System and Method for Refilling an Electrolyzer Tank from a Water Reservoir

Abstract

A system for controlling electrolyte level and concentration within a water electrolyzer includes an electrolysis chamber containing electrolyte for production of hydrogen and oxygen, a water reservoir containing make-up water and separated from the electrolysis chamber through a check valve that opens only when electrolyte level drops to a predetermined level, and a gas lift pump within the water reservoir connected to the electrolysis chamber through the check valve and having electrodes immersed in the make-up water. Energization of the electrodes creates bubbles that transport the make-up water to the electrolysis chamber to maintain a desired concentration of the electrolyte during the production of hydrogen and oxygen.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 236,828, which was filed on Aug. 25, 2009 and which is fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to electrolyzer systems, and more specifically to systems for controlling fluid level within an electrolyzer, and most specifically to a system and method for maintaining electrolyte level and concentration within a water electrolyzer tank.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The recovery of hydrogen and oxygen gas by means of electrolysis of water has been practiced for over a century. More recently, water electrolyzers have been used for the purpose of generating and supplying a small stream of hydrogen and oxygen gas as a fuel supplement to internal combustion engines. The hydrogen / oxygen gas stream is usually only a fraction of a percent of the intake combustion air flow but evidence has been presented to sh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about systems and methods for refilling an electrolyzer tank from a water reservoir. The invention includes an electrolysis chamber for producing hydrogen and oxygen, a water reservoir containing make-up water, and a check valve that opens only when the electrolyte level drops to a predetermined level. The invention also includes a gas lift pump with electrodes immersed in the make-up water, which creates bubbles to transport the make-up water to the electrolysis chamber to maintain a desired concentration of the electrolyte during the production of hydrogen and oxygen. The method of the invention ensures a constant concentration of the electrolyte in the water electrolyzer during electrolysis of water.

Problems solved by technology

In practice, however, the efficiency is below 100% because the driving voltage is always greater than 1.23 V.

However, the introduction of electro-mechanical level detectors, valves and pumps can severely reduce reliability, especially when exposed to the harsh environment experienced by devices operating large diesel engines such as long haul trucks, bull dozers, cranes, etc.

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