TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to the field of apparatus designed to yield a hydrogen-gas by product through the operation of electrolysis. It is not limited to the use of a water-electrolysis reaction, although it is limited to electrolysis apparatus wherein the reactant is

A) Liquid at room-temperature

B) Liquid over course of electrolysis operation

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Nothing is perhaps better documented by the prior-art than an electrolysis-apparatus designed to recover a product of hydrogen-gas from a liquid-medium reactant, which is in many but not all cases, water. Since introduction of such technology, numerous variations and modifications have developed. Generally, these developments endeavor to improve the overall operating efficiency of the system. At its simplest form, water supplied at room temperature into an electrolysis-apparatus at atmospheric pressure gradually separates into oxygen-gas at the anode-component and hydrogen-gas at the cathode-component, under the power of an electrolysis-current, each collected into respective tanks.

An electrolysis-apparatus of this form cannot commercialize hydrogen-production due to the operating-cost from electrical-input power. Many subsequent apparatus designs accordingly attempt to overcome this problem. Some of the most common include high-temperature electrolysis, high-pressure electrolysis and photovoltaic-electrolysis.

In high-temperature electrolysis, industrial waste-heat is often utilized. This recovered thermal- energy transforms input-water into steam, the steam then supplied into electrolysis apparatus within a standard pressure-range. Designs as such operate economically, but with the limitation of a dependence upon externally supplied power to vaporize the water. Such apparatus may not be suitable for reactants other than water.

In high-pressure electrolysis, a pumping-component supplies water under pressure to the electrolysis apparatus. This yields hydrogen-gas product at a greater pressure-level, such that same need not undergo further compression for subsequent shipping or transportation. Canadian patent-application 2 143 448 discloses an apparatus operating on a principle as such. Although these apparatus consume less power during operation than the‘classic’ design, operational expense is still a limitation. Liquids more reactive than water may not be suitable reactants in apparatus as such, furthermore.

In photovoltaic-electrolysis, solar radiation powers the electrolyser-component. Designs as such are relatively economical. However, these apparatus are limited in voltage/current output by the intensity of incoming solar radiation. Canadian patent-application 2 590 796 discloses a pulsation electrolysis apparatus. This apparatus stimulates the reactant through application of high-voltage pulsations, the frequency of which can be regulated through a control-system. Such apparatus may accelerate the electrolytic- reaction at the expense of a higher operating voltage. The present invention oscillates the liquid- reactant at a frequency which varies in phases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention is a basic, membrane electrolysis-apparatus, featuring an oscillation- system integrated thereinto. Oscillation-system by means of a compressed-gas driven piston, delivers vibratory-pulses to apparatus liquid-reactant through a pipe-stub component. The oscillation-frequency alternates between low and high, with electrolysis synchronized for the phases of high-frequency.

In apparatus of present invention, the oscillation-system remains in constant operation while electrolysis is itself periodic, subject rather to timed intervals. Accordingly, it is the object of present invention to optimize electrolysis-operation through regulation of electrolyser-current for states of molecular-energization achieved via complimentary power-input from the oscillation-system.

In the oscillation-system the rapid reciprocation of a piston-component, by means of a piping mechanism adjoined to apparatus liquid-compartment, propagates pulsations in the liquid that spread through its volume. Molecules in the pulsating liquid have a greater collision-likelihood as compared to the liquid under normal conditions. The pulsating liquid contains much less energy than the pistons operating under pressure of compressed-gas. In time, however, pulsating liquid by means of molecular collisions develops further energy, thereby approaching the energy-level of the oscillation-system. In a state of molecular-energization the liquid-reactant has a lower activation-energy from the electrolyser- unit. The function of the oscillation-system is thus to save voltage-output for when product is most likely to yield therefrom. While oscillation-system consumes power from compressor operation, same operation is periodic in nature. Accordingly, the present invention provides an electrolysis-apparatus designed to maintain a relatively low cost of operation. Further to this, apparatus may implement such that electrolyser utilize battery-power, while compressor-operation consume solar-power thereby achieving a balance between performance and cost in the hydrogen-product decomposition-reactions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Concerning the three figures cross-referenced herein; FIGURE ONE provides a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in a version for water-electrolysis. FIGURE ONE does not depict all the components located under apparatus.

