Intrinsically safe electrolysis system
US8357269B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02M25/12
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An intrinsically safe electrolysis system for generating hydrogen gas includes an electrolyzer containing an electrolyte and providing an outlet for generated gasses. An enclosure encloses the electrolyzer and a portion of the gas outlet. A safety interlock mounted within the enclosure and outside the electrolyzer includes a radiative element and a thermal switch, the thermal switch connected in series with a power supply for the electrolyzer and mounted in a proximity to the radiative element so that when a rated current is applied to the radiative element, the thermal switch in response to receiving heat from the radiative element changes state to provide power to the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer may generate hydrogen or oxygen gas as a fuel supplement deliverable to an internal combustion engine via the gas outlet. The electrolyzer may be mounted within a vehicle compartment that may serve as the enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.