RING-REFLECTOR HYDROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM

A hydrogen generation system comprises a signal generation system configured to generate a driver signal, wherein the driver signal is a pulsed DC signal; a signal processing system configured to process the driver signal and generate a chamber excitation signal; and a hydrogen generation chamber configured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generation chamber. The hydrogen generation chamber comprises at least one ring reflector configured to contain the feedstock and at least one emitter positioned within the at least one ring reflector. The signal processing system comprises a controllable reactive circuit comprising a positive reactive circuit coupled to the ring reflector of the hydrogen generation chamber, a negative reactive circuit coupled to the emitter of the hydrogen generation chamber and a feedback circuit that is configured to couple the emitter of the hydrogen generation chamber to the ring reflector of the hydrogen generation chamber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of hydrogen generation systems, and more particularly, to a hydrogen generation system with a ring-reflector Hydrogen Production Unit (“HPU”) to generate hydrogen from feedstock, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the majority of the energy consumed by the developed world has its origins in fossil fuels. Unfortunately, there are many well-documented problems associated with over-reliance upon energy generated from fossil fuels. These problems include pollution and climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, the finite nature of fossil fuels and the dwindling reserves of such carbon-based energy sources and the concentration of control of petroleum-based energy supplies by various volatile countries and OPEC.

Accordingly, there is a need for alternative sources of energy. One such alternative energy source includes hydrogen generation systems that produce hydrogen via hydrolysis.

Hydrogen, when greater than 99% pure, may be used in generator cooling, steel production, glass production, and semiconductor and photovoltaic cell production. When less than 99% pure, hydrogen may be used in various industries, such as the aerospace industry, the animal feed industry, the automotive industry, the baking industry, the chemical industry, the ethanol industry, the food processing industry, the dairy industry, the meat industry, the manufacturing industry, the medical industry, the hospitality industry, the laundry/uniform industry, the marine and offshore industry, the military and defense industry, the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, the paper/corrugating industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the rubber industry, the steel and metals industry, the tobacco industry, the transportation industry, the wire and cable industry and the education industry.

Unfortunately, there are a number of significant hurdles that prevent the widespread use of hydrogen in commercial, industrial, and residential applications. These hurdles include cost, efficiency, and safety. First and foremost, creating hydrogen gas in a traditional manner is inefficient and costly, or even environmentally harmful when produced via reformation (i.e., the primary commercial method). Secondly, hydrogen's very low mass and energy density makes it challenging to get enough mass of hydrogen gas safely in one place to be of practical value to a user. The result is that hydrogen has been prohibitively expensive to produce, compress, cryogenically cool, maintain (at pressure and temperature), contain (due to its very small molecule structure) and transport. Accordingly, pressure, temperature, flammability, explosiveness and low ignition energy requirement are all significant safety issues concerning the widespread use of hydrogen.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a hydrogen generation system comprising a signal generation system configured to generate a driver signal, wherein the driver signal is a pulsed DC signal; a signal processing system configured to process the driver signal and generate a chamber excitation signal; and a hydrogen generation chamber configured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generation chamber, wherein the hydrogen generation chamber comprises at least one ring reflector configured to contain the feedstock, and at least one emitter positioned within the at least one ring reflector; wherein the signal processing system comprises: a controllable reactive circuit comprising a positive reactive circuit coupled to the ring reflector of the hydrogen generation chamber, a negative reactive circuit coupled to the emitter of the hydrogen generation chamber, and a feedback circuit that is configured to couple the emitter of the hydrogen generation chamber to the ring reflector of the hydrogen generation chamber.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation, the signal generation system includes a pulsed DC source configured to generate a pulsed DC source signal, a mono-directional blocking circuit configured to receive the pulsed DC source signal and generate the driver signal, and a filter circuit configured to filter the driver signal and remove AC components.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the positive reactive circuit includes an inductive component and a capacitive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the inductive component is in parallel with the capacitive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the negative reactive circuit includes an inductive component and a capacitive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the inductive component is in parallel with the capacitive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the feedback circuit includes a capacitive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the capacitive component includes two discrete capacitors.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, a first of the discrete capacitors is coupled to the ring reflector of the hydrogen generation chamber.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, a second of the discrete capacitors is coupled to the emitter of the hydrogen generation chamber.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the feedback circuit includes an asymmetrically conductive component.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the asymmetrically conductive component is positioned between the two discrete capacitors.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the at least one ring reflector comprises graphite.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the at least one ring reflector surrounds a plurality of emitters.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the at least one ring reflector is coupled to the positive reactive circuit.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the positive reactive circuit is configured as a band-stop filter.

In another embodiment of the hydrogen generation system, the negative reactive circuit is configured as a band-stop filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments should not be construed as limited to those illustrated and described herein as other forms are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notations are used to indicate alternate embodiments.

Hydrogen Generation System Overview

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown hydrogen generation system100. Hydrogen generation system100may include signal generation system102configured to generate a driver signal104. An example driver signal104may include but not limited to a pulsed DC signal. Driver signal104may be provided to signal processing system106. The signal processing system106may be configured to process driver signal104and generate a chamber excitation signal108.

Hydrogen generation system100may include hydrogen generation chamber110configured to receive chamber excitation signal108and generate hydrogen112(e.g., gaseous hydrogen) from feedstock114contained within hydrogen generation chamber110.

As discussed above, hydrogen112from hydrogen generation system100may be used with various industries, such as the aerospace industry, the animal feed industry, the automotive industry, the baking industry, the chemical industry, the dairy industry, the food processing industry, the ethanol industry, the meat industry, the manufacturing industry, the medical industry, the hospitality industry, the laundry/uniform industry, the marine/offshore industry, the military, the mining industry, the oil/gas industry, the paper/corrugating industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the rubber industry, the steel & metals industry, the tobacco industry, the transportation industry, the wire & cable industry and the education industry.

