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid being made from
an electrically isolating material; a solid rod anode is arranged
centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of
the rod anode reaches through the first lid; a plurality of tube
shaped cathodes arranged concentrically with respect to the central
anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain
pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is
provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the
tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least one connector attached to
the connector element reaches through the first lid; three neutral
conductive tubes located between the rod anode and the first tube
shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode and three neutral
conductive tubes are located between every two of consecutive tube
shaped cathodes arranged inside the tube shaped housing; a second
comb-shaped spacer structure formed on an inward surface of the
second lid and the comb-shaped structure has a central seating for
the solid rod anode and a plurality of concentrically arranged
notches for holding the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral
conductive tubes in place; a first comb-shaped spacer structure
arranged under the first lid, the first comb-shaped spacer
structure has a central opening for the solid rod anode and a
plurality of notches for holding the tube shaped cathodes and
neutral conductive tubes in place; and the first comb-shaped spacer
structure having plurality of cutouts enabling passage of the
extensions of the tube shaped cathodes to the connector element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for on demand
production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The environmental effects of pollution and global warming
require an energy source which is easy available and lowers the
pollution. There is an ongoing search for another viable, safe and
economical source of alternative fuel compared to fossil fuel.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. On earth,
90% of the hydrogen atoms are found in water and consequently water
has been vied as the favorite choice for an endlessly and renewable
fuel propulsion source.
[0003] Electrolysis is the main procedure that is being used to
produce hydrogen from water. Each water molecule has two hydrogen
atoms and one oxygen atom. Passing an electric current through
water causes the two gases to separate. The oxygen migrates to the
positive electrode, the anode and the negative electrode, the
cathode, attracts the hydrogen. The resulting process yields twice
as much hydrogen as oxygen.
[0004] The text book "Fuel From Water"; 12.sup.th edition,
Copyright .COPYRGT. 2008 by Merit Products Inc. Box 6868,
Louisville, Ky. 40206; ISBN 978-0-945516-04-0, discloses various
concepts to obtain hydrogen from water and the hydrogen is used for
example as an energy source for providing power for an internal
combustion engine.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,919 discloses a method for electrolysis
of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a
solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on
both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction.
[0006] In German Patent Application DE 44 43 476 A1, a method is
described which provides an internal combustion engine of a vehicle
with hydrogen. The vehicle has an electrolysis device for the
production of hydrogen and several storage tanks for hydrogen.
[0007] U.S. Pat. RE 38,066 discloses an electrolysis apparatus
which has a number of membrane electrolysis cells. Each of the
cells has a membrane formed on both sides with a contact layer. The
apparatus, while it is compact in its design, is also suitable for
comparatively high hydrogen production rates and can consequently
be used particularly flexibly. A contact plate is respectively
arranged on each contact layer. Each of the contact plates is
formed, on its surface facing the contact layer assigned to it,
with a system of ducts for the transport of water and/or gas.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,440 provides a system for generating
hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution based electrolytic or galvanic
cell, wherein the cathode is made from aluminum or an aluminum
alloy. In a preferred arrangement the cell is a galvanic cell and
cathode is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy and the anode is
made from magnesium or magnesium alloy
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,633 discloses an electrolyzer cell for
the electrolysis of water and comprises a cathode of generally
tubular configuration within which is disposed an anode separated
from the cathode by a separation membrane of generally tubular
configuration which divides the electrolyte chamber into an anode
sub-chamber and a cathode sub-chamber. An electrolyzer apparatus
includes an array of individual cells across each of which an
electric potential is imposed by a DC generator via electrical
leads. Hydrogen gas generated within cells from electrolyte is
removed via hydrogen gas take-off lines and hydrogen manifold line.
By-product oxygen is removed from cells by oxygen gas take-off
lines and oxygen manifold line. The electrolyzer apparatus may be
configured to operate either batchwise or in a continuous
electrolyte recycle operation to produce high purity hydrogen at
high pressure, e.g., up to about (10,000) psig, without need for
gas compressors to compress product hydrogen.
[0010] US-Patent Application 2009/0078568 relates to an on-demand
hydrogen gas generation device, suitable for use in a fuel cell,
which utilizes water electrolysis, and more particularly galvanic
cell corrosion, and/or a chemical hydride reaction, to produce
hydrogen gas. The present disclosure additionally relates to such a
device that comprises a switching mechanism that has an electrical
current passing therethrough and that repeatedly and reversibly
moves between a first position and a second position when exposed
to pressure differential resulting from hydrogen gas generation, in
order to alter the rate, at which hydrogen gas is generated, such
that hydrogen gas is generated on an as-needed basis for a fuel
cell connected thereto, and/or ensure a substantially constant flow
of hydrogen gas is released therefrom. The present disclosure
additionally or alternatively relates to such an on-demand hydrogen
gas generation device that comprises a gas management system
designed to maximize the release or evolution of hydrogen gas, and
in particular dry hydrogen gas, therefrom once it has been formed,
thus maximizing hydrogen gas output. The present disclosure is
still further directed to a fuel cell comprising such an on-demand
hydrogen gas generation device, and in particular to a fuel cell
designed for small-scale applications.
