WO2015079316A1 - An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine - Google Patents
An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine Download PDFInfo
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- WO2015079316A1 WO2015079316A1 PCT/IB2014/002927 IB2014002927W WO2015079316A1 WO 2015079316 A1 WO2015079316 A1 WO 2015079316A1 IB 2014002927 W IB2014002927 W IB 2014002927W WO 2015079316 A1 WO2015079316 A1 WO 2015079316A1
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- hydrogen
- cpu
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- combustion engine
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
- F02D41/18—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals by measuring intake air flow
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
- C25B1/01—Products
- C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
- C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
- C25B15/02—Process control or regulation
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
- C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0639—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels
- F02D19/0642—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions
- F02D19/0644—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions the gaseous fuel being hydrogen, ammonia or carbon monoxide
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
- F02M25/10—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding acetylene, non-waterborne hydrogen, non-airborne oxygen, or ozone
- F02M25/12—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding acetylene, non-waterborne hydrogen, non-airborne oxygen, or ozone the apparatus having means for generating such gases
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the sector of production of mechanical energy starting from fuels.
- the invention regards an electronic-mechanical device designed for control and management of the production of hydrogen and introduction thereof into internal-combustion engines in order to improve the energy yield thereof, with particular reference to the reduction of fuel consumption and reduction of pollutant emissions.
- internal-combustion engines are machines that have the purpose of converting the majority of the heat deriving from combustion of combustible substances into mechanical energy.
- the active fluid is constituted by the products of combustion, which impress the movement on a piston connected by means of a crank mechanism to the engine shaft.
- the fluid introduced into the engine may be constituted by a mixture of air and fuel or else by air and fuel supplied separately.
- the characteristics of engines and their performance are strictly linked to the type of fuel used, which usually may be liquid (petrol, diesel oil, naphtha-type fuels, alcohol, etc.) or gaseous (methane, LPG, hydrogen, etc.) .
- the main purpose of the present invention is hence to overcome the aforesaid problems by providing a device for production of hydrogen on demand and for introduction thereof into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine in order to improve the performance thereof and reduce consumption.
- a further purpose of the present invention is to provide a supplementary apparatus to be installed on an internal-combustion engine that will enable reduction of pollutant emissions.
- the device that is described envisages an air-flow meter (a simple pipe for connection between the intake manifold and the electronic control unit), which enables management of the value of the volume of air taken in by the engine in order to produce accordingly - i.e., in proportion - the right amount of hydrogen.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram that shows the main components of the invention.
- Figure 2 shows schematically a common multi-plate electrolyser.
- the apparatus for production of hydrogen comprises:
- a common multi-plate electrolyser 4 comprising a series of electrode plates (cathode) on which formation of H 2 takes place, and a series of electrode plates (anode) on which formation of O 2 takes place; set between these two electrodes is a solution containing a supporting electrolyte that must ensure electrical transport in ionic form, in addition to transport of H + and OH " , and guarantee proper development of the reactions on the electrodes; in the majority of cases, in order to prevent contact and recombination of the gases that are formed at the two electrodes, it is necessary to divide the solution into two compartments separated by a diaphragm or membrane; a flow of electrons, moved by an external e.m.f., reacts at the cathode with water, releasing gaseous 3 ⁇ 4 and OH " which can move towards the anode, where there occurs the reaction of partial reduction of the hydroxyl ions to O2 with re-formation of water and introduction of electrons into the external circuit;
- PWM Pulse-Width Modulation
- a central processing unit (CPU) is provided, which is interfaced to the pulse generator PWM and is equipped with a pipe 3 (air-flow meter) connected to the intake line of the internal-combustion engine 1. Said pipe 3 is subject to the pressure variations that are set up in the intake manifold C.
- the pressure data regarding the intake manifold C detected via said air ⁇ flow meter 3 are processed by the CPU in order to establish the right amount of hydrogen to be produced and introduced into the internal-combustion engine 1 and to manage accordingly the right regime of activity of the generator PWM in order to produce the aforesaid amount of hydrogen.
