Transformerless On-Site Generation

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for electrolysis that does not require the use of a transformer to operate. The apparatus comprises one or more electrolytic cells which comprise the number of intermediate electrodes sufficient to enable the cell or cells to operate at the rectified line voltage without any need for voltage regulation, or near the rectified line voltage with only some voltage regulation, such as less than 20% of the rectified line voltage. Such regulation is achieved by using a buck or boost converter rather than a transformer, and can be varied to accommodate fluctuations in the line voltage and / or conductivity of the electrolyte, or varied to produce different chemistries in the same apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 710,468, entitled “Transformerless On-Site Generation”, filed on Oct. 5, 2012, the specification and claims of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)[0003]The present invention is apparatus and configuration for providing power to one or more electrolytic cells without requiring a large transformer to take incoming AC voltage to a lower DC voltage. This innovation is a substantial cost and footprint improvement over other electrolytic cell designs.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Electrolytic cells of either mono-polar or bi-polar configuration for on-site generation (OSG) of oxidants are typically arranged in electrically parallel configurations. Voltages used for a mono-polar cell typically vary from 3.5-6.0 Volts plate to plate. Bipolar electrol...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating power on-site without the need for a large transformer. This innovation involves using electrolytic cells with intermediate electrodes to operate at a lower voltage, which reduces costs and power losses. The apparatus and method can vary the voltage across the cells to maintain the desired voltage between adjacent electrodes. This eliminates the need for a transformer and reduces the overall footprint and weight of the apparatus. The invention also includes a plurality of contactors in an H-bridge configuration for reversing the polarity of the cells for self-cleaning. The technical effects of the invention include reduced costs, improved efficiency, and reduced weight and space requirements for on-site power generation.

Problems solved by technology

This methodology / apparatus of stepping down the voltage has substantial disadvantages.

The cost of goods sold (COGS) associated with the step down voltage apparatus are typically a substantial part of the overall cost of the on-site generator (often 10-50%).

Stepping down voltage also results in substantial power losses, increasing the operating cost of generating oxidants or other chemicals on-site and creating more heat, which must somehow be dealt with by cooling fans, etc.

Lastly, the footprint and weight associated with the apparatus used to step down the voltage is a substantial part of the overall footprint and weight (typically 10-45%).

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