WO2011155854A1

WO2011155854A1 - System and method for onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases

Info

Publication number: WO2011155854A1
Application number: PCT/PH2011/000008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominic N. Chung Jr.
Original assignee: Chung Dominic N Jr
Priority date: 2010-06-10
Filing date: 2011-06-03
Publication date: 2011-12-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of preferably water-derived hydrogen and oxygen ion gases. The system aspect the invention comprises of a water electrolyzer, a gas conditioning means for safely domesticating or taming the extracted hydrogen gas, a conditioned gas outlet means in communication with the gas conditioning means, and at least a safety mechanism for preventing any hydrogen gas flashback occurrences. Operating in a sequential multi-stage set-up within a hermetically sealed environment, the conditioning means comprises, in order of succession, at least a gas cooling unit, a gas purifying and scrubbing unit, a pressure- controlled and mix ratio-regulated air and gas mixing unit, and a final gas conditioning and scrubbing unit that lets the resulting air and gas mixture to pass through or mix with a non-flammable application-dictated conditioning fluid. The system is capable of safely controlling and handling hydrogen ion gas for fuel use in cooking, heating, welding, engine fuel enhancements, and any hydrogen-related applications. Further, the method aspect of the invention generally comprises the steps of: generating the aforementioned mix of gases; conditioning the mix of gases for safe handling and optimal utilization through a multi-stage conditioning means consisting of a series of pressure and temperature-controlled purifying and scrubbing processes using water, air and non-flammable liquid or oil; and utilizing the safe-to-use conditioned gas mix.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONSITE ON-DEMAND PRODUCTION AND INSTANT UTILIZATION OF A SAFELY USABLE CONDITIONED MIX OF WATER-DERIVED HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN GASES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to producing a conditioned fuel and utilization thereof to fuel reformation, conditioning and utilization and more particularly to a system and method for continuous onsite and on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases preferably derived from different types of clean water including sea water purposely for applications and utilities such as general heating, burning, welding, brazing, cooking, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a widely known knowledge and accepted belief that hydrogen extraction from water is uneconomically impractical due to existing scientific principles and interpretation stating that the energy needed to extract hydrogen from water is more than that obtained or derived from the extracted hydrogen gas. This is seemingly a fact that is universally recognized and accepted by most, if not all concerned stakeholders, especially the academe. However, as can be discerned from concerned equations in this field, there are certain variables that are often not considered as significant factors in determining an energy-generating system's efficiency. For instance, a machine is always operating at a loss due to the presence of gravitational and frictional loads. If these two loss-causing loads or factors were eliminated or somehow significantly reduced by applying other energy-generating or compensating factors, then such equations or laws may work as a tool for determining how significant are the comparative levels of energy loss reduction vis-a-vis energy gain augmentation.

It would seem to be an open-minded and practical approach not to overly delve on an ideal ultra-high or perfect system's efficiency, but to simply focus on attaining a doable optimum efficiency that is practically and significantly higher than those of the present and prior art. The added efficiency of harnessing the hydrogen gas energy can positively be derived from a gas conditioning liquid, ambient air pressure influencing that of the gas, and a catalytic heating effect from the reaction of the conditioned flame and a particular type of metal or material in contact therewith. Further, it is practically possible to achieve an ideal power to amperage ratio on an electrolytic cell where it is able to give a fair amount of Faraday efficiency-rating without building up too much heat or losing much gas production.

Aside from the gas production and utilization efficiency issue, hydrogen, since it was discovered and the methods of electrolysis was developed and improved throughout the century, has not been commercially and successfully used as fuel in gas stoves or cooking devices for domestic applications due mainly to safety or practicality issues and concerns. Hydrogen mixed with oxygen has a flame speed 7 times much faster than the speed of sound, which makes this type of gas mix difficult to handle at any given pressure, especially at lower pressures or when switching the extraction or electrolysis operation off. In fact, LPG (liquified petroleum gas) or gasoline burns a lot slower than hydrogen due to its long hydrocarbon molecular string. In handling or using hydrogen, its explosive tendency and flashback occurrences have often been a concern that has to be resolved. Thus, there is a need to safely control and handle hydrogen gases, most especially for domestic use.

Notwithstanding its aforestated flashback tendency and its being difficult to handle and store, hydrogen in its gaseous state is one of the lightest element in the universe with a weight 14 times less than that of ambient air, making it an ideal gas for utility and domestic use as it is relatively a safer gas to store or use (in an on-demand basis) in case of a leakage occurrence compared with other heavy gases like LPG or natural gas which is heavier than air. The latter gas poses a fire hazard in case of a gas leak because it settles at the lowest elevation at the leakage area. Moreover, the use of hydrogen as fuel, being the most abundant non-toxic element in the universe, would make sense if energy supply sustainability and mitigation to global warming are to be considered of important concern. The inexhaustible nature of hydrogen allows and encourages a limitless room for improvement for humanity to explore better technologies that will improve and help tap natural non-toxic and non-harmful energy resources. Further, hydrogen is also one of the most powerful element in its ionic mono atomic energy state or early unstable state until its diffusion into the atmosphere.

