Abstract:
A compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator that produces hydrogen-oxygen gas for use with vehicles, internal combustion engines and other applications that solves design shortcomings of present state of the art systems while presenting an efficient and reliable, compact, cost efficient system of producing hydrogen-oxygen gas without requirements or investments into expensive infrastructure, or ill fitting and cumbersome equipment.

Description:
BACKGROUND-CROSS REFERENCE 
     Parent Case Text 
       [0001]    This utility patent application is based upon, and claims the priority filing date, of my previously-filed, co pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Compact Hydrogen Generator”, Ser. No. 61/252,612 filed Oct. 16, 2009 
       U.S. Patent Documents 
       [0002]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
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     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    This invention relates to compact hydrogen generators, more particularly, the invention relates to hydrogen generators so constructed as to disassociate both oxygen and hydrogen simultaneously within the same electrolytic chamber, the resulting combined hydrogen-oxygen gas necessitating neither pressurizing or storage but drawn off and used immediately to assist in powering hydrocarbon based motors and engines to assist in lowering emissions and boosting fuel efficiency. While there are other renditions of various hydrogen generators, they are quite bulky and are impractical for use in the mobile environment of a vehicle, therefore presently claimed invention is particularly useful and novel in providing a compact on-demand hydrogen system. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0006]    The addition of a mixture of hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) and oxygen gas (O.sub.2) to the fuel system of an internal combustion engine is known to improve fuel efficiency and decrease the emission of undesired pollutants. These benefits are thought to be the result of more complete combustion induced by the presence of hydrogen such that fuel efficiency increases and incomplete combustion products—soot and carbon monoxide—decrease. The hydrolysis of water is known to produce both hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Water is of course non-flammable and extremely safe. However, hydrogen is a flammable gas that is potentially explosive. Accordingly, utilization of hydrogen in vehicular applications must be undertaken with caution. 
         [0007]    Most state of the art systems designed for on-demand hydrogen generation as used presently in vehicles, are based on either the “wet cell” or the “dry cell” electrolyzer designs. While there are many different iterations existing within these two categories, the overall designs are based on one of the above two categories. 
       Wet Cell 
       [0008]    The wet cell consists of a metallic plate stack immersed in a bath of electrolytic solution. This is the most common method of electrolysis and is most widely used in industry today. The dry cell design by contrast is relatively new state of the art. It is a plate stack usually comprised of flat plates, clamped together with gaskets separating each plate, and holes being present between them to allow the flow of water and electrolyte in between. 
         [0009]    Because wet cell designs are immersed in electrolytic solution, they have good laminar flow which is good for hydrogen production. However, their exposed plate edges allow the current to jump from sharp edge to sharp edge, creating electrical and magnetic eddies. Those resultant edge currents cause losses of power and efficiency because much of the energy leaps around the water/electrolyte mixture instead of transferring through it between the plates (where the majority of electrolysis takes place). This works in industrial settings with access to the grid power and high voltages and current, but does not work well in mobile applications where efficiency and portability are key factors for success. 
       Dry Cell 
       [0010]    The dry cell designs eliminate edge currents by utilizing gaskets that encircle the plates completely, effectively keeping the exposed edges “outside” of the electrolytic bath. The electrolytic solution flows through small holes in between each plate. While these designs eliminate edge current inefficiencies, the reduced laminar flow is quite restricted causing foaming of electrolytic solution, which can then enter engines and destroy sensitive aluminum parts internally. It also causes poor heat transfer due to restrictive fluid dynamics and gas back-pressures, thereby lowering efficiencies of the system. 
         [0011]    Additionally, most dry cell units have the exposed plate edges on the outside of the unit, making them quite dangerous and subject to arcing and shorts if anything metallic falls or drops on them during operation. Huge currents of 30 to 40 amps are flowing in between the plates. The smallest loose screw or even road salt from winter snow removal can cause a short or create an arc (similar to a welder) on the outside of the plates creating dangerous conditions for a hydrogen generator in a mobile setting around other combustible fuels such as gas or diesel, rendering it quite dangerous for use in mobile operations. 
