Process and apparatus for combusting hydrogen

Abstract

To solve the problem that a conventional heat exchanger system such as a furnace typically depends on a hydrocarbon material as combustible fuel for producing desired heat energy, hydrocarbon fuel is typically expensive, and combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel generates carbon dioxide harmful to the environment.SOLUTION: There is provided a system for producing heat energy comprising: an electrolyzer for effecting electrolysis of water to produce an electrolysis product material including gaseous molecular hydrogen, and a furnace, fluidly coupled to the electrolyzer for receiving the gaseous molecular hydrogen of at least the electrolysis product material, and configured for combusting the received gaseous molecular hydrogen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure is, Gaseous hydrogen molecules This relates to a heat exchanger system for generating heat to heat a fluid such as air by burning fuel. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing heat exchanger systems, such as those in furnaces, typically rely on hydrocarbon materials as combustible fuels to generate the desired thermal energy. Hydrocarbon fuels are typically expensive. Furthermore, the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels produces carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0003] In one embodiment, a system for generating thermal energy, A source of gaseous material containing fuel, wherein the gaseous material containing fuel is Gaseous hydrogen molecules Including the source, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, It comprises an eductor fluidly coupled to a source of gaseous material containing fuel, The fuel-containing gaseous material supply source, eductor, ignition device, and reaction zone are located while the motive fluid is flowing through the eductor. The flow of the fuel-containing material is induced by the flow of the driving fluid in response to the Venturi effect, and as a result, the induced flow of the fuel-containing material and the driving fluid combine. mixture A fluid material is obtained, The reaction zone supply is supplied to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material is obtained within the reaction zone, and the reaction zone supply is at least mixture Fluid materials Gaseous hydrogen molecules Includes, In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into reaction products through the reaction process, resulting in the generation of post-reaction process gaseous material, which contains the reaction products, and the reaction process is Gaseous hydrogen moleculesA system is provided in which the reaction process, including combustion, is coordinately configured to generate thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system for generating thermal energy, Gaseous hydrogen molecules The source of supply and A manifold fluid-coupled to the supply source, A nozzle for discharging a gaseous material supply received by a manifold, wherein the nozzle has dimensions of 2.0258 × 10⁻⁶. -9 square meters (3.14 × 10 -6 A nozzle defines a maximum cross-sectional flow area less than (square inch), It comprises an ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, The supply source, manifold, nozzle, ignition device, and reaction zone are, (i) Source of supply Gaseous hydrogen molecules The gaseous material supply containing is received by the manifold and discharged into the reaction zone via a nozzle. (ii) The oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and as a result, the reaction zone Gaseous hydrogen molecules A reaction zone material containing an oxidizing agent is obtained. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into reaction products through the reaction process, resulting in the generation of post-reaction gaseous material, which contains the reaction products, and the reaction process is influenced by the oxidizing agent. Gaseous hydrogen molecules A system is provided in which the reaction process, including combustion, is coordinately configured to generate thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced.

[0005] In another embodiment, a system for generating thermal energy, Gaseous hydrogen molecules The source of supply and Gaseous hydrogen molecules To receive Gaseous hydrogen moleculesA manifold fluidly coupled to the supply source, Received Gaseous hydrogen molecules A nozzle for discharging, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, And to reduce flashback from the reaction zone, the manifold and Gaseous hydrogen molecules A flame suppressor is positioned between the power source and the flame suppressor, Gaseous hydrogen molecules The supply source, manifold, nozzle, ignition device, and reaction zone are, (i) Gaseous hydrogen molecules It is received by the manifold and discharged into the reaction zone via a nozzle. (ii) The oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and the reaction zone material is Gaseous hydrogen molecules and an oxidizing agent, In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into reaction products through the reaction process, resulting in the generation of post-reaction gaseous material, which contains the reaction products, and the reaction process is influenced by the oxidizing agent. Gaseous hydrogen molecules A system is provided in which the reaction process, including combustion, is coordinately configured to generate thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced.

[0006] In another embodiment, a process for heating ambient air, By electrolyzing water, Gaseous hydrogen molecules Generate, generated Gaseous hydrogen molecules And the reaction zone material containing the oxidizing agent is placed (emplacing) within the reaction zone. The process includes ignition of a fluid material composed of reaction zone materials, in which the reaction zone materials are converted into reaction products through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The reaction process is brought about by an oxidizing agent. Gaseous hydrogen moleculesThe process includes combustion, the reaction products include water vapor, the reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gas material, the heated post-reaction process gas material is generated for heating the ambient air, the heated post-reaction process gas material includes the reaction products, the water vapor is condensed so that liquid water is obtained, and the electrolysis includes the electrolysis of the liquid water obtained from the condensation.

[0007] In another aspect, a process for heating ambient air, through electrolysis with water Gaseous hydrogen molecules to generate the generated Gaseous hydrogen molecules in combination with an added oxidant, mixture to generate a fluid material, mixture ignite the fluid material, mixture the fluid material is converted to reaction products through a reactive process, as a result, a post-reaction process gas material is generated, the post-reaction process gas material includes the reaction products, and the reaction process is affected by an oxidant of a motive fluid Gaseous hydrogen molecules including combustion, the reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gas material, the heated post-reaction process gas material is generated, and the heated post-reaction process gas material is used for indirect heat transfer communication with the ambient air. A process is provided.

[0008] In another aspect, a kit of components for retrofitting a furnace is provided, the kit includes a conventional burner assembly and a heat exchanger, an electrolytic cell for performing electrolysis of water to generate an electrolysis product material including Gaseous hydrogen molecules and a gas hydrogen compatible burner assembly including a fluid conductor for receiving and conducting a reaction zone supply to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material within the reaction zone is obtained, and an ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material disposed inside the reaction zone, and the conventional burner assembly and the heat exchanger. The electrolytic cell, gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and heat exchanger are (i) A gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly replaces the conventional burner assembly. (ii) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly accepts the reaction zone supply, (iii) The electrolytic product material is produced by the electrolytic cell, (iv) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is such that the received reaction zone supply is at least the electrolysis product Gaseous hydrogen molecules The electrolytic cell is fluidly coupled to include, The received reaction zone supply contains reaction zone material Gaseous hydrogen molecules It is guided into the reaction zone to include, In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material reacts to the ignition of the reaction zone material. Gaseous hydrogen molecules It is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process including combustion, and as a result, a post-reaction gaseous material containing the reaction product is produced. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The post-reaction process gas material, after heating, is coordinately configured to be placed in a heat transfer communication with a heat exchanger.