With the foregoing, understanding the nature, characteristics, properties, usefulness, potentials, and all important information about hydrogen would be most advantageous and beneficial to all in terms of safe energy production and utilization.

Since hydrogen fuel cells are merely the reverse of electrolysis based cells and both systems have the same physical levels of efficiency, on-site and on-demand electrolysis systems could really become a more viable, reasonable and practical solution to the aforesaid hydrogen-related issues and problems. However, it is more on the safety and ergonomic rather than the efficiency concerns that the challenge to come up with a system that is capable of domesticating, taming and/or safely handling, controlling and conditioning hydrogen ion gas or mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases is primarily directed and rests upon. Such system should be able to make the hydrogen gas safe and controllable to use by the normal household, commercial or even industrial operator or user, without needing to use any other complicated devices.

It is thus critical to give importance to the type of material for each and every component of the system to ascertain that certain thermal and strength requirements including those that relate to environmental protection are effectively met. Specifically, the gas conditioning liquid to be used in the system has to be non-toxic, non-polluting and harmless like water and non-flammable plant based oil. With the main output gases being mainly hydrogen and oxygen ion gases, blending same with few amount of non-toxic, non-polluting hydrocarbon based liquid or oil would result in a conditioned gas mix that is safe and practical to use. In its unburned state, this conditioned gas mix would return to the atmosphere where high quality oxygen and hydrogen are much needed. In its burned state, the resulting output would be mainly water vapor.

The problem of potent backflash associated with conventional electrolysis has to be effectively addressed to ensure efficient, safe and worry-free production and utilization of hydrogen ion gas.

The foregoing drawbacks and shortcomings of the existing art and technology are the main challenges that the present invention has successfully overcome as discussed in details in the succeeding disclosure and description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art by providing a system and method for onsite on- demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases, preferably water-derived, that is capable of safely controlling and handling hydrogen ion gas for fuel use in cooking, heating, etc. The system mainly comprises of a water electrolyzer, a gas conditioning means for safely domesticating or taming the extracted hydrogen gas, a conditioned gas outlet means in communication with the gas conditioning means, and at least a safety mechanism for preventing any hydrogen gas flashback occurrence. Operating in a sequential multi-stage set-up within a hermetically sealed environment, the conditioning means comprises, in order of succession, at least a gas cooling unit, a gas purifying and scrubbing unit, a pressure- controlled and mix ratio-regulated air and gas mixing unit, and a final gas conditioning and scrubbing unit that lets the resulting air and gas mixture pass through or mix with a non-flammable application-dictated conditioning fluid.

On the other hand, the method aspect of the invention comprises the sequential continuous steps of: (1) generating mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases by dissociation or ionization means, preferably water electrolysis; (2) conditioning the mix of gases, which is first being cooled, for its safe handling and optimal utilization through a multi-stage gas conditioning means that includes therein the sub-steps of: (a) purifying and scrubbing the mix of gases, (b) mixing the scrubbed mix of gases with a calibrated injected air resulting in a pressure-controlled and regulated air and gas mix, and (c) finally conditioning and scrubbing the air and gas mix through a non-flammable conditioning fluid; and (3) utilizing the resulting safe-to-use conditioned gas mix through a gas outlet means having at least a safety mechanism or means for preventing any gas flashback occurrences.

In general, it is the main teaching of the invention to have the unconditioned freshly electrolyzed hydrogen and oxygen gas mix (which is still highly explosive, unstable and unsafe to use for cooking or heating) pass through a series of conditioning stages provided with scrubbers and conditioning chambers, transforming it into a more domesticated gas that is domestically suitable and safe to use even at high pressure output. The conditioning process involves an ambient clean and conditioned air injected by a module which is calibrated to a preset proportional ratio with respect to the hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (02) ion gas production. Both air and gases or mix of air-gas is subjected into a final conditioning chamber using non-flammable fluid or liquid such as coconut oil where the gas mix is transformed into a more suitable fuel gas for the required application like cooking, heating, welding, automotive fuel blending, etc. The heating or cooking application requires a specially designed heat transfer media, i.e. heating plate, in order to manage and utilize heat energy to its maximum efficiency.

The system allows a modular design for its apparatus and all safety factors are considered in the over-all design from the filler cap to the stages of power conversion and fuel conditioning and up to the actual application parameter or extension devices.

With the invention, hydrogen gas as fuel is basically and controllably domesticated or tamed for the safe and efficient use in the domestic household. It is therefore the primary object of the invention to provide a continuous system and method for onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases that is capable of providing a safely and efficiently usable instantly produced/electrolyzed and conditioned/domesticated hydrogen-oxygen or oxy- hydrogen mix for household or commercial use in applications such as heating, cooking, welding, automotive fuel enhancement, among others.

