Process and apparatus for burning hydrogen and recycling the combustion products

Abstract

A system for generating thermal energy, comprising an electrolysis device that performs electrolysis of water to generate an electrolysis product material containing gaseous molecular hydrogen, and a furnace that is fluidly connected to the electrolysis device, receives at least the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the electrolysis product material, and is configured to burn the received gaseous molecular hydrogen. The combustion products are heated by the thermal energy generated by the combustion, and heated combustion products are generated. The heated combustion products heat the ambient air, and heated ambient air and cooled combustion products are generated. The cooled combustion products are reheated by the generated thermal energy and mixed with the heated ambient air to generate a heated gas mixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger system for generating heat for heating a fluid such as air by burning gaseous molecular hydrogen.

Background Art

[0002] Existing heat exchanger systems such as furnaces typically rely on hydrocarbon substances as combustible fuels for generating the desired thermal energy. Hydrocarbon-based fuels are typically expensive. Also, the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels generates carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] In one aspect, a process of heating ambient air, comprising: placing a reaction zone material within a reaction zone, the reaction zone material containing gaseous molecular hydrogen and an oxidant; igniting the reaction zone material with an effect that the reaction zone material is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, the reaction product containing a post-reaction process gas material, the reaction process generating thermal energy, a first portion of the generated thermal energy heating the reaction product such that a heated reaction product is generated; placing the heated reaction product in thermal communication with the ambient air such that the ambient air is heated by the reaction product, a heated ambient air and a cooled reaction product being generated, the cooled reaction product containing a cooled post-reaction process gas material; placing the cooled post-reaction process gas material in thermal communication with the reaction zone such that the cooled post-reaction process gas material is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy and a reheated post-reaction process gas material is generated while the thermal energy is being generated in response to the conversion of the reaction zone material into the reaction product; and mixing the reheated post-reaction process gas material with the heated ambient air such that a heated gas mixture is obtained.

[0004] In another aspect, a system for generating thermal energy includes a source of gaseous molecular hydrogen, a manifold including a gas receiving chamber fluidly connected to the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen for receiving gaseous molecular hydrogen, and a manifold - defined heat exchanger, a nozzle for discharging the gaseous molecular hydrogen received by the gas receiving chamber, an ignition device for igniting a reaction - zone material within a reaction zone, wherein the manifold - defined heat exchanger and the reaction zone are arranged in heat - transfer communication, a heat exchanger, wherein the gaseous molecular hydrogen source, the gas receiving chamber, the nozzle, the ignition device, and the reaction zone are configured such that (i) the gaseous molecular hydrogen is received by the gas receiving chamber and discharged to the reaction zone via the nozzle, and (ii) an oxidant is also supplied to the reaction zone such that the reaction - zone material includes the gaseous molecular hydrogen and the oxidant, and in response to ignition of the reaction - zone material within the reaction zone by the ignition device, the reaction - zone material is converted to reaction products via a reaction process, the reaction products include a post - reaction process gas material, the reaction process generates thermal energy, a first portion of the generated thermal energy heats the reaction products such that heated reaction products are produced, the reaction zone and the heat exchanger are configured such that (i) heated reaction products are produced, (ii) ambient air is arranged in heat - transfer communication with the heat exchanger, and heated ambient air and cooled reaction products are produced such that the ambient air is heated by the heated reaction products via the heat exchanger, the heated reaction products are arranged in heat - transfer communication with the heat exchanger, the cooled reaction products include a cooled post - reaction process gas material, the reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the manifold - defined heat exchanger are configured such that (i) a cooled post - reaction process gas material is produced, (ii) heated ambient air is produced, (iii) thermal energy is generated in response to the conversion of the reaction - zone material to reaction products, the cooled post - reaction process gas material is arranged in heat - transfer communication with the manifold - defined heat exchanger, the cooled post - reaction process gas material is arranged to be in heat - transfer communication with the reaction zone via the manifold - defined heat exchanger, and the cooled post - reaction process gas material is reheated such that a reheated post - reaction process gas material is produced.Provided is a system that is cooperatively configured such that the reheated post-reaction process gas material heated by the second portion of the generated thermal energy is mixed with the heated ambient air to obtain a heated gas mixture.

[0005] In another aspect, a kit of components for retrofitting a furnace including a conventional burner assembly and a heat exchanger, the kit comprising a source of gaseous molecular hydrogen, and a fluid conductor for receiving and conducting a supply to a reaction zone such that reaction zone materials within the reaction zone are obtained, a manifold including a manifold-defined heat exchanger, and an ignition device for igniting reaction zone materials disposed within the reaction zone, the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly comprising: the gaseous hydrogen molecule source, the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly, and the heat exchanger are configured to cooperate such that (i) while the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly replaces the conventional burner assembly, (ii) while the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly receives a reaction zone supply, and (iii) while the gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly is disposed in fluid communication with the gaseous hydrogen molecule source such that the received reaction zone supply includes at least gaseous molecular hydrogen from the gaseous molecular hydrogen source, a reaction zone supply is provided to the reaction zone such that the received reaction zone materials include gaseous molecular hydrogen, and in response to the reaction zone materials igniting within the reaction zone, the reaction zone materials are converted to reaction products via a reaction process, the reaction products include post-reaction process gaseous materials, the reaction process generates thermal energy, and a first portion of the generated thermal energy heats the reaction products such that heated reaction products are produced; the reaction zone and the heat exchanger are configured to cooperate such that (i) while the heated reaction products are produced and (ii) while ambient air is disposed in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger, heated ambient air and cooled reaction products are produced such that the ambient air is heated by the heated reaction products via the heat exchanger; the cooled reaction products include post-reaction process gaseous materials after cooling; the reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the manifold-defined heat exchanger are configured to cooperate such that (i) while the cooled post-reaction process gaseous materials are produced, (ii) while the heated ambient air is produced, and (iii) while thermal energy is being generated in response to the conversion of reaction zone materials to reaction products, the cooled post-reaction process gaseous materials are disposed in heat transfer communication with the manifold-defined heat exchanger, and the cooled post-reaction process gaseous materials areDisposed in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone via a manifold-defined heat exchanger, the cooled post-reaction process gas material is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy such that a reheated post-reaction process gas material is produced, and the reheated post-reaction process gas material is mixed with heated ambient air such that a heated gas mixture is obtained, and a kit is provided.

[0006] Other aspects will be apparent from the description and drawings provided herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Embodiments will be described with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A heat exchanger system 10 is provided. The heat exchanger system 10 is provided and configured to generate heat from the combustion of gaseous fuel within the reaction zone 8 for heating ambient air for temperature regulation of the internal space.

