Device for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, and a system for achieving the same purpose including the device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for producing hydrogen and oxygen gases from water, said device comprising a case forming a hydrolysis chamber designed to contain a volume of water, electrode means acting as cathode and anode, and gas separation means arranged in the hydrolysis chamber between the cathode and the anode, said gas separation means comprising permeable membrane segments suitable for preventing the produced hydrogen and oxygen gases from passing through said membrane segments and mixing together, said hydrolysis chamber being divided into a first part comprising the cathode and a second part comprising the anode, said first and second chambers being in fluid communication with respective tubes for hydrogen and oxygen gases. The present invention also relates to a system for achieving the same object, comprising at least one device as described above.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is essentially within the field of devices and systems used to generate hydrogen gas, for example using hydrogen gas as a fuel. In particular, the present invention relates to alkaline reactors, as well as systems comprising at least one device or reactor used to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the electrolysis of water. [Background technology]

[0002] As we already know, the local community is largely dependent on more polluting fuels, which has led to the current environmental problems. Therefore, among the non-polluting fuels that are used to replace the current polluting fuels, hydrogen gas can be mentioned. Currently, about 95% of hydrogen is produced from natural gas, and the rest is produced by electrolysis of water, a resource that is abundant in nature.

[0003] Various devices and systems are known that produce hydrogen and oxygen gases from the dissociation of water molecules. These devices are essentially based on a hydrolysis chamber consisting of a cavity that contains a certain amount of water (it is common to add electrolytes such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to increase the efficiency of the electrolysis) and also includes respective electrode means acting as cathode and anode, respectively, spaced apart and placed in contact with the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber. Through the electrodes (anode and cathode), the decomposition of the water into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) gases is achieved using a direct current supplied by either a power source or a battery connected to the water. The gases produced by electrolysis are collected at the top of the hydrolysis chamber and then, as the name suggests, pass through a gas separation means that seeks to separate the gases before being stored in separate tanks.

[0004] The present invention seeks to propose an alternative solution to known oxyhydrogen gas (HHO) generation devices and systems that is effective, efficient, safe and sustainable, in addition to consuming very low power for its various functions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention is defined and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe further characteristics.

[0006] The object of the present invention is a device for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, said device comprising: a case forming a hydrolysis chamber designed to contain a volume of water; - respective electrode means acting as a cathode and an anode, disposed in spaced relation in contact with the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber, the cathode and anode being configured, in use, to dissociate the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, respectively; gas separation means designed to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases produced by the cathode and the anode in the hydrolysis chamber; - a hydrogen gas line, an oxygen gas line, and a make-up water line communicating with the hydrolysis chamber; Equipped with.

[0007] The gas separation means is disposed in the hydrolysis chamber between the cathode and the anode and comprises a permeable membrane segment suitable for preventing the produced hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from passing through said permeable membrane segment and mixing together, such that the gas separation means divides the hydrolysis chamber into a first chamber portion comprising the cathode and a second chamber portion comprising the anode, the first chamber portion being in fluid communication with the hydrogen gas conduit and the second chamber portion being in fluid communication with the oxygen gas conduit.

[0008] The present invention also provides a system for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, the system comprising: at least one device similar to that described above, a power supply connected to a first voltage input of the cathode and to a second voltage input of the anode of the electrode means of the device; - pressure storage means for hydrogen gas and oxygen gas comprising a hydrogen tank and an oxygen tank, respectively, arranged downstream of the hydrogen gas pipe and the oxygen gas pipe of the device; Equipped with.

[0009] A first upper end of the hydrogen tank is connected to a hydrogen gas pipe, a second upper end of the oxygen tank is connected to an oxygen gas pipe, and a first lower end of the hydrogen tank is connected to a second lower end of the oxygen tank using a first connecting pipe, so that the hydrogen tank and the oxygen tank share an appropriate amount of water to transfer from one of the tanks to the other through the first connecting pipe to change the storage volume of hydrogen gas above a third water level of the hydrogen tank to the storage volume of oxygen gas above a fourth water level of the oxygen tank, and vice versa, depending on a combination of actuations of respective solenoid valves disposed in the hydrogen gas pipe, the oxygen gas pipe, and the first connecting pipe, respectively.

