HOME HEATING SYSTEM UTILIZING ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER

Abstract

Disclosed is a heating system utilizing electrolysis of water for heating a space. The system includes a tank configured to hold water, a separation cell configured to perform electrolysis of water, a first heat exchanger, a gas bubbler, a burn unit, and a second heat exchanger, where water from the tank is delivered to the separation cell where electrolysis is performed. The fluid produced from the electrolysis is delivered through the first heat exchanger back to the tank, then to the gas bubbler, and finally to the burn unit, where the hydrogen gas produced during electrolysis is burned to emit heat directed at the second heat exchanger. Through the process environment air is heated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority date of the provisional application entitled “Home heating unit that utilizes hydrogen and oxygen separated from water” filed by Randy M. Bunn and Mark R. Akkerman on Jan. 29, 2009, with application Ser. No. 61/148,214, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a heating system, and more particularly to a heating system utilizing electrolysis of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different fuels have been used as heating sources, including wood, coal, natural gas, propane, heating oil, methane, and animal excrement, to name a few. Typically, these fuels are burned to generate heat. However, these fuels are not always in ready and abundant supply. Further, the fuels readily available in one area are not necessarily readily available in other areas. For example, in some parts of the world, wood and coal are readily available while propane and natural gas are not. In these areas, a heating system designed to utilize propane or natural gas as a fuel source will not be terribly helpful. Further, even in the areas where propane and natural gas are available, the cost of such fuels can often be prohibitive. Still further, the availability of such fuels is often largely dependent upon a third party. When such third parties unilaterally decided to limit the supply of the fuel, the end-user suffers from increased prices due to high demand or the bitter cold of insufficient supply. Finally, many of these fuels, when burned, produce emissions that are not safe for prolonged human exposure and that worsen problems of pollution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present heating system provides an efficient heat source for a home or other space where the system utilizes water, which is generally widely and abundantly available, as a fuel source without producing dangerous emissions. The present heating system further provides a heating unit that captures the heat emitted by various components within the unit, rather than relying upon only the burning of the hydrogen gas produced from the electrolysis process. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention allow a user to utilize commonly-available parts to construct the unit. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the system is kept minimal and the technology is made available to a greater percentage of the public.

As described in more detail below, the heating system includes a tank in which water is stored. The water from the tank is passed to separation cells wherein electrolysis is performed. During electrolysis the hydrogen and oxygen comprising the water molecules are separated to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and any non-separated water are passed through a first heat exchanger, wherein the fluid within is cooled and heat is emitted. After passing through the first heat exchanger, the fluid is returned to the tank where the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas gather at the top of the tank and exit to a gas bubbler. In the gas bubbler water vapor and steam that may have exited the tank remain within the gas bubbler fluid while the hydrogen and oxygen gas pass out of the gas bubbler to a condenser and then to a burn unit or pass out of the gas bubbler and then directly to a burn unit. The burn unit includes a flashback arrestor, an igniter, and a torch. After traveling through the flashback arrestor of the burn unit, the hydrogen gas is burned by the igniter and the torch flame resulting therefrom is directed to a second heat exchanger. The heat from the first heat exchanger, the separation cells, and burn unit are pushed through the system and out into the space to be heated by a series of fans. Other heat emitted by devices within the system is also gathered by the air flow directed by the series of fans. As such, the heating system utilizes relatively little energy to perform electrolysis of water and generates a relatively large amount of heat for the amount of energy used. Further, the emissions from the system are essentially only hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and steam, i.e., non-toxic and non-harmful gases.

The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Still other features and advantages of the claimed system will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the system, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the system. As will be realized, the system is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative, and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial diagram of a heating system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial diagram of a heating system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an isometric, perspective view of the right side and top of a heating system according to the first embodiment, with the right side and part of the top of the exterior case removed for ease of viewing the interior.

FIG. 4 is an isometric, perspective view of the front and top of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the back, right side, and top of an internal case of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the front and top of a tank of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial, isometric, perspective view of the back and top of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a first heat exchanger of a heating system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric, perspective view of the front and top of a gas bubbler of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front, elevation view of a gas bubbler of a heating system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a flashback arrestor of a burn unit of a heating system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a second heat exchanger of a heating system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a second heat exchanger of a heating system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an upper rear fan subsystem of a heating system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a heating system incorporated within a home furnace system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the system is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the system to the specific form disclosed. On the contrary, the system is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc.,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

As shown in the FIGS. 1 through 15, disclosed is a heating system 10 utilizing electrolysis of water for heating a space. According to the depicted embodiments, the heating system 10 is contained within an external case 72. The external case 72 preferably comprises a box-shaped housing made up of a front external side, a right external side, a left external side, a back external side, a bottom external side, and a top external side. The external case 72 houses an internal case 70 that divides the interior of the external case 72 into two sections. The internal case 70, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, preferably comprises a box-shaped housing made up of a front internal side, a right internal side, a left internal side, a back internal side, a bottom internal side, and a top internal side. The bottom internal side rests atop the bottom external side. The front external side of the external case 72 has a fan 68 attached in a lower area, i.e., a lower front fan 68. The front internal side defines a front fan opening 92. As arranged within the external case 72, the front fan opening 92 aligns with the fan 68 in the lower front area of the front external side. Accordingly, the front fan opening 92 is configured to encourage environmental air from the space to be heated to enter the external case 72 and the internal case 70 from the space.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heating system 10 also includes a tank 12 located mostly within the internal case 70. The tank 12 is configured to hold water 96 and gases, specifically hydrogen and oxygen gases. Preferably, the tank 12 is configured to hold such gases under pressure. Further, preferably, the tank 12 includes an electrolyte such that the water 96 and electrolyte form a water-electrolyte mixture. The electrolyte is preferably a compound configured to enhance the conductivity of water when the electrolyte is mixed therewith. Preferably, the electrolyte is a compound that is prone to disassociate into cations that are of a greater standard electrode potential than a hydrogen ion and into anions that are of a lower standard electrode potential than hydroxide. In some embodiments the electrolyte includes potassium hydroxide. In other embodiments, the electrolyte includes sodium hydroxide. In still other embodiments, the water-electrolyte mixture further includes an anti-foaming agent. In one such embodiment, the water-electrolyte mixture includes potassium carbonate as the electrolyte along with an anti-foaming agent, such as polydimethylsiloxane, silicone oil, vegetable oil, or another known, non-toxic, anti-foaming agent.

