Abstract:
An electrolysis system to be used in a salt-water application at a predetermined depth. The electrolysis system comprises two cylindrical tanks that are connected by an ionic bridge. Enclosed within each tank are turbine assemblies attached to a generator by a shaft. An anode coil is secured to one tank near the bottom and a cathode coil is secured to the other tank near its bottom. Electricity is supplied from an external source to power said anode and cathode coils. Once electrolysis starts to occur, oxygen and hydrogen gas emit and travel towards the top of their respective tanks. As the respective gases pass their respective valves, they turn their respective turbines, which enable their respective generators. Once the generators are providing sufficient power for the anode and cathode coils to perform electrolysis, the external power supply is disconnected. Oxygen and hydrogen is then stored.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to electrolysis systems, and more particularly, to an underwater apparatus to produce electrolysis. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Many designs for electrolysis systems have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include underwater electrolysis tank assemblies comprising turbines that are driven by gas, based on buoyancy principles. 
   There are no electrolysis systems to the best of applicant&#39;s knowledge that utilizes buoyancy principles to drive turbines while underwater to produce electrolysis. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Electrolysis, is defined as a chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in an electrolyte by an electric current. As detailed in  CHEMISTRY, The Central Science , seventh edition, by Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay, Jr., and Bruce E. Bursten; voltaic cells are based on spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions. Conversely, it is possible to use electrical energy to cause nonspontaneous redox reactions to occur. For example, electricity can be used to decompose molten sodium chloride into its component elements:
 
2NaCl(l)→2Na(l)+Cl 2 (g)
 
Such processes, which are driven by an outside source of electrical energy, are called electrolysis reactions and take place in electrolytic cells.
 
   As detailed in  CHEMISTRY , third edition, by Steven S. Zumdahl, a similar procedure may be utilized for the electrolysis of water. It is known that hydrogen and oxygen combine spontaneously to form water and that the accompanying decrease in free energy can be used to run a fuel cell to produce electricity. The reverse process, which is of course nonspontaneous, can be forced by electrolysis. As an example:
     Anode reaction:
 
2H 2 O→O 2 +4H + +4 e   − −ε 0 =−1.23 V;
   Cathode reaction:
 
4H 2 O+4 e   − →2H 2 +4OH − ε 0 =−0.83 V;
   produce a net reaction:
 
6H 2 O→2H 2 +O 2 +4 (H + +OH − )ε 0 =−2.06 V
   or
 
2H 2 O→2H 2 +O 2 
   

   Note that these potentials assume an anode chamber with 1 M H+and a cathode chamber with 1 M OH − . In pure water, where [H + ]=[OH − ]=10 −7 M, the potential for the overall process is −1.23 V. 
   In laboratory practice, however, if platinum electrodes connected to a 6-V battery are dipped into pure water, no reaction is observed because pure water contains so few ions that only a negligible current can flow. However, addition of even a small amount of a soluble salt causes an immediate evolution of bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen. 
   Additionally, there are many ionic constituents that exist in seawater. Such ionic constituents of seawater present in concentrations greater than 0.001 g/kg (1 ppm) are listed in chart 1 below, as illustrated in  CHEMISTRY, The Central Science , previously mentioned above. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Ionic Constituent 
               g/kg Seawater 
               Concentration (M) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               Chloride, Cl −   
               19.35 
               0.55 
             
             
                 
               Sodium, Na +   
               10.76 
               0.47 
             
             
                 
               Sulfate, SO 4   2−   
               2.71 
               0.028 
             
             
                 
               Magnesium, Mg 2+   
               1.29 
               0.053 
             
             
                 
               Calcium, Ca 2+   
               0.412 
               0.010 
             
             
                 
               Potassium, K +   
               0.40 
               0.010 
             
             
                 
               Carbon dioxide* 
               0.106 
               2.41 × 10 −3   
             
             
                 
               Bromide, Br −   
               0.067 
               8.39 × 10 −4   
             
             
                 
               Boric Acid, H 3 BO 3   
               0.027 
               4.37 × 10 −4   
             
             
                 
