ELECTROLYTIC CELL

Abstract

An electrolytic cell comprising, 1) an electrolyte inlet reservoir, 2) an oxygen outlet chamber and 3) a reaction space therebetween which houses an electrode array. When water is introduced into the reaction chamber the water acts as both an induction coil core (with the surrounding cathodes as the induction coil) and a condenser (capacitor) dielectric to enable the formation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; which effectively is a capacitor and an inductor in parallel. With the application of the appropriate frequency the subject apparatus acts as a parallel resonant tank circuit storing energy in the magnetic field of the coil and in the electric field of the capacitor.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,337 filed Jul. 18, 2010 and entitled, Electrolytic Cell.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for decomposing chemical compounds by means of electrical energy and, more specifically to such an apparatus and method for obtaining the release of hydrogen and oxygen from water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous processes have been proposed for separating a water molecule into its elemental hydrogen and oxygen components. Electrolysis is one such process. In electrolysis, a potential difference is applied between an anode and a cathode in contact with an electrolytic conductor to produce an electric current through the electrolytic conductor. When driven by an external voltage applied to the electrodes, the electrolyte provides ions that flow to and from the electrodes, where charge-transferring, or faradaic, or redox, reactions can take place. Each electrode attracts ions that are of the opposite charge. Positively-charged ions (cations) move towards the electron-providing (negative) cathode, whereas negatively-charged ions (anions) move towards the positive anode. Those atoms that gain or lose electrons to become charged ions pass into the electrolyte. Those ions that gain or lose electrons to become uncharged atoms separate from the electrolyte. The formation of uncharged atoms from ions is called discharging.

The above process takes place in an “electrolytic cell”. A conventional electrolytic cell has three component parts: an electrolyte and two electrodes (a cathode and an anode). The electrolyte is usually a solution of water or other solvents in which ions are dissolved. Many molten salts and hydroxides are electrolytic conductors but usually the conductor is a solution of a substance which dissociates in the solution to form ions. The term “electrolyte” will be used herein to refer to a substance which dissociates into ions, at least to some extent, when dissolved in a suitable solvent.

The energy required to cause the ions to migrate to the electrodes, and the energy to cause the change in ionic state, is provided by the external source of electrical potential. Only with an external electrical potential (i.e. voltage) of the correct polarity and large enough magnitude can an electrolytic cell decompose a normally stable, or inert chemical compound in the solution.

Electrolytic devices that decompose water to liberate its component elements, hydrogen and oxygen, are well known in the art. Commercially, such electrolytic cells have been used with varying degrees of success to increase the efficiency of combustion engines and are also used for bench top production of Hydrogen and Oxygen for lab or commercial use. The mixture of the liberated hydrogen with a hydrocarbon fuel and air in a combustion engine has many benefits among which are enriching and improving the charge, promoting combustion, producing less toxic combustion products, increasing power, increasing the efficiency of the engine, and/or economizing on fuel.

However, a serious drawback of many electrolytic cells of the prior art is that they are incapable of producing hydrogen at a rate sufficient to maintain a constant flow to the internal combustion engines. A variety of electrolytic cell designs have been created in an effort to increase the rate of electrolysis. Several electrolytic devices of the prior art include multiple electrodes in a variety of arrangements. For instance, several such arrangements include a centralized anode with a surrounding spaced tubular cathode. Examples of this arrangement may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,452,688; 5,450,822; 5,231,954; and 5,105,773, for example. Other processes for separating a water molecule into its elemental components are described in United States patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,344,831; 4,184,931; 4,023,545; and 3,980,053.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim for benefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a fuel comprised of hydrogen and/or oxygen gases to be generated by electrolysis of water at such a rate that it can enhance performance of an internal combustion engine. It achieves this result by use of an improved electrolytic cell and method of use. According to the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell comprising an elongated outer housing having a tubular or tube-like peripheral wall closed at each end via closures to define a housing space, and a novel electrode array disposed horizontally within the housing space and mounted between a pair of opposing insulative panels. First and second insulative panels divide the housing space into three primary portions, namely 1) an electrolyte inlet reservoir, 2) an oxygen outlet chamber and 3) a reaction space therebetween which houses the electrode array. The electrode array is comprised of a centrally disposed anodic rod (anode) surrounded by a plurality of incrementally spaced, relatively smaller, cathodic rods (cathodes) in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the anode, and a non-porous sheath separating the former from the latter. The sheath divides the reaction chamber into an oxygen generating chamber (housing the anode) and a hydrogen generating chamber (housing the cathodes). Oxygen gas and hydrogen gas generated through electrolysis are physically separated by the sheath and therefore prevented from recombining.