The tank 12 defines a tank refill port 14 in the upper area of the tank 12. The tank refill port 14 is covered by a selectively-removable cap, which, when removed enables a user to refill the tank 12 via the tank refill port 14 with additional water 96, electrolyte, or anti-foaming agent. Preferably, the tank refill port 14 aligns with a tank port opening 84 defined in the top internal side of the internal case 70. The tank refill port 14 of the tank 12 extends out of the internal case 70 through the tank port opening 84. As such, the tank refill port 14 is accessible outside of the internal case 70 and readily accessible when the external case 72 is removed.

Also located within the internal case 70 is a pump 26 that has a pump inlet 28 and a pump outlet 30. The pump 26 is powered by a power source. The pump inlet 28 is operatively connected to a first tank outlet 16 defined in the tank 12 via a first conduit 74. The first tank outlet 16 is preferably defined in a lower region of the tank 12, below the level of the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12. The first conduit 74 is configured to pass the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture between the tank 12 and the pump 26 via the first tank outlet 16 and the pump inlet 28. Preferably, the first conduit 74 is insulated along its length so that the temperature of the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture within the conduit 74 is not excessively heated by the air within the internal case 70 as it flows between the tank 12 and the pump 26.

Attached to the pump outlet 30 is a second conduit 74, which, according to the first depicted embodiment, passes outside of the internal case 70 via a back conduit opening 90 defined in the back internal side (FIG. 5). Preferably the second conduit 74 is insulated along its length by being covered with insulation 76 (FIG. 7). The second conduit 74 is also configured to pass the water or water-electrolyte mixture from the pump 26.

The second conduit 74 is operatively connected to and is configured to pass the water or water-electrolyte mixture to the cell inlet 34 of a separation cell 32 located outside of the internal case 70 and mounted to the exterior surface of the internal case 70. Preferably, and according to the depicted embodiments, a plurality of separation cells 32 are so mounted. For example, in the first depicted embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, the heating system 10 includes two separation cells 32 operatively connected to one another in series. As another example, in the second depicted embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the heating system 10 includes two separation cells 32 operatively connected to one another in parallel. In the second depicted embodiment, the two separation cells 32 are operatively connected to one another via a number of conduits 74.

While it is preferred that the water-electrolyte mixture pass from the tank 12 to the separation cells 32 via the use of a pump 26, in other embodiments, no pump 26 is used, such that the tank 12 will be more directly operatively connected to the separation cells 32, such as by one conduit 74 extending between the first tank outlet 16 and the cell inlet 34. In some embodiments, the separation cells 32 are incorporated with a pump 26 as a single unit, such that no separate pump 26 is necessary. In such embodiments, the pump 26, being contained within the separation cells 32, will be located outside the internal case 70. In still other embodiments, multiple pumps 26 are utilized or other devices are included along the flow between the first tank outlet 16 and cell inlet 34. In any regard, the water-electrolyte mixture exiting the tank 12 via the first tank outlet 16 is transported to the separation cells 32.

Each of the separation cells 32 contains a series of negatively-charged plates and positively-charged plates accordingly to known separation cell 32 designs. In some such designs, neutrally-charged, or non-charged, plates are also included in the series of positive and negative plates. In some embodiments, the plates within the separation cells 32 are made of stainless steel. In other embodiments, the plates are made of platinum. In any regard, the separation cells 32 are configured to perform electrolysis of water, preferably in the presence of an electrolyte. The size and number of plates included in each separation cell 32 is chosen depending on the amount of hydrogen and oxygen that is desired to be produced. That is, the larger the space to the heated, the greater the amount of hydrogen production will be desired, and the larger the surface area of the separation plates will likely be wanted.

The separation cells 32 receive the water or water-electrolyte mixture via the second conduit 74, perform electrolysis of the water 96 in the mixture in the presence of the electrolyte in the mixture, and produce a cell outlet mixture containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Absent a completely efficient electrolysis performance, the separation cells 32 will also produce water vapor. The electrolyte and other components of the water-electrolyte mixture, such as the anti-foaming agent, if used, will also be included in the cell outlet mixture. According to the first embodiment, the cell outlet mixture will be the mixture exiting the second of the two separation cells 32 in series. According to the second embodiment, the cell outlet mixture will be the combination of the mixtures exiting each of the two separation cells 32 in parallel. In either regard, the cell outlet mixture exits the separation cells 32 via a cell outlet 36 (FIG. 7). The electrolysis process emits heat; thus, the cell outlet mixture exiting the separation cells 32 will tend to be hotter than the water or water-electrolyte mixture that entered the separation cells 32.

