Hydrogen fuel assist device for an internal combustion engine and related methods

Abstract

A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a water reservoir and a fuel cell formed from a plurality of fuel cell stacks in fluid communication with the water reservoir. Each fuel cell stack includes at least one gasket disposed between two components of the fuel cell stack, the gasket including: a through hole formed therein for passage of hydrogen or oxygen through the gasket; and a plurality of channels formed in the gasket adjacent the through hole, each of the plurality of channels extending from an edge of the through hole to an edge of the gasket, the channels being sized and shaped to allow passage of hydrogen or oxygen to or from the through hole to or from the edge of the gasket.

Description

RELATED CASES[0001]This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 263,076, filed Oct. 31, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,315; and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 001,564, filed Nov. 2, 2007, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines and more particularly to hydrogen fuel additives for improving engine performance.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Hydrogen can be beneficial as a secondary fuel that can be added to a primary fuel, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, for use in internal combustion engines. For example, hydrogen and oxygen, when mixed with the air / fuel mixture of the primary fuel of the engine can increase the performance of the engine by increasing the mileage and fuel economy of the vehicle with respect to the primary fuel. Additionally, hydrogen can also in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for using hydrogen fuel in an internal combustion engine. The system includes a water reservoir and fuel cell stacks that produce hydrogen from the water using an electrical current. The fuel cell stacks have a separator that separates gas and liquid. The system also includes a compressor for compressing the hydrogen to a desired pressure for use in the engine. The technical effect of this system is that it provides a reliable and efficient way to produce and use hydrogen fuel in an engine, leading to improved performance and reduced emissions.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, these systems have inherent production and safety issues.

Additionally, typical electrolysis cells have a relatively short life span due to the corrosive effects of the aqueous solution in an electrically charged environment.

Moreover, the hydrogen and oxygen produced by such electrolysis cells is difficult to separate.

Another issue with typical hydrogen generation systems is that the electrolysis cells often operated in such systems can be run independently from the engine, such that the cell can continue to produce explosive hydrogen even when the engine is not running.

Producing combustible or explosive hydrogen gas is not desirable if the engine is not running and using up the hydrogen gas as it is produced since the gas can accumulate, combust, or explode if not stored or disposed of properly.

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