As discussed above, hydrogen generation system100may generate hydrogen112(e.g., gaseous hydrogen) from feedstock114contained within hydrogen generation chamber110. One example of feedstock114may include but is not limited to sea water. Accordingly, and in certain implementations, hydrogen generation system100may be positioned proximate a source of feedstock114. Alternatively, feedstock114may be provided to hydrogen generation system100via a delivery network, not shown.

Hydrogen generation chamber110, when filled with an electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114), may react like a variable capacitive load with corresponding variable impedance values. When a Pulsed DC signal (e.g., chamber excitation signal108) is applied to hydrogen generation chamber110, the result may be a reactive load. Hydrogen generation chamber110may complete the closed circuit path that forms the load factor during the ON Cycle Pulse (OCP) of chamber excitation signal108.

The electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114) may change state both chemically and electronically during the OCP of chamber excitation signal108. These changes may affect the charge state of feedstock114, changing the above-described capacitive and impedance values, which may be monitored via a differential potential voltage measurement across the anode (also known as a “reflector”) and cathode (also known as an “emitter” or “antennae”) of hydrogen generation chamber110.

Signal processing system106may provide impedance matching and capacitive balancing during the OCP of chamber excitation signal108. Balancing of signal processing system106may accomplish multiple functions, including but not limited to lowering reactive circuit current demand while directing chamber excitation signal108with a given base frequency across the electrodes of hydrogen generation chamber110.

During the OFF Cycle Pulse (OFCP) of chamber excitation signal108, the inductive and capacitive sections of signal processing system106may receive energy from hydrogen generation chamber110as hydrogen generation chamber110discharges.

Signal Generation System Configuration

An implementation of signal generation system102is illustrated inFIG. 2. Signal generation system102may include pulsed DC source200for generating pulsed DC source signal202. System102may include mono-directional blocking circuit204for receive pulsed DC source signal202and generate driver signal104. Signal generation system102may also include filter circuit206for filtering driver signal104and removing AC components.

Mono-directional blocking circuit204may include at least one asymmetrically conductive component, an example of which includes but is not limited to a diode (e.g., a Schottky diode), such as a 1N4003G diode available from ON Semiconductor configured to function as blocking diodes. In a typical configuration, mono-directional blocking circuit204may include two asymmetrically conductive components208,210. Filter circuit206may include capacitor212coupled to ground (or floating ground)214that is sized to remove any undesirable AC signal components. An example of capacitor212may include a 470 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics.

One implementation of driver signal104generated by signal generation system102may be a driver signal that has a duty cycle of less than 25%. Specifically and in a preferred embodiment, driver signal104may have a duty cycle between 0.5% and 6.0%. The above-described implementations of driver signal104are intended to be illustrative and not all inclusive. Accordingly, these are intended to be merely examples of the various driver signals that be utilized by signal generation system102.

Operation of the Signal Generation System

The rise time of the driver signal104generated by signal generation system102must be rapid for the overall function and performance of hydrogen generation chamber110. Thus, a rise time as close to instantaneous as possible (e.g., as close to a truly vertical sweep) may result in the most efficient operation of hydrogen generation chamber110. The amplitude of driver signal104may be increased/decreased to vary the performance of hydrogen generation chamber110and the quantity of hydrogen112produced.

Signal generation system102may be configured to provide for adjustments in the pulse width and/or duty cycle of driver signal104. Adjustments to pulse width and/or duty cycle may be based on desired chamber performance. The timing of the duty cycle of driver signal104may establish a base frequency for the driver signal. The pulse base frequency of driver signal may range from 100 hertz to 15.5 kilohertz (other frequencies range may also be utilized).

The diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208,210) utilized in mono-directional blocking circuit204may perform several functions. Typically, Schottky diodes have forward biases of approximately 1 mA in the range 0.15 to 0.46 volts. This lower forward voltage may provide for higher switching speeds and better system efficiency, wherein Schottky diodes are considered to have essentially instant reverse recovery time.

The two diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208,210) may provide a first stage voltage clamp that may enhance rise time and forward current build up, which may be important during each startup of the OCP. The blocking diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208,210) may provide transient voltage suppression during initial charging of hydrogen generation chamber110. This may allow hydrogen generation chamber110to reach full voltage amplitude in the least amount time.

The two diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208,210) may also prevent voltage returned from hydrogen generation chamber110from interfering with pulsed DC source signal202, thus isolating the downstream circuit (e.g., signal processing system106) during the off cycle while the reactive part of this circuit is in the recovery phase and exposed to a return voltage in the range of 0.90 VDC to 4.5 VDC or higher.

Positive Reactive Circuit Configuration

Referring toFIG. 3, there is shown one implementation of signal processing system106, wherein signal processing system106is shown to include positive reactive circuit300. Positive reactive circuit300may be coupled to anode302of hydrogen generation chamber110.

In one implementation, positive reactive circuit300may include inductive component304and capacitive component306. One example of inductive component304may include a 10 microhenry inductor available from Mouser Electronics. Inductive component304may be in parallel with capacitive component306. Capacitive component306may be sized based, at least in part, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogen generation chamber110(e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configuration and dimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock114(e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) contained within hydrogen generation chamber110.

Inductive component304may be constructed of/formed from several individual inductors that may be arranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve the desired inductance value. Additionally (and as will be discussed below), capacitive component306may be constructed of/formed from several individual capacitors that are arranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve the desired capacitive value.

