US20110132750A1

US20110132750A1 - Method and apparatus for enhancing combustion in an internal combustion engine through use of a hydrogen generator

Info

Publication number: US20110132750A1
Application number: US12/955,997
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Talarico
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-08
Filing date: 2010-11-30
Publication date: 2011-06-09
Also published as: CA2723220A1

Abstract

The present device a hydrogen generator includes a housing for an electrolytic core, wherein the housing containing electrolyte solution. The electrolytic core includes an inner cathode concentrically oriented inside an outer anode immersed in the electrolyte solution for electrolysis. Additionally a vertically oriented separation pipe concentrically surrounds the upper part of the anode such that there is an overlap portion between the anode and the separation pipe, wherein the separation pipe extending above an electrolyte level. There is also a device for applying electrical power to the anode and cathode to create electrolysis there between which releases hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/267,580 filed Dec. 8, 2009 by Robert Talarico under the title: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCHANCING COMBUSTION IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THROUGH USE OF A HYDROGEN GENERATOR.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines and the use of electrolytic generated hydrogen and oxygen to enhance combustion efficiencies and cleanliness and more particularly to an electrolyser device designed for use in automobiles or other vehicles that produces the requisite amount of hydrogen and oxygen through an electrolysis process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention employs a unique electrolyte cell, combination anode and cathode and gas feed controls in an easily adaptable environment within the fuel system to produce hydrogen gas in an electrolysis process on demand and to enhance combustion without the need for storage tanks and the like in a safe and efficient manner.
The hydrogen generator includes: a housing for an electrolytic core, the housing containing electrolyte solution, wherein the electrolytic core includes an inner cathode concentrically oriented inside an outer anode immersed in the electrolyte solution for electrolysis. It also includes a vertically oriented separation pipe concentrically surrounds the upper part of the anode such that there is an overlap portion between the anode and the separation pipe, wherein the separation pipe extending above an electrolyte level a means for applying electrical power to the anode and cathode to create electrolysis there between which releases hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Preferably wherein the anode and cathode are vertically oriented cylinders.
Preferably wherein the overlap portion between the anode and the separation pipe being at least 10% of the overall length of the anode.
Preferably wherein the separation pipe further includes vent holes located just above the electrolyte level.
Preferably wherein the portion of the separation pipe above the electrolyte level defining an upper portion of the housing for collecting gases therein.
Preferably wherein the anode and cathode being of unequal lengths and partially overlapping along an overlap length.
Preferably wherein the anode being shorter than the cathode such that a cathode non overlap length is along the bottom of the cathode.
Preferably wherein the cathode non overlap length being at least 10% of the length of the cathode.
Preferably wherein the housing being a T shaped housing including a smaller lower portion defining a lower volume and a larger central portion defining a central volume, wherein the smaller lower portion houses electrolyte solution and the electrolytic core and central portion houses electrolyte solution.
Preferably wherein the central volume is at least 50 percent larger than the lower volume.
Preferably wherein the central volume is at least 100 percent larger than the lower volume.
Preferably wherein the housing being a cross shaped housing including a smaller lower portion defining a lower volume, a larger central portion defining a central volume, and an upper portion defining an upper volume for collecting gases, wherein the smaller lower portion houses electrolyte solution and the electrolytic core, and the central portion houses electrolyte solution.
Preferably wherein the portion of the separation pipe above the electrolyte level defining the upper portion of the housing for collecting gases.
Preferably wherein the exterior and interior surface of the anode is coated with tantalum and the interior surface of the anode is additionally coated with platinum.
Preferably wherein the cathode exterior and interior surface is coated with tantalum.
Preferably further including a heating element for heating the electrolyte solution.
Preferably wherein the heating element extending centrally within the separation pipe and the electrolytic core.
Preferably further including are circulating pump in fluid communication with the housing for circulating electrolyte solution through the housing and through a cooling radiator for cooling the electrolyte solution.
Preferably wherein the power means including a power supply connected to a pulse width modulator connected in parallel to a large capacitor for delivering power to the electrolytic core.
Preferably wherein the capacitor is at least 5 farads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen generator together with the gas feed components.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen generator showing schematically the flow of the off gas bubbles.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional elevational view of the anode and cathode configuration.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top end plan view of the anode and cathode showing the various coatings applied to the exterior surfaces.

FIG. 5 is a enlarged schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing the material compositions and coatings of the anode and cathode.

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the hydrogen generator together with the gas feed components.

