Patent Publication Number: US-2017362522-A1

Title: Concentration of sodium borohydride as electrolyte for the generation of hydrogen as fuel in diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines with a catalyst system using minimum current

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to fuel additives, and more particularly, to electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,488 B1 awarded on Mar. 19, 2010 to Seijirau Suda for Method for generation of hydrogen gas. However, it differs from the present invention because Suda teaches a method for generation of hydrogen gas, in which a reaction medium is prepared by dissolving a metal hydrogen complex compound such as sodium borohydride NaBH 4  in an aqueous alkaline solution such as a 10% by weight aqueous solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide and is brought into contact with a catalyst, which is a metal such as cobalt and nickel or a so-called hydrogen-absorbing alloy such as Mg 2 Ni so that decomposition of the metal hydrogen complex compound proceeds even at room temperature to generate hydrogen gas. The catalytic activity of the catalyst can be increased by subjecting the catalyst to a fluorinating treatment in which the catalyst powder is immersed in an aqueous solution of potassium fluoride acidified with hydrofluoric acid. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,657 B2, issued on Aug. 1, 2006 to Mohring, et al. for System for hydrogen generation. However, it differs from the present invention because Mohring, et al. relates to an improvement in a system for the generation of hydrogen by contacting an aqueous solution of a metal hydride salt with a hydrogen generation catalyst. In particular Mohring, et al. relates to the incorporation within the system of a recycle line of water condensed from the fluid product to the feed line to be contacted with the catalyst. The internal recycle line permits the use of a more concentrated solution of metal hydride as it is diluted by the recycle line prior to contact with the catalyst. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,780 B1, issued on Dec. 11, 2007 to Kravitz, et al. for Method of generating hydrogen gas from sodium borohydride. However, it differs from the present invention because Kravitz teaches a compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to Patent EP 1496014 A1, filing date Jun. 24, 2004 to Massimo, et al. for Magnetic containment device for hydrogen generation from alkaline borohydrides. However, it differs from the present invention because Massimo, et al. relates to the realization of a magnetic containment device, i.e. a reactor subject to an external magnetic field having such an intensity to contain a suitable iron-magnetic catalyst in a well-defined volume. A solution of alkaline borohydride continuously crosses the area where the catalyst is contained and a hydrolysis reaction generates gaseous hydrogen. The catalyst can be inserted, kept or removed from the reactor, by moving the magnetic field. This system permits to get variable hydrogen quantities, increasing or decreasing the contact surface between the catalyst and the reagents. The hydrogen so produced, already saturated with steam, is suitable for the feed of fuel cells for the production of electrical energy, since it doesn&#39;t need further humidification. The catalysts studied and chemical process provides reaction kinetics, getting chemical stability in time. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to International Publication WO 2010007194 A2, filing date Jun. 12, 2009 to Marsa, et al. for Method for obtaining nanoparticles through reaction in oil-in-water-type microemulsions. However, it differs from the present invention because Marsa, et al. teaches a method for obtaining wholly or partially metallic nanoparticles through reaction in oil-in-water (o/w)-type microemulsion, comprising the following steps: (a) preparation of the microemuision, comprising the mixing of suitable proportions of different components, namely surfactant(s), the oil phase (containing organometallic precursor(s)) and the aqueous phase, and homogenising the mixture by means of light mechanical action at a temperature suitable for the reaction; and (b) addition of one of the following types of agents depending on whether metallic or partially metallic nanoparticles are being prepared, namely a reducing agent, e.g. sodium tetrahydroborate (NaBH 4 ), hydrazine or hydrogen (g), or an oxidizing agent, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, or a precipitating agent, e.g. a hydroxide, an oxalate, a sulphate or sulphide salt, etc. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to International Publication WO 2011073958 A1, filing date Dec. 20, 2010 to Pozio, et al. for Device for controlled production of hydrogen. However, it differs from the present invention because Pozio, et al. teaches a device for producing hydrogen from borohydride, comprising a first tank capable of housing water, a second tank in which there is housed a mixture consisting of solid borohydride and a solid borohydride and a solid organic acid under normal conditions, and connection means capable of allowing the water to pass from the first tank to the second tank. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to International Publication WO 2013009158 A1, filing date Jul. 8, 2011 to Jose Luis Iturbe Garcia for Method for producing hydrogen gas, alumina and sodium carbonate in a single stage from the reaction between aluminum particles and aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. However, it differs from the present invention because Garcia teaches a method for producing hydrogen gas (H 2 ), alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) in a single stage by causing particles of aluminum (Al) measuring between 0.5 microns and 500 millimeters to react, characterized in that the aluminum particles (Al) must be pure (unalloyed) and the aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) must have concentrations of between 1 molar and 10 molar and a saturation preferably of 4 molar. The aluminum (Al) used can be scraps of aluminum waste; the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is in powder form for a better preparation of the solutions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water (H 2 O); and the aluminum (Al) is particles of aluminum (Al), placed in a receptacle of a certain size having a non-metal lining, which withstands temperatures between ambient temperature and 250° C., and is hermetically covered, creating a vacuum, and following the addition of the aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH), preferably 4 molar, the reaction is carried out under ambient conditions of pressure and temperature and without requiring additional heat energy to initiate said chemical reaction. The white precipitate is alumina (Al 2 O 3 ), separated through decantation and dried, and the sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) transforms the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) found in the atmosphere by bubbling air in said solution; the solution subsequently evaporates, resulting in sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) and recovery of the water used in the method. None of the phases of said method produces any kind of pollutant; the receptacle where the chemical reaction takes place is also used as a receptacle for storing the hydrogen (H 2 ); and the hydrogen (H 2 ) can be obtained where this gas is needed, thereby avoiding transport and storage of (H 2 ) in special containers. 
     Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to International Publication WO 2013186416 A2, filing date Jul. 11, 2013 to Pons, et al. for Active materials based on cerium with a catalytic capacity and method for producing same. However, it differs from the present invention because Pons, et al. teaches combinations comprising hydrogen gas or a hydrogen-donating agent and nanoclays comprising cerium or metallic cerium oxide particles. Also teaches compositions, nanocomposite materials and packaging comprising said combinations. Also teaches methods for producing said combinations and to the use thereof in the packaging of products sensitive to oxygen and oxidation. 
     Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a new fuel additive created from a solution of sodium borohydride in basic medium, which has a capacity to generate enough energy to be used in internal combustion engines and other applications with excellent results. Its activation is by electrolysis and its product is hydrogen gas generation, which has a heat capacity that exceeds that of conventional fuels. 
     Fuel activation occurs in two steps, the first step is the activation of sodium borohydride electrolyte by electrolysis according to the following reaction: NaBH 4 +2H 2 O→NaBO 2 +4H 2 . This reaction is mediated by a catalyst, which has the ability to activate the process. A second step is the action exerted by released hydrogen, which acts directly on the internal combustion engine exerting a job represented in operation thereof. 
     An important feature is that the electrolyte is not flammable. It can last up to fifteen days under normal conditions and works up to twelve hours a day. Once a hydrogen generation device is activated, generated catalysis liberates hydrogen molecules being the actual cause of the combustion process. The hydrogen gas does not generate contaminating waste. Thus, reducing greenhouse effects because its inorganic nature does not release CO 2  into the environment. The hydrogen gas works as a detonating agent in the process of ignition of fossil fuels in engines and all systems utilizing internal combustion engines. 
     More specifically, the present invention is an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, comprising a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M or lesser for a production of hydrogen concentrations by a hydrogen generation device for a system requiring hydrogen continuously without storage thereof. The electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines comprises sodium borohydride, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydride, and deionized water. 
     The hydrogen generation device comprises a container and cover made of plastic, which may be polypropylene. The container and cover house steel sheets, and the hydrogen generation device further comprises screws, a relief valve, a drain, terminal blocks, and a hydrogen outlet hose. The steel sheets are an arrangement of two sets of plates. Each of the two sets of plates comprises three negative plates joined to a ground, two positive plates joined to a positive, and four neutral plates. In a preferred embodiment, the negative, positive, and neutral plates are separated at a distance of approximately 4 mm. The two sets of plates are attached to the cover by the screws that are made of steel. The screws function as terminal blocks, whereby cables from a vehicle power source for current flow are connected and carry out an electrolysis process. The hydrogen generation device is sealed and comprises a single hole where the hydrogen outlet hose will transport generated hydrogen to an engine of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the hydrogen generation device is approximately 21.5 cm in width, by 32.5 cm in length, by 15 cm in height. Connecting positive and negative cables from a battery and/or alternator of the vehicle activates the hydrogen generation device. As an example, the vehicle is an automobile, car, truck, pickup, tractor, recreational vehicle, sport utility vehicle, or motorcycle. The battery and/or alternator of the vehicle provides an initial amperage of approximately between 6 and 12 amps, all according to a cylinder capacity of a vehicle engine. 
     The hydrogen concentrations are combined with fossil fuels to produce a more efficient combustion. The fossil fuels include diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. 
     It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that improves a general condition of vehicles without requiring a change in factory settings. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that improves vehicle fuel efficiency, and does not generate pollutants, such as CO 2 , contributing to reducing a greenhouse effect and global pollution. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that works dually with fossil fuels not only increasing its octane rating, but in turn a percentage yield of such fuels. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that exerts a synergistic effect on traditional fuel, especially during long runs. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive that is not only applicable to internal combustion engines, but also to any system requiring hydrogen continuously without storage thereof. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that is a clean fuel that produces no polluting waste affecting the environment. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that is compatible with different types of engines. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines having a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M or lesser that is superior to other electrolytes. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that has no risk of explosion by direct contact with fire, and hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte produced is utilized immediately, ensuring a secure system for the vehicle. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that is not harmful to human health in case of leakage and subsequent inhalation. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines that that is inexpensive to make, implement, and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates horsepower improvement with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates generally reduced operating temperatures with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates reduced times required to ascend inclines with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates improved vehicle acceleration with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates improved recovery responses with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates improved performance with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines with diesel fuel. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates energy densities of various fuels. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is an electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines and the method of making same, with a hydrogen generation device and a system requiring hydrogen continuously without storage thereof. Hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, improves combustion and thus efficiency. The more efficient combustion increases engine power. The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, allows for increased storage time at low temperatures. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines comprises sodium borohydride, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and water, which is an ideal fuel additive for the maximization of water and its energy capacity. The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is activated in two stages, the first is given by the action of current flow in a process of electrolysis where together with the electrolyte breaking of covalent bonds linking the oxygen molecule with the freeing them hydrogen occurs, and the second stage is the action exerted by hydrogen when entering the combustion chamber and supplement or potentiate the action exerted by the traditional fuel. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines comprises a solution of sodium borohydride in a basic medium. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines has a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M or lesser. It is important to note that this invention is not from organic compounds. 
     A method of making electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, comprises the steps of: 
     A) weighing approximately 16.6497 g of sodium borohydride, approximately 10.0940 g of sodium hydroxide, and approximately 3.8475 g of potassium hydride; 
     B) adding said approximately 10.0940 g of sodium hydroxide and said approximately 3.8475 g of potassium hydride to approximately 60 mL of first deionized water to make a first composition; 
     C) mixing said first composition; 
     D) adding said approximately 16.6497 g of sodium borohydride to said first composition to make a second composition; 
     E) adding second deionized water to said second composition to make approximately 100 mL of basic electrolyte solution; 
     F) diluting said approximately 100 mL of basic electrolyte solution by adding approximately 7400 mL of third deionized water to make a third composition; and 
     G) adding approximately 3 to 10 mL of sodium borohydride approximately 4.4008 M to said third composition to make an electrolyte having a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M. 
     It is important to note that the action taken by hydrogen depends entirely on the breakage of the water, encouraged both by the electrolyte and by the electrolysis itself. 
     A hydrogen generation device of the present invention uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Like fuel cells, the hydrogen generation device consists of an anode and a cathode separated by the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generation device is made of plastic, which does not react with the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, and does not intervene or interfere with any of the stages of hydrogen generation. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen generation device comprises a container and cover made of polypropylene that house steel sheets, and further comprises screws, double-sided tape, a relief valve, a drain, terminal blocks, and a hydrogen outlet hose. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the steel sheets are an arrangement of two sets of plates. Each set of plates has three negative plates joined to a ground (negative charge), two positive plates joined to a positive (positive charge), and four neutral plates. The plates are separated at a distance of approximately 4 mm. The two sets of plates are attached to the cover by the screws. In a preferred embodiment, the screws are made of steel to function as terminal blocks, whereby cables from a vehicle&#39;s power source for current flow are connected and effectively carry out the electrolysis process. In one embodiment, the hydrogen generation device is sealed and comprises a single hole where the hydrogen outlet hose will transport generated hydrogen to an engine of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen generation device is approximately 21.5 cm in width, by 32.5 cm in length, by 15 cm in height. 
     The hydrogen generation device is activated by connecting positive and negative cables from a power source, such as a battery and/or alternator, of a vehicle. Such a vehicle can be, but is not limited to, automobiles, cars, trucks, pickups, tractors, recreational vehicles, SUVs, motorcycles, and any other motorized vehicles for transportation. In a preferred embodiment, an initial amperage of approximately between 6 and 12 amps, all according to a cylinder capacity of the vehicle&#39;s engine is utilized. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines works in standard environmental conditions for an operating engine of a vehicle, making it efficient when producing hydrogen as fuel in diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines with a catalyst system using minimal current. It is noted that an amount of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines required depends on a cylinder capacity of the vehicle, and multiple hydrogen generation devices may be utilized for a vehicle. Waste, borate, produced by the hydrogen generation device may revert back to sodium borohydride through a series of chemical processes, ensuring cost reduction by reusing the present invention electrolyte and clean waste management. 
     As mentioned above, the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is activated in two stages. 
     A first stage is the activation of the present invention electrolyte having a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M or lesser, by the action of passing current through the electrolyte, resulting in the release of four hydrogen molecules, according to the following reaction: 
       NaBH 4 +2H 2 O→NaBO 2 +4H 2 .
 
