Hydrogen Generation Control for Internal-Combustion Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a hydrogen generating apparatus that can be safely and efficiently incorporated into vehicle motor systems, incorporating closely-spaced electrode cells to enhance the separation of oxygen and hydrogen from water molecules, and a control system to regulate the production and use of explosive hydrogen and oxygen.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen-generating-and-control system utilizing close-spaced metal electrolysis plates in the generator housing, which injects hydrogen into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, and a control system monitoring and controlling gas levels, liquid levels, temperature, pressure, electric current, and tachometer, with override control from the vehicle cabin to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If close-spaced electrode cells are used to increase hydrogen generation efficiency, then the separation of oxygen and hydrogen from water molecules is enhanced, but the risk of explosive mixture formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen generation efficiencyVSAvoidexplosive mixture risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system that includes sensors and controllers to monitor and regulate the hydrogen generation process. The system uses intermediaries such as control valves and monitoring devices to manage the close-spaced electrode cells, ensuring safe operation while maintaining high efficiency hydrogen production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor the hydrogen generation process. The control system receives feedback from these sensors and adjusts the operation of the close-spaced electrode cells in real-time, preventing explosive mixture formation while maintaining optimal hydrogen generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a control system is added to monitor and control gas levels, temperature, and pressure, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the control system to perform multiple functions through integrated components. The same control unit monitors gas levels, temperature, and pressure, and also controls the electrolysis process, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control system. The control unit that manages the electrolysis process also monitors safety parameters such as gas levels, temperature, and pressure, merging safety monitoring and process control into one system to minimize complexity while ensuring operational safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively increases engine performance and decreases emissions by generating hydrogen efficiently and safely, improving fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions while ensuring operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

close-spaced metal electrolysis plates in the generator housing, which injects hydrogen into the intake manifold or combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3365542B1Hydrogen generation and control for internal-combustion vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 HARING
  • EP3365542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3365542B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3365542B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of safely generating hydrogen gas for use in motor vehicles to increase the performance and decrease the emissions of the internal-combustion engine of the motor vehicle, and of controlling the safe generation and use of hydrogen gas in motor vehicles, using a hydrogen generator having close-spaced metal electrolysis plates in the generator housing, configured to inject hydrogen into the intake manifold or alternatively into the combustion chamber, and a control system monitoring and controlling gas level, liquid levels, temperature, pressure, flow rate, electric current, and tachometer, with monitoring and overriding control from the cab of the vehicle.