FIG. 7 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram of the electrical and electronic components used in association with the hydrogen generator.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart showing the steps for coating the anode tube.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart showing an alternate method and steps involved with coating the cathode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present device and method for enhancing combustion in an internal combustion engine through the use of a hydrogen generator is shown generally as hydrogen generator 100 together with gas feed components 103 in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1 the major components of hydrogen generator 100 include electrolytic cell 101 and gas feed components 103. Depending on the application some or all of the gas feed components 103 may be utilized.
Electrolytic cell 101 includes a housing 104 having a lower portion 118, a central portion 114 and an upper portion 110. Electrolytic core 102 includes the anode 124, a cathode 128 which are connected electrically at anode terminal 126 and cathode terminal 130. Anodes 124 and cathode 128 are housed within lower portion 118 whereas separation pipe 112 extends from the top of lower portion 118 all the way to the top of upper portion 110. The portion of the separation pipe 112 above the electrolyte level 134 defines the upper portion 110 of the housing 104 for collecting gases therein.
Lower portion 118 defines a lower volume 120 which essentially is the volume within the lower portion 118 of housing 104. Although not apparent from the drawings tower portion 118 is preferably cylindrical in shape and anode 124 and cathode 128 are preferably concentrically mounted cylinders. Lower portion 118 also includes a removable bottom cap 122 for mounting of the anode 124, cathode 128 as well as anode terminal 126 and cathode terminal 130 therein.
Electrolytic cell 101 also preferably includes a heating element 502 which enters upper portion 110 at a element entry 506 which is sealed off with as seal 504. Heating element 502 extends downwardly and is centrally located within separation pipe 112 and cathode 128 in order to heat the electrolyte when required. Heating element 502 is controlled by a thermistor or a thermocouple 142.
Housing 104 includes a housing jacket 169 which includes at lower portion 118 a bottom cap 122 and core sides 175. Housing jacket 169 further includes in the central portion 114 a bottom wall 171 and a top wall 172 and side walls 177. Housing jacket 169 farther includes in the upper portion 110, upper side walls 179 and top cap 160. In some cases housing 104 may be made of cylinders with the central portion 114 being a cylinder mounted in a horizontal position and the upper portion 110 and lower portion 118 being cylinders mounted in vertical positions, wherein the cylinders are welded or otherwise connected together.
Separation pipe 112 extends and overlaps with anode 124 and cathode 128. In particular the bottom of separation pipe 112 extends below the cathode anode top 125 thereby creating an overlap portion 181 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably overlap portion 181 being at least 10% of the overall length of the anode.
Central portion 114 defines a central volume 116 which houses among other electrolyte solution 132 shown in the diagrams and having electrolyte level 134. The space created between the top of electrolyte level 134 and top wall 172 is shown as free space 135. Separation pipe 112 has defined therein vent holes 148 which provide communication between free space 135 and the interior of separation pipe 112. Electrolyte solution 132 is circulated through electrolytic cell 101 and diverted through cooling pipes 136 and cooling radiator 138 with re-circulating pump 140.
Referring to FIG. 2 electrolyte solution 132 flows as shown by the arrows 166 in FIG. 2.
In addition to circulating electrolytic solution 132, re-circulating pump 140 also passes the electrolyte solution 132 through a cooling radiator 138 shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this manner the temperature of electrolyte solution 132 can be controlled.
Hydrogen generator 100 also includes gas feed components 103 shown in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 6. Gas line 150 is connected near the top of upper portion 110 providing for communication of gases from the top of separation pipe 112 into gas line 150.
Off gas bubbles 170 shown in FIG. 2 are created through electrolysis in electrolytic core 102. Off gas bubbles 170 include hydrogen gas as well as oxygen gas as well as water vapour which percolates upwardly within separation pipe 112 until it reaches the upper portion 110 filling the upper volume 108 with the off gas bubbles 170. This gas then passes through gas line 150. The gases first pass through s vapour filter 508 which sends any entrained water back into housing 104. Vapour filter 508 can be a porous metal filter or other filter systems known in the art which dries the gas prior to proceeding through gas line 150. Flow of gas through gas line 150 is controlled with a needle valve 152, a one way valve 154 and eventually is communicated to the gas outlet 156 which communicates with the intake portion of an internal combustion engine for example. Some or all of these components may not be necessary depending upon the operating set up.
Due to the high amount of vacuum created in internal combustion engines on the intake side of the motor, the amount of vacuum within gas line 150 and ultimately within the upper volume 108 of upper portion 110 of electrolytic cell 101 may be quite significant. Therefore in order to control the electrolysis process and to ensure it proceeds in a uniform and controlled manner a relief valve 146 is mounted onto the upper portion 110 of housing 104 communicating with the upper volume 108 of upper portion 110 thereby allowing air to enter into the upper volume 108 should the vacuum within upper volume 108 exceed a pre-determined value. The negative pressure 168 in the upper volume 108 of upper portion 110 aids the evolution and the movement of off gas bubbles 170 from the lower portion 118 through the central portion 114 and ultimately through to the top of upper portion 110.
In regard to housing 104, the reader will note that the lower portion 118 of housing 104 has a lower width LW 164 defined by core sides 175. The central portion 114 of housing 104 has a central width CW 162 defined by side walls 177 and the upper portion 110 has an upper width UW 160 defined by the upper side walls 179 of housing jacket 169.