[0009] In some embodiments, for example, a first gaseous substance source 12 is provided and functions to provide a source of a first gaseous substance 102. The first gaseous substance includes a gaseous fuel. The source 12 is for supplying the first gaseous substance 102 to the reaction zone 8 for combustion of the gaseous fuel. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous fuel includes gaseous molecular hydrogen.

[0010] In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous substance 102 is combined with a second gaseous substance 104, resulting in a combined fluid substance 106 being produced and supplied to the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 includes an oxidizer, in which case, within the reaction zone 8, combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 is effected by the oxidizer of the second gaseous substance 104. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 includes ambient air such that the oxidizer includes molecular oxygen. The oxidizer of the second gaseous substance 104 is adscititious to any oxidizer that is part of the first gaseous substance 102. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 includes return air. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 includes fresh air. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 includes a mixture of return air and fresh air.

[0011] In some embodiments, for example, an eductor 14 (which may also be referred to as a "Venturi mixer") is provided for inducing the flow of the first gaseous substance 102 along with the flow of the second gaseous substance 104, and in response to the Venturi effect, at least the first gaseous substance 102 and the second gaseous substance 104 are combined to obtain a combined fluid substance flow 106, at least a portion of which is supplied to the reaction zone 8.

[0012] In some embodiments, for example, the eductor 14 includes a motive fluid receiver 16, a converging nozzle flow path 18, a suction fluid receiver 20, a mixing zone 22, a diverging nozzle flow path 24, and a combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26. The motive fluid receiver 16 is disposed in fluid communication with the mixing zone 22 via the converging nozzle flow path 18. The mixing zone 22 is disposed in fluid communication with the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26 via the diverging nozzle flow path 24. The suction fluid receiver 20 is disposed in fluid communication with the mixing zone 22. The motive fluid receiver 16, the converging nozzle flow path 18, the suction fluid receiver 20, the mixing zone 22, the diverging nozzle flow path, and the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26 are cooperatively configured such that (i) the motive fluid receiver 16 receives the flow of the second gaseous substance 104 at a sufficiently high pressure, and (ii) the suction fluid receiver 20 is disposed in fluid communication with the first gaseous substance 102 and the first gaseous substance 102 is disposed at a sufficiently low pressure. The increase in the velocity of the flow of the second gaseous substance 104 causes the flow of the second gaseous substance to be conducted from the motive fluid receiver 16 to the mixing zone 22 via the converging nozzle flow path 18, and concomitantly, the pressure of the flow of the second gaseous substance 104 decreases, such that the second gaseous substance 104 comes to be disposed within the mixing zone 22 under reduced pressure. The flow of the first gaseous substance 102 is induced into the mixing zone 22 in response to the pressure difference established between the mixing zone 22 and the first gaseous substance 102 via the suction fluid receiver 20. As a result, the flow of the second gaseous substance 104 is combined (e.g., mixed) with the first gaseous substance 102 to produce a flow of a combined fluid substance 106, which combined fluid substance 106 includes the first gaseous substance 102 and the second gaseous substance 104. The decrease in the velocity of the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 causes the flow of the combined fluid substance to be carried out from the mixing zone 22 to the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26 via the diverging nozzle flow path 24, and concomitantly, at the same time, the pressure of the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 increases, and the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 is discharged from the eductor 14 at the increased pressure via the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26.

[0013] The flow of the combined fluid substance 106 containing the first gaseous substance 102 is discharged from the eductor 14 at a pressure higher than the pressure of the first gaseous substance 102 upstream of the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14 through the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26. In this regard, this increase in the pressure of the gaseous fuel brought about by the Venturi effect enables a flow of gaseous fuel (as part of the flow of the combined fluid substance) through the heat exchanger 28 to effect heating of the ambient air 49, as described below.

[0014] In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous supply substance 102 is supplied from an electrolytic cell 30 such that the supply source 12 includes the electrolytic cell 30. The electrolytic cell 30 is configured to perform electrolysis of water such that reaction products are 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, the positive electrode, and the electrolyte are cooperatively 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, and reaction products including gaseous molecular hydrogen and gaseous molecular oxygen are produced. The first gaseous supply substance 102 is recovered from the reaction products such that the first gaseous supply substance 102 contains the produced gaseous molecular hydrogen and the gaseous molecular oxygen of the reaction products. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 contains the produced gaseous molecular hydrogen recovered from the reaction products.

[0015] In some embodiments, for example, the source 12 of the first gaseous substance 102 is fluidly coupled to the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14 via the first gaseous substance conductor 50. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous substance conductor 50 includes a flame arrester 56 (e.g., a composite metal foam flame arrester such as a Hastelloy flame arrester) to prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous substance 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 and its movement is restricted within the chamber 58), and a valve seat 60 configured to receive the ball 54 to effect closure of a fluid communication portion 62 (e.g., a port) providing fluid communication between the source 12 and the suction fluid receiver 20 of the eductor 14. In this regard, sufficient downstream pressure affects the seating of the ball 54 on the valve seat 60, thereby effecting closure of the fluid communication portion 62 and thereby reducing potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous substance conductor 50 includes a sight glass 64 to provide visibility of the ball 54, thereby enabling, inter alia, visual confirmation of the flow of the first gaseous substance 102. In some embodiments, for example, the ball 54 is a flame-retardant foam ball such as a flexible polyimide foam. A suitable flexible polyimide foam is made from SOLVERPI flexible foam manufactured by SOLVER POLYIMIDE, Room 1401, Peninsula International Residence, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province 311600, China.

[0016] In some embodiments, for example, the flow of the second gaseous substance 104 is supplied to the eductor 14 at a pressure between 2 psig and 12 psig and at a velocity of at least 0.021 meters per second. In some embodiments, for example, the first gaseous substance 102 disposed in fluid communication with the suction fluid receiver 20 is disposed at atmospheric pressure.

[0017] In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 104 supplied to the eductor 14 is ambient air supplied by an air pump 34 that draws air from the ambient air.