The electrode array is arranged to produce a unitary inductance/capacitance as herein described, and electric pulse generating means or a simple DC power arrangement operably attached to the electrode array. When water is introduced into the reaction chamber the water acts as both an induction coil core (with the surrounding cathodes as the induction coil) and a condenser (capacitor) dielectric to enable the formation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; which effectively is a capacitor and an inductor in parallel. With the application of the appropriate frequency the subject apparatus acts as a parallel resonant tank circuit which stores energy in the magnetic field of the coil and in the electric field of the capacitor. As the potential difference between the electrical and magnetic fields alternate, electrolysis occurs at a rapid rate. Where the desired result is a separation of oxygen and hydrogen, the potential difference is essentially driven by a single sided anode to cathode pulse, (diode limited). Where the liberated hydrogen and oxygen do not need to be separated, the EM fields can alternate, and the sheath can be removed.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important components and features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, 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 abstract 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.

It is therefore a primary object of the subject invention to provide a hydrogen and oxygen gases production system by electrolysis of water for direct use in an internal combustion engine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases according to the engine needs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an efficient apparatus for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases for direct use in an internal combustion engine.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen and oxygen gases production system adaptable to existing internal combustion engines.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the subject electrolytic cell;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It should be clearly understood at the outset that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawings herein, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, any reference to the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 in which there is illustrated a longitudinal sectional view of the subject electrolytic cell designated generally by reference numeral 10. Cell 10 is comprised of an elongated outer housing 12 having a tubular or tube-like peripheral wall 14 closed at each end via closures 16A,B to define a housing space 18 there between, and a novel electrode array 20 (FIG. 6) disposed horizontally within housing space 18 and mounted between a pair of opposing insulative panels 22A,B. End closures 16A,B are joined to peripheral wall 14 by overlapping facing planar surfaces, one over another. Sealing material such as PVC cement or glue impervious to gas, heat or water is interposed between the two to further ensure sealing engagement. First and second insulative panels 22A,B, respectively, divide housing space 18 into an electrolyte inlet reservoir 24, an oxygen outlet chamber 26 and a reaction space 28 therebetween which houses electrode array 20. Insulative panels 22A,B may also be brought into sealing engagement with the interior surface 13 of peripheral wall 14 using glue or cement. A circumferential gasket 15 may also be employed between contacting surfaces as shown. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, inlet reservoir 24 is in communication with reaction space 28 via at least one portal 27 disposed through the bottom portion of first insulative panel 22A and proximate the bottom of peripheral wall 14 to permit passage of electrolyte there through. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, reaction space 28 may optionally be in communication with outlet chamber 26 via at least one portal 27 disposed through the bottom portion of second insulative panel 22B proximate the bottom of peripheral wall 14. The inclusion of at least one portal 72 between reaction space 28 and outlet chamber 26 is merely optional because a separate passageway connecting the two chambers is provided as discussed in detail below.

Housing 12, end closures 16A,B, insulative panels 22A,B and sheath 34 are made of a chemically and electrically inert material, such as high impact plastic, tempered glass, glazed lava, or the like. Lightweight PVC material to minimize weight while maintaining durability and sealing capability is preferred. Housing 12 and housing space 18 are not restricted to the rectangular shape illustrated herein, but may have any suitable configuration depending upon, inter alia, the most convenient location for its installation. Housing 12 and housing space 18 need not share in common the same exterior or cross-sectional configuration. Cylindrical, square, oval, spherical and polygonal shapes are all contemplated.

