WO2012049689A2

WO2012049689A2 - Controller for regulating the production of oxyhydrogen gas from water with asymmetrically vented electrode arrangement of electrolyser modules.

Info

Publication number: WO2012049689A2
Application number: PCT/IN2011/000704
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maheshbhai Thakore Pratik
Original assignee: Maheshbhai Thakore Pratik
Priority date: 2010-10-10
Filing date: 2011-10-10
Publication date: 2012-04-19
Also published as: WO2012049689A3

Abstract

The Electrolyser has Electrodes with Asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement of Water inlet vent for water flow at bottom level. The Water inlet vents are smaller in proportion than the Gas outlet vents. The Gas outlet vents with Asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement for gas flow at top level on the Electrodes in the Electrolyzer Cell unit arranged in alternate of Bipolar Electrodes of Plate or Pipe form. The Asymmetrical vents are arranged at the maximum distance between the (Gas outlet Vent) GOV and Water inlet Vent (WrV) in the same electrode pipe or plate form to avoid inter electrode leakage of current. The asymmetrical arrangement does not allow the flow of water between the electrode plate in single line and the asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement does not allow the Gas flow in single line. Thus increasing the overall efficiency and reduces the Heat losses. This eliminates the need of temperature control system. The Electrolyser is in modular form of Series and Parallel combination with Electronic controller for D.C supply with Frequency switching of power transistors to regulate the output of Gas for multiple application needs.

Description

CONTROLLER FOR REGULATING THE PRODUCTION OF OXYHYDROGEN GAS FROM WATER WITH ASYMMETRICALLY VENTED ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT OF ELECTROLYSER MODULES. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates Method and Apparatus for regulating the production of browns gas by electrolysis of water with an Electronic controller and Asymetrical arrangement of Electrodes in Modular type Electrolysers . The present invention is useful for retrofit system of IC engines & automobile industry as fuel supplement to increase the efficiency and reduce carbon emission, Flame application in various industries, As additive gas in Furnaces and Incinerators, Atomic waste neutralization.

Background of the Invention

The electrolysis of water to produce Hydrogen and Oxygen in presence of an acid or base is well established. Electrolysis processes involving water are of considerable importance commercially. Such processes involve the electro deposition of metals, electrochemical synthesis procedures, electrochemical loading of electrodes for batteries, etc. A particularly important industrial process involving the electrolysis of water is the production of hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is an excellent source of energy and has many other uses in chemical technology and industry.

It is highly desirable to reduce the cost of processes involving the oxidation of water including hydrogen production. Most of this cost is involved with the consumption of electrical energy. Reduction of cell voltage at a given current density reduces the amount of electrical energy needed to produce a given amount of hydrogen gas. Brown's gas can be used for a variety of applications as (mentioned above), from small scale welding, Jewelry work, and acrylic polishing, to internal combustion engines of vehicle and ship engines. Many more as mentioned in existing state of art and Technology details

The drawback of exiting state of art is the lack of control over the rate of electrolysis, with the result that even for slight differences in the rate of required output, different designs have to be made.

This drawback has been overcome by a method of regulating the average rate of electrolysis by connecting the rectified (DC) power supply to an electronic switch which is switched on and off for different intervals of time by means of a Pulse Width Modulating Circuit and pulse frequency, this resulting in different rates of electrolysis, and hence a large range of output of Brown gas can be obtained from the same module.

The drawback of the existing state of art is the output of HHO gas is Less of various electrolyzer unit due to over heating of electrolyte water caused due to leakage current flow between the plates or pipe type electrode in electrolysers unit cell (EUC). This requires temperature control system, cooling systems or water (electrolyte) pumping system which consumes energy to run. This reduces the over-all efficiency of the system.

The drawback in the existing state of art is non- modular with only specific application and cannot cater various applications. This leads to difficulties in manufacturing because a large number of models of different designs have to be manufactured to cater to different applications, and also results in the need to hold large inventory of components. An 80cc to 200cc 2 wheeler engine needs various output model.

