U.S. patent application number 13/354140 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for water electrolyzer system and method.
Invention is credited to Edward Kramer.
Application Number | 20120111734 13/354140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46018582 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120111734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kramer; Edward |
May 10, 2012 |
Water Electrolyzer System and Method
Abstract
A water electrolyzer comprises a reservoir of water, one or more
cells, a source of pulse width modulated direct current
electricity, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a
cooling system. Said electrode cells are submerged in said
reservoir of water. Said source of pulse width modulated direct
current electricity attaches to said positive terminal and said
negative terminal of said water electrolyzer. Said electrode cells
each comprise a cathode having a positive terminal and an anode
having a negative terminal. Said cathode and said anode comprise
different materials. Said positive terminal attaches to said
electrode cells with one or more positive lines. Said negative
terminal attaches to said electrode cells with one or more negative
lines. Said cooling system is capable of cooling said reservoir of
water. Said water electrolyzer produces and can deliver one or more
gases through a fluid connection with an engine.
Inventors: |
Kramer; Edward; (Houston,
TX) |
Family ID: |
46018582 |
Appl. No.: |
13/354140 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
205/412 ;
204/228.6; 204/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C25B 11/00 20130101;
F02M 25/12 20130101; C25B 9/63 20210101; C25B 15/08 20130101; C25B
9/00 20130101; Y02E 60/36 20130101; C25B 1/04 20130101; Y02T 10/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
205/412 ;
204/241; 204/228.6 |
International
Class: |
C25B 1/00 20060101
C25B001/00; C25B 15/02 20060101 C25B015/02 |
Claims
1. A water electrolyzer comprising: a casing, a reservoir of water,
one or more electrode cells, a source of pulse width modulated
direct current electricity, a positive terminal, a negative
terminal, and a cooling system; wherein, said casing holds said
reservoir of water and said one or more cells, said electrode cells
are submerged in said reservoir of water, said reservoir of water
comprises an electrolyte, said source of pulse width modulated
direct current electricity comprises a positive current and a
negative current, said source of pulse width modulated direct
current electricity attaches to said water electrolyzer by
attaching said positive current to said positive terminal and said
negative current to said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer, said electrode cells each comprise a cathode and an
anode, said cathode comprises a positive charge, said cathode
comprises a titanium (Ti) metal plate comprising a ruthenium (Ru)
coating, said cathode and said anode are arranged parallel to one
another with one or more spacers between them, said one or more
spacers are nonconductive, said positive terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said cathodes of said electrode cells with
one or more positive lines, said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said anodes of said electrode cells with
one or more negative lines, said cooling system is capable of
cooling said reservoir of water, said water electrolyzer produces
one or more gases, said water electrolyzer is in fluid connection
with an engine, said water electrolyzer is capable of delivering
said gases to said engine, and an inlet and an outlet in said
casing; further wherein, a portion of said reservoir of water is
capable of circulating through said cooling system; and, said
cooling system comprises a circulation pump, heat exchanger and a
cooling fan.
2. A water electrolyzer comprising: a casing, a reservoir of water,
one or more electrode cells, a source of pulse width modulated
direct current electricity, a positive terminal, a negative
terminal, and a cooling system; wherein, said casing holds said
reservoir of water and said one or more cells, said electrode cells
are submerged in said reservoir of water, said source of pulse
width modulated direct current electricity comprises a positive
current and a negative current, said source of pulse width
modulated direct current electricity attaches to said water
electrolyzer by attaching said positive current to said positive
terminal and said negative current to said negative terminal of
said water electrolyzer, said electrode cells each comprise a
cathode and an anode, said cathode and said anode comprise
different materials, said positive terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said cathodes of said electrode cells with
one or more positive lines, said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said anodes of said electrode cells with
one or more negative lines, said cooling system is capable of
cooling said reservoir of water, said water electrolyzer produces
one or more gases, said water electrolyzer is in fluid connection
with an engine, and said water electrolyzer is capable of
delivering said gases to said engine.
3. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said source of pulse
width modulated direct current electricity comprises a positive
output terminal and negative output terminal of a pulse width
modulator; wherein said pulse width modulator is attached to a
source of direct current.
4. The water electrolyzer of claim 3 wherein said source of direct
current can comprise a battery.
5. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said water
electrolyzer comprises a casing and said casing comprises a
nonconductive airtight vessel.
6. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 further comprising an inlet
and an outlet in said casing; wherein, a portion of said reservoir
of water is capable of circulating through said cooling system;
and, said cooling system comprises a circulation pump, heat
exchanger and a cooling fan.
7. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 further comprising a sensor
and a controller; wherein, said sensor is capable of measuring an
internal temperature of said water electrolyzer and reporting said
internal temperature to said controller; and said controller is
capable of comparing said internal temperature to a temperature
control range and cutting off said source of direct current
electricity from said water electrolyzer if said internal
temperature is outside of said temperature control range.
8. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said cathode comprises
a metal plate having a positive charge, and said cathode comprises
titanium (Ti) material.
9. The water electrolyzer of claim 8 wherein said metal plate
comprises a coating and said coating comprises a ruthenium (Ru)
material.
10. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said cathode
comprises a metal plate having a positive charge; said metal plate
comprises a material chosen from a refractory group consisting of
Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf and Ta and combinations thereof; and said
metal plate comprises a coating comprising a material from a group
consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Lr, Pi, Ag, Au and combinations
thereof
11. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said anode comprises
a plate comprising a material chosen from a group consisting of
graphite and stainless steel.
12. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 further comprising a sealant;
wherein, said sealant is capable of preventing electric current
contact with electrolyte; a first portion of said sealant coats
said positive lines at said positive terminal of said electrode
cells; and a second portion of said sealant coats said negative
lines at said negative terminal said electrode cells.
13. The water electrolyzer of claim 12 wherein said sealant
comprises an epoxy coating.
14. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 further comprising one or
more spacers; wherein, said cathode and said anode are arranged
parallel to one another with said spacers between them, and said
spacers are nonconductive.
15. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said electrode cells
comprise one or more cells arranged parallel to one another and
within said water electrolyzer.
16. The water electrolyzer of claim 2 wherein said reservoir of
water comprises an electrolyte.
17. The water electrolyzer of claim 16 wherein said electrolyte
comprises a distilled water.
18. A water electrolysis method comprising: submerging one or more
electrode cells in a reservoir of water within a water
electrolyzer; applying a source of pulse width modulated direct
current electricity to said electrode cells; generating one or more
gases within said water electrolyzer; attaching said water
electrolyzer to an engine with a fluid connection; feeding said
gases from said water electrolyzer into said engine; and,
regulating a temperature of said reservoir of water with a cooling
system; wherein, said water electrolyzer comprises a casing, said
casing comprises an airtight vessel, said water electrolyzer
comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal, said
reservoir of water comprises an electrolyte, said source of pulse
width modulated direct current electricity comprises a positive
current and a negative current, said source of pulse width
modulated direct current electricity attaches to said water
electrolyzer by attaching said positive current to said positive
terminal and said negative current to said negative terminal of
said water electrolyzer, said electrode cells each comprise a
cathode and an anode, said positive terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said cathodes of said electrode cells with
one or more positive lines, said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said anodes of said electrode cells with
one or more negative lines, said cathode and said anode comprise
different materials, said cathode and said anode are held apart by
one or more spacers, and said spacers comprise a nonconductive
material.
19. The water electrolysis method of claim 18 wherein said source
of pulse width modulated direct current electricity comprises a
positive output terminal and negative output terminal of a pulse
width modulator and said pulse width modulator is attached to a
source of direct current.
20. The water electrolysis method of claim 18 further comprising:
modifying one or more signals from an oxygen sensor of said engine
to indicate a balanced stoichemical mixture in an exhaust system of
said engine when an original signal indicates a lean mixture.
Description
[0001] Applicant hereby states that a basis for special status
comprises greenhouse gas reduction as well as other "green
technologies" as will be apparent upon reading this application. As
is set out infra, Applicant has a working system and method for
greenhouse gas reduction with a water electrolyzer by introducing
oxyhydrogen into an engine. Accordingly the Applicant hereby
petitions for acceptance into the Green Technology Pilot
Program.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a water electrolyzer
system and water electrolysis method for internal combustion
engines. The term "electrolyzer" refers to an apparatus capable of
decomposing a chemical compound by electrolysis. For purposes of
this disclosure, said chemical compound undergoing electrolysis
will be water. It is understood that generally available water (tap
water, bottled water, distilled, or similar) is not strictly
H.sub.2O, but a compound comprising a variety of elements in
addition to hydrogen and oxygen. Nonetheless, "water" is intended
to refer to said generally available water which may or may not be
strictly H.sub.2O.
[0003] Water is the most abundant compound on the surface of the
earth. The water molecule is comprised of two hydrogen atoms, one
oxygen atom and other trace elements of both positive and negative
charges. It is the trace elements that provide the capacity of
water to be a conductor of electricity. The electrolysis process is
frequently utilized for the generation of gases by a decomposition
process where electrodes of opposite charge (comprising a negative
charged electrode, or "cathode", and a positive charged electrode,
or "anode") are immersed in an electrically conductive electrolyte
with an electrical charge running between the electrodes. In one
embodiment, opposite current charge causes the HHO molecule to
change its structure where the positive charged hydrogen atom is
off-gassed at the negative charged electrode and the negative
charged oxygen atom is off-gassed at the positive charged
electrode. In one embodiment, elements can recombine to comprise a
monoatomic and/or a diatomic hydrogen and/or oxygen compound
sometimes called oxyhydrogen (also known as "hydroxyl"). In one
embodiment, oxyhydrogen can comprise a mixture of hydrogen
(H.sub.2) and oxygen (O.sub.2) gases, typically in a 2:1 molar
ratio. In one embodiment, a ratio of 4:1 or 5:1 hydrogen:oxygen is
required to avoid an oxidizing flame.
[0004] Water electrolyzer systems for use in internal combustion
engines and other industrial processes are well known. Early
pioneers used electrolysis to separate and collect the gases for
individual use. Mr. Raymond Henes and Mr. William Rhodes (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,262,872) (hereafter "Henes") disclosed the use of a single
duct feed system of a mixed atomic hydrogen and oxygen as a fuel
source. Henes' fuel was used as a source for welding/torch
applications, but demonstrated use of hydrolysis of water as an
energy source.
[0005] Likewise, Mr. Yull Brown (U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,777) further
explored the electrolysis process as claimed a new combine gas
formed name Brown's gas. Only later was electrolysis of water
explored as a fuel gas. For example, Mr. Stanley A. Meyer (U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,936,961 and 5,293,857), explored the use of pulsating
and electric field to liberate the gases of hydrogen and oxygen
from water to be collected as a fuel gas. Meyer refers to a fuel
cell water capacitor. Further, Meyer concentrated on an electrical
control device to adjust the frequency to facilitate the
electrolysis process.