[0010] Thus, devices and systems are realized for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water with high electrochemical compression capacity for fuels and oxidants intended for storage of energy in the form of compressed gas and other uses.

[0011] This specification is completed by a set of figures, which illustrate preferred examples and do not limit the invention in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a device for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of a water replenishment means of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, including the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the system of FIG. 4 including multiple devices similar to FIG. 1 connected in series. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention is a device for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device (1) comprises a case (1.1) forming a hydrolysis chamber (5) designed to contain a volume of water and to which an electrolyte such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide may be added to increase the effectiveness of the electrolysis occurring inside the hydrolysis chamber (5).

[0015] The device (1) further comprises electrode means acting as a cathode (2) and an anode (4) respectively positioned in spaced apart contact with the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5), the cathode (2) and anode (4) being configured, in use, to dissociate the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the device (1) comprises a hydrogen gas line (1.2) and an oxygen gas line (1.3) communicating with the hydrolysis chamber (5), as well as a make-up water line (1.5) communicating with the hydrolysis chamber (5).

[0017] Preferably, the cathode (2) comprises a first tubular element (2.1) of stainless steel, the first upper end (2.11) of which is concentrically fixed to a first fastening ring (2.2) of stainless steel.

[0018] "Fastening ring" is understood to mean a hollow disk-shaped body fixed to one of the ends of a tubular element so as to be used as a flange or fastening edge of said tubular element.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first upper end (2.11) of the first tubular element (2.1) is provided with at least one first through hole (2.12) which allows the generated hydrogen gas to pass from one side of the wall to the other side of the first tubular element (2.1) in the direction of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2).

[0020] Likewise, the first voltage input (2.3) is preferably fixed to the first fastening ring (2.2).

[0021] The anode (4) in turn comprises a second tubular element (4.1) of stainless steel, the second upper end (4.11) of which is preferably concentrically fixed to a second fastening ring (4.2) of stainless steel.

[0022] Similarly, for the cathode (2), it is preferred that the second upper end (4.11) of the second tubular element (4.1) is provided with at least one first through hole (4.12) which allows the generated oxygen gas to pass from one side of the wall to the other side of the second tubular element (4.1) towards the oxygen gas pipe (1.3).

[0023] Preferably, the second voltage input (4.3) is fixed to the second fastening ring (4.2).

[0024] The device (1) also comprises gas separation means (3) designed to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases produced by the cathode (2) and the anode (4) in the hydrolysis chamber (5).

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the gas separation means (3) is placed in the hydrolysis chamber (5) between the cathode (2) and the anode (4) and comprises a permeable membrane segment (3.1) suitable for preventing the produced hydrogen and oxygen gases from passing through the permeable membrane segment (3.1) and mixing together. In other words, the permeable membrane segment (3.1) allows the passage of electrons but does not allow the passage of the produced hydrogen and oxygen gases, preventing them from mixing together.

[0026] The gas separation means (3) thus divides the hydrolysis chamber (5) into a first chamber part (5.1) containing the cathode (2), where hydrogen gas is produced, and a second chamber part (5.2) containing the anode (4), where oxygen gas is produced.

[0027] Similarly, the first chamber section (5.1) is in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and the second chamber section (5.2) is in fluid communication with an oxygen gas pipe (1.3) such that hydrogen gas produced along the cathode (2) is transported through the first chamber section (5.1) in the direction of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and similarly, oxygen gas produced along the anode (4) is transported through the second chamber section (5.2) in the direction of the oxygen gas pipe (1.3).

[0028] Thus, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas have a large volume to quickly disperse and separate from the corresponding electrode medium, i.e., either the cathode (2) or the anode (4), and in the direction to the tube of the corresponding hydrogen gas (1.2) and oxygen gas (1.3), the gases do not mix together but rise quickly through the permeable membrane segment (3.1).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the gas separation means (3) preferably comprises a dielectric separation segment (3.2) fixed to a permeable membrane segment (3.1).

[0030] 2, the dielectric isolation segment (3.2) forms a first gas accumulation chamber (6) between a first water level (N1) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) and the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), which corresponds to the first chamber section (5.1), and a second gas accumulation chamber (7) between a second water level (N2) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) and the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), which corresponds to the second chamber section (5.2). Thus, the difference between the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) corresponds to the difference in the amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulated in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and the second gas accumulation chamber (7), respectively.

