Water electrolysis system and method

Abstract

The water electrolysis system includes a container, a plurality of microcells located inside the container around the central axis of the container, a first bracket disposed on a first side of the microcells, a second bracket disposed on a second side of the microcells, a plurality of magnets attached to the first bracket and the second bracket and arranged parallel to the microcells, and a liquid inside the container. The first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be connected to a motor. The first bracket and the second bracket rotate in the electrolysis process. The magnets on the first bracket generate a first magnetic field, the magnets on the second bracket generate a second magnetic field, and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field have opposite polarities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method for producing hydrogen, and more specifically, to a method for producing hydrogen using water electrolysis.

Background Art

[0002] Electrolysis is a process of separating the elements of a compound using electricity. The electrolysis of water was discovered 100 years ago and consists of decomposing water molecules (H2O) into oxygen (O2) gas and hydrogen (H2) gas by a continuous electric current delivered by a power source connected via water electrodes. Electrons are released by anions within the anode and captured by cations within the cathode.

[0003] Water consists of an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to the oxygen atom by a pair of bonding electrons. Oxygen also has two pairs of non-bonding electrons. Therefore, there are four pairs of electrons surrounding the oxygen atom, two of which form part of the covalent bond with the hydrogen atoms and the other two are not shared on the opposite side. Unlike hydrogen, oxygen is an electro-negative or "electron-seeking" atom.

[0004] Also, water is a "polar" molecule, i.e., it has an irregular distribution of electron density. For this reason, water has a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms.

[0005] These atoms are bonded to each other by a force called a chemical bond. These bonds have a certain energy (referred to as "bond energy") associated with them, and this energy has a certain value. When water molecules are combined with an electrolyte and a continuous current is applied to the water molecules by an amount of electrical energy greater than the amount of bonds connecting their atoms, the water molecules are decomposed, thereby splitting the molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.

[0006] Specifically, this process is carried out by an electrical energy source connected to two electrodes made of platinum or stainless steel, representing the positive and negative electrodes. These electrodes are placed in contact with water. Contact of the applied current with the water causes molecular decomposition.

[0007] In the electrolysis process, the cathode in the water becomes negatively charged and a reduction reaction occurs, where electrons (e-) from the cathode are given to hydrogen cations to form hydrogen gas.

[0008] Cathode half - reaction: Cathode: 2[2H + (ac) +2e - H 2(g)

[0009] At the positively charged anode, oxidation occurs, generating oxygen gas and providing an electrode to the anode to complete the circuit.

[0010] Anode half - reaction: Anode: 2H2O (I) →O 2(g) +4H + (ac) +4e -

[0011] Therefore, when both half - reactions are balanced, it becomes as follows.

[0012] Anode: 2H2O (I) →O 2(g) +4H + (ac) +4e - Cathode: 2[2H + (ac) +2e - H​2(g) 2H2O (I) →2H 2(g) +O 2(g)

[0013] The gases obtained by the electrolysis process of water have different uses. Hydrogen (H) is a fuel with great potential for use in the energy industry. The main advantage of hydrogen as a fuel is that it does not produce greenhouse gases such as those produced by other known (and more widely used) gases such as oil or natural gas.

[0014] Unfortunately, although hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, it is difficult to obtain because it is never found in isolation in nature.

[0015] Hydrogen is usually obtained directly from water by electrolysis.

[0016] The two main technologies available in the market are alkaline electrolyzers and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. Alkaline electrolyzers are inexpensive in terms of investment (they generally use nickel catalysts), but they are inefficient. On the other hand, PEM electrolyzers are much more expensive (they generally use platinum group metal catalysts), but they are more efficient and can operate at a higher current density, which can potentially be less expensive if the amount of hydrogen produced is large enough.

[0017] Unfortunately, current technologies are not efficient. The cost of energy for producing hydrogen by known methods is high compared to the amount of hydrogen obtained.

[0018] There is a need to produce hydrogen in a more cost - efficient way.

