Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing gaseous mixture, especially the apparatus and method for producing a Hydrogen (¾) and Oxygen (O2) gas mixture by electrolysis.

Background of the Invention:

[0002] With the use of conventional fuels running internal combustion engines (ICEs), pollution is a significant problem. For example, marine ICEs using heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), marine diesel oil (MDO), or any other fossil fuel type are responsible for the emissions of approximately 940 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually which represents 2.5% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions [1] The strategy of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Marine Environment Protection Committee is to reduce the total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, thus being consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals [2] Furthermore, one of the major problems with conventional fuel used for ICEs is the production of toxic emissions, such as nitrous oxides (NO _x ), CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other noxious gases. Typically an ICE, without completely burning its fuel, produces these toxic substances.

[0003] Accordingly, many marine vessels are in the process of changing their fuels to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce toxic emissions. However, the use of LNG in the marine industry underlies severe risks, specifically the increase of greenhouse gases emissions (e.g. CO2, HC and CHt). In some cases, once CHt leakage occurs, it would cause a devastating impact on the environment as CHt having global warming potential that is 28- 36 times more than CO2. The same is reported for unburned HCs emitted from marine vessels using LNG, while on the other hand, CO is poisonous [3]

[0004] In view of this, a technique for facilitating complete combustion in an ICE has been developed. Although this combustion technique may reduce noxious gases of combustion which pollute the atmosphere to a high degree, some substances used in the combustion are highly explosive and requires significant caution. Also, substances which are used for facilitating combustion typically have flammability, and thus it is not easy to store such substances, which might lead to risks during the operation of an ICE. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for facilitating combustion in ICEs in a safe manner.

[0005] Many patents have been granted through the years for applications concerning ICE, which were focused on cars or other applications that required electricity obtained by a battery/dynamo for the electrolysis of water. Such examples are briefly described as follows: [0006] a) US 2011/0210008 Al: this disclosure creates an electrolysis of steam cell, and after hydrogen and oxygen mixture is produced, it separates the two gases and stores compressed hydrogen. The electricity needed to perform the electrolysis process is acquired by the use of a dynamo.

[0007] b) US 2011/0220039 Al: this disclosure generates a mixture of ¾ and O2 gases which is added in the fuel line, creating a mixture of gas and liquid which is then lead to the combustion chamber. Its cylindrical enclosure of the electrolysis cell is stated by the authors to leave small amounts of ¾ and O2 mixture in the system which potentially could lead to ¾ leakage increasing the danger of explosion. Although this disclosure claims that the invention can be installed into any vehicle, ship, or aircraft that is powered by an ICE, the ¾ and O2 mixture remaining in the enclosure will require further safety measures. Moreover, the stainless steel and electrolyte solution used are not specified in the patent.

[0008] c) US 7,043,918 Bl: this disclosure uses fuel cell for producing the power needed for the water electrolysis process. Added to this, a leadacid battery is used for power storage. Hydrogen produced is stored in a container and is used for automobile applications.

[0009] d) US 4,763,610: this disclosure mixes hydrogen produced by water electrolysis with the fuel prior combustion. In the case where more hydrogen is needed, more electrodes are used. The electrolysis solution used comprises 30w.t.% NaOH water solution.

[0010] e) US 4,099,489: The electrolysis cell claimed by this disclosure uses purified water, producing hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is injected under pressure in the combustion chambers, while hydrogen is injected under pressure into a carburettor. For the electricity needs of the electrolysis cell, the disclosure uses a turbine, while on the other hand they claim that noxious products of the combustion are completely eliminated. The water used in the electrolysis cell is pure. [0011 ] f) US 5,458,095: this disclosure uses an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen and oxygen mixture. The power needed for the electrolysis procedure is acquired by a battery and the disclosure uses AC current.

[0012] g) US 2010/0038257 Al: this disclosure uses an electrolysis cell for hydrogen and oxygen production, supplying the aforementioned mixture in a scrubber to remove impurities and further, in the combustion chamber of the ICE. this disclosure uses two mesh electrodes and between them a membrane is placed and also don’t use KOH in water.

[0013] h) US 7,021,249 B1 : this disclosure refers to the hydrogen production from saltwater via electrolysis, which is delivered to the carburetor with the use of a venture mixing tube, while the resulting oxygen from electrolysis is ejected in the atmosphere. The disclosure uses partition wall between electrodes so that ¾ will be separated from O2.