Anode and Cathode Configuration

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 which show the arrangement to the cathode relative the anode and the coatings that are used for both the cathode and anode.
Referring to FIG. 3 which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the entire length of the anode and cathode, the reader will note that the anode 124 and cathode 128 are two concentric cylinders mounted one within the other and spaced apart with non-conductive spacers 172. The cathode 128 is somewhat longer and extends significantly lower than the anode 124. FIG. 3 schematically depicts the overlap length 191 which is the length along which the anode 124 and the cathode 128 are positioned in overlap fashion. FIG. 3 also depicts the cathode non overlap length 193 which is the bottom 520 most portion of the cathode 128 which is not mounted in overlap orientation with respect to the anode 124. The cathode non overlap length 193 aids in the circulation of the electrolyte solution 132 through the gap 195 which is the space defined between the anode 124 and the cathode 128. Preferably the cathode non overlap length 193 being at least 10% of the length of the cathode.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the materials used for the anode 124 and the cathode 128 are depicted including the coatings that are applied upon the surfaces of the anode 124 and cathode 128.
The core of both the anode 124 and cathode 128 is preferably stainless steel 180 and 188, however it could be other materials known in the art to be efficient in working as an anode 124 and cathode 128.
Referring first of all to cathode 128 which is the inner most concentric cylinder, stainless steel core 188 is coated with tantalum 190 on the interior and also coated with tantalum 190 on the exterior of cathode 128. Therefore, cathode 128 is completely coated with tantalum on both the interior and exterior surfaces. In some cases it is not necessary to coat the cathode 128.
Referring now to anode 124 which is preferably comprised of a stainless steel core 180 is coated on the exterior surface with tantalum 182, and on the interior surface with tantalum 184 and then further coated with platinum 186 on the interior surface of anode 124.
Therefore, anode 124 ultimately has an exterior surface coating of tantalum 182 and an interior surface coating of platinum 186.
FIG. 8 shows schematically the steps and the method used to coat the anode for example. A stainless steel cylindrical anode 302 is used. Chemical vapour deposition techniques are used to deposit a coating of tantalum onto all exterior and interior surfaces of anode tube step 304.
Step 305 plating platinum onto the interior surface of anode 124 by chemical or physical vapour deposition or electroplating or any other process known in the art which may be suitable.
Therefore in the process schematically shown in flow chart form FIG. 8, anode 124 is first coated with tantalum on both sides using vapour deposition and then is coated with platinum on only the interior surface by either chemical vapour deposition and/or by using an electroplating process. Persons skilled in the art will know that other plating processes such as electroplating or other means may also be used.
FIG. 9 shows in flow chart schematic fashion the method for coating the cathode 128. Preferably the cathode 128 is made of stainless steel tubing which is a stainless steel cylindrical tube which is then subject to the chemical vapour deposition of tantalum onto both the exterior and interior surfaces of the tube resulting in a cathode 128 which is coated on all surfaces with a chemical vapour deposited layer of tantalum.

Electrical Wiring

Referring now to FIG. 7 the electrical wiring is shown schematically in FIG. 7 as electrical wiring 200.
Electrical wiring 200 includes a battery 218 which is normally an automotive battery and/or the vehicle battery which is grounded on one end 220 and power is applied through a circuit breaker 216 and a relay 214 thereby powering the electrical wiring circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 7. Power is applied to radiator fan motors 202 shown as F in FIG. 7, re-circulating pump motors 204 shown as M in FIG. 7, a timer relay shown as 206 together with a thermistor or thermocouple 142 which is mounted in the electrolytic core 102.
Power is further applied to a large capacity capacitor 208 which is grounded at 210 and finally power is applied to the cathode terminal 130 and the anode terminal 126 through the pulse width modulator 137 as shown in the electrical wiring diagram, which in turn applies power to the cathode 128 and anode 124. Capacitor 208 is at least 5 farads in size.
In addition a heating element 502 is controlled with a thermocouple 142 and a relay 206.

