SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING Green HYDROGEN

Abstract

A system and method for producing hydrogen from water. A cylindrical reaction vessel is provided with an outer shell, a central shaft and one or more concentric inner tubes separated by an annular space. A water pump delivers water to the annular space through an inlet defined in the reaction vessel. Water flows along a tortuous flow path. The path originates from an inner annular space around the central axis. It ends in an external annular space. Water flows out of the reaction vessel through an outlet associated with the manifold. And applying high-frequency vibration stimulation to the reaction container and the water. The water molecules are dissociated into hydrogen molecules and oxygen atoms. These reaction products are delivered along an effluent flow path through a manifold to a receiving pressure vessel, and then reconfigured to a subassembly for utilizing clean energy.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 202,150, filed May 25, 2023. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is in the field of producing hydrogen gas from aqueous solutions subjected to electrical energy and vibrational perturbations. BACKGROUND

[0003] The pursuit of low carbon emissions has made hydrogen an attractive energy source because hydrogen is abundant, mainly in the form of water. When used as a fuel, hydrogen produces water vapor, making it a clean energy source. Hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles or internal combustion engines of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

[0004] Hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient. They can convert up to 60% of the energy in the fuel to electrical energy. In comparison, internal combustion engines have an efficiency of about 20%. It is well known that, in combination with suitable ancillary equipment, hydrogen can power a variety of machines, heat buildings, and generate electricity.

[0005] Hydrogen can be produced from renewable resources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. When produced in this way, it can be considered a renewable energy source. But the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow as expected.

[0006] Overall, hydrogen has the potential to be a key component of the future of sustainable energy because it is a clean, efficient, and versatile energy source that can be produced from renewable resources. ChatGPT, Personal Communication, April 24, 2023.

[0007] In practice, it is difficult to store hydrogen compactly and efficiently because of its very low density. This means that a large amount of space is required to store even small amounts of hydrogen. Because hydrogen gas is a collection of small molecules, it can easily leak through tiny gaps in storage containers, valves, or pipes. This results in hydrogen loss, as well as waste and potential danger.

[0008] To meet space constraints, hydrogen gas must often be stored at high pressure to achieve the required density for use in fuel cells or internal combustion engines. Such high pressures require heavier storage containers, which are therefore expensive to manufacture.

[0009] Another disadvantage of hydrogen storage is embrittlement. It is well known that hydrogen causes metals to embrittle, making it difficult to store hydrogen safely in metal containers for long periods of time. Id.

[0010] In this context, there is a need for a system and method of producing hydrogen on demand, thereby minimizing or eliminating the need to store hydrogen between production and use.

[0011] In particular in third world countries, access to electricity can be limited. In such an environment, it would be desirable to use a relatively compact and easy to transport system to produce hydrogen. Such a system, in combination with suitable equipment, can generate electricity in remote areas.

[0012] In order to use hydrogen for fuel cells and generators to generate electricity, the following steps can be involved:

[0013] a. Producing hydrogen. Once produced, it would be beneficial to use the hydrogen on demand without the need to store it in pressure vessels or pipelines for later use.

[0014] b. Converting the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy in a fuel cell. One way to do this is to send hydrogen into the anode of a fuel cell, while sending oxygen into the cathode. The chemical reaction between the two produces electricity, which can be used to power an electric motor or to charge a battery.

[0015] The electricity produced by a fuel cell is direct current (DC). However, most electrical equipment works on alternating current (AC), so an inverter can be needed to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity.

[0016] If needed, a battery can store excess energy produced by the fuel cell. When the demand for electricity exceeds the amount produced by the fuel cell, the stored energy can be used. If the demand for electricity exceeds the capacity of the fuel cell and the battery, a generator can be used to provide additional electricity. The generator can be powered by hydrogen or other fuel sources. As above. By using hydrogen to power the fuel cell and the generator, electricity can be generated cleanly and efficiently.

[0017] The process can be applied in various fields, such as stationary electricity generation for homes or businesses, or transportation.