Another object thereof is to provide a system and method for onsite on- demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases that is capable of providing a highly effective, efficient, abundant, and environmentally eco-friendly source of energy especially for hydrogen-related applications/uses.

Still another object thereof is to provide a system and method for onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases that is economically and practically much simplified, easier and more economical to use and maintain, and most of all, safest and most efficient to use, thus, much more advantageous to manufacture and/or commercially engage with. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention are better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a preferred system embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interconnection of components and flow of operation thereof;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view thereof showing the actual appearance of flames produced thereby;

FIG. 4 is another schematic block diagram showing in more detail the elements or components thereof;

FIG. 5 is a basic material flow diagram showing the gas conditioning aspect thereof;

FIG. 6 is a comparative schematic representation of the flames produced thereby and by the prior art;

FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram thereof showing the sequential steps of a preferred method embodiment or aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the position or location of a water filter thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the phraseologies and terminologies employed herein are for purposes of description only to support an enabling disclosure, thus should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals designate the same parts or elements all throughout the description, there is shown in FIG. 1 a continuous system for onsite, on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases generally designated by reference numeral 10, mainly comprising a means 11 for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G preferably through ionization or dissociation of water W supplied from external and internal water sources 12a and 12b, respectively, which operates by a power source P; and a gas conditioning means 13 for controlling and eliminating hydrogen gas flame speed and explosion tendency, respectively, that operates in a sequential multi-stage set-up. The means 13 comprises, in combination, at least a gas cooling unit 13a, a gas purifying and scrubbing unit 13b, a pressure- controlled and mix ratio-regulated air and gas mixing unit 13c, and a final gas conditioning and scrubbing unit 13d that lets the resulting air and gas mixture AG to pass through or mix with a non-flammable application-dictated conditioning fluid L. All these units are being sequentially interconnected in order, i.e. one after the other in series arrangement, within the system 10 that is in a hermetically sealed close state. Also part of the main elements is a conditioned gas outlet means 14 that is in communication with the gas conditioning means 13, and has at least a safety mechanism 15 for preventing any hydrogen gas flashback occurrence or accidental explosion.

The air and gas mixing unit 13c preferably utilizes ambient air A being scrubbed and controllably injected into an air-water chamber 16 thereof by a calibrated or metered air injection unit 17 provided thereto. The air injection unit 17 is either manually or automatically, preferably electrically, controlled whereby the chamber pressure during gas scrubbing or mixing process is adjustably controlled by the water pressure or level that serves as a pressure equalizer/stabilizer and calibration indicator 18 relative to the air-gas mix AG ratio regulation. The resulting calibrated air-gas mix AG undergoes final conditioning in the gas conditioning and scrubbing unit 13d in which the non- flammable conditioning fluid L is preferably a hydrocarbon based liquid or oil such as coconut oil, vegetable oil, plant based oil, tap or distilled water, or any organic based liquid or oil, and any combination thereof.

While the invention is primarily directed to the safety-dictated conditioning aspects of the ion gases G, the means 11 for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G has still important bearing thereto. Hence, it is relevant to indicate that the means 11 is preferably in a form of a water electrolyzer 11a using electrolysis for the dissociation of water W. As an option, a methanol based hydrogen fuel reformer or any suitable hydrogen and oxygen gas extractor (not shown) can also be adapted without departing from the teaching of the invention. While it is easier to derive hydrogen from a methanol reformer using pre-heated catalysts, it is still a preference of this invention to use the electrolysis process for safety, economical and material abundance purposes.

Dissociation of water by electrolysis produces the mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases AG, also known as "oxy-hydrogen" enriched gas mix. This process effects the full reformation of water from its non-combustible liquid state to a highly combustible and implosive diatomic-gas state through a universal (general form of AC - rectified DC electrolysis) hydrogen generating process, applying electricity to a clean tap, distilled or sea water W with a small amount of electrolyte (excluding sea water) that is normally a determined small harmless amount of potassium hydroxide or any other suitable electrolyte solution for the alkaline group to provide good water conductivity and amperage or current draw.

The gas purifying and scrubbing unit 13b includes therein a condenser or condensation chamber 19a that serves as a water trap and electrolyte recycler or water recirculator 19b in which the cooled generated or electrolyzed mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases AG is purified and/or scrubbed leaving out water steam droplets, condensed water or other impurities that are recirculated into the means 11 for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases or electrolyzer 11a.