[0006] Naturally, safety of water hydrolysis should be a central
concern. Among the prior disclosures, most assume the electrolyzer
produces a mixed gas on a safe, reliable consistent process.
[0007] Mr. Bill Ross (U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,493) discloses a system
using an electrolysis cell for generating one or more combustible
gases from an electrolytic solution. Ross discusses many control
devices, but does not disclose the main operating parameters of
voltage and current (Amperage). Further, Ross fails to disclose the
conductive strength of electrolyte and the effects of current draw
from direct current sources. As typical of many prior disclosures,
current systems have very little spare amperage capacity.
Consequently, overuse of a direct current supply can cause severe
electrical systems.
[0008] In one embodiment, it can be advantageous to control a power
source coming into a water electrolyzer. Defining workable
parameters on said power source is a goal of many prior art
examples, but their approaches fall short.
[0009] Mr. Harvath (U.S. Pat. No. 3,954,592) discloses an
electrical supply means to apply pulses of electrical energy
between an anode and a cathode of one or more cells. Likewise, Mr.
John R. Hallenbeck (U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,218) discloses a power
source comprising an electrometric net energy radiator having a
frequency between 620 Hertz and 100,000 Hertz. Neither Harvath nor
Hallenbeck overcome shortcomings regarding materials and cooling
issues associated with water electrolysis. As discussed infra.
[0010] Hallenbeck (see supra) discloses a cell with two electrodes,
one made of nickel oxide-hydroxide and another formed from a metal
selected from the group consisting of nickel, tin, iron, lead, and
combinations thereof. Accordingly, cells comprising electrodes of
differing materials have been disclosed in the prior art.
Nonetheless, Hallenbeck falls short in practice.
[0011] First of all, Hallenbeck does not provide a means of
preserving a cathode during water electrolysis. Use of differing
materials for said two electrodes does not preserve a cell during
electrolysis. Further provisions must be provided to protect said
cells and to operate said water electrolyzer in a safe reliable
manner, as will be disclosed and claimed infra.
[0012] A side product in many water electrolyzer embodiments is the
production of steam. Dealing with this side effect is an important
matter.
[0013] Mr. Chou (U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,436) discloses a water cooling
system. However Chou's cooling system requires a source of ice
water to function. This approach leaves much to be desired since
ice water is cumbersome and difficult to keep replenished in a
motor vehicle. Likewise, Mr. Webster (U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,831)
discloses a cooling system but does not introduce a means for
controlling said cooling system when an electrolyte reaches a heat
threshold where a steam (or other side effect) will be produced.
Mr. Klein (U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,756) discloses a heat sink means for
removing an excess heat generated by the electrolyzer. Said heat
sink means leaves much to be desired however. First, it does not
respond to heat production within said electrolyzer to the point of
cutting off functionality of said electrolyzer when heat gets out
of control. Further, it does not sense when steam production
conditions have been reached.
[0014] Mr. Huang (U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,831) discloses a heat
dissipation unit and one or more filters for separating water
vapor. Huang, however, only filters said water vapor it does not
prevent it from being produced within said water electrolyzer.
Accordingly, Huang allows said water electrolyzer to reach high
temperatures without controlling said temperature of said water
electrolyzer.
[0015] None of these cooling systems present the advantages
disclosed in this application infra.
[0016] Construction and methods of use of one or more cells within
a water electrolyzer is a critical matter. Much effort has been
spent devising a perfect material combination for said water
electrolyzers. Typical of many different water electrolyzers, Mr.
Mosher (U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,545) discloses a water electrolyzer
with electrode cells comprising an anode and a cathode. However,
like many water electrolyzers, Mosher does not provide different
materials for said anode and said cathode.
[0017] Cells comprising electrodes of different materials are know
as well, but do not use advantageous material combinations.
Hallenbeck (see supra) discloses a cell with two electrodes, one
made of nickel oxide-hydroxide and another formed from a metal
selected from the group consisting of nickel, tin, iron, lead, and
combinations thereof. Mr. Kucherov (U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,870)
discloses an anode and a cathode comprising different materials;
wherein, said cathode comprises a material consisting of Ni, Fe,
Pd, Pt and Ir. Hallenbeck and Kucherov, however, fall short in
practice since neither provides a means of preserving a cathode
during water electrolysis. In practice, these electrodes undergo
rapid decay during electrolysis. Further provisions must be
provided to protect said cells and to operate said water
electrolyzer in a safe reliable manner, as will be disclosed and
claimed infra
[0018] Prior disclosures fail to disclose a means of maintaining
the integrity of an electrolyzer through a longer period of use.
Further, they leave much to be desired in safely operating an
electrolyzer in proximity to an internal combustion engine.
[0019] Prior disclosures, when put into practice, have many
shortcomings which this disclosure seeks to address. Prior
embodiments comprise an electrolysis process which can draw too
much current (thereby eliminating efficiency gains), fail to
address overheating issues (which can damage engines and
electrolyzers alike), and can dissolve electrode materials and
wiring (leading to a loss of operation requiring major
maintenance).
[0020] Simply put: prior embodiments of water electrolyzers fail to
safely and consistently provide fuel gas for internal combustion
engines. Therefore, they fail to provide the benefit of reducing
exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases and improving efficiency of
internal combustion engines over long periods of operation. It is
therefore desired to fulfill the promise of electrolysis of water
with internal combustion engines.
[0021] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
disclosure as claimed. Accordingly, an improved water electrolyzer
system and water electrolysis method for internal combustion
engines would be advantageous.