In Use

The electrolytic core 102 is comprised of two cylindrical metal tubes namely the anode 124 and the cathode 128. The placement of the tubes is concentric and are held in place with a non-conductive heat and chemical resistant spacers 172. The inner tube preferably being the cathode 128 is longer than the outside tube preferably being the anode 124 at the bottom while they are flush at the cathode anode top 125. The difference in length creates a cathode non overlap length 193 and a overlap length 191 where both the cathode and the anode are in overlap fashion. Preferably the non overlap length 193 is at least five percent (5%) of the overlap length 191, and preferably at least 10% of the over lap length 191. This configuration helps the electrolyte solution 132 to flow more easily into gap 195 which is the space between the cathode 128 and the anode 124. The inventors have found that hydrogen production can be significantly increased by providing for the cathode non overlap length 193 as depicted in FIG. 3 of the drawings, as it will guide and assist the water flow in between the anode and the cathode to flow in more easily.
Both the anode 124 and optionally the cathode 128 are coated entirely with tantalum to avoid oxidation. The tantalum coating shown as 182, 184 and 190 in FIG. 5 is normally a few microns in thickness, usually about 50 microns however it could be somewhat less or somewhat more depending upon the life expectancy required from the cathode 128 and the anode 124. In order to have proper galvanic conductivity through the electrolyte between the electrodes, another conductive metallic layer usually is necessary. In this case a further coating of the interior surface of the anode 124 with the platinum 186 is preferable to aid the conduction process. Normally the bulk of the electrolysis takes place between the inside surface of the anode and the outside surface of the cathode and coating the whole surface of the anode with platinum for example is both unnecessary and costly. In practice it has been found in order to optimize the production of hydrogen and oxygen and to maximize the life of both the cathode and the anode, it is not necessary to apply the platinum metallic layer to either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the cathode.
Electrolytic cell 100 has a cross shaped housing 104 which contains a separation pipe 112 which is oriented vertically and overlaps somewhat with the anode 124 and cathode 128 at the overlap portion 181. Not depicted housing 104 may also be T shaped wherein the upper portion 110 and central portion 114 are of similar dimensions. Preferably however central volume 116 is significantly greater than lower volume 120 and preferably central volume 116 is 50% larger than lower volume 120 and more preferably is 100% larger than lower volume 120. The separation pipe encircles and overlaps the cathode and anode top 125 along the overlap portion 181 and extends to the top of the upper portion 110 of housing 104. Separation pipe 112 includes vent holes 148 to allow for the flow of gases including hydrogen and oxygen gas which is trapped in the free space 135 of the central portion 114 of housing 104. Due to the cross shaped housing 104, the central volume 116 is significantly larger than the lower volume 120 and provides a large reservoir of electrolyte solution 132 to be housed within central volume 116. Therefore, replenishment of electrolytic solution 132 is minimized.
Secondly, circulation of the electrolyte solution 132 through cooling pipe 136, cooling radiator 138 and re-circulating pump 140 is aided by gravity as depicted in FIG. 2. The inlet of the solution is near the upper portion of central portion 114 and the outlet is on the bottom wall 171 of central portion 114. The use of separation pipe 112 channels the evolution of off gas bubbles 170 and helps the flow of electrolyte solution 132 into the lower portion 118 as shown by the arrows 166 in FIG. 2. Rising off gas bubbles 170 will tend to move electrolyte solution 132 upwardly within separation pipe 112 thereby encouraging flow of electrolyte solution 132 downwardly outside of separation pipe 112 as depicted by flow arrow 139. In addition, the use of separation pipe 112 which projects substantially above the electrolyte level 134 ensures that electrolyte solution 132 is not pulled through gas line 150 should there be a strong vacuum or negative pressure 168 in the upper volume 108. In addition, relief valve 146 is included in case of an over negative pressure 168 condition.
The electrolyte is preferably comprised of distilled water and potassium hydroxide and optionally a small amount of denatured alcohol. Other electrolytes may also be suitable such as calcium chloride and small amounts of ethylene carbonate may also be used. Potassium hydroxide acts as a catalyst to induce the electrolytic process and the denatured alcohol is to prevent freezing. If applied in the right concentration of approximately 25% or more by weight, the electrolytic solution won't freeze up to temperatures of −40° Celsius. Alternately the heating element 502 can be used to prevent freezing. Optionally also a small amount of methylene carbonate is added to the solution for its chemical and thermal stabilizing properties. This electrolyte under normal conditions may not need to be replenished in the system since typically it does not degenerate or is used up by the electrolyses process. Usually only water needs to be added from time to time to the electrolytic cell 101.
Capacitor 208 shown in FIG. 7 of the electrical wiring diagram 200 has a very high farad value of approximately 1.5 to 9 farads preferably 6 farads to be able to ensure that the power obtained from an automobiles 12 volt battery and alternator are continuous enough to ensure that hydrogen production can be maintained even during low production periods of electricity from the alternator. Use of the high farad capacitor 208 creates a higher sustained input of power into electrolytic cell 101 without large power fluctuations effecting the operation of the hydrogen generation. The adjustable needle valve 152 regulates the amount of hydrogen gas that enters the cars intake manifold at the gas outlet 156. One way pressure valve 154 allows the hydrogen gas to flow one way into the engine through the throttle body or air intake manifold and prevents hydrogen gas to flow backwards which would decrease efficiency and prevent sparks to enter back into the system.
The adjustable relief valve 146 relieves negative or dead vacuum pressure which increases the flow of hydrogen through gas line 150 to gas outlet 156 and into the engine intake. Relief valve 146 prevents negative vacuum pressure to reduce or stop the delivery of hydrogen through gas line 150 and out through gas outlet 156 and into the engine intake manifold. The vacuum help pulls gas from the upper volume 108 of hydrogen generator 100 and in addition relief valve 146 allows a weak flow of air to pass in from the outside into upper volume 108. This adjustable leak created by relief valve 146 prevents the full force of the vacuum from acting in the upper volume 108, which could stop or severely decrease the delivery of the hydrogen gas to the engine.
It should be apparent to persons skilled in the arts that various modifications and adaptation of this structure described above are possible without departure from the spirit of the invention the scope of which defined in the appended claim.