FIGURE TWO depicts all the components located under compartment-one of apparatus, in a cutaway view, as well as the particular configuration of same components.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1) FIGURE THREE represents a version of the apparatus for alcohol-electrolysis in cutaway view. The figures employ orthographic projection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CLAIMED SUBJECT MATTER:

Application subject-matter comprises a unit for the electrolysis of water, or alternately certain hydrocarbon alcohols, modified to operate in synchronization with an oscillation system incorporated thereto. This modified apparatus performs the same function as a standard unit for water-electrolysis but in an operation regulated for greater overall efficiency. Fundamental to the modified apparatus is a standard unit for water-electrolysis taken to contain the following components:

1. ONE UNIT DIVIDED INTO TWO EQAL COMPARTMENTS BY A HYDROGEN- PERMEABLE MEMBRANE (FIGURE ONE-ONE)

2. ONE HYDROGEN-GAS TANK (FIGURE ONE-TWO) CONNECTED TO TOP OF COMPARTMENT-TWO (FIGURE ONE-THREE)

3. ONE OXYGEN-GAS TANK (FIGURE ONE-FOUR) CONNECTED TO TOP OF COMPARTMENT-ONE (FIGURE ONE-FIVE)

4. A POWER-SOURCE AT UNIT EXTERIOR (FIGURE ONE-SIX)

5. ONE CATHODE-ELECTRODE (FIGURE ONE-SEVEN) IN COMPARTMENT- TWO CONNECTED TO POWER-SOURCE

6. ONE ANODE-ELECTRODE (FIGURE ONE-EIGHT) IN COMPARTMENT-ONE CONNECTED TO POWER-SOURCE

7. ONE SEALABLE WATER-INLET (FIGURE ONE-NINE) AT TOP OF

COMPARTMENT-ONE

Further to the standard-unit outlined the apparatus features a support-ledge (FIGURE ONE- TEN) around the unit central-exterior. Excluding support-ledge all features of apparatus pertain to the designated 'compartment-one' of standard-unit. Compartment-one as per the modified apparatus features four port-holes; one such port-hole (FIGURE ONE-ELEVEN) in each corner of compartment bottom. Port-holes further feature female-thread cutting.

There is a pipe-stub component (FIGURE ONE-TWELVE). Pipe-stub features male-threading at one end, and opposite from threaded-end a mount-ledge (FIGURE ONE-THIRTEEN) which circumscribes the exterior. There is a casing component (FIGURE ONE-FOURTEEN). Casing describes a piece characterized by two open ends, wherein the opening for one such open end runs through a ledge (FIGURE ONE-FIFTEEN) around same end. Further to casing ends, the opening at ledge-end features a diameter fractionally exceeding diameter of the pipe-stub. However, the opening opposite from ledge- end features a diameter greater than pipe-stub mount-ledge diameter. There is a ring-type seal placed at casing ledge-end such that seal (FIGURE ONE— SIXTEEN) stretches over and under the ledge.

Installation of pipe-stub is such that each port-hole features one pipe-stub threaded-end thereto connected, same end inserting through:

1. CASING END OPPOSITE LEDGE-END

2. CASING LEDGE-END

3. PORT-HOLE MATING THREADS

Accordingly, upon correct installation, one casing-piece should by means of ledge rest against mount-ledge of each threaded pipe-stub, the weight thereof supported by same. There is a fitting-piece (FIGURE ONE— SEVENTEEN), which comprises a flat surface encircled around the upper-side by a deformable ridge, and having a coupling-port (FIGURE ONE-EIGHTEEN) at the centre of lower-side. Diameter of fitting-piece lies between the casing-piece inner-diameter and outer-diameter. The ridge orients in parallel with the flat-surface axis, and runs along the circumference. The coupling-port extends in parallel to same axis, and features two holes, which may or may not be threaded, aligned to each other diametrically. Installation of fitting-piece is such that by means of deformable ridge same piece 'snap' inserts into the accessible opening on all four casings.