[0014] i) US 4,003,344: this disclosure refers to an electrolysis cell where ¾ and O2 are produced and separated, while ¾ is fed to a tank under pressure with the use of a pump, before being supplied to the engine. There is no mention of electrolyzers (salt/s) used in the patent that should be added in the water in order to conduct electricity.

[0015] j) US 3,939,806: Similar to the previous one, this disclosure uses an electrolysis cell to produce ¾ and O2 with the use of water. The gases are separated and hydrogen is led through a pump to a tank under pressure or carburetor. Heat from the engine is used to generate the electricity needed for performing the electrolysis process.

[0016] CITED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

[0017] [1] IMO 3rd GHG Study, 2014;

[0018] [2] MEPC 72/17/Add.1, Annex 11, p. 1-10; and

[0019] [3] M.A. Ghadikolaei. C.S. Cheung, K.F. Yung, Study of performance and emissions of marine engines fuelled with Liquified Natural Gas, Proceedings of 7th PAAEMS and AMEC2016, THE Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2016.

Summary of the Invention:

[0020] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gas mixture by electrolysis .

[0021 ] One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for producing H2 and O2 by electrolysis including a water tank, a water supply system, an electrolyte supply, an electrolysis cell, a first tube, a second tube, and a third tube. The water supply system is coupled to the water tank. The electrolyte supply is coupled to the water tank. The first tube connects the water tank and the electrolysis cell. The second tube connects the water tank and the electrolysis cell. The third tube extends from the top of the water tank, in which an interface between the third tube and the water tank is in a position higher than an interface between the first tube and the water tank and higher than an interface between the second tube and the water tank.

[0022] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus can be applied to a power output, such as ICE. In this way, the electrolysis device coupled to an ICE system can achieve fuel/energy-saving and emission-reduction with using hydrogen as a fuel additive. With this, not only a significant reduction on fuel consumption is achieved, but also dangerous emissions to the environment are reduced. A solution in the water tank can act as an isolator for two gas delivery paths in the apparatus , which is advantageous to reduce the risk of using the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the ICE system. For example, in a case of an explosion occurring across a gas accumulator space of the water tank, the electrolysis cell coupled to the water tank can be protected from the spread of the explosion by the solution in the water tank. Therefore, only the water tank is damaged by the explosion but the electrolysis cell is free from the damage, which results in avoiding an electrical fire. Moreover, with the accumulation of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the gas accumulator space of the water tank gradually, pressure buildup in the water tank is achieved such that the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is pressured to flow to the next component. That is, no gas pump is needed to direct the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture, thereby reducing the complexity of the configuration. Furthermore, since the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture used in the ICE can be produced by the water electrolysis process, no container for specifically storing the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is needed.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0023] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which: [0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically depicting a configuration of an apparatus for producing a hydrogen (FE) and oxygen (O2) gas mixture by electrolysis with an internal combustion engine (ICE) according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a detailed connection configuration of the water tank of FIG. 1; [0026] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed configuration of the electrolysis cell of FIG. 1 ; and

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed configuration of the backfire preventer of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description:

[0028] In the following description, apparatuses and methods for for producing a hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gas mixture by electrolysis and the likes are set forth as preferred examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, including additions and/or substitutions, may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Specific details may be omitted, so as not to obscure the invention; however, the disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

[0029] In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus for producing a H2 and O2 gas mixture can be applied to power generation and is applicable to various apparatuses, such as internal combustion engine (ICE) system, marine auxiliary engines, main engines, power generators, steam boilers, aircraft, spaceships, or any vehicle with an ICE using any type of fossil fuel. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus can apply to an ICE that utilizes fossil fuel, such as fuel oil, heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, diesel, propane, biofuel, natural gas, gasoline, or combinations thereof and produces power through the ICE. The electrolysis device further includes an electrolysis cell for performing an electrolysis process, so as to produce a hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture that can be introduced into the ICE to act as an additive to the fossil fuel used in the ICE. The configuration of the electrolysis device also reduces the probability of explosion by hydrogen thus increasing safety during the operation of the ICE system, which will be described as follows.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 which is a block diagram schematically depicting a configuration of an apparatus for producing a H2 and O2 gas mixture 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus 100 includes a water supply system 110, an electrolyte supply 120, a water tank 130, a power supply system 140, an electrolysis cell 150, a backfire preventer 160, and a gas dehydrator 170. The apparatus 100 is configured to provide a hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in a safe way, and therefore the system also can be called ¾ & C production system. In the present exemplary, the electrolysis device 100 is applied to an ICE system, and thus the apparatus 100 is connected to an ICE 180 having an air inlet 182. However, the present disclosure is not limited to apply to an ICE system (i.e. the ICE system is optional). In other embodiments, other application(s) can be connected to the apparatus 100, including marine applications and on-land industrial applications.