Summary of the Invention

[0019] ​The water electrolysis system includes a container, a plurality of microcells located inside the container around the central axis of the container, a first bracket disposed on a first side of the microcells, a second bracket disposed on a second side of the microcells, a plurality of magnets attached to the first bracket and the second bracket and arranged parallel to the microcells, and a liquid inside the container. The first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be connected to a motor. The first bracket and the second bracket rotate during the electrolysis process. The magnets on the first bracket generate a first magnetic field, the magnets on the second bracket generate a second magnetic field, and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field have opposite polarities.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The water electrolysis system includes a container, a plurality of microcells located inside the container around the central axis of the container, a first bracket disposed on the first side of the microcells, a second bracket disposed on the second side of the microcells, a plurality of magnets attached to the first bracket and the second bracket and arranged parallel to the microcells, and a liquid inside the container. The first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be connected to a motor. The first bracket and the second bracket rotate during the electrolysis process. The magnets on the first bracket generate a first magnetic field, the magnets on the second bracket generate a second magnetic field, and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field have opposite polarities.

[0022] The method according to the present invention includes the step of performing a water electrolysis process, and the step of applying a magnetic field during the water electrolysis process, wherein the magnetic field is generated by a magnet or an electromagnet.

[0023] The magnetic field should be maintained at the minimum possible distance from the electrolysis process, and the distance depends on the size of the cell.

[0024] By applying a magnetic field to the electrolysis process, the efficiency of the electrolysis process is increased through the induction of a current obtained by the influence of the magnetic field generated during the electrolysis process.

[0025] The desired effect is to increase the intensity of the current applied to the electrolysis without increasing the consumption, thereby obtaining higher efficiency in the process.

[0026] The solution provided is based on the influence of the magnetic field on the water electrolysis process. To understand the desired effect, when a magnetic field is placed in water and an instance of an electrode (cathode or anode) is created, it can be observed that the gas obtained when a current is applied has a circular movement pattern.

[0027] In an electrolysis process, a current flows from one electrode to the other electrode, generating a current. All current flows generate a magnetic field. This magnetic field is generated by the current generated when passing from one electrode to the other electrode, so it moves.

[0028] What the method achieves is to induce those small magnetic fields using another larger magnetic field to act and increase the intensity of those small magnetic fields. By increasing the intensity of those small magnetic fields, as a result, a current is generated. These magnetic fields are closed circuits of current that tend to have zero resistance. This increase in intensity is converted in proportion to the increase in the current directly applied to the electrolysis process to achieve a higher efficiency result. This induced magnetic field in the state of circular movement around the magnetic field generated by the current flow from the electrolysis itself achieves higher efficiency in the electrolysis process by improving the effect.

[0029] To make this method understandable, a preferred performance mode for implementing this method is described. These are all just exemplary examples and are not limited thereto, and their components may be selected from among various equivalents without departing from the principles established in this document.

[0030] The components of the preferred performance mode are as follows.

[0031] A preferred example includes three 36v electrolysis microcells (there may also be four 12v electrolysis cells) in a water container. On its sides held by two vertical brackets, there are eight magnets (four on each side) with opposite polarities. The vertical brackets are joined to an external shaft connected to a turntable at the bottom.

[0032] To properly execute the process of water electrolysis, an electrolyte is added. The electrolyte improves the conduction of electric current in water. The electrolyte in water should be present at about 1.5% - 3%. The electrolyte used depends on the purity of the water and the distance between the electrodes.

[0033] When an electric current (from an external energy source) is applied to the microcell, the current passes through the anode, through the water combined with the electrolyte, and through the neutral plate until it is received by the cathode. In this process, the input current decomposes water molecules by the process initially described as water electrolysis.

[0034] This flow of current through the water combines with the electrolyte and generates a magnetic field. Figure 2 shows the electric current moving between the plates.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the magnetic field generated by and moving with the above - mentioned electric current.

[0036] The magnetic field generated by the magnets arranged with opposite polarities, rotating around the microcell through the central axis and brackets, and added to the system, is applied in the electrolysis process, i.e., while the current passes through the water combined with the electrolyte and decomposes hydrogen molecules, it affects and acts on the small magnetic field generated by the current shown in Figure 3.

