HYDROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT HYDROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL APPLICATIONS The present invention relates to a hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications. The system (100) comprises a receiving chamber (101); an agitator (102); a hydrogen generator (103); a first regulator (104); a second regulator (105); and a control unit (106). The first regulator (104) and the second regulator (105) control the flow rate and pumping rate of the electroconductive mixture and the gases respectively. The gases including hydrogen, ozone and oxygen are generated. This innovative system integrates flow regulation with advanced hydrogen generation techniques to optimize gas output. This invention seeks to introduce an innovative hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. The invention optimizes the conductivity of the electroconductive substrate for hydrogen generation to obtain desired concentration of hydrogen. Additionally, it also generates other byproduct gases such as ozone and oxygen which can be utilized for other purposes.

Specification

Description:HYDROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention in general relates to fuel applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The demand for clean, sustainable energy sources has surged in recent years, driven by environmental concerns, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the desire for energy independence. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate for a clean fuel, with its potential applications spanning from transportation to power generation and industrial processes.
[0003] Traditional hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming (SMR), rely heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions. Although SMR is currently the most common method of hydrogen production, it poses significant environmental challenges. Electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, offers a cleaner alternative. However, conventional electrolysis systems often require high energy input and are not sufficiently optimized for efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
[0004] Prior art studies and patents have explored hydrogen generation systems. For example:
[0005] Patent application number US7618612B2 discloses low-temperature hydrogen production from oxygenated hydrocarbons. Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from oxygenated hydrocarbon reactants, such as methanol, glycerol, sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose), or sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol). The method takes place in the condensed liquid phase. The method includes the steps of reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst.
[0006] Another patent application CN112391641B discloses device and method for producing hydrogen by electrolyzing water. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system is used for performing water electrolysis hydrogen production by using the electric energy provided by the power generation system. The hot water recycling system is used for recycling hot water generated by the power generation system and recovering waste heat, the recycled water is heated by the recovered waste heat, and the heated water is sent to the water electrolysis hydrogen production system to be used as electrolyte.
[0007] A scientific literature titled "Hydrogen production from water electrolysis: role of catalysts", [Wang, S., Lu, A. & Zhong, CJ. Nano Convergence 8, 4 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40580-021-00254-x] portrays the role of effective role of catalysts in hydrogen generation.
[0008] These prior works highlight the potential of effective use of electroconductive substrates by utilizing catalytic materials. However, these systems face limitations as they fail to provide a comprehensive system which optimizes the conductivity of the electroconductive substrate for hydrogen generation to obtain desired concentration of hydrogen.
[0009] Therefore, there remains a need to fully realize the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. There is a pressing need for integrated systems that can efficiently generate, purify, and store hydrogen using renewable energy sources. An effective hydrogen generation system must not only maximize hydrogen yield but also minimize operational costs and ensure safety in storage and handling. This invention seeks to address these challenges by introducing an innovative hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. The invention optimizes the conductivity of the electroconductive substrate for hydrogen generation to obtain desired concentration of hydrogen. Additionally, it also generates other byproduct gases such as ozone and oxygen which can be utilized for other purposes.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to optimize the conductivity of the electroconductive substrate for hydrogen generation to obtain desired concentration of hydrogen.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to generate other byproduct gases such as ozone and oxygen which can be utilized for other purposes.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for producing hydrogen fuel, ultimately contributing to a sustainable energy future.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In an aspect, the present invention discloses a hydrogen generation system (100) for fuel applications. The system (100) comprises a receiving chamber (101) to receive water and a catalytic mixture; an agitator (102) to mix the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture; a hydrogen generator (103) to receive the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) for generating a plurality of gases; a first regulator (104) for regulating flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103); a second regulator (105) for regulating pumping of the generated plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively; and a control unit (106) for controlling the operation of the first regulator (104) and the second regulator (105).
[0015] In another aspect, the catalytic mixture includes Sodium carbonate in an amount of 40-60% by weight, Potassium nitrate in an amount of 30-40% by weight and Sodium chloride in an amount of 10-20% by weight.