In one implementation, capacitive component306may include a plurality of discrete capacitors. For example, capacitive component306may include three discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors308,310,312) arranged in parallel to form a parallel capacitor circuit. In one particular implementation, capacitor308may be a 45 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics, capacitor310may be a 1 picofarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics, and capacitor312may be a 5 nanofarads capacitor available from Mouser Electronics. This parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., the parallel combination of capacitors308,310,312) may be coupled in parallel with inductive component304, wherein the output of the parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., the parallel combination of capacitors308,310,312) and inductive component304may be provided to anode302of hydrogen generation chamber110.

In this particular implementation, positive reactive circuit300may be configured as a band-stop filter. As is known in the art and in signal processing, a band-stop filter (or band-rejection filter) is a filter that passes most frequencies unaltered (i.e., unattenuated), while attenuating those frequencies that are within a defined range. As with any other LC filter, the particular range of frequencies that are attenuated may be defined based upon the value of the capacitors (e.g., capacitors308,310,312) and inductors (e.g., inductive component304) included within positive reactive circuit300.

Negative Reactive Circuit Configuration

Referring toFIG. 4, there is shown one implementation of signal processing system106, wherein signal processing system106is shown to include negative reactive circuit400. Negative reactive circuit400may be coupled to cathode402of hydrogen generation chamber110.

In one implementation, negative reactive circuit400may include inductive component404and capacitive component406. One example of inductive component404may include a 100 microhenry inductor available from Mouser Electronics. Inductive component404may be in parallel with capacitive component406. Capacitive component406may be sized based, at least in part, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogen generation chamber110(e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configuration and dimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock114(e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) contained within hydrogen generation chamber110.

Inductive component404may be constructed of/formed from several individual inductors that may be arranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve the desired inductance value. Additionally (as discussed below), capacitive component406may be constructed of/formed from several individual capacitors that are arranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve the desired capacitive value.

In one implementation, capacitive component406may include a plurality of discrete capacitors. Capacitive component406may include three discrete capacitors (e.g.,408,410,412) arranged in parallel to form a parallel capacitor circuit. In a particular implementation, capacitor408may be a 1 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics, capacitor410may be a 1 picofarad capacitor (from Mouser) and capacitor412may be a 5 nanofarads capacitor (from Mouser). This parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., parallel combination of408,410,412) may be coupled in parallel with inductive component404, wherein the output of the parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., parallel combination of408,410,412) and inductive component304may be provided to cathode402of chamber110.

In this particular implementation, negative reactive circuit400may be configured as a band-stop filter. As is known in the art and in signal processing, a band-stop filter (or band-rejection filter) is a filter that passes most frequencies unaltered (i.e., unattenuated), while attenuating those frequencies that are within a defined range. As with any other LC filter, the particular range of frequencies that are attenuated may be defined based upon the value of the capacitors (e.g., capacitors408,410,412) and inductors (e.g., inductive component404) included within negative reactive circuit400.

Feedback Circuit Configuration

Referring toFIG. 5, there is shown one implementation of signal processing system106, wherein signal processing system106is shown to include feedback circuit500. Feedback circuit500may be configured to couple anode302of hydrogen generation chamber110to cathode402of hydrogen generation chamber110.

In one implementation, feedback circuit500may include capacitive component502. Capacitive component502may be sized based, at least in part, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogen generation chamber110(e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configuration and dimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock114(e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) contained within hydrogen generation chamber110.

Capacitive component502may include two discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors504,506). In one particular implementation, capacitor504may be a 1 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics and capacitor506may be a 1 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics. A first of the discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitor504) may be coupled to anode302of hydrogen generation chamber110. A second of the discrete capacitors (e.g., discrete capacitor506) may be coupled to cathode402of hydrogen generation chamber110.

Feedback circuit500may include asymmetrically conductive component508, wherein asymmetrically conductive component508may be positioned between the two discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors504,506). One example of asymmetrically conductive component508may include, but is not limited to, a diode (e.g., a light emitting diode), such as a RED/diffused T-1 (3 mm) 696-SSL-LX3044ID available from Mouser Electronics.

Operation of the Signal Processing System

Concerning the reactive circuits (e.g., positive reactive circuit300and negative reactive circuit400), these circuits may incorporate an inductor in parallel with a plurality of capacitors (as discussed above). Upon the initiation of the OCP, these inductors may oppose any rise in current. This opposition may be part of the electronic clamp during the rise time of the OCP. The capacitors in parallel with the inductor may start to charge during the rise time of the OCP and provide a path for electron flow in the direction of the hydrogen generation chamber110.

These capacitors may not be able to overcome the voltage amplitude of hydrogen generation chamber110and, therefore, may not be able to discharge during the OCP time. As these capacitors may be relatively small and may reach full charge status during the rise time of OCP and may remain charged during the duration of the OCP.

The slight opposition to current change (by the inductor) during the OCP rise time may quickly dissipate, wherein the inductor opposes current change based upon magnetically induced resistance to the current flow.

Hydrogen generation chamber110may function as a load for signal processing system106and have varying internal resistance and varying voltage amplitude. Chamber110may behave similarly to an inductive/capacitive electronic component, wherein variations may occur based upon varying electrolytic conditions that can vary dramatically during the rise time of the OCP. The varying conditions may continue during the duty cycle duration and be in the form of a charge ion state triggering charging of hydrogen generation chamber110. The electron density within hydrogen generation chamber110may increase dramatically. The density may be at its greatest at a circumference slightly larger than the outer diameter of cathode402.

