HYDROGEN GENERATOR
The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generator with electrode and insulator configurations for providing hydrogen for fuel and reduced energy purposes.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/148,706, filed Jan. 30, 2009, entitled “Hydrogen Generator”; and the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDA large number of companies in all industrial countries pursue attempts to generate hydrogen. Hydrogen is considered by many to be the fuel of the future for its abundant occurrence in nature as water and the non-toxic combustion by-product generated (water).
Large scale commercialization of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, requires an easily available source of hydrogen. To meet this requirement (i.e. hydrogen on demand) several methods are currently employed such as, pressurized hydrogen gas or liquid in a tank or hydrogen stored chemically as a hydride or generation of hydrogen in situ by catalytic reforming of natural gas and/or methanol or other hydrocarbons. Hydrogen gas stored in a tank or as hydride requires generation from other sources.
There are many problems with the prior art. For example, the size of the device needed to provide sufficient hydrogen fuel exceeds the space available to retrofit a device in need of hydrogen fuel. There is a general need to generate hydrogen for fuel applications in a more size and energy efficient manner.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to fuel supplies and more particularly to hydrogen generators. Generally, embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a device and method for generating hydrogen from an electrolyte. In one embodiment, the hydrogen generator contains a series of electrode plates, conductors and electrical insulators. The configuration of the electrode plates, conductors and insulators allows for the efficient generation of hydrogen when applied as an electrolytic cell in a hydrogen generation system.
In one embodiment, the hydrogen generating system comprises an electrolytic cell, or a plurality of electrolytic cells, energized by a direct current power source using direct current generator or alternator. The electrolytic cell is placed in contact with electrolyte, provided from an electrolyte reservoir, and the appropriate current is applied from the direct current power source. Upon electrolysis of the electrolyte, the evolved hydrogen gas is vacuum pumped from the electrolytic cell and drawn into a scrubber wherein the scrubber remove excess water and the resulting hydrogen gas is output for final use.
In one embodiment, the electrolytic cell or cells can be supplied by a continuous feed and/or intermittent of on demand electrolyte supply system. Increased capacities are possible due to high wattage loads attainable by the electrolytic cell without overheating. This is advantageous to produce the requisite amount of hydrogen gas fuel capable of operating automotive and other engines, for example, with a fuel mixture of hydrogen and only 20% to about 60% by volume of the gasoline fuel usually used in the engine. In some embodiments, the electrolytic cell or cells can be equipped with means to control energy load, water flow, gas flow, gas pressure, and presenting the hydrogen gas fuel into the combustion chambers of the automotive and other engines.
One possible embodiment is an electrode group comprising a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode.
Yet another possible embodiment is a method of generating hydrogen comprising: providing an electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode; and conducting current at least through the first electrode; then conducting current through a fluid electrolyte; then generating a gas from electrolysis of an electrolyte; then conducting current through the second electrode; then conducting current through the first conductor around the first insulator; then conducting current through the third electrode; then conducting current through the fluid electrolyte; then generating a gas from electrolysis of the fluid electrolyte; then conducting current through the fourth electrode; then conducting current through the second conductor around the second insulator; then conducting current through the fifth electrode; then conducting current through the fluid electrolyte; generating the gas from electrolysis of the electrolyte; and conducting current through the sixth electrode.
One embodiment is a vehicle comprising wheels, and an engine, the engine in fluid communication with a hydrogen generator containing an electrode group comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with references to drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments of the amended claims.
Turning now to
In some embodiments electrodes designated 140 are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments electrode pairs 140 and 130 spaced “z” apart are substantially parallel to each other. In other possible embodiments, when current is applied, electrodes 140 can act together as an anode or electrodes 140 can act together as a cathode, depending upon the polarity of the power supply. Additionally, when electrodes 140 are cathodes, electrodes 130, in some embodiments, will be anodes. When electrodes 140 are anodes, electrodes 130, in some embodiments, will be cathodes. The determination of anodes and cathodes is dependent upon the polarity of the power supply and how the power supply is in electrical communication with the electrode group 110.
In some embodiments, first electrode 130a, second electrode 140a, third electrode 140b, first insulator 150a and first connector 160a comprise an electrode assembly 111a. In other embodiments fourth electrode 130b, fifth electrode 130c, sixth electrode 140c, second connector 160b and second insulator 150b comprise an electrode assembly 111b.