There is a compressed-gas-circuit (CGC) incorporated into the apparatus. The CGC is a pair of two identical but separate gas-circuits. Each circuit of the CGC is accordingly comprised:

1. ONE CARBON-DIOXIDE GAS SUPPLY-TANK

2. ONE DUAL-OUTLET COMPRESSOR UNIT

3. TWO FLOW-CONTROL VALVES

4. TWO SPRING-RETRACTON PISTON/CYLINDERS

5. TWO EXHAUST-TANKS

The carbon-dioxide gas supply-tank (FIGURE TWO-NINETEEN) stores carbon-dioxide at a pressure in the range of fifty to one-hundred PSI. With regard to the configuration of circuitry components; the compressor-unit (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY) comprises a suitable pressure-capacity gas-compressor and an internal pressure -tank. The compressor-inlet (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-ONE) connects with supply-tank outlet (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-TWO). The compressor-outlet connects with internal pressure-tank inlet. Pressure-tank installs such that each of two outlets thereof connect by means of valve to the two compressor-unit outlets from the interior. Each flow-control valve (FIGURE TWO- TWENTY-THREE) connects externally to a compressor-unit outlet and then connects to an inlet at Bottom Dead Centre of one piston-cylinder. Compressor-unit lies directly between the two piston/cylinders.

Each piston/cylinder component comprises a cylinder (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-FOUR) equipped with:

1. ONE PRESSURE-SENSITIVE INLET (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-FIVE) AT BOTTOM DEAD CENTRE

2. ONE EXHAUST-PORT (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-SIX)

3. TWO POSITION-SENSORS (SENSOR-ONE AND SENSOR-TWO)

4. A ROD (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-SEVEN) RUNNING THROUGH TOP DEAD CENTRE COUPLED TO A PISTON-MEMBER (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-EIGHT) AT INTERNAL ROD-END

5. A COMPRESSION-SPRING (FIGURE TWO-TWENTY-NINE) MOUNTED TO CYLINDER TOP- INTERIOR SURFACE

Further to outlined cylinder components, installation of sensor-one (FIGURE TWO-THIRTY) is such that same sense piston upon a spring-compression equal to twenty-five percent. Sensor-two (FIGURE TWO-THIRTY-ONE) installs above the exhaust-port. Each cylinder exhaust-port connects to inlet of one exhaust-tank (FIGURE TWO--THIRTY-TWO). Each exhaust-tank outlet connects to one gas supply-tank inlet. Each flow-control valve exhaust-port connects to line (FIGURE TWO-THIRTY-THREE) between one exhaust-tank outlet and supply-tank inlet.

Each piston/cylinder rod features a hole through external rod end. Rod-diameter equals less than diameter for casing fitting-piece coupling-port. External rod-end inserts into same coupling-port, and then by means of either screw-fastening or a nut-bolt pair (FIGURE TWO-THIRTY-FOUR) connects to coupling-port. Accordingly, the four CGC piston/cylinders link to the four pipe-stub casing-assemblies of four apparatus port-holes.

The function of the apparatus herein outlined is to decompose a fixed water-supply in compartment-one into hydrogen-gas(H2) and oxygen-gas(02) respectively, and to do so consuming less electricity than if the reaction proceeded in the absence of same apparatus. Apparatus generates cyclical oscillations which energize the water-molecules in compartment-one, exposing molecules to electrolysis-current only when in a relatively energized-state thereby regulating current-output. To this end, operation comprises these stages:

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1) 1. LOADING WATER INTO COMPARTMENT-ONE

2. PHASE-ONE

3. PHASE-TWO

4. PHASE-THREE

5. PHASE-FOUR

By means of the apparatus support-ledge, a stand supports the full weight of apparatus such that same is above ground-surface during installation and operation. In the first stage, there is a level- indicator inside of compartment-one. This indicator is located somewhere below the top of same compartment, depending upon apparatus operating-capacity. By means of compartment-one water-inlet, one supplies water to compartment-one until water reaches the level-indicator. Thereupon, the water-inlet seals, which may be as simple as tightening a cap. Properly installed, the casing components must seal off each pipe-stub, thereby preventing any water leakage at all therefrom.

