Hydrogen Jet Electrode Layout for Low-Pressure Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating electrical voltage and heat using hydrogen jets are inefficient and lack scalability for industrial applications, as they do not effectively utilize the energy potential of hydrogen atoms and ions at reduced pressures.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen jet system with an evacuated recirculation duct, a control nozzle, and a hollow electrode shell aligned with a target electrode, where hydrogen gas is dissociated into atoms using electrical or non-electrical means, and the system recirculates hydrogen to maintain low pressure, allowing for the generation of electrical voltage and heat through the impact of ions and electrons on electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen gas is dissociated into atoms using electrical arcs or heating in conventional systems, then hydrogen atoms are formed, but the systems are inefficient and cannot be scaled for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydrogen jet into discrete atoms through controlled dissociation zones, allowing individual atom manipulation and energy extraction. The segmented approach enables multiple electrodes to interact with different portions of the hydrogen flow, increasing overall energy capture efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of hydrogen by controlling pressure (reduced pressure environment), temperature (through electrical arcs or heating zones), and density (via compression means). These parameter changes optimize the dissociation process and energy extraction efficiency, enabling industrial-scale operation while maintaining controlled complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional hydrogen jet systems are used, then some energy is generated, but the energy potential of hydrogen atoms and ions at reduced pressures is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple energy extraction mechanisms by combining electrical arcs, heating zones, and multiple electrodes (including hollow electrode shells and target electrodes) within a single reduced-pressure hydrogen jet system. This integration allows simultaneous capture of energy from hydrogen atoms and ions through multiple pathways, maximizing energy utilization and minimizing losses
Solution Approach 2:
The reduced-pressure environment acts as an intermediary that enhances the energy extraction process. The vacuum or reduced pressure conditions facilitate greater mean free path for ions and electrons, improving their interaction with electrodes and increasing energy transfer efficiency. The compression and expansion means serve as intermediaries to control the hydrogen flow and optimize energy capture at different stages
3Productivity
If hydrogen is recirculated to maintain low pressure, then energy generation efficiency improves, but additional hydrogen must be supplied to replace losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles hydrogen gas through a recirculation loop that captures unreacted or partially reacted hydrogen and returns it to the dissociation zone. This recovery process minimizes hydrogen consumption while maintaining continuous energy generation. The system discards only the minimal amount of hydrogen lost through implantation or other processes, replacing just that portion to maintain steady-state operation
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system maintains continuous operation by constantly cycling hydrogen through the energy extraction zones. This continuous flow ensures steady energy generation output while optimizing hydrogen utilization. The compression and expansion means maintain continuous reduced-pressure conditions, enabling uninterrupted energy extraction and maximizing productivity per unit of hydrogen consumed
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 efficiently generates electrical voltage and heat, with the heat being harnessed to produce steam for turbines, providing a scalable solution for industrial energy generation, maximizing thermal energy output from the hydrogen gas jet.
Implementation Method 1
The device to provide energy into the jet of gas may be an electrical device, for example a pair of opposed electrodes between which an electrical arc may be struck
Implementation Method 2
An alternative electrical device consists of a tungsten wire, which when electrically heated can cause dissociation of hydrogen molecules into hydrogen atoms
Implementation Method 3
an evacuated recirculation duct, with a pump to circulate gas around the recirculation duct
Implementation Method 4
a control nozzle to form a jet of gas; The operation of the pump, in combination with the restriction from the nozzle is such as to ensure that the region of the recirculation duct between the nozzle and the heat exchanger is at a reduced pressure
Implementation Method 5
hydrogen atoms would impact with the target electrode... so that the hollow electrode may thereby become negatively charged. For the same reason the target electrode, impacted by protons, would become positively charged
Implementation Method 6
both the hollow electrode shell and the target electrode may comprise heat exchange devices. For example each may define heat exchange channels through which a heat exchange fluid is passed
Implementation Method 7
For example if the heat exchange fluid is a vaporisable liquid such as water, the vapour may be used to operate a turbine connected to a generator
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen jet system includes an evacuated recirculation duct, with a pump to circulate gas around the recirculation duct and a control nozzle to form a jet of gas; means to provide hydrogen gas into the duct; and an electrical device to provide energy into the jet of gas so as to form hydrogen atoms. The jet of gas is arranged to pass through a hollow electrode shell defining opposed apertures that are aligned with the jet of gas; and a target electrode is arranged beyond the electrode shell and also aligned with the jet of gas, so that hydrogen atoms would impact with the target electrode. The electrode shell and the target electrode are each connected to an external electrical terminal. The electrode shell and the target electrode may each define heat exchange channels to remove heat energy during operation.