SUMMARY
[0022] Two water electrolyzer systems and a water electrolysis
method for internal combustion engines are disclosed.
[0023] In one embodiment, said water electrolyzer comprises a
casing, a reservoir of water, one or more electrode cells, a source
of pulse width modulated direct current electricity, a positive
terminal, a negative terminal, and a cooling system. Said casing
holds said reservoir of water and said one or more cells. Said
electrode cells are submerged in said reservoir of water. Said
reservoir of water comprises an electrolyte. Said source of pulse
width modulated direct current electricity comprises a positive
current and a negative current. Said source of pulse width
modulated direct current electricity attaches to said water
electrolyzer by attaching said positive current to said positive
terminal and said negative current to said negative terminal of
said water electrolyzer. Said electrode cells each comprise a
cathode and an anode. Said cathode comprises a positive charge.
Said cathode comprises a titanium (Ti) metal plate comprising a
ruthenium (Ru) coating. Said cathode and said anode are arranged
parallel to one another with one or more spacers between them. Said
one or more spacers are nonconductive. Said positive terminal of
said water electrolyzer attaches to said cathodes of said electrode
cells with one or more positive lines. Said negative terminal of
said water electrolyzer attaches to said anodes of said electrode
cells with one or more negative lines. Said cooling system is
capable of cooling said reservoir of water. Said water electrolyzer
produces one or more gases. Said water electrolyzer is in fluid
connection with an engine. Said water electrolyzer is capable of
delivering said gases to said engine, and an inlet and an outlet in
said casing. A portion of said reservoir of water is capable of
circulating through said cooling system. Said cooling system
comprises a circulation pump, heat exchanger and a cooling fan.
[0024] In another embodiment, said water electrolyzer comprises a
casing, a reservoir of water, one or more electrode cells, a source
of pulse width modulated direct current electricity, a positive
terminal, a negative terminal, and a cooling system. Said casing
holds said reservoir of water and said one or more cells. Said
electrode cells are submerged in said reservoir of water. Said
source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity
comprises a positive current and a negative current. Said source of
pulse width modulated direct current electricity attaches to said
water electrolyzer by attaching said positive current to said
positive terminal and said negative current to said negative
terminal of said water electrolyzer. Said electrode cells each
comprise a cathode and an anode. Said cathode and said anode
comprise different materials. Said positive terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said cathodes of said electrode cells with
one or more positive lines. Said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer attaches to said anodes of said electrode cells with
one or more negative lines. Said cooling system is capable of
cooling said reservoir of water. Said water electrolyzer produces
one or more gases. Said water electrolyzer is in fluid connection
with an engine, and said water electrolyzer is capable of
delivering said gases to said engine.
[0025] Said water electrolysis method comprises submerging one or
more electrode cells in a reservoir of water within a water
electrolyzer; applying a source of pulse width modulated direct
current electricity to said electrode cells; generating one or more
gases within said water electrolyzer; attaching said water
electrolyzer to an engine with a fluid connection; feeding said
gases from said water electrolyzer into said engine; and,
regulating a temperature of said reservoir of water with a cooling
system. Said water electrolyzer comprises a casing. Said casing
comprises an airtight vessel. Said water electrolyzer comprises a
positive terminal and a negative terminal. Said reservoir of water
comprises an electrolyte. Said source of pulse width modulated
direct current electricity comprises a positive current and a
negative current. Said source of pulse width modulated direct
current electricity attaches to said water electrolyzer by
attaching said positive current to said positive terminal and said
negative current to said negative terminal of said water
electrolyzer. Said electrode cells each comprise a cathode and an
anode. Said positive terminal of said water electrolyzer attaches
to said cathodes of said electrode cells with one or more positive
lines. Said negative terminal of said water electrolyzer attaches
to said anodes of said electrode cells with one or more negative
lines. Said cathode and said anode comprise different materials.
Said cathode and said anode are held apart by one or more spacers.
Said spacers comprise a nonconductive material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a water electrolyzer
system and water electrolysis method for internal combustion
engines.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front overview of water
electrolyzer with cooling system.
[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a perspective side cross-section
view and an elevated side cross-section view of water electrolyzer
showing interior portion and one or more electrode cells.
[0029] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a perspective front view,
perspective rear view and elevated top view of electrode cells.
[0030] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective exploded side view of one
of electrode cells.
[0031] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective exploded side view of one
of electrode cells with an epoxy coating on first clip and second
clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Described herein is a water electrolyzer system and water
electrolysis method for internal combustion engines. The following
description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to
make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the
context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of
which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the
interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation
are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in
the development of any such actual implementation (as in any
development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the
designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and
business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from
one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that
such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary
skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of
this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not
intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be
accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and
features disclosed herein.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a water electrolyzer
system and water electrolysis method for internal combustion
engines. In one embodiment, said water electrolyzer system and
water electrolysis method for internal combustion engines can
comprise a water electrolyzer 100, a battery 102, a PWM 104, a
cooling system 106 and a feed line 108. In one embodiment, water
electrolyzer 100 can be capable of decomposing a chemical compound
by electrolysis. In one embodiment, said chemical compound
undergoing electrolysis will be water. In one embodiment, said
water can comprise tap water, bottled water, distilled, deionized
water, or similar. The term "water" is not strictly H.sub.2O, but a
compound comprising a variety of elements in addition to hydrogen
and oxygen. For example, in one embodiment, water molecules can
comprise two hydrogen atoms, one oxygen atom and other trace
elements of both positive and negative charges.