A 700 Cc to 2500 cc automobile engine need more models. In the same way the Flame applications need various models. ETC

The primary drawback of current machinery is the lack of control over the rate of electrolysis, with the result that even for slight differences in the rate of required output, different designs have to be made. The current machinery (state of art) has lesser efficiencies due to leakage current causing overheating. The existing state of art needs robust over heating protection systems. This leads to difficulties in manufacturing because a large number of models of different requirement have to be manufactured to cater to different applications, and also results in the need to hold large inventory of components. This drawback has been overcome by a method of regulating the average rate of electrolysis by connecting the rectified (DC) power supply to a frequency switching of Power transistors and modular type of Electrolysers

Object of invention:

The primary objective of the invention is to regulate the production of Brown's gas by using a frequency switching of Power transistors. The utility of Brown's gas in various fields need not be specified. The present invention has following object and which are not limited thereof.

1) Retrofit system of I.C engines and automobile industry.

Any fossil fuel combusts more efficiently in presence of Oxyhydrogen gas thus saving fossil fuel and reducing carbon emissions in all Internal and External Combustion Engines . Various retrofit kits need to be developed for all automobile industry, Electrical-generator sets, Boats and ships, railway engines, helicopter, aircraft engines, Rocketry and Satellite launch vehicles

2) Flame application in various industries.

Oxyhydrogen gas flame can melt down any element as molecular fusion of Hydrogen and Oxygen material. Oxy hydrogen flame has the capacity of thermonuclear reaction. Flames from oxyhydrogen gas can be used in Metal cutting, soldering and brazing, Jewelry manufacturing, I.C processing in electronics, Acrylic polishing, Bead-making, Glass processing.

3) Furnaces and Incinerators

In presence of oxyhydrogen gas any fuel burns more efficiently and reduces carbon emissions, which reduce pollution. Various models for Boiler furnaces, Incinerators, Kiln operations and waste treatment plants and Bio waste disposal can be developed which shall benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

4) Atomic waste neutralization.

Oxy-hydrogen flame has the capacity to reduce radioactive radiation by 90 % from radio active waste and other ancillary materials to be disposed safely. Some experiments have been done at Chalk river atomic station (Canada) which has shown positive results. Retrofit system of I.C engines and automobile industry Statement of invention

The traditional method of varying the rate of electrolysis involves varying the voltage so that the current varies. Current is related to voltage by the relation

I=V/R

where I is the current in amperes,

V is the applied voltage and

R is the resistance in Ohms.

However, the voltage at which electrolysis starts is dependent upon the chemical and physical properties of the electrolyte, and once the threshold voltage is applied, electrolysis will start. Higher voltages, though resulting in higher current, and resulting in higher rate of electrolysis, result in wastage of energy through heating the electrolyte. The non-obviousness is that instead of varying the voltage to vary the rate of electrolysis, the electrolytic cell is switched on and off, thus varying the average rate of electrolysis

The invention device has provided with a controller to control for the manufacturing of Brown's gas generators for a variety of industrial and other purposes

Other machines use higher voltages to obtain a larger amount of Brown's gas. However, the electrolysis takes place at a certain threshold depending on the acid or base added to the water and the excess voltage results in heating of the water instead of production of Browns gas. In the present invention, the voltage is retained at a level as close as practical to the optimal voltage for electrolysis and the power is switched on and off using a High frequency switching of Power transistors. This prevents wastage of energy in addition to flexibility in obtaining output of Brown's gas over a wide range of applications.

Drawing of the invention

It will be convenient to further describe the present invention with respect to the accompanying drawings that illustrate possible arrangements of the invention. Other arrangements of the invention are possible, and consequently the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Fig.l Block diagram of the present invented device

Fig.2a represents the Modular type Pipe type Electrode

Electrolyzer with asymmetrical or non linear

arrangement of Pipe.