Connected to the cell outlet 36 is a first heat exchanger 42. In some embodiments, another conduit 74 operatively connects the cell outlet 36 to the first heat exchanger 42. According to the first embodiment, the first heat exchanger 42 includes a primary segment 44 and a secondary segment 46 (FIG. 1). According to the second embodiment, the first heat exchanger 42 includes a plurality of tubes connected to one another in series in an S-configuration (FIG. 8). In other embodiments, the first heat exchanger 42 uses different conventional designs of simple heat exchangers. Also, according to the first embodiment, the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42 is covered with insulation 76 as it immediately exits the separation cells 32 via the cell outlet 36. In other embodiments, the primary segment 44 is not insulated.

The first heat exchanger 42 is configured to pass the cell outlet mixture between the separation cells 32 and the tank 12, where the first heat exchanger 42 is connected to the tank 12 at a first tank inlet 18 defined in the tank 12 wall. According to the first depicted embodiment, the first tank inlet 18 is defined in a lower part of the tank 12, below the level of the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12. According to the second depicted embodiment, the first tank inlet 18 is defined in an upper part of the tank 12, above the level of the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12.

As shown in FIG. 7, the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42 is preferably located outside of the internal case 70 and is arranged in a coil configuration. The primary segment 44 is configured to accommodate cooling of the cell outlet mixture as it passes through the primary segment 44 from the separation cells 32. That is, as the cell outlet mixture travels through the primary segment 44, heat from the cell outlet mixture will be emitted to environmental air. In other embodiments, the cell outlet 36 of the separation cells 32 is connected with the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42 via another conduit 74 (as shown in FIG. 1).

After traveling through the primary segment 44, the cell outlet mixture will pass into a third conduit 74, which is connected to the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42. The third conduit 74 passes from outside the internal case 70 to inside the internal case 70 via a back heat exchanger opening 98 defined in the back internal side of the internal case 70. Preferably, the back heat exchanger opening 98 is defined in a lower area of the back internal side of the internal case 70. Thus, the third conduit 74 is configured to carry the cell outlet mixture that exits the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42 into the internal case 70 and to the secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42, the secondary segment 46 being connected to the third conduit 74.

Though the first depicted embodiment connects the primary segment 44 and secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42 via a conduit 74, in other embodiments, the primary segment 44 and first heat exchanger 42 are seamlessly joined.

The secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42 receives the cell outlet mixture from the third conduit 74 and eventually deposits it into the tank 12 via a first tank inlet 18 defined in the tank 12 wall. Preferably, the first tank inlet 18 is defined in a lower area of the tank 12 wall, below the water 96 or water-electrolyte level line. The secondary segment 46, located inside the internal case 70, is arranged so as to encircle the tank 12 a number of times, preferably winding a number of times around the tank 12, winding from the top of the tank 12 to the bottom of the tank 12 where the secondary segment 46 connects with the first tank inlet 18. Thus, the secondary segment 46 is configured to pass the cell outlet mixture from the third conduit 74 to the tank 12 via the first tank inlet 18. It is expected that the water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12 will generally be cooler than the cell outlet mixture passing through the secondary segment 46. As such, the secondary segment 46, wound round the tank 12, is configured to accommodate further cooling of the cell outlet mixture, whereby additional heat is emitted from the secondary segment 46.

When the cell outlet mixture is returned to the tank 12, water vapor, electrolyte, and anti-foaming agent from the cell outlet mixture will tend to re-mix with the water-electrolyte mixture in the tank 12. The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the cell outlet mixture will tend to bubble up through the water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12 to gather near the top of the tank 12. The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas will then be available to exit the tank 12 via a second tank outlet 20 defined in an upper area of the tank 12 wall. A fourth conduit 74 is operationally connected to the second tank outlet 20 and is configured to pass the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the tank 12. Water vapor or steam that has accumulated in the same area will also pass out of the second tank outlet 20 via the fourth conduit 74.

The heating system 10 further includes a gas bubbler 48 preferably located within the internal case 70. The gas bubbler 48 contains a gas bubbler fluid, which is preferably water 96. The gas bubbler 48 defines a gas bubbler inlet 50 and a gas bubbler outlet 52 in an upper area of the gas bubbler 48, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The gas bubbler inlet 50 extends down below the level of the gas bubbler fluid. Thus, according to the depicted embodiments, the gas bubbler inlet 50 extends below the level of the water 96 within the gas bubbler 48. Because the gas bubbler inlet 50 extends down into the gas bubbler fluid, the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas that are passed from the tank 12 via the fourth conduit 74 will tend to bubble 100 up through the gas bubbler fluid to gather in an upper area of the gas bubbler 48. Preferably, the amount of gas bubbler fluid contained within the gas bubbler 48 is maintained at an amount to keep the level of the gas bubbler fluid at a level low enough to allow gas to gather in an upper area of the gas bubbler 48 but high enough to keep the gas bubbler inlet 50 extending to a submerged locale.

During operation, water vapor or steam that has passed from the tank 12 into the gas bubbler 48 will be able to mix with the gas bubbler fluid and remain within the gas bubbler 48. The gas bubbler outlet 52, which does not extend down below the level of the gas bubbler fluid, accommodates the exit of a gas bubbler mixture, which gas bubbler mixture will include the bubbled-up gases, particularly the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and, in some circumstances gas bubbler fluid vapors and/or steam.