[0009] In another embodiment, a system for generating thermal energy, Gaseous hydrogen molecules An electrolytic cell for performing the electrolysis of water to produce an electrolytic product material containing, and at least the electrolysis product material Gaseous hydrogen molecules It was fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to accept the accepted Gaseous hydrogen molecules A system is provided comprising a furnace configured to burn [a certain substance]. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchanger system of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a conventional heat exchanger system before modifications were made to obtain the heat exchanger system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] A heat exchanger system 10 is provided. The heat exchanger system 10 is provided and configured to generate heat from the combustion of a gaseous fuel in a reaction zone 8 in order to heat the ambient air for climate control of the internal space.

[0013] In some embodiments, for example, a first gaseous material supply source 12 is provided, which functions to provide a supply source for the first gaseous material 102. The first gaseous material includes a gaseous fuel. The supply source 12 is for supplying the first gaseous material 102 to the reaction zone 8 for combustion of the gaseous fuel. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous fuel is Gaseous hydrogen molecules Includes.

[0014] In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous material 102 is combined with the second gaseous material 104, and as a result, mixture A fluid material 106 is generated and supplied to the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous material 104 contains an oxidizer, in which case the combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous material 102 in the reaction zone 8 is carried out by the oxidizer of the second gaseous material 104. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous material 104 contains ambient air such that the oxidizer contains oxygen molecules. The oxidizer of the second gaseous material 104 is adscititious to any oxidizer that is part of the first gaseous material 102.

[0015] In some embodiments, for example, an eductor 14 (sometimes called a "Venturi mixer") is provided to guide the flow of a first gaseous material 102 together with the flow of a second gaseous material 104, and in response to the Venturi effect, at least the first gaseous material 102 and the second gaseous material 104 are combined, mixtureA fluid material flow 106 is generated, and at least a portion of it is supplied to the reaction zone 8.

[0016] In some embodiments, for example, the emitter 14 includes a driving fluid receiver 16, a converging nozzle channel 18, a suction fluid receiver 20, a mixing zone 22, a diverging nozzle channel 24, and mixture It includes a fluid material discharge communicator 26. The driving fluid receiver 16 is arranged in fluid communication with the mixing zone 22 via a converging nozzle channel 18. The mixing zone 22 is connected via a diverging nozzle channel 24. mixture The fluid material discharge communicator 26 is positioned in fluid communication with the suction fluid receiver 20. The suction fluid receiver 20 is positioned in fluid communication with the mixing zone 22. The driving fluid receiver 16, the converging nozzle channel 18, the suction fluid receiver 20, the mixing zone 22, the diverging nozzle channel, and the combined fluid material discharge communicator 26 are configured cooperatively as follows. (i) The driving fluid receiver 16 receives the flow of the second gaseous material 104 at a sufficiently high pressure, and (ii) the suction fluid receiver 20 is positioned in fluid communication with the first gaseous material 102, and the first gaseous material 102 is positioned at a sufficiently low pressure. An increase in the flow velocity of the second gaseous material 104 is caused by the conduction of the flow of the second gaseous material from the driving fluid receiver 16 to the mixing zone 22 via the converging nozzle channel 18, and consequently, the flow pressure of the second gaseous material 104 decreases, and as a result, the second gaseous material 104 is placed in the mixing zone 22 under reduced pressure. The flow of the first gaseous material 102 is guided to the mixing zone 22 via the suction fluid receiver 20 in response to the pressure difference established between the mixing zone 22 and the first gaseous material 102, and as a result, the flow of the second gaseous material 104 is combined (e.g., mixed) with the first gaseous material 102. mixture Generates a flow of fluid material 106, mixture The fluid material 106 includes a first gaseous material 102 and a second gaseous material 104. mixture The decrease in the flow velocity of the fluid material 106 is due to the mixing zone 22 being affected by the diverging nozzle channel 24. mixture Up to Fluid Material Discharge Communicator 26 mixture The flow of fluid material is performed, and concurrently, simultaneously, mixture The pressure in the flow of the fluid material 106 increases, mixture The flow of the fluid material 106, mixture The fluid material is discharged from the eductor 14 with increased pressure via the fluid material discharge communicator 26.

[0017] Includes a first gaseous material 102 mixture The flow of the fluid material 106 is, mixture The fluid material is discharged from the eductor 14 via the fluid material discharge communicator 26 at a pressure higher than the pressure of the first gaseous material 102 upstream of the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14. In this respect, this increase in the pressure of the gaseous fuel brought about by the Venturi effect leads to heating of the ambient air, as described below. mixture This allows the flow of gaseous fuel through the heat exchanger 28 (as part of the flow of fluid material).

[0018] In some embodiments, for example, a first gas supply material 102 is supplied from the electrolytic cell 30, such that the supply source 12 includes the electrolytic cell 30. The electrolytic cell 30 is configured to perform the electrolysis of water in such an effect that a reaction product is obtained. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the electrolytic cell 30 includes an electrolytic chamber containing a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode, positive electrode, and electrolyte are configured such that the application of a potential difference between the negative electrode and the positive electrode affects the electrolysis of water in the aqueous solution. Gaseous hydrogen molecules and Gaseous hydrogen molecules The reaction products containing are cooperatively configured to be produced. The first gas supply material 102 is produced. Gaseous hydrogen molecules and reaction products Gaseous hydrogen molecules The first gas supply material 102 is recovered from the reaction products, including the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous material 102, which is recovered from the reaction products. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous material 102 is recovered from the reaction products. Gaseous hydrogen molecules Includes.

[0019] In some embodiments, for example, a source 12 of the first gaseous material 102 is fluidly coupled to the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14 via the first gaseous material conductor 50. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous material conductor 50 includes a flame suppressor 56 (e.g., a composite metal foam flame suppressor such as a Hastelloy flame suppressor) to prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous material conductor 50 includes a check valve 52 to further prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the check valve is a floating ball check valve 52. The floating ball check valve 52 includes a ball 54 (it should be understood that the ball 54 is not necessarily spherical or otherwise ball-shaped) whose movement is constrained within a chamber 58, and a valve seat 60 configured to receive the ball 54 to cause the closure of a flow communicator 62 (e.g., a port) that provides fluid communication between the source 12 and the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14. In this regard, sufficient downstream pressure causes the ball 54 to seat in the valve seat 60, thereby causing the closure of the flow communicator 62, thereby mitigating potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous material conductor 50 includes a sight glass 64 to provide visibility of the ball 54, thereby enabling, among other things, visual confirmation of the flow of the first gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the ball 54 is a flame-retardant foamed ball, such as a flexible polyimide foam. The preferred flexible polyimide foam is made from SOLVER PI flexible foam manufactured by SOLVER POLYIMIDE, Room 1401, Peninsula International Residence, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province 311600, China.

