Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an electrolysis system for generating hydrogen and a method of generating hydrogen using electrolysis.

Background

[2] Water electrolysis generally relates to the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen by passing an electrical current through it. Water electrolysis has been used to power vehicles or electric devices. In this regard, electrolysis systems are typically operated by providing input direct current (DC) voltage to an electrode plate assembly within an electrolyser cell. An electrically conducting solution, such as water and an electrolyte, is directed through the electrode plate assembly where the electrolysis reaction occurs.

[3] A significant problem with conventional electrolysis systems has been due to the production of excessive amounts of heat / power dissipation. In recent times, pulse-width modulation (PWM) has been developed in an attempt to solve this problem. PWM's work by switching the supply current on and off very fast at varying rates.

[4] It would be advantageous if at least an embodiment of the present invention overcame the overheating problems of conventional electrolysis systems or at least provide a workable solution compared with conventional electrolysis systems.

[5] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which have been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[6] Throughout the specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary

[7] Embodiments of the present invention relates to an electrolysis system for generating hydrogen by water electrolysis, the electrolysis system comprising: at least one hydrogen generating cell comprising at least two electrodes; a storage for storing an electrically conducting solution; a pump for directing at least a portion of the solution from the storage to the at least one hydrogen generating cell; an input power source configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage; and a power supply module for supplying power to the at least two electrodes, the power supply module being electrically connected to the input power source; wherein the power supply module comprises a plurality of power metal-oxide- semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), each MOSFET comprising a gate, a source and a drain and wherein the plurality of MOSFETs are electrically connected in parallel such that a current load provided by the input power source is distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs.

[8] In an embodiment, the electrolysis system comprises a plurality of hydrogen generating cells, each hydrogen generating cell comprising at least two electrodes. In one particular example, the electrolysis system comprises at least 6 hydrogen generating cells.

[9] The electrically conducting solution may, for example, comprise water and an electrolyte.

[10] In an embodiment, the electrolysis system is configured such that generated hydrogen can be provided to an engine of vehicle, including but not limited to cars, trucks, buses, gensets, boats and industrial construction/mining vehicles. Specifically, the electrolysis system may be configured to control an amount of hydrogen that is generated, such as based on the needs of the vehicle engine. A further application of the electrolysis system may include a power plant, for example, that draws the input power from a renewable or nuclear resource. Another application may include a power storage, for example, that stores power obtained from a renewable or nuclear resource. [11] In one example, the electrolysis system may be configured such that the generated hydrogen is provided to a conventional internal combustion engine of a vehicle via an air manifold hose. This is commonly also referred to as hydrogen fuel enhancement. Furthermore, the electrolysis system may be configured such that the generated hydrogen is provided to a hydrogen engine. Hydrogen engines are well known to a person skilled in the art and will not be further described in the present specification.

[12] The power supply module of the electrolysis system typically comprises a first interface for electrically connecting the power supply module to the input power source; and a second interface for electrically connecting the power supply module to at least two electrodes of the at least one hydrogen generating cell. Using a plurality of power MOSFETs configured in parallel may reduce a voltage drop compared to conventional power supplies that use diodes and other electrical circuit designs. Also, by using a plurality of MOSFETs configured in parallel, a current flowing through each MOSFET may be reduced thereby reducing the temperature of the MOSFETs.

[13] In an embodiment, each MOSFET of the electrolysis system may be an N-Channel Power MOSFET. Additionally, each MOSFET may be an Enhancement Mode Power MOSFET.

[14] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of power MOSFETs is of substantially the same type. In one particular embodiment, each of the plurality of MOSFETs has a substantially identical on- resistance. In an embodiment, each power MOSFET has a relatively low resistance between the drain and the source. For example, each power MOSFET may be characterised by an on-resistance of RDS (ON) below 10 mO, or below 7.5 mO, or below 5.5 mO, such as approximately 4.8mQ. Using power MOSFETs having a relatively low on-resistance may reduce a voltage drop occurring over the power circuit thereby minimising power loss of the electrolysis system. For example, for MOSFETs having an on-resistance of RDS (ON) 4.8mQ, a voltage drop may amount to approximately 0.168V.

[15] In an embodiment, the power supply module of the electrolysis system comprises a plurality of groups of MOSFETs, wherein each group comprises a plurality of MOSFETs that are electrically connected in parallel and the groups are also electrically connected in parallel. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply module comprises a plurality of groups of MOSFETs, wherein the groups of MOSEFETs are connected in series.

[16] In an embodiment, the power supply module of the electrolysis system comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the plurality of MOSFETs are arranged in parallel and connected to each other via PCB traces. Each PCB trace may comprise a metal bus bar that is mounted to an underside of the PCB. For example, the metal bus bar may be mounted to the PCB by virtue of fasteners, such as threaded bolts or screws. In one specific embodiment, at least one PCB trace is in the form of an aluminium, copper or brass bus bar. Additionally or alternatively, the metal bus bar may comprise a layer of any one or a combination of the above materials, such as a surface plating. By using aluminium, copper or brass bus bars, a relatively large current may be carried by the PCB traces. In one specific example, the metal bus bar is placed on the PCB with a surface plating of Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG).

[17] In an embodiment, the electrolysis system further comprises a safety controller for controlling the power supply module. Specifically, the safety controller may be configured to control the power supplied to the at least two electrodes of the at least one hydrogen generating cell. In this regard, the power supply module may comprise a third interface for electrically connecting the power supply module to the safety controller, wherein the third interface is connected to the plurality of power MOSFETs and the power supply module is configured such that the safety controller connected to the power supply module can control the power supplied to the at least two electrodes by applying a signal to the plurality of gates of the power MOSFETs. For example, the safety controller may apply an amplitude and/or a frequency of the voltage to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs. Alternatively, the safety controller may apply a frequency generated signal to the plurality of MOSFETs, for example, by using one or more 555 timers. The safety controller is typically configured as a feedback loop by obtaining an operational parameter of the hydrogen generating cell and/or the engine of the vehicle that is used to determine the signal to be applied to the plurality of gates of the power MOSFETs.

