GB2461264A - An electrolysis cell with an integral homopolar generator - Google Patents

An electrolysis cell with an integral homopolar generator Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2461264A
GB2461264A GB0811478A GB0811478A GB2461264A GB 2461264 A GB2461264 A GB 2461264A GB 0811478 A GB0811478 A GB 0811478A GB 0811478 A GB0811478 A GB 0811478A GB 2461264 A GB2461264 A GB 2461264A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
housing
electrolysis
machine according
rotor
generator
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Application number
GB0811478A
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GB0811478D0 (en
Inventor
Philip John Whitley
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to GB0811478A priority Critical patent/GB2461264A/en
Publication of GB0811478D0 publication Critical patent/GB0811478D0/en
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Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01Products
    • C25B1/02Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/30Cells comprising movable electrodes, e.g. rotary electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/02Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form
    • C25B11/034Rotary electrodes
    • C25B9/04
    • C25B9/125
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/60Constructional parts of cells
    • C25B9/65Means for supplying current; Electrode connections; Electric inter-cell connections
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D21/00Processes for servicing or operating cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D21/10Agitating of electrolytes; Moving of racks
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25DPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D21/00Processes for servicing or operating cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D21/12Process control or regulation
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02KDYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K31/00Acyclic motors or generators, i.e. DC machines having drum or disc armatures with continuous current collectors
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02KDYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K31/00Acyclic motors or generators, i.e. DC machines having drum or disc armatures with continuous current collectors
    • H02K31/02Acyclic motors or generators, i.e. DC machines having drum or disc armatures with continuous current collectors with solid-contact collectors
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A watertight housing 1 contains a rotor assembly 2 consisting of a homopolar (also known as an acyclic or unipolar) generator 3, and its associated magnet 4. An electrode plate 5 and 6 is fixed to, and in electrical contact with, each of the output points of the Homopolar generator. The entire rotor assembly is free to rotate within the housing, supported by bearings 8, and driven by a motor 9 or similar. The generator is insulated from the motor/driveshaft assembly by an insulating bush 10. A gas outlet 11 is provided at the top of the housing and an electrolyte inlet with a means of maintaining the electrolyte level 12 may be situated as shown or elsewhere. A gas and electrolyte seal 13 is fitted to maintain the integrity of the housing. When the motor or drive is operational, the current flows through the electrolyte and the electrolysis process begins. The device may also be used for electroplating purposes.