[0020] In some embodiments, for example, the flow of the second gaseous material 104 is supplied to the eductor 14 at a pressure between 2 psig and 12 psig and at a speed of at least 0.021 meters / second. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous material 102, which is arranged in fluid communication with the suction fluid receiver 20, is arranged at atmospheric pressure.

[0021] In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous material 104 supplied to the eductor 14 is ambient air supplied by an air pump 34 that draws air from the surrounding air.

[0022] In some embodiments, for example, the source 34 (e.g., an air pump) of the second gaseous material 104 supplied to the driving fluid receiver 16 of the eductor 14 is fluidly coupled to the driving fluid receiver 16 by a second gaseous material conductor 150. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous material conductor 150 includes a flame suppressor 156 (e.g., a composite metal foam flame suppressor such as a Hastelloy flame suppressor) to prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous material conductor 150 includes a check valve 152 to further prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the check valve is a floating ball check valve 152. The floating ball check valve 152 includes a ball 154 (it should be understood that the ball 54 is not necessarily spherical or otherwise ball-shaped) whose movement is constrained within the chamber 158, and a valve seat 160 configured to receive the ball 154 to cause the closure of a flow communicator 162 (e.g., a port) that provides fluid communication between the source 34 and the driving fluid receiver 16 of the eductator 14. In this regard, sufficient downstream pressure causes the ball 154 to seat in the valve seat 160, thereby causing the closure of the flow communicator 162 and thereby reducing potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, a second gaseous material conductor 150 includes a sight glass 164 to provide visibility of the ball 154 and thereby, among other things, allow visual confirmation of the flow of the first gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the ball 154 is a flame-retardant foamed ball, such as a flexible polyimide foam. The preferred flexible polyimide foam is made from SOLVER PI flexible foam manufactured by SOLVER POLYIMIDE, Room 1401, Peninsula International Residence, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province 311600, China.

[0023] In some embodiments, for example, the emitter 14 mixtureThe fluid material discharge communicator 26 is fluidly coupled to the burner assembly 36 via a bubbler 68. The bubbler 68 is mixture A fluid material receiver 70, mixture The fluid material 106 is received from the venturi mixer 14. mixture The flow of the fluid material 106 is guided into the liquid medium 72 contained within the bubbler 68. mixture The fluid material includes a receiver 70, which allows impurities to be removed. mixture Separated from the flow of fluid material 106 (e.g., by dissolution in a liquid medium), purified mixture A flow of fluid material 108 is obtained and discharged via the bubbler discharge communicator 74 of the bubbler 68, and at least a portion is supplied to the burner assembly 36. In some embodiments, for example, the impurities to be separated include electrolyte carried over from the electrolytic cell 30. In some embodiments, for example, a liquid medium further functions as a flame suppressor to reduce flashback from the reaction zone 8.

[0024] In some embodiments, for example, mixture The fluid material receiver 70 receives mixture The system includes a coiled tube 76 for guiding the fluid material 104. In some embodiments, for example, the coiled tube 76 functions to provide flow resistance to any flashback from the reaction zone, thereby preventing propagation to the first and second gaseous material sources 12, 34, respectively. In some embodiments, for example, the coiled tube 76 is manufactured from a thermally conductive material (such as copper) to facilitate heat transfer from the fluid guided through the coiled tube 76 to the liquid culture medium, thereby further reducing potential flashback.

[0025] In some embodiments, for example, purified water discharged from the Bubbler 68 mixtureThe flow of the fluid material 108 is accelerated in response to the Venturi effect obtained through conduction of the third gaseous material 110 (e.g., ambient air supplied from the air pump 134) via the second Venturi meter 114, and at least purified mixture The flow of the fluid material 108 and the flow of the third gaseous material 110 are combined, mixture A fluid material flow 112 is obtained and discharged into the reaction zone 8.

[0026] In some embodiments, for example, the second eductor 114 includes the driving fluid receiver 116, the converging nozzle channel 118, the suction fluid receiver 120, the mixing zone 122, the diverging nozzle channel 124, and mixture It includes a fluid material discharge communicator 126. The driving fluid receiver 116 is arranged to communicate fluidly with the mixing zone 122 via a converging nozzle channel 118. The mixing zone 122 is connected via a diverging nozzle channel 124. mixture The fluid material discharge communicator 126 is arranged in fluid communication with the suction fluid receiver 120, which is arranged in fluid communication with the mixing zone 122. The driving fluid receiver 116, the converging nozzle channel 118, the suction fluid receiver 120, the mixing zone 122, the diverging nozzle channel, and mixture The fluid material discharge communicator 126 is configured collaboratively as follows: (i) The driving fluid receiver 116 receives the flow of the third gaseous material 110 at a sufficiently high pressure, and (ii) the suction fluid receiver 120 is purified. mixture A fluid material 108 is arranged in fluid communication with the purified mixture The fluid material 108 is placed at a sufficiently low pressure, The velocity of the third gaseous material flow 110 is increased as the flow of the third gaseous material flow 110 is conducted from the driving fluid receiver 116 to the mixing zone 122 via the converging nozzle flow path 118, and consequently the pressure of the flow of the third gaseous material 110 decreases, and the third gaseous material 110 is placed in the depressurized mixing zone 122. refined mixture The flow of the fluid material 108 is purified in the mixing zone 122 via the suction fluid receiver 120. mixtureIn response to the pressure difference established between the fluid material 108 and the third gaseous material 110, the flow is guided into the mixing zone 122, mixture Combined with the flow of the fluid material 108 (for example, mixed), mixture Generates a flow of fluid material 112, mixture The flow velocity of the fluid material 112 is reduced from the mixing zone 122 through the diverging nozzle channel 124. mixture Up to Fluid Material Discharge Communicator 126 mixture The flow of the fluid material 112 is induced and reduced, and consequently, mixture The flow pressure of the fluid material 112 increases, mixture The flow of the fluid material 112, mixture The fluid material is discharged from the second eductor 114 with increased pressure via the fluid material discharge communicator 126.