[0018] In some embodiments, for example, the source 34 (e.g., an air pump) of the second gaseous substance 104 supplied to the motive fluid receiver 16 of the eductor 14 is fluidly coupled to the motive fluid receiver 16 by a second gaseous substance conductor 150. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance conductor 150 includes a flame arrester 156 (e.g., a composite metal foam flame arrester such as a Hastelloy flame arrester) to prevent potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance 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 and its movement is restricted within the chamber 158), and a valve seat 160 configured to receive the ball 154 to effect closure of a fluid communication portion 162 (e.g., a port) providing fluid communication between the source 34 and the motive fluid receiver 16 of the eductor 14. In this regard, sufficient downstream pressure affects the seating of the ball 154 on the valve seat 160, thereby effecting closure of the fluid communication portion 162 and thereby reducing potential flashback from the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the second gaseous substance conductor 150 includes a sight glass 164 to provide visibility of the ball 154 and thereby enable, inter alia, visual confirmation of the flow of the second gaseous substance 104. In some embodiments, for example, the ball 154 is a flame-retardant foam ball such as a flexible polyimide foam. A suitable flexible polyimide foam is made from SOLVERPI flexible foam manufactured by SOLVER POLYIMIDE, Room 1401, Peninsula International Residence, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province 311600, China.

[0019] In some embodiments, for example, the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 26 of the eductor 14 is fluidly coupled to the burner assembly 36 via a bubbler 68. The bubbler 68 includes a combined fluid substance receiver 70 that receives the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 from the venturi mixer 14 and directs the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 into a liquid medium 72 contained within the bubbler 68, whereby impurities are separated from the flow of the combined fluid substance 106 (e.g., by dissolution in the liquid medium) to obtain a purified flow of the combined fluid substance 108, which is discharged via the bubbler discharge communication portion 74 of the bubbler 68, with at least a portion being supplied to the burner assembly 36. In some embodiments, for example, the impurities to be separated include electrolytes carried over from the electrolytic cell 30. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid medium further functions as a flame arrester to reduce flashback from the reaction zone 8.

[0020] In some embodiments, for example, the combined fluid substance receiver 70 includes a coiled tube 76 for guiding the received combined fluid substance 104. In some embodiments, for example, the coiled tube 76 functions to provide a flow resistance to any flashback from the reaction zone, thereby respectively preventing propagation to the sources 12, 34 of the first and second gaseous substances. In some embodiments, for example, the coiled tube 76 is made of a heat-conductive material (such as copper) to facilitate heat transfer from the fluid conducted through the coiled tube 76 to the liquid medium, thereby further reducing potential flashback.

[0021] In some embodiments, for example, the flow of the purified combined fluid substance 108 discharged from the bubbler 68 is accelerated in response to the Venturi effect obtained through the conduction of a third gaseous substance 110 (e.g., ambient air supplied from the air pump 134) through the second Venturi meter 114, and at least the flow of the purified combined fluid substance 108 and the third gaseous substance flow 110 are combined to obtain a combined fluid substance flow 112, which is discharged into the reaction zone 8.

[0022] In some embodiments, for example, the third gaseous substance 110 includes return air. In some embodiments, for example, the third gaseous substance 110 includes fresh air. In some embodiments, for example, the third gaseous substance 110 includes a mixture of return air and fresh air.

[0023] In some embodiments, for example, the eductor 114 includes a motive fluid receiver 116, a converging nozzle flow path 118, a suction fluid receiver 120, a mixing zone 122, a diverging nozzle flow path 124, and a combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126. The motive fluid receiver 116 is disposed in fluid communication with the mixing zone 122 through the converging nozzle flow path 118. The mixing zone 122 is disposed in fluid communication with the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126 through the diverging nozzle flow path 124. The suction fluid receiver 120 is disposed in fluid communication with the mixing zone 122. The motive fluid receiver 116, the converging nozzle flow path 118, the suction fluid receiver 120, the mixing zone 122, the diverging nozzle flow path, and the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126 are cooperatively configured such that (i) the motive fluid receiver 116 receives the flow of the third gaseous substance 110 at a sufficiently high pressure, and (ii) the suction fluid receiver 120 is disposed in fluid communication with the purified combined fluid substance 108, and the purified combined fluid substance 108 is disposed at a sufficiently low pressure. The velocity of the third gaseous substance flow 110 is increased as the flow of the third gaseous substance 110 is conducted from the motive fluid receiver 116 through the converging nozzle flow path 118 to the mixing zone 122, whereby, concomitantly, the pressure of the flow of the third gaseous substance 110 is reduced and the third gaseous substance 110 is disposed within the depressurized mixing zone 122. The flow of the purified combined fluid substance 108 is induced into the mixing zone 122 in response to the pressure difference established between the mixing zone 122 and the purified combined fluid substance 108 through the suction fluid receiver 120, and the flow of the third gaseous substance 110 is combined (e.g., mixed) with the flow of the combined fluid substance 108 to produce a flow of the combined fluid substance 112. The reduction in the velocity of the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is achieved as the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is induced from the mixing zone 122 to the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126 through the diverging nozzle flow path 124, whereby, concomitantly, the pressure of the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is increased and the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is discharged from the second eductor 114 at the increased pressure through the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126.

[0024] The flow of the combined fluid substance 112 containing gaseous fuel is discharged from the second eductor 114 at a pressure higher than the pressure of the flow of the purified combined fluid substance 108 in the suction fluid receiver 120 of the second eductor 114 through the combined fluid substance discharge communication portion 126. In this regard, this increase in the pressure of the gaseous fuel brought about by the Venturi effect enables the flow of the gaseous fuel through the heat exchanger 28 (as part of the flow of the combined fluid substance) to effect combustion heating of the ambient air, as described below.

[0025] In some embodiments, for example, the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is supplied to the burner assembly 36 to effect combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 within the reaction zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the combined fluid substance 112 is a reaction zone substance. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a burner assembly 36 is provided, the burner assembly 36 including a manifold 38 and a plurality of nozzles 40. The manifold 38 defines a flow path, for example, a manifold fluid passage network 42 for receiving the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 and distributing the received flow of the combined fluid substance among the plurality of nozzles 40. Each of the nozzles 40 is independently configured to receive the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 and discharge a portion of the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 into respective reaction zones 8 such that a flow of the combined fluid substance including the first gaseous substance and the second gaseous substance is disposed, for example, installed, within the reaction zone 8. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the placement of the combined fluid substance 112 within the reaction zone 8 is achieved by the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 through the manifold fluid passage network 42.

[0026] In some embodiments, for example, the manifold fluid passage network 42 defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area of at least 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 7.66X10 -4 square inches and 1.23X10 -2 square inches.

[0027] In some embodiments, for example, the nozzles 40 define a maximum cross-sectional area of less than 3.14X10 -6 square inches. In some embodiments, for example, the nozzles 40 inclusively define a cross-sectional area between 7.85X10 -7 square inches and 3.14X10 -6defines the maximum cross-sectional area with respect to square inches. In some embodiments, for example, such sizing of the maximum cross-sectional area of nozzle 40 reduces potential flashback from reaction zone 8.