[0037] According to Michael Faraday’s Law of Induction, Foucault’s Currents, and Lenz’s Law, this effect increases the intensity of the small magnetic field generated by the current, which leads to an increase in the intensity of the current.

[0038] The increase in the intensity of the current within the microcell achieves the effect that more H2O molecules existing within the system are decomposed during the electrolysis process. Thus, a greater amount of hydrogen (H2) can be obtained without increasing the consumption from the source.

[0039] To demonstrate this efficiency, the manufacturing capacity in the consumption unit is defined (define) between what is obtained after applying a method called “Es” and the manufacturing capacity in the consumption unit before inducing a conventional method called “Ei”. Use a symbol for efficiency and use “ef%”. ef% = Es / Ei × 100

[0040] The efficiency achieved by the application of this method varies depending on the state of the generated magnetic field. In the example section, the performance results in 36v and 12v cells obtained from this preferred example can be evaluated.

[0041] Before explaining this method, it is necessary to explain Michael Faraday’s Law of Induction regarding Foucault current and Lenz's law.

[0042] It is known that a magnetic field can be used to generate an electric current, and this current is called an “induced current”.

[0043] The discovery of electromagnetic induction is by Michael Faraday, based on the discovery of Oersted that a magnetic field is generated around a wire through which an electric current flows, so the wire has magnetic properties. Faraday discovered the reverse. That is, when a changing magnetic field moves or changes across a conductor, a potential (tension) difference is generated at the ends of the conductor, and if this is closed in a circuit, for example, by connecting the wire to a lamp, an electric current flows through this circuit, i.e., the circuit must be closed or the ends of the wire must be joined regardless of the presence of resistance. Essentially, he discovered a method of generating electricity or an electric current using a magnetic field and movement (induced current).

[0044] The tension generated thereby is called electromotive force (hereinafter, EMF).

[0045] Faraday also proved that the faster a conductor cuts across the lines of the magnetic field of a magnet, the greater the induced current generated in the circuit.

[0046] The lines of the magnetic field are called magnetic flow, and thus, the greater the magnetic flow that the conductor intersects, the greater the induced tension. On the other hand, in 1851, the French physicist Léon Foucault discovered electrical phenomena. This occurs when a conductor passes through a changing magnetic field, or vice versa. Relative movement causes a flow of electrons or an induced current in the conductor. Foucault's circular current creates an electromagnet having a magnetic field that opposes the effect of the applied magnetic field (Lenz's law). The stronger the applied magnetic field, the greater the conductivity of the conductor, or the greater the speed with respect to the movement, the greater Foucault's current and the generated opposing magnetic field.

[0047] Therefore, it can be said that EMF is equal to the change in magnetic flow with respect to time multiplied by the number of coils that the conductor has.

[0048]

Number

[0049] In the present invention, the conductor of the current is a solid metal plate instead of a coil, but since the solid metal plate can be regarded as thousands of concentric coils located inside each other occupying the entire area of the material, these laws are applied in the same way.

[0050] As described above, two polarized metal plates (one is the positive metal plate [1] and the other is the negative metal plate [2]) are joined by a conductor (water + electrolyte) through which current flows. This conductor can join both plates and can be represented as thousands of virtual wires through which current flows (Figure 2).

[0051] When current flows through these virtual wires, a circular magnetic field is generated surrounding the path of the current, and this circular magnetic field is also formed on the metal plates (Figures 3 and 4). On the other hand, the permanent magnetic field is generated by a magnet that passes through the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the path of the current at different angles. Magnetic flux is equal to the magnetic flux passing through the surface area through which it passes multiplied by the cosine of the angle of incidence.

[0052] Therefore, it is known that this change in the angle of incidence generates eddy currents induced in these fluctuating magnetic fields. Furthermore, the magnet with the permanent magnetic field rotates around the system, rapidly changing the angle of incidence between the magnetic fields with respect to time. This change is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the magnet, thereby greatly increasing the amount of eddy current in the fluctuating magnetic field and also greatly increasing the amount of eddy current in the metal plate affected by the angular change of the permanent magnetic field of the magnet and the change in proximity and distance of the rotating magnet. As a result, eddy currents in the metal plate are also induced in the fluctuating magnetic field, further increasing the induced current.

[0053] As described above, the metal plate can be regarded as thousands of concentric coils, and since each of these coils is closed, it is a short - circuit or, equivalently, has a very low resistance.

[0054] According to Ohm's law, current is directly related to resistance and voltage. In this case, the magnitude of the EMF of the eddy current is not very important. The fact that the resistance is very small causes Foucault current to tend to increase in order to increase the current, which is advantageous for induction.

Example

[0055] Tests using a conventional wet cell were performed. The tests were performed in cells configured to operate at 36V (Figure 5), and later in cells constructed to operate at 12V input directly from the power supply (Figure 6).

[0056] 〔36-Volt Cell〕 The cell operating at 36V is constructed within a tubular acrylic container housing 12 that is 33 centimeters long and has an inner diameter of 94 mm.

[0057] The upper cap 14 has an outlet 16 for the synthesis gas.

[0058] The interior has three microcells 18 centered on the central axis 19, and the central axis 19 also supports two magnetic field brackets 20a, 20b (generated by magnets in this case) and is attached to an external electric motor 23 via a lower cap 21. The housing 12 is filled with water + electrolyte.

[0059] The three microcells 18 are at 36V. Each of the microcells 18 includes one anode 14, one cathode 16, and a neutral plate 17 disposed therebetween, and the distance between the electrodes is 1 to 8 millimeters, preferably about 2 millimeters. The electrodes are circular with a diameter of 30 to 45 millimeters, preferably 43 millimeters.

[0060] These microcells 18 are located between two magnetic field brackets 20a, 20b, and each magnetic field bracket 20a, 20b includes four magnets 20, and each magnet 20 generates a magnetic field by one n38 grade neodymium magnet. Each magnet 20 has a diameter of 15 to 30 millimeters, preferably 25 millimeters, and a thickness of 2 to 4 millimeters, preferably 3 mm. The magnet 20 is arranged parallel to the microcell 18, and the distance between them is 30 to 50 millimeters, preferably 45 millimeters. The magnetic fields generated by the magnets 20 have opposite polarities.

[0061] The magnetic field brackets 20a, 20b rotate in the same direction while the electrolysis process is being carried out, using an external shaft attached to the electric motor 23.

[0062] The electrolyte in the water should be present at about 1.5% to 3% per liter.

[0063] The electrolyte used depends on the purity of the water and the distance between the electrodes. In this particular case, the electrolyte was added to the water until sufficient resistance was generated for the cell to consume about 1.2 amperes and produce 0.4 liters of synthesis gas per minute. As a result, the electrolyte in the water becomes about 1.5%. Since one of the objectives of the present invention is to obtain results in non-distilled water, tap water was used.

[0064] The tests were carried out at 36 volts.

[0065] Twenty tests were carried out, and the consumption and production ratios were recorded in three consecutive stages for each test.

[0066] The consumption and production amounts were recorded at each stage once they had been stable for 3 minutes (once the production amount was stable, the test records regarding the efficiency change over 30 minutes were followed to rule out the possibility that the performance loss or improvement exceeded one minute. These were done beforehand, and no changes were recorded in any of the 20 tests carried out once the production amount and consumption were stable.)

[0067] The records were obtained in three stages. In the first stage, as an indicator, the cell operated under conventional conditions without applying a magnetic field.

[0068] The second stage follows the first stage, and in this stage, the aforementioned magnetic field is statically applied. In this case, noting the decrease in the production amount of the cell in the second stage, this is because it is caused by the lack of electrolyte when increasing the induced current. The inventors added the electrolyte necessary to stabilize the production amount again at 0.4 liters per minute and recorded their values below those conditions at the same production amount.

[0069] Then, the third and final stage follows the previous stage. Rotation was added to the magnetic field applied in stage 2. The rotational speed of this rotation was increasingly applied until the optimal efficiency of the cell being utilized was achieved. Since only the consumption generated to cause electrolysis is considered, the power consumption of the motor that generates the rotation is not considered.

[0070] 〔Results〕 In the first stage, the cell operates with no magnetic field placed inside the cell.

[0071] When the production amount of the cell stabilized, it showed a consumption of 1.2 amperes at 35.8 volts (42.96 watts of consumption) for a production amount of 0.4 liters per minute.

[0072] The ratio is 110 watts per liter per minute.

[0073] In the second stage, the magnetic field was placed inside the cell in a stationary state.

[0074] Once stabilized, the cell showed a consumption of 0.82 amperes at 35.7 volts (29.35 watts of consumption) for a production amount of 0.4 liters per minute.

[0075] The ratio is 73.39 watts per liter per minute.

[0076] Achieve an efficiency of 146.34%.

[0077] In the third stage, rotation is applied to the bracket that holds the magnetic field. 〔Rotation state〕 The best performance in the rotation state was achieved with a rotation plan of 648 revolutions per minute.

[0078] Once the cell stabilizes, it showed a consumption of 0.35 amperes at 35.8 volts (12.53 watts of consumption) for a production rate of 0.4 liters per minute.

[0079] The ratio is 31.32 watts per liter / minute.

[0080] Achieve an efficiency of 351.42%.

[0081] 〔12 - volt cell (Figure 6)〕 The cell 30 operating at 12 volts is constructed within a tubular acrylic container housing 32 that is 33 - 40 centimeters in length, preferably 33 centimeters, and has an inner diameter of 92 - 100 mm, preferably 94 mm.

[0082] The upper cap 34 has an outlet 36 for the synthesis gas.

[0083] The interior has four micro - cells 38 centered around a central axis 40, which also supports two magnetic - field brackets 42a, 42b (generated by magnets 44 in this case) and is attached to an external electric motor 46 via a lower cap 48. The container is filled with water + electrolyte.

[0084] The four micro - cells 38 are at 12v. Each includes one anode 50, one cathode 52, and four neutral plates 54 arranged between them. The distance between the electrodes 38 is 1 - 8 millimeters, preferably 2 millimeters. The electrode 38 is circular with a diameter of 30 to 45 millimeters, preferably 43 millimeters.

[0085] The microcell 38 is located between two magnetic field brackets 42a, 42b, and each magnetic field bracket 42a - b contains four magnets 44. Each magnet 44 generates a magnetic field by one n38 - grade neodymium magnet, has a diameter of 15 to 30 millimeters, preferably 25 millimeters, a thickness of 2 to 4 mm, preferably 3 mm, and the magnets 44 are arranged parallel to the microcell, and the distance between them is 30 to 50 millimeters, preferably 45 millimeters. The magnetic fields generated by the magnets have opposite polarities.

[0086] The magnetic field brackets 42a, 42b have the ability to rotate while the electrolysis process is taking place using an external shaft attached to an electric motor 46. The magnetic field brackets 42a, 42b rotate in the same direction.

[0087] The electrolyte in water should be present at about 1.5% - 3%. The electrolyte used depends on the purity of the water and the distance between the electrodes 38. In this particular case, the electrolyte was added to water until sufficient resistance was generated for the cell to consume about 2.4 amperes and generate 0.4 liters of synthesis gas per minute. As a result, the electrolyte in the water becomes about 1.5%. (Since the goal of the test is to obtain results in non - distilled water), tap water was used.

[0088] The test was carried out at 12 volts.

[0089] Twenty tests were carried out, and the consumption and production ratios were recorded in three consecutive stages for each test.

[0090] The consumption and production volumes were recorded at each stage according to the same concept as was carried out in the previous tests, once they were maintained stably for 3 minutes.

[0091] The records were obtained in three stages.

[0092] In the first stage, as an indicator, the cell operated under conventional conditions without applying a magnetic field.

[0093] The second stage follows the first stage, in which the aforementioned magnetic field is applied statically. When increasing the induced current, a decrease in the synthetic production volume can also be seen, but in this case, no electrolyte is added so as to be equal to the production volume in the first stage. Instead, in order to use direct records, it is also possible to compare the ratio between the consumed watts and the production volume in different products and the efficiency achieved at the stage.

[0094] And the third and final stage follows the previous stage. Rotation was added to the magnetic field applied in stage 2. The rotation speed of this rotation was increasingly applied until the optimal efficiency of the cell being used was achieved. Since only the consumption generated to cause electrolysis is considered, the power consumption of the motor that generates the rotation is not considered.

[0095] 〔Results〕 In the first stage, the cell conventionally operates without a magnetic field.

[0096] The cell showed a result of consuming 2.4 amperes at 12.3 volts and consuming 29.52 watts once its production volume was stabilized. The production volume is 0.4 liters per minute.

[0097] The ratio is 73.8 watts per liter / minute.

[0098] In the second stage, the magnetic field was placed inside the cell in a stationary state.

[0099] When the cell stabilized, it showed a consumption of 0.86 amperes at 12.3 volts and a consumption of 10.57 watts. The production rate is 0.3 liters per minute.

[0100] The ratio is 35.26 watts per liter per minute.

[0101] An efficiency of 209.3% is achieved.

[0102] In the third stage, rotation is applied to the bracket that holds the magnetic field.

[0103] 〔Rotating state〕 The best performance in the rotating state was achieved with a rotation plan of 708 revolutions per minute.

[0104] When the cell stabilized, it showed a consumption of 0.77 amperes at 12.3 volts and a consumption of 9.47 watts. The production rate is 0.4 liters per minute.

[0105] The ratio is 23.67 watts per liter per minute.

[0106] An efficiency of 311.68% is achieved.

[0107] 〔Regarding the conclusion about the obtained results〕 In the first stage of both tests, one can see the logical results of conventional cells suitable for 36 volts and 12 volts, adjusted to fit the concept of the microcell of the size used. At 36 v, an average result of 110 watts per liter per minute of the synthesis gas generation net from electrolysis is shown. On the other hand, at 12 v, an average result of 73.8 watts per liter per minute of the synthesis gas generation net from electrolysis is shown.

[0108] In the second stage, a magnetic field generated by both columns with magnets at the opposite poles is applied. In the cell, a significant reduction in the amperes consumed with respect to the production volume can be seen without changing the voltage.

[0109] When achieving a consumption of 36 watts per liter per minute in a 36-volt cell, an efficiency of 145% is achieved, and when achieving a consumption of 35.26 watts per liter per minute in a 12-volt cell, an efficiency of 209.3% is achieved.

[0110] In the third stage, when adding rotation to the magnetic field, the induced current further increases. The inventors can see the maximum efficiency achieved with the rotation plan shown for each cell.

[0111] When obtaining a consumption of 31.32 watts per liter in a 36v cell, an efficiency of 351.4% was achieved.

[0112] At 12v, a consumption of 23.67 watts per liter per minute was obtained, and an efficiency of 311.68% was achieved.

[0113] The inventors can also see that in the 12v cell, the production volume decreased in the second stage and no electrolyte was added to reach the basic production volume in the first stage. The production volume recovered to the stable basic production volume in the first stage due to the effect achieved by the rotating magnetic field, and 0.3 liters per minute to 0.4 liters per minute were recovered, but the efficiency exceeded 300% with respect to consumption.

Claims

1. A container, a plurality of microcells located inside the container about the central axis of the container, a first bracket located on a first side of the microcell, a second bracket located on a second side of the microcell, a plurality of magnets attached to the first bracket and the second bracket and arranged parallel to the microcell, a liquid inside the container, and the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be connected to a motor, the first bracket and the second bracket rotate in an electrolysis process, the magnets on the first bracket generate a first magnetic field, and the magnets on the second bracket generate a second magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field have opposite polarities, a water electrolysis system.

2. The water electrolysis system according to claim 1, wherein the microcell is a 12V cell.

3. The water electrolysis system according to claim 1, wherein the microcell is a 36V cell.

4. The water electrolysis system according to claim 1, wherein the microcells are separated by a distance of 45 millimeters.

5. A step of obtaining the water electrolysis system according to claim 1, a step of performing a water electrolysis process, and a step of applying a magnetic field to the water electrolysis process while rotating the first bracket and the second bracket, a method for producing hydrogen.

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