[0027] Includes gaseous fuels mixture The flow of the fluid material 112 is, mixture The purified fluid material is discharged through the fluid material discharge communicator 126 into the suction fluid receiver 120 of the second eductor 114. mixture The fluid material 108 is discharged from the second eductor 114 at a pressure higher than the flow pressure of the fluid material 108. In this respect, this increase in the pressure of the gaseous fuel brought about by the Venturi effect causes the gaseous fuel passing through the heat exchanger 28 to burn, which heats the ambient air, as described below. mixture It enables the flow (as part of the flow of a fluid material).

[0028] In some embodiments, for example, mixture The flow of fluid material 112 is supplied to the burner assembly 36 to bring about the combustion of a gaseous fuel of the first gaseous material 102 within the reaction zone 8. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a burner assembly 36 is provided, which includes a manifold 38 and a plurality of nozzles 40. The manifold 38 is, mixture The fluid material 112 flow was accepted and accepted mixtureDefine a manifold fluid passage network 42 for distributing the flow of fluid material among a plurality of nozzles 40. Each of the nozzles 40 independently mixture receives the flow of fluid material 112, mixture discharges a portion of the flow of fluid material 112 into respective reaction zones 8, and is configured such that the flow of fluid material including the first gaseous material and the second gaseous material mixture is disposed within the reaction zone 8.

[0029] In some embodiments, for example, the manifold fluid passage network 42 defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area of at least 4.94193×10 -7 square meters (7.66×10 -4 square inches). In some embodiments, for example, the manifold fluid passage network 42 inclusively defines a minimum cross-sectional area between 4.94193×10 -7 square meters (7.66×10 -4 square inches) and 7.93547×10 -6 (1.23×10 -2 square inches).

[0030] In some embodiments, for example, the nozzle 40 defines a maximum cross-sectional area of less than 2.0258×10 -9 square meters (3.14×10 -6 square inches). In some embodiments, for example, the nozzle 40 inclusively defines a maximum cross-sectional area between 5.06451×10 -10 square meters (7.85×10 -7 square inches) and 2.0258×10 -9 square meters (3.14×10 -6 square inches). In some embodiments, for example, such sizing of the maximum cross-sectional area of the nozzle 40 reduces potential flashback from the reaction zone 8.

[0031] The burner assembly 36, for each of the nozzles 40, within respective reaction zones 8 mixtureThe system further includes an ignition device 44 (e.g., a surface ignition device) for igniting the fluid material 106. mixture The fluid material 106 is placed within each reaction zone 8 and, in response to ignition by an ignition device 44 (e.g., a surface ignition device), combustion products are generated by the combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous material 102, and a gaseous flame is effectively obtained. Once the gaseous flame is established, it is continuously supplied to the reaction zone 8. mixture The gaseous fuel present within the fluid material 112 burns, thereby providing the continuous generation of combustion products.

[0032] Combustion also generates thermal energy to heat combustion products and any unreacted gaseous material, generating a flow 41 of heated post-combustion fluid material which is conducted through the heat exchanger 28, and the heated post-combustion gaseous material is arranged to communicate indirectly with ambient air drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by a circulating air fan 46, thereby heating the ambient air. In some embodiments, for example, the heat exchanger 28 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes 48, each of which is independently aligned with each of the nozzles 40. In this respect, the flow 41 of heated post-combustion fluid material is conducted through the tubes 48 of the heat exchanger 28, and the ambient air drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulating air fan 46 flows across the outermost surface of the tubes 48 as a flow 49, and is then conducted into a predetermined space for heating the predetermined space.

[0033] In some embodiments, for example, the water vapor produced through combustion is condensed and collected as a liquid, and the collected liquid water is led to a container 32 that serves as a water source for the electrolytic cell 30.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, a typical conventional heat exchanger system 200 (such as a furnace) uses a gaseous hydrocarbon material (e.g., natural gas) as a gaseous fuel. A gaseous fuel supply source 212 includes a supply source of pressurized gaseous fuel (e.g., gaseous hydrocarbon material). A gaseous material supply conductor 214 supplies the gaseous fuel from the gaseous fuel supply source 212 to a burner assembly 236 to bring about combustion of the gaseous fuel in a reaction zone 238. In some embodiments, for example, the burner assembly 236 includes a manifold 238, which includes a plurality of nozzles 240. Each of the nozzles 240 is independently configured to discharge a portion of the gaseous fuel into the reaction zone 238 via the burner assembly 236 to bring about combustion of the gaseous fuel. The burner assembly 236 independently includes, for each of the nozzles 240, a flow mixer 234 (e.g., a venturi burner) and an igniter 244 (e.g., a surface igniter). Each of the ignition devices 244 is independently associated with its own reaction zone 238. The discharged gaseous fuel and the ambient air whose flow is induced by the combustion air fan 218 are connected from the manifold 238 to the reaction zone 238 via the flow mixer 234, where they are mixed to produce a gaseous fuel / air mixture. While the gaseous fuel / air mixture is located in the reaction zone 238, combustion of the gaseous fuel occurs in response to ignition by the ignition device 244, producing combustion products. Combustion also produces thermal energy to heat the combustion products and any unreacted gaseous material, resulting in heated post-combustion gaseous material. The heated post-combustion gaseous material, whose flow is induced by the combustion air fan 218, flows through the heat exchanger 28, where the heated post-combustion gaseous material is indirectly connected to ambient air 48 drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulating air fan 46, thus heating the ambient air. In some embodiments, for example, the heat exchanger 28 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes 48, each of which is independently aligned with respect to each of the nozzles 30.In this respect, the heated post-combustion gas material, whose flow is guided by the combustion air fan 218, flows through the tubes 48 of the heat exchanger 28 and the ambient air drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulating air fan 46, flows across the outermost surface of the tubes 48, and is then guided into a predetermined space to heat that space.