According to the second depicted embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the gas bubbler 48 is constructed from a readily-available water container, in which the gas bubbler inlet 50 and gas bubbler outlet 52 are defined in the lid of the water container. In some embodiments, such water container is a drinking water container. According to the first depicted embodiment, however, shown in FIG. 9, the gas bubbler 48 is a custom-designed container with a reservoir within. A fifth conduit 74 is connected to the gas bubbler outlet 52. This fifth conduit 74 is configured to pass therethrough the gas bubbler mixture that exits the gas bubbler 48 via the gas bubbler outlet 52.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fifth conduit 74 of the first depicted embodiment passes to a condenser 56 via a condenser inlet 58 defined in an upper area of the condenser 56. Thus, the fifth conduit 74 carries the gas bubbler mixture from the gas bubbler 48 to the condenser 56. The condenser 56, preferably located within the internal case 70, is configured to further cool the gas bubbler mixture such that the gas bubbler fluid, water vapor, or steam within the gas bubbler mixture will tend to condense and form a gas bubbler fluid condensate or water condensate, as the case may be. As such, the condenser 56 is further configured to prevent water from traveling out of the condenser outlet 60. The remaining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas will not form a condensate, but will pass out of the condenser 56 via a condenser outlet 60 defined in the condenser 56, preferably in an upper area. These gases will pass out of the condenser outlet 60 through a sixth conduit 74 connected thereto and configured to pass the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas therethrough away from the condenser 56, outside of the internal case 70 via a flashback arrestor opening 86 (FIG. 5) defined in the upper internal side, and to a burn unit 64 that is operatively connected to the sixth conduit 74. The burn unit 64 is situated outside of the internal case 70 and is directed toward the front external side.

Though in the first depicted embodiment, the gas bubbler mixture is passed through a condenser 56 before the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are passed to the burn unit 64, according to the second depicted embodiment, a conduit 74 carries the gas bubbler mixture with the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the gas bubbler outlet 52 of the gas bubbler 48 direct to the burn unit 64, as shown in FIG. 2. This conduit 74 is preferably angled and configured to prevent water or other liquid from making an upward siphon back to the burn unit 64.

The burn unit 64 includes a flashback arrestor connected to an igniter, which is configured to light a torch. The igniter portion of the burn unit 64 is configured to burn, as the torch flame, the hydrogen gas passing into the igniter portion from the flashback arrestor portion of the burn unit 64. The flashback arrestor portion of the burn unit 64 is configured to prevent the igniter portion from burning the hydrogen gas contained within the sixth conduit 74 that connects to the burn unit 64. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the flashback arrestor portion of the burn unit 64 includes a flashback arrestor narrow fitting 104 connected to a flashback arrestor wide fitting 106, which is joined with a flashback arrestor tube 110 on a proximate end. In some embodiments, the flashback arrestor narrow fittings 104 are barb fittings. The flashback arrestor tube 110 is joined with another flashback arrestor wide fitting 106 on the opposite, distal end. This second flashback arrestor wide fitting 106 is connected with a flashback arrestor narrow fitting 104 that is tipped with a flashback arrestor tip 102. The torch flame is produced at the flashback arrestor tip 102. In some embodiments, the flashback arrestor tip 102 is a chuck fitting that is tapped for a 0.025 mig tip and the flashback arrestor wide fittings 106 are quarter inch pipe fittings. The flashback arrestor tip 102 includes an orifice configured to reduce the exiting gas stream to a size conducive for forming the torch flame. Between the two flashback arrestor wide fittings 106 are mesh screens 108 configured to discourage the flame from passing therethrough to ignite hydrogen gas contained on the other side. In some embodiments, the flashback arrestor tube 110 comprises a copper tube and the mesh screens 108 comprise bronze wool. In other embodiments, the flashback arrestor tube 110 is filled with the mesh, rather than just being bordered by mesh screens 108. According to the first depicted embodiment, the burn unit 64 is arranged in a bent shape, as shown in FIG. 3. According to the second depicted embodiment, the burn unit 64 is arranged in a straight shape, as shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the flashback arrestor of the burn unit 64 is designed according to other known methods.

Should the hydrogen gas contained within the sixth conduit 74 become ignited, though unintentional, the gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48 will also serve as a flashback arrestor, a wet flashback arrestor. Accordingly, the gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48 is preferably a noncombustible substance, such as water.

Because the burn unit 64 is directed toward the front external side of the external case 72, the heat generated from the burning of the hydrogen gas will also be directed toward the front external side of the external case 72. Located between the burn unit 64 and the surface of the front external side of the external case 72 is a second heat exchanger 66 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The second heat exchanger 66 preferably includes a plurality of second heat exchanger tubes 116 bound together in a bundle, in close proximity with one another, preferably coming into contact with a number of other second heat exchanger tubes 116. The bundle is attached via case mounting brackets 114 to the exterior surface of the internal case 70. In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger tubes 116 comprise pipes made of copper, aluminum, or other conductive material. In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger 66 further includes at least one extended tube 112 toward which the burn unit 64 is specifically pointed. Preferably, in such embodiments, the flame from the torch of the igniter within the burn unit 64 is enters the extended tube 112 of the second heat exchanger 66. As such the torch flame directly heats the extended tube 112 and then the heat is dissipated through the remainder of the second heat exchanger tubes 116. In other embodiments, the second heat exchanger 66 includes second heat exchanger tubes 116 of all equal lengths. The second heat exchanger 66 is configured such that the heat emitted by the burn unit 64 heats the environmental air within and surrounding the second heat exchanger 66 before the heated air exits the side of the second heat exchanger 66 nearest to the front external side of the external case 72.

