Hydrogen Fuel Assist Device for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen generation systems for internal combustion engines face issues such as low hydrogen production, short lifespan due to corrosive environments, and safety hazards from volatile hydrogen and oxygen mixtures, particularly when the engine is not running.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen fuel system that includes a reversible fuel cell with a water reservoir, oxygen and hydrogen lines, and an engine gas interface, where a vibration sensor deactivates the fuel cell when the engine is not running, ensuring safe and efficient hydrogen production and separation, and an oxygen separator to minimize the risk of inadvertent combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrolysis cells are used to produce hydrogen for the engine, then hydrogen can be generated in-situ to improve fuel economy and horsepower, but the hydrogen and oxygen produced are difficult to separate and remain in a volatile combined state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolysis cell into separate hydrogen and oxygen production zones using a porous membrane. The membrane physically segments the cell into an anode chamber (hydrogen production) and cathode chamber (oxygen production), allowing the gases to be collected and transported separately to the engine intake system, eliminating the volatility issue of mixed gases
2Use of energy by stationary object
If electrolysis cells operate independently from the engine, then hydrogen can be produced continuously, but explosive hydrogen gas accumulates when the engine is not running and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects engine运行 status and the controller activates or deactivates the electrolysis cell accordingly. When the engine is running, the cell produces hydrogen for injection; when the engine stops, the cell shuts down, preventing hydrogen accumulation and eliminating the explosion hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on engine status. The electrolysis cell transitions between active and inactive states according to real-time engine conditions, ensuring hydrogen is produced only when needed and eliminating the safety risks associated with continuous production during engine idle periods
3Productivity
If typical electrolysis cells are used, then hydrogen can be generated from water, but the cells have a relatively short life span due to corrosive effects of the aqueous solution in a charged environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane that is replaceable and designed for short-term use in the high-corrosion electrolysis environment. This disposable membrane replaces the need for durable, expensive cell structures, allowing the system to maintain hydrogen generation capability while accepting the limited lifespan of the membrane component
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 system economically and efficiently produces hydrogen as needed, minimizing safety hazards by separating hydrogen and oxygen until engine intake, thus preventing accidental combustion and enhancing engine performance by mixing hydrogen with air and fuel.
Implementation Method 1
An electric current from an electricity source of the internal combustion engine can be provided to the fuel cell stack to separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a vibration sensor deactivates the fuel cell when the engine is not running
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a water reservoir and a fuel cell in fluid communication with the water reservoir. An oxygen line is fluidly coupled to the hydrogen fuel cell and receives and transports oxygen away from the fuel cell. A hydrogen line is fluidly coupled to the fuel cell and receives and transports hydrogen away from the fuel cell. An engine gas interface is fluidly coupled to the oxygen line and the hydrogen line, and operatively coupled to an engine intake. The engine gas interface receives oxygen and hydrogen from the oxygen and hydrogen lines, and introduces the hydrogen and oxygen into the engine intake. A vibration sensor is operatively coupled to the engine gas interface to detect engine vibration of the internal combustion engine, and deactivates the fuel when the sensor does not detect vibration from the engine.