Hydrogen Energy Systems

Abstract

A hydrogen energy system comprising galvanic hydrogen generators and hydrogen input manifolds for vehicle engines. The galvanic hydrogen generators generate hydrogen gas, magnesium hydroxide, and heat by the galvanic reaction of magnesium anodes with steel cathodes in salt water. Heat exchangers channel excess heat to a heat sink such as a thermocouple, Stirling engine, hot water system, etc. The hydrogen input manifold is bolted between the engine block and the air intake manifold of a gasoline or diesel engine. Hydrogen gas is injected into the hydrogen input manifold to provide supplementary fuel to the engine, lowering the amount of petroleum that is used.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 710,538, filed Aug. 22, 2005, entitled “Hydrogen Energy Systems”, and is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 745,056, filed Apr. 18, 2006, entitled “Hydrogen Energy Systems”, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to hydrogen energy systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to efficient galvanic hydrogen generation. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. [0003] No system exists that efficiently, safely, and easily generates hydrogen gas from water for use as fuel without the need to supply electrical power from outs...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such systems that efficiently, safely, and easily provide heated water and hydrogen for hot-water using appliances. A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that provides UL listed appliances adapted to generate heat and hydrogen via galvanic reaction.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one galvanic cell, comprising at least one anode; at least one cathode; and at least one buffer having an electrochemical potential between such at least one anode and such at least one cathode; at least one container, adapted to contain such at least one galvanic cell, comprising volume in excess of five gallons, at least one construction seam, at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace, and at least one hydrogen gas release valve; wherein such at least one construction seam is substantially permanently sealed; wherein such at least one anode initially weighs at least about seven pounds; and wherein such at least one container is adapted to hold at least one quantity of water sufficient (relative to the quantity of such at least one anode) to prevent overheating resulting in passivation of such at least one anode.

[0020] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a galvanic hydrogen generator system, relating to generating hydrogen gas from water, comprising: at least one galvanic charge, comprising at least one anode, and at least one electrolyte material; and at least one container comprising at least one hydrogen gas storage headspace, at least one hydrogen gas release valve, and at least one cathode; wherein such at least one container is adapted to hold at least one quantity of water sufficient (relative to the quantity of such at least one anode) to prevent overheating resulting in passivation of such at least one anode; and wherein hydrogen gas is generated when such at least one quantity of water and such at least one galvanic charge are placed into such at least one container.

Problems solved by technology

No system exists that efficiently, safely, and easily generates hydrogen gas from water for use as fuel without the need to supply electrical power from outside the hydrogen generator.

Further, no system exists that provides safe and simple modification of gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion engines to run partially on hydrogen fuel.

No system exists that efficiently, safely, and easily provides heated water and hydrogen for hot-water using appliances.

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