[0031] Thus, the hydrogen gas produced by the cathode (2) never comes into contact with the oxygen gas produced by the anode (4), because the hydrogen gas accumulates in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) between the dielectric separation segment (3.2) and the cathode (2), and the oxygen gas accumulates in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) between the dielectric separation segment (3.2) and the anode (4). The filling of both gas accumulation chambers (6, 7) generates a downward pressure, i.e. towards the first water level (N1) and towards the second water level (N2) respectively contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5), which pressure is exerted on the gases (hydrogen and oxygen) so that their vertical rise up to each gas accumulation chamber (6, 7) is fast, without any horizontal displacement towards the permeable membrane segment (3.1) trying to pass through.

[0032] The resulting gas pressure in both gas accumulation chambers (6, 7) is the pressure used to extract the gas pressure through each hydrogen gas (1.2) and oxygen gas pipe (1.3) for separate separation. For example, the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and oxygen gas pipe (1.3) may each be equipped with a respective flow control means, for example a solenoid valve (14), by closing the solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) and opening the solenoid valve (14) of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), the pressure of the second gas accumulation chamber (7) increases precisely due to the accumulation of oxygen gas therein, which pressure pushes down the second water level (N2) of the hydrolysis chamber (5) while at the same time the first water level (N1) of said hydrolysis chamber (5) rises and pushes out the hydrogen gas accumulated in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and out of the device (1) through the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2). When the solenoid valve (14) of the hydrogen gas line (1.2) is closed and the solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas line (1.3) is opened, the opposite happens: the first water level (N1) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) is pushed down by increasing the pressure of hydrogen gas in the first gas accumulation chamber (6), while at the same time the second water level (N2) in said hydrolysis chamber (5) rises and pushes out the oxygen gas accumulated in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) and out of the device (1) through the oxygen gas line (1.3).

[0033] Thus, an efficient device (1) has been realised for producing hydrogen and oxygen gases at high compression forces, designed to separate water molecules into its two constituent gases, hydrogen and oxygen, and to compress the hydrogen and oxygen directly in separate chambers (6, 7) without the aid of an additional compressor.

[0034] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 1, the dielectric separation segment (3.2) of the gas separation means (3) comprises a third tubular element (3.21) of stainless steel, the upper end (3.211) of which is concentrically fixed with a third fastening ring (3.22) of stainless steel. Preferably, the third tubular element (3.21) and the third fastening ring (3.22) are coated with a material that is resistant to alkaline substances, has high heat resistance, is resistant to high pressure and is electrically insulating, for example any epoxy resin, in particular preferably an epoxy vinyl ester resin or any enamel with similar characteristics. If the dielectric separation segment (3.2) is placed between the cathode (2) and the anode (4), a non-reactive zone is advantageously formed between the elements (2,4) used to form the gas accumulation chambers (6,7).

[0035] On the other hand, in the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the gas separation means (3), the reaction zone of the electrolysis is preferably formed in the form of a cylindrical sleeve and the upper end (3.11) of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) is preferably hermetically fixed to the lower end (3.212) of the third tubular element (3.21) of the dielectric separation segment (3.2). Likewise, the permeable membrane segment (3.1) is preferably open at its lower end (3.12) at the bottom (5.3) of the hydrolysis chamber (5) where there is no electrolysis reaction. This is done with the purpose of being able to compensate the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) (electrolyte) between the first chamber (5.1) and the second chamber (5.2) of said hydrolysis chamber (5), thus avoiding overpressures that would result in the imposition of gas (hydrogen or oxygen) against the permeable membrane segment (3.1).