[0031] The water supply system 110 is coupled to the water tank 130. In the present disclosure, the phrase “two components are coupled to each other” may mean that one of the two components can receive some substances (e.g. flow fluids or solids) from another of the two components through a tube, a pipe, or a channel. For example, a water delivery tube 118 (i.e. illustrated as a line with an arrow) is connected between the water supply system 110 and the water tank 130, such that the water tank 130 can receive water from the water supply system 110 through the water delivery tube 118. In some embodiments, the water delivery tube 118 is a rubber pressure resistant tube or a stainless steel double wall tube.

[0032] The water supply system 110 includes a storage water supply 112, a sea water supply 114, a desalination device 115, and a water purification device 116. The storage water supply 112 is coupled to the water purification device 116 that is configured to remove ions contained in water (e.g. Ca ²⁺ , Mg ²⁺ , Mn ²⁺ , NO3 ² , Na ⁺ , etc), such that water coming from the storage water supply 112 can become deionized or distilled after treating by the water purification device 116. The water delivery tube 118 extends from the water purification device 116 to the water tank 130, so to deliver the deionized or distilled water to the water tank 130. It is important to treat the water as becoming deionized or distilled, since the water will act as a source of the subsequent electrolysis process and presence of the aforementioned ions or other ions may cause a negative effect on the lifespan of the electrolysis plates used for the electrolysis process.

[0033] In some cases, when the apparatus 100 is located in an environment with sea water (e.g. the ocean), sea water can be introduced into the sea water supply 114 from the environment, and then the sea water in the sea water supply 114 can be delivered to the desalination device 115 via a pipeline connected between the sea water supply and the desalination device 115 and equipped with a pump 117, thereby desalinating the sea water for the subsequent electrolysis process. In some embodiments, the desalination device 115 is a reverse osmosis device coupled between the sea water supply 114 and the purification device 116, such that the output of the desalination device 115 is received by the purification device 116 and then is delivered into the water tank 130. In some embodiments, the desalination device 115 can be incorporated into the purification device 116. As such, the water supply system 110 may have two supply lines, a storage water supply line and a sea water supply line, for providing the water tank 130 with deionized or distilled water. Accordingly, when the apparatus 100 is applied to a marine application, such as a marine vessel, sea water can still act as a source of the followed electrolysis process.

[0034] The electrolyte supply 120 is coupled to the water tank 130 through an electrolyte delivery tube 122 (i.e. illustrated as a line with an arrow) connected between the electrolyte supply 120 and the water tank 130. In some embodiments, the electrolyte delivery tube 122 is a stainless steel double wall tube or a rubber pressure resistant tube. The electrolyte supply 120 is configured to provide the water tank 130 with at least one electrolyte, such as NaOH, KOH, K2CO3, or in combinations thereof (i.e. salt mixture). In some embodiments, an electrolyte salt mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ) is added and homogeneously mixed with the water stored in the water tank 130 in a range from approximate 0.5%-30% by weight, so as to produce a solution which will allow electricity to pass through, thereby acting as an efficient electricity conductor in the subsequent electrolysis process. Further, in some embodiments, a replenishment rate for the salt mixture used in the water stored in the water tank 130 is adjustable based on the hydrogen and oxygen production rate in the followed electrolysis process. That is, the salt mixture may not be refilled each time as new distilled or deionized water is added in the water tank 130.

[0035] The power supply system 140 is electrically coupled to the electrolysis cell 150. In the present disclosure, the phrase “two components are electrically coupled to each other” may mean that one of the two components can receive currents from another of the two components through at least one wire, and thus the power supply system 140 can be configured to power the electrolysis cell 150. The power supply system 140 includes a power supply 142 and an AC to DC power transformer 144 electrically connected between the power supply 142 and the electrolysis cell 150, in which the AC to DC power transformer 144 is powered with AC current from the power supply 142 and then transforms the AC current to DC current, so as to power the electrolysis cell 150 with the DC current.

[0036] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a controller 190 electrically coupled to the power supply 142 by a wired connection or wireless connection, thereby for controlling the power supply 142. For example, the controller 190 can be configured to transmit a starting signal to the power supply 142 such that the power supply 142 drives the electrolysis cell 150 to start an electrolysis process. Alternatively, the controller 190 can be configured to transmit a terminating signal to the power supply 142, so as to terminate an electrolysis process that is underway. Furthermore, the controller 190 is also coupled with all the hydrogen leakage detectors 103 and in case of hydrogen leakage. That is, when hydrogen concentrations in air of lppm or more occurs, the controller 190 can terminate automatically the electrolysis process.