In some embodiments, second electrode 140a and third electrode 140b are in electrical communication through a connector 160a; fourth electrode 130b and fifth electrode 130c are in electrical communication through a second connector 160b. Generally, connectors 160a and 160b can be made from any material that effectively conducts electricity. Connectors, such as connectors 160a and 160b, are generally referred to herein as connectors 160 or conductors. In other embodiments, the connectors 160 can be (i) made from the same or different material or (ii) the same or different form factor that allows the electrode to be in electrical communication. In one embodiment, the connectors 160 can also be manufactured from the same material as electrodes 140 and electrodes 130. In one embodiment the electrode conductor can be made from different materials than the electrode plates. In yet other embodiments the electrode conductors can be made from a wire, a mesh or even a steel weave fabric.
Spacing “z” can be determined in accordance with some of the embodiments of the present disclosure such that electrode 130 and electrode 140 are not in direct electrical communication (i.e. shorted), yet spaced sufficiently to allow electrolysis of fluid between the electrode 140 and electrode 130. In other embodiments, space z can be as close as practical without shorting of the electrodes, while the space “z” is sufficiently wide where precipitate formed does not impair the operation of the system.
In some embodiments, the spaced distance “z” between the electrode 130 and electrode 140 is in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the spaced distance “z” between the electrode 130 and electrode 140 is in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments the spaced distance z can be about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.75 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm or even about 3 mm.
Interposed between second electrode 140a and third electrode 140b is a first insulator 150a. Generally “150” designates insulators. Insulator 150a insulates the electrode pair {first electrode 130a/second electrode 140a} from {third electrode 140b/fourth electrode 130b} electrode pair. Insulator 150a serves to minimize or prevent current flow through the space between the anode/cathode pairs. In some embodiments, electrical insulators 150 can be made of any suitable material such as ceramics, plastics, nonconductive polymers, PVC, ABS, ABF and polymer composites such as glass packed PVC. In one embodiment, polymers such as polyacrylic comprises insulator 150.
In accordance with other embodiments, interposed between fourth electrode 130b and fifth electrode 130c is a second insulator 150b. Insulator 150b insulates the electrode pair {third electrode 140b/fourth electrode 130b} from {fifth electrode 130c/sixth electrode 140c} electrode pair. Insulator 150b serves to minimize or prevent current flow through the space between the electrode pairs.
In another possible embodiment insulator 150 has the same area or slightly larger area than electrode 130 or electrode 140 adjacent to insulator 150, thus insulating electrode pairs in the electrolyte fluid. In other embodiments, insulator 150 area can be reduced by about 10% in size compared with the electrode 130 or electrode 140 areas. In yet other embodiments the insulator 150 can be reduced in area by about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80% or even about 90% in size compared with electrode 130 areas or electrode 140 areas.
In some embodiments, electrode group 110 contains electrode assemblies 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d.
Second electrode 140a and third electrode 140b are in electrical communication through a first connector 160a. Fourth electrode 130b and fifth electrode 130c are in electrical communication through a second connector 160b. Sixth electrode 140c and seventh electrode 140d are in electrical communication through a third connector 160c. Eighth electrode 130d and ninth electrode 130e are in electrical communication through a fourth connector 160d. Connectors 160 can be (i) made from the same or different conductive material or (ii) the same or different form factor. In one embodiment, the electrode conductor can be made from the same materials as the electrode plates. In other embodiments the electrode conductors can be made from a wire, a mesh or even a steel weave fabric.
Spacing “z” is determined such that anode 130 and cathode 140 are not in direct electrical communication, yet spaced sufficiently to allow electrolysis of fluid between the cathode 140 and anode 130. In some embodiments spacing “z” can be as close as practical without shorting of the electrodes, while the space z is sufficiently wide where precipitate formed does not impair the operation of the system.
In other embodiments, the spaced distance z between the anode plate 130 and cathode plate 140 is in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments the spaced distance z can be about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.75 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm or even about 3 mm.
Interposed between second electrode 140a and third electrode 140b is an insulator 150a. Insulator 150a electrically insulates the electrode pair {first electrode 130a/second electrode 140a} from {third electrode 140b/fourth electrode 130b} pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the anode/cathode electrode pairs. The electrical insulator may be made of any suitable material such as ceramics, plastics, nonconductive polymers, PVC, ABS, ABF and polymer composites such as glass packed PVC. In one embodiment, polymers such as polyacrylic have been used for material to make insulator 150.