[0036] Preferably, the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the gas separation means (3) is made of a woven material, a porous material, a micro-perforated material, or the chemical composition of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) allows the passage of electrons (i.e. its chemical composition is naturally porous), for example selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, sulfonated copolymer fluoropolymers based on tetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, meta-aramid, polyamide, elastane, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and fibers, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, any material with the same technical characteristics is conceivable, i.e. chemical resistance to corrosion caused by alkaline and / or acidic substances, ability to allow the passage of electric charges, and impermeable to hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

[0037] The permeability of the gas on the membrane requires a large pressure to be applied for the gas to pass through the membrane, and this pressure occurs in both directions, i.e. from the side of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) where hydrogen gas is produced, to the other side of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) where oxygen gas is produced, and vice versa. Thus, the gas has a storage capacity above in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and the second gas accumulation chamber (7), and is at the same pressure on both sides of the permeable membrane segment (3.1), and the gas passes through the permeable membrane segment (3.1) and is very unlikely to become mixed due to the surface tension on both sides of the permeable membrane segment (3.1). Because the permeable membrane segment (3.1) is submerged, the pressure becomes very high and there is no possibility of a pressure imbalance that would induce the gas to impinge on and pass through the permeable membrane segment (3.1). The gas is therefore forced to slide across the permeable membrane segment (3.1) and rise towards the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and the second gas accumulation chamber (7).

[0038] On the other hand, it is preferred that the first tubular element (2.1) has a larger diameter than the third tubular element (3.21), and furthermore that the third tubular element (3.21) has a larger diameter than the second tubular element (4.1), so that, as shown in FIG. 2, the second tubular element (4.1) is configured to be arranged inside the set formed on the third tubular element (3.21) and the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the dielectric isolation segment (3.2), and the second fastening ring (4.2) is bonded onto the third fastening ring (3.22), and furthermore, the set of the third tubular element (3.21) and the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the dielectric isolation segment (3.2) is configured to be arranged inside the first tubular element (2.1), and the third fastening ring (3.22) is bonded onto the first fastening ring (2.2).

[0039] Likewise, it is further preferred that the other elements (4.1, 3.21, 3.1, 4.2) are arranged inside the first tubular element (2.1), the first tubular element (2.1) being configured to be arranged inside the container body (1.11) of the case (1.1), the first fastening ring (2.2) being bonded onto the upper flange (1.111) of the container body (1.11).

[0040] Furthermore, the lower flange (1.121) of the cover body (1.12) of the case (1.1) is preferably configured to fit onto a second fastening ring (4.2) to achieve closure of the case (1.1) of the device (1).

[0041] Preferably, a respective sealing gasket (8) is disposed between the lower flange (1, 121), the second fastening ring (4.2), the third fastening ring (3.22), the first fastening ring (2.2) and the upper flange (1, 111). Furthermore, a fixing element (not shown) preferably passes through the lower flange (1, 121), the second fastening ring (4.2), the third fastening ring (3.22), the first fastening ring (2.2), the upper flange (1, 111) and the sealing gasket (8), thus sealing the case (1.1) of the device (1).

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the cover body (1.12) of the case (1.1) preferably forms a cavity (7.1) and forms part of the second gas accumulation chamber (7). Preferably, an oxygen gas tube (1.3) is connected to the cavity (7.1).

[0043] Similarly, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3, a make-up water line (1.5) may be connected to the cavity (7.1) and coming from a make-up water tank (18) located above the cavity (7.1), the make-up water line (1.5) including a mains water inlet (18.1) and a gas outlet (18.2). The flow rate through the make-up water line (1.5), as well as through the mains water inlet (18.1) and the gas outlet (18.2), may be adjusted using respective solenoid valves (14), as examples of possible flow rate adjustment means that may be used. For example, it may be implemented that the water level in the hydrolysis chamber (5) is checked with a conductivity measurement performed by a voltage sensor (not shown). Thereby, when the water inside the hydrolysis chamber (5) falls below the required water level detected by the voltage sensor, the conductivity is 0 volts, resulting in an inflow of water through the make-up water pipe (1.5) with the purpose of compensating for the amount of water required inside the hydrolysis chamber (5) based on a 0 volt reading.

[0044] By activating or opening the solenoid valve (14) of the mains water inlet (18.1), as well as activating the regulator of the gas outlet (18.2) in order to bring the make-up water tank (18) to atmospheric pressure, it is possible to fill the tank (18) with water drawn from the mains, then closing the solenoid valves (14) of the mains water inlet (18.1) and the gas outlet (18.2) and opening the solenoid valves (14) of the mains water inlet (18.1) and the gas outlet (18.2) and opening the make-up water pipe (1.5). By activating the corresponding solenoid valve (14), the water contained in the make-up water tank (18) is poured by gravity into the cavity (7.1) towards the hydrolysis chamber (5) and instead passes through the volume of water contained in the make-up water tank (18) and accumulates above the fifth water level (N5) of said make-up water tank (18) in order to neutralize with the volume of oxygen gas coming from the second gas accumulation chamber (7), specifically from the cavity (7.1).