[0034] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can produce one or
more gases 110 (not illustrated here). In one embodiment, gases 110
can comprise hydrogen (H.sub.2) and oxygen (O.sub.2). In one
embodiment, gases 110 can be sent through feed line 108 into an air
intake system 112 of an engine 114. In one embodiment, engine 114
can comprise an internal combustion engine (or "ICE"). In one
embodiment, engine 114 can comprise a gas engine, a diesel engine,
or similar. In one embodiment, engine 114 can comprise an exhaust
system 115 capable of releasing exhaust from engine 114 as is
common in the art.
[0035] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can comprise a
positive terminal 116 and a negative terminal 118. In one
embodiment, positive terminal 116 and negative terminal 118 are
capable of receiving a wire carrying a corresponding charge, as is
well-known in the art. In one embodiment, a positive current 117
can be attached to positive terminal 116 and a negative current 119
can be attached to negative terminal 118. In one embodiment, PWM
104 can provide positive current 117 and negative current 119 to
water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, PWM 104 can comprise a
source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity. In one
embodiment, PWM 104 is capable of altering a frequency and a pulse
width modulation of a current in order to keep an average current
at a set point independent of a supply voltage
[0036] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can comprise a
sensor 120 and a controller 122. In one embodiment, sensor 120 is
capable of measuring an internal temperature of water electrolyzer
100 and reporting said internal measurement to controller 122. In
one embodiment, controller 122 can send an off signal when said
internal measurement reaches a threshold temperature. In one
embodiment, said "off signal" from controller 122 can cause current
from battery 102 to stop flowing toward water electrolyzer 100. In
one embodiment, controller 122 can engage cooling system 106 to
further regulate said internal temperature of said water
electrolyzer 100.
[0037] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can receive a
source of direct current. In one embodiment, said source of direct
current can comprise a power output from an alternator. In one
embodiment, said alternator can be attached to an engine or
generator. In another embodiment, said source of direct current can
comprise battery 102. In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can
receive a pulsed direct circuit from battery 102. In one
embodiment, said pulsed direct circuit can pass through a relay
switch 124. In one embodiment, relay switch 124 can control said
pulsed direct circuit and thereby trigger an on-off operation of
water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, said pulsed direct
circuit can be protected by a fuse 126. In one embodiment, fuse 126
can prevent an over leap of electric current and thereby prevent
damage to PWM 104. In one embodiment, PWM 104 can comprise an
advanced (brand) pulse width modulator unit. In one embodiment,
fuse 126 can comprise a 15 amperage fuse. In one embodiment, water
electrolyzer 100 can operate on 5-15 amps.
[0038] In one embodiment, PWM 104 can comprise a "Pulse Width
Modulator". In one embodiment, PWM 104 can comprise an electronic
device between battery 102 and water electrolyzer 100 capable of
providing a pulse width modulated direct current electricity. In
one embodiment, said pulse width modulated direct current
electricity can comprise a current comprising constant pulse width.
In one embodiment, battery 102 and PWM 104 can provide a source of
pulse width modulated direct current electricity.
[0039] In one embodiment, battery 102 can comprise a positive
terminal 103a and a negative terminal 103b. In one embodiment, PWM
104 can comprise a positive input terminal 105a, a negative input
terminal 105b, a positive output terminal 105c, and a negative
output terminal 105d. In one embodiment, negative terminal 103b of
battery 102 can be attached to negative input terminal 105b of PWM
104. In one embodiment, positive terminal 103a can be attached to
positive input terminal 105a. The PWM 104 receives a positive and
negative charged direct current from battery 102. In one
embodiment, battery 102 can comprise a 12 volt source. In one
embodiment, PWM 104 can alter a frequency and a pulse width in said
pulsed direct circuit. In one embodiment, PWM 104 can keep an
average current at a set point, independent of the supply voltage
or load. Internal components of PWM 104 can include resistors,
capacitors, transistors and other components. In one embodiment,
said frequency is set between 50 Hertz to 80 Hertz. In one
embodiment, said pulsed direct circuit is conducted by wire to
water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, positive output terminal
105c of PWM 104 can attach to positive terminal 116.
[0040] In one embodiment, negative output terminal 105d can attach
to negative terminal 118. In one embodiment, said pulsed direct
circuit can comprise battery 102 connected to PWM 104, and PWM 104
connected to water electrolyzer 100.
[0041] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can produce gases
110. In one embodiment, gases 110 are fed through feed line 108 to
air intake system 112 of engine 114. In one embodiment, gases 110
can comprise a mixture of hydrogen, oxygen and other elements. In
one embodiment, gases 110 can comprise oxyhydrogen (also known as
"hydroxyl"), as discussed supra.
[0042] In many embodiments, modern internal combustion engines have
a fuel management system controlled by many sensors that relay
information to an engine computer. Said fuel management systems can
control operational parameters, such as an air-to-fuel ratio, of
engine 114. Said fuel management systems can comprise a mass air
flow sensor 128 and an oxygen sensor 130. In one embodiment, mass
air flow sensor 128 is connected to a micro electric device 132. In
one embodiment, oxygen sensor 130 is connected to a micro electric
device 132. In one embodiment, items 128-134 can be connected to an
engine computer unit 136, as discussed infra.