         [0012]    While the wet cell and dry cell designs have both advantages and disadvantages by way of efficiencies and gas production, neither is perfected in its present form, and both are in need of revision. 
         [0013]    Various techniques have been attempted in the prior art to develop electrolyzers and hydrogen generators which will supply hydrogen gas as a fuel additive to existing motors and engines of various sizes U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,493 B1 (the &#39;493 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,954 (the &#39;954 patent) disclose an electrolysis cell that is used to provide hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The &#39;493 patent discloses a kit that uses such an electrolysis cell to produce hydrogen and oxygen that may either be separated or mixed before the gases are introduced to a vehicle fuel system. Although each of these systems may increase fuel efficiency, each system is complicated by one or more undesirable features. For example, the prior art systems do not have internal components shielded against losses due to current flowing across the exposed edges of plates. Furthermore, these electrolysis systems tend to have electrodes that do not have a very high surface area. Hydrogen and oxygen can be produced more efficiently with electrodes having greater surface area. Furthermore, these systems are very bulky and not easily able to be fit into vehicles without expensive and time consuming modifications, especially vehicles of newer design where under hood space is at best, minimum. 
         [0014]    Some state of the art hydrogen generators operate with high pressure gas storage, which requires heavy and bulky cylinders as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,863 (the &#39;863 patent). These types can pose an explosion hazard in the event of rupture due to severe impact, and some versions require an expensive infrastructure in place for refilling. Other hydrogen generators utilize consumptive cathodic or anodic materials as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,065 (the &#39;065 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,342 (the &#39;342 patent), which are used up in the electrolytic process and must be routinely replaced and disposed of, creating a cumbersome disadvantage in refueling as well as the extra environmental burdens imposed by the hazardous waste. 
       Bulky and Cumbersome 
       [0015]    Still other hydrogen generators use highly complicated methods of gas separation and require bulky generators and other apparatus with various membranes to separate, compress, and store the hydrogen from the oxygen into multiple tanks for later use or introduce it into a fuel cell for further processing as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,529 (the &#39;529 patent) which also renders the cost of the generator so expensive as to be impractical for the average consumer. Still other generators use various means of vibrating or moving the plates to create a better fluid flow like U.S. Pat. No. 7,459,071 (the &#39;071 patent), but again the huge size required renders it useless for vehicle applications where a compact generator is a necessity. 
         [0016]    Further examples of wet cell power being wasted as the electrical energy jumps from exposed sharp edges of metal plates and screens can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,737 (the &#39;737 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,865 (the &#39;865 patent). While these generators are sufficient for their design and general use in a static setting, they are neither practical nor possible to use in vehicles or the mobile market which have little room for such massive additional mechanisms of storage and control, and their inefficiencies waste energy that could be better focused on the production of the clean fuel additives of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0017]    Additionally, recent state of the art hydrogen generators designed for vehicles and mobile industries operate at a steady state, and therefore require auxiliary and complex systems to maintain this state. Temperature control and amperage control are two factors which affect those systems. 
         [0018]    Most current state of the art on-demand hydrogen generators are constructed of a plastic material with low forming temperatures. If amperages are left uncontrolled, the heat generated will melt the container or warp the existing container materials. This can cause electrolyte leakage and dangerous loss of hydrogen from the system, and ultimately failure of the unit and many of the existing state of the art controllers are not built to withstand the constant heavy current needed to produce substantial hydrogen-oxygen gas. They often fail or burn out, rendering the entire hydrogen generation unit useless. 
         [0019]    Therefore, these specific applications of hydrogen generators of prior art as used to enhance the combustion process of internal combustion engines, are often bulky, impractical, and unsatisfactory. Accordingly, there exists a need of an improved compact hydrogen-generating system. 