               Strontium, Sr 2+   
               0.0079 
               9.02 × 10 −5   
             
             
                 
               Fluoride, F −   
               0.001 
               5.26 × 10 −5   
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               *CO 2  is present in seawater as HCO 3   −  and CO 3   2− .  
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The instant invention is an electrolysis system to be used in a marine application at a predetermined depth. The electrolysis system comprises two cylindrical tanks that are connected by an ionic bridge. Enclosed within each tank are turbine assemblies attached to a generator by a shaft. An anode coil is secured to one tank near the bottom and a cathode coil is secured to the other tank near its bottom. Electricity is supplied from an external source to power said anode and cathode coils. Once electrolysis starts to occur, oxygen and hydrogen gas emit and travel towards the top of their respective tanks. As the respective gases pass their respective valves, they turn their respective turbines, which enable their respective generators. Once the generators are providing sufficient power for the anode and cathode coils to perform electrolysis, the external power supply is disconnected. Oxygen and hydrogen gases are then stored. In the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the instant invention operates at a predetermined water depth to also collect metals. 
   More specifically, the instant invention is an electrolysis system comprising a platform assembly with first and second ends. The platform assembly floats on a body of saltwater and has winch assemblies at the first and second ends to winch first and second cables. The platform assembly further has first and second storage tanks fixedly secured thereon, to store oxygen and hydrogen gas respectively. 
   A stabilizing assembly stabilizes the platform assembly on the body of saltwater. 
   A pulley assembly has first and second pulleys on the first and second cables respectively. The pulley assembly has an anchor in the body of saltwater. 
   An electrolysis tank assembly has first and second cylindrical tanks secured between the first and second pulleys. An ionic bridge connects the first and second cylindrical tanks to one another. The first cylindrical tank has an anode coil connected to an external power supply from the platform assembly and the second cylindrical tank has a cathode coil also connected to the external power supply. The first and second cylindrical tanks each have a generator and at least one turbine assembly connected to each other by a shaft. 
   The electrolysis system has means to produce the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electrolysis, wherein the electrolysis tank assembly is positioned at a predetermined depth within the body of saltwater. The external power supply initiates operation of the anode and cathode coils as an electrical current is applied, creating the oxygen and hydrogen gas respectively. The oxygen and hydrogen gas, in their respective first and second cylindrical tanks, travel through the at least one turbine assembly turning the generator with the shaft. When the generator produces sufficient electrical current for electrolysis, the external power supply is disengaged. The oxygen and hydrogen gas is stored in the first and second storage tanks. 
   The instant invention further comprises at least one collector assembly fixedly secured to the first and second cables. The collector assembly has a generally rectangular frame assembly, which has a weighted bag removably secured thereon. 
   With gravity, the instant invention also has means to collect ionic constituents present in saltwater within the weighted bag when the rectangular frame assembly is positioned below the pulley assembly. 
   The platform assembly further comprises first and second vacuums to vacuum the ionic constituents from the weighted bag when the collector assembly is at the first or second ends. The weighted bag has a vacuum hose, which connects to the first and second vacuums. 
   Additionally, the first and second cables have a net secured onto one end of the rectangular frame assembly, to prevent the weighted bag from becoming entangled with the first and second cables. 
   It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus that may produce large quantities of hydrogen and oxygen gas from seawater. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that may collect ionic constituents and metals that exist in seawater. 
   It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture 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   a  represents a perspective view of the upper portion of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 1   b  represents a perspective view of the lower portion of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 1   c  is a cut view of pipe  104  taken along the line  1   c — 1   c  in  FIG. 1   b.    