Description

Electrolysis machine
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of electrolysis of a fluid in order to reduce it to its elemental constituents or otherwise affect it by means of the application of an electrical current. The main aim of this invention is to produce a controllable output of oxygen and Hydrogen produced from the electrolysis of water, and to use these gases mixed or separately to operate fuel cell type vehicles and also in existing combustion engines and heating applications. There are many other industrial and chemical processes involving electrical current flowing through an electrolyte such as electro-plating, one example of which is given, where this invention may also find an application. When implemented on a large scale the present invention could be used in a combined desalination plant and power station where the combustion of the gas products would produce pure water and energy for the generation of electricity.
Background to the Invention
A wide range of devices have been constructed for performing the electrolysis process each having its own advantages and disadvantages. It is an aim of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise.
In its simplest form electrolysis consists of the immersion of a pair of conductive electrodes into a container of a fluid (the electrolyte) and passing a current through the fluid. When the current flows between the electrodes constituent gasses can be seen collecting on the electrodes, and increasing the current flow increases the reduction of the electrolyte into its constituent gases. Seefigure 1 for
example and description.
Experimentation by others has shown that the best type of power supply for this process is a low Voltage, high Amperage supply.
The Homopolar generator, invented by Michael Faraday (See figure 2 for example), can fulfil the power requirements of this process but has one serious disadvantage in that the pickup brushes required to obtain the output from the generator are very inefficient at low voltages combined with high currents and thus this type of generator has found very few uses..
The present invention eliminates this disadvantage by immersing the Homopolar generator in the electrolyte and attaching the electrodes directly to the generator output points. It also provides a means of varying the output of the electrolyser so that output may be matched to demand when the electrolyser is used to directly power a combustion engine or heating application.
PAGE 2 Electrolysis machine
Detailed Description
Please refer to Figure3 and 3A (Individual components have the same identification number in all illustrations) Rotor in the basic version of the present invention shown in figure 3, the rotor(2) contains at its centre a Homopolar or similar electrical generator(3) consisting of an electrically conducting disc of copper, brass or similar conducting material mounted on a shaft of a similar conducting material. A conducting electrode(6) of stainless steel or other material to suit the particular electrolyte or process is attached to the disc so as to be in electrical contact with the outside circumference of the disc, contact at any other point being prevented by the insulating sleeve(7). The magnet(4) is attached to the back of the disc and isolated from the electrolyte by an insulating sleeve(7). At the opposite end of the rotor shaft another conducting electrode(5) is attached to the shaft so as to be in electrical contact with the outside surface of the shaft. The shaft is connected to an insulating bush(1O) the opposite end of which is connected to a motor(9) or a driveshaft if indirect drive is required. The Homopolar generator is thus entirely enclosed in an insulating and electrolyte proof shield thus ensuring that the output from the Homopolar generator is transmitted to the electrolyte only via the conducting electrodes (5 and 6).
Figure 3A shows the basic version of the electrolyser with extra electrode discs Interspersed between the two main conducting electrodes(5 and 6). These electrode discs may be inserted to vary the capacitive effect of the electrolyser, thus varying the output and efficiency should this be necessary.
These electrode discs are fitted to the outside of the insulating sleeve and are not necessarily in electrical contact with the Homopolar generator or each other.
The rotor is carried in suitable bearings(8) the upper having a seal(13) in order to prevent the escape of electrolyte or gasses. In the basic electrolyser output is controlled by variation in the speed of rotation of the rotor and can also be affected by varying the number and position of intermediate electrode plates.
Housing The rotor housing(1) can be made of any suitable material, and is fitted with an outlet point for the gasses(11) and an inlet point with a means of maintaining the required electrolyte level(12).
PAGE 3 Electrolysis machine version 2
Detailed description
Please refer to Figure 4 (Individual components have the same identification number in all illustrations) The electrolyser in figure 4 retains the same basic layout as the basic version (figure 3/3A) with the following modifications to increase the range of dynamic output control available. The fixed magnet(4 in figure 3) is removed and the magnetic field for the Homopolar generator is supplied by an energising coil or coils(15) fitted to the underside of the electrolyser. In this version it is essential that the electrolyser housing(1) is made of a material which does not affect the magnetic field, and is in effect magnetically transparent. The output and operational parameters of the electrolyser may be changed by changing the electrical characteristics of, and the amount of current flowing in the coil or coils(15). It is also envisaged that dynamic control of the internal process within the electrolyser may be obtained by electromagnetic coils affixed to other parts of the electrolyser housing(1) which may be used to change the internal magnetic field characteristics of the electrolyser in order to enhance the output or otherwise affect the process occurring within the electrolyser. These coils may be fitted as a single coil surrounding the housing or a more complex array of multiple coils designed to meet the requirements of a specific process of electrolysis. An example of this type of coil(14) is shown in figure 4.
Figure 5 shows a section through the electrolyser and has been simplified by the omission of the intermediate electrode plates and other incidental components to aid clarity and is included here to aid visualisation of the general component layout.
PAGE 4 Electrolysis machine version 3
Detailed description
Please refer to figure 6 (Individual components have the same identification number in all illustrations) Horizontal electrolyser for the production of separate gasses This version of the present invention includes the same basic components as those previously explained and illustrated with the added advantage of producing separate electrolysis gasses.
The rotor assembly(2) is mounted horizontally in the housing(1) and is provided with two seals(13) on the centre portion of the rotor shaft. These seals are mounted in the walls(18 and 19) of a labyrinth which prevents the gas produced at electrode plate(6) of the electrolyser mixing with the gas produced at electrode plate(5) but maintains a path of electrical current flow between the electrode plates (5 and 6). Any gasses which manage to pass the labyrinth seal can be extracted from outlet(16) as mixed gas or waste. The two main gas outlets are shown as(11). The driveshaft(17) may be connected to a motor or other means of rotation. All other components are similar to the previous versions of the electrolyser and use the same identification numbers as follows.
(1) Housing (2) Rotor (3) Homopolar generator (4) Permanent magnet (where fitted) (5) Electrode plate (6) Electrode plate (7) Insulating sleeve (8) Bearing (9) Motor (where fitted) (10) Insulating Bush (11) Gas Outlet (12) Electrolyte inlet (13) Seal (14) Control coil (where fitted) (15) Energising coil (16) Mixed or waste gas outlet.
(17) Driveshaft (18) Labyrinth seal (19)Labyrinth seal PAGE 5 Electroplating unit
Detailed description
Please refer to figure 7 (Individual components have the same identification number in all illustrations) Horizontal electroplating bath In this application of the present invention an electrically conductive frame(A) is attached to electrode plate(s) on which components to be plated can be attached either directly or placed in conductive wire baskets attached to the frame. Electrode plate(5) is sheathed in insutation(7C) to ensure that the electrolyte only comes into contact with the conductive frame and the components attached thereto. A sacrificial electrode(B) made from the metal to be deposited on the components is attached to electrode plate(6). When the rotor turns in the magnetic field supplied either by a permanent or electro magnet current flows between the sacrificial electrode(B) and the components attached to the conductive frame(A) and metal is deposited from the sacrificial electrode onto the components.
PAGE 6 Key To Drawings (Figures 1 and 2) Figure 1 Basic Electrolysis The process of electrolysis can be defined as a means of producing chemical changes through reactions at electrodes in contact with an electrolyte by the passage of an electric current. In the above illustration the container is filled with the electrolyte and the electrodes are placed in two upended test tubes filled with electrolyte. The electrolyte can be any fluid which will conduct electrical current. If, for instance, the above electrolyte is water, which has had chemicals added to it to increase its electrical conductivity, the results of electrolysis will be Hydrogen and oxygen. Electrolysis cells, also known as electrochemical cells, generally consist of two electrodes connected to an external source of electricity (a power supply or battery) and immersed in a liquid that can conduct electricity through the movement of ions. Reactions occur at both electrode-solution interfaces because of the flow of electrons. Reduction reactions, where substances add electrons, occur at the electrode called the cathode; oxidation reactions, where species lose electrons, occur at the other electrode, the anode. Electrodes are typically constructed of metals (such as platinum or steel) or carbon. Electrolytes usually consist of salts dissolved in either water or a non-aqueous solvent, or they are molten salts.
Figure 2 Faraday Homopolar Generator In the above illustration the disc and the shaft it is mounted on are made from electrically conducting materials such as brass or copper. When the disc is rotated, and subjected to a magnetic field either by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, current flows between the pickup brushes. It has been found that this occurs regardless of whether the magnet rotates with the disc or is stationary.

