Hydrogen Generator System With Backfire Prevention Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for generating and supplying hydrogen gas to internal combustion engines face challenges in reducing costs and achieving sufficient quantities to effectively supplement traditional fuels while enhancing engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical control unit, hydrogen generator units, primary and secondary water tanks, a motor pump, and a backfire prevention unit, which uses electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas and regulates its supply to the engine, optimizing fuel efficiency and preventing backfires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolysis is used to generate hydrogen gas, then hydrogen can be produced as an alternative fuel source, but the cost and quantity sufficiency remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides water storage into two separate tanks: a primary water tank for immediate electrolysis and a secondary water tank for reserved water. This segmentation allows continuous operation by pre-storing water, ensuring sufficient hydrogen quantity without increasing per-unit production cost
Solution Approach 2:
Water is pre-stored in the secondary water tank before being needed for electrolysis. The motor pump transfers water from the secondary tank to the primary tank as needed, ensuring that water is readily available for hydrogen generation without last-minute preparation costs or delays
2Productivity
If hydrogen is supplied to the engine, then fuel efficiency is enhanced, but backfire risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A backfire prevention unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary water tank and the engine system. This unit includes a water seal mechanism that physically blocks the propagation of flames or sparks from the engine back into the hydrogen generation system, thereby eliminating backfire risk while allowing hydrogen supply to continue uninterrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (potential backfire/flame) is extracted or blocked by the water seal in the prevention unit. The water barrier removes the possibility of flame propagation, separating the harmful effect from the useful function of hydrogen supply
3Productivity
If water is continuously supplied to the electrolyzer, then hydrogen generation is maintained, but water management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into two functional zones: a primary water tank directly connected to the electrolyzer for immediate water supply, and a secondary water tank serving as a reserve. This segmentation simplifies management by separating the active supply function from the storage function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The motor pump automatically transfers water from the secondary tank to the primary tank based on water level detection, enabling self-regulating water management. This automatic operation reduces manual intervention and simplifies the control system while ensuring continuous hydrogen generation
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 generates hydrogen gas at a lower cost, ensuring sufficient quantity to supplement traditional fuels, enhancing engine efficiency and preventing backfires, thus reducing overall fuel consumption and improving engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogen generating unit (22) receives supply of water as an electrolyzing agent from a primary water tank (24) connected to the hydrogen generating unit (22). The hydrogen generating unit (22) is connected to a power supply unit (26) which supplies electrical current for the electrolysis of water to obtain hydrogen gas or a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
Implementation Method 2
The backfire prevention unit serves to prevent any possible backfire as a result of a possible flashback of the engine system (32). The backfire prevention unit (30) comprises: a reservoir (31) partly filled with water; an inner cup (33) with a passage way (35) arranged inside the reservoir (31) and having its passage way (35) placed under water contained within the reservoir (31).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention disclosed a system for generating and supplying hydrogen gas to an internal combustion engine. The system comprises at least one hydrogen generator unit configured to generate hydrogen gas from water received from a primary water tank connected to the hydrogen generating unit. The hydrogen generating unit is also connected to an electrical control unit of the hydrogen generator unit which controls supply of power from a power supply unit for the electrolysis of water at the hydrogen generating unit. The hydrogen generating unit also connected to a car electrical control unit whereby through the operation of the electrical control unit of the hydrogen generating unit connected to the car electrical control Unit it enables the system to control activation/deactivation of the hydrogen generating unit, the output rate of the hydrogen to be generated, the quantity of the hydrogen to be supplied to the engine system through a back fire prevention unit disposed between the primary water tank and the engine system.