[0037] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, in which FIG. 2 depicts a detailed connection configuration of the water tank 130 of FIG. 1. The water tank 130 is made of stainless steel such that the water tank 130 can have enough structural strength. In some embodiments, the water tank 130 is designed with sufficient storage volume, which depends on the volume of hydrogen and oxygen mixture needed to be produced.

[0038] The water delivery tube 118 extending from the water supply system 110 to the water tank 130 forms an interface with the water tank 130 at a bottom of the water tank 130. In the present disclosure, the term “interface” means a joint area between two members. For example, if the water delivery tube 118 is a cylinder tube, the water delivery tube 118 and the water tank 130 may have a ring-shaped joint area therebetween, which can be referred to as the interface of them. The electrolyte delivery tube 122 extending from the electrolyte supply 120 to the water tank 130 forms an interface with the water tank 130 at a top side of the water tank 130, such that the electrolyte coming from the electrolyte supply 120 can be released into the water tank 130 by gravity, so to avoid accumulation of the electrolyte at the interface therebetween.

[0039] The apparatus 100 may further include a level gauge 135 for measuring a liquid level in the water tank 130. With the level gauge 135, water volume in the water tank 130 can remain under half of total volume of the water tank 130. The water tank 130 can be divided into a lower portion 130A and an upper portion 130B respectively occupying substantially one-half volume of the water tank 130, in which a boundary line therebetween is illustrated as a dashed line in FIG. 2. The level gauge includes a transparent tube 136 extending from the lower portion 130A to the upper portion 130B. Specifically, the transparent tube 136 has a bottom end 136A and a top end 136B which are connected to the lower portion 130A and the upper portion 130B, respectively. Therefore, the transparent tube 136 of the level gauge 135 can reflect whether the liquid level in the water tank 130 is under half of the total volume of the water tank 130.

[0040] The water tank 130 is coupled to the electrolysis cell 150. A first tube 132 and a second tube 134 are connected between the water tank 130 and the electrolysis cell 150 and thus act as communication tubes. In some embodiments, either the first tube 132 or second tube 134 is a rubber pressure resistant tube or a stainless steel double wall tube. The first and second tubes 132 and 134 connected to the water tank 130 form interfaces II and 12 that are located at the bottom of the water tank 130 and are spaced apart from each. As such, each of the interfaces II and 12 would be in a position lower than the liquid level in the water tank 130 during the operation of the apparatus 100, and thus the solution can be directed to the electrolysis cell 150 through the first tube 132, due to hydraulic pressure and the gas mixture consisting of hydrogen and oxygen, can be directed to the water tank 130 from the electrolysis cell 150 through the second tube 134, due to gas mixture pressure. That is, there is no need for pumping the solution from the water tank 130 to the electrolysis cell 150, thereby reducing complexity of the connection configuration of the water tank 130. In addition, the interfaces II and 12 are at a side of the water tank 130 different than that of the water delivery tube 118, which is advantageous to manage the tubes connected to the water tank 130.

[0041] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed configuration of the electrolysis cell 150 of FIG. 1. The electrolysis cell 150 may be referred to as a dry cell and includes a casing 151 and electrolysis plates 152 disposed in the casing 151. Although only one electrolysis cell 150 is illustrated in FIG. 3 and used in the apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1), using more electrolysis cells 150 put in parallel is available in other embodiments.

[0042] The casing 151 can be assembled from a body and at least one transparent portion. For example, front and rear sides of the casing 151 may be transparent, such that the electrolysis plates 152 therein are visible from the transparent portion, which is advantageous to visually inspect the electrolysis process as well as the components in the casing 151. The body and the transparent portion of the casing 151 may be made of steel and plexiglass, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second tubes (i.e. the first and second tubes 132 and 134 in FIG. 2) can penetrate through at least one wall of the casing 151, so as to communicate the inside of the casing 151.

[0043] In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 3, although there are the six electrolysis plates 152 disposed in the casing 151, the number of the electrolysis plates 152 may be varied according to amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture required for feeding the ICE (i.e. the ICE 180 in FIG. 1). The electrolysis plates 152 are placed in series and are separated from adjacent plates by a corresponding separator 154. That is, the separators 154 are alternately arranged with the electrolysis plates 152 in a straight direction, and at least one of the separators 154 is located between the adjacent two of the electrolysis plates 152. In some embodiments, each of the separators 154 is a thin rectangular rubber separator with a thickness of approximate 0.2cm and is in contact with the peripheries of adjacent two of the corresponding electrolysis plates 152, so as to form a contact area with a width of approximate lcm. Accordingly, an unexpected short circuit occurring across the electrolysis plates 152 can be avoided by the separators 154.