[18] The safety controller may form a separate component of the electrolysis system. Alternatively, the safety controller may be integrated with the power supply module. In this regard, the safety controller may be provided on the same PCB as the power supply module.

[19] In an embodiment, the safety controller may be configured to communicate with at least one sensor to obtain an operational parameter of the electrolysis system and/or the engine of the vehicle. For example, the safety controller may obtain an operational parameter of the vehicle engine via the vehicles CAN bus. By obtaining these operational parameters, it is possible to control an amount of hydrogen supplied to the engine.

[20] The at least one sensor may or may not be part of the electrolysis system. For example, the safety controller may communicate with a sensor for monitoring an operational parameter of the electrolysis system, such as the hydrogen generating cell. In this regard, the sensor may be in the form of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, a fluid flow sensor, an electrolyte level sensor, a gas sensor, a pressure sensor or any other suitable sensor for obtaining an operational parameter of the electrolysis system. For example, the safety controller may communicate with a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of a solution (such as water and an electrolyte) used for the electrolysis or a temperature of the electrode plates. In this regard, the temperature sensor may be in the form of a thermistor or infra-red (IR) temperature sensor. Other exemplary sensors may include an ammeter, a voltmeter, a gas flow sensor or a water flow sensor. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable sensor is envisaged.

[21] With regard to the example where the electrolysis system is connected to a vehicle engine, operational parameters obtained by one or more sensors may include but are not limited to RPM, engine temperature, fuel economy, KPH and MAP or MAF values.

[22] In a specific example, the safety controller may be configured to cut off power from the input power source to the at least one hydrogen generating cell if an operational parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, in the event of an emergency such as a gas leakage or any malfunction of the electrolysis system. The safety controller may be in communication with an MQ2 gas leakage sensor that is configured such that if an amount of gas exceeding a threshold is detected by the MQ.2 gas leakage sensor, the safety controller cuts off the electrical connection between the input power source and the at least one hydrogen generating cell. Additionally, or alternatively, the safety controller may comprise a manual switch, a push to break button or the like such that power from the input power source to the at least one hydrogen generating cell can be cut off by manual intervention by a user. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any other suitable cut off modules are envisaged to ensure a cut off of the power from the input power source to the hydrogen generating cell in emergency situations.

[23] The safety controller may comprise or be communicatively connected to a data storage for storing a plurality of predefined operational parameters or ranges of operational parameters associated with respective sensors of the electrolysis system and/or the vehicle engine. These predefined operational parameters or ranges typically indicate safe working conditions of the electrolysis system. Thus, if an operational parameter of one or more sensors exceed(s) or fall(s) below the predefined operational parameters, the safety controller may control one or more components of the electrolysis system, such as the input power source. In one embodiment, the safety controller is configured to receive the operational parameter of the at least one sensor of the electrolysis system and to process the received information to control the signal provided to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs. The safety controller may be in the form of a microcontroller, such as an Arduino, STM32, or in the form of one or more transistors, such as NPN or PNP transistors.

[24] The safety controller may further comprise or be connected to an input device for data entry, such as data entry of threshold values for the predefined operational parameters or other functionalities of the safety controller. The input device may be in any suitable form, including but not limited to a keyboard, a touch pad or the like. The safety controller may further comprise or be connected to an output device for making available any suitable information, such as threshold value, predefined operational parameters or ranges of the operational parameters or current operational parameters determined by the sensor. The output device may be in any suitable form, including but not limited to a display. In one particular example, the safety controller comprises an LCD touch screen which combines the functionality of the input device and the output device.

[25] The safety controller may comprise a network interface to enable communication with a remote computing device. For example, the safety controller may comprise a 3G, 4G or 5G chip. This has the particular advantage that one or more vehicles or other connected devices (see applications of the electrolysis system) may be monitored remotely. The remote computing device may be a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone. However, other computing devices are envisaged, including but not limited to a personal computer, a tablet computer, a notebook or the like. In one particular example, the network interface is configured to enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication with a remote mobile computing device. In this way, the mobile computing device provides the functionality of an input device and an output device as described above and a user may set threshold values for operational parameters or select other functionalities of the electrolysis system by using the mobile computing device. This may be realised by webpages served to the remote computing device or through an application programming interface (API) that communicates with the computing device through a dedicated application installed on the computing device.

[26] In one specific example in which the safety controller comprises a microcontroller that is in communication with the at least one sensor of the electrolysis system and/or the vehicle engine, the safety controller may further comprise a Wi-Fi microchip, such as an ESP8266.

[27] The electrolysis system may further comprise a relay and the safety controller may be configured to control switching of the relay. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the relay may or may not form part of the safety controller. The relay may be in the form of a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay. The relay may be configurable in two configurations. For example, the device may be configured such that in a first configuration the relay causes to connect the at least one hydrogen generating cell to the input power source, and in a second configuration the relay causes to disconnect the at least one hydrogen generating cell from the input power source. In particular, in the first configuration, the relay may cause the at least one hydrogen generating cell to directly connect to the input power source.

[28] In an alternative embodiment, in a first configuration the relay causes to directly connect the plurality of power MOSFETs with the at least one hydrogen generating cell, and in a second configuration the relay causes to connect the plurality of power MOSFETs with the at least one hydrogen generating cell via at least one resistor, such as a rheostat.

[29] The safety controller may cause switching of the relay if an operational parameter of the at least one hydrogen generating cell and/or the vehicle engine exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold.

[30] In an embodiment, the safety controller may comprise a function generator to generate a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal that is applied to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs. For example, the function generator may comprise a 555 timer. In a specific example, the safety controller comprises a plurality of 555 timers, such as three 555 timers.

[31] In a further embodiment, the safety controller may comprise a voltage regulator or voltage divider to regulate the voltage applied to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs.

