Hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine

• US 7,021,249 B1
• Filed: 09/02/2003
• Issued: 04/04/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Christison J. Devon
• Original Assignee: Christison J. Devon
• Inventors: Christison, J. Devon
• Primary Examiner(s): Dolinar, Andrew M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harris, Katrina
• Application Number:
  US10/653,546
• Time in Patent Office: 945 Days
• Field of Search: 123/3, 123/DIG.12, 204/266
• US Class Current: 123/3
• 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: F02B 61/045 for outboard marine engines
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 63/02 for hand-held tools
• 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 method and apparatus for hydrogen generation for enriching a hydrocarbon based fuel for an internal combustion engine with hydrogen extracted from a saltwater, electrolyte solution through electrolysis. A current is applied to a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode submerged in a saltwater solution to dissociate and separate diatomic molecules of hydrogen and oxygen therefrom. The harvested hydrogen is delivered to the carburetor of the engine through a mixing tube venturi and introduced to the hydrocarbon fuel being pumped thereto and the hydrogen and hydocarbon fuel are mixed and atomized prior to delivery to the combustion chamber.

Claims

1. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine comprising:

a) an internal combustion engine;

b) a hydrogen generator for separating and removing hydrogen from a fluid containing hydrogen, said hydrogen generator comprising;

i) an electrolyte tank;

ii) an electrolytic solution containing hydrogen substantially filling said electrolyte tank so as to leave an air gap at the top portion thereof;

iii) means for applying a positive charge and a negative charge in spaced apart relation to one another within said electrolytic solution to initiate the dissociation of diatomic hydrogen molecules therefrom;

vi) a partition wall disposed between said positive and negative charging means extending from one side of said electrolyte tank to the other side and from the top to a portion near the bottom thereby dividing said electrolytic solution into a positively charged portion and a negatively charged portion in communication with one another below said partition wall;

v) a hydrogen port disposed on the top of said electrolyte tank in communication with said air gap proximal to said negative charging means; and

vi) an oxygen vent disposed on the top of said electrolyte tank in communication with said air gap proximal to said positive charging means;

c) means for delivering captured hydrogen from said hydrogen generator and hydrocarbon fuel to said engine comprising a venturi mixing tube for delivering hydrogen into a carburetor connected to an intake manifold of said engine and a fuel line for discharging hydrocarbon fuel directly into said venturi mixing tube carrying hydrogen; and

d) means for regulating the flow of hydrogen to said engine.

2. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 1, wherein said electrolyte solution is a saltwater solution.

3. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 2, wherein said positive charging means is an anode.

4. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 3, wherein said negative charging means is a cathode.

5. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 4, wherein said hydrogen delivery means is configured in such a manner that the fuel pumped into said venturi mixing tube and into said carburetor creates a venturi effect that draws said hydrogen therein to mix with said fuel and said air to formulate a high efficiency, low emission, hydrogen-enriched hydrocarbon filet for said engine.

6. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 5, wherein said hydrogen regulating means comprises:

a) at least one manual switch element to allow the user to selectively supply power to said hydrogen generator;

b) a rheostat in line between said switch element and said anode to allow for selectively adjusting the current applied to said saltwater solution;

c) a hydrogen sensor in line with said hydrogen port and said hydrogen supply line;

d) a fuel regulator in line with said fuel supply line;

e) an oxygen sensor integral with said oxygen vent; and

f) digital flow control and data acquisition processor in communication with said rheostat, said oxygen sensor, said hydrogen sensor and said fuel regulator.

7. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon filet for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 6, wherein said switch element is a key switch.

8. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon filet for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 6, wherein said switch is a toggle switch.

9. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 6, wherein said switch element is a key switch and a toggle switch in series with one another thus requiring both switches to be in the operating position in order to supply power to said hydrogen generator and said hydrogen regulating means.

10. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 1, further including a desalinization module in communication with said hydrogen generator.

11. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 9, wherein said electrolyte tank further includes a drain element for selectively emptying said electrolyte solution therefrom.

12. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 11, wherein each said combustion chamber and associated piston has a non-corrosive coating.

13. A hydrogen addition to hydrocarbon fuel for an internal combustion engine as recited in claim 12 in which said venturi mixing tube carrying hydrogen passes through said air filter and is aligned with a central axis of said carburetor.