[0011] International Patent Application WO 2008/154721 discloses a
process encompassing hydrogen and oxygen gases as a partial fuel
source when utilized together with a fossil-based fuel to power
conventional internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen gases
are produced by electrolysis in an electrolyzer unit(s), on-demand
and on-board a vehicle, or in stationary applications, eliminating
the need of highly-pressurized hydrogen storage tanks. When said
gases are introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine, via
the air intake assembly, they increase the efficiency of the
combustion burn by enriching the air to fuel ratio, resulting in a
reduction of the fossil-based fuels required for optimum engine
performance, said gases effectively becoming a partial hybrid fuel
source. The process includes scalability for all size and types of
installations, cold-weather applications and longer operating
capabilities. As an additional benefit, in direct correlation, this
process reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and, in varying
quantities, other greenhouse gas emissions.
[0012] Chinese Patent Application CN 101289747 relates to a
hydrogen generating device, in particular to a generating device
for automobile hydrogen fuel energy. The device comprises a storage
battery cell and a hydrogen-oxygen generator, wherein a hydrogen
outlet and an oxygen outlet are respectively communicated with a
combustion cylinder; the hydrogen-oxygen generator is an SPE
technology hydrogen-oxygen generator for water electrolysis and
purification. By providing an automobile engine with hydrogen and
oxygen generated in water electrolysis and purification as
automobile auxiliary energy, the device can save 20 percent of fuel
and reduce the emission of harmful gas, which is beneficial to
environment protection. The application of the device does not need
to change any main structure of an automobile and can be carried
out directly on line. The device has the advantages of no
pollution, high efficiency, good safety performance and convenient
operation, which can be used in all weather conditions
[0013] Japanese Patent Application JP 2008208722 discloses a water
electrolysis cell comprising a pair of separators, a solid polymer
electrolytic membrane provided between a pair of the separators and
having an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode formed
on both surfaces. The feed conductor is interposed between the
solid high polymer membrane and the separator. The electrode
forming surface is formed except a site where the gas pool of the
gas (gaseous hydrogen or gaseous oxygen) produced by the water
electrolysis.
[0014] US Patent Application US 2007/0272548 A1 discloses an
electrode assembly for use in an electrochemical cell, said
electrode being in the proportions of a pyramid with the
proportions of the pyramidal shape being determined by a specific
formula where the height is multiplied by a figure between 1 and 2
to determine the four side lengths and the height is multiplied by
a figure between 1.20 and 2.22 to determine the four base
lengths.
[0015] US Patent Application US 2009/0139856 A1 discloses a cell
assembly and a vertically disposed electrode stack within the cell
chamber for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and
oxygen upon the application of electric current to the electrodes.
The cell assembly is arranged to contain an electrode stack
immersed in water, the stack consisting of at least two electrodes
in the form of or having the shape of quadric surfaces such as
cones or cylinders. The electrodes are mounted in close concentric
proximity to one another and are positioned by support posts which
may also serve as electrical connections and are mounted at the
base of the cell chamber and extend upwardly through the base of
each electrode. A lip structure to assist in gas dispersement
disposed about the upper edge of the upper electrode is also
disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of
water, which is easy and save to operate, has a compact design and
ensures the high production rate of hydrogen.
[0017] The present invention provides an apparatus for on demand
production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water comprising:
[0018] an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and
second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid
and the second end is closed with a second lid;
[0019] a solid rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular
housing and a electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through
the first lid;
[0020] a plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged
concentrically with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube
shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular
housing and a connector element is provided within the tubular
housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes,
wherein at least one connector which is attached to the connector
element reaches through the first lid;
[0021] at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between two
consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and
[0022] at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between the
rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod
anode.
[0023] Each of the tube shaped cathodes has a plurality of
extensions which are connected to the connector element. A first
comb-shaped spacer structure is provided under the first lid. The
first comb-shaped spacer structure has a central opening for the
solid rod anode and a plurality of spacers with which the
concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral
conductive tubes is achieved The tube shaped cathodes and neutral
conductive tubes are concentrically arranged with respect to the
central anode. In order to establish a electrical connection to
tube shaped cathodes the first comb-shaped spacer structure has
plurality of cutouts, which enable passage of the extensions of the
tube shaped cathodes to the connector element.
