Energy Conversion System For Hydrogen Generation And Uses Thereof

• US 20070169723A1
• Filed: 05/16/2006
• Published: 07/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Keith Rutledge
• Original Assignee: Keith Rutledge
• Inventors: Rutledge, Keith
• Granted Patent: US 7,753,010 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 123/3
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/03006 Gas tanks B60K15/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/07 of gas tanks
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03315 for hydrogen
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/26 characterised by the motors or the generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/48 Parallel type
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/02 to electric heating circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/28 Trailers
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/36 Vehicles designed to transport cargo, e.g. trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/26 by pedal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/12 for vehicles propelled by dc motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 8/003 Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/147 Trailers, e.g. full trailers or caravans
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 2043/106 Hydrogen obtained by electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 43/10 Engines or plants characterised by use of other specific gases, e.g. acetylene, oxyhydrogen
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 29/06 peculiar to engines driving electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/0027 the fuel being gaseous non-electrical control F02D19/02
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/12 the apparatus having means for generating such gases using rays and simultaneously generating ozone F02M27/06
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 27/04 by electric means, ionisation, polarisation or magnetism
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 : Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system capable of using kinetic/inertial and renewable energy to generate hydrogen for use as a fuel in vehicles and other applications. In certain embodiments, this invention relates to a system in which hydrogen is generated during vehicle braking and which is operable with an internal combustion engine, and which can be retrofitted to vehicles with such an engine as well as to stationary combustion devices. Methods for generating hydrogen to power vehicles and vehicles utilizing the inventive technology are also provided. The present invention also relates to stationary devices, such as space heaters and water heaters, capable of generating hydrogen for use as a fuel additive therewith, and methods of generating hydrogen using such devices.

Claims

1. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit, comprising:

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of engaging a vehicle member or moving surface;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle engine,

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle member or moving surface, energy from said vehicle member or moving surface is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

2. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, wherein said engine is an internal combustion engine.

3. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle member is a drive shaft.

4. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle member is an engine or engine component.

5. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, further comprising an engagement member for increasing the field of said generator/alternator.

6. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 5, wherein said engagement member is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical potentiometer, an electrical potentiometer, and a computer control member.

7. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 6, wherein said engagement member is a rheostat.

8. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 6, wherein said engagement member is a pulse-width modulated current device.

9. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, further comprising a solar member.

10. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle member is a wheel, tire or axle.

11. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 10, wherein said generator/alternator engages said wheel, tire or axle through electromagnetic coupling.

12. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, further comprising a member for mixing said hydrogen with a fossil fuel.

13. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 12, wherein said member for mixing said hydrogen with a fossil fuel is a pressure regulator.

14. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 1, further comprising a receptacle for storing water for use by said electrolyzer to generate hydrogen.

15. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit, comprising:

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of being coupled to a vehicle drive shaft;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle internal combustion engine,

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle drive shaft, energy from a drive shaft is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

16. A vehicle hydrogen generation kit according to claim 16, further comprising a solar member.

17. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit, comprising:

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of engaging a vehicle member or moving surface;

an engagement member for increasing the field of said generator/alternator;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle engine,

a member for mixing said hydrogen with a fossil fuel;

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle member or moving surface, energy from said vehicle member or moving surface is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

18. A vehicle hydrogen generation kit according to claim 17, further comprising a solar member.

19. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit, comprising:

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of being coupled to a vehicle internal combustion engine;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle internal combustion engine,

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle internal combustion engine, energy from an internal combustion engine is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

20. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 19, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of engaging said vehicle internal combustion engine by a belt.

21. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit, comprising:

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of being coupled to a moving surface;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle internal combustion engine,

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a moving surface, energy from a moving surface is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

22. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 21, wherein said moving surface is part of said vehicle.

23. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 21, wherein said moving surface is a wheel, a tire or an axle.

24. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 21, wherein said generator/alternator is capable of engaging said wheel, tire or axle through electromagnetic coupling.

25. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 21, wherein said moving surface is external of said vehicle.

26. A vehicle hydrogen generation retrofit kit according to claim 25, wherein said external moving surface is a trailer.

27. A method for generating hydrogen for use as a fuel, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle member or moving surface;

b. providing an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

c. providing a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer; and

d. providing a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle engine,

wherein, energy is transferred from said vehicle member or moving surface to said generator/alternator during vehicle braking.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein said engine is an internal combustion engine.

29. A method according to claim 27, wherein said vehicle member or moving surface is selected from the group consisting of a drive shaft, an engine, an engine component, a generator/alternator, a wheel, a tire or an axle.

30. A vehicle, comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a generator/alternator for generating electricity, wherein said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle member or moving surface;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator/alternator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer; and

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a vehicle engine,

wherein, when said generator/alternator is coupled to a vehicle member or moving surface, energy from a vehicle member or moving surface is transferred to said generator/alternator upon vehicle braking.

31. A vehicle according to claim 30, wherein said vehicle member or moving surface is selected from the group consisting of a drive shaft, an engine, an engine component, a generator/alternator, a wheel, a tire or an axle.

32. A vehicle according to claim 30, further comprising an engagement member for increasing the field of said generator/alternator.

33. A vehicle according to claim 32, wherein said engagement member is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical potentiometer, an electrical potentiometer, and a computer control member.

34. A vehicle according to claim 33, wherein said engagement member is a rheostat.

35. A vehicle according to claim 33, wherein said engagement member is a pulse-width modulated current device.

36. A vehicle according to claim 32, further comprising a solar member.

37. A vehicle according to claim 32, further comprising a member for mixing said hydrogen with a fossil fuel.

38. A vehicle according to claim 37, wherein said member for mixing said hydrogen with a fossil fuel is a pressure regulator.

39. A vehicle according to claim 32, further comprising a receptacle for storing water for use by said electrolyzer to generate hydrogen.

40. A method for generating hydrogen for use as a fuel, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a renewable energy generator for generating electricity;

b. providing an electrolyzer connected to said renewable energy generator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

c. providing a hydrogen storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer; and

d. providing a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a stationary device which utilizes combustion of fossil fuel,

wherein, said renewable energy generator is capable of being powered by energy provided by said renewable energy generator/alternator.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein said renewable energy generator is powered by a renewable energy source selected from the group consisting of solar electric, wind, water, and biomass.

42. A stationary device for generating hydrogen for use as a fuel, said device comprising:

a renewable energy generator for generating electricity;

an electrolyzer connected to said generator, wherein said electrolyzer utilizes said electricity to generate hydrogen;

a hydrogen storage tank connected to said electrolyzer for receiving and storing said hydrogen generated by said electrolyzer;

a hydrogen delivery member connected to said storage tank for providing said hydrogen to a stationary device which utilizes combustion of fossil fuel, and

wherein, said generator is capable of being powered by energy provided by said renewable energy generator.

43. A stationary device according to claim 42, wherein said renewable energy generator is powered by a renewable energy source selected from the group consisting of solar electric, wind, water, and biomass.

44. A stationary device according to claim 42, wherein said stationary device is selected from the group consisting of space heaters and water heaters.