[32] In an embodiment, the input power source may provide a DC voltage of 12V, 24V or 48V. In an embodiment, the input power source may comprise a DC battery, such as a 12V vehicle battery. Alternatively, the input power source may comprise an AC to DC converter that is electrically connected to an AC power source. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that an input power source that draws power from renewable and nuclear resources is preferred to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[33] In an embodiment, the electrolysis system further comprises an electronic fuel injection enhancer (EFIE) that is configured to adjust the engine's air fuel ratio. In this regard, the EFIE may be in communication with the safety controller and is configured to process operational parameters of the electrolysis system and/or the engine to adjust the supply of hydrogen to the internal combustion engine. The EFIE may comprise a microcontroller that utilises a learning algorithm to adjust the supply of hydrogen to allow for the most optimal performance results for the engine.

[34] Embodiments of the present invention may further relate to a vehicle comprising the electrolysis system as described above, and an internal combustion engine; wherein the electrolysis system is configured to supply generated hydrogen to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may be a conventional fuel combustion engine wherein the generated hydrogen is supplied to the engine via an air manifold hose.

[35] Embodiments of the present invention may further relate to a method of generating hydrogen using the above-described electrolysis system. The method comprises a step of supplying power to the at least one hydrogen generating cell from the input power source via the power supply module by controlling a signal applied to the plurality of gates of the respective power MOSFETs, wherein the method is conducted such that a current load provided by the input power source is distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs in a substantially equal manner.

[36] The method may comprise a step of obtaining an operational parameter of the at least one hydrogen generating cell and/or of the engine vehicle and using the operational parameter to determine the signal applied to the plurality of gates of the respective power MOSFETs. In this way, an amount of generated hydrogen may be controlled.

[37] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combined to form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. Brief Description of Drawings

[38] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[39] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[40] Figures 2, 3 and 4 are schematic representations of exemplary circuit designs including a plurality of MOSFETs for the electrolysis system of Figure 1;

[41] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[42] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic representations of a circuit design including a plurality of MOSFETs and a relay of the device of Figure 5;

[43] Figures 8 and 9 show schematic representations of circuit designs comprising a plurality of 555 timers for applying a voltage to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs, for example, for the electrolysis system of Figure 1.

[44] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[45] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a variant of the electrolysis system of Figure 10 in which the resistor is replaced by a diode module;

[46] Figure 12 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[47] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[48] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of a method of supplying power for an electrolysis system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments

[49] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an electrolysis system and a method of generating hydrogen using electrolysis. In general, electrolysis is a process of using electricity to split water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. The produced hydrogen gas may then be used as a fuel, for example, in fuel cells of internal combustion engines, or as a fuel enhancer for conventional internal combustion engines. It may also be stored. A typical electrolysis system comprises one or more hydrogen generating cells. Each cell may assume any configuration that employs an anodic plate(s) and a cathodic plate(s) whereby an electrically conducting solution, such as water and an electrolyte, is used to conduct current for the basic principle of electrolysis of the solution into constituent gases under pressure, at normal standard pressure or under vacuum.

[50] Inherent problems with direct current (DC) water electrolysis are well known. One major problem relates to the production of excessive amounts of heat dissipation. This may cause damage to the electrolysis system or at least the power supply of the electrolysis system. An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrolysis system that at least reduces the production of excessive amounts of heat compared to conventional electrolysis systems.

[51] Even more so, conventional power supplies for an electrolysis system that is operated by DC voltage typically use diodes and other ineffective electrical circuits that may cause an undesired voltage drop. This voltage drop reduces the total voltage supplied to the electrolysis system which may ultimately restrict how many electrolyser cells can be used within the electrolysis system.

[52] Embodiments of the present invention have been developed to address these problems and at least provide an alternative and workable solution. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the electrolysis system comprises at least one hydrogen generating cell comprising at least two electrodes, a storage for storing an electrically conducting solution, a pump for directing at least a portion of the solution from the storage to the at least one hydrogen generating cell and an input power source configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage. The electrolysis system further comprises a power supply module for supplying power to the at least two electrodes, the power supply module being electrically connected to the input power source. The power supply module comprises a plurality of power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), where each MOSFET comprises a gate, a source and a drain and wherein the plurality of MOSFETs are electrically connected in parallel such that a current load provided by the input power source is distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs.

[53] In this regard, the power supply module may have a first interface electrically connecting to the input power source, in this case a direct current (DC) voltage power source, such as a 12V battery, and a second interface electrically connecting to the one or more hydrogen generating cells that is operated by the DC voltage power source. In the examples described below, each MOSFET is a power MOSFET and more particularly an N-channel Enhancement Mode Power MOSFET. These type of MOSFETs are well known in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[54] By using a plurality of power MOSFETs electrically configured in parallel, a current load can be equally distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs. The inventor of the present invention has found that this configuration creates a load balancing effect in that each MOSFET will only carry a portion of the total current load. As a result, the temperature of each MOSFET can be decreased. As the temperature of the MOSFETs decreases, the normalised on-resistance of the MOSFETs decreases which may result in a smaller voltage drop compared to convention power supplies.

[55] Furthermore, the electrolysis system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention enables to have a plurality of hydrogen generating cells, in particular at least six hydrogen generating cells. This may increase overall performance of the electrolysis system.

[56] Referring now to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a schematic representation of an electrolysis system 100 for generating hydrogen in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The electrolysis system 100 comprises a power supply module 110 for controlling the supply of power for the electrolysis system 100. Whilst the power supply module 110 in this particular example forms part of the electrolysis system 100, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the power supply module 110 may be provided as a stand-alone device to be used in combination with existing electrolysis systems. In this way, the power supply module 110 may be retrofitted into existing electrolysis systems. Even more so, users may tailor other electronical components of the electrolysis system to fit their needs and requirements.