[0035] According to this disclosure, the conventional heat exchanger system 200 is Gaseous hydrogen molecules It is modified to allow the use of gaseous fuel. In this regard, the conventional heat exchanger system 200 heats ambient air, Gaseous hydrogen molecules The system is modified to obtain a heat exchanger system 10 that is provided for generating heat through combustion. In some embodiments to make this modification, for example, the burner assembly 236 of a conventional heat exchanger system is modified Gaseous hydrogen molecules A gaseous fuel in the form of can be supplied for combustion within the modified heat exchanger system 10, and the burner assembly 36 replaces the gaseous fuel. In some embodiments, for example, a kit for modifying a conventional heat exchanger system is provided, which includes the burner assembly 36 and the electrolytic cell 30. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes an eductor 14. In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes the burner assembly 36, the eductor 14, and a bubbler 68 and a second eductor 114. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the burner assembly 36 and the eductor 14, and a first gaseous material conductor 50 and a second gaseous material conductor 52, and in some of these embodiments, further includes a bubbler 68 and a second eductor 114.

[0036] In some embodiments, for example, the electrolytic cell 30 is arranged in heat transfer communication with a heat sink so that heat is transferred from the electrolyte to the heat sink while electrolysis is taking place. In some embodiments, for example, the heat sink includes a cooler 31. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, by providing heat transfer, the temperature in the electrolyte is kept sufficiently low so that the vaporization of water in the aqueous electrolyte is reduced and the presence of water in the first gaseous material 102 is reduced. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature is kept sufficiently low, for example, by controlling the rate of heat transfer from the electrolyte to the heat sink. The water present in the first gaseous material 102 (therefore, mixture The fluid material 112) may, if undesirable, interrupt combustion, resulting in the extinguishing of the gaseous flame in the furnace. Once extinguished, combustion of the gaseous fuel that continues to be supplied to the reaction zone 8 via the mixed fluid material 112 is paused, and unburned gaseous fuel may accumulate in the furnace, potentially causing a backfire when the ignition device 44 is reignited. Therefore, the first gaseous material 102 (and thus, mixture Reducing the presence of water in the fluid material (112) mitigates conditions favorable to extinguishing and backfiring gaseous flames.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, the system further includes a sensor for detecting the extinguishing of a gas flame. In some embodiments, for example, the sensor is a photocell sensor. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the sensor works in cooperation with a power supply, i.e., to establish a potential difference between the negative and positive electrodes of the electrolytic cell 30, and as a result, in response to the sensor detecting the absence of a gas flame, the power supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 is stopped, and electrolysis is stopped.

[0038] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, several specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to carry out this disclosure. Certain dimensions and materials are described for carrying out the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but other suitable dimensions and / or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in the art, are considered to be within the scope and scope of this disclosure. All references mentioned are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A system for generating thermal energy, A source of gaseous material containing fuel, wherein the gaseous material containing fuel contains gaseous molecular hydrogen, and the source An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, An eductor fluidly coupled to the supply source of the gaseous material containing the fuel, Heat exchanger, The heat exchanger is equipped with a fan that draws air across it, The fuel-containing gaseous material supply source, the eductor, the ignition device, the reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the fan are configured in coordination, while the driving fluid flows through the eductor. The flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel is induced by the flow of the driving fluid in response to the Venturi effect, and as a result, the induced flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel and the driving fluid combine to obtain a mixed fluid material, which is discharged from the eductor at a pressure higher than the pressure of the flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel into the eductor. Reaction zone supply is performed by the flow of the mixed fluid material into the reaction zone, which is driven by the pressure of the mixed fluid material, and is supplied to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material is obtained within the reaction zone, and the reaction zone supply includes at least gaseous hydrogen molecules of the mixed fluid material. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product via a reaction process, resulting in the generation of a post-reaction process gaseous material, the post-reaction process gaseous material containing the reaction product, the reaction process comprising the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules, the reaction process generating thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is generated. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. A system wherein air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material through the heat exchanger to heat the air.

2. The supply of the reaction zone to the reaction zone is carried out by a nozzle. The system according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle includes a central axis aligned with the reaction zone.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is defined by a furnace.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the source of the gaseous material containing the fuel includes an electrolytic cell configured to perform electrolysis of water so as to produce gaseous molecular hydrogen, and the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the gaseous material containing the fuel includes the produced gaseous molecular hydrogen.

5. The aforementioned driving fluid contains an oxidizing agent, The system according to claim 1, wherein the reaction zone supply includes the oxidizing agent of the driving fluid.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the driving fluid flowing through the eductor is greater than the pressure of the gaseous material containing the fuel flowing into the eductor.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the gaseous material containing the fuel flowing in the eductor is arranged at atmospheric pressure.

8. A system for generating thermal energy, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, A manifold fluidly coupled to the aforementioned supply source, A nozzle for discharging the gaseous material supply received by the manifold, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, Heat exchanger, The heat exchanger is equipped with a fan that draws air across it, The nozzle is 2.0258 × 10 to reduce flashback from the reaction zone. -9 Define the maximum cross-sectional flow area less than square meters, The supply source, the manifold, the nozzle, the ignition device, the reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the fan are, (i) The gaseous material supply containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen from the supply source is received by the manifold and discharged to the reaction zone through the nozzle, (ii) The oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and as a result, a reaction zone material containing the gaseous hydrogen molecules and the oxidizing agent in the reaction zone is obtained. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced, and the post-reaction process gaseous material contains the reaction product. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules by the oxidizing agent. The reaction process is configured to generate thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, thereby generating the heated post-reaction process gaseous material. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. A system wherein air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material through the heat exchanger to heat the air.

9. The source of the gaseous molecular hydrogen includes an electrolytic cell configured to perform electrolysis of water so that the gaseous molecular hydrogen is produced, The system according to claim 8, wherein the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the gaseous material supply includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger is defined by a furnace.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the maximum cross-sectional flow area of ​​the nozzle is greater than 5.06451 × 10⁻¹⁰ square meters and less than 2.0258 × 10⁻⁹ square meters in order to reduce flashback from the reaction zone.