[0045] Meanwhile, make-up water poured into the cavity (7.1) which is part of the second gas accumulation chamber (7) flows into the second chamber part (5.2) of the hydrolysis chamber (5), passes through the bottom part (5.3) of the hydrolysis chamber (5) (it does not reach the cathode (2) and anode (4) and therefore no electrolysis takes place) and towards the first part of the chamber (5.1).

[0046] It is therefore possible to self-fill the hydrolysis chamber (5) whilst operating at high pressure in a simple and safe manner, without the need for complex and expensive mechanical elements such as high pressure injection pumps or high pressure compressors.

[0047] Also an object of the present invention is a system for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the system includes: at least one device (1) similar to that described above, a power supply (not shown) connected to a first voltage input (2.3) of the cathode (2) and to a second voltage input (4.3) of the anode (4) of the electrode means of the device (1); - pressure storage means for hydrogen gas and oxygen gas comprising a hydrogen tank (11) and an oxygen tank (12) respectively arranged downstream of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) of the device (1); Equipped with.

[0049] A first upper end (11.1) of the hydrogen tank (11) is connected to a hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), a second upper end (12.1) of the oxygen tank (12) is connected to an oxygen gas pipe (1.3), and a first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11) is connected to a second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12) by means of a first connecting pipe (13), so that the hydrogen tank (11) and the oxygen tank (12) are connected to each other through the first connecting pipe (13) to transfer the hydrogen from one of the tanks (11, 12) to the other of the oxygen tank (12). In order to change the storage volume of hydrogen gas (H) above the third water level (N3) of the hydrogen tank (11) to the storage volume of oxygen gas (O) above the fourth water level (N4), and vice versa, depending on the combination of the operation of the respective solenoid valves (14) arranged in the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), as well as depending on the combination of the operation of another solenoid valve (14) as a possible flow rate adjustment means arranged in the first connecting pipe (13), appropriate water volume is shared.

[0050] In other words, the solenoid valves (14) of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) and the first connection pipe (13) serve to regulate the extraction of the hydrogen and oxygen gases produced in the device (1) as well as their independent storage in the hydrogen tank (11) and the oxygen tank (12).

[0051] For example, starting from a high second water level (N2) in the hydrolysis chamber (5), the amount of oxygen gas accumulated in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) becomes small, the amount of hydrogen gas accumulated in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) becomes large, the solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) is closed or not activated, and the solenoid valve (14) of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) is activated or open, the amount of oxygen gas accumulated in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) begins to increase, the second water level (N2) decreases, the first water level (N1) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) rises, and the hydrogen gas contained in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) is pushed out, so that the hydrogen gas leaves the device (1) and travels through the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) in the direction of the hydrogen tank (11), where the hydrogen gas accumulates and exerts pressure on the third water level (N3) contained in the hydrogen tank (11). Similarly, by activating the solenoid valve (14) of the first connecting pipe (13), the third water level (N3) decreases while the fourth water level (N4) of the oxygen tank (12) increases, resulting in a decrease in the volume and an increase in the pressure of the stored oxygen gas in the oxygen tank (12). When the desired decrease in the second water level (N2) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) is achieved, the solenoid valve (14) of the first connecting pipe (13) closes and the solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) opens, maintaining the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) reached in the hydrolysis chamber (5) until it becomes necessary to adjust the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2).