The ON cycle rise time and duration of the duty cycle may cause a molecular polarity shift within the electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114). This molecular polarity shift may have a corresponding electromagnetic/electrostatic component. Due to the shape and geometry of hydrogen generation chamber110and without a defined electron flow pathway, the electromagnetic component will have a chaotic characteristic, wherein this chaotic characteristic may assist in the molecular splitting of gas atoms from the water molecules within the electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114) due to a constant molecular charge imbalance.

The OFF cycle of signal processing system106may start at the beginning of the OFCP. The blocking diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208,210) are in the cutoff state which may isolate signal generation system102from signal processing system106. A pulsed DC input base signal set to one kilohertz may reach the cutoff state one-thousand times per second. During the OFF cycle, the electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114) in hydrogen generation chamber110may change from a charge state to a reset discharge cycle. During this OFF cycle, all electronic interactions may be energized from energy recovered (or harvested) from hydrogen generation chamber110.

The charge amplitude of hydrogen generation chamber110may have a characteristic fast decline from greater than 3.5 VDC to less than 1.4 VDC. The decline curve sweep angle may be dependent on the pulsed DC input frequency and the configuration of the reaction circuits (e.g., positive reaction circuit300and negative reaction circuit400).

During the cutoff initiation, the first decline sequence to occur is the collapse of the electron density column surrounding cathode402. This high density electron column may be held in place by the induced magnetic field that is a result of the OCP. This collapse may cause an electronic flashback (or rapid energy release) from hydrogen generation chamber110to the reactive circuit (e.g., positive reaction circuit300and/or negative reaction circuit400), which is similar to an electrostatic discharge and may provide the electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114) with a pathway to start a change in state of polarity releasing additional stored energy.

Once the electron column proximate cathode402starts to collapse, there is a fast rise in potential on negative reactive circuit402. At this point, there may be an imbalance with positive reactive circuit302. The inductor within negative reactive circuit402may have a rise in potential imposing an impedance value that may allow the parallel capacitors to discharge in the opposite direction to the charge state during the OCP. This situation may create a latching circuit potential through hydrogen generation chamber110as the pathway for electron flow.

The return energy from hydrogen generation chamber110may be a DC signal with embedded AC components, wherein these AC components may be relatively small in amplitude. The AC components may be driven by the molecular polarity shift after the cutoff sequence is initiated and the imbalance of the charge state of hydrogen generation chamber110. The DC component produced by hydrogen generation chamber110may be clamped to swing the AC wave into the positive range.

The capacitors in the reactive circuits (e.g., positive reaction circuit300and/or negative reaction circuit400) may stabilize after the electrostatic release from the DC component. The inductors may provide timing sequences and preload for capacitor charge/discharge sequence while minimizing circuit resistance at peak input values. The capacitors may subsequently discharge under the influence of the AC components. The result may be an amplification of the embedded frequency waves providing a charge/discharge cycle at these given frequencies. This sequence may continue until the molecular polarity rotation of hydrogen generation chamber110is stabilized or the charge imbalance of the reactive circuit (e.g., positive reaction circuit300and/or negative reaction circuit400) is diminished.

Feedback circuit500may be configured in reverse polarity to signal generation system102and signal processing system106. Feedback circuit500may function as a secondary load to the reset reaction of hydrogen generation chamber110. The capacitors (e.g., capacitors504,506) of feedback circuit500may collect electrons during the electrostatic discharge cycle, which may then be discharged through the light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component508).

Feedback circuit500may assist in minimizing the electrostatic discharge impact on other portions of the reactive circuit (e.g., positive reaction circuit300and/or negative reaction circuit400), which may result in the regulation of the timing of ON, OFF and Cutoff sequences. The light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component508) may minimize electrostatic interference, thus assisting in maintaining peak charge amplitudes during the reset sequence of hydrogen generation chamber110.

Specifically, the electrostatic charge may find a secondary pathway through the light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component508). The light emitting diode (e.g., asymmetrically conductive component508) may have a characteristic that allows static electricity to pass through while minimizing resistive load characteristics. This pathway may help regulate the discharge timing sequence while dissipating the accumulated charge on the capacitors (e.g., capacitors504,506). The switching or blocking characteristics of the light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component508) may also minimize current loss during the OCP.

Due to the reverse polarity of feedback circuit500, a portion of the recovered energy may be applied to the riding frequency during the cut off discharge sequence to assist in increasing the frequency amplitude. Further, the secondary electrostatic charge release may assist in the percentage of the desired gas output of hydrogen112. The electrostatic charge energy may only be recoverable during a given time interval, wherein if the time interval is too long, the electrostatic charge may interfere with the proper sequencing of the OCP and OFCP. Accordingly, the values of capacitors504,506may be adjusted to optimize the timing sequence.

Hydrogen Generation Chamber Configuration

Referring toFIG. 6, there is shown one implementation of hydrogen generation chamber110. Hydrogen generation chamber110may include at least one hollow cylindrical anode302configured to contain feedstock114. At least one cathode402may be positioned within hollow cylindrical anode302. Cathode402may be positioned along a longitudinal centerline (i.e., longitudinal centerline600) of hollow cylindrical anode302. Accordingly, hydrogen generation chamber110may be configured as a coaxial hydrogen generation chamber, as cathode402and hollow cylindrical anode302share a common centerline (namely longitudinal centerline600).

Cathode402may be constructed, at least in part, of tungsten. For example, cathode402may be a tungsten rod. Hollow cylindrical anode302may be constructed, at least in part, of graphite. For example, hollow cylindrical anode302may be machined from a block of graphite.

Hollow cylindrical anode302has an outer surface602and an inner surface604. For example and in preferred embodiments, hollow cylindrical anode302may have an inside diameter (i.e., inside diameter606) of 25.0 mm, 12.5 mm, or 6.25 mm and cathode402positioned within hollow cylindrical anode302may have outside diameters (e.g., outside diameter608) ranging from 5 mm to 1 mm.