12. A system for generating thermal energy, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, An eductor fluidly coupled to a gaseous hydrogen source to receive the gaseous hydrogen molecules, wherein the eductor is configured to discharge the gaseous hydrogen molecules in response to the Venturi effect, and the pressure of the discharged gaseous hydrogen molecules is greater than the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen molecules received by the eductor, A manifold fluidly coupled to the eductor for receiving the flow of gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor, the manifold pushes out the flow of gaseous molecular hydrogen due to the pressure of the discharged gaseous molecular hydrogen, A nozzle for discharging the gaseous hydrogen molecules received from the manifold, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, and a flame suppressor positioned between the manifold and the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen to reduce flashback from the reaction zone, Heat exchanger, The heat exchanger is equipped with a fan that draws air across it, The gaseous molecular hydrogen supply source, the eductor, the manifold, the nozzle, the ignition device, the reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the fan are, (i) The gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor is received by the manifold, and the receiving is carried out by the flow of gaseous hydrogen from the eductor to the manifold, which is pushed out by the pressure of the gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor, and discharged into the reaction zone through the nozzle. (ii) An oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and the reaction zone material includes gaseous hydrogen molecules and the oxidizing agent. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced, and the post-reaction process gaseous material contains the reaction product. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules affected by the oxidizing agent. The reaction process is configured to generate thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, thereby producing the heated post-reaction process gaseous material. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. A system in which air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reacting process gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the manifold is fluidly coupled to the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen via the flame suppressor.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the flame suppressor includes a Hastelloy flame suppressor.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the heat exchanger is defined by a furnace.

16. A process for heating the surrounding air, By electrolyzing water, gaseous hydrogen molecules are produced. The reaction zone material containing the generated gaseous hydrogen molecules and oxidizing agent is placed within the reaction zone. The process includes igniting the reaction zone material, converting the reaction zone material into a reaction product through a reaction process, and thereby generating a post-reaction process gaseous material. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules brought about by the oxidizing agent, The reaction product includes water vapor. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is generated to heat the ambient air. The post-reaction process gas material after heating includes the reaction product. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. Air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reaction process gas material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air. Heating the air together with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material by indirect heat transfer has the effect of condensing the water vapor of the reaction product so that liquid water can be obtained. The electrolysis is a process that includes the electrolysis of liquid water obtained from the condensation of the water vapor of the reaction product.

17. The electrolysis of water further generates oxygen, The process according to claim 16, wherein the oxidizing agent includes the oxygen produced.

18. The process according to claim 16, further comprising transferring at least some of the heat generated by the electrolysis of the water to a heat sink.

19. The process according to claim 16, wherein the heat sink includes a cooler.

20. A process for heating the surrounding air, By generating gaseous hydrogen molecules through the electrolysis of water, The generated gaseous molecular hydrogen flow is induced together with the driving fluid in response to the Venturi effect, thereby combining the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen with an additional oxidizing agent, and as a result, the induced flow of the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen and the driving fluid are combined to produce a mixed fluid material, wherein the driving fluid contains the additional oxygen, and the pressure of the mixed fluid material becomes greater than the pressure of the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen. The mixed fluid material is flowed into the reaction zone for addition, and the flow is pushed by the pressure of the mixed fluid material. The mixed fluid material is ignited, and the mixed fluid material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The post-reaction process gaseous material includes the reaction product, The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules, which are affected by an additional oxidizing agent in the prime mover fluid. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with a heat exchanger. A process in which air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air.

21. The process according to claim 20, wherein the additional oxidizing agent includes molecular oxygen from the ambient air, and the mixed fluid material includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen and the molecular oxygen.

22. The process according to claim 20, further comprising transferring at least a portion of the heat generated by the electrolysis of the water to a heat sink.

23. A kit of components for modifying a furnace, The furnace includes a conventional burner assembly, heat exchanger, and fan. The aforementioned kit is An electrolytic cell for producing electrolysis products containing gaseous hydrogen molecules by electrolyzing water, It is an eductor, At least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material are fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell, The flow of the driving fluid through the eductor is received, and as a result, in response to the Venturi effect, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and the mixed fluid material is placed at a pressure higher than the pressure of the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. Discharge the mixed fluid material. The emitter is configured as follows, A gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, which replaces a conventional burner assembly, thereby fluidly connecting the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly to the heat exchanger, and the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly includes a fluid conductor for receiving reaction zone feed discharged from the eductor, wherein the received reaction zone feed contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material, and the burner assembly includes a fluid conductor for receiving and conducting the reaction zone feed to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material is obtained in the reaction zone, and an ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material disposed within the reaction zone, Equipped with, The electrolytic cell, the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and the emitter are, (i) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is replaced with a conventional burner assembly, (ii) The electrolysis product material is produced by the electrolytic cell, (iii) The eductor is fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to receive at least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material, (iv) The driving fluid flows through the eductor, and as a result, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material in response to the Venturi effect, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. (v) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger so that the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly receives the reaction zone supply, and the received reaction zone supply contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material. The received reaction zone supply is guided into the reaction zone such that the reaction zone material contains the gaseous hydrogen molecules, and this guidance is achieved by the flow of the mixed fluid material from the eductor into the reaction zone, which is propelled by the pressure of the mixed fluid material. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process including the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material containing the reaction product is produced. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The post-reaction process gas material after heating is placed in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. A kit in which air is drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan, and the air is coordinately arranged to have the effect of being indirectly heat-transferred together with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air.

24. The gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly includes a nozzle for discharging the received reaction zone supply into the reaction zone. The nozzle is 2.0258 × 10 -9 The kit according to claim 23, which defines a maximum cross-sectional flow area of ​​less than square meters.

25. Equipped with an additional heatsink, The kit according to claim 23, wherein the electrolytic cell is configured to be in heat transfer communication with the heat sink, and at least a portion of the generated heat is transferred to the heat sink while electrolysis is being performed in the electrolytic cell so that heat is generated by electrolysis.

26. The kit according to claim 25, wherein the heat sink includes a cooler.

27. ​​The driving fluid contains an oxidizing agent, The kit according to claim 23, wherein the reaction zone supply includes the oxidizing agent of the driving fluid.

28. The electrolytic cell, the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and the eductor are: (i) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is replaced with the burner assembly, (ii) The electrolysis product material is produced by the electrolytic cell, (iii) The eductor is fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to receive at least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material, (iv) The driving fluid flows through the eductor, and as a result, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material in response to the Venturi effect, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. (v) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger so that the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly receives the reaction zone supply, and the received reaction zone supply contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material, (vi) The received reaction zone supply is directed to the reaction zone, and as a result the reaction zone material contains the gaseous hydrogen molecules, In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into the reaction product through the reaction process, the reaction product contains water vapor, and as a result the post-reaction process gaseous material contains water vapor. The aforementioned water vapor is condensed to obtain liquid water. The kit according to claim 23, configured in such a cooperative manner.

29. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the water electrolyzed by the electrolytic cell to form the electrolysis product material includes the liquid water obtained.

