Electrolyte Delivery System

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for providing electrolyte to an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen gas to inject into the intake of an internal combustion engine. The system includes an electrolysis cell having an electrolyte input port, an electrolyte output port and at least one working gas output port. The electrolyte output port communicates with a storage reservoir. A coolant liquid conduit is in thermal communication with the electrolyte solution and in fluid communication with a portion of the engine coolant system in which the coolant liquid has been heated by the engine when the engine is running. To heat up the electrolyte solution and improve the efficiency of electrolysis, the heated liquid coolant is diverted from the engine coolant system and circulated through the heating system to transfer heat to the liquid containing the electrolyte. In freezing temperatures the heated liquid coolant may also be diverted from the engine coolant system and circulated through the distilled water store to thaw the water used to replenish the electrolyte solution.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to systems for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. In particular, this invention relates to electrolyte delivery systems for use with internal combustion engines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines has been of interest for many years. Gasoline is a standard fuel for internal combustion engines, but many of the bi-products of incomplete gasoline combustion are harmful to the environment. This has given rise to much concern over the long term effects of the prolific use of internal combustion engines. Many approaches have been taken to reducing these harmful emissions, some more successful than others, but further measures are necessary in order to meet increasingly strict emission standards. Also gasoline is a non-renewable resource, and given worldwide trends in the supply and demand of gasoline, the upward pressure on the price of gasoline and other...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]An advantage of this electrolyte delivery system is that the electrolyte solution is heated which reduces its resistance to current in the electrolysis cell and the cell thus requires less electrical power to produce the hydrogen. Yet another advantage of this electrolyte delivery system is that the heating of the water store and electrolyte solution is achieved by using waste heat from the engine which would otherwise be dissipated into the atmosphere.

[0017]A further advantage is that the electrolyte is circulated using the pressure of at least one product gas produced in the electrolysis cell.

Problems solved by technology

Gasoline is a standard fuel for internal combustion engines, but many of the bi-products of incomplete gasoline combustion are harmful to the environment.

Also gasoline is a non-renewable resource, and given worldwide trends in the supply and demand of gasoline, the upward pressure on the price of gasoline and other petroleum products will undoubtedly continue.

However, there are many obstacles to employing an electrolyzer in every day use, especially in transportation applications such as the automobile.

Pure oxygen is highly explosive, and must be safely discharged either into the atmosphere, or directly into the engine for combustion.

The electrolyte can be harmful to the environment, and must either be reused or discarded in an environmentally friendly manner.

In the automotive application, the environmental conditions also present significant difficulties.

A significant portion of the harmful emissions produced by a gasoline combustion engine are produced immediately after a “cold start,” while the engine is running below normal operating temperature.

Furthermore, where an on-board water store is provided to replenish the electrolyte solution, in sub-freezing temperatures the water freezes when the vehicle is not in use and is therefore not available to replenish the electrolyte solution.

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