- one or more of the following devices are preferably provided:
- GPS/GSM module where the GPS enables use of georeferencing data of the vehicle, whereas the GSM enables remote packet data transmission via a SIM card;
- - screen 8 for displaying all the information deemed necessary, said screen preferably not being of a Wi-Fi type, but being wire-connected to the apparatus according to the present invention.
- the CPU intervenes by stopping the apparatus until the overtemperature falls within the parameters envisaged.
- the detector of r.p.m. of the internal-combustion engine 1 is an accessory that is certainly very useful in the case where it is possible to connect it up. It should, however, be noted that it is always preferable to provide an air-flow meter 3 in so far as it is an element that is completely external to the circuits of the vehicle and hence can always be applied without any particular difficulties of installation or of connection/compatibility.
- the data supplied by the air-flow meter 3 are used for a proper programming of the CPU that is to manage the apparatus that produces the hydrogen to be sent into the intake duct of the engine itself.
- the indicator of the level of liquid in the tank warns the CPU of any possible lack of liquid so that the CPU interrupts operation of the apparatus that has remained without solution for the production of hydrogen .
- the electric pump, or the flowrate-control valve, is managed by the CPU in order to introduce the precise amount of hydrogen even in the case where variable amounts thereof within a short lapse of time are required by the intake line.
- the pressure valve/sensor in the tank guarantees safety thereof in the event of pressures exceeding the pre-set ones and at the same time maintains the pre-set pressure constant (max 0.5 bar) for proper operation of the pump .
- the fan has the function of cooling the components of the apparatus in order to guarantee constant operation thereof.
- the CPU manages the speed of said fan increasing it /decreasing it as a function of the energy required for production of the hydrogen gas .
- connection with ignition-switched supply signals to the CPU that the internal-combustion engine is prearranged for starting but, according to a further peculiar characteristic of the present invention, the CPU activates production of hydrogen only in combination with reading of the data sent by the air-flow meter. This prevents hydrogen that will not be used on demand from being produced.
- This solution guarantees a concrete safety also in the event of accidents where the internal-combustion engine is turned off but the key on the dashboard is in the ignition position (e.g., behaviour similar to an inertial switch) .
- the Wi-Fi module enables for the CPU a connection for remote data management, for example via a remote PC.
- the GPS/GSM module enables the CPU to detect its own position and enables remote data management in the absence of Wi-Fi networks.
- the screen is connected to the CPU and informs the user on the data necessary for proper use and operation of the system.
- the device according to the present invention for the production of hydrogen and introduction thereof into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine 1 basically comprises an electrolyser 4 with multi-plate system, functioning on the principle of electrolysis, and a tank 2 for distilled water, preferably with a solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide or some other solute able to increase the electrical conductivity thereof .
- the liquid is made to pass, preferably by gravity, through the metal plates that make up the electrolyser 4.
- Applied on said plates are square-wave electrical pulses via a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controlled by the CPU, in order to obtain formation of a gas which is commonly referred to as "oxyhydrogen" .
- PWM pulse-width modulation
- the gas produced in the electrolyser 4 is sent into the tank 2 where, by the so-called "bubbler” effect, the vapour that is captured undergoes partial drying before being sent to the intake manifold C of the internal-combustion engine 1.
- a further and definitive drying of the gas is obtained by getting it to pass in a condensate separator 6.
- the hydrogen thus obtained is introduced, via a pipe 9 equipped with non ⁇ return valve 7, directly into the aforesaid intake manifold C, enriching the explosive charge thereof.
- the CPU according to the data supplied by the air-flow meter 3 and of possible other data of the engine and/or of the vehicle, establishes the amount of hydrogen to be injected into the manifold itself.
- the CPU is also connected to other sensors that detect possible anomalies and a to connection with ignition-switched supply for guaranteeing operation only when the vehicle has been started.