Claims (10)

  1. Page 7 Claims 1) A rotor with an electrical generator within the rotor which produces electrical current flow between electrode plates when rotated in a magnetic field.
  2. 2) An electrolysis machine containing at least one rotor according to claim 1 contained in a housing and supported on bearings or other support systems which enable it to rotate within the housing.
  3. 3) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the electrical generator may be energised by at least one permanent magnet within the rotor.
  4. 4) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the electrical generator may be energised by at least one permanent magnet situated outside the housing.
  5. 5) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the electrical generator may be energised by at least one permanent magnet situated outside the housing and controlled by varying the distance between the magnet and the generator.
  6. 6) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the electrical generator may be energised and controlled by at least one electromagnet situated outside the housing.
  7. 7) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the output may be controlled by varying the electrical characteristics and the amount of electrical current flowing through the electromagnets.
  8. 8) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the output of the unit may be varied by adding or removing or varying the position of intermediate electrode plates attached to the rotor.
  9. 9) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the gasses produced by electrolysis may be mixed internally and be extracted from a single outlet in the housing.
  10. 10) An electrolysis machine according to claim 2 where the gasses produced by electrolysis may be prevented from mixing internally and be extracted from separate outlets in the housing 11) An electroplating bath containing a rotor according to claim 1 where the current developed between the electrode plates is used for the electrical deposition of coatings on items placed within it.
GB0811478A 2008-06-23 2008-06-23 An electrolysis cell with an integral homopolar generator Withdrawn GB2461264A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0811478A GB2461264A (en) 2008-06-23 2008-06-23 An electrolysis cell with an integral homopolar generator

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GB0811478A GB2461264A (en) 2008-06-23 2008-06-23 An electrolysis cell with an integral homopolar generator

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GB2461264A true GB2461264A (en) 2009-12-30

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2563478A (en) * 2017-06-16 2018-12-19 Jackson John A device and variants for electroylsts
GB2621115A (en) * 2022-07-29 2024-02-07 Viridis Navitas Ip Ltd Electrolysis apparatus

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2710371A (en) * 1952-11-25 1955-06-07 Hugo C Gollmer Electrochemical motor
JPS4824696B1 (en) * 1967-11-22 1973-07-23
US4201635A (en) * 1977-12-21 1980-05-06 Bbc Brown Boveri & Company Limited Method and apparatus for carrying out an electrolysis process
RU2074485C1 (en) * 1994-06-07 1997-02-27 Санкт-Петербургский государственный морской технический университет Unipolar electric motor
US6005322A (en) * 1998-04-08 1999-12-21 Isaak; Mark Frank Integrated fuel cell electric motor
RU2201648C2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2003-03-27 Санкт-Петербургский государственный морской технический университет Electrochemical motor

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2710371A (en) * 1952-11-25 1955-06-07 Hugo C Gollmer Electrochemical motor
JPS4824696B1 (en) * 1967-11-22 1973-07-23
US4201635A (en) * 1977-12-21 1980-05-06 Bbc Brown Boveri & Company Limited Method and apparatus for carrying out an electrolysis process
RU2074485C1 (en) * 1994-06-07 1997-02-27 Санкт-Петербургский государственный морской технический университет Unipolar electric motor
US6005322A (en) * 1998-04-08 1999-12-21 Isaak; Mark Frank Integrated fuel cell electric motor
RU2201648C2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2003-03-27 Санкт-Петербургский государственный морской технический университет Electrochemical motor

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2563478A (en) * 2017-06-16 2018-12-19 Jackson John A device and variants for electroylsts
GB2563436A (en) * 2017-06-16 2018-12-19 Jackson John A device for electrolysis
GB2563436B (en) * 2017-06-16 2023-12-06 Jackson John A device for electrolysis
GB2563478B (en) * 2017-06-16 2023-12-06 Jackson John A device and variants for electrolysis
GB2621115A (en) * 2022-07-29 2024-02-07 Viridis Navitas Ip Ltd Electrolysis apparatus

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Publication number Publication date
GB0811478D0 (en) 2008-07-30

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