30. The kit according to claim 23, further comprising a flame suppressor disposed between the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly and the electrolytic cell for reducing flashback from the reaction zone.

31. The flame suppressor includes a bubbler, The kit according to claim 30, wherein the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the electrolytic cell via the bubbler.

32. The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the electrolytic cell via a check valve, The check valve includes a valve body configured to seat on a valve seat to cause a closure of the fluid communication between the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly and the electrolytic cell. The valve body includes a flame-retardant material, The flame suppressor is defined by the valve body, as per claim 30.

33. An electrolytic cell for producing electrolysis products containing gaseous hydrogen molecules by electrolyzing water, A furnace comprising a heat exchanger and a fan that draws air across the heat exchanger, configured to receive at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and to burn the received gaseous molecular hydrogen, A heat sink is arranged in heat transfer communication with the electrolytic cell, Equipped with, The combustion of the received gaseous hydrogen molecules heats the heat exchanger, thereby heating the air drawn across the heat exchanger by the fan via indirect heat transfer. A system for generating thermal energy, wherein the heat sink is configured to transfer heat from the water to the heat sink while electrolysis is being performed by the electrolytic cell, and to process the water at a temperature that suppresses the vaporization of the water, the suppression of water vaporization is to suppress the presence of water in the electrolysis product material.

34. The system according to claim 33, wherein the heat sink includes a cooler.

35. A system for generating thermal energy, A source of a gaseous material containing fuel, wherein the gaseous material containing fuel contains gaseous hydrogen molecules, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone substance within the reaction zone, An eductor fluidly coupled to the supply source of the gaseous material containing the fuel, Heat exchanger, Equipped with, The fuel-containing gaseous material supply source, the eductor, the ignition device, the reaction zone, and the heat exchanger are configured in coordination, and while the driving fluid flows through the eductor, The flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel is induced by the flow of the driving fluid in response to the Venturi effect, and as a result, the induced flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel and the driving fluid combine to obtain a mixed fluid material, which is discharged from the eductor at a pressure higher than the pressure of the flow of the gaseous material containing the fuel into the eductor. Reaction zone supply is performed by the flow of the mixed fluid material into the reaction zone, which is driven by the pressure of the mixed fluid material, and is supplied to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material is obtained within the reaction zone, and the reaction zone supply includes at least gaseous hydrogen molecules of the mixed fluid material. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced, and the post-reaction process gaseous material contains the reaction product. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is generated. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. Air is drawn across the heat exchanger, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-reaction process gas material through the heat exchanger to heat the air. The aforementioned heated air is conducted through the building in this system.

36. The system according to claim 35, wherein the pressure of the driving fluid flowing through the eductor is greater than the pressure of the gaseous material containing the fuel flowing into the eductor.

37. The system according to claim 35, wherein the gaseous material containing the fuel flowing in the eductor is arranged at atmospheric pressure.

38. A system for generating thermal energy, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, A manifold fluidly coupled to the aforementioned supply source, A nozzle for discharging the gaseous material supply received by the manifold, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, Equipped with a heat exchanger, The nozzle defines a maximum cross-sectional flow area of ​​less than 2.0258 × 10⁻⁹ square meters in order to reduce flashback from the reaction zone. The supply source, the manifold, the nozzle, the ignition device, the reaction zone, and the heat exchanger are, (i) The gaseous material supply containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen from the supply source is received by the manifold and discharged to the reaction zone through the nozzle, (ii) The oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and as a result, a reaction zone material containing the gaseous hydrogen molecules and the oxidizing agent in the reaction zone is obtained. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced, and the post-reaction process gaseous material contains the reaction product. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules by the oxidizing agent. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is generated. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. Air is drawn across the heat exchanger, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-combustion gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air. A system coordinately configured so that the heated air is conducted through the building.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the maximum cross-sectional flow area of ​​the nozzle is greater than 5.06451 × 10⁻¹⁰ square meters and less than 2.0258 × 10⁻⁹ square meters in order to reduce flashback from the reaction zone.

40. A system for generating thermal energy, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, An eductor fluidly coupled to a gaseous hydrogen source to receive the gaseous hydrogen molecules, wherein the eductor is configured to discharge the gaseous hydrogen molecules in response to the Venturi effect, and the pressure of the discharged gaseous hydrogen molecules is greater than the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen molecules received by the eductor, A manifold fluidly coupled to the eductor for receiving the flow of gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor, the manifold pushes out the flow of gaseous molecular hydrogen due to the pressure of the discharged gaseous molecular hydrogen, A nozzle for discharging the gaseous hydrogen molecules received from the manifold, An ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material within the reaction zone, and a flame suppressor positioned between the manifold and the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen to reduce flashback from the reaction zone, Equipped with a heat exchanger, The gaseous molecular hydrogen supply source, the eductor, the manifold, the nozzle, the ignition device, the reaction zone, and the heat exchanger are, (i) The gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor is received by the manifold, and the receiving is carried out by the flow of gaseous hydrogen from the eductor to the manifold, which is pushed out by the pressure of the gaseous molecular hydrogen discharged from the eductor, and discharged into the reaction zone through the nozzle. (ii) An oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone, and the reaction zone material includes gaseous hydrogen molecules and the oxidizing agent. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material is produced, and the post-reaction process gaseous material contains the reaction product. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules affected by the oxidizing agent. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The heated post-reaction process gas material is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. Air is drawn across the heat exchanger, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-combustion gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air. A system coordinately configured so that the heated air is conducted through the building.

41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the manifold is fluidly coupled to the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen via the flame suppressor.

42. A process for heating ambient air, By electrolyzing water, gaseous hydrogen molecules are produced. The reaction zone material containing the generated gaseous hydrogen molecules and oxidizing agent is placed within the reaction zone. The process includes igniting the reaction zone material, converting the reaction zone material into a reaction product through a reaction process, and thereby generating a post-reaction process gaseous material. The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules brought about by the oxidizing agent, The reaction product includes water vapor. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is generated to heat the ambient air. The post-reaction process gas material after heating includes the reaction product. An airflow is arranged that indirectly communicates with the post-reaction process gas material after heating through heat transfer, and the airflow has the effect of being heated by the post-reaction process gas material after heating. The heated airflow is conducted through the building, Heating the air together with the heated post-reaction process gaseous material by indirect heat transfer has the effect of condensing the water vapor of the reaction product so that liquid water can be obtained. The electrolysis is a process that includes the electrolysis of liquid water obtained from the condensation of the water vapor of the reaction product.