- the equipment is provided with a screen 8 for displaying the information regarding regular operation, consumption levels, and instantaneous performance.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to the sector of production of mechanical energy starting from fuels. More specifically, it regards an apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct (C) of an internal-combustion engine (1), said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises, in combination: a tank (2) containing distilled water, preferably, but not exclusively, with potassium hydroxide in solution, or else NaOH or other suitable solute, for increasing the electrical conductivity of the water itself; a multi-plate electrolyser (4); a square- wave pulse generator (PWM); and a connection to the battery of the vehicle on which the apparatus is installed, or else to other similar source of electrical energy; wherein a data processing unit (CPU) is provided, which is interfaced to the pulse generator (PWM) and is equipped with a pipe (3), which functions as air-flow meter, connected to the intake manifold (C) of the internal-combustion engine (1); said air-flow meter (3) being subject to the pressure variations that arise in said intake manifold (C).
Description
AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED AND INSTANTANEOUS
PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE INTAKE DUCT OF AN INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE
~k ~k ~k ~k ~k
The present invention relates to the sector of production of mechanical energy starting from fuels.
In particular, the invention regards an electronic-mechanical device designed for control and management of the production of hydrogen and introduction thereof into internal-combustion engines in order to improve the energy yield thereof, with particular reference to the reduction of fuel consumption and reduction of pollutant emissions.
As is known, internal-combustion engines are machines that have the purpose of converting the majority of the heat deriving from combustion of combustible substances into mechanical energy. In the case of reciprocating engines, for example, the active fluid is constituted by the products of combustion, which impress the movement on a piston connected by means of a crank mechanism to the engine shaft.
The fluid introduced into the engine may be constituted by a mixture of air and fuel or else by air and fuel supplied separately. The characteristics of engines and their performance are strictly linked to the type of fuel used, which usually may be liquid (petrol, diesel oil, naphtha-type fuels, alcohol, etc.) or gaseous (methane, LPG, hydrogen, etc.) .
Notwithstanding the continuous progress and research, internal-combustion engines, whether with spontaneous or controlled ignition, present a series of
drawbacks from the standpoint of consumption levels and pollutant emissions.
It should also be noted that there already exist engines that use hydrogen, which present extremely low pollutant emissions that are constituted by CO2 and H20. The problem of these apparatuses, however, is represented by the fact that the hydrogen tank is a very dangerous object on account of the extremely high flammability of this gas and of the need to store it at extremely high pressures in order to be able to have an acceptable operating autonomy.
The main purpose of the present invention is hence to overcome the aforesaid problems by providing a device for production of hydrogen on demand and for introduction thereof into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine in order to improve the performance thereof and reduce consumption.
A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a supplementary apparatus to be installed on an internal-combustion engine that will enable reduction of pollutant emissions.
The above has been achieved, according to the invention, by providing a supplementary apparatus to be installed on an internal-combustion engine, for example for motor vehicles, that will enable reduction of consumption through introduction of hydrogen into the intake duct enriching the explosive charge possessed by the fresh charge introduced into the cylinder.
As will emerge more clearly in what follows, one of the innovative characteristics of the invention is that, unlike the systems so far known, the device that
is described envisages an air-flow meter (a simple pipe for connection between the intake manifold and the electronic control unit), which enables management of the value of the volume of air taken in by the engine in order to produce accordingly - i.e., in proportion - the right amount of hydrogen.
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the ensuing detailed description and with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate, purely by way of not-limiting example, a preferred embodiment .
In the drawings :
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram that shows the main components of the invention; and
Figure 2 shows schematically a common multi-plate electrolyser.
According to the present invention, the apparatus for production of hydrogen comprises:
- a tank 2 containing distilled water, preferably, but not exclusively, with potassium hydroxide in solution (or also NaOH or other suitable solute) for increasing the electrical conductivity of the water itself;
- a common multi-plate electrolyser 4, comprising a series of electrode plates (cathode) on which formation of H2 takes place, and a series of electrode plates (anode) on which formation of O2 takes place; set between these two electrodes is a solution containing a supporting electrolyte that must ensure electrical transport in ionic form, in addition to transport of H+ and OH", and guarantee proper
development of the reactions on the electrodes; in the majority of cases, in order to prevent contact and recombination of the gases that are formed at the two electrodes, it is necessary to divide the solution into two compartments separated by a diaphragm or membrane; a flow of electrons, moved by an external e.m.f., reacts at the cathode with water, releasing gaseous ¾ and OH" which can move towards the anode, where there occurs the reaction of partial reduction of the hydroxyl ions to O2 with re-formation of water and introduction of electrons into the external circuit;
- a common square-wave pulse generator PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) ; and
- a connection to the battery of the vehicle on which the apparatus is installed, or else to some other similar source of electrical energy.
