Apparatus and method for generating and using multi-direction DC and AC electrical currents

Abstract

Multi-directional currents are generated in a medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of at least two electrodes so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from side of the electrode to the other, changing the direction of current in the medium. The multi-directional currents may be used to accelerate electrolytic processes such as generation of hydrogen by water electrolysis, to sterilize water for drinking, to supply charging current to a battery or capacitor, including a capacitive thrust module, in a way that extends the life and / or improves the performance of the battery or capacitor, to increase the range of an electromagnetic projectile launcher, and to increase the light output of a cold cathode light tube, to name just a few of the potential applications for the multi-directional currents.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 411,307, filed Apr. 11, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to multi-directional, reciprocating electrical currents. The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for generating the multi-directional currents, and to applications of the generating apparatus and method. [0004] The multi-directional currents of the invention are generated in a current carrying medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of a plurality of electrodes, so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from one side of the at least one electrode to the other, changing the direction of current flowing through the medium between two or more electrodes. [0005] The multi-directional electric currents have the effect of accelerating processes that rely on interaction between a current and the medium that carries ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach enhances the efficiency of hydrogen generation, extends battery life, and improves plasma production while reducing scaling and wear in electrolytic systems, offering a more efficient and sustainable energy solution.

Problems solved by technology

However, none of the previously proposed systems involves changing the direction of current in a single one, or both, of the electrodes so as to vary the direction of current flowing between the electrodes by other than 180°.

Hydrogen fuel cells, in particular, have the potential to provide a completely non-polluting power source of electricity, not only for vehicles but also for electricity generation in general, but have been limited by lack of a safe distribution system for the hydrogen, and by the costs of generating the hydrogen in the first place.

While it has long been known that hydrogen may be generated by applying a direct current to water, the rate of hydrogen generation is too low to provide a practical hydrogen source for mass distribution.

As a result, hydrogen for mass consumption is currently produced from fossil fuels at relatively high energy costs relative to the energy value of the hydrogen produced.

Despite their theoretical promise, however, similar systems have yet to offer a practical alternative to fossil fuels.

It is believed that a regenerative system can only attain widespread acceptance if the efficiency of hydrogen production is increased.

This is not the optimal angle for breaking the ionic bonds and disassociating the hydrogen atoms from the oxygen atoms.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,083 discloses an electrolytic memory utilizing three electrodes, but each electrode only has a single input, and thus the resulting storage cell has no advantage over conventional silicon memory devices.

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