43. The electrolysis of water further generates oxygen, The process according to claim 42, wherein the oxidizing agent includes the oxygen produced.

44. A process for heating ambient air, By generating gaseous hydrogen molecules through the electrolysis of water, The generated gaseous molecular hydrogen flow is induced together with the driving fluid in response to the Venturi effect, thereby combining the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen with an additional oxidizing agent, and as a result, the induced flow of the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen and the driving fluid are combined to produce a mixed fluid material, wherein the driving fluid contains the additional oxidizing agent, and the pressure of the mixed fluid material becomes greater than the pressure of the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen. The mixed fluid material is flowed into the reaction zone for addition, and the flow is pushed by the pressure of the mixed fluid material. The mixed fluid material is ignited, and the mixed fluid material is converted into reaction products through a reaction process, resulting in the generation of a post-reaction gaseous material. The post-reaction process gaseous material includes the reaction product, The reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules, which are affected by an additional oxidizing agent in the prime mover fluid. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. An airflow is arranged that indirectly communicates with the post-reaction process gas material after heating through heat transfer, and the airflow has the effect of being heated by the post-reaction process gas material after heating. A process comprising conducting the aforementioned heated airflow through a building.

45. The process according to claim 44, wherein the additional oxidizing agent includes molecular oxygen from the ambient air, and the mixed fluid material includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen and the molecular oxygen.

46. The process according to claim 44, further comprising transferring at least a portion of the heat generated by the electrolysis of the water to a heat sink.

47. A kit of components for modifying a furnace, The furnace includes a burner assembly and a heat exchanger, The components of the aforementioned kit are: An electrolytic cell for producing electrolysis products containing gaseous hydrogen molecules by electrolyzing water, It is an eductor, At least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material are fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell, The flow of the driving fluid through the eductor is received, and as a result, in response to the Venturi effect, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and the mixed fluid material is placed at a pressure higher than the pressure of the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. Discharge the mixed fluid material. The emitter is configured as follows, A gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, which replaces a conventional burner assembly, thereby fluidly connecting the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly to the heat exchanger, and the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly includes a fluid conductor for receiving reaction zone feed discharged from the eductor, wherein the received reaction zone feed contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material, and the burner assembly includes a fluid conductor for receiving and conducting the reaction zone feed to the reaction zone so that reaction zone material is obtained in the reaction zone, and an ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material disposed within the reaction zone, Equipped with, The electrolytic cell, the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and the emitter are, (i) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is replaced with a conventional burner assembly, (ii) The electrolysis product material is produced by the electrolytic cell, (iii) The eductor is fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to receive at least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material, (iv) The driving fluid flows through the eductor, and as a result, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material in response to the Venturi effect, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. (v) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger so that the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly receives the reaction zone supply, and the received reaction zone supply contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material. The received reaction zone supply is guided into the reaction zone such that the reaction zone material contains the gaseous hydrogen molecules, and this guidance is achieved by the flow of the mixed fluid material from the eductor into the reaction zone, which is propelled by the pressure of the mixed fluid material. In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process including the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules, and as a result, a post-reaction process gaseous material containing the reaction product is produced. The reaction process generates thermal energy to heat the post-reaction process gaseous material, and the heated post-reaction process gaseous material is produced. The post-reaction process gas material after heating is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. Air is drawn across the heat exchanger, and the air is arranged indirectly in heat transfer communication with the heated post-combustion gaseous material through the heat exchanger in order to heat the air. The kit is configured in a coordinated manner so that the heated air is conducted through the building.

48. The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly includes a nozzle for discharging the received reaction zone supply into the reaction zone, The kit according to claim 47, wherein the nozzle defines a maximum cross-sectional flow area of ​​less than 2.0258 × 10⁻⁹ square meters.

49. Further comprising a heatsink, The kit according to claim 47, wherein the electrolytic cell is configured to be in heat transfer communication with the heat sink, and at least a portion of the generated heat is transferred to the heat sink while electrolysis is being performed in the electrolytic cell so that heat is generated by electrolysis.

50. The driving fluid contains an oxidizing agent, The kit according to claim 47, wherein the reaction zone supply includes the oxidizing agent of the driving fluid.

51. The electrolytic cell, the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and the eductor are: (i) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is replaced with the burner assembly, (ii) The electrolysis product material is produced by the electrolytic cell, (iii) The eductor is fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to receive at least the gaseous hydrogen molecules of the electrolysis product material, (iv) The driving fluid flows through the eductor, and as a result, the flow of the driving fluid induces a flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material in response to the Venturi effect, and the driving fluid and the induced flow of at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen are mixed to obtain a mixed fluid material containing the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material. (v) The gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger so that the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly receives the reaction zone supply, and the received reaction zone supply contains at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the mixed fluid material, (vi) The received reaction zone supply is directed to the reaction zone, and as a result the reaction zone material contains the gaseous hydrogen molecules, In response to the ignition of the reaction zone material in the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction zone material is converted into the reaction product through the reaction process, the reaction product contains water vapor, and as a result the post-reaction process gaseous material contains water vapor. The aforementioned water vapor is condensed to obtain liquid water, The water electrolyzed by the electrolytic cell to form the electrolytic product material includes the obtained liquid water. The kit according to claim 47, configured in such a cooperative manner.

52. The kit according to claim 47, further comprising a flame suppressor positioned between the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly and the electrolytic cell for reducing flashback from the reaction zone.

53. A system for generating thermal energy, An electrolytic cell for producing electrolysis products containing gaseous hydrogen molecules by electrolyzing water, A furnace including a heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the electrolytic cell to receive the gaseous molecular hydrogen of at least the electrolysis product material, and is configured to burn the received gaseous molecular hydrogen. The electrolytic cell is provided with a heat sink arranged in heat transfer communication with the electrolytic cell. The combustion of the received gaseous hydrogen molecules heats the heat exchanger, resulting in the heating of the air drawn across the heat exchanger via indirect heat transfer, and the heated air is conductible through the building. The heat sink is configured such that, while electrolysis is being performed by the electrolytic cell, heat is transferred from the water to the heat sink, and the water is processed at a temperature that suppresses the vaporization of the water, and the suppression of the vaporization of the water is to suppress the presence of water in the electrolysis product material, in a system.

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