     The release of hydrogen is the beginning of the second stage, in which the released hydrogen exercises its power to make a fundamental part of the combustion process, whereby a ratio of hydrogen-air/fuel and its effectiveness in an engine is: 
       2H 2 =(O 2 +3.76N 2 →2H 2 O+3.76N, whereby:
 
     Air mass: (1 molO2 32 g/mol+3.76 molN2*28 g/mol)=137.28 g, and 
     Hydrogen mass: 4 molH2*2 g/mol=8 
     It is important to note that the present invention electrolyte having a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M implemented in its stoichiometry equation produces four hydrogen molecules instead of two, meaning that the mass of the hydrogen to the above equation is double, equivalent to eight grams. 
     
       
         
           
             
                 
             
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     Wherein RAC is the air-fuel ratio of the system. 
     The combustion of hydrogen produces no carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). 
       FIG. 1  evidences an increase in horsepower with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
       FIG. 2  evidences generally reduced operating temperatures when traveling approximately below 115 km/hr. with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
       FIG. 3  evidences a reduced time required to ascend a 5 and 10 degree incline with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines. 
       FIG. 4  evidences improved vehicle acceleration with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, whereby hydrogen is produced by electrolysis with a solution of NaBH 4 -diesel. 
       FIG. 5  evidences an improved recovery response with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines, whereby the system not only has a greater capacity for acceleration, but in turn the recovery is better because it improves torque conditions and generally the whole system works better. 
       FIG. 6  evidences improved performance with use of the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines with diesel fuel, thus saving up 16.28 gallons of diesel over a distance of 200 kilometers. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates energy densities of various fuels. The hydrogen gas takes advantage of energy content in fossil fuels including, but not limited to diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas to produce a more efficient combustion. 
     Hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is an inorganic fuel capable of generating energy equivalent or better to that of fossil fuels. A stoichiometry in the ratio of hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is approximately 1.19:1, indicating approximately 1.19 grams of hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte to approximately 1 gram of diesel fuel is required. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines improves a general condition of vehicles without requiring a change in factory settings. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines improves vehicle fuel efficiency, and does not generate pollutants, such as CO 2 , contributing to reducing a greenhouse effect and global pollution. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines works dually with fossil fuels not only increasing its octane rating, but in turn a percentage yield of such fuels. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines exerts a synergistic effect on traditional fuel, especially during long runs. 
     The present invention electrolyte is not only applicable to internal combustion engines, but also to any system requiring hydrogen continuously without storage thereof. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is a clean fuel that produces no polluting waste affecting the environment. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines is compatible with different types of engines. 
     The amount of hydrogen molecules produced per gram of fuel by the present invention electrolyte having a final concentration sodium borohydride of approximately 0.05947 M is superior to other electrolytes. 
     The present invention electrolyte as an additive for internal combustion engines has no risk of explosion by direct contact with fire and hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte produced is utilized immediately, ensuring a secure system for the vehicle. 
     Hydrogen gas from the present invention electrolyte is not harmful to human health in case of leakage and subsequent inhalation. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.