Hydrogen feed method and systems for engines

Abstract

The invention provides a method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use by internal combustion engines, the method comprising supplying a modified form of water; electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas; mixing the gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture; and injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine. Also provided is a system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas, the system comprising modified water; an electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water; and process for mixing the gas with ambient air to create a mixture, and a venturi-based injector for inserting the mixture into the air intake system of the engine.

1 . A method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use in internal combustion engines, the method comprising:
 a. supplying a modified form of water;   b. electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas;   c. mixing the hydrogen gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture; and   d. injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the modified form of water comprises alcohol and alkali-metal containing moiety. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the alcohol is medical grade isopropyl alcohol and the moiety is a hydroxide selected from the group consisting of KOH, NaOH, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the alkali-metal containing moieties are selected from the group consisting of potassium hydrogen sulfite (KHSO 3 ), sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO 3 ) and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further producing oxygen. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of electrolyzing the water comprises contacting the modified form of water to a plurality of parallel flat plates maintained at a voltage potential, the plurality enclosed in a leak proof bladder and wherein the plurality of plates has a first end terminating in a positive electrode and a second end terminating in a negative electrode and the edges of the plates deviate from the plane and toward the negative electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hydrogen-air mixture comprises between 1 to 5 volume percent of hydrogen gas to air. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mixture is not preheated prior to injection. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyzing step occurs at temperatures between −50 F and 32 F without the addition of heat. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of electrolyzing water produces a mixture of hydrogen gas and the modified form of water, the method further comprising separating the hydrogen gas from the modified form of water to provide hydrogen gas and separated water and returning the separated modified form of water to the source of modified water for continued processing. 
     
     
         11 . A system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas, the system comprising:
 a. modified water;   b. a means for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water;   c. a means for mixing the hydrogen gas with air to create a gas mixture; and   d. a means for injecting the mixture into the air intake system of the engine.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the modified water contains alcohol, and alkali-containing moieties. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the means for producing hydrogen gas further comprises a plurality of oppositely charged plates. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the alkali containing moieties are selected from the group consisting of KOH, NaOH and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the alkali containing moieties are selected from the group consisting of Potassium Carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ), Sodium Carbonate (NaCO3), Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate (KHCO 3 ), Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the alcohols comprise isopropyl alcohol. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the alkali containing moieties are sulfates selected from the group consisting of potassium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the means for mixing the hydrogen gas with air to create a mixture comprises a flow stream of air, a gas conduit a curved injection port inserted in the gas conduit for the injection of hydrogen, wherein the curve surface in concave in the direction flow of air. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11  the means for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water produces a mixture of hydrogen gas and water, the means for producing hydrogen gas further comprising separating the hydrogen gas from the water to provide hydrogen gas and separated water and returning the separated water to the modified water for continued processing. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the means for producing hydrogen gas further comprises a plurality of oppositely charged plates, each of said plates defining curved edges.