       FIG. 1   d  is a perspective view of basket  118  seen in  FIG. 1   b.    
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cut view of an electrolysis tank assembly taken along the line  2 — 2  in  FIG. 1   b.    
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates a sectional view of turbine  246  shown in FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 3  is an elevational side view of a lower portion of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the collector assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the platform and stabilizing assemblies. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed that it basically includes platform assembly  20 , stabilizing assembly  70 , pulley assembly  100 , collector assembly  180 , and electrolysis tank assembly  240 . 
   Seen in  FIG. 1   a  is the upper portion of instant invention  10 . Instant invention  10  operates in a body of water W. Floating on water W is platform assembly  20 . Platform assembly  20  comprises a structure  22 , as illustrated, resting upon platform  24 . Secured onto platform  24  are vacuum assemblies  26 . Attached and extending from each vacuum assembly  26 , are hoses  28 . On each side of vacuum assembly  26  are winch assemblies  30 , which spool cables  102 . Secured beneath platform  24 , tanks  31  and  32  store oxygen and hydrogen gas respectively. Connected to the edge of platform  24 , the opposite edge not seen, are guides  34 . Guides  34  allow for cable  36  to pass therethrough and stabilize platform assembly  20 . 
   Hanging below platform  24 , thus operating under-water, is collector assembly  180 . Collector assembly  180  comprises frame assembly  181 , which is fixedly secured onto cables  102  with clamps  182 . Frame assembly  181  is generally rectangular and comprises connectors  183  secured to one another, and terminating at connectors  184  and  185 . Mounted from two connectors  183  are spools  190 . Cables  192  extend from spools  190  and are fixedly secured to the end points of rod  198 . Hanging from frame assembly  181  is bag  204 . Bag  204  is securely fastened to buttons  210 , seen in  FIG. 4 , to effectively cover the perimeter of rectangularly shaped frame assembly  181 . Bag  204  has a weight  206  at the end opposite from where attached to frame assembly  181 , to keep the weighted end of bag  204  draped over rod  198  when in the illustrated position. Extending from the lowermost portion of bag  204 , where weight  206  is, is vacuum tube  208 . Vacuum tube  208  extends through bag  204  and connects with hose  28  of vacuum assembly  26 . In the illustrated position, contents collected within bag  204  may be vacuumed out with vacuum assembly  26  through vacuum tube  208 . Contents vacuumed may be stored within structure  22 . Additionally, extending from platform  24  is tube  104 . Specifically, tube  104  attaches to tanks  31  and  32 . 
   Seen in  FIG. 1   b  is the lower portion of instant invention  10 . As seen in the illustrated embodiment, each cable  102  wraps over its respective pulley  122  of pulley assembly  100 . A predetermined angle existing between pulleys  122  and platform  24  reduces cable vibrations, since pulley assembly  100  will hang beneath platform  24 , and due to the difference in water pressure between the two. Pulley assembly  100  comprises two pulleys  122 , connected together by shaft  126 , which trespasses though hole  124 . At each outside face of pulleys  122 , are connectors  128 . Connectors  128  maintain approximately in a horizontal position as illustrated. Extending from the distal ends of connectors  128  are cables  130 . Cables  130  extend to generally square-like weight  132 . Weight  132  rests on the floor of the body of water and maintains instant invention  10  stationary. 
   Tube  104  extends from platform  24  to frame assembly  110 . Frame assembly  110  comprises frame  111  having connectors  112 , which extend inwardly to ring  114 . To maintain structural integrity, frame assembly  110  also has rods  108  that extend upwardly to ring  106 . Extending from the corners of frame  111  are cables  116 . Cables  116  hang from the corners of frame  111  to support basket  118 . 
   As seen in the illustrated embodiment, frame assembly  181 , which is secured onto cables  102  with clamps  182 , is flexible and easily assumes the illustrated position with pulleys  122 , underneath basket  118 . As mentioned above, bag  204  has a weight  206  at the end opposite from where attached to frame assembly  181 . While under basket  118 , weight  206  keeps bag  204  in a vertical position as illustrated. In the illustrated position, contents from water W may be collected within bag  204 . 