[0018] Of particular interest is green hydrogen. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas that is typically produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electricity and electrolysis. The electricity used in this process can be generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power.

[0019] The term "green" refers to the fact that producing hydrogen in this way does not result in any greenhouse gas emissions. It is said that when the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is too high, greenhouse gases have a negative impact on the environment. Such gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth's temperature to rise. This is believed to cause changes in climate patterns and rising sea levels, more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.

[0020] This makes green hydrogen a promising alternative to traditional methods of producing hydrogen, which typically rely on fossil fuels and can contribute to climate change.

[0021] As mentioned earlier, conventional hydrogen generation systems typically require electrolysis. This is an inefficient process that consumes more energy than fuel cells or internal combustion engines can recover.

[0022] Existing electrolysis methods involve splitting water to produce hydrogen and oxygen by passing a low-pressure current through liquid water. This hydrogen and oxygen can then be burned in an internal combustion engine or fed into a fuel cell to generate energy. Conventional electrolysis systems require the addition of an electrolyte (such as sulfuric acid) to the water. An electric current is then passed through the water until sufficient energy is provided to dissociate hydrogen and oxygen ions. Oxygen ions are attracted to the anode (+), and hydrogen ions are attracted to the cathode (-).

[0023] Existing systems and methods for dissociating hydrogen from water molecules are often relatively inefficient, consuming more energy than can be recovered. Therefore, an improved hydrogen production system that consumes less energy than conventional methods is desired. It is known that, in certain situations, electrolysis assisted by 10 MHz mixed acoustic waves may have beneficial effects on hydrogen production. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. newatlas.com / energy / hydrogen-sound-vibration-electrolysis This paper is incorporated herein by reference. The method uses a gold electrode and an electrolyte with a neutral pH level contained in a glass electrolyte chamber. See also, 13 Advanced Energy Materials 7, February 17, 2023 - onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / 10.1002 / aenm.202203164, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] In this context, it is beneficial to provide clean energy on a commercially viable scale using abundant fuels—water—rather than resorting to solar or wind power, since the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow.

[0025] The patent documents considered prior to filing this patent application are: EP2433902, EP3907181, PE20211530, US2012 / 0222954, US2017 / 0275160 and US2020 / 0376459. Summary of the Invention

[0026] Several aspects of this disclosure relate to a system and method for producing hydrogen from water. The method includes the following steps.

[0027] A cylindrical reaction vessel is provided, having a shell, a central shaft, and one or more concentric inner tubes separated by annular spaces. Water is pumped into the annular spaces through an inlet communicating with the central shaft. The water flows along a tortuous path, beginning in the inner annular space around the central shaft and ending in the outer annular space beneath the shell. The water exits the reaction vessel through an outlet associated with a manifold located at the end of the reaction vessel.

[0028] A high-frequency vibration stimulus is provided by a variable frequency drive or controller, and this high-frequency vibration stimulus is applied to the reaction vessel and the water as it flows along the flow path. As a result, water molecules dissociate into hydrogen molecules and oxygen atoms. These reaction products are then transported along the effluent flow path to a receiving reservoir through an outlet on the reaction vessel. Attached Figure Description

[0029] This disclosure and its advantages will be presented in more detail in the following description of embodiments given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 A representative arrangement of components according to this disclosure is shown, which are electrically connected and include one embodiment of a system for hydrogen production.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a representative depiction of a hydraulic / pneumatic unit in the aforementioned system;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the concentric tubes and central axis inside the reaction vessel. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0034] Elements present in multiple figures have the same reference numerals in each figure.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a representative system (10) according to this disclosure is shown. The main system components are depicted.

[0036] One or more batteries (12) provide DC power to the frequency converter or controller (14). In one embodiment, four 12-volt batteries are connected in series to provide 48 volts. If needed, a charger (16) can be connected to one or more batteries. The batteries power the frequency converter or controller. The preferred embodiment operates at a frequency of 18 kHz. A suitable frequency converter is a power amplifier that rapidly switches the power supply on and off, delivering power to the reaction vessel (26) in a series of pulses.

