Self-Refueling Vehicle System Using On-Board Electrolysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges due to global warming regulations, fossil fuel supply vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns, with existing alternatives like electric and hybrid-electric vehicles facing issues with battery maintenance and emissions, while hydrogen fuel faces storage and infrastructure challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes on-board electrolysis to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water, leveraging kinetic, solar, and other forms of energy recovery to power internal combustion engines, eliminating reliance on atmospheric air and reducing emissions, with a closed-loop system for zero emissions and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fossil fuels are used to power vehicles, then energy availability is maintained, but CO2 emissions and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by producing hydrogen and oxygen gases through electrolysis of water, replacing hydrocarbon-based fossil fuels. This parameter change eliminates carbon-based emissions while maintaining energy availability through the combustion of hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves itself by generating its own fuel on-board through electrolysis of water using electricity from the grid or regenerative braking. This self-service capability eliminates dependence on external fossil fuel supply chains while maintaining continuous energy availability for propulsion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles with large batteries are used, then zero emissions are achieved, but vehicle weight and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of carrying heavy rechargeable batteries, the vehicle generates its own energy carrier (hydrogen gas) on-board through electrolysis of water. The hydrogen is stored in lightweight pressurized tanks and used immediately in the combustion engine, eliminating the need for heavy battery packs while maintaining zero emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts hydrogen from water molecules through electrolysis, separating the useful energy carrier (hydrogen) from the waste product (oxygen). This extracted hydrogen serves as a lightweight fuel alternative to heavy batteries, maintaining zero emissions while reducing vehicle weight.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in pressurized tanks, then energy density is improved, but storage safety and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the fuel production function with the storage function by generating hydrogen on-board through electrolysis and storing it in integrated pressurized tanks. This combination eliminates the need for separate external fueling infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high hydrogen storage capacity for extended range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If on-board electrolysis is implemented, then fuel independence is achieved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis system serves multiple functions: it produces hydrogen fuel for the combustion engine, generates oxygen for combustion, and can potentially provide auxiliary power. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering fuel independence and versatile operational capability from a single integrated system.
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
This approach enables a partially self-sustaining vehicle with reduced emissions, improved energy efficiency, and reduced infrastructure needs, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels by converting waste energy into fuel and power.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer to separate water into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a combustion engine to convert the gaseous hydrogen into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 3
an electrical generator to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the electrolyzer
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device to optimize the cumulative beneficial effect of harvesting all available forms of lost energy, including energy that is lost while a vehicle is in motion (e.g., kinetic, inertia, friction, thermodynamic, and aerodynamic losses). The cumulative energy that is recovered is converted to electrical energy which powers the on-board electrolyzer to produce more hydrogen and oxygen while the system is in operation and stationary. Stationary, passive means of energy, solar, wind, hydro, etc. will also be available to power the electrolyzer. The system also contemplates utilizing passive means of energy to power a non-mobile system which incorporates an internal or external combustion engine in place of a fuel cell.