Electrode array 20 is comprised of a centrally disposed anodic rod (anode) 30 surrounded by a plurality of incrementally spaced, relatively smaller, cathodic rods (cathodes) 32 in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of anode 30, and a non-porous sheath 34 separating the former from the latter. The sheath divides the reaction chamber into an oxygen generating chamber 36 (housing the anode) and a hydrogen generating chamber 38 (housing the cathodes). Oxygen gas and hydrogen gas generated through electrolysis are physically separated by sheath 34 and therefore prevented from recombining.

Anode 30, cathodes 32 and sheath 34 are all supported at their opposite ends by insulative panels 22A,B. Specifically, first surface 23a of insulative panel 22A includes a centrally disposed cutout 40 sized and shaped for the secure slidable reception of distal end 30A of anode 30 therein. Insulative panel 22B includes a centrally disposed aperture 42 sized and shaped for the slidable reception of proximal end 30B of anode 30 there through. Similarly, first surface 25A of insulative panel 22B includes a plurality (one for each cathode) of cutouts 44 sized and shaped for the secure slidable reception of distal ends 32A of each cathode 32 therein. Insulative panel 22A includes a plurality of apertures 46 sized and shaped for the slidable reception of proximal end 30B of each cathode 32 there through. Cutouts 44 are circumferentially distributed around center aperture 42 and evenly spaced from one another. Similarly, apertures 46 are circumferentially distributed around center cutout 40 and evenly spaced from one another. For each circumferential aperture 46 through insulative panel 22a there is a corresponding circumferential cutout 44 within insulative panel 22b such that they oppose one another and secure a cathode 32 therein in parallel relationship to anode 30 which is concentrically oriented along central longitudinal axis 48 of each insulative panel 22A,B. Finally, first surface 23A of insulative panel 22A includes first circumferential channel 50A concentrically located around longitudinal axis 48 between center cutout 40 and circumferential apertures 46. A corresponding and opposing second circumferential channel 50B within first surface 25A of insulative panel 22B is concentrically located around longitudinal axis 48 between center aperture 42 and circumferential cutouts 44. First and second circumferential channels 50A and 50B support opposite ends 34A,B of sheath 34, respectively.

It may be appreciated that the presence of sheath 34 between insulative panels 22A,B completely seals off oxygen generating chamber 36 from all neighboring chambers. In order that oxygen generating chamber 36 may be filled with electrolyte, first insulative panel 22A further includes electrolyte inlet foramen 37 disposed there through. Inlet foramen 37 is located between first circumferential channel 50A and center cutout 40, proximate the bottom of sheath 34, and permits the passage of electrolyte between inlet chamber 24 and oxygen generating chamber 36. In order that oxygen generated within oxygen chamber 36 may be evacuated there from, second insulative panel 22B further includes oxygen evacuation foramen 39 between second circumferential channel 50B and center aperture 42. Oxygen evacuation foramen 39 also permits the passage of electrolyte between reaction space 28 and outlet chamber 38 thus eliminating the need for the above described portal 27 within second insulative panel 22B.

An anode connector 52 is held in abutting relationship to second surface 258 of insulative panel 22B via bolt 54 interposed in proximal end 30B of anode 30 such that anode connector 52 is in electrical contact with anode 30. An anode connector post 56 is interposed through anode connector 52 and through peripheral wall 14. Anode connector post 56 at its outside portion (i.e., outside of housing 12) is connected to current source 58 via wire 60. A ring-like cathode connector 62 is held in abutting relationship to second surface 23B of insulative panel 22A via bolts 54 interposed in proximal end 32B of each cathode 32 such that cathode connector 62 is in electrical contact with each cathode 32. A cathode connector post 64 is interposed through cathode connector 62 and through peripheral wall 14. Cathode connector post 64 at its outside portion (i.e., outside of housing 12) is connected to a ground point 66 located somewhere in the vehicle via ground wire 68.