[0016] In another aspect, the hydrogen generator (103) includes a membrane selected from Proton Exchange Membrane, Nafion membrane, ceramic membrane, sulfonated poly arylene ether ketone (S-PEEK) membrane, and sulfonated polyether sulfone (S-PES) membrane.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the first regulator (104) is a pump or a valve controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate flow rate of the electroconductive mixture to obtain desired conductivity range, wherein the flow rate ranging between 0.01-0.5 m3/s to obtain conductivity ranging between 8,000-12,000 μS/cm.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the second regulator (105) is a pump controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate pumping rate of the generated plurality of gases to obtain desired concentration range, wherein the pumping rate ranging between 0.02-1 m3/s to obtain concentration ranging between 55-100%.
[0019] In another aspect, the present invention also discloses a hydrogen generation method for fuel applications. The method comprises of receiving water and a catalyst mixture by a receiving chamber (101); mixing the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture in an agitator (102) at a speed of 150-450 rpm and a temperature between 25°C and 45°C; sending the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to a hydrogen generator (103), wherein the flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103) is regulated by a first regulator (104); generating a plurality of gases in the hydrogen generator (103) by reaction of the electroconductive mixture passing through a membrane; and pumping the plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively, and wherein the pumping of the plurality of gases is regulated by a second regulator (105).
[0020] Overall, the invention provides a sophisticated wastewater treatment system that leverages IoT technology to optimize treatment processes, reduce operational costs, and ensure environmentally friendly discharge or reuse of treated water. The system's innovative design and IoT integration enable precise management and control of water treatment, offering an effective solution for wastewater purification and resource conservation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and is incorporated in and constitutes a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram to detail the embodiments of the hydrogen generation system (100) for fuel applications. This diagram depicts the interconnected components and flow of the gas generation through the system.
[0023] Figure 2 illustrates the flowchart of the hydrogen generation method for fuel applications.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents.
[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram to detail the embodiments of the discloses a hydrogen generation system (100) for fuel applications. This diagram showcases the interconnected components. The system (100) comprises a receiving chamber (101) to receive water and a catalytic mixture; an agitator (102) to mix the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture; a hydrogen generator (103) to receive the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) for generating a plurality of gases; a first regulator (104) for regulating flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103); a second regulator (105) for regulating pumping of the generated plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets; and a control unit (106) for controlling the operation of the first regulator (104) and the second regulator (105). The plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively.
[0026] Figure 2 illustrates the flowchart of the hydrogen generation method for fuel applications. The method comprises of receiving water and a catalyst mixture by a receiving chamber (101); mixing the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture in an agitator (102) at a speed of 150-450 rpm and a temperature between 25°C and 45°C; sending the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to a hydrogen generator (103), wherein the flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103) is regulated by a first regulator (104); generating a plurality of gases in the hydrogen generator (103) by reaction of the electroconductive mixture passing through a membrane; and pumping the plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively, and wherein the pumping of the plurality of gases is regulated by a second regulator (105).
[0027] The catalytic mixture is prepared from a mixture of Sodium carbonate in an amount of 40-60% by weight, Potassium nitrate in an amount of 30-40% by weight and Sodium chloride in an amount of 10-20% by weight. Table 1 shows the prepared samples of the catalytic mixture. The catalytic mixture is mixed with water to improve the conductivity of the water. The water and the catalyst mixture are mixed in an agitator (102) at a speed of 150-450 rpm and a temperature between 25°C and 45°C. The resulting electroconductive mixture is suitable for efficient hydrogen generation.
Table 1: Exemplary samples of the catalytic mixture
Sample Sodium carbonate (%) Potassium nitrate (%) Sodium chloride (%)
A 50 40 10
B 40 40 20
C 60 25 15

[0028] The electroconductive mixture is then sent to the hydrogen generator (103). The flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103) is regulated by a first regulator (104). The first regulator (104) is a pump or a valve controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate flow rate of the electroconductive mixture to obtain desired conductivity range. The flow rate is maintained between 0.01-0.5 m3/s to obtain conductivity ranging between 8,000-12,000 μS/cm. Table 2 demonstrates the flow rate maintained by the system to obtain the desired conductivity. It was observed that the flow rate is directly proportional to the conductivity of the electroconductive mixture.