[0044] Each of the electrolysis plates 152 has a lower hole 155 and an upper hole 156 which has a diameter greater than that of the lower hole 155. In some embodiments, the lower hole 155 has the diameter of approximate 0.7 cm and the upper hole 156 has the diameter of approximate 1.1 cm. The adjacent two electrolysis plates 152 and the corresponding separator 154 therebetween can collectively form a cavity, in which all of the formed cavities communicate with each other through the corresponding lower and upper holes 155 and 156 of the electrolysis plates 152.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the electrolysis plates 152 has a size equal to or greater than approximate 16.3 x 7.6 x 0.1cm (height x width x thickness), but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the electrolysis plates 152 are made of stainless steel or metal coating, such as platinum, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] Furthermore, at least one of the electrolysis plates 152 has a connecting portion 157 at a top edge thereof, in which the connecting portion 157 is configured to connect to a power source (i.e. the power supply 142 in FIG. 1). For example, the connecting portion 157 may have a connecting hole 158 with a diameter of approximate 0.3cm for connecting to the power source through at least one wire. The arrangement of the connecting portions 157 may follow an arrangement rule that an electrolysis plate with a connecting portion and more than one electrolysis plate without connecting portion are arranged in sequence. For example, in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 3, there are the electrolysis plate 152 with the connecting portion 157 and the four electrolysis plates 152 without connecting portion 157 arranged in sequence. In other words, the first and sixth electrolysis plates 152 of the electrolysis plates 152 in FIG. 3 have the connecting portions 157.

[0047] In the electrolysis cell 150 as illustrated in FIG. 3, the one electrolysis plate 152 with the connecting portion 157 may serve as an anode and the next one electrolysis plate 152 with the connecting portion 157 is the cathode. In between, the rest of the electrolysis plates 152 may serve as neutral plates. At least one reason for placing neutral plates between the anode and cathode plates is to lower the voltage between the anode and cathode plates. In some embodiments, the optimum voltage between consecutive electrolysis plates is in a range of about 2-2.2 volts. If the voltage between the consecutive electrolysis plates is greater than 2-2.2 volt, it may result in waste of power, eventually boiling the water in the electrolysis cell 150. The addition of each neutral plate may increase the resistance of the current, thereby lowering the voltage between electrolysis plate gaps. In some embodiments, the optimum number of the used neutral plates is about 5 and as a result the electrolysis cell 150 would not overheat as long as not much amperage of current is used. In other cases, depending on the application, the number of the neutral plates can be varied as a range of 3-7 between a pair of the anode and cathode. Moreover, the characteristics described above are flexible and depend on the amount of hydrogen and oxygen to be produced. In other embodiments, the anode and the cathode can be arranged as being alternate.

[0048] When the solution flows into the electrolysis cell 150, the lower holes 155 of the electrolysis plates 152 are configured to allow the solution to flow and fill the cavities, such that the electrolysis plates 152 are at least partially submerged in the solution. Once the electrolysis plates 152 of the electrolysis cell 150 are powered by the power supply system (i.e. the power supply system 140 in FIG. 1) with the DC current, an electrolysis process is initiated. Specifically, the electrolysis plates 152 can electrolyze the solution for production of a gas mixture consisting of hydrogen and oxygen. The upper holes 156 of the electrolysis plates 152 are configured to direct the produced hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture to flow out of the cavities, from which the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture produced in the electrolysis cell 150 tends to flow upwards.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 again, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture produced in the electrolysis cell 150 can be led back into the water tank 130. Specifically, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture leaving from the electrolysis cell 150 via the upper holes 156 thereof can enter the water tank 130 through the second tube 134, and therefore it can achieve simplifying a gas delivery path from the electrolysis cell 150 to the water tank 130, which will be advantageous to conveniently maintain the connection between the water tank 130 and the electrolysis cell 150. For example, when no gas is introduced into the water tank 130 during the electrolysis process, it is highly probable that some errors occurring across the second tube 134 (e.g. blocking in the second tube 134) are visible, and thus troubleshooting can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the gas delivery path from the electrolysis cell 150 to the water tank 130 is built as allowing the hydrogen and the oxygen to pass therethrough together, and thus separating the hydrogen and the oxygen is unnecessary, which can reduce complexity of the configuration of the gas delivery path. In some embodiments, an interface between the second tube 134 and the electrolysis cell 150 is at a top surface of the electrolysis cell 150 (e.g. a top-most surface of the electrolysis cell 150), which may be advantageous to avoid the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture accumulating in the electrolysis cell.

