Hydrogen generation apparatus for internal combustion engines and method thereof
AssigneeProton Energy Systems, Inc.
InventorsJohn Zagaja, Trent Molter, Lawrence Moulthrop, William Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.
Claims52
A system for generating hydrogen from an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:
- a venturi in fluid communication with an exhaust stream;
- a condenser in fluid communication with said venturi, said condenser extracting water from said exhaust stream;
- an electrolyzer in fluid communication with said condenser, said electrolyzer producing hydrogen gas;
- and,
- a fluid reservoir for storing said water, said reservoir in fluid communication with said condenser and said electrolyzer, wherein said fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with said venturi, said reservoir fluid communication with said venturi generating gas flow from said reservoir to said venturi.
A system for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:
- an exhaust venturi;
- an air inlet in fluid communication with said venturi and ambient air;
- a condenser in fluid communication with said venturi and said air inlet, said condenser extracting water from said ambient air;
- and,
- an electrolyzer in fluid communication with said condenser, said electrolyzer producing hydrogen gas;
- a reservoir, said reservoir being in fluid communication with said condenser and said venturi;
- and,
- a polisher, said polisher in fluid communication with said reservoir and said electrolyzer, wherein said polisher includes activated carbon and a mixed resin ion exchange bed to remove contaminants from said water.
A system for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:
- a means for condensating water from a gas;
- a means for storing said condensated water, said storage means coupled to said condensating means;
- a means for electrolyzing said stored condensated water;
- and,
- a means for storing said hydrogen gas;
- a gas inlet means, said gas inlet means including an ambient air inlet and a exhaust gas inlet;
- and,
- a means for determining required condenser energy, said determining means coupled to said inlet means.
A system for generating hydrogen, said system comprising:
- an internal combustion engine;
- an exhaust pipe coupled to said internal combustion engine;
- an air inlet in fluid communication with said exhaust pipe;
- a condenser in fluid communication with said exhaust pipe and said air inlet;
- and,
- an electrolyzer in fluid communication with said condenser;
- and,
- a valve coupled to said exhaust pipe, said air inlet and said condenser.
A method for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of:
- generating pressure using an exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine;
- detecting the dew point of ambient air;
- determining the appropriate gas which would minimize condenser energy;
- condensating reactant water from said gas;
- and,
- generating hydrogen from said reactant water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.