System and method for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engines

Abstract

The present invention is to provide a system for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engines, comprising a controller, an internal combustion engine, an electric system of transportation vehicle, a fuel supply unit, an exhaust sensor, a battery management system, and an electrolysis system. The system saves fuel, almost completely reduces the number of harmful emissions released into the environment, cools the internal combustion engine, and clears residue inside the internal combustion engine. In addition, the invention also provides a method for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engines.

Claims

1. A system for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engine, comprising a controller, an internal combustion engine, an electric system of transportation vehicle, a fuel supply unit, an exhaust sensor, a battery management system, and an electrolysis system; the electric system of transportation vehicle supplies current to the electrolysis system, the internal combustion engine, and other accessories of a transportation vehicle; the fuel supply unit supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine; the exhaust sensor is installed in the exhaust pipe of the transportation vehicle; the battery management system supplies current to the electrolysis system to carry out the electrolysis process; the battery management system comprising at least one battery, a second current-regulating circuit, a solenoid motor, a generator, an amplifier circuit, and a rectifier circuit; the battery supplies a direct current to the second current-regulating circuit; the second current-regulating circuit is connected to the battery, converts the direct current into alternating current by increasing the amplitude value and generating the frequency with a predetermined value; the second current-regulating circuit provide the alternating current that rotates the solenoid motor to generate electromagnetic induction; by the effect of the electromagnetic field, the generator is activated and generate a constant voltage alternating current; the amplifier circuit is connected to the generator, increases the amplitude of voltage, power and amperage of the alternating current; the rectifier circuit is connected to the amplifier circuit, converts the alternating current into a direct current to supply the electrolysis system, other components of the transportation vehicle, and the battery; the electrolysis system is supplied with electricity from the electric system of transportation vehicle or/and a battery management system to perform the electrolysis process, generating the clean hydrogen gas for the internal combustion engine of the transportation vehicle; the electrolysis system comprising an electrolysis device, a hydrogen filter device, and a first current-regulating circuit; the first current-regulating circuit is connected to the electric system of transportation vehicle or/and the battery management system, converts the direct current into alternating current by increasing the amplitude value and generating the frequency with a predetermined value to supply the electrolysis device; the electrolysis device comprising an input, metal bars, an output, and diaphragms; wherein the input is connected to a water box; the metal bars are connected to the first current-regulating circuit, made of stainless steel and supplied with amperage I from 1 A to 20 A; the output is connected to the hydrogen filter device; the diaphragm is made of graphene or composite plastic; the hydrogen filter device increases the purity and reduce the temperature of the hydrogen gas stream; comprising a top part, body part, and bottom part; wherein the bottom part is connected to the output of the electrolysis device, the body part contains some amount of water, and the top part is connected to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine; the internal combustion engine has an intake manifold collects outside air into a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; the intake manifold is also connected to the electrolysis system to receive the hydrogen gas supplied to the cylinder; an exhaust line of the internal combustion engine allows the emissions to flow from inside the cylinder to the exhaust pipe and discharged into the environment; the controller contains control circuits controls the water box, the internal combustion engine, the electric system of transportation vehicle, the fuel supply unit, the battery management system, the exhaust sensor, the electrolysis device, the hydrogen filter device, the first current-regulating circuit, and other devices of the transportation vehicle.

2. The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines according to claim 1, wherein the water box is supplied with water from the air conditioning system of the transportation vehicle.

3. The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines according to claim 1, wherein the water used for electrolysis comprises domestic water, pure water, distilled water, deionized water.

4. The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engine according to claim 1, further comprising a screen is connected to the controller, which displays including at least one of the amount of hydrogen gas and fuel supply to the internal combustion engine and the amount of residual fuel present in the emissions.

5. The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the electrolysis device further comprising a water level sensor connected to the controller which determines the water level inside the electrolysis device; when the water level inside the electrolysis device drops below the predetermined threshold, the water level sensor send a signal to the controller, then the controller will control the water box to put the water into the electrolysis device; when the water introduced inside the electrolysis device reaches the predetermined highest threshold, the water level sensor sends a signal to the controller to control the water box to stop supplying the water for the electrolysis device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrating a hydrogen gas generation system;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrating a hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrating the ingredients provided for the internal combustion engine;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrating the construction of the electrolysis system;

(6) FIG. 5A illustrating the battery management system;

(7) FIG. 5B illustrating the battery management system under another embodiment of the invention;

(8) FIG. 6 illustrating a method for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) References will now be made in detail to the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art at the time of invention, it may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

(10) Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating a hydrogen gas generation system 100 in accordance with the invention. The hydrogen gas generation system 100 comprising an applicable objects 110, an energy sources 120, and an electrolysis system 130, all of which are interconnected; wherein, the electrolysis system 130 is supplied with electrical energy from the energy sources 120 to perform the electrolysis process, products obtained from electrolysis process are brought to the applicable objects 110 for use. The applicable objects 110 comprising transportation vehicles, houses, factories, etc. The energy sources 120 comprising battery management system, electrical system of the applicable objects 110, or electrical system of other objects.