Cathode402positioned within hollow cylindrical anode302may have a longitudinal length610of 50.0 millimeters then it may have an inside diameter606of 25.0 millimeters. In a smaller embodiment, where the hollow cylindrical anode302has a longitudinal length610of 25.0 millimeters it may have an inside diameter606of 12.5 mm. In a yet smaller embodiment, where the hollow cylindrical anode302has a longitudinal length610of 12.5 millimeters it may have an inside diameter606of 6.25 mm. This approximate ratio of 2:1 length-diameter is an approximate heuristic that has guided the design of various embodiments to date.

Still in reference toFIG. 6, Hydrogen generation chamber110may include feedstock recirculation system612. For example and in this particular illustrative embodiment, feedstock114may be drawn through first conduit614and gas contractor616and into fuel reservoir618. Fuel reservoir618may serve as a preconditioning zone to maintain feedstock and catalyst concentrations at desired levels. Feedstock114may be pulled through circulation pump620and then through heat exchanger622(to e.g., maintain a desired temperature for feedstock114) and returned to hydrogen generation chamber110via conduit624.

Gas collection system626may be coupled to hydrogen generation chamber110and may be configured to collect hydrogen112generated by hydrogen generation chamber110from feedstock114. In this particular illustrative example, hydrogen112may be drawn through conduit628by vacuum pump630, which then may pass through cold trap632and flow meter634and into e.g., storage container636.

In certain implementations, hydrogen generation chamber110may include a plurality of discrete chambers. Accordingly, hollow cylindrical anode600may include a plurality of hollow cylindrical anodes606configured to contain feedstock114and cathode602may include plurality of cathodes608that may be positioned within plurality of hollow cylindrical anodes606. Specifically, hydrogen generation chamber110may be configured so as to include multiple anode/cathode pairs, thus increasing the production of hydrogen112. Alternatively, the hollow cylindrical anode600may be a ring configuration in which one or more anodes may be positioned (see e.g.FIGS. 12-15). In such an embodiment there would be no discrete chamber surrounding each cathode, but the cathodes would be arrayed within the cavity and surrounded by one or more ring-shaped anodes.

Controllable Reactive Circuit Configuration

Referring now toFIG. 7, another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a hydrogen generation system100′ with a controllable reactive circuit700′. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the reactive circuit700′ includes inductive and capacitive values that may be selectively varied. When the inductive and capacitive values are selectively varied, this causes the load reactance on the hydrogen generation system100′ to vary. Varying the load reactance is advantageously used to adjust performance of the hydrogen generation system100′.

The hydrogen generation system100′ includes a pulsed drive signal generator200′ to generate a pulsed drive signal202′, and a hydrogen generation chamber110′ to receive the pulsed drive signal and generate hydrogen112′ from a feedstock material114′ contained therein based on the pulsed drive signal202′.

The controllable reactive circuit700′ is coupled between the pulsed drive signal generator200′ and the hydrogen generation chamber110′. A hydrogen detection device800′ is coupled to the hydrogen generation chamber110′ to detect the generated hydrogen112′. A controller900′ is coupled between the hydrogen detection device800′ and the controllable reactive circuit700′ to control the controllable reactive circuit700′ based on detection of the generated hydrogen112′.

Hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation chamber110′ may be detected in terms of purity and production rate, for example. The hydrogen detection device800′ may be a mass spectrometer820′ to determine the purity of the generated hydrogen112′. A Mass Spectrometer (“MS”) used herein is a MKS Cirrus 2 Residual Gas Analyzer (MKS Instruments Inc., Andover, Mass.). The MS monitored Hydrogen, Oxygen, CO, CO2, N2, H2O, Ar etc. and can specifically monitor in real time hydrogen versus oxygen production. Alternatively or in addition, the hydrogen detection device800′ may be a hydrogen flow meter634′ to determine the production rate of the generated hydrogen112′.

Purity and production rate of the generated hydrogen as determined by the hydrogen detection device800′ may be used to measure performance of the hydrogen generation chamber110′. The controllable reactive circuit700′ is advantageously used to adjust performance of the hydrogen generation system100′ by presenting a varying load reactance to damped sine waves720′ (seeFIG. 8) generated within the hydrogen generation chamber110′. As the name implies, a damped sine wave720′ is a sinusoidal function whose amplitude approaches zero as time increases.

The damped sine waves720′ generated within the hydrogen generation chamber110′ are based on interactions between the pulsed drive signal202′ and the feedstock material114′. The damped sine waves720′ are received by the controllable reactive circuit700′ as well as by the controller900′. By the controller900′ selectively varying the load reactance within the controllable reactive circuit700′ subsequently formed damped sine waves720′ are re-energized which in turn can be used to improve performance of the hydrogen generation system100′. Re-energized waves or signals in the general sense refer to electrical characteristic values, such as voltage, current, frequency, and/or waveform shapes being altered so as to have an enhanced affect within the hydrogen generation system100′.

With the addition of the controllable reactive circuit700′ performance of the hydrogen generation system100′ is improved over that of a typical electrolytic cell. As an example, the purity of the generated hydrogen112′ may increase from a 0.7 range to a mid/upper 0.9 range when a varying load reactance is selectively presented to the damped sine waves720′ generated within the hydrogen generation chamber110′. Similarly, the production rate of the generated hydrogen112′ increases significantly from a 0.7-0.8 Coefficient of Performance (COP) to greater than four times the COP (>400%).