Shown in FIG. 8 is a water filter 19c provided in between the means 11 for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G, preferably the electrolyzer 11a, and the gas conditioning means 13, particularly the gas purifying and scrubbing unit 13b and/or the pressure-controlled and mix ratio- regulated air and gas mixing unit 13c, passing through a set of the check and gate valves 22a. The water filter 19c is serviceable with nylon or any suitable material membranes and through another set of the check and gate valves 22a before going into the electrolytic cell of the electrolyzer 11a. Preferably, this setup is applicable to units with water electrolyzers 11a only, most especially those that utilize sea water system.

The external water source 12a includes a water reservoir 20 with a filler tank 20b that functions not only as a water supply unit but also as a heat exchanger 20a for cooling the electrolyzed ion gases G, which actually also forms part of the gas cooling unit 13a.

Preferably, the system 10 has the gas outlet means 14 thereof being in forms or a form that is adaptable to a wide range of applications such as cooking, oven baking, soldering, welding, brazing, material cutting, polishing, room air heating, water heating, cable stripping, casting, toxic and radioactive waste disposal and neutralization, ambient air enhancement, water desalination, concrete glazing, internal or external combustion engine fuel enhancement, or any applications using conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases AG. For its specific burning applications such as cooking, oven baking, heating, grilling, soldering, brazing, and polishing, among others, the gas outlet means 14 preferably includes therein a conditioned gas flame controller and enhancer in a form of a heating plate 21 mounted on a pre-determined height above the flame F such that when heated by the flame F, the resulting hot plate 21 absorbs thermal energy with some catalytic effect derived from the plate material such as copper, stainless and cast iron, among others. The flame F produced from the orifice outfit is user-controllable with visibility, opacity, luminescence and color that are proportionately manifested in the degree of intensity and thermal flame output. Actually, the need to have the heating plate 21 in place is the fact that the flame F produced has minimal thermal radiation which requires a solid peripheral solid component or medium to enhance the flame's thermal radiation, capacitance, absorption and physical heat radiance.

The flame F produced by the air-gas mix AG or simply the oxy-hydrogen gas mix G is much efficient and stronger than that of an LPG flame F' as comparatively shown in FIG. 6. The heat path of the oxy-hydrogen flame F is dense and concentrated at target point while that of the LPG is scattered and radiated all around the flame sides including the bottom area. With the flame F, there is no or significantly less heat wasted since no radiated heat at the sides or bottom portion of the flame, and less energy is needed to transfer heat directly to target or the spot / area to be heated, whereas with the LPG flame F', there is a lot of wasted unutilized heat being leaked all around its flame amounting to about 75%. On the other hand, in the welding application, the welded material serves already as the catalyst by itself. Further, if the conditioned air-gas mix AG is unignited, the system produces an air enhancement system ideal for rooms with ambient temperature.

The safety mechanism 15 is in forms of pipeline check and gate valves

22a and flashback arrestors 22b, a safety-dictated overall system operation that is dependent on the operation of the air and gas mixing unit 13c or air injection unit 17 that cannot be turned off if the system 10 or electrolyzer 11a is still running/operating to ensure no gas G is left unconditioned, and a system leak detection and deactivation switching control means (not specifically shown) in case of gas leakage and system malfunctioning so designed to automatically actuate the electrically actuatable aspect of the mechanism 15.

For purposes of the invention, the power source P is primarily derived from any form of energy or fuel sources such as electrical, mechanical, solar, hydro, geothermal, aero, fossil or any combination thereof.

The following is a more detailed description on the operational features of the system 10 with focus on the gas conditioning and utilization aspects thereof. After the water W is electrolyzed, the ion gas mix G produced is then conditioned or processed through a series of gas scrubbers 23 and conditioning chambers, one of which is the air-water chamber 16 into which ambient air A is injected from an air chamber 24 connected thereto via a level equalizing / proportioning line or channel 16b. The air-gas mix AG is a result of the injection or introduction of a proportional ratio or amount of ambient air A into the chamber 16. The air-gas mix AG is then made to pass through directed agitation with the non-flammable hydrocarbon based fluid or liquid L of choice, immersing the AG for final conditioning before entering into and exiting from the gas outlet 14 preferably in a form of an orifice or nozzle 25. In serving a particular application or utility, the liquid L often used is coconut based oil and tap or distilled water.

The gas conditioning means 13 that comprises all these chambers and scrubbers is preferably in a form of an apparatus which can be retrofitted, attached or added to any electrolytic hydrogen generator system to help or aid in making or producing the air-gas mix AG more manageable and easier to control with respect to the flame speed and explosive trait thereof. The means 13 or apparatus is self-contained and integrated into one assembly where the condensation chamber 19a acts as a dryer and water trap and electrolyte recycler 19b. The gas conditioning means 13 is designed to make the highly explosive hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G safe to use while keeping its energy potential intact for an optimal utilization. This type of conditioning approach does not need any pre-heating process as it can easily function at cold temperature or cold start. The built up operating temperature is about 50 to 70 +/- degrees Celcius. For prolonged usage, although the possible working temperature reaches up to about 80 degrees Celcius, the gas production is not affected. In fact, gas production at this higher temperature is also higher or relatively more efficient.