[0024] The first comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on a
carrier, which has a plurality of passage openings for hydrogen.
Additionally, the carrier holds the connector element on the
opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer structure. A second
comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on an inward surface of the
second lid. The comb-shaped structure has a central seating for the
solid rod anode. The comb-shaped spacer structure provides spacers
for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and
neutral conductive tubes with respect to the central anode. A
plurality of notches is formed on the first comb-shaped spacer
structure and the second comb-shaped spacer structure. The notches
provide a fixation for the tube shaped cathodes and neutral
conductive tubes.
[0025] The tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid are
formed of electrically isolating material. Additionally, the first
comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on a carrier, the carrier
itself and the second comb-shaped spacer structure which is formed
on an inward surface of the second lid are made from electrically
isolating material. Preferably, the electrically isolating material
is polycarbonate.
[0026] A supply or water is provided thought a nozzle in the second
lid. The first lid has an outlet nozzle for the hydrogen generated
within the tubular housing. The first lid has a cylindrical
extension surrounding the electrical connector of the rod anode.
The cylindrical extension has mounted an outlet for gas produced at
the anode.
[0027] The tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes
have a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm. The massive rod anode,
the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes are made
from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, palladium or titanium.
[0028] In further embodiment of the inventive apparatus has an
elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open
end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid and the
second end is closed with a second lid. The tubular housing, the
first lid and the second lid are made from an electrically
isolating material. A solid rod anode is arranged centrally within
said tubular housing. An electrical connector of the rod anode
reaches through the first lid.
[0029] A plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged
concentrically with respect to the central anode. The tube shaped
cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular
housing. A connector element is provided within the tubular housing
for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein two
connectors which are attached to the connector element reach
through the first lid. The connector for the central anode is
connected to a power supply. The two connectors for the tube shaped
cathodes are connected to the power supply as well.
[0030] Three neutral conductive tubes are placed between the rod
anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.
Three neutral conductive tubes are placed between every two of
consecutive tube shaped cathodes arranged inside the tube shaped
housing.
[0031] The design of the inventive apparatus is of tubular nape and
adapted to separate hydrogen from the gasses produced around the
rod anode. In order to do so a first neutral tube surrounds the rod
anode. Thereby gases produced around the rod anode are separated
from hydrogen.
[0032] As mentioned above the most advantageous design is that
there are always three neutral tubes between the tube-shaped
cathodes and the solid rod anode in the center of the tubular
housing.
[0033] In the following we describe one embodiment of the apparatus
for the on demand production of hydrogen. It is clear for a skilled
person that this embodiment is not regarded as a limitation of the
invention. This specific arrangement comprises a total of 35 tubes
wherein each of the tubes has a wall thickness of 1 mm. The 35
tubes comprise 8 tube shaped cathodes and 27 neutral conductive
tubes. In the center of the apparatus one rod solid anode is
positioned which has a diameter of 1 cm. All of which are held in
place by polycarbonate spacer to keep a required distance between
them. These spacers are found both in the bottom lid of the tube
through which water is also introduced into unit, as well as the
lid assembly. A required distance would be between 1 mm and 6
mm.
[0034] As mentioned above the number of the tube shaped cathodes,
the number of the neutral conductive tubes and the distance between
them depends of the required production rate of hydrogen.
[0035] As mentioned above, the housing wall of the tubular housing
and the housing wall of the first and second lid made of non
conductive material. At temperatures below freezing an anti freeze
agent can be added to a water reservoir and/or the apparatus for
the electrolysis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Exemplary embodiments will describe the apparatus for
economically forming packing unit layers according to the present
invention in more detail and its advantages with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus for electrolysis of water and the production of
hydrogen for further use in an energy producing system;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solid rod anode which is
centrally arranged in the tubular housing;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
apparatus, wherein the tube shaped cathodes and the electric
connection to the tube shaped cathodes is visible;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of second lid, closing the
second end of the tubular housing and having a comb-shaped spacer
structure for the positioning and aligning the tube shaped cathodes
and the neutral conductive tubes;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first comb-shaped spacer
structure which is arranged under the first lid;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the concentric arrangement
of a plurality of tube shaped cathodes;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top onto the carrier
for the comb-shaped spacer structure, wherein the carrier is under
the first lid;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective top view onto the first lid;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view onto the first lid;
and
[0046] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the inventive apparatus in
combination with an internal combustion engine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] Identical reference numerals are used for the same or
equivalent elements of the invention. Furthermore, only reference
numerals are shown in the drawings which are necessary for the
description of each figure for clarity.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus 1 for electrolysis of water and the production of
hydrogen. The produced hydrogen is used as an on demand energy
source. The apparatus 1 is made of an elongated tubular housing 2.
