Apparatus and method for generating hydrogen from water

Abstract

Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 758,700, filed Jan. 13, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing electrolysis of water to form hydrogen and oxygen.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The combustion of hydrogen and oxygen yields energy and water. No pollutants or chemicals are released that are toxic or damaging to the environment; a claim that no other chemical fuel is able to make. Hydrogen is also highly efficient. Accordingly, hydrogen is a highly desirable fuel source.[0006]Conventional methods of generating hydrogen have been problematic because they defeat one or more of the purposes for using hydrogen as a fuel. Billions of tons of carbon dioxide are expelled into the atmosphere every ye...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for performing electrolysis of water. The apparatus comprises a container containing an electrolysis assembly immersed in water, wherein the electrolysis assembly comprises a stack comprising an upper electrode having upper and lower surfaces, a lower electrode having upper and lower surfaces, an insulator between the upper surface of the lower electrode and the lower surface of the upper electrode, and a permanent magnet below and substantially parallel to the lower surface of the lower electrode. In one embodiment, the angle formed between the surface of the water and the surface of the upper electrode is less than 90 degrees.

[0010]Certain preferred embodiments comprise one or

Problems solved by technology

Conventional methods of generating hydrogen have been problematic because they defeat one or more of the purposes for using hydrogen as a fuel.

Thus, although hydrogen seems to be produced cheaply, if one includes the hidden costs from carbon dioxide production and other pollutants on our environment, the cost of making hydrogen from coal is much higher than it first appears.

Other technologies using fossil fuels listed also suffer these same inadequacies.

Additionally, these methods usually provide for the hydrogen to be manufactured remotely from its ultimate place of use, requiring additional energy use for transportation of the fuel, further defeating efficiency and cost savings.

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