As a specific description of the working illustrative example of the invention, shown in FIGs. 2 and 4 is the system 10 as embodied and represented in a more detailed manner in the interconnected units, components and/or sub-systems thereof. As earlier discussed, the system 10 comprises of the electrolyzer 11a that is of a universal type (typical series plate configuration on rectified DC power) electrolyzer cell, the water reservoir 20, the water filler tank 20b connected upstream of the reservoir 20, the heat exchanger (radiator cooler) 20a, the set of gate and check valves 22a, the gas conditioning means 13 which integrates the functions of the scrubbers 23, dryer, liquid and gas agitator mixer, the pressure leveling and proportioning sub-system or air-gas mixing unit 13c, the condenser or condensation chamber 19a, the condensed water or electrolyte recycler or recirculator 19b, and flashback reducer or arrestor 22b into one whole system or assembly.

A series of input and output pipeline connections/interconnections with respective valves 22a is provided to control and regulate gas flow towards the preferred utility applications via the calibrated air injection unit 17 in which a flow control valve or regulator 22c regulates the amount of ambient air pressure with respect to that of the gas G. The oxy-hydrogen gas mix G, which is produced from the electrolyzer 11a with the use of electricity, goes for cooling purposes into the reservoir 20 that now functions as the heat exchanger 20a, separating therefrom water droplets and condensed water that return back into the electrolyser 11a to undergo again electrolysis. The gas mix G exits from the reservoir 20 or heat exchanger 20a and goes into the scrubbers 23 and out into a primary scrubber 23b that is connected to an air scrubber 16a via the level proportioning line 16b. The water level of the primary scrubber 23b and the air scrubber 16a provide immediate operator feedback concerning the proportion or ratio of gas G and air A for the purpose of fine tuning calibration without the need for electronic level sensors. The air scrubber 16a is fed with continuous low ambient air pressure. Some of the gas mix G from the primary scrubber 23b which still needs to be purified/scrubbed goes into the condensation chamber 19a where the purer form of gas will separate from bigger water steam droplets, while the rest thereof that is already in purer form goes upstream into the mixing chamber. The drier gas mix G and ambient air A flow in parallel into a tee connection through check valves 22a which can either be placed before or after the upstream lines of both scrubbers 16a and 23b. The pre-mixed air and gas or air-gas mix AG goes into the final scrubber or final conditioning and scrubbing unit 13d via single line to mix with and be finally conditioned or scrubbed by the non-flammable hydrocarbon based liquid (normally coconut oil base, vegetable oil base, or any organic plant base oil, or any other suitable liquids that can also be used depending on the applications desired). After such final conditioning, the conditioned AG, most especially the gas G part, i.e. hydrogen ion gas, is controllably released via the gas outlet 14 preferably in the form of an orifice or nozzle 25. The exiting conditioned gas AG or G is then ignited, especially when used for burning applications such as cooking or heating, to heat the flame controller and enhancer in the form of the heating plate 21.

With the oxy-hydrogen gas mix G being processed in cold or cooled environment or even warmed up system, it is ascertained herein for a further safety measure in addition to gas conditioning that the gas mix G is directed into check valve(s) 22a and flashback arrestor 22b before entering into the utility orifice, outlet port or nozzle 25, and being safely ignited or extinguished.

Briefly, the system 10 as shown in FIGs. 1-2 and 4-5 and can be generally and concisely described with the operational aspect or process/material flow thereof being itemized as follows:

• Water is electrolyzed and hydrogen with oxygen ion gas is produced; • Mix of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (02) ion gases or H2-02 gas mix G passes through and is cooled by the heat exchanger 20a;

• The H2-02 gas mix G goes inside the main gas purifying and scrubbing unit 13b where separation or removal of water moisture, which is recirculated back into the electrolyzer 11a, take place;

• The H2-02 gas mix G is again scrubbed separating out excess water moisture, vapor and/or steam with the excess water being condensed and trapped and again recirculated back into the electrolyzer 11a while the gas mix G exits into the air-gas mixing unit 13c;

· The H2-02 gas mix G is again scrubbed in the mixing unit 13c, i.e. primary scrubber 23b, the water level serving as pressure equalizer/stabilizer and indicator for calibration with the opposite air chamber 16a; scrubbed ambient air A being continuously injected, with chamber pressure being matched and regulated either manually or automatically/electrically;

• The air-gas mix AG formed passes through and is scrubbed/conditioned by the final gas conditioning and scrubbing unit 13d using non-toxic and non-flammable hydrocarbon liquid or oil, making the air-gas mix AG, i.e. the gas G, safe, efficient, ergonomical and economical to use for cooking. heating, welding, engine fuel enhancer or any other hydrogen-related applications; and

• The safely conditioned H2-02 gas mix G is efficiently and optimally utilized when ignited to sustain the flame F through the heating plate 21 for cooking and heating applications, with the interconnected pipe/tubing or hose lines, safety gate/check valves 22a, flashback arrestor(s) 22b, and safety electrical controls E being strategically installed in critical positions/locations to ensure total safety and prevention of flashback and explosion/implotion occurrences.