       3. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0020]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are a result of the unique hybrid cell combination of both wet cell and dry cell technologies, drawing on the strengths of both, while eliminating the weaknesses inherent in each, resulting in a more balanced system of efficiency, fluid dynamics, and hydrogen-oxygen production, while at the same time meeting the important practical criteria for being a compact hydrogen generator. 
         [0021]    While present state of the art hydrogen generation systems are bulky, heavy, expensive, and complex, and in some cases in need of an infrastructure to utilize, my compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator by contrast, is light weight and very compact, and is engineered to fit into most existing vehicles with little modification. Because they are of the class of “on-demand” hydrogen-oxygen generators, they require no infrastructure or dangerous storage tanks, eliminating the need for billions of dollars in pumping stations. All hydrogen is used immediately upon production, and is only made as needed, requiring no storage, no compressors, and no tanks, making it much safer to use and eliminating the dangers of explosions from crashes. 
         [0022]    Rated at the same gas production rate as current state of the art systems, the compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator of this invention is from 10%-50% of the size of current state of the art systems, making it among the most compact and practical for use in mobile systems today. 
         [0023]    While present systems require expensive and complicated electronic controllers to prevent thermal runaway and resulting meltdowns, my present invention utilizes a unique design which does not require any electronic control, is thermally stable, and can withstand amperage levels two to three times as high as current state of the art units, without experiencing melting or overheating. It is also constructed of high temperature plastics rated at over 300 degrees F. These type of plastics, while expensive, can withstand even the hottest engine bay temperatures without melting or thermoforming, thereby creating a more efficient, more robust unit designed to take the rigors of mobile vehicle use. 
         [0024]    My compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator operates in a continuous varying state, i.e. the temperature and current are permitted to rise to their final value using an external reservoir, a measured electrolyte/water ratio, and superb internal fluid dynamics. By eliminating the expensive and troublesome electronic controllers, my present invention reduces costs, ensures reliability, and reduces installation time and maintenance. 
         [0025]    The wet cells have the advantage of great laminar flow in creating vast amounts of hydrogen-oxygen gas, but their severe losses due to exposed edges negate many of the advantages. My unique compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator takes advantage of the improved laminar flow of wet cells, while sealing off most exposed edges, greatly reducing the losses that would normally occur, but maintaining comparable flow. 
         [0026]    The dry cell eliminate edge currents, but their problems with dangerous exposed and electrified edges can create a hazardous situation and possible explosions. My compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator completely encloses the plate edges reducing or eliminating any danger of sparks from shorting between the plates. My present invention also maintains the efficiencies of a dry cell by greatly reducing edge current losses in its unique internal design. 
         [0027]    Additionally, the foaming that occurs often in certain dry cell designs can cause loss of power, decreased hydrogen production, and if it reaches the engine, the caustics in the foam can eat away at aluminum parts found in many engines today, possibly causing expensive repair bills to the owner. Therefore it is imperative to keep foaming to a minimum. My unique compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator mimics the efficiencies of the dry cell, but additionally maintains the effective laminar flow rate of a wet cell to greatly reduce foaming and restricted gas flow, resulting in a more efficient system. 
         [0028]    While current state of the art designs utilizing wet cell or dry cell technology have both advantages and disadvantages by way of efficiencies, cost, and hydrogen-oxygen gas production, neither is perfect in its present form, and both are in need of revision. 
         [0029]    There are other objects and advantages that will become apparent from the specification and drawings. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0030]    Now in accordance with this invention there has been found a compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator apparatus with unique design and structure for use in vehicles and static applications where a decrease of emissions and a better extraction of energy from hydrocarbonic fuels is desired and needed. In this embodiment my present invention of a compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator solves design shortcomings of present state of the art systems while presenting a reliable, compact, and cost efficient system of producing hydrogen-oxygen gas without requirements or investments into expensive infrastructure or cumbersome equipment. 