Interposed between fourth electrode 130b and fifth electrode 130c is an insulator 150b. Insulator 150b electrically insulates the electrode pair {third electrode 140b/fourth electrode 130b} from {fifth electrode 130c/sixth electrode 140c} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
Interposed between sixth electrode 140c and seventh electrode 140d is an insulator 150c. Insulator 150c electrically insulates the electrode pair {fifth electrode 130c/sixth electrode 140c} from {seventh electrode 140d/eighth electrode 130d} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
Interposed between eighth electrode 130d and ninth electrode 130e is an insulator 150d. Insulator 150d electrically insulates the electrode pair {seventh electrode 140d/eighth electrode 130d} from {ninth electrode 130e/tenth electrode 140e} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
In another possible embodiment, insulator 150 has the same area or slightly larger area than electrode 130 or electrode 140, thus insulating electrode pairs in the electrolyte fluid. In other embodiments insulator 150 area can be reduced by about 10% in size compared with the electrode 130 or electrode 140 areas. In yet other embodiments the insulator 150 can be reduced in area by about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80% or even about 90% in size compared with electrode 130 areas or electrode 140 areas.
In some embodiments, electrode group 310 contains electrode assemblies 311a, 311b, 311c and 311d.
Second electrode 340a and third electrode 340b are in electrical communication through a first connector 360a. Fourth electrode 330b and fifth electrode 330c are in electrical communication through a second connector 360b. Sixth electrode 340c and seventh electrode 340d are in electrical communication through a third connector 360c. Eighth electrode 330d and ninth electrode 330e are in electrical communication through a fourth connector 360d. Connectors 360 can be (i) made from the same or different conductive material or (ii) the same or different form factor. In one embodiment, the electrode conductor can be made from the same materials as the electrode plates. In other embodiments the electrode conductors can be made from a wire, a mesh or even a steel weave fabric.
Spacing “z” is determined such that anode 330 and cathode 340 are not in direct electrical communication, yet spaced sufficiently to allow electrolysis of fluid between the cathode 340 and anode 330. In some embodiments spacing “z” can be as close as practical without shorting of the electrodes, while the space z is sufficiently wide where precipitate formed does not impair the operation of the system.
In other embodiments, the spaced distance z between the anode plate 330 and cathode plate 340 is in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments the spaced distance z can be about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.75 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm or even about 3 mm.
Interposed between second electrode 340a and third electrode 340b is an insulator 350a. Insulator 350a electrically insulates the electrode pair {first electrode 330a/second electrode 340a} from {third electrode 340b/fourth electrode 330b} pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the anode/cathode electrode pairs. The electrical insulator may be made of any suitable material such as ceramics, plastics, nonconductive polymers, PVC, ABS, ABF and polymer composites such as glass packed PVC. In one embodiment, polymers such as polyacrylic have been used for material to make insulator 150.
Interposed between fourth electrode 330b and fifth electrode 330c is an insulator 350b. Insulator 350b electrically insulates the electrode pair {third electrode 340b/fourth electrode 330b} from {fifth electrode 330c/sixth electrode 340c} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
Interposed between sixth electrode 340c and seventh electrode 340d is an insulator 350c. Insulator 350c electrically insulates the electrode pair {fifth electrode 330c/sixth electrode 340c} from {seventh electrode 340d/eighth electrode 330d} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
Interposed between eighth electrode 330d and ninth electrode 330e is an insulator 350d. Insulator 350d electrically insulates the electrode pair {seventh electrode 340d/eighth electrode 330d} from {ninth electrode 330e/tenth electrode 340e} electrode pairs, serving to minimize or prevent the conduction of electricity through the space between the electrode pairs.
In another possible embodiment, insulator 350 has the same area or slightly larger area than electrode 330 or electrode 340, thus insulating electrode pairs in the electrolyte fluid. In other embodiments insulator 350 area can be reduced by about 10% in size compared with the electrode 330 or electrode 340 areas. In yet other embodiments the insulator 150 can be reduced in area by about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80% or even about 90% in size compared with electrode 330 areas or electrode 340 areas.
In some embodiments described herein, the staggered configuration of electrode assemblies causes the current to flow from one corner of an electrode assembly diagonally toward the other corner of the electrode assembly.