   It is noted that the instant invention has two collector assemblies  180 . While one collector assembly  180  is near the surface of water W, as seen in  FIG. 1   a , the other collector assembly  180 , not seen, is in position under basket  118 . After a predetermined amount of time, the collector assembly  180  as seen in  FIG. 1   a , is positioned underneath basket  118 , as seen in  FIG. 1   b , with winch assemblies  30 . That way, while in operation, one collector assembly  180  may be positioned underneath basket  118  to collect ionic constituents that exist in seawater, while the other collector assembly  180  is near the surface of water W being vacuumed for the ionic constituents, as seen in  FIG. 1   a.    
   As seen in  FIG. 1   c , pipe  104  has separator  292  separating passageways  288  and  290 . Passage ways  288  and  290  are for oxygen gas and hydrogen gas respectively that are then stored in tanks  31  and  32  respectively. 
   Seen in  FIG. 1   d , is basket  118  having cavity  120 . Cavity  120  determining the ionic concentration of water W surrounding cylindrical tanks  242 , seen in  FIG. 1   b . Suspended within basket  118 , is electrolysis tank assembly  240 , better seen in FIG.  2 . Electrolysis tank assembly  240  comprises two cylindrical tanks  242 . Supporting cylindrical tanks  242  to each other is connector  244  and ionic bridge  286 . 
   Seen in  FIG. 2 , is one cylindrical tank  242  of electrolysis tank assembly  240 . It is noted that both cylindrical tanks  242  are structurally identical with the exception of coil  272 , therefore only one cylindrical tank  242  is illustrated. Specifically, in one cylindrical tank  242 , coil  272  is an anode coil, and in the other cylindrical tank  242 , coil  272  is a cathode coil. 
   Secured at the base of cylindrical tank  242  is coil  272 . Coil  272  is secured to the inside wall of cylindrical tank  242  with frame  276 . Secured to frame  276  is a plurality of separators  278 , which keep coil  272  spiraled at a predetermined degree. As illustrated, coil  272 , within cylindrical tank  242 , is submerged in water W, which in the preferred embodiment is seawater. Above coil  272  is generator assembly  259 . Generator assembly is secured with connector  280 . Directly above generator assembly  259 , is shroud  258 . Shroud  258  is diagonally shaped, yet has a flat top surface, and is secured to the inside wall of cylindrical tank  242 . As previously mentioned, coil  272  is submerged in water W, however it is noted that water does not reach the elevation where generator assembly  259  is. At the uppermost diagonal section of shroud  258  is valve  264 . Immediately above shroud  258  is turbine  254 . Turbine  254  comprises blades  256 . Shaft  252  extends from generator assembly  259  through turbine  254  to turbine  246 . Turbine  246  has two sets of blades,  248  and  250 , which are secured onto separating wall  249 . In addition, extending from shroud  258  and connecting to turbine  246  is pipe  262 . 
   As better seen in  FIG. 2   a , shaft  252  is centrally disposed and is secured onto turbine  246 . Pipe  262  however, is secured onto plate  247 , which covers the perimeter section defined by blades  248 , seen in FIG.  2 . 
   Extending downwardly through pipe  104 , seen in  FIG. 1   c , and snugly contouring cylindrical tank  242 , is electrical cable  270 . Electrical cable  270  secures onto electrical box  268 . Extending from electrical box  268  is cable  282 , which connects to coil  272 . Cable  282  has water measurement device  267  to determine the water level above coil  272 . Also extending from electrical box  268 , is cable  266 , which connects to generator assembly  259 . 
   For initial operation, electrical power is transmitted from a power supply, not shown, through electrical cable  270 , to electrical box  268 , and finally to electrical contacts  274 , which charges coil  272 . Upon the charging of coil  272 , electrolysis starts to occur. Assuming the illustrated coil  272  is the anode coil, oxygen gas is emitted, the cathode coil emitting hydrogen gas and electrolysis occurring with ionic bridge  286 , seen in  FIG. 1   b  and  2 . The oxygen gas rises and starts to develop pressure above the water W, underneath generator assembly  259  and shroud  258 . The gas escapes through valves  260  and  264  when the gas pressure overcomes the force of valves  260  and  264 . The gas that escapes through valve  260  travels through generator assembly  259 , into turbine  254 , and out of turbine  254  through blades  256 . Turbine  