[0050] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a one-way valve 102 equipped to the first tube 132 and allowing fluid flow in one direction from the water tank 130 to the electrolysis cell 150. That is, in the first tube 132, the solution in the water tank 130 can flow into the electrolysis cell 150, while the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture produced in the electrolysis cell 150 is blocked by the one-way valve 102. As such, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture produced in the electrolysis cell 150 is effectively directed to the water tank 130 through the second tube 134. The present disclosure is not limited to such one-way valve 102, in some embodiments, the one-way valve 102 can be omitted. In such case, since the solution in the electrolysis cell 150 from the water tank 130 tends to go downwards, the hydraulic pressure thereof can have the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture move to the water tank 130 through the expected gas delivery path. [0051] Since the solution in the water tank 130 remains under half of the total volume of the water tank 130 during the operation of the apparatus 100, the residual space (the space above the solution) in the water tank 130 can serve as a gas accumulator space to store the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture to be directed to the ICE 180. In order to prevent backflow of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture, some functional valves are installed into the apparatus 100. For example, the apparatus 100 may further include a first on-off valve 119 and a second on-off valve 123 which are equipped to the water delivery tube 118 and the electrolyte delivery tube 122, respectively, in which each of the first and second on-off valves 119 and 123 has an electrical switch and is configured to either allow unimpeded flow or prevent flow altogether.

[0052] The apparatus 100 further includes a third tube 138 extending outward from the water tank 130 and communicating with the air inlet 182 of the ICE 180. Specifically, the third tube 138 is connected between the water tank 130 and the backfire preventer 160 which is coupled between the water tank 130 and the ICE 180, and the gas dehydrator 170 is coupled between the backfire preventer 160 and the ICE 180. With such connection, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the water tank 130 then can be directed to the ICE 180 through the backfire preventer 160 and the gas dehydrator 170 in sequence. In some embodiments, the third tube 138 is a rubber pressure resistant tube.

[0053] The third tube 138 can form an interface 13 with the water tank 130 in a position on the top of the water tank 130 and higher than the liquid level in the water tank 130. Furthermore, the interface 13 between the third tube 138 and the water tank 130 is also in a position higher than the interface II between the first tube 132 and the water tank 130 and higher than the interface 12 between the second tube 134 and the water tank 130. That is, the third tube 138 is higher than the first tube 132 and the second tube 134 with respect to the bottom of the water tank. As such, a gas delivery path from the water tank 130 to the backfire preventer 160 is separated from the gas delivery path from the electrolysis cell 150 to the water tank 130 by the solution in the bottom of the water tank 130. In other words, the solution in the water tank 130 can act as an isolator between these two gas delivery paths, which is advantageous to reduce the risk of using the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the apparatus 100. For example, in the case of an explosion occurring across the gas accumulator space of the water tank 130, the electrolysis cell 150 can be protected from the spread of the explosion by the solution in the bottom of the water tank 130. Therefore, only the water tank 130 is damaged by the explosion but the electrolysis cell 150 is free from the damage. Moreover, in a case of an explosion occuring within the third tube 138, the fire will be stopped at the backfire preventer 160 which contains water, thus protecting the ICE 180. A damaged electrolysis cell will potentially cause an electrical fire due to an electrical connection to a power source. Since an explosion of the water tank 130 will cause hydrogen leakage, the hydrogen leak detectors detect the leakage and automatically shut down the electrolysis process by cutting the power from the power supply system 140, through the controller 190. [0054] Moreover, with the gradual accumulation of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the gas accumulator space of the water tank 130, pressure buildup in the water tank 130 is achieved such that the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is forced to flow to the backfire preventer 160 through the third tube 138. That is, since the other tubes already have a certain of pressure therein (e.g. caused by either water or hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture entering the water tank 130), the pressure in the third tube 138 is less than those of the other tubes and therefore the third tube 138 is the only one that can direct the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture to leave from the water tank 130. As such, no gas pump is needed to direct the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture to the backfire preventer 160, thereby reducing the complexity of the configuration.