[57] The electrolysis system 100 comprises an input power source 102 and an electrolysis unit 104. The electrolysis unit 104 may be any suitable electrolysis unit having one or more electrolyser cells with electrode plates, a storage for storing an electrically conducting solution such as water and an electrolyte, a pump and any other suitable components required to operate the electrolysis unit for the decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. In this particular example, the electrolysis unit 104 comprises six hydrogen generating calls also referred to as electrolyser cells, wherein each hydrogen generating cell comprises at least two electrodes.

[58] In the following examples, the input power source 102 is configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage, such as 12V, 24V or 48V. In this regard, the input power source 102 may, for example, comprise a DC battery, such as a 12V vehicle battery. Alternatively, the input power source 102 may comprise an AC to DC converter that is electrically connected to an AC power source. For example, the DV voltage may be drawn from a renewable resource or a nuclear resource. These examples have the significant advantage that greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced.

[59] In the example shown in Figure 1, the electrolysis system 100 also comprises a cut off module 106. The cut off module 106 is electrically connected to the input power source 102 and the electrolysis unit 104 and is configured to cut off power being directed from the input power source 102 to the electrolysis unit 104. In other words, the cut off module 106 has the function to be able to turn off the electrolysis unit 104, for example, in emergency situations, such as in case of a gas leakage, a spike in temperature of an electrolyser cell or any other possible malfunction of the electrolysis system 100. In this particular example, the cut off module 106 comprises an MQ2 gas leakage sensor and a manual switch. Thus, if the MQ.2 gas leakage sensor detects a gas leakage exceeding a predetermined threshold, the cut off module 106 is automatically activated thereby cutting off the power to the electrolysis unit 104. By also providing a manual switch, a user may manually cut off power to the electrolysis unit 104. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable cut off module is envisaged to ensure that the power to the electrolysis unit 104 may be shut off.

[60] Referring now to the power supply module 110 for controlling the supply of power to the electrolysis unit 104. The power supply module 110 comprises a first interface 112 for electrically connecting the module 110 to the input power source 104. The module 110 further comprises a second interface 114 for electrically connecting the module 110 to the electrolysis unit 104. The module 110 also comprises a plurality of power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) 118 that are connected to the first interface 112 and the second interface 114. In this particular example, each MOSFET 118 is an N-channel Enhancement Mode Power MOSFET 118. In this example, each power MOSFET 118 has a relatively low resistance between the drain and the source. Specifically, the on-resistance R _D s (ON) of each MOSFET 118 is approximately 4.8mO. Using power MOSFETs 118 having a relatively low on-resistance may reduce a voltage drop occurring over the power circuit thereby minimising power loss of the electrolysis system 100. [61] An exemplary circuit design of the power supply module 110 is shown in Figure 2 illustrating how the plurality of MOSFETs 118 may be electrically connected. As can be seen in this figure, the gates of the plurality of power MOSFETs 118 are electrically connected in parallel such that a current load provided by the input power source 102 is distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs 118 in a substantially equal manner. This configuration may allow for a relatively simple MOSFET gate driver circuit to be used. The inventor of the present invention has surprisingly discovered that by using MOSFETs in parallel, a relatively large current necessary for the operation of electrolysis can be distributed in a substantially equal manner. In this way, the amount of current supplied to each MOSFET can be reduced which in turn may reduce an operating temperature of the MOSFETs. As a consequence, a power loss and voltage drop over the power supply circuit of the power supply module 110 may be reduced which may increase the efficiency of the electrolysis system 100.

[62] Further exemplary circuit designs illustrating variant modules 110A, HOB are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, Figure 3 shows how ten power MOSFETs 118A are electrically connected in parallel and Figure 4 shows how five power MOSFETs 118B are electrically connected in parallel. These circuit designs relate to example implementations only and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other circuit designs are envisaged and well within the scope of the present application.

[63] Referring back to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, the power supply module 110 comprises a third interface 116 for electrically connecting the 110 to a power control module 120. The power control module 120 is configured to control the power applied to the plurality of MOSFETs of the power supply module 110. By providing the third interface 116, any suitable power control module 120 may be chosen by the user of the electrolysis system 100. This means that various off the shelf and/or custom power MOSFET controllers can be used. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides for a modular DC power supply and control for an electrolysis unit. The modularity increases flexibility in the design of the electrolysis system 100 which allows the user of the electrolysis system 100 to switch out the power control module 120 for the power supply module 110 and modify it to suit their needs and requirements in their particular application field for electrolysis.

[64] In this particular example, the power control module 120 forms part of the electrolysis system 110. However, as mentioned above, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the power control module 120 may be exchanged to suit the user's needs and requirements. [65] The power control module 120 is electrically connected to the power supply module 110 and to the electrolysis unit 104. In this way, the power control module 120 forms a feedback loop 122 that obtains operational parameters from the electrolysis unit 104 that are used to determine a signal to be applied to the plurality of power MOSFETs of the power supply module 110. In this particular example, the power control module 120 is also connected to the input power source 102. The power control module 120 may be connected to the input power source 102 via a voltage regulator, a step- up module or constant current diode to regulate a voltage provided to the power control module 120 by the input power source 102.

[66] In this example, the power control module 120 comprises a sensor and a controller (not shown), such as a microcontroller, that is in communication with the sensor. Alternatively, the function of the controller may be provided by a voltage regulator or a voltage divider to regulate the voltage applied to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs. In a further alternative, the function of the controller may be provided by a transistor, such as an NPN transistor or a PNP transistor as will be described with reference to Figure 6. In general, the controller has the function of controlling a signal applied to the base of the plurality of MOSFETs, i.e. to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs. The signal may, for example, be a voltage or another suitable signal, such as a frequency or the like.

[67] The sensor is configured to monitor an operational parameter of the electrolysis unit 104. In this particular example, the sensor is in the form of a temperature sensor, such as thermistor or an infrared temperature sensor. Depending on what type of temperature sensor is used, the temperature sensor is configured to obtain a temperature of the fluid within the electrolysis unit 104 or the electrode plates of the electrolysis unit 104. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors for obtaining operational parameters of the electrolysis unit may be used. For example, the sensor may be in the form of a current sensor, such as an ammeter, a voltage sensor, such as a voltmeter, a fluid flow sensor such as a gas flow or water flow sensor, a water level sensor or a cooling fan rpm sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be a push button to activate a function on the control board. This may allow for the controller to use this input to toggle a relay, the gates of the MOSFETs 218 or power a 555 timer.