The elongated tubular housing 2 is has a first end 2.sub.1 and a
second end 2.sub.2. The elongated tubular housing 2 is closed at
the first end 2.sub.1 with a first lid 4 and at the second end
2.sub.2 with a second lid 6.
[0049] The first lid 4 has an outlet nozzle 3 for the hydrogen
generated within said elongated tubular housing 2. The second lid 6
has an inlet nozzle 5 for water in order to assure that a certain
water level is maintained within said elongated tubular housing 2.
A connector 11, which is used for the attachment of a power supply
to the rod anode 8 (see FIG. 2), reaches through the first lid 4.
Additionally, at least one further connector 12 is provided, which
is in electrical contact with the tube shaped cathodes 20 (see FIG.
6), arranged inside the elongated housing 2. According to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 there are two further connectors 12
through which the electric power is supplied to the tube shaped
cathodes 20. The tubular housing 2, the first lid 4 and the second
lid 6 is made from electrically isolating material. The preferred
electrically isolating material is polycarbonate.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solid rod anode 8 which
is centrally arranged in the elongated tubular housing 2. The
connector 11 is directly mounted to the massive rod anode 8 which
has a diameter D. According to a preferred embodiment of the
invention the diameter D of the massive rod anode 8 is 1 cm. The
massive rod anode 8 ant the connector 11 can be formed from a
massive, one piece element. A tapped tread 11A is provided on the
connector 11 in order to ensure a secure power supply.
[0051] A perspective top view of the apparatus 1 for on demand
production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water is shown in FIG. 3.
The first end 2.sub.1 of the elongated housing 2 is closed with a
first lid 4 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3). Inside the elongated
housing 2 a plurality of tube shaped cathodes 20 are arranged
around the massive rod anode 8. Between two consecutive tube shaped
cathodes 20 at least one neutral conductive tube 22 is placed The
arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 is such that the tube
shaped cathodes 20 are arranged at a certain pitch within the
tubular housing 2. In order to provide electrical power to the tube
shaped cathodes 20 each of the tube shaped cathodes 20 is provided
with at least one extension 21. The extensions 21 of the tube
shaped cathodes 20 are connected to a connector element 23.
[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
three neutral conductive tubes 22 are placed between two
consecutive tube shaped cathodes 20. The connector element 23 has
the form of a cross and is isolated from the connector 11 of the
rod anode 8. The connector carries at least one connector 12 which
is mounted to the connector element 23 and being in contact with
the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20. The connector 23
is arranged under the first lid 4.
[0053] As mentioned in the specification with regard to FIG. 8 the
first lid 4 has a central opening 24 through which the connector 11
of the rod anode 8 reaches. According to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 the first lid 4 has two additional openings 25. Through each
of the openings 25 one connector 12 reaches for the tube shaped
cathodes 20. The first lid 4 has an outlet nozzle 3 for the
generated hydrogen, wherein the outlet nozzle 3 is mounted to a
further opening 26 in the first lid 4. Additionally, the first lid
4 has a cylindrical extension 27 which surrounds the electrical
connector 11 of the rod anode 8. An outlet 28 for gas produced at
and around the rod anode is attached to the cylindrical extension
27.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of second lid 6, closing the
second end 2.sub.2 of the elongated tubular housing 2. A
comb-shaped spacer structure 13 is formed on an inward surface 9 of
the second lid 6. The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 assists the
positioning and aligning of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the
neutral conductive tubes 22 inside the elongated tubular housing 2.