In one embodiment, the length of the second electrode plate 444 “x” and the length of the first electrode plate 442 “x′” can independently vary in the range from about 1 inch to about 8 feet. The width of the upstream electrode plate y and the length of the downstream electrode plate y′ can independently vary in the range from about 1 inch to about 8 feet. In some embodiments x and x′ can independently vary from about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, about 10 inches, about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 2 feet, about 3 feet, about 4 feet, about 6 feet, and even in some cases about 7 feet.
In other embodiments y and y′ can independently vary from about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, about 10 inches, about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 2 feet, about 3 feet, about 4 feet, about 6 feet, and even in some cases about 7 feet.
Although the drawing represents that the second electrode plate 444 and the first electrode plate 442 are rectangular, the second electrode plate 444 and the first electrode plate 442 can independently assume other geometrical shapes which can correspond to the need of the container which encloses the hydrogen generator. For example, but not meant to be limiting, it is envisioned the second electrode plate 444 and the first electrode plate 442 can independently attain circular, elliptical and/or polyhedral shapes.
The length “m” of electrode connector 446 of
The hydrogen generator 613 is further comprised of a series of electrodes 130, 140 and insulators 150 as illustrated in
A power supply 619 is attached to the electrode groups via terminals 624 and 626. Terminals 624 and 626 distribute current to each of the two cells 670a, 670b. Terminals 624 and 626 are made from conductive materials such as copper, brass, high carbon steel or stainless steel. Examples of alternator direct current power supplies include, but are not limited to EcoTech 14V 325 A alternator, available from Ecoair Corporation, Hamden, Conn.; 40SI High Output Alternator, available from Delco Remy, Pendleton, Ind.; and 4860JB/4900PA Series High Output Alternator available from Leece-Neville, Arcade, N.Y.
In some embodiments, the power supply 619 can supply voltages in the range of 13-14 v, producing watts/in2 in the electrode plates in the range of about 0.1 watts/in2 to about 7 watts/in2; and with a direct current in the range of about 30 amps to about 55 amps. In yet other embodiments, the power supply 619 can switch polarity of the current at predetermined intervals. Examples of such intervals which can be used include 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 30 minutes or even as long as several hours.
The cells 670a, 670b are in fluid communication via electrolyte inlet 631 with an electrolyte reservoir 622, which holds electrolyte fluid 623. Additionally, separator 617 separates cells 670a and 670b. Separator 617 can also be designed to allow electrolyte fluid to circulate between cells 670a and 670b, either with fenestrations (nor shown) or by not contacting bottom wall 614 or top wall 616. Electrolyte reservoir 622 supplies electrolyte fluid 623 to cells 670a, 670b as needed, to keep electrodes 140 and 130 and insulators 150 bathed in electrolyte fluid. This allows for electrolysis of the electrolyte fluid 623 to produce the desired end product gas (e.g. hydrogen, oxygen, methane, methyl nitrate and the likes). The electrolyte fluid 623 is typically an aqueous solution, with dissolved salts such as seasalts, KOH, NaOH, NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) and sulfuric acid. In some embodiments 1% aqueous KOH is used as electrolyte fluid. In other embodiments 10% aqueous KOH can be used as electrolyte fluid.
Hydrogen gas, for example, from electrolysis, is generated at the electrodes 130 and 140. The hydrogen gas then bubbles through the electrolyte 623 and enters headspace 632a, 632b above cell assemblies 670a, 670b. Headspace 632a, 632b above cell assemblies 670a and 670b are in fluid communication via scrubber inlets 633a and 633b. Scrubber 621 is in fluid communication with a vacuum pump 618 via vacuum pump inlet 634 which serves to pump gas through vacuum outlet 635 (such as hydrogen and oxygen) produced from the cell assemblies 670a and 670b. Scrubber 621 functions to purify and remove unwanted fluid (e.g. water) from the gas, producing the vacuum output stream 635. Vacuum output stream 635 can then be directed to the final use, such as fuel for an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell (for example, but not limited to hydrogen).
Electrodes 130, 140 set into back wall 636 and front wall (not shown) of vessel 680 in grooves that are slightly larger than the width of the electrode, (i.e., “loose” set electrode) impart unexpected advantage to the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator with “loose” plates has higher efficiency installed in a vehicle when the vehicle is running, or in motion to induce vibration or jarring of the hydrogen generator. The “loose” electrode plates in the oversized grooves are more easily jarred to release gaseous hydrogen from the surface of the electrode, thus freeing up more surface area for redox of electrolyte fluid.