Opposite the exiting side of the second heat exchanger 66, an fan 68 is mounted within the front external side of the external case 72. This upper front fan 68 is aligned with the second heat exchanger 66 and is configured to encourage heat emitted from the second heat exchanger 66 to exit the external case 72 and enter the space outside the heating system 10, i.e., the space the heating system 10 is to heat.

Another fan 68 is preferably mounted within a back fan opening 94 (FIG. 5) defined in the back internal side of the internal case 70. This rear fan 68 is configured to encourage environmental air to pass from inside the internal case 70 to outside the internal case 70, while still being within the external case 72. Thus, the rear fan 68 encourages environmental air to flow past the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42.

Preferably, a fourth fan 68 is positioned above the separation cells 32 and is configured to direct heat emitted from the separation cells 32 toward the upper front fan 68. As such, this upper rear fan 68 (shown in FIG. 1) is located outside of the internal case 70, but inside the external case 72. In some embodiments, the upper rear fan 68 is mounted to the interior surface of the external case 72. In other embodiments, the upper rear fan 68 is mounted to the exterior surface of the internal case 70. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the upper rear fan 68 comprises a duct fan subsystem 118, which includes a heating system 10 situated above the separation cells 32 and directed upward. Situated above the duct fan 120 is a vent fan 122, such as one in the style of a bathroom ceiling fan, which is configured to direct the air leaving the duct fan 120 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the duct fan 120 is directed. Preferably, attached to the exit port of the vent fan 122 is a reducing tube 124 configured to focus the heated air toward the direction of the second heat exchanger 66 and thereafter the upper front fan 68. In other embodiments, a plurality of reducing tubes 124 are attached to the exit port of the vent fan 122 with each of the reducing tubes 124 focusing the heated air toward a different second heat exchanger tube 116 of the second heat exchanger 66.

The heating system 10, as depicted, therefore comprises a heating unit that is configured to heat a space utilizing water as a fuel for an electrolysis process. According to the first depicted embodiment, diagramed in FIG. 1, the water, or water-electrolyte mix, is first retained within the tank 12. The water, or water-electrolyte mix, exits the tank 12 at the first tank outlet 16, travels along the first conduit 74 and enters the pump inlet 28 of a pump 26. The pump 26 compels the water, or water-electrolyte mix, to exit the pump 26 via a pump outlet 30, where it is carried along a second conduit 74 to the cell inlet 34 of at least one separation cells 32. Within the separation cells 32, the electrolysis process is carried out, and the results of that process exit the separation cells 32 via the cell outlet 36 and are carried away via the primary segment 44 of a first heat exchanger 42 where the fluids are cooled, or by another conduit 74 that connects the cell outlet 36 with the primary segment 44. From the primary segment 44, the fluids pass through a third conduit 74 to the secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42 where the fluids are again cooled as they circle the tank 12. The fluids enter through the first tank inlet 18 into the tank 12. The gases within the fluids travel through the water, or water-electrolyte mixture, within the tank 12 and out the second tank outlet 20 to a fourth conduit 74, which carries the gases or other fluids to the gas bubbler inlet 50 of the gas bubbler 48. The gases are bubbled through the gas bubbler fluid therein and exit the gas bubbler 48 via the gas bubbler outlet 52. They are carried away from the gas bubbler 48 via a fifth conduit 74 and into the condenser inlet 58 of a condenser 56. Gases that did not condense within the condenser 56 exit the condenser 56 via the condenser outlet 60 and travel through a sixth conduit 74 to the burn unit 64, wherein the hydrogen gas is ignited and generates heat this is directed toward the second heat exchanger 66.

As the fluids are traveling through the heating system 10, environmental air from the space to be heated is also traveling through the system and being heated, as indicated by the environmental air flow 78 arrows depicted in FIG. 1. That is, environmental air from the space to be heated is pulled into the external case 72 and internal case 70 via the lower front fan 68, which pushes the environmental air past the secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42, thereby encouraging the cooling of the fluids within the primary segment 44. The environmental air picks up the heat that is emitted from the secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42 and then travels past the pump 26. The pump 26 also emits heat as it is operated, thereby increasing the temperature of the environmental air. The lower rear fan 68 in the back internal side of the internal case 70 pulls the environmental air from inside the internal case 70 to outside the internal case 70 and past the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42. This encourages cooling of the fluids within the primary segment 44, while the heat emitted from the primary segment 44 increases the temperature of the environmental air flowing by. The upper rear fan 68 then pulls the environmental air up past the separation cells 32, and the heat emitted from the electrolysis process within the separation cells 32 further increases the temperature of the environmental air flowing thereby. The upper rear fan 68 directs the air toward the burn unit 64, where the heat emitted from the burning of the hydrogen gas released during electrolysis further adds to the heat of the environmental air, which heating is also aided by the second heat exchanger 66. The upper front fan 68 then pulls the heated environmental air outside of the external case 72 and into the space to be heated. Accordingly, the heat emitted by the pump 26, the heat emitted by the primary segment 44 and secondary segment 46 of the first heat exchanger 42, the heat emitted by the separation cells 32, and the heat emitted by the burn unit 64 all contribute to increase the temperature of the environmental air fed back into the space to be heated.

Preferably, the pump 26, fans 68, separation cells 32, and burn unit 64 are all powered by a shared power source (not shown). Also preferably, this power source is located within the external case 72, if not also the internal case 70. Therefore, the heat given off by the power source during operation will also contribute to increasing the temperature of the environmental air flowing through the heating system 10. Likewise, any heat given off by the fans 68 during operation will also be captured and fed out of the heating system 10.