[0028] The burner assembly 36 further independently includes, for each of the nozzles 40, an ignition device 44 (e.g., a surface ignition device, etc.) to effect ignition of the combined fluid substances 112 within their respective reaction zones 8. The combined fluid substances 112 are disposed within their respective reaction zones 8 and, in response to ignition by the ignition device 44 (e.g., a surface ignition device), combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 produces reaction products, e.g., combustion products 41, and effectively a gaseous flame 400 is obtained. Once the gaseous flame 400 is established, the gaseous fuel present within the combined fluid substances 112 that are continuously supplied to the reaction zone 8 burns, thereby providing for the continued production of combustion products. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion products 41 include a post-reaction process gaseous substance 341.

[0029] Combustion also generates thermal energy. In some embodiments, for example, combustion has the effect of generating at least 25,000 BTU, such as 30,000 BTU, of thermal energy. The generated thermal energy heats the combustion products and any unreacted gaseous substances such that heated combustion products 41 are produced. The heated combustion products 41 are conducted through heat exchanger 28 such that the heated combustion products 41 are disposed in heat transfer communication with heat exchanger 28. While ambient air 49 is disposed in heat transfer communication with heat exchanger 28, for example, while ambient air 49 is drawn across heat exchanger 28 by circulation air fan 46, the heated combustion products 41 are disposed in heat transfer communication with ambient air 49 via heat exchanger 28, and thus heat the ambient air, producing heated ambient air 490 and cooled reaction products 342. In some embodiments, for example, the arrangement of the heated reaction products 41 in heat transfer communication with ambient air 49 is such that the heating of ambient air 49 by the heated reaction products 41 occurs by indirect heat transfer. In some embodiments, for example, at least 75%, such as 80%, of the heat generated from the combustion of the combined fluid substances 112 is transferred to ambient air 49, producing heated ambient air 490. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of thermal energy received by ambient air 49 to produce heated ambient air 490 is based on the heat transfer efficiency of heat exchanger 28.

[0030] In some embodiments, for example, ambient air 49 includes return air. In some embodiments, for example, ambient air 49 includes fresh air. In some embodiments, for example, ambient air 49 includes a mixture of return air and fresh air.

[0031] In some embodiments, for example, the heat exchanger 28 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes 48, and for example, each of the longitudinally extending tubes 48 is independently aligned with each of the nozzles 40. In this regard, the heated combustion products 41 are conducted through the tubes 48 of the heat exchanger 28, and the ambient air 49 drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulation air fan 46 flows as a flow 49 across the outermost surface of the tubes 48. In some embodiments, for example, the tubes 48 are coil tubes 48, and each of the coil tubes 48 independently includes a longitudinally extending portion aligned with one of each of the nozzles 40. In some embodiments, for example, the heat exchanger 28 is defined by a furnace.

[0032] In some embodiments, for example, the generated heated ambient air 490 is then conducted by a fluid communication portion 364, such as a duct 364, to a space, such as a space within a building, to heat the space. In some embodiments, for example, the heated ambient air 490 is urged to flow through the fluid communication portion 364 and into the space via a fan.

[0033] In some embodiments, for example, the combustion of the combined fluid substance 112 has the effect of generating water vapor such that the combustion product 41 includes water vapor. In some embodiments, for example, the heating of the ambient air 49 by the heated combustion product 41 has the effect that the water vapor of the heated combustion product 41 condenses to produce liquid water 346 and the cooled reaction product 342 includes the liquid water 346. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the cooled reaction product 342 is conducted to a separator 348 disposed in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 28. The liquid water 346 is separated from and collected from the cooled reaction product 342 by the separator 348, and the collected liquid water 346 is conducted to a container 32 that functions as a water source for the electrolyzer 30. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the composite fluid substance 112 received by the manifold 38 includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen. In some embodiments, for example, the collected liquid water 346 is conducted to the container 32 via an inducer motor or a blower, for example, the inducer motor or blower 355.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, typically, a conventional heat exchanger system 200 (such as a furnace) uses a gaseous hydrocarbon substance (e.g., natural gas, etc.) as a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel supply source 212 includes a source of pressurized gaseous fuel (e.g., a gaseous hydrocarbon substance, etc.). The gaseous substance supply conductor 214 supplies the gaseous fuel from the gaseous fuel supply source 212 to the burner assembly 236 to effect combustion of the gaseous fuel within the reaction zone 238. In some embodiments, for example, the burner assembly 236 includes a manifold 237, and the manifold 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 to effect combustion of the gaseous fuel via the burner assembly 236. The burner assembly 236 includes, for each of the nozzles 240, independently, a flow mixer 234 (e.g., a venturi burner, etc.), an ignition device 244 (e.g., a surface ignition device, etc.). For each of the ignition devices 244, independently, a respective reaction zone 238 is associated therewith. The ambient air in which the discharged gaseous fuel and its flow is induced by the combustion air fan 218 flows from the manifold 237 into the reaction zone 238 and communicates through the flow mixer 234 and is mixed within the flow mixer 234 to produce a gaseous fuel / air mixture. While the gaseous fuel / air mixture is disposed within the reaction zone 238, in response to ignition by the ignition device 244, combustion of the gaseous fuel occurs and combustion products are produced. The combustion also produces thermal energy that heats the combustion products and any unreacted gaseous substances, resulting in the production of the heated post-combustion gaseous substance 241. The heated post-combustion gaseous substance whose flow is induced by the combustion air fan 218 is disposed in indirect heat transfer communication with the ambient air 48 through which the heated post-combustion gaseous substance 241 is drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulation air fan 46, and thus flows through the heat exchanger 28 to heat the ambient air. In some embodiments, for example, the heat exchanger 28 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes 48, and each of the longitudinally extending tubes 48 is independently aligned with each of the nozzles 240.In this regard, the heated post-combustion gaseous material whose flow is induced by the combustion air fan 218 flows through the tubes 48 of the heat exchanger 28 and the ambient air 249 drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulation air fan 46, flows across the outermost surface of the tubes 48, and then is directed to a predetermined space to heat the predetermined space.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, the conventional heat exchanger system 200 is modified to enable the use of gaseous molecular hydrogen as a gaseous fuel. In this regard, the conventional heat exchanger system 200 is modified to obtain the heat exchanger system 10 provided for generating heat through the combustion of gaseous molecular hydrogen to heat the ambient air. To make this modification, in some embodiments, for example, the burner assembly 236 of the conventional heat exchanger system is replaced by the burner assembly 36 such that gaseous fuel in the form of gaseous molecular hydrogen can be supplied for combustion within the modified heat exchanger system 10. In some embodiments, for example, a kit for retrofitting a conventional heat exchanger system is provided, which includes the burner assembly 36 and the electrolyzer 30. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the eductor 14. In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes the burner assembly 36, the eductor 14, as well as the bubbler 68 and the second eductor 114. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the electrolyzer 30. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the burner assembly 36 and the eductor 14, as well as the first gaseous material conductor 50 and the second gaseous material conductor 52, and in some of these embodiments, further includes the bubbler 68 and the second eductor 114. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the electrolyzer 30.