According to a peculiar characteristic of the present invention, a central processing unit (CPU) is provided, which is interfaced to the pulse generator PWM and is equipped with a pipe 3 (air-flow meter) connected to the intake line of the internal-combustion engine 1. Said pipe 3 is subject to the pressure variations that are set up in the intake manifold C.
According to the invention, the pressure data regarding the intake manifold C detected via said air¬ flow meter 3 are processed by the CPU in order to establish the right amount of hydrogen to be produced and introduced into the internal-combustion engine 1 and to manage accordingly the right regime of activity of the generator PWM in order to produce the aforesaid amount of hydrogen.
In order to enable the CPU to carry out the functions of management, control, and safety over the entire apparatus, according to the invention one or more of the following devices are preferably provided:
- detector of excess hydrogen in the surrounding environment ;
- detector of the temperature in the electrolyser
4;
- detector of the r.p.m. of the internal- combustion engine 1;
- resistance temperature detector in the tank for the solution for producing hydrogen;
- indicator of the level of liquid in the tank 2 of the solution for producing hydrogen;
- electric pump, or else a flowrate-control valve, for sending the right amount of hydrogen into the intake pipe of the internal-combustion engine;
- valve/sensor for detecting the pressure in the tank for the solution for producing hydrogen;
- cooling fan;
- connection with ignition-switched supply to the dashboard of the vehicle;
- Wi-Fi module for sending the data to a remote or external PC;
- GPS/GSM module where the GPS enables use of georeferencing data of the vehicle, whereas the GSM enables remote packet data transmission via a SIM card;
- fuse for protecting the circuit from shortcircuits or overcurrents ; and
- screen 8 for displaying all the information deemed necessary, said screen preferably not being of a
Wi-Fi type, but being wire-connected to the apparatus according to the present invention.
In the case where the detector of excess hydrogen signals to the CPU an excessive concentration of hydrogen or exit of said gas from the tank, the CPU immediately goes into action to stop the entire apparatus .
If the temperature detector in the electrolyser signals an overtemperature, the CPU intervenes by stopping the apparatus until the overtemperature falls within the parameters envisaged.
The detector of r.p.m. of the internal-combustion engine 1 is an accessory that is certainly very useful in the case where it is possible to connect it up. It should, however, be noted that it is always preferable to provide an air-flow meter 3 in so far as it is an element that is completely external to the circuits of the vehicle and hence can always be applied without any particular difficulties of installation or of connection/compatibility.
The data supplied by the air-flow meter 3 are used for a proper programming of the CPU that is to manage the apparatus that produces the hydrogen to be sent into the intake duct of the engine itself.
The presence of a resistance temperature detector in the tank guarantees proper operation of the invention in steady running conditions even in particularly cold weather situations, enabling the CPU to eliminate any possible presence of ice in the solution.
The indicator of the level of liquid in the tank
warns the CPU of any possible lack of liquid so that the CPU interrupts operation of the apparatus that has remained without solution for the production of hydrogen .
The electric pump, or the flowrate-control valve, is managed by the CPU in order to introduce the precise amount of hydrogen even in the case where variable amounts thereof within a short lapse of time are required by the intake line.
The pressure valve/sensor in the tank guarantees safety thereof in the event of pressures exceeding the pre-set ones and at the same time maintains the pre-set pressure constant (max 0.5 bar) for proper operation of the pump .
The fan has the function of cooling the
components of the apparatus in order to guarantee constant operation thereof. The CPU manages the speed of said fan increasing it /decreasing it as a function of the energy required for production of the hydrogen gas .