An electrolytic fluid F is interposed within housing space 18 in sufficient volume to cover all of the anode and cathode surfaces. Typically, the electrolytic fluid may be either water, potassium hydroxide or a similar compound capable of generating free oxygen and hydrogen ions as a result of an electrolytic reaction. The volume of fluid F will generally not entirely fill housing space 18 and a space S will typically be left at the top portion thereof. The electrolytic fluid F is introduced into apparatus 10 through inlet 70 interposed through the top of peripheral wall 14 and in communication with inlet reservoir 24. Fluid F passes through portals 27 into hydrogen generating chamber 38 and, when portals 27 are present in second insulative panel 22B, into oxygen outlet chamber 26. As previously stated, fluid F also passes through first foramen 37 into oxygen generating chamber 36 which will be entirely filled and will overflow into oxygen outlet chamber 26 via second foramen 39.

In operation, a current is supplied to the anode 30 which, in consort with the cathodes 32 and electrolytic fluid F produces a chemical reaction that resulting in the production of free oxygen and hydrogen ions. Hydrogen generated at cathodes 32 escapes hydrogen generating chamber 38 through first outlet 72 interposed through the top of peripheral wall 14 and in communication with hydrogen generating chamber 38. Oxygen generated at anode 30 escapes from oxygen generating chamber 36, through oxygen evacuation foramen 39 into oxygen outlet chamber 26 and is finally liberated through second outlet 74 interposed through the top of peripheral wall 14 and in communication with oxygen outlet chamber 26. Free atomic oxygen will quickly form diatomic oxygen gas and hydrogen ions will quickly form diatomic hydrogen gas. Either or both may be introduced into the combustion situs of an engine to enhance burning of the hydrocarbon fuels to improve the efficiency and cleanliness of the burn.

The unique construction of the subject apparatus acts as a single loop induction coil. While the outer rods form an electrically conductive material around the central conductor, this effectively forms a condenser (capacitor) with whatever medium is in between, IE water. In such an arrangement of parts, the electrolyte acts as both an induction coil core and as a condenser (capacitor) dielectric to enable the formation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; which effectively is a capacitor and an inductor in parallel. With the application of the appropriate frequency, this design develops into a parallel resonant tank circuit which stores energy in the magnetic field of the coil (in the electrolytic fluid) and in the electric field of the capacitor, as the potential difference between the electrical and magnetic fields alternate electrolysis occurs at a rapid rate. Where the desired result is a separation of oxygen and hydrogen, the potential difference is essentially driven by a single sided anode to cathode pulse, (diode limited). Where the liberated hydrogen and oxygen do not need to be separated, the EM fields can alternate, and sheath 34 can be removed. Up to four liters of 2H2+O2 per minute at nine amps have been successfully generated. The cell's output can be varied by adjusting the current flow, if using a buck style DC-DC convertor, the frequency (adjusting off the middle resonant frequency) and by the concentration of electrolytic fluid (simple DC). All can be modified by extending the length of the anode and cathode configuration. The cell uses approximately the same amount of current for ranges of 0.5-4 liters per minute. Moreover, the same flow rates may be generated at only 2-4 amps produced through the auto battery or fuse box and does not require a secondary power source. This, too, enables the device to be as unobtrusive as possible in the engine compartment and does not require the addition of weight or bulk to the automobile or vehicle at hand. Additionally, the device is readily adaptable for use with carbureted engines or fuel injection devices and also, with diesel engines. Depending on whether the Hydrogen and Oxygen need to be separated, a fast acting, high current diode is used to ensure that this tank circuit is only fired in one direction, allowing the inherent physical design to separate the two elements.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments herein set forth, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoing specifications, but rather only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell, comprising: whereby an electrolytic fluid capable of generating free oxygen and hydrogen ions as a result of an electrolytic reaction is interposed within said housing space in sufficient volume to cover said anodic rod and said plurality of cathodic rods, and a current is supplied to said anodic rod which, in consort with said cathodic rods and electrolytic fluid produces a chemical reaction resulting in the production of free oxygen and hydrogen ions.