[0052] The same happens if the first water level (N1) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) starts off high, the amount of hydrogen gas accumulated in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) becomes small, and the amount of oxygen gas accumulated in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) becomes large, in which case the solenoid valve (14) of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) is not activated, and the solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) is activated, and as the amount of oxygen gas accumulated in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) begins to increase, the first water level (N1) decreases, the second water level (N2) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) rises, and the oxygen gas contained in the second gas accumulation chamber (7) is pushed out, so that the oxygen gas leaves the device (1) and travels through the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) in the direction of the oxygen tank (12), where it accumulates and exerts pressure on the fourth water level (N4) contained in the oxygen tank (12). Similarly, by activating the solenoid valve (14) of the first connecting pipe (13), the fourth water level (N4) decreases while the third water level (N3) of the hydrogen tank (11) increases, resulting in a decrease in volume and an increase in the pressure of the stored hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank (11). Once the desired decrease in the first water level (N1) in the hydrolysis chamber (5) has been achieved, the solenoid valve (14) of the first connecting pipe (13) closes and the solenoid valve (14) of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) opens, maintaining the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) reached in the hydrolysis chamber (5) until it becomes necessary to adjust the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) again.

[0053] As explained above, in order to control the regulation of the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) of the hydrolysis chamber (5) of the device (1), respective sensor means (not shown) are arranged in both the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and the second gas accumulation chamber (7) to warn of the reaching of the first water level (N1) or the second water level (N2) of the first gas accumulation chamber (6) or the second gas accumulation chamber (7), respectively, and at the same time, a controller (not shown) can or preferably does not command the activation of the solenoid valves (14) of the hydrogen gas line (1.2), the oxygen gas line (1.3) and the first connection line (13) depending on the situation. Similarly, the controller is configured to command the remaining functions described, both of the device (1) and the system, interacting with the corresponding solenoid valves (14) and / or sensor means.

[0054] On the other hand, the first top end (11.1) of the hydrogen tank (11) is provided with a hydrogen gas outlet pipe (15) and the second top end (12.1) of the oxygen tank (12) is provided with an oxygen gas outlet pipe (16), and similarly, the hydrogen gas (15) and oxygen gas outlet pipes (16) are provided with respective solenoid valves (14), which in turn are used to regulate the delivery of the gas stored in the tanks (11, 12) for use when required.

[0055] Not only is the amount of hydrogen gas produced double that of oxygen gas, but it must also be taken into account that hydrogen gas has a different compression coefficient than oxygen gas. Therefore, it is not possible to know the volume that the gases will occupy in their respective tanks (11, 12), and the system must be efficient when extracting one of the two gases stored in the tanks (11, 12) to cover the usage requirements. As is confirmed, in the system proposed here, the pressure exerted by each gas inside the hydrogen tank (11) and the oxygen tank (12) does not matter, the volume of water shared between them is incompressible, and if water is transferred from one of the tanks (11, 12) to the other, the loss incurred by extracting either the hydrogen tank (11) or the oxygen tank (12) for usage is compensated.

[0056] Furthermore, the storage means, i.e. the hydrogen tank (11) and the oxygen tank (12), are preferably in communication with the hydrolysis chamber (5) of the device (1), for example through the lower part of each of them by means of a second connecting pipe (19), the flow rate through said second connecting pipe (19) can likewise be regulated, for example by a solenoid valve (14) as a possible flow regulation means, so that in case of emergency it is necessary to empty the hydrolysis chamber (5) and send the water contained therein to the tanks (11, 12).

[0057] Similarly, in cold climate locations, in order to avoid freezing of the pressurized storage means for hydrogen and oxygen gases, a heating loop (17) connected in parallel to the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) is preferably arranged between the device (1) and the oxygen tank (12). The heating loop (17) forms a coil (17.1) surrounding the first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11), the first connecting pipe (13) and the second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12), and respective solenoid valves (14) are arranged in the heating loop (17) and in the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) as possible flow control means, solenoid valves (14) regulating the bypass of oxygen gas through the heating loop (17).

[0058] In this way, the temperature of the gases is utilized, in particular the temperature of the oxygen gas coming from the device (1), which is discharged at a high temperature and may be accompanied by traces of steam, and can be used to create thermal shielding of essential elements or zones of the system, such as the first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11), the first connecting pipe (13) and the second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12), which may contain moisture.