[0055] In addition, an interface 14 between the water delivery tube 118 and the water tank 130 is in a position lower than the interface 13 between the third tube 138 and the water tank 130. Under such configuration, the water coming from the water supply system 110 can effectively function to isolate the aforementioned two gas delivery paths, because the water is filled from the bottom of the water tank 130 that is near the first and the second tubes 132 and 134. Further, an interface I5B between the water tank 130 and the top end 136B of the transparent tube 136 is in a position higher than an interface I5A between the water tank 130 and the bottom end 136A of the transparent tube 136, high then the interface II between the first tube 132 and the water tank 130, and higher than the interface 12 between the second tube 134 and the water tank 130, thereby easily observing whether the liquid level in the water tank 130 is in a position higher than those interfaces II and 12.

[0056] In some embodiments, the water tank 130 may further include a head cover 104 and pressure relief valve 106. The head cover 104 is disposed on the top surface of the water tank 130 and equipped with the pressure relief valve 106, thereby reducing probability of an explosion occurring across the water tank 130. In some embodiments, a rubber sealant can be arranged between the head cover 104 and the water tank 130, so as to avoid water and/or ¾ and O2 leakage due to pressure buildup in the water tank 130. In some embodiments, the water tank 130 further includes a pressure gauge 108 disposed on the top surface of the water tank 130 and configured to reflect pressure in the water tank 130, so as to monitor pressure buildup in the water tank 130 during the production of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture. [0057] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 4 which depicts a detailed configuration of the backfire preventer 160 of FIG. 1. With gradual pressure buildup in the water tank 130, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the gas accumulator space is directed to the backfire preventer 160 through the third tube 138.

[0058] The backfire preventer 160 includes a hydraulic device 162 and a stainless steel double wall tube or a rubber pressure resistant tube 168, as shown in FIG. 4. The hydraulic device 162 has a transparent container 164 containing liquid 161 (e.g. the transparent body 164 is half filled with water) and a cap 166 detachably fixed on the transparent container 164, in which the third tube 138 can penetrate through the cap 166 and extend to a position lower than a liquid level of the liquid water 161, thereby directing the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in the water 161. Accordingly, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture coming from the water tank 130 can produce gas mixture bubbles 163, so as to visually monitor the rate of hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture production. In case the rate of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture production appears to be lower or greater than expectation, the electrolysis process might be adjusted accordingly. The tube 168 communicates with inside of the hydraulic device 162, in which an interface 16 between the tube 168 and the hydraulic device 162 is in a position higher than the water liquid level of the liquid 161, so as to receive the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture from the liquid water 161. That is, after the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture escapes from the liquid water 161, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is directed to the tube 168 to exit the backfire preventer 160. Since there is the liquid water 161 contained in the backfire preventer 160, in the case of a backfire, the liquid 161 will extinguish flame of the backfire, thereby protecting the other components (e.g. the water tank 130 and the components coupled thereto). [0059] Referring to FIG. 1 again, from the backfire preventer 160, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is then led to the gas dehydrator 170 through a tube, such as a pressure resistant rubber tube or a double wall stainless steel tube. In some embodiments, the gas dehydrator 170 is a humidity trap or condenser which is able to remove possible liquid or vapor water carried by the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture coming from the water tank 130 and the backfire preventer 160 prior entering the air inlet 182 of the ICE 180. The gas dehydrator 170 functions to prevent the ICE 180 from reducing its lifetime and performance. That is, if water is introduced into the ICE 180, problems of corrosion of metal materials of the ICE 180 might occur. Moreover, the presence of water in the ICE 180 may create hot spots therein during combustion, thus reducing performance of the ICE 180. The resulting liquid water (i.e. the dehydrated result of the hydrogen and oxygen mixture which flows in the tube 168 would hold water in liquid form) from the gas dehydrator 170 can be collected by a pressure resistant tube 169 and directed to a stainless steel collection tank 171, in which the stainless steel collection tank 171 is connected to the water tank 130 with a pipe 175 equipped with an on/ off valve.

[0060] After treating the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture by the gas dehydrator 170, the clean hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture (i.e. without water vapor) is lead directly to the air inlet 182 of the ICE 180 via a pressure resistant tube 173 extending from the gas dehydrator 170 and bypassing the collection tank 171, where the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is mixed with atmospheric air to form an enriched gas mixture, which can be referred to as a hydrogen-oxygen-atmospheric gas mixture herein. In some embodiments, the rate of the production of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture is controlled such that the volume of the hydrogen in the hydrogen-oxygen-atmospheric gas mixture is equal to or less than 4% by volume. The reason is that hydrogen with volume greater than 4% will potentially cause an explosion.

[0061] Thereafter, the hydrogen-oxygen-atmospheric gas mixture is fed in a combustion chamber of the ICE 180. Co-combustion of the hydrogen-oxygen-atmospheric gas mixture with hydrocarbon fuel can take place in the combustion chamber, in which hydrogen from the mixture acts as a catalyst to facilitate totally combusting the hydrocarbon fuel in the combustion chamber, thereby increasing performance of the ICE 180. As a result, due to the complete combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel, it reduces greenhouse pollutants and carbon buildup. Furthermore, with the use of the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture, the combustion chamber of the ICE 180 can operate much more cleanly (i.e. reducing the carbon buildup), and thus maintenance of the ICE 180 can be delayed. In some embodiments, electrical power generated by a generator of the ICE 180 can be used by the electrolytic cell 150 through the power supply system 140.

[0062] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include an explosion proof housing 101 to contain some equipment of the apparatus 100. For example, the water supply system 110, the electrolyte supply 120, the water tank 130, the power supply system 140, and the electrolysis cell 150 may be enclosed in the explosion proof housing 101. The explosion proof housing 101 can be equipped with one or more fans (not illustrated) which are placed above the electrolysis cell 150, so as to direct possible hydrogen leakage to a hood (not illustrated) placed on a top side of the explosion proof housing 101. As such, any possible hydrogen leakage can be directed to the atmosphere, such that a risk of increasing the hydrogen concentration inside the explosion-proof housing 101 can be reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, the fans and the hood can be operational during the electrolysis process and still be operational at the end of the electrolysis process. For example, the fans may be programmed to automatically shut off ten minutes after the end of the electrolysis process, in order to ensure that no hydrogen remains in the explosion proof housing 101 or the electrolysis cell 150.

[0063] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include one or more hydrogen detectors 103 for monitoring the parameters of hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture production without opening the explosion-proof housing 101. For example, hydrogen detectors 103 can be disposed above or near the water tank 130, the electrolysis cell 150, the backfire preventer 160, the gas dehydrator 170, and/or the air inlet 182 of the ICE 180, respectively.

[0064] The hydrogen detectors 103 are electrically coupled to the controller 190 by wired or wireless connection and configured to transmit a signal in response to detected hydrogen concentration. During the electrolysis process, in case of a hydrogen leakage occurring, the hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere may increase (e.g. equal to or greater than 1 ppm). If such leakage were to occur, a warning signal in response to the increasing hydrogen concentration is transmitted to the controller 190 from the corresponding hydrogen detector 103. Thereafter, in response to the warning signal, the controller 190 can transmit a terminating signal to the power supply 142, so as to terminate the underway electrolysis process. As such, the apparatus 100 has the capability to automatically shut down the current electrolysis process in case of leakage, thereby reducing the probability of explosion and increasing safety during the operation thereof. In some embodiments, a sound and light signal is generated with the warning signal and is automatically sent to a device for notification or alarm. In some embodiments a message is automatically sent to the mobile telephone of the operator as a warning of the hydrogen leakage or can be configured to the operator’s control panel. In some embodiments, pressure within the pressure resistant rubber tubes used for delivering gas may not exceed three bar, and the pressure resistant rubber tubes are firmly tightened to avoid leakage. Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the configuration by connecting the ICE 180, the present disclosure is not limited. In other embodiments, the ICE 180 can be replaced by other power output, such as power generators, steam boilers, all types of marine engines, such as marine auxiliary engines, ship main engines and so on. The power output still communicates with the third tube 138 and configured to receive the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture from the water tank 130 via the third tube 138. [0065] The electronic embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented using computing devices, computer processors, or electronic circuitries including but not limited to application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and other programmable logic devices configured or programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Computer instructions or software codes running in the general purpose or specialized computing devices, computer processors, or programmable logic devices can readily be prepared by practitioners skilled in the software or electronic art based on the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0066] All or portions of the electronic embodiments may be executed in one or more computing devices including server computers, personal computers, laptop computers, mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.

[0067] The electronic embodiments include computer storage media having computer instructions or software codes stored therein which can be used to program computers or microprocessors to perform any of the processes of the present invention. The storage media can include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, optical discs, Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, flash memory devices, or any type of media or devices suitable for storing instructions, codes, and/or data.

[0068] Various embodiments of the present invention also may be implemented in distributed computing environments and/or Cloud computing environments, wherein the whole or portions of machine instructions are executed in distributed fashion by one or more processing devices interconnected by a communication network, such as an intranet, Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, and other forms of data transmission medium.

[0069] The foregoing description of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art.

[0070] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.