The connection with ignition-switched supply signals to the CPU that the internal-combustion engine is prearranged for starting, but, according to a further peculiar characteristic of the present invention, the CPU activates production of hydrogen only in combination with reading of the data sent by the air-flow meter. This prevents hydrogen that will not be used on demand from being produced. This solution guarantees a concrete safety also in the event of accidents where the internal-combustion engine is turned off but the key on the dashboard is in the
ignition position (e.g., behaviour similar to an inertial switch) .
The Wi-Fi module enables for the CPU a connection for remote data management, for example via a remote PC.
The GPS/GSM module enables the CPU to detect its own position and enables remote data management in the absence of Wi-Fi networks.
The presence of a fuse on the supply line of the apparatus preserves the CPU from irreversible damage.
The screen is connected to the CPU and informs the user on the data necessary for proper use and operation of the system.
Preferably displayed on the screen are:
- battery voltage;
- level of liquid in the tank;
amps (absorption) ;
- PWM (percentage) ;
- intake-line negative pressure;
- temperature of the solution in the circuit; and
- alarms (system on/off, battery low, detector of hydrogen in the environment, tank level low, limit of hydrogen generator, temperature high) .
From the standpoint of operation, with reference to Figure 1, the device according to the present invention for the production of hydrogen and introduction thereof into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine 1 basically comprises an electrolyser 4 with multi-plate system, functioning on the principle of electrolysis, and a tank 2 for distilled water, preferably with a solution of
potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide or some other solute able to increase the electrical conductivity thereof .
From the tank 2 the liquid is made to pass, preferably by gravity, through the metal plates that make up the electrolyser 4. Applied on said plates are square-wave electrical pulses via a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controlled by the CPU, in order to obtain formation of a gas which is commonly referred to as "oxyhydrogen" .
The gas produced in the electrolyser 4 is sent into the tank 2 where, by the so-called "bubbler" effect, the vapour that is captured undergoes partial drying before being sent to the intake manifold C of the internal-combustion engine 1. A further and definitive drying of the gas is obtained by getting it to pass in a condensate separator 6. The hydrogen thus obtained is introduced, via a pipe 9 equipped with non¬ return valve 7, directly into the aforesaid intake manifold C, enriching the explosive charge thereof.
The CPU, according to the data supplied by the air-flow meter 3 and of possible other data of the engine and/or of the vehicle, establishes the amount of hydrogen to be injected into the manifold itself.
The CPU is also connected to other sensors that detect possible anomalies and a to connection with ignition-switched supply for guaranteeing operation only when the vehicle has been started. The equipment is provided with a screen 8 for displaying the information regarding regular operation, consumption levels, and instantaneous performance.
Claims
1. An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct (C) of an internal-combustion engine (1), characterized in that it comprises, in combination:
- a tank (2) containing distilled water, preferably, but not exclusively, with potassium hydroxide in solution, or else NaOH or other suitable solute, for increasing the electrical conductivity of the water itself;
- a multi-plate electrolyser (4);
- a square-wave pulse generator (PWM) ; and
- a connection to the battery of the vehicle on which the apparatus is installed, or else to some other similar source of electrical energy,
wherein a central processing unit (CPU) is provided, which is interfaced to the pulse generator (PWM) and is equipped with a pipe (3), which functions as air-flow meter, connected to the intake manifold (C) of the internal-combustion engine (1); said air-flow meter (3) being subject to the pressure variations that arise in said intake manifold (C) .
2. The apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pressure data regarding the intake manifold (C) detected via said air-flow meter (3) are processed by the CPU for establishing the right amount of hydrogen to be produced and introduced into the internal-combustion engine (1) and for managing accordingly the right rate of activity of the generator (PWM) in order to produce the aforesaid amount of hydrogen.