(11) Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating a hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200 comprising a controller 210, an internal combustion engine 220, an electric system of transportation vehicle 230, a fuel supply unit 240, an exhaust sensor 250, and the electrolysis system 130.

(12) The electrolysis system 130 is supplied with electricity from the electric system of transportation vehicle 230 to perform the electrolysis process, generating the clean hydrogen gas for the internal combustion engine 220 of a transportation vehicle 201. A water box 203 is connected to the electrolysis system 130, which supplies the water used for electrolysis to the electrolysis system 130. The water used for electrolysis comprising but is not limited to all types of water such as domestic water, pure water, distilled water, deionized water, etc. The water introduced into the water box 203 can be water generated from the air conditioning system 204 of the transportation vehicle 201 or water entered by the operator.

(13) The electric system of transportation vehicle 230 supplies current to the electrolysis system 130, the internal combustion engine 220, and other accessories (not shown) of the transportation vehicle 201. The fuel supply unit 240 supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine 220. The fuel used is gasoline or diesel depending on type of the internal combustion engine 220 used.

(14) The exhaust sensor 250 is installed in the exhaust pipe 202 of the transportation vehicle 201, helps to measure the amount of residual fuel in the exhaust gas emitted from the internal combustion engine 220, and then sends it to the controller 210. Thereby, the controller 210 will adjust the fuel supply unit 240 to inject a suitable amount of fuel for the internal combustion engine 220.

(15) According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200 further comprising a battery management system 260 is used to supply current to the electrolysis system 130 to carry out the electrolysis process.

(16) The controller 210 contains control circuits used to control the electrolysis system 130, the water box 203, the internal combustion engine 220, the electric system of transportation vehicle 230, the fuel supply unit 240, the battery management system 260, the exhaust sensor 250, and other devices (not shown) of the transportation vehicle 201. A screen 211 is connected to the controller 210, which is used to display parameters such as the amount of hydrogen gas and fuel supply to the internal combustion engine 220, the amount of residual fuel present in the emissions, etc, enable the operator to monitor the entire operation of the vehicle 201; at the same time the operator can set the amount of hydrogen gas and fuel supply to the internal combustion engine 220, etc, through this the screen 211.

(17) Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrating the ingredients provided for the internal combustion engine 220 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The internal combustion engine 220 has an intake manifold 320 used to collect outside air into a cylinder 310 of the internal combustion engine 220. The intake manifold 320 is also connected to the electrolysis system 130 to receive the clean hydrogen gas supplied to the cylinder 310. An exhaust line 330 of the internal combustion engine 220 will bring the emissions from inside the cylinder 310 to the exhaust pipe 202 and be discharged into the environment. When the internal combustion engine 220 is operating, the fuel supply unit 240 will inject fuel into the cylinder 310, then air and clean hydrogen gas are respectively introduced into the cylinder 310 of the internal combustion engine 220 through the intake manifold 320. The mixture of air, clean hydrogen gas and fuel are burned inside the cylinder 310 to produce the emissions, which will be taken out of the cylinder 310 through the exhaust line 330 and into the environment. On the other hand, when the clean hydrogen gas is introduced into the cylinder 310, it also eliminates harmful gasses such as NO.sub.x, CO, CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, C.sub.nH.sub.m, etc. thus purging the exhaust stream coming out of the cylinder 310.

(18) Referring to FIG. 4, illustrating the construction of the electrolysis system 130 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electrolysis system 130 comprises an electrolysis device 410, a hydrogen filter device 420, and a first current-regulating circuit 430, all connected to the controller 210. The first current-regulating circuit 430 is connected to the electric system of transportation vehicle 230 or/and the battery management system 260, used to convert the direct current into alternating current by increasing the amplitude value large enough and generating the appropriate frequency to supply the electrolysis device 410. Thanks to the first current-regulating circuit 430, the electrolysis device 410 is able to electrolyze distilled water without the use of a catalyst.

(19) The electrolysis device 410 comprises an input 411, metal bars 412, an output 413, and diaphragms 415. The input 411 is connected to the water box 203. The metal bars 412 are connected to the first current-regulating circuit 430, used to conduct electricity through water to perform the electrolysis process of water molecules into hydrogen. The metal bars 412 can consist of any known metal or alloy, the best is stainless steel. The output 413 is connected to the hydrogen filter device 420. The diaphragm 415 is made of graphene or composite plastic. Wherein, the current supplied to the metal bars 412 to perform the electrolysis process is from 1 A to 20 A.