[0043] In one embodiment, said air-to-fuel ratio can comprise a
mass ratio of air and fuel present in engine 114. In one
embodiment, said air-to-fuel ratio can comprise a stoichemical
mixture of 14.7 to 1. In one embodiment, engine 114 can control a
volume of air coming into air intake 112. The term "air" refers to
the mixture of gases that surround engine 114. Generally, air can
comprise 79% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen. Traditionally, air is
provided to engine 114 through air intake 112, and engine 114 burns
hydrocarbon fuel within air.
[0044] In one embodiment, engine 114 can regulate said stoichemical
mixture in order to balance for optimum efficiencies and
performance. For example, in one embodiment, micro electric device
132 can monitor mass air flow sensor 128 to ensure a proper amount
of air is provided to air intake 112 to ensure engine 114 has said
stoichemical mixture. In one embodiment, said stoichemical mixture
is the working point that modern management systems use to control
fuel usage. For example, in one embodiment, Otto cycle engines
(spark plug non diesel) can comprise said stoichemical mixture of
air-to-fuel ratio is 14.7 to 1. In one embodiment, a mixture less
than 14.7 to 1 comprises a "rich mixture" and a mixture greater
than 14.7 to 1 comprises a "lean mixture."
[0045] In one embodiment, adding said gases 110 into air intake
system 112, greater efficiencies of combustion can be achieved by
engine 114. In one embodiment, adding gases 110 (such as
oxyhydrogen) to air intake 112 said stoichemical mixture can be
altered. In one embodiment, adding gases 110 to air intake 112 can
increase said air-to-fuel ratio and thereby create said lean
mixture. When the gas mixture is added to an air intake system of
an internal combustion engine, a combustion efficiency can be
increased resulting in reduced usage of hydrocarbon fuel and
reduced exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases.
[0046] Changing said stoichemical mixture can cause issues within
many embodiments of engine 114. In many embodiments, engine 114 can
comprise an engine computer unit 136 comprising a data connection
with micro electric device 132 and/or micro electric sensor
controller 134. In one embodiment, engine computer unit 136 can
control said stoichemical mixture by monitoring mass air flow
sensor 128 and/or oxygen sensor 130 and altering a volume of air
coming into air intake 112. In one embodiment, oxygen sensor 130
can measure an amount of oxygen (and other chemicals) present in
exhaust system 115. In one embodiment, oxygen sensor 130 can
produce a signal 138 between 0.0-1.0 volts representing a range of
oxygen output readings. In one embodiment, where said stoichemical
mixture is optimum, oxygen sensor 130 can produce signal 138 of 500
millivolts. In one embodiment, where signal 138 falls below 500
millivolts, said stoichemical mixture can be interpreted as being
said lean mixture. Likewise, in one embodiment, where signal 138
reads above 500 millivolts, said stoichemical mixture can be
interpreted as being said rich mixture. In one embodiment, where
oxygen sensor 130 reads as said lean mixture, engine computer unit
136 can be programed to react by increasing a fuel injection
process within said engine 114 in order to said stoichemical
mixture. In so doing, an increase in said fuel injection process
can cause engine 114 to use more fuel (such as gasoline and/or
diesel) and thereby drop in efficiency. A problem arises,
therefore, where introducing gases 110 into engine 114 can causes
oxygen sensor 130 to read said lean mixture.
[0047] In one embodiment, said water electrolyzer system and water
electrolysis method for internal combustion engines can comprise
modifying one or more signals from oxygen sensor 130 and/or mass
air flow sensor 128 to indicate a balanced stoichemical mixture in
exhaust system 115 when an original signal indicates a lean
mixture. That is, in one embodiment, said water electrolyzer system
and water electrolysis method for internal combustion engines can
comprise ensuring that said engine 114 does not run inefficiently
when gases 110 are added into air intake 112. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, signal 138 from oxygen sensor 130 can be modified by
installing an electronic fuel injection enhancer 140 between oxygen
sensor 130 and engine computer unit 136. In one embodiment,
electronic fuel injection enhancer 140 can comprise a digital
device capable of modifying said signal 138 such that engine
computer unit 136 does not alter said fuel injection process. For
example, in one embodiment, electronic fuel injection enhancer 140
can reduce signal 138 from 500 millivolts to 350 millivolts. In one
embodiment, reducing signal 138 can cause engine 114 to run in said
lean mixture which can accommodate the introduction of gases 110
(such as oxyhydrogen) into engine 114.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front overview of water
electrolyzer 100 with cooling system 106. In one embodiment, water
electrolyzer 100 can comprise a nonconductive material.
[0049] In one embodiment, said nonconductive material can comprise
seamless polyethylene construction. In one embodiment, water
electrolyzer 100 can comprise a casing 200 and a hand hole cover
202. In one embodiment, casing 200 can comprise an air sealed
housing releaseably sealed with hand hole cover 202. Water
electrolyzer 100 can comprise a top 204, a side portion 206 and a
bottom 208.
[0050] In one embodiment, hand hole cover 202 can comprise a
removable gasket capable of attaching to an aperture 210 in top 204
of water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, hand hole cover 202
can be removed from water electrolyzer 100 to expose an interior
portion 212 (illustrated infra) of water electrolyzer 100. In one
embodiment, interior portion 212 can be accessed through aperture
210 when hand hole cover 202 is removed. In one embodiment, hand
hole cover 202 can comprise a handle 214. In one embodiment, hand
hole cover 202 can attach to casing 200 by a threading by screwing
hand hole cover 202 into casing 200 or by tension by wedging hand
hole cover 202 into casing 200.