[0036] In some embodiments, for example, the electrolytic cell 30 is arranged in heat transfer communication with a heat sink such that heat is transferred from the electrolyte to the heat sink while electrolysis is being performed. 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 within the electrolyte is sufficiently low, the vaporization of water in the aqueous electrolyte is reduced, and the presence of water in the first gaseous substance 102 is reduced. In some embodiments, for example, it is a sufficiently low temperature of from 27 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the electrolyte is maintained at a sufficiently low temperature by controlling the rate of heat transfer from the electrolyte to the heat sink. The water present in the first gaseous substance 102 (and thus the combined fluid substance 112) can, if undesirable, interrupt combustion, and as a result, the gaseous flame in the furnace is extinguished. Once extinguished, the combustion of the gaseous fuel that continues to be supplied to the reaction zone 8 via the mixed fluid substance 112 is temporarily stopped, and unburned gaseous fuel can accumulate in the furnace, potentially causing a backfire upon re-ignition of the ignition device 44. Thus, reducing the presence of water in the first gaseous substance 102 (and thus the combined fluid substance 112) reduces the conditions favorable for the extinction of the gaseous flame and backfire.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, the system further includes a sensor for detecting the extinction 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 cooperates with a power supply device, that is, establishes a potential difference between the negative and positive electrodes of the electrolytic cell 30, and as a result, in response to the detection of the absence of a gas flame by the sensor, the power supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 is stopped and electrolysis is stopped.

[0038] In some embodiments, for example, the combustion of the gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen) of the first gaseous substance 102 is carried out through the ambient air. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 is brought about by the return air in order to improve the efficiency of the combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102. In some embodiments, for example, the return air is combined with the combined fluid substance 108 or the combined fluid substance 112 to change the stoichiometric combustion ratio of the combined fluid substance 108 or the combined fluid substance 112 and improve the combustion efficiency of the gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen) of the first gaseous substance 102.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a heat exchanger system 300 which is an alternative embodiment of the heat exchanger system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 is supplied to the burner assembly 336 of the heat exchanger system 300. The burner assembly 336, which is an alternative embodiment of the burner assembly 36, is configured to cause the combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 in the reaction zone 8 to heat the ambient air 49 and mix the reheated combustion products with the heated ambient air 490 to obtain a heated gas mixture 362. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a burner assembly 336 is provided, and the burner assembly 336 includes a manifold 338 including a gas receiving chamber 3382 and a manifold defining heat exchanger 3384, and a plurality of nozzles 40 as described with respect to the burner assembly 36.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gas receiving chamber 3382 of the manifold 338 defines a flow path, such as a fluid passage network 339 similar to the fluid passage network 42, for receiving the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 as described with respect to the burner assembly 36 and distributing the received flow of the combined fluid substance among the plurality of nozzles 40. In some embodiments, for example, the placement of the combined fluid substance 112 within the reaction zone 8 is achieved by the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 through the fluid passage network 339. Each of the nozzles 40 is independently configured to receive the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 and discharge a portion of the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 into respective reaction zones 8 such that the flow of the combined fluid substance 112, which includes the first gaseous substance and the second gaseous substance, is disposed within the reaction zone 8. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the placement of the combined fluid substance 112 within the reaction zone 8 is achieved by the flow of the combined fluid substance 112 through the fluid passage network 339.

[0041] In some embodiments, for example, similar to the fluid passage network 42, the fluid passage network 339 defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area of at least 7.66×10 -4 square inches. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid passage network 339 generally defines a minimum cross-sectional area between 7.66×10 -4 square inches and 1.23×10 -2 square inches.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 and the reaction zone 8 are disposed within heat transfer communication. The manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 receives a flow of the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 and heats the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 with thermal energy generated from the combustion of the combined fluid material 112 such that a reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 is produced, defining a fluid passageway, e.g., a fluid passageway network 356, for this purpose. In some embodiments, e.g., the placement of the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone 8 is accomplished by flowing the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 into the fluid passageway network 356. In some embodiments, e.g., the heating of the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 includes heating implemented in response to heat conduction through the manifold 338. The fluid passageway network 356 is further configured to distribute the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 into a plurality of discharge communications 358 defined by the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384. Each of the discharge communications 358 is independently configured to receive a flow of the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360, discharge a portion of the flow of the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 from the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384, and mix a portion of the flow of the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 with the heated ambient air 490 to obtain a heated gas mixture 362.

[0043] In some embodiments, e.g., the fluid passageway network 356 defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area of at least 0.14 square inches. In some embodiments, e.g., the fluid passageway network 356 inclusively defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area between 0.14 square inches and 0.25 square inches.

[0044] In some embodiments, e.g., the discharge communication 358 defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area of at least 0.60 square inches. In some embodiments, e.g., the discharge communication 358 inclusively defines a minimum cross-sectional flow area between 0.60 square inches and 1.2 square inches.

[0045] In some embodiments, for example, the exhaust communication portion 358 is a vent port.

[0046] The burner assembly 336 further independently includes an ignition device 44 (e.g., a surface ignition device, etc.) for causing ignition of the combined fluid substance 112 combined within each respective reaction zone 8 for each of the nozzles 40, as described for the burner assembly 36. The combined fluid substance 112, the gas receiving chamber 3382, the nozzle 40, the ignition device 44, and the reaction zone 8 are configured to cooperate such that, in response to ignition by the ignition device 44 while the combined fluid substance 112 is disposed within each respective reaction zone 8, combustion of the gaseous fuel of the first gaseous substance 102 results in the production of reaction products, e.g., combustion products 41, and such that a gaseous flame 400 is obtained. When the gaseous flame 400 is established, the gaseous fuel present within the combined fluid substance 112 that continues to be supplied to the reaction zone 8 burns, thereby providing for the continued production of combustion products. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion products 41 include a post-reaction process gaseous substance 341.