Fig.2. la represents the different views of non liner pipes

arrangement

Fig.2.2a represents the different views of non liner pipes

arrangement

Fig.2.3a represents the different views of non liner pipes

arrangement

Fig.2b represents the complete assembly of Flat plate electrode

electrolyzer.

Fig 2.1b represents the Flat Plate Electrodes arrangement

assembly of Electrolyzer

Fig.2.2b represents the flat plate electrodes arrangement expanded views,

represents the flat plate electrodes arrangement

expanded view from different direction.

Details description of the drawings/block diagram -

The schematic block diagram of the present invented layout and details of each is shown in Fig.l. This invention is intended to (control the reaction in the cell} regulate the power supply (1) to the electrolytic reaction cell. This supply is fed to a Switching Mode Power Supply, which results in a DC supply, with specific voltage and current depending upon the customize requirements of the electrolytic cell to be used. This DC supply is supplied to a power transistor, which acts as the switch. There is a separate circuit for frequency Modulation. This circuit generates pulses of DC at a specific frequency, and the width of the pulses can be varied. The pulses emanating from this circuit are fed to the Power Transistor, which results in switching the transistor On for the duration of the pulse and switching the transistor off for the remaining period. The above arrangement results in switching the transistor on and off as per required output of Brown's gas, at constant voltage and current. One of the additional advantages is the saving of energy by avoiding unnecessary high voltages for the electrolysis

As shown in Fig.l block diagram of present invented device where the Transformer or SMPS base D.C power supply source (1) with Electronics system of self and manual regulating system to the average rate of electrolysis by High frequency switching of Power transistors attached with Current, Voltage, Power or Energy measuring devices is connected with the Modular type Electrolyzer with asymmetrical or non linear arrangement of Water Vents and Gas Vents of Pipe or Plate electrodes as shown in diagram Fig.2a & 2b.

The complete assembly view of the non liner arrangement of Water Vents and 5 Gas outlet vents pipes are shown in Fig.2a and the expanded view of non liner pipes are shown in Fig.2. la, 2.2a and 2.3a details of the electrolyzer 2a. The Water Inlet Vents ( 2D^' ) at bottom arranged Non linear with angular displacement to avoid inter Electrodes leakage of current. The Gas Outlet Vents ( 2C ) at top of Electrodes ( 2A) arranged non-linear (asymmetrical) with io angular displacement to avoid inter Electrode leakage of current.

FIG 2.1a & 2.2a - Pipe type Electrodes (2A) arranged in series combination together with separators (2B) at top & bottom to hold the pipes. Where 2A Pipe type Electrodes of Stainless steel or Nickel functioning as BIPOLAR i s ELECTRODES.

Separator(2B) has circular grooves on inner sides to hold the Pipe Electrodes (2A) for electrical and mechanical separation. 2B Seperators are fixed on top and bottom of the Electrodes 2A. Separators 2B are made from Insulating 20 Plastic polymers viz. Acrylic, Polypropalene or nylon.

The complete assembly view of the flat plate arrangement is shown in Fig. 2b and the View of the Flat Plate Electrodes arrangement in the Electrolyzer-2b in 25 the above Fig 2.1b, 2.2b and 2.3b details of the Electrolyzer-2b. Where 2.2b and 2.3b viewed from two sides of expanded views. As shown in Fig. 2.2b the series of the flat plate Electrodes 2A arranged in series combination together with separators 2B. wherein the Flat plate Electrodes (2A) of Stainless steel or Nickel or Carbon and gasket separator(2B) of Nitrile rubber or Neoprene rubber or any polymer insulating material is provided between two plate electrodes.(2A). FIG 2.2b where Gas outlet vents (2C) arrangement with alternate sides of each electrode (2A) and the Water inlet vents(2D) smaller than gas outlet vent (2C). Gas outlet vents (2C) arranged in alternate sides of each electrode (2A) to decrease the Inter-electrode leakage current and increase the over all efficiency of the system.