In phase-one there is an operational-sequence from which the latter three phases merely deviate. Phase-one is the 'warm-up' phase. There is no actual electrolysis during phase-one; rather, the water molecules undergo energization to create conditions suitable for electrolysis-current. To this end, phase- one comprises the sequence as follows:

1. TWENTY-SECOND OPERATION AT LOW-FREQUENCY

2. TWENTY-SECOND OPERATION AT HIGH-FREQUENCY

3. TWENTY-SECOND OPERATION AT LOW-FREQUENCY

4. CYCLICAL REPEAT OF OPERATIONS ONE THROUGH THREE TO A DEFINED NUMBER OF MINUTES (n)

In low-frequency operation the path between flow-control exhaust-port and return-line is open. This routes some input carbon-dioxide gas from piston/cylinders back towards the supply-tank. In high- frequency operation the aforementioned path is closed. Therefore, all input carbon-dioxide gas reaches each piston/cylinder. Frequency of piston-stroke is higher when all input-gas reaches the piston than when only a fixed-percentage of same powers the stroke.

Commencement of operation involves powering of the gas-compressor. Gas-compressor creates a vacuum, thereby syphoning carbon-dioxide from the supply-tank by means of inlet. The carbon-dioxide undergoes compression whereupon gas-compressor discharges same to pressure -tank by means of outlet- port. Gas-compressor discharges carbon-dioxide into the pressure-tank until the pressure-tank reaches a threshold internal-pressure. When pressure-tank reaches threshold-pressure, a control-instrument in tank relays a signal which shuts-off gas-compressor operation. Operator may then push a control-button to proceed with phase-one.

When operator pushes same control-button, the dual outlet-ports of gas-compressor unit open, creating a flow-path between the pressure-tank of compressor-unit and both piston/cylinders by means of flow-controls. Compressed carbon-dioxide accordingly enters all four cylinders by means of pressure- sensitive inlet. This pushes against piston, thereby compressing the cylinder-spring. When spring- compression equals twenty-five percent, sensor-one closes the communicative compressor-unit outlet and then opens cylinder exhaust-port. Accordingly, cylinder-spring expands, forcing carbon-dioxide from cylinder into the exhaust-tank thereto connected. When piston reaches sensor-two, sensor-two closes the cylinder exhaust-port and then re-opens the communicative compressor-unit outlet.

When piston-cylinder exhaust-tank reaches a threshold-pressure, which is less than the pressure such that a differential flowing from cylinder to exhaust-tank would no longer exist, exhaust-tank outlet opens, releasing carbon-dioxide into return-line connected to gas supply-tank inlet. When the returnline pressure, which includes bleed-gas by means of flow-control valve, reaches a high enough level the gas supply-tank inlet opens and line-gas by means of same circulates back to supply-tank. When the gas-compressor unit pressure-tank drops to a second threshold, control-instrument in tank starts gas- compressor; gas-compressor, by means of partly replenished supply-tank, returns the pressure-tank to first pressure-threshold.

During the outlined sequence of carbon-dioxide CGC circulation, the casing components slide along pipe-stub alternately towards and away from compartment-one port-hole in response to the reciprocal-action of each piston by means of rod for same. This synchronized movement of casing components sets the water-molecules contained by compartment-one into a state of continuous oscillation. After twenty-seconds the flow-control exhaust closes, and the operation proceeds at an oscillation high-frequency for an additional twenty-seconds. Thereupon, flow-control exhaust opens, and operation at low-frequency oscillation continues for twenty-seconds more. Where 'h' is equal to a period of five-minutes, then this minute-cycle would repeat four times more. Where n is equal to a period of ten-minutes, then cycle would repeat nine more times, et cetera.

