Hydrogen generator photovoltaic electrolysis reactor system
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsNelson A Kelly, Thomas L Gibson
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Abstract
An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Claims36
An assembly comprising:
- a first chamber and a second chamber;
- a passage between said first and second chambers;
- a photovoltaic (PV) module and an electrode in said first chamber;
- a counter-electrode in said second chamber;
- said first chamber having a first gas collection region and said second chamber having a second gas collection region;
- an electrolyte in said first and second chambers and in said passage between said chambers;
- and
- a light focusing element associated with said PV module.
A method to make an assembly for electrolysis of water comprising:
- a) providing a transparent cylindrical-shaped envelope having at least one access port;
- b) placing a PV module and an electrode in the envelope adjacent one end of the envelope and placing a counter-electrode in the envelope adjacent the other end of the envelope;
- c) sealing the two ends of the envelope and joining the ends together;
- and
- d) inserting electrolyte in the sealed envelope through said access port.
An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of an aqueous electrolyte solution using sunlight comprising:
- a fluid filled container which functions both to hold an aqueous electrolyte solution to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens;
- a photovoltaic module positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container;
- and
- a pair of electrodes, coupled to the photovoltaic module disposed within the electrolyte solution and configured to split water within the electrolyte solution into hydrogen and oxygen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.