Claims

1) A hydrogen generator comprising:

a) a housing for an electrolytic core, the housing containing electrolyte solution,

b) the electrolytic core includes an inner cathode concentrically oriented inside an outer anode immersed in the electrolyte solution for electrolysis,

c) a vertically oriented separation pipe concentrically surrounds the upper part of the anode such that there is an overlap portion between the anode and the separation pipe, wherein the separation pipe extending above an electrolyte level,

d) a means for applying electrical power to the anode and cathode to create electrolysis there between which releases hydrogen and oxygen gases.

2) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the anode and cathode are vertically oriented cylinders.

3) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the overlap portion between the anode and the separation pipe being at least 10% of the overall length of the anode.

4) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the separation pipe further includes vent holes located just above the electrolyte level.

5) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of the separation pipe above the electrolyte level defining an upper portion of the housing for collecting gases therein.

6) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the anode and cathode being of unequal lengths and partially overlapping along an overlap length.

7) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the anode being shorter than the cathode such that a cathode non overlap length is along the bottom of the cathode.

8) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 7 wherein the cathode non overlap length being at least 10% of the length of the cathode.

9) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing being a T shaped housing including a smaller lower portion defining a lower volume and a larger central portion defining a central volume, wherein the smaller lower portion houses electrolyte solution and the electrolytic core and central portion houses electrolyte solution.

10) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 9 wherein the central volume is at least 50 percent larger than the lower volume.

11) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 9 wherein the central volume is at least 100 percent larger than the lower volume.

12) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing being a cross shaped housing including a smaller lower portion defining a lower volume, a larger central portion defining a central volume, and an upper portion defining an upper volume for collecting gases, wherein the smaller lower portion houses electrolyte solution and the electrolytic core, and the central portion houses electrolyte solution.

13) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 12 wherein the portion of the separation pipe above the electrolyte level defining the upper portion of the housing for collecting gases.

14) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the exterior and interior surface of the anode is coated with tantalum and the interior surface of the anode is additionally coated with platinum.

15) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 14 wherein the cathode exterior and interior surface is coated with tantalum.

16) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 2 further including a heating element for heating the electrolyte solution.

17) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 16 wherein the heating element extending centrally within the separation pipe and the electrolytic core.

18) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 further including are circulating pump in fluid communication with the housing for circulating electrolyte solution through the housing and through a cooling radiator for cooling the electrolyte solution.

19) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the power means including a power supply connected to a pulse width modulator connected in parallel to a large capacitor for delivering power to the electrolytic core.

20) The hydrogen generator claimed in claim 1 wherein the capacitor is at least 5 farads.