The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 has a central seating 14 for
the solid rod anode 8. The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 provides
equidistant spacers for the concentric arrangement of the tube
shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 with respect
to the central rod anode 8. The second comb-shaped spacer structure
13 has a plurality of concentrically arranged notches 16 for
holding the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive
tubes 22 in place.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first comb-shaped spacer
structure 30 which is arranged under the first lid 4. The first
comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has a central opening 31 for the
solid rod anode 8 and a plurality of spacers 32 for the concentric
arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and neutral conductive
tubes 22 with respect to the central rod anode 8. The first
comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has plurality of cutouts 33, which
enable passage of the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20
to the connector element 23. The first comb-shaped spacer structure
30 is formed on a carrier 34. The carrier 34 has a plurality of
passage openings 35 for hydrogen. Additionally, the carrier 34
holds on the opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer
structure 30 the connector element 23. The first comb-shaped spacer
structure 30 has as well a plurality of concentrically arranged
notches 36 which correspond to the concentrically arranged notches
16 of the second comb-shaped spacer structure 13. The notches 36 of
the first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 and the notches 16 of the
second comb-shaped spacer structure 13 are necessary for holding
the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 in
place.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the concentric arrangement
of the tube shaped cathodes 20. According to a preferred embodiment
eight tube shaped cathodes 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2, . . . , 20.sub.8 are
arranged concentrically with respect to a central massive rod anode
(not shown here). The extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes
20.sub.1, 20.sub.2, . . . , 20.sub.8 form a cross, which
corresponds to the connector element 23 to which the extensions 21
are connected. From the tube shaped cathodes 20.sub.1, which is the
closest one to the massive rod anode (not shown here), the
outermost tube shaped cathodes 20.sub.8 in the concentric
arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2, . . . ,
20.sub.8 the diameter of the tube shaped cathodes 20.sub.1,
20.sub.2, . . . , 20.sub.8 increases. According to preferred
embodiment, the wall thickness of the tube shaped cathodes
20.sub.1, 20.sub.2, . . . , 20.sub.8 is about 1 mm.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top onto the carrier
34 for first the comb-shaped spacer structure 10. The carrier 34
holds the connector element 23 (not shown here). The first
comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has plurality of cutouts 33 which
correspond to openings 40 formed in the carrier 34. The openings 40
enable passage of the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20
in order to be in electrical contact with the connector element 23.
The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 is formed on a carrier
34. Additionally, the carrier 34 has a plurality of passage
openings 35 for hydrogen. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30
has as well a plurality of concentrically arranged notches 36 which
correspond to the concentrically arranged notches 16 of the
comb-shaped spacer structure 13 on the bottom 9 of the second lid 6
in order to ensure am exact and secure positioning of the tube
shaped cathodes 20 and neutral conductive tubes 22 inside the
elongated tubular housing 2.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a perspective top view onto the first lid 4. The
first lid 4 has a central opening 24 through which the connector 11
of the rod anode 8 reaches the outside of the elongated housing.
Two additional openings 25 are arranged diametrically with respect
to the central opening 24. Through each of the openings 25 one
connector 12 reaches. As mentioned above, each of the connectors 12
provide an electric connection via the connector element 23 to the
tube shaped cathodes 20. The opening 26 is formed in the first lid
4 for the mounting of the outlet nozzle 3 of hydrogen the generated
during the electrolysis process.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first lid 4. The cylindrical
extension 27, which surrounds the electrical connector 11 of the
rod anode 8, stretches across the bottom 36 of the first lid 4. The
portion of the cylindrical extension 27, which stretches across the
bottom 36 of the first lid 4, is in mechanical contact with the
neutral conductive tube 22 adjoining the rod anode 8. The effect
is, that first neutral tube 22 surrounding the rod anode 8 together
with the cylindrical extension 27 seal in the gases produced around
the rod anode 8 during the electrolysis process.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a schematic arrangement of the inventive
apparatus 1 in combination with an internal combustion engine 45.
It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the invention is
not limited to the use of the apparatus for on demand production of
hydrogen by electrolysis of water in combination with an internal
combustion engine. The inventive apparatus can be used together all
energy users, which can use the energy content of hydrogen and
obtain another energy form.
[0061] The inventive apparatus 1 used in connection with an
internal combustion engine 45 is provided with a duct 43 from a
reservoir 42. Via duct 43 the apparatus 1 receives the required
water supply in order to maintain the water level constant within
is elongated housing 2. The duct 43 to the apparatus 1 is mounted
to the inlet nozzle 5 on the second lid 6. A special voltage and a
special current are applied by the power supply 44 to the apparatus
1 via the connectors 11 and 12. The connector 11 is connected to
the rod anode 8 and the two connectors 12 are connected with the
tube shaped cathodes 20. A duct 41 is mounted to the outlet nozzle
3. The duct 41 transports the hydrogen generated within said
elongated tubular housing 2 to the internal combustion engine
45.
[0062] It is explicitly noted, that the dimensions of the rod anode
8, the dimensions and numbers of the tube shaped cathodes 20, the
dimensions and numbers of the neutral conductive tubes 21 and the
selection of the material for the elongated housing 2, the first
lid 4, the second lid 6 and the first and second comb-shaped spacer
structure 30 and 13, do not limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0063] The invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment. It goes without saying for a person skilled
in the art that changes and modifications can be made without
leaving the scope of protection of the appended claims.
* * * * *