[0047] Combustion also generates thermal energy, e.g., 30,000 BTU of thermal energy. The first portion of the generated thermal energy heats the combustion products 41 and any unreacted gaseous substances such that heated combustion products 41 are produced. In some embodiments, e.g., the first portion of the generated thermal energy for heating the combustion products 41 to produce the heated combustion products 41 is defined by at least 80% of the thermal energy generated by the combustion of the combined fluid substance 112. The heated combustion products 41 are discharged through the nozzle 40 and conducted through the heat exchanger 28, e.g., through the tube 48, and the heated combustion products 41 are arranged to be in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger 28. The reaction zone 8 and the heat exchanger 28 are arranged such that while the heated reaction products 41 are being produced and while the ambient air 49 is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger 28, e.g., while the ambient air 49 is being drawn across the heat exchanger 28 by the circulation air fan 46, the heated combustion products 41 are arranged in heat transfer communication with the ambient air 49 through the heat exchanger 28, e.g., indirectly, and thus are cooperatively configured to heat the ambient air 49. In some embodiments, e.g., at least 75% of the generated thermal energy, e.g., 80% of the thermal energy generated through the combustion of the combined fluid substance 112, is received by the ambient air 49 to produce the heated ambient air 490.

[0048] In some embodiments, for example, heating of the ambient air 49 by the heated combustion product 41 produces heated ambient air 490 and cooled reaction product 342. In some embodiments, for example, the cooled reaction product 342 includes a cooled post-reaction process gas material 344. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the reaction zone 8, the heat exchanger 28, and the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 are cooperatively configured such that while producing the cooled reaction product 342, the cooled reaction product 342 including the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 is conducted to the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384, the cooled reaction product 342 is arranged to be in heat transfer communication with the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384, and the cooled reaction product 342 is arranged to be in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone 8 via the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384. The cooled reaction product 342 including the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy while generating heated ambient air and generating thermal energy in response to the conversion of the combined fluid material 112 to the combustion product 41, producing a reheated reaction product 359 including a reheated post-reaction process gas material 360, discharging it via the discharge communication 358, mixing it with the heated ambient air 490, and obtaining a heated gas mixture 362. In this regard, the ambient air 49 is heated at least twice by the heat exchanger system 300, in particular by heat transfer through the heat exchanger 28 to produce the heated ambient air 490, and then mixing the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 with the heated ambient air 490 to produce the heated gas mixture 362. In some embodiments, for example, the heated gas material 362 is then conducted by a fluid communication 364, such as a duct 364, to a space, such as a space within a building, to heat the space. In some embodiments, for example, the heated gas material 362 is urged to flow through the fluid communication 364 to the space via a fan.

[0049] In some embodiments, for example, the second portion of the generated thermal energy defines at least 5% of the thermal energy generated by the combustion of the combined fluid material 112 to heat the cooled reaction product 342 containing the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 and produce the reheated reaction product 359 containing the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360.

[0050] In some embodiments, for example, the cooled combustion product 342 containing the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 is urged to flow through the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 via the inducer motor or blower 355. In some embodiments, for example, the blower 355 is powered by 110VAc / 0.46 ampere and has an output of at least 90 cubic feet per minute. In some embodiments, for example, the blower 355 has an output of 100 - 150 cubic feet per minute.

[0051] In some embodiments, for example, the manifold 338 further comprises a blowout resistor 3383 inserted between the gas receiving chamber 3382 and the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384. The blowout resistor 3383 is configured to resist the blowout of the gas flame 400 generated through the combustion of the combined fluid material 112 by the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344. The cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 is conducted to the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 for placement in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone 8, but the lack of flow communication between the placed post-reaction process gas material 344 and the reaction zone 8 is effective in stimulating the blowout of the gas flame 400 by the cooled post-reaction process gas material 344 and is provided by the blowout resistor 3383. In some embodiments, for example, the blowout resistor 3383 is a plate.

[0052] In some embodiments, for example, the mixture zone 80 is provided by the heat exchanger system 300 to mix the heated ambient air 490 and the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 to obtain a heated gas mixture 362. In some embodiments, for example, the heated ambient air 490 flows from the heat exchanger 48 to the mixture zone 80. In some embodiments, for example, the heated ambient air 490 is urged to flow from the heat exchanger 48 to the mixture zone 80 via convection. In some embodiments, for example, the heated ambient air 490 is urged to flow from the heat exchanger 48 to the mixture zone 80 via the fan 46. In some embodiments, for example, the reheated post-reaction process gas material 360 is discharged from the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 and discharged into the mixture zone 80 via the discharge communication portion 358 to mix with the heated ambient air 490 to obtain a heated gas mixture 362. In some embodiments, for example, the mixture zone 80 is disposed above the heat exchanger 48. In some embodiments, for example, the mixture zone 80 is arranged in fluid communication with the duct 364 such that the heated gas mixture 362 can flow from the mixture zone 80 to the duct 364 and be conducted to the building space to heat the space.

[0053] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the separator 348 is disposed in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 28 and further disposed in fluid communication with the manifold - defined heat exchanger 3384. While the cooled reaction product 342 is being produced via heating of the ambient air 49, the cooled reaction product 342 is conducted to the separator 348 to separate the cooled reaction product 342 into liquid water 346 and the separated gaseous substance 352. In some embodiments, for example, the separated gaseous substance 352 is conducted to the manifold - defined heat exchanger 3384 such that the separated gaseous substance 352 is disposed in heat - transfer communication with the manifold - defined heat exchanger 3384. The disposition of the separated gaseous substance 352 in heat - transfer communication with the manifold - defined heat exchanger 3384 has the effect that the separated gaseous substance 352 is disposed in heat - transfer communication with the reaction zone 8 via the manifold - defined heat exchanger 3384. While being produced in response to the conversion of the fluid substance 112 combined with thermal energy into the combustion product 41, the separated gaseous substance 352 is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy, for example, at least 5% of the generated thermal energy, such that the reheated post - reaction process gaseous substance 360 is produced. The reheated post - reaction process gaseous substance 360 is discharged via the discharge communication 358 and mixed with the heated ambient air 490 such that the heated gas mixture 362 is obtained. In some embodiments, for example, the heated gaseous substance 362 is then conducted by the duct 364 to a space, for example, a space within a building, to heat the space. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the cooled post - reaction gaseous substance 344 is defined by the separated gaseous substance 352.

[0054] The liquid water 346 separated from the cooled reaction product 342 by the separator 348 is collected and sent to the container 32 to supply water to the electrolyzer 30. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the composite fluid substance 112 received by the manifold 338 contains the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen. In some embodiments, for example, the collected liquid water 346 is conducted to the container 32 via an inducer motor or a blower, for example, the inducer motor or blower 355.