[0051] In one embodiment, hand hole cover 202 can comprise a cap
assembly 218. In one embodiment, cap assembly 218 can be in fluid
connection with interior portion 212 of water electrolyzer 100. In
one embodiment, cap assembly 218 can comprise a cap 219. In one
embodiment, cap 219 can close cap assembly 218 and thereby keep
said fluid connection with interior portion 212 closed. In one
embodiment, hand hole cover 202 can comprise an outlet fitting 220.
In one embodiment, outlet fitting 220 can be in fluid connection
with interior portion 212 of gases 110. In one embodiment, feed
line 108 can connect to outlet fitting 220. In one embodiment,
water electrolyzer 100, air intake system 112 and engine 114 can be
in fluid connection through outlet fitting 220 and feed line
108.
[0052] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can comprise a
first fitting 222 and a second fitting 224. In one embodiment,
cooling system 106 can comprise a first tubing 226 and a second
tubing 228. In one embodiment, second fitting 224 can be in said
side portion 206 near bottom 208 of water electrolyzer 100. In one
embodiment, first fitting 222 can be in top 204 of water
electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, first tubing 226 can attach to
first fitting 222. In one embodiment, second tubing 228 can attach
to second fitting 224. In one embodiment, cooling system 106 can
comprise a closed loop system capable of circulating a portion of
reservoir of water 302 from within interior portion 212 through
cooling system 106 and back into interior portion 212. In one
embodiment, water can pass through second fitting 224, through
second tubing 228, through cooling system 106, through first tubing
226 and into first fitting 222. In one embodiment, a domed liquid
level sight (not illustrated) and sensor 120 can be provided for
maintenance of water electrolyzer 100.
[0053] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a perspective side cross-section
view and an elevated side cross-section view of water electrolyzer
100 showing interior portion 212 and one or more electrode cells
300. In one embodiment, electrode cells 300 can be installed within
a reservoir of water 302 within water electrolyzer 100. In one
embodiment, reservoir of water 302 can comprise a water surface
304. In one embodiment, reservoir of water 302 can comprise an
electrolyte 306. In one embodiment, interior portion 212 can
comprise a headspace 308 above water surface 304. In one
embodiment, gases 110 can collect in headspace 308. In one
embodiment, reservoir of water 302 can comprise a height 309a and
headspace 308 can comprise a height 309b. In one embodiment, height
309a can comprise 80% of interior portion 212.
[0054] In one embodiment, an amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas
produced by water electrolyzer 100 can be proportionally correlated
to the capacitance of electrolyte 306. In one embodiment,
electrolyte 306 can comprise a distilled water. In one embodiment,
distilled water comprises a proper material selection for
electrolyte 306 since distilled water can be capable of controlling
an electrical current.
[0055] In one embodiment, hand hole cover 202 can be removed from
water electrolyzer 100 to access electrode cells 300. In one
embodiment, electrode cells 300 can be installed by removing hand
hole cover 202, inserting electrode cells 300 through aperture 210
and into water electrolyzer 100, attaching electrode cells 300 to a
bottom portion 310 of interior portion 212 of water electrolyzer
100.
[0056] In one embodiment, cap assembly 218 can be opened to remove
or add water to reservoir of water 302, electrolyte 306, gases 110
or other materials as necessary. In one embodiment, gases 110 can
travel through outlet fitting 220 and feed line 108 to air intake
system 112, as discussed supra.
[0057] In one embodiment, a byproduct of the electrolysis process
can comprise an excessive increase of temperature within water
electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, said water electrolyzer system
and water electrolysis method for internal combustion engines can
require said temperature of reservoir of water 302 to remain within
a temperature control range between 42-150 degrees Fahrenheit. In
one embodiment, cooling system 106 can be used to maintain said
temperature control range by circulating a portion of reservoir of
water 302 through cooling system 106. In one embodiment, cooling
system 106 can comprise a recirculation pump, radiator, and cooling
fan. In one embodiment, an additional reservoir can be used for
descaling solution for cleaning said electrode cells 300. In one
embodiment, cooling system 106 can communicate with sensor 120 and
controller 122 to regulate said temperature control range by
reporting a temperature reading from within water electrolyzer 100
to cooling system 106 and engaging cooling system 106 to regulate
said temperature control range. In one embodiment, controller 122
can shut of relay switch 124 if temperature exceeds said
temperature control range.
[0058] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 can comprise one
or more lines 311 comprising one or more positive lines 312 and one
or more negative lines 314. In one embodiment, positive lines 312
can connect positive terminal 116 to a portion of electrode cells
300, and negative lines 314 can connect negative terminal 118 to a
portion of electrode cells 300, as discussed infra. In one
embodiment, positive lines 312 and negative lines 314 can connect
to cell 300 in series or in parallel configurations. In one
embodiment, positive lines 312 and negative lines 314 can comprise
a stranded copper wire. In one embodiment, positive lines 312 and
negative lines 314 can comprise a 12 gauge wire.
[0059] In one embodiment, positive terminal 116 and negative
terminal 118 can each comprise a portion which extends outside of
water electrolyzer 100 and a portion which extends into said
interior portion 212 of water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment,
positive current 117 and negative current 119 can each connect to
said portion which extends outside of water electrolyzer 100 of
positive terminal 116 and negative terminal 118, respectively. In
one embodiment, positive lines 312 and negative lines 314 can each
connect to said portion which extends into said interior portion
212 of water electrolyzer 100 of positive terminal 116 and negative
terminal 118, respectively.
