IP Library Granted Patent US 6,857,397
Granted Patent B2
US 6,857,397 · App. 10/605,286 · Granted Feb 22, 2005

Hydrogen generation apparatus for internal combustion engines and method thereof

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,857,397
App. No.
10/605,286
Granted
Feb 22, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.

Claims (22)

1. A system for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

an exhaust venturi;

a condenser in fluid communication with said venturi and said air inlet, said condenser extracting water from said ambient air;

an air inlet between said venturi and condenser; and,

an electrolyzer in fluid communication with said condenser, said electrolyzer producing hydrogen gas.

2. The hydrogen generating system of claim 1 further comprising a reservoir, said reservoir being in fluid communication with said condenser and said venturi.

3. The hydrogen generating system of claim 2 further comprising a polisher, said polisher in fluid communication with said reservoir and said electrolyzer.

4. A system for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

a means for removing a portion of an exhaust gas;

a means for condensating water from said exhaust gas;

a means for storing said condensated water, said storage means coupled to said said condensating means;

a means for electrolyzing said stored condensate water;

a means for storing said hydrogen gas;

a gas inlet means, said gas inlet means including an ambient air inlet and an exhaust inlet; and,

a means for determining the required condenser energy, said determining means coupled to said inlet means.

5. A system for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

a means for removing a portion of an exhaust gas;

a means for condensating water from said exhaust gas;

a means for storing said condensated water, said storage means coupled to said said condensating means;

a means for electrolyzing said stored condensate water;

a means for storing said hydrogen gas; and,

a means for providing a reserve reservoir.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 19, 2013
From: PERSEUS PARTNERS VII, L.P.
To: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 029834/0750 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 8, 2007
From: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
To: PERSEUS PARTNERS VII, L.P.
Reel/Frame 019399/0436 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 10, 2004
From: ZAGAJA, JOHN; MOULTHROP, LAWRENCE; MOLTER, TRENT; SMITH, WILLIAM
To: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS
Reel/Frame 014586/0945 →