3. The apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that to enable the CPU to carry out functions of management, control, and safety on the entire apparatus, one or more of the following devices are provided:
- detector of excess hydrogen in the surrounding environment ;
- detector of temperature in the electrolyser (4) ;
- detector of r.p.m. of the internal-combustion engine (1);
- resistance temperature detector in the tank for the solution for producing hydrogen;
- indicator of the level of liquid in the tank (2) for the solution for producing hydrogen;
- electric pump, or else a flowrate-control valve, for sending the right amount of hydrogen into the intake pipe of the internal-combustion engine;
- pressure valve/sensor in the tank for the solution for producing hydrogen;
- cooling fan;
- connection with ignition-switched supply to the dashboard of the vehicle;
- Wi-Fi module for sending the data to a remote or external PC;
- GPS/GSM module, where the GPS enables use of georeferencing data of the vehicle, whilst the GSM enables remote packet data transmission via SIM card;
- fuse for protecting the circuit from shortcircuits or overcurrents ; and
- screen (8) for displaying all the information deemed necessary, the screen preferably not being Wi-Fi but
being wire-connected to the apparatus according to the present invention.
4. The apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that, in the case where the detector of excess hydrogen signals to the CPU an excessive concentration of hydrogen or exit of said gas from the tank, the CPU is activated immediately to stop the entire apparatus.
5. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that, if the temperature detector in the electrolyser signals an overtemperature, the CPU intervenes by stopping the apparatus until the temperature drops back within the parameters envisaged.
6. The apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the data supplied by the air-flow meter (3) are used for proper programming of the CPU that has to manage the apparatus that produces the hydrogen to be sent into the intake duct of the engine itself .
7. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the resistance temperature detector in the tank guarantees proper operation of the apparatus according to invention in steady-state running conditions even in particularly cold weather situations, enabling the CPU to eliminate any possible presence of ice in the solution.
8. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the indicator of the level of liquid in the tank signals to the CPU any possible lack of liquid so that the CPU will interrupt operation of the apparatus that has remained without solution for
production of hydrogen.
9. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the electric pump or the flowrate control valve, governed by the CPU, is designed to introduce the precise amount of hydrogen also in the case where variable amounts thereof within a short lapse of time are required by the intake line.
10. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the pressure valve/sensor in the tank is governed by the CPU and is designed to guarantee safety thereof in the event of pressures exceeding the pre-set ones, as well as to maintain the pre-set minimum pressure constant, such as for example max 0.5 bar, for proper operation of the pump.
11. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the fan cools the
components of the apparatus guarantee constant operation thereof and in that the CPU manages the speed of said fan, increasing it /decreasing it as a function of the energy required for production of the hydrogen gas.
12. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the connection to the ignition- switched supply signals to the CPU that the internal- combustion engine is ready for starting but the CPU activates the production of hydrogen only in combination with reading of the data sent by the air¬ flow meter (3) ; thus obtaining that hydrogen that is not used on-demand is not produced.
13. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the Wi-Fi module provides the CPU
with a connection for remote data management, for example via a remote PC.
14. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the GPS/GSM module enables the CPU to detect its own position and enables remote data management in the absence of Wi-Fi networks.
15. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that a fuse is provided on the supply line of the apparatus to protect the CPU from irreversible damage.
16. The apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the screen is connected to the CPU and informs the user of the data necessary for proper use and operation of the system, such as for example :
- battery voltage;
- level of liquid in tank;
- amps (current absorption) ;
- PWM (percentage) ;
- intake-line negative pressure;
- temperature of the solution in the circuit; and
- alarms, amongst which: system on/off, battery low, detector of hydrogen in the environment, tank level low, limit of hydrogen generator, temperature high.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP14833178.8A EP3090077A1 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2014-11-26 | An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine |
| CN201480074083.7A CN106062254A (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2014-11-26 | An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT000653A ITRM20130653A1 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2013-11-26 | CONTROLLED AND INSTANTANEOUS PRODUCTION SYSTEM OF HYDROGEN TO BE INPUT IN THE SUCTION DUCT OF AN ENDOTHERMAL ENGINE |