[0037] A potentiometer (20) is combined with a computer or microprocessor (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet, etc., collectively referred to as a “microprocessor”) (18) to provide regulation, the computer program adjusting the throttle valve device to affect the desired output. For example, a 71% throttle valve setting produces a 36-volt output; a 97% throttle valve setting produces a 46-volt output. The latter setting produces the optimal hydrogen yield. Lower percentages produce less hydrogen. The microprocessor is used to input variables and values ​​into a frequency converter (14), which controls the resulting vibration characteristics and displays the results.

[0038] If needed, an inductor (e.g., a 450-amp high-current inductor from Coil Winding Specialist, Orange Grove, California - www.coilws.com) (22), a potentiometer (e.g., B5k) (20), and a capacitor (e.g., a 75-volt Cornell Dublilier 176719) (24) can be connected to the frequency converter drive (14), as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The variable frequency drive transmits a frequency (e.g., 18 kHz – 18,000 cycles per second) to the reaction vessel (26) that will cause vibrations in the reaction vessel (26) and its water contents. In some cases, this will generate harmonics.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, pressure vessel (28) receives incoming water, which occupies approximately half of the pressure vessel's volume. Air and oxygen are maintained above the water surface. Hydrogen produced by the system is located above the air and oxygen. Pressure vessel (28) delivers outgoing water to reaction vessel (26), optionally via a water pump (e.g., a 110-volt, 1-horsepower spray pump) (42).

[0040] The reaction vessel (26) includes a concentric tube (30). The cross-sections of the reaction vessel (26) and the concentric tube (30) are at... Figure 3As shown in the figure. Preferably, the tubes (30) are made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, six tubes are deployed. The outer tube (32) has a relatively thick wall. The inner tube (34) has a thinner wall. A hollow central shaft (36) is provided. In some embodiments, the central shaft is also made of stainless steel. In the reaction vessel (26), water flows into the hollow central shaft (36), flows outward through orifices (38) provided along at least a portion of its length, and then flows along a tortuous path along the annular space (40) between the concentric tubes (30). The water is partially recirculated within the reaction vessel (26) by flowing back and forth approximately 3.5 times. Water flows from the smaller (inner) tube to the larger (outer) tube. This accommodates the volume expansion of the gas / water mixture. If desired, the reaction vessel (26) can be oriented horizontally as shown, or vertically as required.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the water pump (42) can be located between the pressure vessel (28) and the reaction vessel (26). Water, along with impurities / (multiple) catalysts, serves as the electrolytic medium. Sodium hydroxide is preferably added. Thus, the impurities and ions in the water are capable of conducting electricity.

[0042] If necessary, the incoming water is purified by passing through a reverse osmosis unit (44) before entering the pressure vessel (28).

[0043] Baffles (46) are arranged between concentric inner tubes (30). Thus, the tortuous fluid flow path includes a first flow direction along the inner annular space and the opposite flow direction in the adjacent outer annular space, and so on, until reaching the outer shell.

[0044] The liquid / gas effluent mixture from the reaction vessel (26) flows from the manifold (48) associated with the reaction vessel (26) to the pressure vessel (14) for temporary storage before use.

[0045] Preferably, direct current (e.g., 46-48 volts) flows from the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the inverter driver (14), and then to the positive terminal of the outer tube (32) attached to the reaction vessel (26). Direct current (e.g., 46-48 volts) flows from the negative terminal of the battery to the negative input terminal of the inverter driver (14). The negative output (M-) current (voltage varies depending on the throttle valve setting) flows from the inverter driver (14) through an inductor (22) to the central inner shaft (36), the inductor (22) storing at least a portion of the electrical energy.

[0046] As a result, the inner shaft (36) and the concentric tube (30) vibrate and cause the water to be disturbed by vibration, and in some cases, this disturbance is a harmonic frequency.