[0059] By commanding the solenoid valve (14) of the heating loop (17) and the second solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas line (1.3), the solenoid valve (14) of the heating loop (17) opens and the second solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas line (1.3) closes, oxygen gas going from the device (1) to the oxygen tank (12) circulates through the coil (17.1) and creates a thermal shield that protects the first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11), the first connecting tube (13) and the second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12) from becoming cold, i.e., freezing. Downstream of the coil (17.1), the heating loop (17) returns oxygen gas to the oxygen gas line (1.3) at a point located downstream of the second solenoid valve (14) that remains closed just before delivering the gas to the oxygen tank (12) for storage. If no thermal shielding is required, the solenoid valve (14) of the heating loop (17) is simply closed and the second solenoid valve (14) of the oxygen gas line (1.3) is open, thus eliminating the bypass of oxygen gas through the heating loop (17) and the oxygen gas is delivered directly to the oxygen tank (12) passing along the oxygen gas line (1.3).

[0060] Likewise, the implementation of the thermal shield can be foreseen with a make-up water tank (18).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5, the system may include a set of devices (1), i.e. two or more devices arranged in series. For example, the devices (1) constituting the system may be powered by a garden of photovoltaic solar panels (not shown) as a power source connected in series or in parallel with the devices (1), where at most the devices (1) receive about 24 volts depending on the time of day, it is not necessary for all the devices (1) of the system to operate all the time, but each moment of the day will depend on the power delivered by the photovoltaic solar panel garden. The same happens if there is a leak or failure in any of the devices (1) of the system, the power delivery to the failed device (1) is canceled and the power delivered by the photovoltaic solar panel garden is distributed among the remaining devices (1) of the system.

Claims

1. A device (1) for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, comprising: a case (1.1) forming a hydrolysis chamber (5) designed to contain a volume of water; - respective electrode means acting as a cathode (2) and an anode (4) arranged in spaced relation in contact with the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5), said cathode (2) and said anode (4) being configured, in use, to dissociate the water contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, respectively; - gas separation means (3) designed to separate the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas produced by the cathode (2) and the anode (4) in the hydrolysis chamber (5); - a hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and an oxygen gas pipe (1.3) communicating with said hydrolysis chamber (5); - a make-up water pipe (1.5) communicating with said hydrolysis chamber (5), said gas separation means (3) being arranged in said hydrolysis chamber (5) between said cathode (2) and said anode (4) and comprising a permeable membrane segment (3.1) suitable for preventing said produced hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from passing through said permeable membrane segment (3.1) and mixing together, so that said gas separation means (3) divides said hydrolysis chamber (5) into a first chamber part (5.1) containing said cathode (2) and a second chamber part (5.2) containing said anode (4), said first chamber part (5.1) being in fluid communication with said hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and said second chamber part (5.2) being in fluid communication with said oxygen gas pipe (1.3); the gas separation means (3) comprises a dielectric separation segment (3.2) fixed to the permeable membrane segment (3.1), the permeable membrane segment (3.1) being open at its lower end (3.12), so that the dielectric separation segment (3.2) forms a first gas accumulation chamber (6) between a first water level (N1) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) and the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), and a second gas accumulation chamber (7) between a second water level (N2) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) and the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), wherein, in use, the difference between the first water level (N1) and the second water level (N2) contained in the hydrolysis chamber (5) corresponds to the difference in the accumulation amounts of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in the first gas accumulation chamber (6) and the second gas accumulation chamber (7), respectively.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cathode (2) comprises a first tubular element (2.1) of stainless steel, a first upper end (2.11) of which is concentrically fixed to a first fastening ring (2.2) of stainless steel, the first upper end (2.11) of the first tubular element (2.1) comprising at least a first through hole (2.12), and a first voltage input (2.3) being fixed to the first fastening ring (2.2).

3. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anode (4) comprises a second tubular element (4.1) of stainless steel, a second upper end (4.11) of which is concentrically fixed to a second fastening ring (4.2) of stainless steel, the second upper end (4.11) of the second tubular element (4.1) comprising at least a second through hole (4.12), and a second voltage input (4.3) being fixed to the second fastening ring (4.2).

4. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric separation segment (3.2) of the gas separation means (3) comprises a third tubular element (3.21) of stainless steel, the upper end (3.211) of which is concentrically fixed to a third fastening ring (3.22) of stainless steel, the third tubular element (3.21) and the third fastening ring (3.22) being coated with epoxy vinyl ester resin.

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the gas separation means (3) is formed in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, the upper end (3.11) of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) being fixed to the lower end (3.212) of the third tubular element (3.21) of the dielectric separation segment (3.2).

