Internal-combustion engines – Combined devices – Generating plants
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-10
2001-11-13
Argenbright, Tony M. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Combined devices
Generating plants
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314918
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to renewable fuel systems which supply greater than 100% of the fuel requirements for internal combustion powered applications.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Various solutions have been set forth to improve the quality of emissions in motor vehicles and other internal combustion powered applications due to environmental concerns, as well as there being a general interest in the technological development of more efficient and more economical energy sources.
Among the methods being employed to achieve these goals are mechanical devices, chemical additives and alternative fuels intended to reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds and other noxious emissions. Though there have been some advancements resulting from these efforts, several problems still persist, namely the failure to completely and economically shrink toxic emissions to zero. With the exception of pure hydrogen, there is no known alternative fuel which produces no toxicity in the combustion process.
The use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in internal combustion engines is both attractive and challenging. Hydrogen is plentiful, non-polluting and renewable. Hydrogen is non-toxic, non-corrosive and when used as a fuel, reverts to harmless water vapor. Conversely, it is laborious to isolate, store and distribute on a large scale.
Chemical extraction, liquefaction and purification of hydrogen on a large scale requires elaborate cryogenics equipment, massive storage facilities and extensive pipeline networks. This method also presents the danger of transporting highly pressurized tanks of the volatile material over roadways and railways. The end user also has the challenge of having to make more frequent fueling stops or to install larger fuel tanks because of the volume of hydrogen gas required per tank to fuel a 200 to 300 mile range.
Though within the scope and capabilities of industry, this method should not be expected to significantly reduce fuel costs to the consumer because of the massive equipment, personnel and distribution channel requirements involved.
The concept of generating hydrogen gas on demand for fuel consumption has the safety and convenience advantages of no need for refueling time, storage tanks or equipment. One method utilized to supply hydrogen gas on demand has been through the use of solar energy panels to electrolyze liquid hydrogen compounds to liberate hydrogen gas. Obviously, this method only works when the sun is shining.
Another method of hydrogen gas production is the electrolysis of hydrogen compounds such as water to liberate hydrogen gas for use as an alternative to fossil fuels. One aspect that makes this method particularly attractive is that it is capable of achieving an ultra pure hydrogen gas. The gas produced by this method is different from liquefied hydrogen gas in that it is a gas of stoichiometric proportions, rendering two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, which is the optimum mixture needed for combustion.
Upon combustion, the hydrogen and oxygen re-unite to make water vapor, thus completing the renewal cycle to return the elements to their original state. Because of this unique characteristic, the exhaust vapors of the engine can be cooled down and the water condensed and redirected into a holding tank. Almost all of the water can be recovered and re-used indefinitely. The cooled air can also be re-used by recycling it back through the engine fuel intake. These are optional procedures which may not be advantageous for every application, but would most definitely be desirable for some applications.
The practical application of the electrolysis method has previously resulted in many less than satisfactory attempts, primarily due to insufficient hydrogen gas production. Because of the electrical power levels required to liberate the hydrogen gas, this method can only be efficient if an onboard power supply is capable of furnishing ample current for adequate gas production.
Another aspect that has challenged prior art has been inadequate safety measures due to the flammability of hydrogen gas. As with any combustible substance, the safe use of hydrogen gas is a primary concern and reliable safety measures must be included in the effective renewable fuel system for internal combustion engines.
In the current art we will set forth the techniques and benefits for safety generating hydrogen fuel on demand, making it both environmentally preferable and economically attractive. This invention operates with a multiple-cell anode and cathode type hydrogen generator unit, coupled with mechanical and electrical safety controls, an automated liquid level system, and an adapted fuel feed system. It also includes a few modest modifications to the internal combustion engine in order for it to generate the electrical power required to produce greater than 100% of the hydrogen gas necessary to fuel internal combustion powered applications.
It will further include the equipment changes necessary for the safe and efficient utilization of hydrogen gas by the internal combustion engine. These modifications, though not extensive or excessively complicated, are integral and necessary for the proper operation of the engine utilizing this type of fuel system.
Maintenance of the Renewable Fuel Generator System is minimal, requiring only a periodic addition of water, which can also be automated for most stationary applications. Since the systems can be installed and adapted to existing gasoline or alternative fuel type engines, rather than requiring new engine types, the fabrication, distribution, installation, service and repair of the systems can be readily assimilated into the marketplace by current means.
Therefore, for general use as a method of supplying renewable gaseous hydrogen fuel for most internal combustion powered applications, the Renewable Fuel Generating System proves to be extremely advantageous.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention make it unique and utilitarian. The system provides a continuous, economical and environmentally beneficial fuel supply that is generated onboard the internal combustion powered application, thus eliminating problems relative to hydrogen fuel production, storage, distribution, refueling, toxic exhaust emissions and the depletion of natural resources.
The present invention increases the quality of liberated hydrogen and oxygen gas available for fuel consumption over previous inventions which utilize an onboard electrical power supply. The system provides over 100% of the fuel needed to run an internal combustion powered application, having adequate fuel pressure for the cycling on and off of the electrolyzer unit to allow cooling and to prolong the life of the system components. Higher renewable fuel production from the eletrolyzer is achieved by a high output onboard electrical power generating system. The fuel system is pre-pressurized by an AC power connection, which plugs into normal household current, requiring only a few minutes of time in the event of low fuel pressure before starting the engine. Under normal operation conditions the system maintains adequate fuel pressure for restarting.
The electrical power generating system comprises an OEM alternator, further including a plurality of electrical generating devices. The alternator is connected to a voltage regulator to match the specific voltage output required by the storage battery (or batteries), the engine's ignition system and its accessories. The system also includes at least one specifically designed high output electrical generating device, which is serially connected to the alternator. The electromagnetic field generated by the OEM alternator and the additional electrical circuitry connected to the devices works in conjunction with the power windings of the high output electrical generating device, allowing it to attain much higher output levels than the alternator. The high output electrical generating device, as illustrated in the current art,
Jones Wilbur
McFarland Steve
Ali Hyder
Argenbright Tony M.
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