a. an elongated housing having a first closed end, a second closed end, and a peripheral side wall, said first closed end, said second closed end, and said peripheral side wall defining a housing space;

b. a first insulative panel and a second insulative panel disposed within said housing and dividing said housing space into an inlet reservoir, an outlet chamber and a reaction space between said inlet reservoir and said outlet chamber;

c. an anodic rod centrally disposed within said reaction space, said anodic having a longitudinal axis, a first end mounted to said first insulative panel, and a second end disposed through said second insulative panel and in communication with said outlet chamber; said second end being in electrical contact with a power source;

d. a plurality of cathodic rods incrementally spaced around said anodic rod and parallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said plurality of cathodic rods having a first end mounted to said second insulative panel, and a second end disposed through said first insulative panel and in communication with said inlet reservoir, each of said second ends being grounded;

e. a fluid inlet in communication with said inlet reservoir;

f. a portal between said inlet reservoir and said reaction chamber and proximate the bottom of said peripheral wall to permit the passage of fluid therebetween;

g. a gas outlet disposed through the top of said peripheral wall and in communication with said reaction chamber;

2. An electrolytic cell, comprising: whereby an electrolytic fluid capable of generating free oxygen and hydrogen ions as a result of an electrolytic reaction is interposed within said housing space in sufficient volume to cover said anodic rod and said plurality of cathodic rods, and a current is supplied to said anodic rod which, in consort with said cathodic rods and electrolytic fluid produces a chemical reaction resulting in the production of free oxygen within said oxygen generating chamber and hydrogen ions within said hydrogen generating chamber, said free oxygen forming diatomic oxygen gas which passes through said evacuation foramen into said evacuation chamber and out said oxygen outlet, and said hydrogen ions forming diatomic hydrogen gas which is liberated through said hydrogen outlet.

a. an elongated housing having a first closed end, a second closed end, and a peripheral side wall, said first closed end, said second closed end, and said peripheral side wall defining a housing space;

b. a first insulative panel and a second insulative panel disposed within said housing and dividing said housing space into an inlet reservoir, an outlet chamber and a reaction space between said inlet reservoir and said outlet chamber;

c. an anodic rod centrally disposed within said reaction space, said anodic having a longitudinal axis, a first end mounted to said first insulative panel, and a second end disposed through said second insulative panel and in communication with said outlet chamber; said second end being in electrical contact with a power source;

d. a plurality of cathodic rods incrementally spaced around said anodic rod and parallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said plurality of cathodic rods having a first end mounted to said second insulative panel, and a second end disposed through said first insulative panel and in communication with said inlet reservoir, each of said second ends being grounded;

e. a non-porous sheath separating said anodic rod from said plurality of cathodic rods, said sheath having a first end mounted to said first insulative panel and a second end mounted to said second insulative panel, said sheath dividing said reaction chamber into an oxygen generating chamber within said sheath and a hydrogen generating chamber outside said sheath;

f. a fluid inlet in communication with said inlet reservoir;

g. a portal between said inlet reservoir and said reaction chamber and proximate the bottom of said peripheral wall to permit the passage of fluid therebetween;

h. an inlet foramen through said first insulative panel between said inlet reservoir and said oxygen generating chamber and proximate the bottom of said sheath to permit the passage of fluid therebetween;

i. a hydrogen outlet disposed through the top of said peripheral wall and in communication with said hydrogen generating chamber;

j. an evacuation foramen through said second insulative panel between said oxygen generating chamber and said outlet chamber and proximate the top of said sheath to permit the passage of fluid therebetween; and

k. an oxygen outlet disposed through the top of said peripheral wall and in communication with said outlet chamber;