| ITRM2013A000653 | 2013-11-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2015079316A1 true WO2015079316A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
Family
ID=50159422
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2014/002927 Ceased WO2015079316A1 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2014-11-26 | An apparatus for controlled and instantaneous production of hydrogen to be introduced into the intake duct of an internal-combustion engine |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3090077A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN106062254A (en) |
| IT (1) | ITRM20130653A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2015079316A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITUB20155791A1 (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-20 | H1 Elective Srls | Device for improving the efficiency of combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels / fuels, aimed at improving energy yield and the environmental profile by reducing or eliminating products that are harmful to health |
| GB2549369A (en) * | 2016-02-16 | 2017-10-18 | Joseph Patrick O'neill Kevin | Hydrogen fuel generator and its method of use |
| DK201600715A1 (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-01-22 | Hydrive Aps | Method of cleaning an internal combustion engine and system therefore |
| IT201800004733A1 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-19 | "KIT FOR THE ELECTRO-CHEMICAL PRODUCTION OF A MIX OF HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN FOR THE POWER SUPPLY OF ENDOTHERMAL ENGINES" | |
| US10494992B2 (en) | 2018-01-29 | 2019-12-03 | Hytech Power, Llc | Temperature control for HHO injection gas |
| US10605162B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2020-03-31 | HyTech Power, Inc. | Method of generating and distributing a second fuel for an internal combustion engine |
| CN114427499A (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2022-05-03 | 戴内瑟特股份公司 | System and method for managing an on-demand electrolysis reactor |
| IT202200008465A1 (en) | 2022-04-28 | 2023-10-28 | Nicola Santoro | Fuel system for internal combustion engines with electrolytically produced oxyhydrogen gas |
| US11879402B2 (en) | 2012-02-27 | 2024-01-23 | Hytech Power, Llc | Methods to reduce combustion time and temperature in an engine |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107672439B (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2020-10-27 | 广东卓梅尼技术股份有限公司 | A Hydrogen Hybrid Integrated Control System |
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- 2014-11-26 WO PCT/IB2014/002927 patent/WO2015079316A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2014-11-26 EP EP14833178.8A patent/EP3090077A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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| US20060180101A1 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2006-08-17 | Monette Gregory R | Hydrogen-oxygen production device |
| WO2011136291A1 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2011-11-03 | Yamamori Takashi | Engine system with electrolysis tank |
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Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11879402B2 (en) | 2012-02-27 | 2024-01-23 | Hytech Power, Llc | Methods to reduce combustion time and temperature in an engine |
| ITUB20155791A1 (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-20 | H1 Elective Srls | Device for improving the efficiency of combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels / fuels, aimed at improving energy yield and the environmental profile by reducing or eliminating products that are harmful to health |
| GB2549369A (en) * | 2016-02-16 | 2017-10-18 | Joseph Patrick O'neill Kevin | Hydrogen fuel generator and its method of use |
| US10605162B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2020-03-31 | HyTech Power, Inc. | Method of generating and distributing a second fuel for an internal combustion engine |
| US11815011B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2023-11-14 | Hytech Power, Llc | Generation and regulation of HHO gas |
| US11280261B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2022-03-22 | HyTech Power, Inc. | Systems for HHO gas second fuel distribution and control |
| CN114427499A (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2022-05-03 | 戴内瑟特股份公司 | System and method for managing an on-demand electrolysis reactor |
| DK179195B1 (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-01-22 | Hydrive Aps | Method of cleaning an internal combustion engine and system therefore |
| DK201600715A1 (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-01-22 | Hydrive Aps | Method of cleaning an internal combustion engine and system therefore |
| US10619562B2 (en) | 2018-01-29 | 2020-04-14 | Hytech Power, Llc | Explosion safe electrolysis unit |
| US10494992B2 (en) | 2018-01-29 | 2019-12-03 | Hytech Power, Llc | Temperature control for HHO injection gas |
| US11828219B2 (en) | 2018-01-29 | 2023-11-28 | Hytech Power, Llc | Rollover safe electrolysis unit for vehicles |
| IT201800004733A1 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-19 | "KIT FOR THE ELECTRO-CHEMICAL PRODUCTION OF A MIX OF HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN FOR THE POWER SUPPLY OF ENDOTHERMAL ENGINES" | |
| IT202200008465A1 (en) | 2022-04-28 | 2023-10-28 | Nicola Santoro | Fuel system for internal combustion engines with electrolytically produced oxyhydrogen gas |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ITRM20130653A1 (en) | 2015-05-27 |
| EP3090077A1 (en) | 2016-11-09 |
| CN106062254A (en) | 2016-10-26 |
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