In addition to aforementioned non-electrical safety measure, there is provided an electrical system (not specifically shown) that also adds further safety to the operations since it is designed based on user/operator interface ergonomics (both physical and cognitive ergonomics). With such electrical setup, the system 10 is designed to function only when the air injection unit 17 is running through an air injection system (not specifically shown). The system 10 is wired to the power line of the air injection system which cannot be switched off easily as this will cause possible flashbacks. By design, a control button for the air injection system is placed at the back of the apparatus' main frame or inside or somewhere where it is not prone to an accidental switching off, and cannot be easily reached by an operator or children. In case of a power failure, the system 10 is also designed to keep the air injection system running on backup power, just enough to keep the operations running up to a few seconds after the electrolyzer cell is properly switched or turned off. In case of an unintentional user error where the main power is accidentally switched or turned off, the system 10 would not instantly stop or be switched off since a passive extinguishing system will automatically overrides the user error.

Furthermore, the electrical system design includes therein a filler tank cap safety activation switch system that deactivates the whole electrical system when the filler tank cap is not tightly sealed, replaced and/or is removed. This is a simple circuit that is always normally in an open position, that automatically switches off in response to a physical pressure indicating such tank cap's unwanted condition. The contact point for electrical continuity is similar to that of a pressure switch used in air compressor, though a low current relay switch can also be used as an alternative. This feature prevents further gas production when the user accidentally opens the cap without switching the system off. A red indicator warning lamp is automatically turned on when the system 10 is turned on, indicating that the filler tank cap should not be opened.

Since the invention is mainly directed to the gas conditioning aspect that is primarily affected by the gas production component thereof, the operational aspect of the electrolyzer 11a needs to be also disclosed herein. The electrolyzer 11a, which can either be operated on brute or pulsed electrolysis, has a fully saturated electrode cavity design that virtually allows the electrode to resonate to a particular frequency range or electrical charge. With standard rectified electricity, the electrolytic cell can give an efficient output in the 7MMW range (using Faradays method in measuring efficiency). In operation, water is mixed with a small amount of harmless electrolyte during the initial break in period in order to have conductivity between the electrodes, except in the case when seawater is used. The water solution becomes a conductive cavity which reacts when electrical energy is applied, dissociating water to form hydrogen and oxygen ion gases by electrolysis. In the process, it is only the water that is released out in the form of hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles, as the electrolyte crystals or solids remain inside the system as dissolved solids in the water

Shown in FIG. 7 is a method for continuous onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases generally designated by reference numeral 10a, but with most, if not all, of the components or elements thereof that are common to both the method 10a and the system 10 being designated by the same reference numeral designations for clarity of description. Accordingly, the method 10a comprises, in preferentially sequential order, the steps and sub-steps as disclosed and discussed in the succeeding description.

The initial step, generally designated by reference numeral (1), is generating the mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G by dissociation or ionization means, preferably in a form such as water electrolysis although methanol based hydrogen fuel reforming process and any suitable hydrogen gas extracting process can also be adapted. The production or generation of the gas mix G commences as an immediate response to an onsite instantly triggered utilization or usage demand (through gas outlet opening or turning on), operating by or using the power source P, preferably derived from electrical source. Other energy or fuel sources can also be used such as mechanical, solar, hydro, geothermal, aero, and fossil.

The next continuing in-process step, designated by reference numeral

(2), is conditioning the mix of gases G for the safe handling and optimal utilization thereof through the multi-stage gas conditioning means 13. This is mainly for purposes of the gas mix's purification, flame speed control and reduction, and elimination of explosion tendency.

Specifically, the gas conditioning step (2) comprises of the following sub- steps in sequential order:

(a) initially purifying and scrubbing the mix of gases G being made to pass through at least a scrubbing and condensation chamber 19a to undergo an impurity-removal, scrubbing or condensation process wherein water droplets, condensed water and other impurities are trapped and recirculated for reprocessing,

(b) mixing the scrubbed mix of gases G with the calibrated injected air A resulting in a pressure-controlled and regulated air and gas mix AG, the calibration of the injected air A being preferably manually or automatically/ electrically controlled in that the operating chamber pressure is adjustably controlled by the water pressure or level, equalizing and stabilizing the calibrated pressure that regulates the air-gas mix AG ratio, and

(c) finally conditioning and scrubbing the air and gas mix AG by letting such mix pass through the non-flammable conditioning fluid or liquid L, preferably a hydrocarbon-based liquid or oil such as coconut oil, vegetable oil, plant oil, tap or distilled water, distilled spirits, any organic based liquid or oil, and any combination thereof depending on the type of applications adapted.