     
    
     
       4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a front view showing another embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a side view showing another embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a top view showing another embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is an alternative front view showing another embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5   a  is a close up view of section  5 - 5  in  FIG. 5  showing an alternative electrode embodiment according to the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5   b  is an alternative front view of  FIG. 5  showing another embodiment of section  5 - 5  in  FIG. 5  of compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a top view of an alternative embodiment in  FIG. 5  of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a front view of  FIG. 2  showing one embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator without fittings or bolts and fasteners in place 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view in detail of the portion indicated by the section lines  7 - 7  in  FIG. 7   
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of one inner cell of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention, with front plate and electrode removed for clarity. 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of one inner cell of the compact hydrogen with End Plate, electrode, and one inner plate removed for clarity, showing the water/electrolyte solution and the generated gas as it is produced in the compact generator according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  is a front view of one electrode of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  is a view of  FIG. 10  with electrode of  FIG. 11  in position, shown in a semi-transparent mode to reveal its relation to the remaining parts of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 12   a  is an alternative embodiment of the compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator showing one possible multi-faceted iteration. 
           [0046]      FIG. 12   b  is an alternative embodiment of the compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator showing one possible cylindrical iteration. 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  is a front view of  FIG. 2  showing one embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator with bolts and fasteners, but without fittings in place. 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  is a close-up cross section view in detail of the portion indicated by the section lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13  showing bolt and fastener detail. 
           [0049]      FIG. 15  is a cross section view of another embodiment of the portion indicated by the section lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13  showing an alternative fastener detail. 
           [0050]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator according to the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 17  is a side view of another embodiment of the hybrid cell hydrogen generator utilizing a manifold for exiting gases. 
           [0052]      FIG. 18  is a side view embodiment of the hybrid cell hydrogen generator showing manifolds for both ingoing water/electrolyte mixture and the outgoing hydrogen-oxygen gas. 
           [0053]      FIG. 19  is one embodiment of an electrical schematic with an alternative method for powering alternative embodiments of the compact hydrogen generator. 
           [0054]      FIG. 20  is one embodiment of a plumbing schematic for fluid and hose connections. 
           [0055]      FIG. 21  is a chart of an emissions test performed on a test vehicle with our compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator system installed. 
           [0056]      FIG. 22  is a bar graph of the reduction in Hydrocarbons indicated in chart of  FIG. 21   
           [0057]      FIG. 23  is a bar graph of the reduction in Oxides of Nitrogen as indicated in chart of  FIG. 21   FIG. 24  is a bar graph of the reduction in deadly Carbon Monoxide as indicated in chart of FIG. 
       
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           30 . end plate 
           31 . end plate alternative 
           32 . bolt 
           33 . electrode 
           34 . alternative electrode 
           35 . alt electrode 
           36 . electrode gasket 
           37 . nut 
           38 . inner cell casing 
           39 . upper elbow fitting 
           40 . lower elbow fitting 
           41 . upper straight fitting 
           42 . lower straight fitting 
           43 . inner gasket 
           44 . inner plate 
           45 . through hole for bolt assembly 
           46 . threaded hole for fittings 
           47 . fluid return channel 
           48 . gas accumulation chamber 
           49 . water/electrolyte mixture 
           50 . hydrogen-oxygen gas 
           51 . electrode gas exit channel 
           52 . water/electrolyte mixture entrance channel 
           53 . electrolytic process chamber 
           54 . washer 
           55 . bolt insulator tube 
           56 . rivet 
           57 . inner cell sub assembly 
           58 . manifold inlet tube 
           59 . gas manifold 
           60 . battery array 
           61 . inverter 
           62 . diode bridge array 
           63 . capacitor 
           64 . hydrogen generator 
           65 . hose 
           66 . reservoir 
           67 . bubbler/filter 
           68 . dryer/safety flashback arrestor 
           69 . air intake of the internal combustion engine 
           70 . gas manifold sub assembly 
         71. alternative inner gasket 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0100]    In one embodiment of the compact Hydrogen Generator, the fully assembled unit with bolts, fittings and exposed electrode connection points which can be seen in  FIG. 1 . As seen In  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 8 , a generator is comprised of an inner cell casing  38 , which contains a number of metal inner plates  44  separated by inner gaskets  43 , and is sandwiched between electrodes  33 , gaskets  36  and end plates  30 . Gaskets  36  sandwich the electrodes  33  to prevent leaks, and are compressed to a predetermined specification by bolts  32 , washers  54  and nuts  37 . 