As the tank 12, gas bubbler 48, and condenser 56 will all, during operation, hold some amount of fluid, likely water 96, it is further preferred that the tank 12 further define a tank port opening 84 and a tank bubbler port 22 and a tank condenser port 24. Likewise, the condenser 56 defines a condenser fluid port 62 and the gas bubbler 48 defines a gas bubbler fluid port 54. Preferably, the condenser fluid port 62 is defined in a lower area of the condenser 56, and the gas bubbler fluid port 54 is defined in a lower part of the gas bubbler 48. A seventh conduit 74 operatively connects the tank bubbler port 22 with the gas bubbler fluid port 54, and an eight conduit 74 operatively connects the tank condenser port 24 with the condenser fluid port 62. Along the seventh conduit 74 and the eight conduit 74 are located valves configured to selectively open the conduits 74 to allow communication between the tank 12 and the respective condenser 56 or gas bubbler 48. As such, when the level of gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48 becomes undesirably low, the valve along the seventh conduit 74 can be operated to allow water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture contained within the tank 12 to flow into the gas bubbler 48 so as to raise the level of gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48. Contrarily, when the level of gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48 becomes undesirably low, the valve along the seventh conduit 74 can be operated to allow gas bubbler fluid within the gas bubbler 48 to transfer to the tank 12, thereby lowering the level of gas bubbler fluid within the 48. Similarly, when the amount of condensate within the condenser 56 becomes undesirably great, the valve along the eighth conduit 74 can be operated to allow transfer of the condensate to the tank 12, thereby lowering the level of the condensate within the condenser 56. Contrarily, if additional liquid within the condenser 56 becomes desired, the valve along the eighth conduit 74 can be operated to allow transfer of water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture from the tank 12 to the condenser 56, thereby raising the level of the fluid within the condenser 56.

It is further preferred that the heating system 10 include an on/off switch 80, accessible from outside the external case 72, and configured to power on the power source so as to start the operation of the heating system 10. Ideally, the heating system 10 also includes a on/off light 82 configured to indicate whether or not the heating system 10 is turned on and in operation. In some embodiments, the heating system 10 also includes temperature sensors and fluid level sensors so as to provide data on the operating conditions of the system, which data can be utilized to prevent unsafe conditions, such as when the water 96 levels within the tank 12 grow too low or when the temperatures within the conduits 74 grow too high. These sensors are further used to indicate to a user when the water 96, electrolyte, and/or anti-foaming agent within the tank 12 need to be replaced or refilled via the tank refill port 14.

This gas bubbler 48 further defines a gas bubbler fluid port 54, preferably in a lower region of the gas bubbler 48. The gas bubbler fluid port 54 is operatively connected with the tank 12 via another conduit 74 that is configured to pass water and/or gas bubbler fluid between the gas bubbler 48 and the tank 12 via a tank bubbler port 22 defined in the tank 12 wall. Preferably

As the heating system 10 is configured to heat a space, it is further configured to be incorporated into a traditional furnace system to form a furnace hybrid system 126, as shown in FIG. 15. As shown, the traditional furnace system includes a furnace heat box 130 that receives air to be heated a cold air return 128. The heated air exits the furnace heat box 130 through furnace hot air ducts 132. To incorporate the heating system 10 into the traditional furnace system to form a furnace hybrid system 126, a secondary cold air duct 134 is spliced into the cold air return 128 and fed to the lower front fan 68 of the heating system 10. A secondary hot air duct 136 is spliced into the furnace hot air ducts 132 and is connected to the upper front fan 68 of the heating system 10. Breeze blockers 138, or one-way vents, are included in both the secondary cold air duct 134 and the secondary hot air duct 136 to prevent the air within the secondary cold air duct 134 and the secondary hot air duct 136 from traveling in the opposite direction, and against the fans 68 of the heating system 10.

Preferably, the conduits 74 of the heating system 10 are made of conductive metal tubes or pipe, to allow ready dissipation of heat where the conduits 74 are not covered by insulation 76.

Also, preferably, the level of the water 96 or water-electrolyte mixture within the tank 12 is kept at a level below the top of the tank 12, so that a space is left at the top of the tank 12 wherein hydrogen and/or oxygen gas can gather and remain until the system is put into operation to burn the hydrogen gas with the burn unit 64. Accordingly, as hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are produced by the separation cells 32, if the heating system 10 is turned off, the as-yet-unused gases will be retained largely within the tank 12 until the heating system 10 is restarted.

The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and described above illustrate, but do not limit, the system. It should be understood that there is no intention to limit the system to the specific form disclosed; rather, the system is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, while the exemplary embodiments illustrate the use of a number of conduits 74, the system is not limited to use with the conduits arranged only as depicted, but may be used with a different number of conduits differently positioned. For example, in some embodiments, the front internal side of the internal case 70 further defines a upper conduit opening 88 configured to allow conduits 74 to pass from inside the internal case 70 to outside the internal case 70, or vice versa. The upper conduit opening 88 is further configured to allow electrical cords to connect the power source with the separation cells 32 or other devices external to the internal case 70 needing power. Still further, while the exemplary embodiments locate a number of the components of the heating system 10 external to the internal case 70, in other embodiments, the components, including the primary segment 44 of the first heat exchanger 42 and the separation cells 32 are arranged to be inside the internal case 70. Moreover, while in the first depicted embodiment, the first heat exchanger 42 includes a primary segment 44 and a secondary segment 46, with the primary segment 44 being arranged in a coil configuration and with the secondary segment 46 being arranged in a coil configuration winding around the tank 12, in other embodiments, the first heat exchanger 42 comprises a single coil that winds around the gas bubbler 48, rather than around the tank 12, before passing back into the tank 12.