The final step, designated by reference numeral (3), is safely utilizing the resulting safe-to-use conditioned gas mix G through the gas outlet means 14 in communication with the conditioning means 13 and the safety mechanism or means 15 for preventing any gas flashback occurrences. Preferably, the safety means 15 comprises at least the following: providing of pipeline check/gate valves 22a and flashback arrestors 22b downstream of the gas outlet means 14; ensuring that no gas is left unconditioned in the gas mix conditioning step (2); and detecting of leaks and deactivating switching control means (not specifically shown) in case of leakage and system malfunctioning.

It is preferred that there is provided a further sub-step (a)' of cooling the mix of gases G by way of heat exchange process or means right after the generation thereof and before undergoing the purification and scrubbing sub- step (a) to reach (at least about) target ambient temperature levels.

Similarly, the utilization of the safe-to-use conditioned gas G according to the method 10a includes such system 10 applications as cooking, oven baking, soldering, welding, brazing, material cutting, polishing, room air heating, water heating, cable stripping, casting, toxic and radioactive waste disposal and neutralization, ambient air enhancement, water desalination, concrete glazing, internal or external combustion engine fuel enhancement, and any applications using the conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases G. Further, for the burning applications such as cooking, oven baking, etc., the conditioned gas utilizing step (3) comprises preferably a sub-step (d) of controlling and enhancing the resulting gas flame by means of the heating plate 21 (or catalytic heating plate) mounted on a pre-determined height above the flame F such that when heated by the flame F, the resulting hot plate 21 absorbs thermal energy with some catalytic effect derived from the plate 21 that is preferably made of copper, stainless, cast iron, any suitable thermally conductive metallic material, or combination thereof.

With the invention, the issues of using complex and expensive special devices and even the hazard of flashback explosions would be reduced significantly, if not totally eliminated. It can also be made into compact device for on-board vehicle use. Its safety features likewise make it a potential consumer item in the market as a cooking or heating appliance, among others.

Before defining the scope of the following claims, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the illustrative examples or variations set forth in the preceding description and drawings. It is to be noted that the invention is capable of other variations and limitless applications not disclosed herein. Further, this invention is likewise capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways falling within the teaching and scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A continuous system for onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and 5 oxygen gases comprising

a means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through ionization or dissociation of water supplied from external and internal water sources, which operates by a power source,

a gas conditioning means for controlling and eliminating hydrogen gas flame 10 speed and explosion tendency, respectively, that operates in a sequential multi-stage set-up, which comprises in combination at least a gas cooling unit, a gas purifying and scrubbing unit, a pressure-controlled and mix ratio-regulated air and gas mixing unit, and a final conditioning and scrubbing unit letting the air and gas mixture to pass through or mix with i s a non-flammable application-dictated conditioning fluid, all said units being interconnected in sequential series within said system that is a hermetically sealed close system, and

a conditioned gas outlet means in communication with said gas conditioning means, having at least a safety mechanism for preventing any gas 20 flashback occurrence.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said air and gas mixing unit utilizes ambient air being scrubbed and controllably injected into an air-water chamber thereof by a calibrated air injection unit provided thereto that is either manually or automatically/electrically controlled whereby the chamber pressure 25 during gas scrubbing or mixing process is adjustably controlled by the water pressure or level serving as a pressure equalizer/stabilizer and calibration indicator with respect to the air-gas mix ratio regulation.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said non-flammable conditioning fluid is a hydrocarbon based liquid or oil selected from at any one or combination of coconut oil, vegetable oil, plant oil, tap or distilled water, and any organic based liquid or oil.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases is in a form selected from any one or combination of water electrolyzer, methanol based hydrogen fuel reformer, and any suitable hydrogen and oxygen gas extractor.

5. A system according to claim 1 or 4 wherein said gas purifying and scrubbing unit includes therein at least a condensation chamber serving as water trap and electrolyte recycler or water recirculator in which the cooled generated or electrolyzed mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases is purified and/or scrubbed leaving out water steam droplets, condensed water or other impurities that are recirculated into said means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases or electrolyzer.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said external water source includes a water reservoir with a filler tank that functions not only as a water supply unit but also as a heat exchanger for cooling the electrolyzed ion gases which is part of said gas cooling unit.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said gas outlet means is in forms or a form that is adaptable to applications selected from any one or combination of cooking, oven baking, soldering, welding, brazing, material cutting, polishing, room air heating, water heating, cable stripping, casting, toxic and radioactive waste disposal and neutralization, ambient air enhancement, water desalination, concrete glazing, internal or external combustion engine fuel enhancement, and any applications using conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases.