Table 2: Exemplary flow rates to obtain suitable conductivity
Flow rate (m3/s) Conductivity of the electroconductive mixture (μS/cm)
0.01 8000
0.15 9000
0.5 12000

[0029] The hydrogen generator (103) includes a membrane selected from Proton Exchange Membrane, Nafion membrane, ceramic membrane, sulfonated poly arylene ether ketone (S-PEEK) membrane, and sulfonated polyether sulfone (S-PES) membrane. The electroconductive mixture is passed through the membranes to generate gases such as hydrogen, ozone and oxygen.
[0030] The concentration of the generated gases depends upon the dwell time of the gases generated in the hydrogen generator (103). The second regulator (105) is a pump controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate pumping rate of the generated gases to obtain desired concentration range. The pumping rate is controlled to regulate the dwell time of the gases. The pumping rate is maintained between 0.02-1 m3/s to obtain concentration of the gases ranging between 55-100%.
[0031] Table 3 demonstrates the pumping rate maintained by the system to obtain the desired concentration of gases. It was observed that the pumping rate is inversely proportional to the concentration of gases.
Table 3: Exemplary pumping rates to obtain suitable concentration of gases
Pumping rate (m3/s) Concentration of the hydrogen (%) Concentration of the ozone (%) Concentration of the oxygen (%)
0.02 99.9 97 100
0.5 92 89 95
1 81 76 86

[0032] The generated hydrogen, ozone and oxygen are sent through a plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively. The gases are then stored at their respective reservoirs for further use. The gases can be generated at various concentration which can be suitable for various purposes.
[0033] The control unit (106) controls the operation of the first regulator (104) and the second regulator (105). Throughout the process, a sensor unit comprising multiple sensors measures key parameters such as flow rate, conductivity, and concentration of gases. This sensor data is transmitted to the control unit (106) connected to a centralized server. The control unit (106) receives and stores detection information from the sensors, notifying the user or administrator of the system (100) when parameters fall below set standards. This control system ensures efficient and automated management of the hydrogen generation process.
[0034] The invention provides an efficient, integrated solution for hydrogen generation, addressing the need for clean fuel sources in various applications. By combining advanced electrolysis technology with flow rate and conductivity management, this system enhances the feasibility of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier.
[0035] Advantages of hydrogen generation system and method for fuel applications:
1. Environmental Benefits:
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: The system produces hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, significantly minimizing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based methods.
• Zero Emissions: When hydrogen is used as a fuel, there is no harmful byproduct, contributing to cleaner air and a reduction in pollutants.
2. Enhanced Efficiency:
• Optimized Energy Use: The integrated energy management system maximizes the utilization of renewable energy sources.
• High Purity Hydrogen Production: The generated hydrogen meets the required standards for various fuel applications, minimizing additional processing steps.
3. Scalability and Flexibility:
• Adaptable Design: The system can be scaled to suit various applications, from small-scale decentralized generation to large-scale industrial operations, making it versatile for different market needs.
• Responsive to Energy Availability: By effectively managing intermittent renewable energy sources, the system can adjust production based on real-time energy availability, enhancing overall operational flexibility.
4. Cost-Effectiveness:
• Reduced Operational Costs: By leveraging renewable energy and improving electrolysis efficiency, the system lowers the overall cost of hydrogen production, making it competitive with conventional methods.
• Minimized Capital Investment: The integrated approach reduces the need for separate purification and storage systems, simplifying installation and lowering capital expenditures.
5. Safety Features:
• Robust Storage Solutions: The high-pressure storage tank is designed with advanced safety features, ensuring safe handling and minimizing the risks associated with hydrogen storage.
• Monitoring and Control: Real-time monitoring systems enhance safety by detecting potential issues and enabling prompt responses.
6. Support for Energy Transition:
• Alignment with Policy Goals: The system supports global and national initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy, positioning it favorably in emerging markets.