Whereas the components, such as outlets, power supply, electrodes, insulators and electrolyte reservoirs of the hydrogen generator are illustrated in specific locations, one of skill in the art would recognize that the various components could be plumbed and wired in different configurations while still achieving the same desired functionality of the hydrogen generator of the present disclosure.
It is to be understood that inventions according to the present disclosure can be incorporated in many different constructions so that the generality of the preceding description is not to be superseded by the particularity of the attached drawings. Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the disclosed invention and examples.
EXAMPLESThe hydrogen generator system used for this example is illustrated in
The hydrogen generator system was controlled using a computer to monitor the duty cycle. The computer was programmed to limit the draw to 50 amps. Additionally, the computer switched polarity of the hydrogen generator cells every 4 minutes thus reversing the current flow. Reversing the current flow allows the plates to stay cleaner longer and increases the life expectancy of the plates thus allowing for greater output. The watts/in2 of electrode plates was calculated to be about 0.32 Watts/in2.
Claims
1. An electrode group comprising:
- a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode;
- a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and
- the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode.
2. The electrode group of claim 1, wherein the first and second insulators are electrical insulators; and the first conductor is in electrical communication and second conductor is in electrical communication.
3. The electrode group of claim 1, comprising a series of alternating electrode assemblies arranged so that an anode is adjacent to a cathode.
4. The electrode group of claim 3, comprising an even number of electrode assemblies.
5. The electrode group of claim 1, wherein the second electrode and third electrode are substantially parallel; and adjacent electrodes are substantially parallel.
6. The electrode group of claim 1, wherein at least two electrode assemblies are disposed diagonally to each other.
7. The electrode group of claim 1, wherein the third electrode is positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4 mm.
8. The electrode group of claim 3, wherein the electrodes consist essentially of stainless steel, precious metal, and combinations thereof.
9. The electrode group of claim 1, wherein the first and second insulators are at least about 90% of the area relative to an adjacent electrode area.
10. The electrode group of claim 2, wherein the electrical insulators consist essentially of polymer, polymer composite, glass, ceramic, and combinations thereof.
11. A hydrogen generator comprising a power supply, the power supply comprising at least a first terminal in electrical communication with an anode and second terminal in communication with a cathode.
12. The hydrogen generator of claim 11, wherein the power supply is a high output alternator.
13. The hydrogen generator of claim 11, wherein the power supply:
- (i) is controlled to switch polarity of the first and second terminals;
- (ii) supplies voltages in the range of 13-14 v;
- (iii) produces in the range of about 0.1 watts/in2 to about 7 watts/in2; and
- (iv) produces direct current in the range of about 30 amps to about 55 amps.
14. The hydrogen generator of claim 11, further comprising a series of electrode means for electrolyzing fluid.
15. The hydrogen generator of claim 11, further comprising insulating means for insulating adjacent electrodes.
16. A method of generating hydrogen comprising:
- providing an electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode; and
- conducting current at least through the first electrode; then
- conducting current through a fluid electrolyte; then
- generating a gas from electrolysis of the fluid electrolyte; then
- conducting current through the second electrode; then
- conducting current through the first conductor around the first insulator; then
- conducting current through the third electrode; then
- conducting current through the fluid electrolyte; then
- generating a gas from electrolysis of the fluid electrolyte; then
- conducting current through the fourth electrode; then
- conducting current through the second conductor around the second insulator; then
- conducting current through the fifth electrode; then
- conducting current through the fluid electrolyte; then
- generating a gas from electrolysis of the fluid electrolyte; and
- conducting current through the sixth electrode.
17. A vehicle comprising an engine, the engine in fluid communication with a hydrogen generator containing an electrode group comprising:
- a first electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, a first conductor in communication between the second electrode and third electrode, a first insulator positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the second electrode;
- a second electrode assembly comprising a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, a second conductor in communication between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, a second insulator positioned between the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fifth electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the sixth electrode; and
- the third electrode positioned spaced from and adjacent to the fourth electrode.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, comprising at least two (2) wheels.
19. The vehicle of claim 18, comprising at least eighteen (18) wheels.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the engine is a diesel fuel engine.
21. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the engine is a hybrid fuel engine.
22. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the vehicle is a ship having a diesel engine.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 28, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 12, 2010
Inventor: Mark R. Miles (Woodbury, MN)
Application Number: 12/695,828
International Classification: C25B 1/02 (20060101); C25B 11/04 (20060101); C25B 9/00 (20060101);