[68] Thus, by obtaining an operational parameter of the electrolysis unit 104 by the sensor, the power control module 120 can determine the signal to be applied to the plurality of gates of the power MOSFETs 118 of the power supply module 110. For example, when the electrolysis unit 104 is initially turned on, a temperature of the solution within the electrolysis unit 104 is relatively low and the resistance on the overall circuit is relatively high. It requires some time, typically around 30 minutes for the solution within the electrolysis unit 104 to increase its temperature to an optimal operating temperature when the overall resistance decreases. For example, during the initial heating up period the resistance on the overall circuit may be approximately 10, whereas once the solution has reached its optimal operating temperature the resistance may be around 0.10. The controller of the power control module 120 uses this information to determine the signal to be applied to the plurality of MOSFETs 118.

[69] For example, the electrolysis system 100 may be configured to define a threshold value indicative of a maximum current to be drawn by the electrolysis unit 104. This threshold value may be measured in any suitable unit, such as temperature or current, and may be determined in any suitable way, such as by manual calculation or monitoring of operational parameters of the electrolysis unit 104. Once the threshold value has been determined, the power control module 120 may be configured to ensure that the electrolysis unit 104 does not surpass the threshold value. In this particular example where the power control module 120 comprises a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor would monitor a change in temperature, for example, when the production of hydrogen gas commences. Once the temperature sensed by the sensor reaches the threshold value, a signal applied to the gates of the plurality of power MOSFETs 118 will be adjusted. For example, the duty cycle may be adjusted. Thus, by obtaining an operational parameter indicative of the current that is drawn by the electrolysis unit 104, a signal applied to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs 118 can be adjusted. A further advantage of this configuration may be that the electrolysis system 100 can operate to reach the threshold value and then dialled back by the controller of the power control module 120 to achieve a cooling down effect. Using a temperature sensor has the particular advantage that a shunt resister that is typically part of the circuit may be removed. A shunt resistor may cause a significant heat and power dissipation and by removing the shunt resister, an efficiency of the electrolysis system 100 may be improved.

[70] In some embodiments (not shown), the power control module 120 further comprises or is communicatively connected to an input device for data entry, such as data entry of threshold values for the operational parameters or other functionalities of the power control module. The input device may be in communication with the controller that is in communication with the sensor. The input device may be in any suitable form, including but not limited to a keyboard, a touch pad or the like. In addition, the power control module 120 may comprise or is connected to an output device for making available any suitable information to a user, such as threshold value or current operational parameters determined by the sensor. The output device may be in communication with the controller and may be in any suitable form, including but not limited to a display. In one particular example, the power control module comprises an LCD touch screen which combines the functionality of the input device and the output device.

[71] In a further embodiment (not shown), the power control module 120 comprises a network interface to enable communication with a remote computing device. The remote computing device may, for example, be a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone. However, other computing devices are envisaged, including but not limited to a personal computer, a tablet computer, a notebook or the like. In one particular example, the network interface is configured to enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication with a remote mobile computing device. In this way, the mobile computing device can provide the functionality of an input device and an output device for a user to set threshold values for operational parameters or select other functionalities of the power control module. This may be realised by webpages served to the remote computing device or through an application programming interface (API) that communicates with the computing device through a dedicated application installed on the computing device. In one specific example in which the power control module comprises a microcontroller that is in communication with the sensor, the power control module may further comprise a Wi-Fi microchip, such as an ESP8266.

[72] The electrolysis system 100 may further comprise a relay (not shown) and the controller of the power control module 120 may be configured to switch the relay. The relay may for example be a solid state relay or an electromagnetic relay.

[73] The relay may be configurable in two configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration. For example, in the first configuration of the relay, the electrolysis unit 104 is directly connected to the input power source 102. This may be applicable in an initial phase in which a temperature of the electrolysis unit 104 increases to reach its optimal temperature. In the second configuration, the electrolysis unit 104 may be directly disconnected from the input power source 102 and the electrolysis unit 104 may be connected to the power supply module 110. In other words, the relay may be configured to turn on or off a signal to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs.

[74] Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an electrolysis system 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that like reference numerals refer to like functional components of the system. The electrolysis system 200 also comprises an input power source 102, an electrolysis unit 104 and a cut off module 106 as described with reference to Figure 1. [75] The electrolysis system 200 comprises a power supply module 210 for supplying power to the electrolysis unit 104. In this regard, the power supply module 210 also comprises a first interface 212 for electrically connecting the power supply module 210 to the input power source 102, a second interface 214 for electrically connecting the power supply module 210 to the electrolysis unit 104 and a third interface 216 for electrically connecting the power supply module 210 to a power control module 220.

[76] In this particular example, the power supply module 210 comprises a plurality of groups of power MOSFETs 218 that are arranged in parallel. Specifically, the power supply module 210 comprises two sets 219A, 219B of power MOSFETs 218 in parallel.

[77] An exemplary circuit design of the power supply module 210 is shown in Figure 6. Specifically, in the first set 219A the gates of the first five MOSFETs 218 are connected and in the second group 219B the gates of the second five MOSFETs 218 are connected. Each group allows for redundancy to exist if one of the two sets 219A, 219B should fail, only affecting a maximum current carrying capacity of the power supply module 210. If the first group 219A of MOSFETs failed, the second group 219B would be able to continue operating until the first group 119A can be repaired or replaced. The power supply module 210 may further comprise a jumper pin connecting the gates of the two sets 219A, 219B of MOSFETs 218 together. Furthermore, using more MOSFETs 218 in parallel reduces an amount of current that each MOSFET 218 has to adjust to. As a result, by adding further MOSFETs 218 to the power supply module 210, the electrolysis system 200 may be scaled up to allow for higher current applications. For example, for an electrolysis system having 5 or 6 electrolyser cells, each of the cells would require approximately 40A. The power supply module 210 can accommodate for the increased current demand by adding further MOSFETs 218.