Further, while the system is not limited to use with the heating of rooms in a home, it is expected that various embodiments of the system will be particularly useful in such situations. In any regard, the foregoing description should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.

Accordingly, while there is shown and described the present preferred embodiments of the system, it is to be distinctly understood that this system is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A heating system utilizing electrolysis of water for heating a space, comprising:

a tank configured to hold water, said tank defining a tank refill port, a first tank outlet, a first tank inlet, and a second tank outlet;

a separation cell configured to perform electrolysis of said water, said separation cell producing a cell outlet mixture containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, said separation cell defining a cell inlet and a cell outlet;

a first conduit operationally connecting said first tank outlet and said cell inlet, said first conduit being configured to pass said water between said tank to said separation cell;

a first heat exchanger operationally connecting said cell outlet and said first tank inlet, said first heat exchanger being configured to pass said cell outlet mixture between said separation cell and said tank, said first heat exchanger being further configured to accommodate cooling of said cell outlet mixture;

a gas bubbler containing a bubbler fluid, said bubbler fluid defining a bubbler fluid level, said gas bubbler defining a gas bubbler inlet and a gas bubbler outlet, said gas bubbler inlet being defined below said bubbler fluid level;

a second conduit operationally connecting said second tank outlet and said gas bubbler inlet, said second conduit being configured to pass said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas between said tank and said gas bubbler;

a third conduit connected to said gas bubbler outlet, said third conduit being configured to pass therethrough said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas exiting said gas bubbler via said gas bubbler outlet;

a burn unit operationally connected to said third conduit, said burn unit including a flashback arrestor and an igniter, said igniter being configured to produce a torch flame by burning said hydrogen gas to produce heat;

said third conduit passing said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas into said burn unit;

said flashback arrestor being configured to prevent said igniter from burning hydrogen gas contained within said third conduit; and

a second heat exchanger configured to accommodate heating of environmental air via said heat produced by said igniter;

wherein said water from said tank is utilized to produce said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas in said separation cell and said hydrogen gas is utilized by said igniter to produce heat.

2. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said tank refill port is configured to accommodate selective addition of water to said tank.

3. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said tank is further configured to hold an electrolyte in mixture with said water.

4. The heating system of claim 3, wherein said tank refill port is further configured to accommodate selective addition of said electrolyte to said tank.

5. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said first tank outlet is defined in a low region of said tank.

6. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said first tank inlet is defined in a low region of said tank.

7. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said second tank outlet is defined in an upper region of said tank.

8. The heating system of claim 7, wherein said upper region is situated above said water.

9. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said first conduit operationally connects said first tank outlet and said cell inlet via a pump configured to compel said water out of said tank via said first tank outlet and into said separation cell via said cell inlet.

10. The heating system of claim 1, wherein said gas bubbler inlet and said gas bubbler outlet are defined in an upper area of said gas bubbler.

11. A heating system utilizing electrolysis of water for heating a space, comprising:

a tank configured to hold a water-electrolyte mixture, said water-electrolyte mixture comprising water, potassium carbonate, and a anti-foaming agent, said tank defining a tank refill port, a first tank outlet, a first tank inlet, and a second tank outlet;

a separation cell configured to perform electrolysis of said water within said water-electrolyte mixture, said separation cell producing a cell outlet mixture containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, said separation cell defining a cell inlet and a cell outlet;

a first conduit operationally connecting said first tank outlet and said cell inlet, said first conduit being configured to pass said water-electrolyte between said tank to said separation cell;

a first heat exchanger operationally connecting said cell outlet and said first tank inlet, said first heat exchanger being configured to pass said cell outlet mixture between said separation cell and said tank, said first heat exchanger being further configured to accommodate cooling of said cell outlet mixture;

a gas bubbler containing a bubbler fluid, said bubbler fluid defining a bubbler fluid level, said gas bubbler defining a gas bubbler inlet and a gas bubbler outlet, said gas bubbler inlet being defined below said bubbler fluid level;

a second conduit operationally connecting said second tank outlet and said gas bubbler inlet, said second conduit being configured to pass said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas between said tank and said gas bubbler;

a third conduit connected to said gas bubbler outlet, said third conduit being configured to pass therethrough said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas exiting said gas bubbler via said gas bubbler outlet;

a burn unit operationally connected to said third conduit, said burn unit including a flashback arrestor and an igniter, said igniter configured to produce a torch flame to burn said hydrogen gas to produce heat;

said third conduit passing said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas into said burn unit;

said flashback arrestor being configured to prevent said igniter from burning hydrogen gas contained within said third conduit; and

a second heat exchanger configured to accommodate heating of environmental air via said heat produced by said igniter;

wherein said water from said tank is utilized to produce said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas in said separation cell and said hydrogen gas is utilized by said igniter to produce heat.