(20) The hydrogen filter device 420 is used to increase the purity and reduce the temperature of the hydrogen gas stream, comprising a top part 421, body part 422, and bottom part 423; wherein, the bottom part 423 is connected to the output 413 of the electrolysis device 410, the body part 422 is used to hold some amount of water, and top part 421 is connected to the intake manifold 320 of the internal combustion engine 220.

(21) As shown in FIG. 4, a water level sensor 414 is installed in the electrolysis device 410 and connected to the controller 210, which is used to determine the water level inside the electrolysis device 410. When the water level inside the electrolysis device 410 drops below the predetermined threshold, the water level sensor 414 will send a signal to the controller 210, then the controller 210 will control the water box 203 to put the water into the electrolysis device 410. When the water introduced inside the electrolysis device 410 reaches the predetermined highest threshold, the water level sensor 414 sends a signal to the controller 210 to control the water box 203 to stop supplying the water for the electrolysis device 410.

(22) When the metal bars 412 are supplied with electricity from the first current-regulating circuit 430, they will perform the electrolysis of the water inside the electrolysis device 410 to produce the hydrogen gas. This the hydrogen gas is led through the output 413 to the bottom part 423 of the hydrogen filter device 420, then the hydrogen gas will pass through the water contained in the body part 422, where the hydrogen will be cleaned and reduce the temperature to temperature appropriate, the hydrogen gas eventually goes up the top part 421 and into the intake manifold 320 of the internal combustion engine 220.

(23) Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, illustrating the battery management system 260 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery management system 260 comprising a battery 510, a second current-regulating circuit 520, a solenoid motor 530, a generator 540, an amplifier circuit 550, and a rectifier circuit 560, all are connected together. The battery 510 is used to supply a direct current to the second current-regulating circuit 520. According to the embodiment of the invention, the battery 510 provides a direct current from 12 to 24 volts. The second current-regulating circuit 520 is used to convert the direct current into alternating current by increasing the amplitude value large enough and generating the appropriate frequency. The second current-regulating circuit 520 will provide the alternating current that rotates the solenoid motor 530 to generate electromagnetic induction. At this time, by the effect of the electromagnetic field, the generator 540 will be activated and generate a constant voltage alternating current (according to the mechanism of conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy). This alternating current is then passed through the amplifier circuit 550 to increase the amplitude of voltage, power and amperage of the alternating current to a level suitable. Next, the output alternating current from the amplifier circuit 550 is led to the rectifier circuit 560. The rectifier circuit 560 will convert the alternating current into a direct current to supply the electrolysis system 130 and other components of the transportation vehicle 201. In addition, a part of the current coming out of the rectifier circuit 560 is used to charge the battery 510. Thus, during operation, the battery management system 260 provides both an electrical power source for the electrolysis system 130 and other accessories of the transportation vehicle 201, and has feedback capability to automatically charge the input to the battery 510. According to an embodiment of the invention, the battery management system 260 may also include two or more batteries 510, all are connected together.

(24) According to the invention, the first current-regulating circuit 430 and the second current-regulating circuit 520 operate on the basis of Pulse Width Modulation method (PWM). This is a method of pulse width adjustment of the trigger current, or in other words, a modulation method based on the variation of the width of the string contour and the density change over frequency adjusted in time. When using the PWM method, the current signal changes with the same frequency and different widths of the positive or negative side. This is the method made according to the principle of switching on and off the source of the load periodically according to the rule of adjusting the opening/closing time of the switch. The on/off agent is performed by semiconductor transistors included in the first current-regulating circuit 430 and the second current-regulating circuit 520. Specifically, when this switch is open, the entire voltage is applied to the load. When the switch is closed, the load is cut off from the voltage source. When the switch is closed, the load cuts off the voltage source. Therefore, during this switch on/off cycle, the load will sometimes receive the full voltage source, sometimes receive a part of it, and sometimes receive nothing at all. The effective value of the output voltage is calculated on the formula:
U.sub.d=U.sub.max×(t.sub.1/T) (Volt)
wherein: t.sub.1/T—this is the PWM correction factor, in %.

(25) During the operation of the transportation vehicle 201, some water will be generated from the air conditioning system 204 of the transportation vehicle 201 and supplied to the water box 203. As a result, the electrolysis device 410 will be able to be supplied with the water to perform the electrolysis process without the operator having to replenish the water box 203.

(26) Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart illustrating a method for producing hydrogen gas to supply internal combustion engines 600 (“method 600”) according to the invention. The method 600 begins with step 601, supplying the electrolysis system 130 and the battery management system 260, and then connecting them to the rest of the hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200.