         [0101]    Elbow fittings  39  and  40  are inserted into threaded holes  46  on end plates  30  in this embodiment. Typically in this configuration, the water/electrolyte mixture  49  enters the generator in a liquid state through lower elbow fitting  40 , and exits in a saturated gaseous state through upper elbow fitting  39 . The DC (direct current) electricity is introduced by connection to the electrodes  33  through various means of attachment common to the trade, at least one electrode  33  becoming the anode, and at least on electrode  33  becoming the cathode. 
         [0102]    The inner cell sub assembly  57  in  FIG. 8 , which is a cross section of  7 - 7  in  FIG. 7 , shows an assembled embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator including end plates  30  inner cell casing  38 , gaskets  36 , electrodes  33 , inner plates  44  and inner gaskets  43 , as well as electrolytic process chamber  53 . 
         [0103]    The bolts  32  shown in  FIG. 14  are inserted in a through hole for bolt assembly  45  and in this embodiment are insulated from electrodes  33  with a bolt insulator tube  55  to prevent electrical shorting, and the combined bolts  32 , washers  54 , nuts  37 , and bolt insulator tube  55  serve to compress and hold the inner cell sub assembly  57 , gaskets  36 , and end plates  30  together in one method of this embodiment. 
         [0104]    In another embodiment multiple inner cell subassemblies  57  can be stacked together to form a larger compact hydrogen generator for more hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  production as shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , and the hydrogen generator is not limited to just one inner cell subassembly  57 , though it can function quite well with just one inner cell subassembly  23 , with electrodes  33 , gaskets  36 , and end plates  30  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0105]    When many inner cell subassemblies  57  are joined together as in  FIG. 17 , there are several particular and unique advantages recognized that are specific to this embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 17  the same inner cell casings  38 , gaskets  36 , and end plates  30 , are used as outlined and detailed in these specifications. 
         [0106]    However, in a cross hybrid embodiment between the generator assembly in  FIG. 2  and the generator assembly in  FIG. 5 , the lower straight fittings  42  are assembled in end plates  30  but the upper straight fittings  41  are connected with a gas manifold  59  which is interconnected with a series of manifold inlet tubes  58 . This is hugely advantageous over prior art as it allows an efficient laminar convection flow of water/electrolyte mixture  49  and the resultant larger volume of hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  in a smooth laminar flow and improved fluid dynamics. 
         [0107]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment to  FIG. 17  with manifold inlet tubes  58  interconnected with gas manifold  59  together comprising a gas manifold sub assembly  70 . In this embodiment a gas manifold sub assembly  70  is used in lieu of the upper straight fittings  41  and the lower straight fittings  42  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The said fittings  41  and fittings  42  are shown in this embodiment of  FIG. 18  are now connected to the gas manifold sub assembly  70 . 
         [0108]    Alternatively, the embodiment in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18  can have many additional inner cell subassemblies  57  and be configured in a particular way as to run on much higher DC (direct current) voltages of 120 volts, 240 volts, or even 480 volts or higher, using a rectified voltage as shown in the electrical schematic in  FIG. 19 , with no degradation or reduction of laminar flow. 
         [0109]    In one embodiment the 12 volt or 24 volt battery  60  is connected to inverter  61  which changes the DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current) and increases said voltage to 120 volts AC as shown in  FIG. 19 . The output 120 volt AC signal is then rectified through a full wave diode bridge array  62  as shown in  FIG. 19  and as is common to those skilled in the trade. The 120 volt rectified DC (direct current) is then fed into the anode and cathode electrodes  33  of the hydrogen generator  30 , allowing a more efficient energy input of higher voltage but lower amperage, lessening the power drain on the vehicle or engine alternator. 