[0055] In some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication between the separator 348 and the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 is established by the fluid communication portion 354. In some embodiments, for example, the separated gaseous substance 352 is urged to flow to the manifold-defined heat exchanger 3384 via the blower 355. In some embodiments, for example, the separated gaseous substance 352 contains water vapor such that liquid water is generated while the separated gaseous substance 352 flows through the fluid communication portion 354, and the water vapor of the separated gaseous substance 352 is condensed. The collected liquid water is conducted to a container 32 that functions as a water source for the electrolyzer 30 for generating gaseous molecular hydrogen. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication portion 354 functions as a condenser. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid water 346 collected from the fluid communication portion 354 is conducted to the container 32 via an inducer motor or a blower, for example, the inducer motor or the blower 355.

[0056] According to the present disclosure, in some embodiments, for example, a conventional heat exchanger system 200 is modified to enable the use of gaseous molecular hydrogen as a gaseous fuel and to enable mixing of the reheated combustion products with the heated ambient air. In this regard, the conventional heat exchanger system 200 is modified to obtain a heat exchanger system 300 for generating heat through combustion of gaseous molecular hydrogen to heat the ambient air, reheat the combustion products, and mix the reheated combustion products with the heated ambient air. To implement this modification, in some embodiments, for example, the burner assembly 236 of the conventional heat exchanger system is replaced by a burner assembly 336 that can supply gaseous fuel in the form of gaseous hydrogen molecules for combustion, reheat the combustion products, and mix them with the heated ambient air within the modified heat exchanger system 300. In some embodiments, for example, a kit for retrofitting a conventional heat exchanger system is provided, including the burner assembly 336 and the electrolyzer 30. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes a separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes an eductor 14. In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes the burner assembly 336, the eductor 14, as well as a bubbler 68 and a second eductor 114. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes a separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the electrolyzer 30. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the burner assembly 336 and the eductor 14, as well as a first gaseous substance conductor 50 and a second gaseous substance conductor 52, and in some of these embodiments, further includes a bubbler 68 and a second eductor 114. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes a separator 348. In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes the electrolyzer 30.

[0057] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure. Specific dimensions and materials are described in order to implement the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but other suitable dimensions and / or materials may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope and range of the present disclosure, including all presently and future suitable changes in technology. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification.

Claims

1. A process that heats the surrounding air, Steps include: placing a reaction zone substance within a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone substance comprises gaseous hydrogen molecules and an oxidizing agent; A step of igniting the reaction zone substance, wherein the reaction zone substance is converted into a reaction product through a reaction process, and the reaction product includes a post-reaction process gaseous substance. The reaction process generates thermal energy, and a first portion of the generated thermal energy is used to heat the reaction product so that a heated reaction product is produced. The steps include: placing the heated reaction product in heat transfer communication with the ambient air so that the ambient air is heated by the reaction product, heated ambient air and cooled reaction product are generated, and the cooled reaction product contains cooled post-reaction process gaseous material; While the thermal energy is being generated in response to the conversion of the reaction zone material to the reaction product, the cooled post-reaction process gas material is placed in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone so that it is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy, and a reheated post-reaction process gas material is produced. A process comprising the step of mixing the reheated post-reaction process gaseous substance with heated ambient air so as to obtain a heated gaseous mixture.

2. The reaction product includes water vapor. The heating of the ambient air by the heated reaction product concentrates the water vapor so that liquid water is produced and the cooled reaction product contains the liquid water. The aforementioned process, The cooled reactive product is separated into liquid water and a gaseous substance after separation, and the cooled gaseous substance after reaction is defined by the gaseous substance after separation. The process according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The process according to claim 2, further comprising the step of electrolyzing the separated liquid water so that gaseous molecular hydrogen is produced and the gaseous molecular hydrogen of the reaction zone substance contains the produced gaseous molecular hydrogen.

4. The aforementioned reaction process has the effect of generating a gaseous flame. Placing the cooled post-reaction process gas in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone means that there is no fluid communication between the placed post-reaction process gas and the reaction zone that is effective in extinguishing the gas flame with the cooled post-reaction process gas. The process according to claim 1.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the heated reaction product is arranged in a way that allows it to communicate with the ambient air via heat transfer, such that the heating of the ambient air by the heated reaction product is achieved by indirect heat transfer.

6. The placement of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone is carried out by flowing the reaction zone material through a first channel determined by a manifold, and the process further includes flowing the reaction zone material through the first channel so that the placement of the reaction zone material within the reaction zone is realized. The arrangement of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance that is in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone is achieved by flowing the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance through a second flow path defined by the manifold that defines the first flow path. The process according to claim 1, wherein the heating of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance includes heating achieved by heat conduction through the manifold.

7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the generated thermal energy is defined as at least 5% of the generated thermal energy.

8. The process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of heating a space inside a building with the heated gas mixture.

9. The process according to claim 1, wherein the reaction process comprises the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules achieved by the oxidizing agent.

10. A system for generating thermal energy, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, It is a manifold, A gas receiving chamber is arranged in fluid communication with the gaseous hydrogen supply source in order to receive the gaseous hydrogen molecules, and Manifold-defined heat exchanger, Manifolds including, A nozzle for discharging the gaseous hydrogen molecules received by the gas receiving chamber, An ignition device for igniting a reaction zone substance within a reaction zone, wherein the manifold-defining heat exchanger and the reaction zone are arranged in heat transfer communication; Includes a heat exchanger, The gaseous molecular hydrogen supply source, the gas receiving chamber, the nozzle, the ignition device, and the reaction zone are configured such that (i) the gaseous molecular hydrogen is received by the gas receiving chamber and discharged to the reaction zone through the nozzle, and (ii) the oxidizing agent is also supplied to the reaction zone such that the reaction zone material contains the gaseous molecular hydrogen 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 via a reaction process, the reaction product includes a post-reaction process gaseous substance. The reaction process generates thermal energy, and a first portion of the generated thermal energy is used to heat the reaction product so that a heated reaction product is produced. The reaction zone and the heat exchanger are arranged such that (i) the heated reaction product is generated, and (ii) ambient air is in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. The heated reaction product is arranged in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger so that heated ambient air and cooled reaction product are generated, and the cooled reaction product includes cooled post-reaction process gaseous material. The reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the manifold-defined heat exchanger generate (i) the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance, (ii) the heated ambient air, and (iii) thermal energy in response to the conversion of the reaction zone substance to the reaction product. The cooled post-reaction process gas is arranged to communicate with the reaction zone via the manifold-defined heat exchanger, The cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy so that a reheated post-reaction process gaseous substance is produced. A system configured such that the reheated post-reaction process gaseous substance is mixed with the heated ambient air to obtain a heated gaseous mixture.

11. The reaction product includes water vapor. The heating of the ambient air by the heated reaction product concentrates the water vapor so that liquid water is produced and the cooled reaction product contains the liquid water. The system further comprises a separator arranged to be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and further arranged to be in fluid communication with the manifold-defined heat exchanger, The system according to claim 10, wherein the heat exchanger and the separator are cooperatively configured such that, while the cooled reaction product is being generated, the cooled reaction product is guided to the separator, the cooled reaction product is separated from liquid water and gaseous substances, and the cooled gaseous substances are defined by the separated gaseous substances.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen includes an electrolytic device configured to electrolyze the separated liquid water while generating the gaseous molecular hydrogen, and the gaseous molecular hydrogen received by the gas receiving chamber includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen.

13. The aforementioned reaction process has the effect of generating a gaseous flame. The system according to claim 10, wherein the manifold further comprises a blowout resistor interposed between the gas receiving chamber and the manifold-defining heat exchanger, the blowout resistor ensures that the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is arranged in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone, but there is no fluid communication between the arranged post-reaction process gaseous substance and the reaction zone that is effective in stimulating the blowout of the gas flame by the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the blowout resistor is a plate.

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

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the heated reaction product is arranged in a way that allows it to communicate with the surrounding air via heat transfer, and the heating of the surrounding air by the heated reaction product is achieved by indirect heat transfer.

17. The placement of the reaction zone material into the reaction zone is carried out by flowing the reaction zone material through a first flow path determined by the gas receiving chamber. The arrangement of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance that is in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone is achieved by flowing the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance through a second flow path defined by the manifold-defined heat exchanger. The system according to claim 10, wherein the heating of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance includes heating achieved by heat conduction through the manifold.

18. The system according to claim 10, wherein the second portion of the generated thermal energy is defined as at least 5% of the generated thermal energy.

19. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a fluid conductor arranged in fluid communication with the space within the building in order to introduce the heated gas mixture obtained into the space in order to heat the space.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the fluid conductor is a duct.

21. The system according to claim 10, wherein the reaction process includes the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules achieved by the oxidizing agent.

22. A kit of components for modifying a furnace, including a conventional burner assembly and heat exchanger, Sources of gaseous molecular hydrogen, and A gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, A fluid conductor for receiving and conducting a supply to the reaction zone so that a reaction zone substance is obtained within the reaction zone, Manifold-defined heat exchanger, Manifolds including, A gaseous hydrogen-compatible burner assembly, including an ignition device for igniting the reaction zone material placed within the reaction zone, Equipped with, The gaseous hydrogen molecule supply source, the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly, and the heat exchanger are arranged in fluid communication with the gaseous hydrogen molecule source such that (i) the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly replaces the conventional burner assembly, (ii) the gaseous hydrogen compatible burner assembly receives the reaction zone supply, and (iii) the received reaction zone supply contains at least gaseous hydrogen from the gaseous hydrogen molecule supply source. The reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone such that the receiving reaction zone substance contains the gaseous hydrogen molecule. In response to the reaction zone substance igniting within the reaction zone, the reaction zone substance is converted into a reaction product via a reaction process, the reaction product comprising a post-reaction process gaseous substance, The first portion of the generated thermal energy heats the reaction product so that the reaction process generates thermal energy and a heated reaction product is produced, The reaction zone and the heat exchanger are arranged such that (i) the heated reaction product is generated, and (ii) ambient air is in heat transfer communication with the heat exchanger. The system is configured to cooperatively generate heated ambient air and cooled reaction products, such that the ambient air is heated by the heated reaction products through the heat exchanger, and the cooled reaction products include cooled post-reaction process gaseous substances. The reaction zone, the heat exchanger, and the manifold-defined heat exchanger are configured such that (i) the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is generated, (ii) the heated ambient air is generated, and (iii) the thermal energy is generated in response to the conversion of the reaction zone substance to the reaction product. The cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is arranged in heat transfer communication with the manifold-defined heat exchanger, and the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is arranged in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone via the manifold-defined heat exchanger. The cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is heated by a second portion of the generated thermal energy so that a reheated post-reaction process gaseous substance is produced. The kit is configured such that the reheated post-reaction process gaseous substance is cooperatively mixed with the heated ambient air to obtain a heated gaseous mixture.

23. The reaction product includes water vapor. The heating of the ambient air by the heated reaction product concentrates the water vapor so that liquid water is produced and the cooled reaction product contains the liquid water. The system further comprises a separator arranged to be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and further arranged to be in fluid communication with the manifold-defined heat exchanger, The kit according to claim 22, wherein the heat exchanger and the separator are cooperatively configured such that, while the cooled reaction product is being generated, the cooled reaction product is guided to the separator, the cooled reaction product is separated into liquid water and a gaseous substance, and the cooled gaseous substance is defined by the gaseous substance.

24. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the source of gaseous molecular hydrogen includes an electrolytic device configured to electrolyze the separated liquid water while generating the gaseous molecular hydrogen, and the gaseous molecular hydrogen received by the gas receiving chamber includes the generated gaseous molecular hydrogen.

25. The aforementioned reaction process has the effect of generating a gaseous flame. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the manifold further comprises a blowout resistor interposed between the gas receiving chamber and the manifold-defining heat exchanger, the blowout resistor ensures that the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is arranged in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone, while there is no fluid communication between the arranged post-reaction process gaseous substance and the reaction zone that would be effective in stimulating the blowout of the gas flame by the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance.

26. The kit according to claim 25, wherein the blowout resistor is a plate.

27. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the heat exchanger is defined by a furnace.

28. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the heated reaction product is arranged in a way that allows it to communicate with the ambient air via heat transfer, and the heating of the ambient air by the heated reaction product is achieved by indirect heat transfer.

29. The placement of the reaction zone material into the reaction zone is carried out by flowing the reaction zone material through a first flow path determined by the gas receiving chamber. The arrangement of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance that is in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone is achieved by flowing the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance through a second flow path defined by the manifold-defined heat exchanger. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the heating of the cooled post-reaction process gaseous substance is achieved by heat conduction through the manifold.

30. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the second portion of the generated thermal energy is defined as at least 5% of the generated thermal energy.

31. The kit according to claim 22, further comprising a fluid conductor arranged in fluid communication with the space within the building to introduce the heated gas mixture obtained into the space in order to heat the space.

32. The kit according to claim 31, wherein the fluid conductor is a duct.

33. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the reaction process comprises the combustion of gaseous hydrogen molecules achieved by the oxidizing agent.

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