12. A heating system utilizing electrolysis of water for heating a space, comprising:

an internal case having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said internal case defining a front fan opening, a back fan opening, a back conduit opening, a back heat exchanger opening, and a flashback arrestor opening;

a tank located mostly within said internal case, said tank configured to hold a water-electrolyte mixture containing water and an electrolyte, said tank defining a tank refill port, a first tank outlet, a first tank inlet, and a second tank outlet;

a pump contained within said internal case, said pump defining a pump inlet and a pump outlet;

a first conduit operationally connecting said first tank outlet and said pump inlet, said first conduit being configured to pass said water-electrolyte mixture between said tank and said pump;

a plurality of separation cells mounted to said exterior surface of said internal case, said separation cells configured to perform electrolysis of said water within said water-electrolyte mixture, said separation cells producing a cell outlet mixture containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, said separation cells defining a cell inlet and a cell outlet, said separation cells emitting heat generated by electrolysis of said water;

a second conduit operationally connecting said pump outlet and said cell inlet, said second conduit passing from inside said internal case to outside said internal case via said back conduit opening, said second conduit being configured to pass said water-electrolyte mixture between said pump to said separation cells;

a first heat exchanger operationally connecting said cell outlet and said first tank inlet, said first heat exchanger being configured to pass said cell outlet mixture between said separation cells and said tank, said first heat exchanger including a primary segment connected to said cell outlet, said primary segment being located outside said internal case, said primary segment being configured to accommodate cooling of said cell outlet mixture, whereby heat is emitted from said primary segment; a third conduit connected to said primary segment, said third conduit pass from outside said internal case to inside said internal case via said back heat exchanger opening; and a secondary segment connected to said third conduit and to said first tank inlet, said secondary segment being located inside said internal case, said secondary segment being arranged so as to encircle said tank at least once, said secondary segment also being connected to said first tank inlet, said second segment being configured to pass said cell outlet mixture from said third conduit to said tank via said first tank inlet, said primary segment being configured to accommodate further cooling of said cell outlet mixture, whereby heat is emitted from said secondary segment;

a gas bubbler containing a bubbler fluid, said gas bubbler being located inside said internal case; said bubbler fluid defining a bubbler fluid level, said gas bubbler defining a gas bubbler inlet and a gas bubbler outlet, said gas bubbler inlet being defined below said bubbler fluid level, said gas bubbler emitting a gas bubbler mixture of said hydrogen gas, said oxygen gas, and bubbler fluid vapors;

a fourth conduit operationally connecting said second tank outlet and said gas bubbler inlet, said fourth conduit being configured to pass said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas between said tank and said gas bubbler;

a fifth conduit connected to said gas bubbler outlet, said fifth conduit being configured to pass therethrough said gas bubbler mixture exiting said gas bubbler via said gas bubbler outlet;

a condenser located within said internal case, said condenser defining a condenser inlet and a condenser outlet, said fifth conduit connecting to said condenser inlet, said condenser configured to cool said gas bubbler mixture such that said bubbling gas vapors condense to form a bubbling gas condensate;

a sixth conduit connected to said condenser outlet, said sixth conduit being configured to pass therethrough said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas exiting said condenser via said condenser outlet, said sixth conduit passing outside said internal case via said flashback arrestor opening;

a flashback arrestor situated outside said internal case, said flashback arrestor being operationally connected to said sixth conduit;

said sixth conduit passing said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas into said flashback arrestor;

an igniter connected to said flashback arrestor, said igniter being configured to burn said hydrogen gas to produce heat;

said flashback arrestor being configured to prevent said igniter from burning hydrogen gas contained within said sixth conduit;

a second heat exchanger attached to said exterior surface of said internal case, said second heat exchanger configured to accommodate heating of environmental air via said heat produced by said igniter;

an external case containing said internal case, said primary segment of said first heat exchanger, said separation cells, said flashback arrestor, said igniter, and said second heat exchanger, said external case having a front side; an upper front fan attached to said front side, said upper front fan aligning with said second heat exchanger, said upper front fan being configured to encourage heat emitted from said second heat exchanger to exit said external case and enter said space; a lower front fan attached to said front side, said lower front fan aligning with said front fan opening, said lower front fan being configured to encourage said environmental air to enter said external case and said internal case from said space; and

a rear fan mounted within said back fan opening, said rear fan being configured to encourage said environmental air to pass from inside said internal case to outside said internal case and past said primary segment of said first heat exchanger;

wherein said mixture of water and said electrolyte is utilized to produce said hydrogen gas and said oxygen gas in said separation cells;

wherein said hydrogen gas is utilized in the presence of said oxygen gas by said igniter to produce heat; and

wherein heat generated by said electrolysis of said water in said separation cells, heat emitted from said primary segment of said first heat exchanger, heat emitted by said secondary segment of said first heat exchanger, and heat produced by said igniter are passed out of said external case to heat said space.

13. The heating system of claim 12, wherein said internal case further defines a tank port opening in an upper area of said internal case, said tank port opening aligning with tank refill port, said tank refill port extending out of said internal case, whereby said tank refill port is accessible outside of said internal case.

14. The heating system of claim 12, wherein said pump emits heat during operation thereof; and wherein heat emitted from said pump is passed out of said internal case via said rear fan and out of said external case via said upper front fan.

15. The heating system of claim 12, wherein said second heat exchanger is supported by said internal surface via at least one mounting bracket mounted to said exterior surface of said internal case.

16. The heating system of claim 12, further comprising an upper rear fan located outside said internal case and situated above said separation cells, said upper rear fan being configured to direct heat emitted from said separation cells toward said upper front fan.

17. The heating system of claim 12, wherein

said first tank further defines a tank bubbler port;

said gas bubbler further defines a gas bubbler fluid port; and

said heating system further comprises a seventh conduit operatively connecting said tank bubbler port and said gas bubbler fluid port.

18. The heating system of claim 17, wherein

said first tank further defines a tank condenser port;

said condenser further defines a condenser fluid port; and

said heating system further comprises an eight conduit operatively connecting said tank condenser port and said condenser fluid port.

19. The heating system of claim 12, wherein said electrolyte comprises potassium carbonate.

20. The heating system of claim 19, wherein said water-electrolyte mixture further comprises a anti-foaming agent.