Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell for use with internal combustion engines

• US 4,031,865 A
• Filed: 10/01/1975
• Issued: 06/28/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Patrick Dufour
• Original Assignee: Patrick Dufour
• Inventors: Dufour, Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, C. J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Feinberg, Craig R.
• Application Number:
  US05/618,442
• Time in Patent Office: 636 Days
• Field of Search: 123/1 A, 123/3, 123/119 E, 123/DIG. 12, 204/129
• US Class Current: 123/1.00A
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 1/04 with fuel-air mixture admission into cylinder
• 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: F02M 25/12 the apparatus having means for generating such gases using rays and simultaneously generating ozone F02M27/06
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/30 Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 123/12 Hydrogen

Abstract

A fuel cell for generating a hydrogen and oxygen gas utilizing a water electrolyte and a catalyst selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. The fuel cell includes a pair of electrodes connected in circuit with an electrical power supply and an outlet for directing the generated hydrogen and oxygen to a drier where it is dried and mixed to form a combustible fuel mixture. The fuel mixture is then directed in accordance to engine demand to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine as a fuel supplement.

Claims

1. In combination, an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold,

and a carburetor for supplying a fuel-air mixture to said engine,

a hydrogen and oxygen gas generator for supplying a hydrogen gas fuel supplement to said engine,

said gas generator comprising a cell containing water,

a negative and positive electrode extending into said water,

a catalyst of an alkaline base dispersed in said water,

an electrical D.C. power supply connected in circuit with said electrodes whereby hydrogen gas is generated when said electrodes are energized,

a rheostat switch in circuit with said power supply to control the rate of said hydrogen gas generator,

a dryer,

conduit means connecting the gases generated in said cell to said dryer,

means for directing the gases dried in said dryer to said intake manifold,

and accelerator means operatively connected to said rheostat switch for controlling the rate of gas generation in accordance to engine demand,

and wherein said positive electrode is perforated to permit the introduction of air into said cell to enhance liberation of the hydrogen gas forming at the negative electrode.