The COP measurement used herein is defined as follows: a ratio of power consumption of the circuitry (measured in electrical watts) to the hydrogen gas production (measured in thermal watts). The power analysis is based on using a low heating value for hydrogen (i.e., 120 MJ/kg) to assess its energy content. Support for this value may be found in http://www.h2data.de, for example. Power analysis results are calculated using the following relationship: thermal watts (Wt) of hydrogen produced divided by electrical watts (We) consumed.

Since the controllable reactive circuit700′ is used to tune or adjust the damped sine waves720′ generated within the hydrogen generation chamber110′ to improve performance of the hydrogen generation system100′, the hydrogen generation chamber110′ may be considered to function as an antenna. In this case, the cathode402′ may be characterized as an emitter and the anode302′ may be characterized as a reflector. For discussion purposes, the cathode402′ may also be referred to as a first terminal and the anode302′ may also be referred to as a second terminal.

The hydrogen generation system100′ may further include a passive receive antenna850′ adjacent the hydrogen generation chamber110′ that is configured to receive transmissions from the chamber. The transmissions are in response to the hydrogen generation chamber110′ receiving the pulse drive signal202′. The received transmissions are provided to the controller900′ for analysis so as to confirm that the hydrogen generation system100′ is operating correctly.

The pulsed drive signal202′ generated by the pulsed drive signal generator200′ is a pulsed DC drive signal. As an example, the pulsed DC drive signal entering the hydrogen generation chamber110′ may be set to one kilohertz and may have a peak voltage of 24 VDC with a 2% duty cycle. However, the voltage within the hydrogen generation chamber110′ is maintained at a lower level as discussed above, such as 3.4 VDC, for example.

The damped sine waves720′ occur between the DC pulses204′, as illustrated inFIG. 8. More particularly, the damped sine waves720′ occur as a negative latch between the DC pulses204′. Each damped sine wave720′ includes a DC signal722′ with a plurality of low-level embedded interactive chamber signals724′. The low-level embedded interactive chamber signals724′ are only shown within section730′ of the DC signal722′ so as to simplify the illustration. Certain ones of these low-level embedded interactive chamber signals724′ may correlate with chemical reactions that occur within the hydrogen generation chamber110′.

Interactions between the pulsed DC drive signal202′ and the feedstock material114′ may be attributed to an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) occurring within the hydrogen generation chamber110′. As readily understood by those skilled in the art, an EMP is a short burst of electromagnetic energy, and orientation of a pulse may occur as an electromagnetic field, for example. The EMP may be partially absorbed by the chamber materials including the anode-reflector (in one embodiment graphite), and may be partially reflected so that interfering patterns of EMP constructive and destructive nodes are created within the chamber. The interaction of the chamber and the EMP is reflected in the damped sine waves720′ detected from the chamber110′ between the DC pulses204′.

An underlying theory of one embodiment of the present disclosure is that the generated electromagnetic field has an influence on the electrons within the hydrogen generation chamber110′. This influence leads to the damped sine waves720′ having the embedded interactive chamber signals724′ which are low-level and chaotic in nature but may be correlated with the chemical reactions that occur within the hydrogen generation chamber110′. The chemical reactions that are of interest are those that have an impact on the purity or production rate of the hydrogen112′ generated within the hydrogen generation chamber110′.

In addition to the controllable reactive circuit700′ receiving the damped sine waves720′, the controller900′ also receives the damped sine waves720′. The controller900′ includes an interactive chamber signal analyzer920′ to analyze the embedded interactive chamber signals724′ carried by the damped sine waves720′. In one embodiment, an oscilloscope may be one such signal analyzer.

An example interactive chamber signal724′ may be found around 1420 MHz. Another example interactive chamber signal724′ may be found around 24.5 MHz. Yet another interactive chamber signal724′ may be found around 33.3 MHz. These example frequencies are not to be limiting.

The controller900′ may include a reactive load adjustment algorithm940′ that compares or correlates the output from the hydrogen detection device800′ to characteristics of one or more of the embedded interactive chamber signals724′ as determined by the interactive chamber signal analyzer920′. Waveform shapes of the embedded interactive chamber signal724′ being analyzed is one of the characteristics used by the reactive load adjustment algorithm940′ when determining how to vary the reactive load within the controllable reactive circuit700′. The reactive load adjustment algorithm940′ may be configured as a lookup table when determining the reactive load by comparing the analyzed waveform characteristics with the purity or production rate of the generated hydrogen112′.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a waveform shape of the 1420 MHz embedded interactive chamber signal724(1)′ will be discussed as an example. When the waveform shape of the 1420 MHz embedded interactive chamber signal724(1)′ being analyzed by the interactive chamber signal analyzer920′ has a stair-stepped shape, as indicated by reference732′, then the purity or flow rate of the generated hydrogen112′ has begun to decrease, then the load reactance of the controllable reactive circuit700′ is adjusted so that the waveform shape of subsequent 1420 MHz embedded interactive chamber signals724(1)′ has a more rounded or non-stair-stepped shape, as indicated by the more rounded stair732″.

Adjustment of the reactive load in the controllable reactive circuit700′ is made in terms of re-energizing generation of subsequent damped sine waves720′. The above noted embedded interactive chamber signals724′ may be considered as event characteristics, and when these event characteristics are triggered by changing the load reactance of the controllable reactive load circuit700′, then the purity and/or production rate of the hydrogen112′ generated by the hydrogen generation chamber110′ may be adjusted.

More particularly, controllable reactive circuit700′ is used to adjust the timing of subsequent embedded interactive chamber signals724′. Adjusting the timing increases the slope or slant range of a sinusoidal stair-stepped waveform shape of subsequent embedded interactive chamber signals724′. By varying the load reactance, the electronic speed is decreased to slow electron speed to form a retarded stair-stepped waveform shape732″. As the electron speed is decreased, the frequency of the embedded interactive chamber signals724′ being analyzed may be adjusted. This in turn provides more energy within the hydrogen generation chamber110′ which results in an improvement of the hydrogen generation system100′.

Referring now toFIG. 10, Controllable Reactive Circuit700′ includes the positive reactive circuit300′, the negative reactive circuit400′, and the feedback circuit500′.

In one implementation, the controllable reactive circuit700′ includes a first variable load reactance circuit760′ between the positive reactive circuit400′ and the feedback circuit500′ and a second variable load reactance circuit780′ between the negative reactive circuit400′ and the feedback circuit500′.

The first variable load reactance circuit760′ includes a variable inductive component762′ and a variable capacitive component764′ coupled to the variable inductive component762′. Similarly, the second variable load reactance circuit780′ includes a variable inductive component782′ and a variable capacitive component784′ coupled to the variable inductive component782′. The variable capacitive components764′,784′ are cross-coupled to one another between the first and second variable load reactance circuits760′,780′.

Controller900′ can adjust the variable inductive and capacitive components762′,764′ in variable load reactance circuit760′ via signal path942(1)′ and adjust the variable inductive and capacitive components782′,784′ in variable load reactance circuit780′ via signal path942(2)′.

The damped sine waves720′ as received by the controllable reactive circuit700′ are also received by the controller900′ via signal paths921(1)′,921(2)′. By the controller900′ selectively varying the load reactance within the controllable reactive circuit700′ via the signal paths942(1)′,942(2)′ subsequently formed damped sine waves720′ are re-energized which in turn can be used to improve performance of the hydrogen generation system100′.

Referring now to the flowchart1000inFIG. 11, another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method for operating the above-described hydrogen generation system100′. From the start (Block1002), the method includes providing a pulsed drive signal202′ to a hydrogen generation chamber110′ at Block1004. Hydrogen112′ is generated from a feedstock material114′ contained within the hydrogen generation chamber110′ based on the pulsed drive signal202′ at Block1006. Hydrogen112′ generated by the hydrogen generation chamber110′ is detected at Block1008. The method further includes controlling a load reactance of a controllable reactive circuit700′ coupled to the hydrogen generation chamber110′ based on detection of the generated hydrogen112′ at Block1010. The method ends at Block1012.

Ring Reflector Embodiment

FIG. 12is an assembled, elevational computer-generated view of a 5-emitter ring reflector embodiment of the various hydrogen production-related inventions described herein. While the “emitter” is similar to and has the same electrical function as the cathode from prior embodiments, the emitter also has dual electrode-antenna functions. While the “reflector” is similar to and has the same electrical function as the anode from prior embodiments, but the reflector also has dual radio-frequency absorptive-reflective characteristics. In addition, the reflector functions as an anode under certain conditions. The reflector and emitter designations are used to highlight the radio frequency behaviors of the components. The exterior materials used to build a hydrogen production unit, if in contact with aqueous solution, are preferably made of Polyvinyl Chloride (“PVC”) and unless otherwise called out, PVC is the preferred material due to its ability to withstand the highly oxidizing environment of the cavity.

The HPU embodiments ofFIGS. 12-17may be energized by any of the electronic circuit embodiments described herein.

With attention directed toFIGS. 12-15inclusive, several views of a 5-emitter ring reflector embodiment of the present invention are shown. Hydrogen production unit (“HPU”)1100comprises three circular PVC plates1105,1110and1115. Clamp plate1105is a top circular plate having the least thickness of the three, and when made from PVC, a preferred thickness of ¼ (0.25) inch. It sits atop the HPU and functions as a ring reflector location element, and to provide a surface for bolts to press against thereby clamping the other two plates (i.e.1110and1115) together. Top plate1110is one of two main structural plates that function to hold ring reflector1120(FIG. 14) in place, and to define the top portion of the electrochemical cavity formed by the top plate1110, bottom plate1115, and ring reflector1120. Bottom plate1115is similar in dimensions and design to top plate1110except that it does not necessarily contain holes for the ring reflectors. Both plates are of a similar thickness, and have a preferred thickness, when using PVC, of ¾ (0.75) inch. The plates may be fixed in space relative to one another by means of longitudinal fasteners such as nuts1103and bolts1102or other well-known fastening components. In this embodiment, bolts1102, preferably made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant material, and corresponding nuts1103, are employed to rigidly constrain the three plates so that the electrochemical cavity formed by ring reflector1120, plates1110and1115are water-tight. Nuts and bolts may also be made from other corrosion-resistant materials such as a polymer (NYLON®) or another metal (Titanium, Tungsten, etc.). To that end, bolt gasket1106(FIGS. 13 and 14) is located between clamp plate1105and top plate1110and serves to evenly distribute the pressure created when torqueing bolts1102for a water-tight fit. A pair of o-rings1122,1124(FIGS. 13-15) situated in grooves (not shown) in the top plate1110and in the bottom plate1115function to seal in a water-tight manner ring reflector1120in the electrochemical cavity.

Multiple emitters1130(five in this embodiment) project into the cavity in parallel and are in electrical communication with the excitation circuit and are connected to the negative side of the excitation circuit at the negative reactive circuit connection. The multiple emitters function as an antenna array to emit radio-frequency energy into the surrounding aqueous solution contained within the cavity. Emitters1130may be comprised of any metal capable of transmitting, but a preferred metal is Tungsten. The diameter of the emitters is not critical, but a preferred diameter in this embodiment may range from 1 mm to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the emitters are 50 mm length, but only a portion of that length is in contact with the aqueous solution. In one embodiment, approximately 25 mm is exposed and thus transmits into the water. In other embodiments, the lengths of emitters may range from 5 mm to 50 mm.