8. A system according to claim 1 or 7 wherein said gas outlet means as used in a burning application includes therein a conditioned gas flame controller and enhancer in a form of a heating plate mounted on a pre-determined height above said flame such that when heated by the flame, the resulting hot plate absorbs thermal energy with some catalytic effect derived from the plate material selected from any one or combination of copper, stainless and cast iron.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein said safety mechanism is in forms or a form of anyone or combination of pipeline check valves and flashback arrestors provided downstream of said gas outlet means, the air and gas mixing unit or air injection unit that ensures that no gas is left unconditioned, and a system leak detection and deactivation switching control means in case of leakage and system malfunctioning.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said power source is primarily derived from form of energy or fuel sources selected from any one or combination of electrical, mechanical, solar, hydro, geothermal, aero, and fossil.

11. A method for continuous onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen gases comprising the sequential steps of:

generating mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases by dissociation or ionization means in response to an onsite instantly triggered utilization demand, which operates by a power source; conditioning said mix of gases for its safe handling and optimal utilization through a multi-stage gas conditioning means mainly for purposes of the gas mix's purification, flame speed control and reduction, and elimination of explosion tendency, comprising the sub-steps of:

purifying and scrubbing said mix of gases being made to pass through at least a scrubbing and condensation chamber, mixing the scrubbed mix of gases with a calibrated injected air resulting in a pressure-controlled and regulated air and gas mix,

finally conditioning and scrubbing said air and gas mix by making said mix pass through a non-flammable conditioning fluid; and utilizing the resulting safe-to-use conditioned gas mix through a gas outlet means in communication with said conditioning means and at least a safety mechanism or means for preventing any gas flashback occurrences.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein there is provided a further sub- step of cooling said mix of gases right after being generated and before being purified and scrubbed to reach target ambient temperature levels.

13. A method according to claim 11 wherein said dissociation or ionization means is in a form selected from any one or combination of water electrolysis, methanol based hydrogen fuel reforming process, and any suitable hydrogen gas extracting process.

14. A method according to claim 11 wherein the calibration of injected air is manually or automatically/electrically controlled such that the chamber pressure during the gas scrubbing or mixing step is adjustably controlled by the water pressure or level, equalizing and stabilizing the calibrated pressure that regulates the air-gas mix ratio.

15. A method according to claim 11 wherein said non-flammable conditioning fluid is a hydrocarbon based liquid or oil selected from at any one or combination of coconut oil, vegetable oil, plant oil, tap or distilled water, distilled spirits, and any organic based liquid or oil depending on the type of applications adapted.

16. A method according to claim 11 wherein said purifying and scrubbing sub-step is by means of condensation process in which water droplets, condensed water and other impurities are trapped and recirculated.

17. A method according to claim 11 wherein the utilization of said safe-to-use conditioned gas includes applications selected from any one or combination of cooking, oven baking, soldering, welding, brazing, material cutting, polishing, room air heating, water heating, cable stripping, casting, toxic and radioactive waste disposal and neutralization, ambient air enhancement, water desalination, concrete glazing, internal or external combustion engine fuel enhancement, and any applications using conditioned mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases.

18. A method according to claim 11 or 17 wherein said utilization of said safe-to-use conditioned gas that involves burning applications comprises a further step of controlling and enhancing the resulting gas flame by means of a heating plate mounted on a pre-determined height above said flame such that when heated by the flame, the resulting hot plate absorbs thermal energy with some catalytic effect derived from the plate material selected from any one or combination of copper, stainless, cast iron and any suitable thermally conductive metallic material.

19. A method according to claim 11 wherein said safety means comprises providing of pipeline check valves and flashback arrestors downstream of said gas outlet means, ensuring that no gas is left unconditioned in the gas mix conditioning step, and detecting of leaks and deactivating switching control means in case of leakage and system malfunctioning.

20. A method according to claim 11 wherein said power source is primarily derived from form of energy or fuel sources selected from any one or combination of electrical, mechanical, solar, hydro, geothermal, aero, and fossil.

21. A method for continuous onsite on-demand production and instant utilization of a safely usable conditioned mix of water-derived hydrogen and oxygen gases comprising the steps consisting of:

providing a system that adopts and is derived from said method comprising: a means for generating a mix of hydrogen and oxygen ion gases through ionization or dissociation of water supplied from external and internal water sources, which operates by a power source,

a gas conditioning means for controlling and eliminating hydrogen gas flame speed and explosion tendency, respectively, that operates in a sequential multi-stage set-up, which comprises in combination at least a gas cooling unit, a gas purifying and scrubbing unit, a pressure- controlled and mix ratio-regulated air and gas mixing unit, and a final conditioning and scrubbing unit letting the air and gas mixture to pass through or mix with a non-flammable application-dictated conditioning fluid, all said units being interconnected in sequential series within said system that is a hermetically sealed close system, and onditioned gas outlet means in communication with said gas conditioning means, having at least a safety mechanism for preventing any gas flashback occurrence