As the water-molecules undergo oscillation, the number of molecular collisions is greater than if the water remained relatively inactive over an equal time-period. Accordingly, at the onset of phase- two the water-molecules are in a comparatively energized state. Phase-two operationally involves a programmed time-period. In phase-two, the exhaust-port for flow-control valves closes and remains in the closed positioned over the full course of programmed time-period. The electrolysis circuitry powers- on with phase-two onset and operates over the phase-two time-frame. Upon elapse of phase-two time period the flow-control exhaust opens, electrolysis circuit powers-off, and phase-three begins. Phase- three involves the same minute-cycle sequence of phase-one, except its operational time is equal in number of minutes to phase-two. Phase-four is simply the subsequent cycling of phase-two and phase- three; this cycling persists until the hydrogen-gas tank on compartment-two reaches an internal- pressure indicating the molar-amount of hydrogen which the electrolysis-decomposition yields as a product for the compartment-one water-volume reactant. Upon reaching this threshold-pressure, hydrogen-tank instrumentation relays a signal which powers off the electrolysis component and then

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1) de-activates the CGC system thereby shutting-down apparatus. The hydrogen-gas tank receives diatomic-hydrogen when atmospheric-pressure within compartment-two displaces same thereinto by means of pressure-sensitive inlet.

Water-volume inside compartment-one of apparatus is measured up to the level-indicator thereof. A pressure/volume relationship exists such that regardless of the apparatus size or capacity, consistent performance results may be achieved. In an apparatus wherein each of four piston/cylinders operates at 1000 PSI during high-frequency phases, and with a water-volume of 8 cubic-feet, then:

PRESSURE/VOLUME RATIO = (1000 * 4) / 8

= 4000 PSI / 8 CUBIC FEET

= 500 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH OF PRESSURE PER CUBIC-

FOOT OF WATER

Applicant suggests that apparatus use a standard operating ratio of at least 720 PSI/CUBIC- FOOT. The principal is to maximize the energization of apparatus water-molecules while minimizing the power-input to stimulate same energization. Nor is the scope of application subject-matter restricted to the version of invention outlined herein, as it is possible to duplicate the invention in various different forms. For instance, apparatus piston/cylinders are not restricted to an input power of carbon-dioxide. They may operate pneumatically, or with an alternative compressed-gas. A hydraulic-operation is technically even possible.

Furthermore, through a minor design-modification subject apparatus may operate wherein an alcohol-medium, particularly ethanol or methanol, substitutes for water as electrolysis-reactant. In this modified design, oxygen-gas tank is omitted from compartment-one. A vacuum-pump unit (FIGURE THREE--TFII TY-FIVE) installs atop compartment-one, such that pump-inlet (FIGURE TFH REE— THIRTY-SIX) enters compartment-one by means of top-surface thereof. After supplying alcohol-reactant to compartment-one, vacuum-unit operates such that compartment-one air content evacuates therefrom through pump-outlet (FIGURE THREE--THIRTY-SEVEN). When an instrument in compartment-one measures a threshold-pressure, less than atmospheric-pressure, such that air-supply in compartment- one is of inadequate molarity to support combustion, instrument (FIGURE TH REE--THIRTY-EIGHT) stops pumping-operation. Vacuum-pump outlet thereupon closes with an airtight-seal, and apparatus- operation proceeds in the outlined manner. This allows for the flammable alcohol-reactant to absorb the heat of electrolysis to the point of decomposition. In order to regulate operation such that same decomposition proceed in a monatomic or diatomic hydrogen-yielding reaction, the apparatus pressure per volume ratio must be calculated in accordance with activation-energy for the targeted reaction. Furthermore, the CGC working-fluid must be in proportion with the molar-mass of the alcohol-reactant.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1)