• Facilitating Hydrogen Economy: By providing an efficient method for hydrogen generation, the system aids in developing a hydrogen economy, promoting the use of hydrogen in transportation, industry, and energy storage.
7. Innovative Technology Integration:
• Use of Advanced Electrolysis Technologies: Incorporating state-of-the-art membrane-based methods, such as PEM, enhances performance and efficiency.
• Diversification of Energy Sources: By generating hydrogen locally from renewable resources, the system reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and resilience.
[0036] Although the present invention has been particularly described with reference to implementations discussed above, various changes, modifications and Substitutes are can be made. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in numerous instances some features of the invention can be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Further, variations can be made in the number and arrangement of components illustrated in the figures discussed above.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A hydrogen generation system (100) for fuel applications, wherein the system (100) comprising of:
a receiving chamber (101) to receive water and a catalytic mixture;
an agitator (102) to mix the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture;
a hydrogen generator (103) to receive the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) for generating a plurality of gases;
a first regulator (104) for regulating flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103);
a second regulator (105) for regulating pumping of the generated plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively; and
a control unit (106) for controlling the operation of the first regulator (104) and the second regulator (105).
2. The hydrogen generation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catalytic mixture includes Sodium carbonate in an amount of 40-60% by weight, Potassium nitrate in an amount of 30-40% by weight and Sodium chloride in an amount of 10-20% by weight.
3. The hydrogen generation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generator (103) includes a membrane selected from Proton Exchange Membrane, Nafion membrane, ceramic membrane, sulfonated poly arylene ether ketone (S-PEEK) membrane, and sulfonated polyether sulfone (S-PES) membrane.
4. The hydrogen generation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first regulator (104) is a pump or a valve controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate flow rate of the electroconductive mixture to obtain desired conductivity range, wherein the flow rate ranging between 0.01-0.5 m3/s to obtain conductivity ranging between 8,000-12,000 μS/cm.
5. The hydrogen generation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second regulator (105) is a pump controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate pumping rate of the generated plurality of gases to obtain desired concentration range, wherein the pumping rate ranging between 0.02-1 m3/s to obtain concentration ranging between 55-100%.
6. A hydrogen generation method for fuel applications, wherein the method comprises steps of:
receiving water and a catalyst mixture by a receiving chamber (101);
mixing the water and the catalyst mixture to form an electroconductive mixture in an agitator (102) at a speed of 150-450 rpm and a temperature between 25°C and 45°C;
sending the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to a hydrogen generator (103), wherein the flow of the electroconductive mixture from the agitator (102) to the hydrogen generator (103) is regulated by a first regulator (104);
generating a plurality of gases in the hydrogen generator (103) by reaction of the electroconductive mixture passing through a membrane; and
pumping the plurality of gases from the hydrogen generator (103) to a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of gases includes hydrogen, ozone and oxygen, and the plurality of outlets includes a hydrogen outlet, an ozone outlet and an oxygen outlet respectively, and wherein the pumping of the plurality of gases is regulated by a second regulator (105).
7. The hydrogen generation method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the receiving water and a catalyst mixture including Sodium carbonate in an amount of 40-60% by weight, Potassium nitrate in an amount of 30-40% by weight and Sodium chloride in an amount of 10-20% by weight.
8. The hydrogen generation method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the generating a plurality of gases in the hydrogen generator (103) including the membrane selected from Proton Exchange Membrane, Nafion membrane, ceramic membrane, sulfonated poly arylene ether ketone (S-PEEK) membrane, and sulfonated polyether sulfone (S-PES) membrane.
9. The hydrogen generation method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sending the electroconductive mixture by the first regulator (104) selected from a pump or a valve controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate flow rate of the electroconductive mixture to obtain desired conductivity range, wherein the flow rate ranging between 0.01-0.5 m3/s to obtain conductivity ranging between 8,000-12,000 μS/cm.
10. The hydrogen generation method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pumping the plurality of gases by the second regulator (105) including a pump controlled by the control unit (106) to regulate pumping rate of the generated plurality of gases to obtain desired concentration range, wherein the pumping rate ranging between 0.02-1 m3/s to obtain concentration ranging between 55-100%.

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