Compact Internal Combustion Engine with Integrated Electrolysis Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines that utilize hydrogen-oxygen mixtures produced by water electrolysis are not compact enough for efficient use in vehicle engine spaces without substantial modifications and do not effectively utilize the thermal energy from water vapor for piston movement.
Innovation Solution
A compact internal combustion engine design featuring a work cylinder with an outer cylinder forming an intermediate chamber for electrolysis, where electrolytic electrodes break down water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is ignited to power the piston, with thermal insulation to retain heat and a control unit managing water supply and temperature for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen-oxygen mixture is transported through reservoir and piping system, then the engine can operate on hydrogen-oxygen mixture, but the device becomes too large for vehicle engine space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolysis chamber with the combustion chamber into a single integrated unit. The electrolysis electrodes are placed directly within the combustion chamber, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and piping systems. This merging of functions allows the engine to operate on hydrogen-oxygen mixture while maintaining a compact size suitable for vehicle integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the electrolysis chamber for generating hydrogen-oxygen mixture and the combustion chamber for power generation. The electrodes perform dual roles of electrolysis and heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, significantly reducing the overall device volume.
2Productivity
If conventional electrolysis system is used, then hydrogen-oxygen mixture can be produced, but thermal energy from water vapor is not utilized for piston movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor during electrolysis and combustion. The water vapor generated is not discarded but instead is used to directly drive the piston movement. This captures the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, converting it into useful mechanical work and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be waste heat and water vapor into a useful driving force for piston movement. The thermal energy from water vapor, which would typically be lost to the environment, is harnessed to enhance the mechanical output of the engine, turning an energy loss into a productivity gain.
3Volume of moving object
If electrolytic electrodes are placed in combustion chamber, then compact design is achieved, but electrodes are exposed to high temperature and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water into the combustion chamber before initiating the electrolysis and combustion process. This preliminary water introduction creates a protective environment that buffers the electrodes from the full intensity of high temperatures and pressures during combustion, thereby protecting the electrodes while maintaining the compact integrated design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The engine operates solely on hydrogen and oxygen, is compact enough for vehicle integration, and effectively utilizes thermal energy for piston movement, reducing environmental heat loss and allowing operation in confined spaces with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrolytic electrodes (6) are arranged in said intermediate chamber for breaking down water to form a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by means of electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
a spark plug (5), that is configured to ignite a gas obtained by means of electrolysis, is arranged within the combustion and steam area (7)
Implementation Method 3
The outer cylinder (16) is enclosed with a thermal insulation layer (8), that encloses the outer cylinder (16) in such a way, that it provides the thermal insulation of the intermediate chamber (17) from the external environment
Data Source
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AI summary
Invention relates to internal combustion engines that uses gas obtained by means of electrolysis of water. An internal combustion engine comprising a work cylinder (1), a piston (2) arranged within the work cylinder (1), an inlet valve (3) and an outlet valve (4). The engine further comprises an outer cylinder (16) enclosing the work cylinder (1) so that an intermediate chamber (17) is formed. Electrolytic electrodes (6) are arranged in the intermediate chamber (17) and a water (U) is filed therein in order to generate Brown's gases, that are further fed to the work cylinder (1) to move the piston (2).