[0060] In one embodiment, water electrolyzer 100 is capable of
regulating a water temperature of reservoir of water 302. In one
embodiment, where said water temperature gets too hot, water
electrolyzer 100 can produce a steam. In one embodiment, said steam
is not a preferred byproduct of water electrolyzer 100. In one
embodiment, controller 122 can engage said cooling system 106 to
cool said reservoir of water 302. In one embodiment, controller 122
can engage cooling system 106 when sensor 120 measures said water
temperature above a threshold level.
[0061] In one embodiment, electrode cells 300 can be separated by
one or more blocks 318. In one embodiment, blocks 318 can comprise
a nonconductive material (such as nylon). In one embodiment, blocks
318 can support electrode cells 300.
[0062] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a perspective front view,
perspective rear view and elevated top view of electrode cells 300.
As shown in FIGS. 3A-4C, electrode cells 300 can comprise three
electrode cells; however, electrode cells 300 there is no
theoretical limit to the number of electrode cells 300 that can be
used within water electrolyzer 100. For purposes of this
disclosure, three are used to illustrate use and functionality of
water electrolyzer 100. In one embodiment, electrode cells 300 can
comprise a first electrode cell 300a, a second electrode cell 300b
and a third electrode cell 300c. Each of electrode cells 300 can
comprise a front portion 401a and a back portion 401b. In one
embodiment, each of electrode cells 300 can comprise one or more
spacers 402, a first plate 404 and a second plate 406. In one
embodiment, first plate 404 and second plate 406 can be attached on
opposing sides of spacer 402. In one embodiment, first plate 404
and second plate 406 can be parallel to one another. In one
embodiment, spacers 402 can comprise a non-conductive material. In
one embodiment, spacers 402 can comprise a thickness 407. In one
embodiment, thickness 407 can comprise an eighth of an inch
(1/8''). In one embodiment, thickness 407 can comprise a sixteenth
of an inch ( 1/16''). In one embodiment, as thickness 407 in
increased, a larger amount of current is necessary for cell 300 to
function. However, in one embodiment, as thickness 407 is decreased
said electrodes of cell 300 are more likely to touch and thereby
short cell 300. Thus, in one embodiment, thickness 407 can be large
enough to facilitate a minimal amount of current without said
electrodes touching.
[0063] In one embodiment, a plurality of cells 300 can be arranged
in with a spacing 408 between them. In one embodiment, spacing 408
can comprise one inch (1'').
[0064] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective exploded side view of one
of electrode cells 300. Spacers 402 can comprise a spacer 402a, a
spacer 402b, a spacer 402c and a spacer 402d. In one embodiment,
spacers 402 can be arranged around one or more corner portions of
electrode cells 300. In one embodiment, spacers 402 can comprise a
plurality of spacers 402 capable of holding first plate 404 and
second plate 406 apart. In one embodiment, first plate 404 and
second plate 406 can attach to spacers 402 with an adhesive. In
another embodiment, first plate 404 and second plate 406 can be
held together and around spacer 402 by wrapping a nonconductive
strap around electrode cells 300. In one embodiment, positive lines
312 can attach to first plate 404 by clipping a portion of positive
lines 312 to first plate 404 with a first clip 502. Likewise, in
one embodiment, negative lines 314 can attach to second plate 406
by clipping a portion of negative lines 314 to second plate 406
with a second clip 504. In one embodiment, first clip 502 can
comprise a material similar to first plate 404. Likewise, in one
embodiment, second clip 504 can comprise a material similar to
second plate 406.
[0065] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective exploded side view of one
of electrode cells 300 with an epoxy coating 506 on first clip 502
and second clip 504. In one embodiment, epoxy coating 506 can
comprise a sealant. In one embodiment, epoxy coating 506 can
comprise a material capable of preventing electric current contact
with electrolyte 306. In one embodiment, a first portion of epoxy
coating 506 coats a portion of positive lines 312 at first plate
404. In one embodiment, a second portion of epoxy coating 506 coats
a portion of negative lines 314 at second plate 406.
[0066] In one embodiment, first clip 502 and second clip 504 can
each be covered with epoxy coating 506 to prevent current from
flowing through first clip 502 or second clip 504 between first
plate 404 and second plate 406. In one embodiment, epoxy coating
506 can comprise a waterproof epoxy sealant. In one embodiment,
said waterproof epoxy sealant can prevent an electrical contact
with reservoir of water 302 or electrolyte 306.
[0067] In one embodiment, first plate 404 can comprise a positive
charge. In one embodiment, first plate 404 can comprise a cathode.
In one embodiment, second plate 406 can comprise a negative charge.
In one embodiment, second plate 406 can comprise an anode. In one
embodiment, first plate 404 can comprise a metal plate. In one
embodiment, first plate 404 said metal plate can comprise titanium
(Ti). In one embodiment, first plate 404 said metal plate can
comprise a material chosen from the refractory group consisting of
Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf and Ta and combinations thereof. In one
embodiment, said metal plate can comprise a coating. In one
embodiment, said coating can comprise a ruthenium (Ru) material. In
one embodiment, said coating can comprise a material from the group
consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Lr, Pi, Ag, Au and combinations
thereof. In one embodiment, said coating can comprise a noble
metal. In one embodiment, second plate 406 can comprise a plate
consisting of either graphite material or stainless steel. In one
embodiment, first plate 404 and second plate 406 can be arranged in
parallel with said spacers 402 between one another.
[0068] Various changes in the details of the illustrated
operational methods are possible without departing from the scope
of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the
activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one
or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the
specific operational environment the method is being implemented
in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended
to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each
other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the
invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the
appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which
such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."
* * * * *