6. 6. The device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the gas separation means (3) is made of a woven material, a porous material, a micro-perforated material, or the chemical composition of the permeable membrane segment (3.1) is suitable to allow electrons to pass through and is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, sulfonated copolymer fluoropolymers based on tetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, meta-aramid, polyamide, elastane, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and fibers, or any combination thereof.

7. The first tubular element (2.1) has a larger diameter than the third tubular element (3.21), the third tubular element (3.21) has a larger diameter than the second tubular element (4.1), such that the second tubular element (4.1) is arranged inside the third tubular element (3.21) and the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the dielectric isolation segment (3.2), the second fastening ring (4.2) is bonded onto the third fastening ring (3.22), and further the third tubular element (3.21) and the permeable membrane segment (3.1) of the dielectric isolation segment (3.2) are 5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first tubular element (2.1) is configured to be placed inside the first tubular element (2.1), the third fastening ring (3.22) is coupled onto the first fastening ring (2.2), and further wherein the first tubular element (2.1) is configured to be placed inside a container body (1.11) of the case (1.1), the first fastening ring (2.2) is coupled onto an upper flange (1.111) of the container body (1.11), and a lower flange (1.121) of a cover body (1.12) of the case (1.1) is configured to be coupled onto the second fastening ring (4.2).

8. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein a respective sealing gasket (8) is arranged between the lower flange (1,121), the second fastening ring (4.2), the third fastening ring (3.22), the first fastening ring (2.2) and the upper flange (1,111), and a fastening means is configured to pass through the lower flange (1.121), the second fastening ring (4.2), the third fastening ring (3.22), the first fastening ring (2.2), the upper flange (1.111) and the sealing gasket (8) to hermetically close the case (1.1).

9. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the cover body (1.12) forms a cavity (7.1) which is part of the second gas accumulation chamber (7).

10. 1. A system for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, comprising: - at least one device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a power source connected to a first voltage input (2.3) of the cathode (2) and to a second voltage input (4.3) of the anode (4) of the electrode means of said device (1); - pressure storage means for hydrogen gas and oxygen gas comprising a hydrogen tank (11) and an oxygen tank (12) arranged downstream of the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2) and the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) of said device (1), A first upper end (11.1) of the hydrogen tank (11) is connected to the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), a second upper end (12.1) of the oxygen tank (12) is connected to the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), and a first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11) is connected to a second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12) using a first connecting pipe (13), so that the hydrogen tank (11) and the oxygen tank (12) are connected to each other through the first connecting pipe (13). the system shares an appropriate amount of water by transferring the appropriate amount of water from one of the hydrogen tanks (11) (1.1) (1.2), (1.12) (1.3) (1.4) (1.5) (1.6) (1.7) (1.8) (1.9) (2.0) (2.1) (2.2) (2.3) (2.4) (2.5) (2.6) (2.7) (2.8) (2.9) (3.0) (3.1) (3.2) (3.3)) to the other to change the storage volume of hydrogen gas (H) above the third water level (N3) of the hydrogen tank (11) to the storage volume of oxygen gas (O) above the fourth water level (N4) of the oxygen tank (12), and vice versa, depending on a combination of actuations of respective solenoid valves (14) disposed in the hydrogen gas pipe (1.2), the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), and the first connecting pipe (13), respectively.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first upper end (11.1) of the hydrogen tank (11) is provided with a hydrogen gas outlet pipe (15) and the second upper end (12.1) of the oxygen tank (12) is provided with an oxygen gas outlet pipe (16), the hydrogen gas (15) and oxygen gas outlet pipes (16) being provided with respective solenoid valves (14).

12. 11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a heating loop (17) between the device (1) and the oxygen tank (12) connected in parallel to the oxygen gas pipe (1.3), the heating loop (17) forming a coil (17.1) surrounding the first lower end (11.2) of the hydrogen tank (11), the first connecting pipe (13), the second lower end (12.2) of the oxygen tank (12) and a solenoid valve (14) arranged in the heating loop (17), the second solenoid valve (14) arranged in the oxygen gas pipe (1.3) regulating the bypass of the oxygen gas through the heating loop (17).

13. The system of claim 10, comprising a set of devices (1) arranged in series.

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