254  is rotatably mounted onto shaft  252 . The effect of gas G exiting through blades  256  causes shaft  252  to spin. Gas G cools generator assembly  259  adding to the kinetic energy of gas G, which as a result, heats blades  256  of turbine  254 . Upon exiting turbine  254 , the gas continues to rise and passes through blades  250  of turbine  246 . Turbine  254  and blades  250  of turbine  246  are rotatably mounted upon shaft  252 , enabling blades  256 ,  248 ,  250  and shaft  252  to all spin in the same direction. The gas that escapes through valve  264  travels through pipe  262  and onto blades  248  of turbine  246 . The effect of the gas exiting through blades  248  causes them to rotate. It is noted that blades  250  pump gas G to outlet  284 . It is further noted that turbine  246  has separating wall  249 , which is fixed to blades  248  and  250 . When there is sufficient rotation of turbine  254  and the blades of turbine  246  to operate generator assembly  259 , the power supply from electrical cable  270  is disengaged and electrical power to contacts  274  is supplied from generator assembly  259  through cable  266 , to electrical box  268 , and through cable  282 . A sufficient power supply from generator assembly  259  is realized as long as the gas G escaping through outlet  284  is replaced by an equal amount of gas from electrolysis. Since we assumed that coil  272  is the anode coil, gas G escaping through outlet  284  travels through passageway  288 , seen in  FIG. 1   b , which is within pipe  104 , to tank  31 . Tank  32  stores hydrogen gas that flows through passageway  290 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 3 , basket  118  extends from cables  116 . Basket  118  is substantially hollow to partially house electrolysis tank assembly  240 , and has cavity  120  at its lowermost end. In the illustrated position, ionic constituents and metals present in seawater may be collected in bag  204  as the electrolysis operation is occurring. 
   Best seen in  FIG. 4 , is collector assembly  180 . Collector assembly  180  has frame assembly  181 . Secured onto cables  102  beneath frame assembly  181  is net  202  and rail  200 . Net  202  and rail  200  are of a predetermined length to prevent bag  204  from becoming entangled with cables  102 . Perpendicularly extending from connector  186  of frame assembly  181 , is connector  188 . Connectors  188  extend a predetermined distance and terminate with rod  198 . Each set of rods  194  and  196  are angled slightly outwardly to allow bag  204  to rest in between each respective set. Bag  204  is additionally secured onto frame assembly  181  with buttons  210 , whereby bag  204  has a plurality of holes, not seen, that are filled by buttons  210  to secure bag  204 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 5 , to stabilize platform assembly  20 , or a series of them connected, is stabilizing system  70 . Stabilizing system  70  has buoy assemblies  72  at each side of platform assembly  20  as illustrated. Buoy assemblies  72  float on each side of platform assembly  20  to stabilize against waves of water W. Buoy assembly  72  has housing  76  with dome  74  secured thereon. Dome  74  is shaped with curvature to allow water W to easily flow over in the event of waves. Extending from housing  76  are rings  78 , where each cable  80  is secured therethrough. 
   Weights  64  provide additional stabilization for platform assemblies  20 . It is noted that only one side is shown since the opposite side is identical. Weights  64  are set on the floor of body of water W. Extending from weights  64  are cables  60 , which are secured to pontoons  42 . Pontoons  42  are set at a predetermined depth and are buoyant. Weights  58  hang below pontoons  42  to keep them at a predetermined depth. Weights  58  have eyebolts  56 . Secured to eyebolts  56  are springs  54 , which secure to end point  52  of pulley  50 . Additionally, cable  36  is also secured to eyebolts  56 . Weights  64  and  58  are of a predetermined mass to stabilize instant invention  10 . Viewing  FIG. 5  from left to right, cable  60  is secured from weight  64  at eyebolt  62 , to knot  48 , which splits cable  60 , defining cables  46 . Cables  46  are secured to eyebolts  44  of pontoon  42 . In addition, cables  36  extend from weight  58 , through spring  54 , over pulley  50 , through guides  40  of float  38 , and through guides  34  too keep platform assembly  20  steady. A similar system as described above may be utilized to keep buoy assemblies  72  stabilized. 
   It is noted that all the parts that make up the instant invention are manufactured, or covered, with materials that do not conduct electricity. 
   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.