Vessel(3) and Vessel (4)made from any acid or alkali proof material like Stainless steel or Plastic polymers in existing state of art.

Vessel(3) made from any acid or alkali proof material to hold the Water electrolyte to feed the Electrolyser and also bubble pass the output HHO gas into it to remove the vapours of Electrolyte added in water. Electrolyte added water input is connected with vessel (3) as shown in Fig.l. Vessel (4) to hold the Plain water (Portable drinking) from which the HHO gas is again passed to make output gas free from residual Electrolyte and also work as active flame or flash back arrestor. Summary of the invention -

The Electrolyser 2 has Electrodes 2A with Asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement of Water inlet vent for water flow at bottom level. The Water inlet vents are smaller in proportion than the Gas outlet vents. The Gas outlet vents with Asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement for gas flow at top level on the Electrodes 2A in the Electrolyzer Cell unit 2 arranged in alternate of Bipolar Electrodes of Plate or Pipe form. The Asymmetrical vents are arranged at the maximum distance between the (Gas outlet Vent) GOV and Water inlet Vent (WIV) in the same electrode pipe or plate form to avoid leakage of current. The asymmetrical arrangement does not allow the flow of water between the electrode plate in single line and the asymmetrical or Non-linear arrangement does not allow the Gas flow in single line. The asymmetrical or Non- linear arrangement reduces flow of inter electrode leakage electric current thus increasing the overall efficiency of the electrolysis process. The asymmetrical arrangement of Water vents and Gas Vents reduces the Heat losses occurring in the existing state of art. This eliminates the need of temperature control system, water pumping or cooling system.

The Electrodes 2A of Flate plate or pipe type are arranged in series combination with Bipolar potential difference created when the Voltage between the 2 end electrodes in the series parallel combination of Electrolyser cell.

Claims

I CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller consists with Transformer or SMPS base D.C power supply source (1), electrolyzer with asymmetrical or non linear arrangement Water inlet Vents and Gas outlet vents of Pipe(2a) or Plate(2b) electrodes,

Vessel(3& 4)

Wherein the Transformer Rectified OR SMPS base D.C power supply source (1) is connected with the Modular type Electrolyzer with asymmetrical or non linear arrangement Water inlet Vents and Gas outlet vents of Pipe(2a) or

Plate(2b) electrodes;

Vessel(3) hold the Water electrolyte to feed the Electrolyser(2a or 2b) and also bubble pass the output HHO gas into it to remove the vapors of Electrolyte added in water;

5 Vessel (4) to hold the Plain water (Portable drinking) from which the HHO gas is again passed to make output gas free from residual Electrolyte and also work as active flame or flash back arrestor.

2. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis o of water with a controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein the water inlet holes are smaller then gas outlet holes on the electrolyzer with asymmetrical or nonlinear arrangement Water inlet Vents and Gas outlet vents of Pipe (2a) or Plate (2b).

3. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 2 Separator (2B) has circular grooves on inner sides to hold the Pipe Electrodes 2 A for electrical and mechanical separation.

4. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 3 Seperators(2B) are fixed on top and bottom of the Electrodes 2A AND Separators 2B are made from Insulating Plastic polymers viz. Acrylic, Polypropalene or nylon.

5. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein the series of the flat plate Electrodes 2A arranged in series combination together with separators 2B.

6 Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein Flat plate Electrodes (2A) of Stainless steel or Nickel or Carbon and gasket separator(2B) of Nitrile rubber or Neoprene rubber or any polymer insulating material is provided between two plate electrodes. (2A).

7. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein

Vessel (3) to hold the Water electrolyte to feed the Electrolyser and also bubble pass the output HHO gas.

8. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein

Vessel (4) to hold the Plain water (Portable drinking) from which the HHO gas is again passed.

9. Apparatus for regulating the production of Brown's Gas by electrolysis of water with a controller as substantially herein described with reference to the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings.