A pure hydrogen gas production system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a pure hydrogen gas production system (A) for use in hydrogen production technologies, including applications such as energy storage, fuel cells, and industrial chemical processes. The system (A) is characterized by including at least one top cover (10) that encloses the upper portion of the system and protects its internal components from external factors, and at least one bottom cover (20) that encloses the lower portion of the system, ensuring the stable and secure positioning of the electrolysis cell. It also features a water inlet (30) that allows the introduction of water containing potassium hydroxide into the system (A), at least one anode (60) functioning as the positive electrode, and at least one cathode (70) functioning as the negative electrode during the electrolysis process. Conductive plates (100) are included to ensure efficient transmission of electrical current to the electrolysis cell, along with at least one sealing element (101) positioned between the conductive plates (100) to ensure the liquid- tightness of the electrolysis cell. Furthermore, an anion exchange membrane (90) with high selectivity and permeability is positioned within the void (102) of the conductive plates (100). This membrane purifies the HHO gas generated by the electric current passing between the anode (60) and the cathode (70) during electrolysis, separating water molecules and extracting pure hydrogen gas.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A PURE HYDROGEN GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to the production of high-purity hydrogen gas for various applications, such as energy storage, fuel cells, and industrial chemical processes, in the field of hydrogen production technologies.

[0005] The invention specifically focuses on a pure hydrogen gas production system and method, which involves purifying HHO gas (hydroxy or Brown gas) produced by consuming potassium hydroxide during the electrolytic dissociation of water, using an anion exchange membrane.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Adding potassium hydroxide (KOH) to water during the electrolysis process facilitates the separation of water molecules into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (02) gases. This process increases the conductivity of water, reducing the amount of energy required for electrolysis, thereby enabling more efficient hydrogen production. During electrolysis, an electric current is applied to water via electrodes, and the H2O molecules in the water are separated into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Potassium hydroxide acts as a conductive electrolyte solution. Unlike other types of electrolyzers, only HHO electrolyzers consume potassium.

[0008] HHO generators operate differently from standard electrolyzers. This is a chemically assisted separation process supported by electricity. Water containing potassium hydroxide is transformed into HHO with the aid of an electric current. The resulting HHO gas consists of 65% hydrogen and 35% oxygen. Due to the explosive proportion of oxygen in this gas, the mentioned hydrogen production method is not considered safe globally. However, this hydrogen production method achieves cheaper energy production compared to existing techniques.

[0009] Nevertheless, there are certain disadvantages associated with this HHO gas: • Explosiveness: HHO gas is extremely flammable and explosive, posing serious safety risks during storage and transportation.

[0010] • Impure Gas Production: HHO is a specific mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. When used in energy applications, this gas mixture is not as effective as pure hydrogen gas.

[0011] • Corrosion Issues: Potassium hydroxide is a corrosive substance, causing corrosion in the electrolysis cell and other equipment.

[0012] • Chemical Waste: Although KOH is not consumed during the electrolysis process, it is not a substance that requires constant addition. However, chemical waste generated during the cleaning and maintenance of equipment can lead to environmental issues.

[0013] • Energy Efficiency: While the use of potassium hydroxide increases energy efficiency, this method still requires a significant amount of electrical energy, which must come from sustainable and renewable sources.

[0014] The methods and disadvantages mentioned above summarize the basic aspects of HHO gas production and use. Although this method offers certain advantages, it is necessary to consider safety and environmental impacts.

[0015] PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) and alkaline membranes are two different types of membranes used in electrolysis processes. Both are used for hydrogen production but differ in their operating mechanisms and application areas.

[0016] In PEM electrolysis, a proton exchange membrane (usually made of sulfonate polymers such as Nation) is placed between the anode and cathode and allows only positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through. When an electric current is applied, water dissociates at the anode, releasing oxygen gas, while hydrogen ions pass through the membrane and combine with electrons at the cathode to form hydrogen gas. PEM electrolysis is preferred for applications requiring high-purity hydrogen gas. These systems can operate at high pressures and are suitable for integration with renewable energy sources due to their quick start / stop capabilities. They are energy-efficient, have a rapid response time, and operate at low temperatures. However, proton exchange membranes are delicate, require specific conditions, and are costly. In alkaline electrolysis, an electrolyte solution (usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) is used. When an electric current is applied, water dissociates within the solution, forming hydrogen gas at the cathode and oxygen gas at the anode. Alkaline electrolysis directly dissociates water molecules, and the membrane prevents the gases from mixing. Alkaline electrolysis is particularly suitable for large-scale hydrogen production and is preferred in large-scale industrial facilities. While it has mature technology, high reliability, and suitability for large-scale production, it also has disadvantages such as lower energy efficiency, higher operating temperatures, and the management of corrosive and abrasive chemicals.

[0017] Both types of membranes can be used for HHO production; however, these membranes are generally not used during Brown gas (HHO) production because HHO damages PEM or alkaline electrolyzer membranes. However, it is possible to achieve pure hydrogen with low energy consumption by separating this gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen using AEM membranes. Therefore, it is important to remember that the main goal of HHO production is to obtain an impure mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, which carries safety risks, and that the only way to mitigate these risks is to purify the HHO gas.

[0018] Objectives of the invention

[0019] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a safe and efficient method for purifying HHO gas (hydroxy or Brown gas) and enable the production of high-purity hydrogen gas as an alternative to using PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) and alkaline membranes. Due to its explosive and flammable properties, HHO gas produced by consuming potassium hydroxide during electrolysis poses risks. The invention aims to minimize these risks by purifying the HHO gas using an anion exchange membrane, thus obtaining pure hydrogen gas safely. This new approach has the potential to solve the safety and purity issues encountered in traditional hydrogen energy systems, providing more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly hydrogen production.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is to separate the produced HHO gas into pure hydrogen using the high hydrogen permeability feature of the anion exchange membrane with very low energy consumption. Therefore, the method covered by the patent achieves the production of pure hydrogen gas with less energy consumption compared to existing techniques. Another objective of the invention is to enhance energy efficiency in HHO gas production by consuming potassium hydroxide while minimizing energy costs during hydrogen purification using the anion exchange membrane.

[0021] Another objective of the invention is to reduce explosion risks by safely separating HHO gas into pure hydrogen and oxygen through the selectivity of the anion exchange membrane.

[0022] Another objective of the invention is to provide a more effective and reliable hydrogen source for energy applications by producing high-purity hydrogen.

[0023] Another objective of the invention is to reduce environmental impacts by generating less corrosion and waste.

[0024] Another objective of the invention is to offer a more economical solution with lower operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional methods.

[0025] Description of Figures

[0026] Figure 1 : A schematic representation of the pure hydrogen gas production system described in the invention.

[0027] Figure 2: An exploded schematic view of the HHO electrolyzer containing the anion exchange membrane within the pure hydrogen gas production system.

[0028] Explanation of Part References

[0029] A. Pure Hydrogen Gas Production System

[0030] 10. Top Cover

[0031] 20. Bottom Cover

[0032] 30. Water Inlet

[0033] 40. Hydrogen Outlet

[0034] 50. Oxygen Outlet

[0035] 60. Anode 70. Cathode

[0036] 80. Mounting Element

[0037] 90. Anion Exchange Membrane

[0038] 100. Conductive Plate

[0039] 101. Sealing Element

[0040] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 , the invention provides a system and method for hydrogen gas production through the electrolytic dissociation of water. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) uses water enriched with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to dissociate water molecules and produce HHO gas (hydroxy or Brown gas). This HHO gas is then purified using an anion exchange membrane (90) to obtain high-purity hydrogen gas. Furthermore, this system (A) aims to offer an environmentally friendly solution with reduced corrosion and waste production.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2, the pure hydrogen gas production system (A) includes at least one top cover (10), which encloses the upper portion of the system and protects the internal components from external factors, and at least one bottom cover (20), which stabilizes and securely positions the electrolysis cell by enclosing the lower portion of the system. A water inlet (30) allows the introduction of water containing potassium hydroxide into the system (A). The system further comprises at least one anode (60), functioning as the positive electrode during the electrolysis process, and at least one cathode (70), functioning as the negative electrode during the electrolysis process. Conductive plates (100) ensure efficient transmission of electrical current to the electrolysis cell, and at least one sealing element (101) is positioned between the conductive plates (100) to ensure liquid-tightness of the electrolysis cell. Additionally, at least one anion exchange membrane (90) is positioned within the void (102) of the conductive plates (100) and exhibits high selectivity and permeability. During electrolysis, this membrane separates the HHO gas produced between the anode (60) and cathode (70) into pure hydrogen gas by allowing only hydrogen molecules to pass through. The sealing element (101) is essentially a gasket. The top cover (10) and bottom cover (20) are made of PVC material, while the conductive plates (100) are constructed from stainless steel.

[0043] The working principle of the invention can be detailed as follows: a) Potassium hydroxide is added to water, and this mixture is transferred to the electrolysis cell via the water inlet (30) of the system. b) The water undergoes electrolysis in the cell containing the anode (60) and cathode (70), enriched with potassium hydroxide (KOH). c) During electrolysis, an electric current passes between the anode (60) and cathode (70), causing the H2O molecules to dissociate into HHO gas. d) HHO gas is passed through the anion exchange membrane (90) for purification. e) The purified hydrogen gas exits the system through the hydrogen outlet (40), while oxygen gas is discharged through the oxygen outlet (50).

[0044] This invention aims to address the safety risks and energy efficiency issues associated with hydrogen production and purification. The selectivity of the anion exchange membrane (90) ensures the safe separation of HHO gas into pure hydrogen and oxygen, reducing explosion risks and achieving more efficient hydrogen production. This system (A) is designed for applications such as energy storage, fuel cells, and industrial chemical processes.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention relates to a pure hydrogen gas production system (A) for use in hydrogen production technologies, including energy storage, fuel cells, and industrial chemical processes, characterized by:• A water inlet (30) that allows the introduction of water containing potassium hydroxide into the system (A),• At least one anode (60) functioning as the positive electrode during electrolysis,• At least one cathode (70) functioning as the negative electrode during electrolysis,• Conductive plates (100) ensuring efficient electrical current transmission to the electrolysis cell,• At least one anion exchange membrane (90) positioned within the void (102) of the conductive plates (100) and featuring high selectivity and permeability, separating the HHO gas into pure hydrogen gas by allowing only hydrogen molecules to pass through.

2. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by the conductive plates (100) made of stainless steel.

3. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A), according to claim 1, is characterized by the inclusion of at least one top cover (10) that encloses the upper portion of the system and protects internal components from external factors.

4. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by the inclusion of at least one bottom cover (20) that stabilizes and securely positions the electrolysis cell.

5. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 3, characterized by the top cover (10) being made of PVC material.

6. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 4, characterized by the bottom cover (20) being made of PVC material.

7. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by the inclusion of at least one sealing element (101) positioned between the conductive plates (100) to ensure liquid-tightness of the electrolysis cell.

8. The pure hydrogen gas production system (A) according to claim 7, characterized by the sealing element (101) being a gasket.9.• A water inlet (30) that allows the introduction of water containing potassium hydroxide into the system (A),• At least one anode (60) functioning as the positive electrode and at least one cathode (70) functioning as the negative electrode during the electrolysis process,• Conductive plates (100) ensure efficient transmission of electrical current to the electrolysis cell,• At least one anion exchange membrane (90) is positioned within the void (102) of the conductive plates (100), exhibiting high selectivity and permeability, and purifying the HHO gas produced by the electric current passing between the anode (60) and the cathode (70) during electrolysis by separating water molecules into HHO gas and extracting pure hydrogen gas, comprising a pure hydrogen gas production method for use in hydrogen production technologies, including applications such as energy storage, fuel cells, and industrial chemical processes, characterized by the following steps:• adding potassium hydroxide to water and transferring this mixture to the electrolysis cell via the water inlet (30) of the system (A),• subjecting the water containing KOH to electrolysis in the cell containing the anode (60) and the cathode (70),• passing an electric current between the anode (60) and the cathode (70) during electrolysis, causing H2O molecules to dissociate into HHO gas,• purifying the dissociated HHO gas by passing it through the anion exchange membrane (90),• extracting the purified hydrogen gas through the hydrogen outlet (40) and discharging the oxygen gas through the oxygen outlet (50).

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