[0047] Unbound by any particular theory, when water and pipes are forced to resonate at one of their natural frequencies, they vibrate in a way that creates standing wave modes in the water. Such modes only occur at specific vibrational frequencies, which are called "harmonic frequencies," or simply harmonics. TPC Physics Tutorial: Fundamental Frequency and Harmonics (physicsclassroom.com)

[0048] In response, water molecules (H2O) within the stainless steel electrodes (32, 36) are decomposed into hydrogen molecules (H2) and oxygen atoms (O) through vibrational perturbation and electrolysis.

[0049] The result is a clean final product, including green hydrogen (50). Flow meters in communication with one or more gaseous effluents can be provided if needed. It is worth noting that, in the ideal operating environment, hydrogen is not stored for extended periods. This avoids the storage problems mentioned above. Oxygen is allowed to escape into the surrounding atmosphere unless otherwise deployed.

[0050] Waste is minimized because the water flowing out of the reaction vessel (26) can be recycled.

[0051] For example, green hydrogen can be connected to a hydrogen motor that powers a generator to supply electricity, or to a fuel cell generator. There are no harmful emissions.

[0052] Of course, this disclosure can be implemented in many variations. Although several embodiments have been described above, it should be readily understood that it is impossible to identify all possible embodiments exhaustively. Naturally, any of the described means can be replaced with equivalent means without departing from the scope of this disclosure and the claims.

[0053] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various implementations can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

[0054] Appendix Label Table

[0055]

Claims

1. A method for producing hydrogen from water, comprising: A cylindrical reaction vessel is provided, the reaction vessel having a shell, a central shaft and one or more concentric inner tubes separated by annular spaces; Water is delivered to the annular space through an inlet defined on the central axis; The water is defined to meandering along its flow path, which begins in an inner annular space around the central axis and ends in an outer annular space below the outer shell, through which the water flows out of the reaction vessel via a manifold in fluid communication with the annular space. As water flows along the flow path, a high-frequency vibration stimulus is applied to the water, causing water molecules to dissociate into hydrogen molecules and oxygen atoms, which are then transported through the outlet in the manifold along the outflow path to the receiving pressure vessel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical reaction vessel further comprises baffles disposed between the concentric inner tubes such that the tortuous flow path includes a first flow direction along the inner annular space and an opposite flow direction in the adjacent annular space.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the high-frequency vibration stimulation includes resonant harmonic frequencies.

4. A system for generating hydrogen, comprising: The source of electrical energy input; A frequency converter driver communicating with the input source, the frequency converter driver being used to deliver an output voltage between 36 volts and 48 volts and a frequency of approximately 18 kHz to the reaction vessel and the water flowing inside it; and A microprocessor for programming the frequency converter driver.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a pressure vessel that receives the inflowing water before it is delivered to the reaction vessel.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the pressure vessel also maintains air and hydrogen above the water.

7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a reaction vessel in communication with the variable frequency drive.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the reaction vessel comprises concentric tubes arranged around a central axis.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the wall thickness of the outer tube is greater than the wall thickness of the inner tube.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the concentric tubes define an annular water flow path between them, water flowing around and through the concentric tubes along the annular flow path before being at least partially recirculated within the reaction vessel, water flowing from the smaller inner tube to the larger outer tube, thereby accommodating the volume expansion of the gas / water mixture.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the inner shaft and concentric tube in the reaction vessel vibrate in response to a signal from the frequency converter and cause vibration disturbance to the water.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a water pump located between the pressure vessel and the reaction vessel.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a reverse osmosis unit located upstream of the pressure vessel for purifying the incoming water.

14. The system of claim 4, wherein the frequency converter applies harmonic disturbances to the reaction vessel and the flowing water, the harmonic disturbances generating standing wave modes that produce reaction products that are dissociated into water molecules of oxygen and hydrogen.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the reaction products flow through a manifold associated with the reaction vessel to the pressure vessel for temporary storage before use.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the reaction product comprises green hydrogen.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a hydrogen motor that drives a generator to form a sub-component that supplies electricity with minimal harmful emissions.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the sub-component is lightweight and easy to transport.

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