[78] The power control module 220 in this example comprises a transistor 221, such as an NPN or a PNP transistor, and at least one 555 timer (not shown) to generate a PWM signal to be applied to the plurality of MOSFETs 218. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciated that any suitable function generator may be used to generate or modify a PWM signal for the plurality of MOSFETs 218.

[79] The power control module 220 further comprises a sensor 222 for obtaining an operational parameter of the electrolysis unit 104. The sensor 222 may be any suitable sensor as described with reference to Figure 1. The transistor 221 is in communication with the sensor 222 receiving a signal from the sensor 222 at a base of the transistor 221. This may be used to toggle the signal applied to the MOSFETs 218 via the 555 timer to control power supplied to the electrolysis unit 104. [80] In this example, the power control module 220 also comprises a relay 224. An exemplary circuit design for this configuration is shown in Figure 7. As briefly described above, a relay can generally be configured in first and second configurations. In this particular example shown in Figure 7, the relay 224 is in the form of a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay 224. In the first configuration of the relay 224, the plurality of MOSFETs 218 of the power supply module 210 are directly connected with the electrolysis unit 104. In the second configuration, the plurality of MOSFETs 218 of the power supply module 210 are connected to the electrolysis unit 104 via at least one resistor 230.

[81] In an alternative embodiment, in a first configuration the relay causes to directly connect the plurality of power MOSFETs with the electrolysis unit, and in a second configuration the relay causes to connect the plurality of power MOSFETs with the electrolysis unit via at least one resistor 230, such as a rheostat. When the electrolysis unit 104 is initially turned on, the electrolysis unit 104 has a relatively high resistance and it requires some time to increase a temperature of the solution within the electrolysis unit 104 to reach an optimal operating temperature. When this process is occurring, the relay 224 causes the electrolysis unit 104 to be directly connected to the input power supply 102. When the optimal operating temperature of the solution has been reached, the overall resistance of the circuit decreases significantly. This results in a decrease in an overall resistance of the circuit, resulting in an increase in current supplied to the circuit. The sensor 222 would detect the temperature and the transistor 221 would cause the relay 224 to switch to a circuit connecting the input power source 102 to the resistor 230 in series with the electrolysis unit 104. This would cause a voltage drop over the resistor 230 and result in the resistance of the circuit increasing, returning to a value close to which it started, or a value determined by a user of the system 200.

[82] In this particular example, the relay 224 may switch automatically if an operational parameter of the electrolysis unit 104 exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold.

[83] In a further embodiment, the electrolysis system 200 may comprise a plurality of 555 timers, for example, in the form of IC chips. An exemplary circuit design showing three 555 timers 240, 242 and 244 is illustrated in accompanying Figure 8. In this regard, a first 555 timer 240 may be operated in an astable mode whilst a second 555 timer 242 and a third 555 timer 244 may be operated in a monostable mode. The first 555 timer 240 may generate a frequency that may be used to drive the second and third 555 timers 242, 244. In this regard, the second 555 timer 242 may control the gates of the first set 219A of MOSFETs 218 and the third 555 timer 242 may control the gates of the second set 219B of MOSFETs 218. The electrolysis system 200 may further comprise a constant current diode, a voltage regulator or the like to provide power to the 555 timers. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other components shown in the circuit design in Figure 8 are well known and will not be described in further detail.

[84] The second 555 timer 242 and the third 555 timer 244 may be replaced by a single 556 timer 246 as shown in Figure 9 which would result in both chips being in a single package.

[85] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown an electrolysis system 250 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that like reference numerals refer to like functional components of the system. The electrolysis system 250 also comprises an input power source 102, electrolysis unit 104 and a cut off module 106 as described with reference to Figure 1.

[86] The electrolysis system 250 comprises a power supply module 260 for supplying power to the electrolysis unit 104. The power supply module 260 comprises a plurality of power MOSFETs configured in parallel, for example, as shown in Figure 3 or 4. The power supply module 260 comprises a first interface 262 for electrically connecting the power supply module 260 to the input power source 102 and a second interface 264 for electrically connecting the power supply module 260 to the electrolysis unit 104. A PWM signal is applied to the plurality of gates of the MOSFETs of the power supply module 260.

[87] In this particular example, the electrolysis system 250 further comprises a resistor 270 arranged between the power supply module 260 and the electrolysis unit 104. The resistor 270 in this example has the function of increasing the overall resistance of the circuit. In comparison to the second embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, it should be noted that no switching occurs and the resistor 270 is part of the circuit for the whole time of the operation.

[88] Figure 11 shows a variant electrolysis system 280 of the embodiment shown in Figure 10. In particular, instead of the resistor 270, the electrolysis system 280 comprises a diode module 290. The diode module 290 in this particular example is an additional circuit connected to the existing power control circuit to allow for inductive load applications. By providing the diode module 290, a problem arising from a back voltage generated by the electrolysis unit 104 may be solved.

[89] Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown an electrolysis system 300 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that like reference numerals refer to like functional components of the system. The electrolysis system 300 also comprises an input power source 102, an electrolysis unit 104 and a cut off module 106 as described with reference to Figure 1. [90] The electrolysis system 300 comprises a power supply module 310 for supplying power to the electrolysis unit 104. The power supply module 310 comprises a plurality of power MOSFETs configured in parallel such that a current load from the input power source 102 can be distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs. The power supply module 310 also comprises a first interface 312 for electrically connecting the power supply module 310 to the input power 102, a second interface 314 for electrically connecting the power supply module 310 to the electrolysis unit 104.