(27) At step 602, the operator sets the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 220 through the screen 211. Then, based on this setting, the electrolysis system 130 will be controlled to deliver an optimal amount of hydrogen gas to the internal combustion engine 220.

(28) At step 603, starting the internal combustion engine 220. The controller 210 controls the electric system of transportation vehicle 230 to supply the current to the internal combustion engine 220, and at the same time controls the fuel supply unit 240 to inject the fuel into the cylinder 310, air will also be introduced to the cylinder 310 through the intake manifold 320. The mixture of the fuel and the air will be burned in the cylinder 310 to generate work.

(29) At step 604, supplying current to the electrolysis system 130. When the internal combustion engine 220 has operated, the controller 210 will control the electric system of transportation vehicle 230 and/or the battery management system 260 to supply current to the first current-regulating circuit 430, the first current-regulating circuit 430 convert the direct current into alternating current by increasing the amplitude value large enough and generating the appropriate frequency to supply the metal bars 412 of the electrolysis device 410. The current supplied to the metal bars 412 to perform the electrolysis process is from 1 A to 20 A.

(30) At step 605, performing the electrolysis process. Specifically, when the metal bars 412 are supplied with electricity, they will perform the electrolysis of the water inside the electrolysis device 410 to produce the hydrogen gas. This hydrogen gas is led through the output 413 to the bottom part 423 of the hydrogen filter device 420, then the hydrogen gas will pass through the water contained in the body part 422, where the hydrogen will be cleaned and reduce the temperature to temperature appropriate.

(31) At step 606, supplying the clean hydrogen gas from the electrolytic system 130 to cylinder 310 of the internal combustion engine 220. The controller 210 controls for the hydrogen filter device 420 supplying a set amount of the clean hydrogen gas has installed in step 602 to the cylinder 310 of the internal combustion engine 220. The clean hydrogen gas will be mixed with the air and the fuel, and then burned to generate work.

(32) At step 607, the exhaust sensor 250 measures the amount of fuel left in the emissions coming out of the exhaust pipe 202, then sending the results to the controller 210. From this measurement result, the controller 210 will analyze and give the appropriate control signal. Specifically, if the amount of fuel left in the emissions exceeds the preset allowable threshold, the controller 210 will issue a warning on the screen 211 for the operator to adjust the amount of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine 220 from the fuel supply unit 240.

(33) During the operation of the hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200, the water inside the electrolysis device 410 will be lost, so it needs to be added from the water box 203.

(34) According to an embodiment of the present invention, when in operation, the hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200 will save fuel, almost completely reduce the number of harmful emissions released into the environment, cool the internal the combustion engine 220, and clears residue inside internal combustion engine 220 that originally formed due to the excess amount of fossil fuel burning is not exhausted, so it stays inside the wall/wall of the internal combustion engine 220. On the other hand, the electrolysis system 130 only works and produces the clean hydrogen gas when the internal combustion engine 220 is in operation. When the internal combustion engine 220 stops working, the electrolysis system 130 will stop producing the clean hydrogen gas and hydrogen gas will not be stored in the system, thus ensuring safety.

(35) Implementations of the hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 200 disclosed above achieve the following objectives:

(36) The hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines can reduce the amount of diesel or gasoline fuel supplied to vehicles by up to 40%, while helping to almost completely reduce the number of harmful emissions released into the environment.

(37) The invention also provides an electrolysis system capable of generating large quantities of the clean hydrogen gas to supply an internal combustion engine. In addition, this system is also capable of electrolyzing distilled water to produce the clean hydrogen gas without using a catalyst.

(38) The disclosed flowchart and block diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two consecutive blocks shown may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

(39) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

(40) The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

(41) The flow diagrams depicted herein are just one example. There may be many variations to this diagram or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention.

(42) These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described. It will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS

(43) 100 Hydrogen gas generation system 110 Applicable objects 120 Energy source 130 Electrolysis system 200 Hydrogen gas generation system to supply internal combustion engines 201 Transportation vehicle 202 Exhaust pipe 203 Water box 204 Air conditioning system 210 Controller 211 Screen 220 Internal combustion engine 230 Electric system of transportation vehicle 240 Fuel supply unit 250 Exhaust sensor 260 Battery management system 310 cylinder 320 Intake manifold 330 Exhaust line 410 Electrolysis device 411 Input 412 Metal bar 413 Output 414 Water level sensor 415 Diaphragm 420 Hydrogen filter device 421 Top part 422 Body part 423 Bottom part 430 First current-regulating circuit 510 Battery 520 Second current-regulating circuit 530 Solenoid motor 540 Generator 550 Amplifier circuit 560 Rectifier circuit