         [0110]    In another embodiment, inner cell subassemblies  57 , end plates  30 , gaskets  36 , electrodes  33 , metal inner plates  44  separated by inner gaskets  43 , can be configured as a round assembly as shown in  FIG. 12   b  and are not constrained to only the square configuration embodiment detailed in these specifications. 
         [0111]    In another embodiment, inner cell subassemblies  57 , end plates  30 , gaskets  36 , electrodes  33 , metal inner plates  44  separated by inner gaskets  43 , can be configured as a multi-faceted assembly such as shown in  FIG. 12   a , but not limited to: hexagon, octagon, pentagon, or other various multi-faceted designs, and are not constrained to only the square configuration embodiments detailed in these specifications. 
         [0112]    In another embodiment, inner gaskets  43  can be joined together in a tray like arrangement (not shown) as clips that can fasten to the inner plates  44  to act as both spacers, plate holders, and edge protectors to expedite assembly of larger hydrogen generators with large numbers of inner plates  44 . 
         [0113]    In another embodiment, inner gaskets  43  can be substituted with one embodiment but not limited to alternative inner gasket  71  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0114]    Alternatively, an even slimmer embodiment of the compact hydrogen generator in  FIG. 5  uses the same configuration of an inner cell casing  38 , which contains a number of metal inner plates  44  separated by inner gaskets  43 , and is sandwiched between electrodes  33 , gaskets  36  and end plates  30 . Gaskets  36  sandwich the electrodes  33  to prevent leaks, and are compressed to a predetermined specification by bolts  32 , washers  54  and nuts  37 . But instead of the Elbow fittings  39  and  40  inserted into threaded holes  46  on end plates  30 , this embodiment uses end plate alternative  31  which has no threaded holes  46  on end plate  30 . The water/electrolyte mixture  49  enters the compact hydrogen generator through fitting  42  and exits as hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  through fitting  41 . This presents an even slimmer embodiment and is the preferred method for an ultra slim compact hydrogen generator. 
         [0115]    In another embodiment, the exposed tab of electrode  33  can be processed with a hole as in alternative electrode  34  of  FIG. 5   a  for easier electrical hookup as is common to anyone skilled in the trade. 
         [0116]    In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5   b , the end plates  30 , inner cell casing  38 , and gaskets  36  can be made in such a manner as alternative end plate  31  as to expose a section of alternative electrode  35  without an extended tab as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0117]    In another embodiment gas accumulation chamber  48  in  FIG. 9  can be changed in size, shape, and angle and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0118]    In another embodiment fluid return channel  47  in  FIG. 9  can be changed in size, shape, and angles and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0119]    In another embodiment water/electrolyte mixture entrance channel  52  can be changed in size, shape, and angles and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0120]    In another embodiment electrode gas exit channel  51  can be changed in size, shape, and angles and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0121]    In another embodiment the inner gaskets  43  can be changed in size, shape, and angles and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 12   
         [0122]    In another embodiment gaskets  36  in  FIG. 16  can be changed in size, shape, and angles and is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 16 . Alternatively, gaskets  36  can be substituted with specially shaped o-ring gaskets (not shown). 
         [0123]    In another embodiment the plumbing schematic can be modified from that shown in  FIG. 20   
       Operation of Invention 
       [0124]    As water/electrolyte mixture  49  is introduced into the compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator through lower elbow fittings  40  or  42 , it enters through the water/electrolyte mixture entrance channel  52  in electrode  33  and passes through the fluid return channel  47 , filling up the electrolytic process chamber  53 . As voltage and current are applied to extended contacts of electrodes  33 , electrolysis occurs in the electrolytic process chambers  53  and hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  is disassociated from water/electrolyte mixture  49 , rising up the electrolytic process chambers  53  where it gathers in a specially configured gas accumulation chamber  48 . From there, the hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  pressurizes and goes through electrode gas exit channel  51 , and out upper elbow fittings  39  or  41  in the form of a saturated hydrogen-oxygen gas, which is a mixture of both the water/electrolyte mixture  49  and the newly disassociated hydrogen-oxygen gas  50 . 
         [0125]    The saturated hydrogen-oxygen gas then exits the hydrogen generator  64  through the hose  65  and into the reservoir  66  as seen in plumbing schematic  FIG. 20 . The heavy water/electrolyte mixture  49  drops via gravity back into the water/electrolyte mixture  49  in the reservoir, where it continues the gravity fed convection circulation back into the bottom fittings  40  or  42  of hydrogen generator  30  to start the cycle again. The reservoir is generally filled ⅔ with water/electrolyte mixture  49 , and the remaining ⅓ space at the top of the reservoir contains the lighter hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  which has separated out from the water/electrolyte mixture  49 , being lighter in its gaseous form. The hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  then circulates into a secondary bubbler/filter  67 , then alternately through a dryer/safety flashback arrestor  68 . From there it is drawn into the air intake of the internal combustion engine  69 , where it mixes with existing air/fuel ratio of internal combustion engine and ignites along with it during the combustion process, enhancing the burn and lowering emissions by injection of the clean hydrogen gas (which burns ten times faster than gasoline), in conjunction with approximately 34% pure oxygen. 
         [0126]    The form of hydrogen-oxygen gas  50  as produced in my present invention is both volatile and energetic, and should not be pressurized above a certain threshold. This form of on-demand hydrogen generation has been shown in many instances to greatly enhance the combustion process, extract more energy out of the fuel, and significantly reduce emissions as shown in the included chart of  FIG. 21 , and the bar graphs in  FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 23 , and  FIG. 24 . 
         [0127]    While I believe the reaction occurs because of the catalytic effect of introducing a small amount of hydrogen-oxygen into the combustion process, I don&#39;t wish to be bound by this. 
         [0128]    The introduction of this specialized hydrogen-oxygen gas does appear to extract more energy out of a given volume of combustible hydrocarbons, resulting in the lowering of noxious fumes and emissions, and resulting in a much more thorough extraction of energy from fuel that would normally be wasted as heat and exhaust. Many of our customers have reported a very sweet smelling exhaust, and I myself can attest to a slight ozone smell, though this is purely anecdotal and not substantiated in present supporting documents included in this application. 
         [0129]    There is not enough volume produced in this style of on demand compact hydrogen generator to replace hydrocarbonic fuels, but it works perfectly in conjunction with the fuel to create a faster burn, extracting more energy out, before the gases exit the internal combustion engine. It is also of very slim design and compact as a hydrogen generator, making it easier, cheaper, and quicker to install. 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0130]    Thus the reader will see that the compact hybrid cell hydrogen generator of the invention provides a highly reliable, very compact and efficient device that can be fit into almost any vehicle, mobile unit, or static fuel based generators. It can be used to drastically reduce contaminants from fuel and extract more energy out of the combustion process, positively impacting our environment and eco-system. 
         [0131]    While my above invention contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example changing the overall shape to cylindrical or hexagonal instead of the square one indicated in this embodiment. Or the use of more exotic metals instead of stainless steel such as platinum, cobalt, nickel, titanium or other various coated metals with possibly applied catalysts. Other variations include using different fastening systems than the bolts/nuts or rivet embodiments shown. Other variations include revisions in the thickness and solidity of the inner cell casing  38  structure and design which would be better suited to an o-ring application. Other variations including size of overall hydrogen generator and/or mounting brackets or holes. Other variations include integrating water coolant channels in the inner cell casing  38  for keeping steady temperatures. Still other variations include use of specially designed pressure relief valves, vacuum relief valves, and specially vented solenoid check valves. Another example is integration of vibratory equipment. Yet another example is integration of higher voltage pulsed through a capacitor bank into a resonant circuit. Yet another example is integrating highly energetic magnetic coils. 
         [0132]    Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.