[91] In this particular example, the power supply module 310 is connected to the input power source 102 via a power control module 320. The power control module 320 comprises a voltage divider circuit to determine a signal applied to the plurality of MOSFETs of the power supply module 310. The voltage divider circuit may determine a maximum voltage to be supplied to the plurality of MOSFETs or a PWM signal, for example, by using one or more 555 timers.

[92] Whilst in this particular example, there is no feedback loop formed by the power control module 320, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that a sensor may be electrically connected between the power control module 320 and the electrolysis unit 104 to provide such feedback.

[93] Referring now to Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a schematic representation of an electrolysis system 400 for generating hydrogen in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[94] In this example, the electrolysis system 400 comprises an electrolysis unit 402 with six electrolysis cells for generating hydrogen. The electrolysis cells are comprised of a set of 3 lots of, 11 vertical 1.2mm stainless steel (316, 316L, 317, 317L) plates, which are all spaced 2mm from each other. The plates create six cells which together create the electrolysis cell block. Two cells will share a set of electrodes totalling three sets of electrodes which are wired in series. The plates are welded to the electrodes (Mig, Tig or laser) to create a better electrical connection.

[95] In this example, the electrolysis cells are provided in three compartments as part of a two- piece HDPE block, consisting of a base and lid. The base contains the three compartments with two cells placed in each. These compartments have rounded edges to encourage water and gas flow through the system. On one side of the base of the cells there is a set of two T and one 'L' threaded 10mm hose push lock fittings. These are connected to form a bus, whereby the electrolyte enters the compartments near the bottom. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrolysis unit 402 is described as an example only and any suitable configuration of one or more electrolysis cells is envisaged.

[96] The electrolysis system 400 also comprises a storage for storing an electrically conducting solution, such as a mixture of electrolyte and distilled water. The storage may preferably be made with High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel. For example, the two-piece block may be injection moulded HDPE. The electrolysis cells enclosure may be constructed through a layered approach, i.e. involving four 10mm HDPE square blocks and three 40mm HDPE square blocks. The 40mm blocks may be internally routed to accommodate for the electrolysis cells, and the plates may have neoprene seals added to the ends, which are bolted together. In this example, the plates inside the compartment are spaced out by using a threaded Teflon/Nylon bolt, or a non-conductive/plastic-coated bolt. Alternatively, the plates may be spaced using a set of combs mounted to the top or bottom of the compartments. Specifically, curved cornered spacers may be utilised as not to discourage the flow of electrolyte.

[97] The electrodes of the electrolysis cells may either be connected in series using small copper cables or by using a nickel-plated copper bar.

[98] The electrolysis system 400 may further comprise a cooling mechanism, such as a stainless- steel radiator with a fan to cool the electrolyte. The cooling mechanism may preferably use a separate pumping loop as opposed to sharing the cells electrolyte pump. In one example, resistors are used between the cells in parallel to gradually step down the voltage at each cell. These resistors may be permanently fixed to the cells or a separate PCB circuit with relays to switch the resistors on when the cells have reached peak operating temperature. It is possible that multiple resistors of different values are used to change this resistance dependent on other variables such as environmental factors. In one example, the electrolysis system may comprise a further cooling mechanism configured to cool the resistors in the event that they have to dissipate large amounts of power.

[99] The electrolysis system 400 is configured to supply the generated hydrogen 404 from the electrolysis unit 402 to an internal combustion engine. In this particular example, the generated hydrogen 404 is supplied to the vehicle engine via an air manifold hose 406.

[100] Similar to the embodiments described above, the electrolysis system 400 further comprises a power supply module 408 for supplying power to the electrolysis unit 402. The power supply module 408 is electrically connected to an input power source 410 via an isolation relay 412 that is in communication with the vehicle fuse box 414. As described in detail above, the power supply module 408 regulates the current supplied to the hydrogen electrolysis cells of the electrolysis unit 408. The power supply module 408 comprises a plurality of MOSFETs electrically connected in parallel. The heatsink for the MOSFETs may be water-cooled or air cooled, for example by using a small radiator and pump. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a separate reservoir may also be used for this coolant. The MOSFET cooling loop may be toggled by either the power source 410 if it has a microcontroller on it, or by a safety controller 416, turning on the water-cooling loop once a threshold voltage/heatsink temperature is reached. In one specific example, a Peltier module may be used for the cooling.

[101] The safety controller 416 has the function of preventing the hydrogen system 400 from becoming a risk to the vehicle engine or the individuals in proximity to the system 400. In this example, the safety controller 416 comprises a microcontroller that holds various operating parameters for a variety of sensors that are in communication with components of the system 400. As exemplarily shown in Figure 12, the sensors may include a water level sensor 418, a temperature sensor 420, a mass air flow (MAF) sensor 422 and an oxygen sensor 424.

[102] If a sensor sends a reading to the microcontroller of the safety controller 416 which is inconsistent with the operating parameters, the safety controller 416 may switch the relay 412 supplying power to the electrolysis power source 410 off. This would automatically prevent an Electronic Fuel Injection Enhancer (EFIE) from continuing to allow the vehicle engine to run on low air fuel mixture. Toggling, a key EFIE safety mechanism, safeguards the engine and allows it to run as if the hydrogen system were not there at all.

[103] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable sensors for obtaining operational parameters of the electrolysis system 400 and/or the vehicle are envisaged, and some examples will be described in brief in the following:

[104] The electrolyte storage may have an electrolyte level switch (Mechanical buoyancy switch or a non-contact liquid level sensor, for example) that will be triggered when there is not enough of the electrolyte solution in the storage. This will trigger a failure mode on the safety controller 416 causing the electrolysis system 400 to shut down. This operation will also occur if any temperature sensor 420 placed anywhere on the components of the electrolysis system 400 exceeds a predetermined temperature. [105] An electrolyte flow sensor (water flow sensor) may be used to ensure that the pump is continuously circulating the electrolyte solution through the electrolysis cells. This is to prevent the cells from overheating and to allow the electrolyte solution to draw heat away from the cells. If the measured flow exceeds the predetermined parameter, the electrolysis system 400 will shut down as a safety precaution. This process would be the same for a hydrogen flow meter.

[106] Pressure sensors may be mounted in the electrolyte storage to ensure that in the event of a significant build up in pressure the electrolysis system 400 will safely shut down. Hydrogen gas sensors may also be used to ensure that in the event of a leak the electrolysis system 400 will safely shut down. There may be an ammeter or voltmeter to sense that voltage or current is being supplied to the cells to ensure they are not being run at suboptimal conditions. In addition, a sensor to determine a concentration of the electrolyte may also be used to prevent the electrolysis system 400 running too lean.

[107] A further temperature sensor may be mounted on the heatsink with the power supply MOSFETs attached. The sensor would allow the electrolysis system 400 to safely shut down or turn on a DC cooling solution such as a fan to cool the MOSFETs; or a small water-cooling loop with a small radiator.

[108] The safety controller 416 may comprise a network interface 426, such as a Bluetooth or a wireless interface to change parameters, such as an esp8266. A 3G, 4G or 5G chip may be implemented to allow changes over a mobile network. This would also allow for an alert in the form of a text message or email to be sent when the safety controller 416 determines that there is an issue with a part of the electrolysis system 400. The use of a network interface 426 would allow the electrolysis system 400 to become an IOT device and allow for the collection of data in relation to the parameters of the hydrogen system 400. This could also be modified by companies to provide them with a telematics solution, to determine fleet efficiencies.

[109] As described above, the electrolysis system 400 may further obtain operational parameters of the vehicle. This may be implemented by a vehicles CAN Bus 428 configured to retrieve various parameters including but not limited to RPM, engine temperature, fuel economy, KPH and MAP or MAF values. These values can provide the electrolysis system 400 with detailed diagnostics and allow for the implementation of systems which vary the amount of hydrogen supplied to the engine depending on the engines demand. This could significantly improve the efficiency of the electrolysis system 400 in comparison to a conventional device that supplies a constant stream of hydrogen. The electrolysis system 400 may utilise a machine learning algorithm to improve each individual vehicle's performance.

[110] In one example, the safety controller may process the data obtained from the one or more sensors and compare the measured parameters with the predetermined operational parameters of the electrolysis system and/or the vehicle engine ranked by the degree of safety concern. For example, if one or two temperature sensors gave readings which surpassed their respective parameters, the safety controller 416 will determine if the sensor is critical to the operation of the electrolysis system 400 and determine overall whether it is safe enough for the electrolysis system 400 to continue running.

[111] In one example, a graphical user interface (not shown) may be used for the operation of the safety controller 416 via an inbuilt LCD or external Display. The display may be touch screen allowing the data to be sent to the safety controller.

[112] In this particular embodiment, the electrolysis system 400 further comprises an Electronic Fuel Injection Enhancer (EFIE) 430 configured to adjust the vehicle's air fuel ratio to allow for the most optimal performance results from the hydrogen generating unit 406. The EFIE 430 may be configured to modify the oxygen sensor's output, and optionally the vehicle's CTS and IAT. This has the particular advantage that the fuel economy of the vehicle's engine may further be improved as it is possible to forcefully reduce the amount of fuel being used by the engine.

[113] The power supply module described in any one of the above examples may be provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) that forms at least part of the power supply module 110 for supplying power for an electrolysis unit. For example, a plurality of power MOSFETs may be provided on the PCB electrically connected in parallel via PCB traces. Specifically, a plurality of metal bus bars may be provided on an underside of the PCB and used to electrically connect the plurality of MOSFETs. Suitable materials of the metal bus bars may include aluminium, copper and brass. An issue with conventional power supply systems relate to the PCB trace thickness as they are typically not designed to carry relatively high amounts of current. Attempts have been made in the past to increase the thickness of PCB trades by adding further wire or solder to the PCB traces. The inventor of the present invention has discovered a different approach in that metal bus bars are used on an underside of the PCB. For example, the plurality of metal bus bars may be mounted to the PCB by virtue of fasteners, such as threaded bolts. The metal bus bars are arranged on the PCB so as to contact a relatively large portion of an exposed copper surface of the PCB. [114] The metal bus bars may further be mounted using a dampening element to reduce or avoid loosening of the bars through vibration. For example, locking nuts made of nylon may be used together with threaded bolts to secure the bolts to the PCB.

[115] Furthermore, a non-conductive epoxy resin may be used on the PCB to protect electronic components of the device 110. In this way, a risk of a short circuit caused by water, dust or any other environmental factors may be reduced.

[116] Referring now to Figure 14, there is shown a flow chart illustrating a method 600 of supplying power for an electrolysis unit, such as electrolysis unit 104 or electrolysis system 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 600 comprises a first step 602 of providing a power supply module comprising a plurality of power MOSFETs, wherein each MOSFET comprises a gate, a source and a drain and the plurality of MOSFETs are electrically connected in parallel. The power supply module may, for example, be power supply module 110, 210 or 310 as described above.

[117] In a further step 604, a first interface of the power supply module is connected to an input power source that provides a direct current (DC) voltage, such as a DC battery. The method 600 further comprises a step 606 of connecting a second interface of the device to an electrolysis unit, wherein the electrolysis unit is configured to generate hydrogen through water electrolysis. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable electrolysis unit is envisaged.

[118] In a further step 608, an operational parameter of the electrolysis unit is obtained, such as temperature, current drawn by the electrolysis unit, fluid flow or the like. This operational parameter is then used 610 to determine a signal to be applied to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs of the power supply module.

[119] The method 600 further comprises a step of supplying 612 power to the electrolysis unit from the input power source via the power supply module by controlling the signal applied to the gates of the plurality of MOSFETs. This may be achieved by using any suitable electronic components or combination of components, such as a microcontroller, a transistor, a voltage regulator, a relay or the like. A few exemplary configurations are described above with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The method 600 is conducted such that a current load provided by the input power source is distributed over the plurality of MOSFETs in a substantially equal manner. [120] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combined to form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings.