Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.