The emitters extend the length of the electrochemical cavity from top to bottom. The emitters are located at a first end in the clamp plate1105by means of holes in the plate. The holes are designed to accommodate an o-ring or other means for sealing an emitter in the clamp plate so that fluid does not escape between the emitter and the plate. The placement of the is largely circumferential at points spaced equally apart. At the opposite (second) end, the emitters may be held in place by an emitter holding plate1134(FIG. 15) so that the emitters are held parallel to each other and the walls of the electrochemical cavity. The holding plate may be a floating flat circular ring having holes for accommodating the emitter ends and locking them into a pattern substantially identical to that established at the opposite end of the clamp plate. The emitter holding plate material should not interfere with the EMF patterns in the electrochemical cavity. A preferred material is non-metallic. The emitters are electrically connected to the excitation circuit at the Negative Reactive Circuit.

Ring reflector wire1136is in electrical and physical contact with ring reflector1120. In a preferred embodiment, wire1136fits into a circumferential groove (not shown) in the ring reflector and encircles the ring. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is not directly wetted by aqueous solution. The wire is connected to the positive side of the power supply. Preferred materials are silver or platinum, although similar highly conductive/corrosion resistant metals will also work.

In an embodiment, aqueous solution is circulated though the HPU and associated fluidic components. The circulation system and gas separation components are described above. HPU1100has an inlet fitting1140which is a standard pipe thread ¼ (0.25) inch ID fitting onto which elastomeric tubing may be hand-fitted. Inlet fitting1140screws into a mating threaded inlet conduit (not shown) in bottom plate1115that connects to the inside of electrochemical cavity. Outlet conduit (not shown) may be located directly above the inlet conduit in top plate1110and have a similar outlet fitting1150.

In an embodiment, ring reflector1120may have an internal diameter of 39 mm and external diameter of 45 mm. It may be 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 mm in height, although dimensions vary depending upon numerous factors including but not limited to the desired cavity volume, number of emitters and their relative and absolute placement and density, the desired flow rate of solution through the cavity, the electrical characteristics such as excitation frequency, voltage, current and on time.

Data in support of the ring reflector embodiment includes the gas production data shown in the table below. The data show production of both average Total Gas (mainly Hydrogen, Oxygen and other trace gases) and average Hydrogen separately in milliliters/minute. Gas was collected and measured manually in an inverted funnel by water displacement. A total of five runs, each of approximately two hour duration, were carried out, and the data was averaged. The percentage of Hydrogen varied during the two hours' duration from the high 80 percents to the low- to mid-80s at completion.

The electrical excitation system provided pulsed DC power to drive the reaction via the excitation circuits described above. The power supply was a BK Precision Model 9130 set at 12 VDC, current limited to 0.742 A. The DC pulse was applied via a pulse width modulator (Rigol DG-1022) at a 1.2% duty cycle. The frequency was fixed at 12.6 KHz.

The table below contains summary data and settings for each of two sets of runs that compared average total gas and average Hydrogen production under essentially identical conditions, with the exception that the data columns headed “Micro 5-Chamber” and “Micro 5 Ring” differ in that the 5-chamber has 5 distinct cylindrical chambers drilled longitudinally through the graphite disk versus the single hollow ring design shown inFIGS. 12-15. The ring design has the same 5-emitter configuration as the 5-chamber, but there are no discrete chambers surrounding each emitter as in the 5-chamber design. The ring design presents a much more efficient HPU with a potentially much lower cost of production since the materials required are minimized, the need for designing and maintaining the separate chambers is avoided, along with all of the fluidic complications involved with channeling 5 separate streams of fluid through the chambers.

Faradaic Efficiency is the efficiency in which electrons are used to create a product in an electrochemical reaction. For the purposes of this disclosure, the Faradaic Efficiency is calculated as the ratio of the theoretical current (IFaradaic) required to produce n mols of hydrogen to the actual current (IActual) required to produce n mols of hydrogen. That is, Faradaic Efficiency=IFaradaic/IActual.

Using Faraday's Law for Electrolysis (I=nFz/t), the theoretical current (IFaradaic) required to produce the amount of H2 gas collected is calculated from the following: The number of moles of H2 (n) is calculated from the volume of H2 produced using the molar volume of an ideal gas at lab conditions (P (mbar) and T (K)). Faraday's constant (F) equals 96,500 C/mol. The number of electrons (z) is equal to 2 (2 electrons to make a H2 molecule). Time (t) is 1 minute or 60 s.

IFaradaic=((Total amount of H2 produced in ml−H2/min)*(mols of electrons=2 mols electrons)*(96500 coulombs/mol electrons))/(conversion from ml to L)*(ideal molar volume at lab conditions=24.2 L−H2/mol−H2)*(conversion from minutes to seconds=60). IFaradaiccan be expressed as the following:

The Settings include other parameters such as the fuel composition which was in this case 18 MΩ deionized water, with 32 g/L Reagent Grade NaCl (Sodium Chloride) added. The Stimulation Frequency is the frequency that the DC signal is varied as it leaves the power supply. The voltage is set at the power supply and was set to 12 volts. Excitation chamber voltage is substantially lower during a run as the chamber seems to charge to a set point voltage during operation. The amperage was set at the Power Supply at 742 mA. Pulse Width varied slightly from 948 nanoseconds to 952 nanoseconds.

It can be seen that the primary operational criteria, Average Total Hydrogen, is similar for both the ring reflector embodiment, and the 5-chamber embodiment. This is a surprising result since the inventors assumed that the one-emitter-per-chamber embodiment was necessary for its operation. More surprising is the fact that the Average Faradaic Efficiency and the COP were actually better in the ring reflector embodiment.

General

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed.