US20090188809A1

US20090188809A1 - Hydroxyl Gas Generation System for Enhancing the Performance of a Combustion Engine

Info

Publication number: US20090188809A1
Application number: US12/022,754
Authority: US
Inventors: Terry L. Noel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-30
Filing date: 2008-01-30
Publication date: 2009-07-30

Abstract

Described is a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis, for limiting the corrosion of electrodes used in the electrolysis, and for making the hydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine. The hydroxyl gas generation system generates an electrolytic reaction by passing an electrical current between the electrodes by way of an electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction generating the hydroxyl gas. To limit the corrosion of the electrodes, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically alternated. Additionally, the electrodes are constructed of or plated with platinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolytic solution.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a system for generating a hydroxyl gas and making the hydroxyl gas available to a combustion engine. More particularly, this invention pertains to a system for generating an electrolytic reaction and for limiting corrosion of the electrical components used therefore.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is a common desire to have a combustion engine that performs optimally and burns less fuel. Such an engine reduces air pollution and increases the gas mileage of an employing vehicle. It has been shown that adding hydrogen to the air intake of a combustion engine enhances the flame velocity, permitting the engine to operate with a leaner air-to-gasoline mixture than otherwise possible. Consequently, conventional hydrogen injecting systems have been developed to generate hydrogen and to inject the hydrogen into a combustion engine by way of the air intake of the engine. The conventional systems generate the hydrogen by generating an electrolytic reaction. More specifically, the conventional hydrogen injecting systems include electrodes, namely an anode and a cathode, disposed within an alkali solution such that electric current passes from the anode, through the solution, and to the cathode, causing a reduction reaction that generates a hydrogen gas. The generated hydrogen is routed to the air intake of the combustion engine such that the engine operates more efficiently as discussed above.
The conventional hydrogen injecting systems are limited in that the electrolytic reaction causes the electrodes to have a high corrosion rate. More specifically, during electrolysis, substantially more oxygen accumulates at the anode than at the cathode to the extent that severe oxidation occurs at the anode with respect to the cathode. Because of the anode's high rate of corrosion, the electrodes must be regularly replaced, or the desired functionality of the hydrogen injecting system is compromised. Regularly replacing the electrodes is expensive and is disruptive and inconvenient for a user of the conventional hydrogen injecting system. Consequently, a hydrogen injecting system that reduces the corrosion rate of its electrodes is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the various features of the present invention there is provided a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis, for limiting the corrosion of electrodes used in the electrolysis, and for making the hydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine. The hydroxyl gas generation system includes an electrolytic cell and a processor. The electrolytic cell includes an electrolysis chamber and an electrode structure. The electrode structure defines an open circuit and is disposed within the electrolysis chamber. The electrolysis chamber contains an electrolytic solution such that the electrolytic solution completes the open circuit defined by the electrode structure. The processor is in electrical communication with the electrode structure and a power source. The processor applies a voltage to the electrode structure such that an electrical current passes through the electrolytic solution, generating an electrolytic reaction that produces the hydroxyl gas within the electrolysis chamber. The hydroxyl gas is drawn from the electrolysis chamber into the air intake of the combustion engine.
The processor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that the corrosion of the electrode structure causes by the electrolytic reaction is substantially uniform. More specifically, the electrode structure includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is in electrical communication with the second electrode by way of the electrolytic solution. Consequently, when the first electrode is the anode, the second electrode is the cathode. Similarly, when the first electrode is the cathode, the second electrode is the anode. When the processor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure, the first electrode alternates between being the anode and the cathode. Accordingly, the second electrode alternates between being the cathode and the anode. Because, during an electrolytic reaction, the electrode that is the anode corrodes at a faster rate than the electrode that is the cathode, alternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure as discussed limits the corrosion of the electrode that would otherwise be solely the anode. Additionally, in one embodiment, the electrodes of the electrode structure are coated with platinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolytic solution, such that the corrosion of the electrodes is further limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generation system secured to the cab of truck having a combustion engine;

FIG. 2 is pictorial block diagram of one embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generation system in accordance with the various features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the electrode structure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrode structure of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrolysis cell of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis, for limiting the corrosion of electrodes used in the electrolysis, and for making the hydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine. The hydroxyl gas generation system generates an electrolytic reaction by passing an electrical current between the electrodes by way of an electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction generating the hydroxyl gas. To limit the corrosion of the electrodes, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically alternated. Additionally, the electrodes are constructed of or plated with platinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolytic solution. One embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generation system constructed in accordance with the various features of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1.
The hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a hydroxyl gas generator 12 and a water reservoir 14. The hydroxyl gas generator 12 generates a hydroxyl gas, and the water reservoir 14 houses distilled water. The hydroxyl gas generator 12 is in fluidic communication with the water reservoir 14 such that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 receives water housed by the water reservoir 14 and uses the water in generating a subsequently discussed electrolytic reaction. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the water reservoir 14 are mounted to the cab of a truck 15 having a combustion engine. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the water reservoir 14 are mounted to the load locks of the truck 15. It should be noted that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the water reservoir 14 can be secured to any vehicle, machine, or other mechanism having a combustion engine without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It should also be noted that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the water reservoir 14 need not be mounted to the vehicle, machine, or other mechanism having a combustion engine to remain within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the water reservoir 14 is adapted to house a particular amount of distilled water such that the depletion of the water housed by the water reservoir 14 coincides with the recommended time for an oil change for the truck. More specifically, the rate at which the water is used by the hydroxyl gas generator 12 is calculated such that the approximate amount of water used between oil changes is known. Accordingly, at the time the oil is changed in the truck, the water reservoir 14 is filled or refilled. Consequently, maintenance of the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 is made more convenient. It should be noted that the size of the water reservoir 14 need not be such that the depletion of the water housed by the water reservoir 14 coincides with periodic maintenance requirements of the combustion engine to remain within the scope or spirit of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a pictorial block diagram of one embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generator 12 in accordance with the various features of the present invention. The hydroxyl gas generator 12 is in fluidic communication with the water reservoir 14 and in gaseous communication with a combustion engine 16. The hydroxyl generator 12 includes a processor 18, an electrolytic cell 20, a fluid pump 22, and a bubbler 24. The processor 18 is in electrical communication the fluid pump 22, which is in fluidic communication with the electrolytic cell 20 by way of a first fluid conduit 26. The processor 18 activates the fluid pump 22 such that the fluid pump 22 draws water from the water reservoir 14 by way of a second fluid conduit 28 and pumps the water into the electrolytic cell 20 by way of the first fluid conduit 26. The electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolysis chamber 32, which is hermetically sealed and receives water from the first fluid conduit 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolytic cell fluid port 30, which is a fluidic interface between the first fluid conduit 26 and the electrolysis chamber 32. Within the electrolysis chamber 32 is an electrolytic substance that mixes with the water received by the electrolysis chamber 32 to create an electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32, the electrolytic solution being more electrically conductive than the water. In one embodiment, the electrolytic solution is an alkali solution. More specifically, in one embodiment, the electrolytic substance is potassium hydroxide. The electrolytic solution partially fills the electrolysis chamber 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a first electrolysis chamber 34 and a second electrolysis chamber 36. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrolysis chamber 34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36 are fluidically connected by an electrolysis chamber conduit 38 such that the electrolytic solution level within the first electrolysis chamber 34 is even with the electrolytic solution level within the second electrolysis chamber 36. It should be noted that the electrolytic cell 20 can include a single electrolysis chamber 32 without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It should also be noted that when the electrolytic cell 20 includes more than one electrolysis chamber 32, the electrolysis chambers need not be fluidically connected to remain within the scope or spirit of the present invention.
An electrode structure 40 is disposed within each electrolysis chamber 32. The electrode structure 40 defines an open circuit and is submerged within the electrolytic solution such that the electrolytic solution completes the open circuit. The electrode structure 40 is in electrical communication with the processor 18, which applies a voltage to the electrode structure 40. More specifically, the processor 18 is in electrical communication with a power source 56 and routes the power provided by the power source 56 to the electrode structure 40. In one embodiment, the power source 56 is a twelve-volt power source, such as the battery of a vehicle. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processor 18 includes a step-down transformer such that the processor 18 applies, for example, seven volts to the electrode structure 40.
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the electrode structure 40 in accordance with the various features of the present invention. The electrode structure 40 includes a first electrode 46 and a second electrode 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 46 includes a first plurality of electrical contacts 50, and the second electrode 48 includes a second plurality of electrical contacts 52. The first plurality of electrical contacts 50 are mutually spaced apart, the second plurality of electrical contacts 52 are mutually spaced apart, and the first electrode 46 is positioned with respect to the second electrode 48 such that the first plurality of electrical contacts 50 overlap with the second plurality of electrical contacts 52, but none of the first plurality of electrical contacts 50 physically or electrically contact any of the second plurality of electrical contacts 52. Stated differently, the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 define an open circuit. The first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are secured in position by a non-conductive structure 54. Because the electrode structure 40 is submerged within the electrolytic solution such that the solution completes the open circuit, when the processor 18 applies a voltage to the electrode structure 40, an electrical current passes between the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 such that the electrical current passes through the electrolytic solution. The amperage of the electrical current, for a given voltage, is governed by the chemical properties of the solution. For example, when the electrolytic solution is a mixture of distilled water and potassium hydroxide having a concentration of 2.8 grams of potassium hydroxide to 700 milliliters of water, and when 7 volts is applied to the electrode structure 40, the electrode structure 40 draws 30 amps of electrical current. The electrical current passing through the electrolytic solution initiates and maintains an electrolytic reaction, which breaks oxygen molecules and hydrogen molecules from the electrolytic solution. The oxygen and hydrogen separate from the electrolytic solution in the form of the hydroxyl gas, which rises above the electrolytic solution. Accordingly, the generated hydroxyl gas is within the electrolysis chamber 32.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrode structure 40. In the alternate embodiment, the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are constructed of selected components such as respective bolts, pluralities of nuts, pluralities of washers, and pluralities of conductive plates. More specifically, the first electrode 46 includes a first bolt 100, a first plurality of nuts 102, a first plurality of washers 104, and the first plurality of electrical contacts 50, which, in the alternate embodiment, is a plurality of conductive plates. The first bolt 100 extends the length of the first electrode 46 and receives the first plurality of nuts 102, the first plurality of washers 104, and the first plurality of electrical contacts 50 such that the first plurality of electrical contacts 50 is configured as discussed above. Similarly, the second electrode 48 includes a second bolt 106, a second plurality of nuts 108, a second plurality of washers 110, and the second plurality of electrical contacts 52, which, in the alternate embodiment, is a plurality of conductive plates. The second bolt 106 extends the length of the second electrode 48 and receives the second plurality of nuts 108, the second plurality of washers 110, and the second plurality of electrical contacts 52 such that the second plurality of electrical contacts 52 is configured as discussed above. The first bolt 100 and the second bolt 106 are secured to the non-conductive structure 54 such that configuration of the first electrode 46 with respect to the second electrode 48 is that discussed above. Fabricating the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 using separate components, such as shown in FIG. 4, facilitates coating selective components of the electrode structure 40 with an impermeable material such as platinum.
Considering again FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a first electrode structure 42 disposed within the first electrolysis chamber 34 and a second electrode structure 44 disposed within the second electrolysis chamber 36. It should be noted that the electrolytic cell 20 can have a single electrode structure 40 without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44 are wired in series with regard to the processor 18. In one embodiment of the illustrated embodiment, the processor 18 applies 7 volts to the first electrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44 such that 3.5 volts are driven into each electrode structure 40. It should be noted that when the electrolytic cell 20 includes more than one electrode structure 40, the electrode structures can be wired in a way other than in series, such as in parallel, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In accordance with the above-discussion, when the processor 18 applies a voltage to the first electrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44, an electrolytic reaction is generated within the first electrolysis chamber 34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36, respectively. The electrolytic reaction generates the hydroxyl gas within the first electrolysis chamber 34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36.
The electrolytic solution is a caustic solution that corrodes the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48. Additionally, during the electrolytic reaction, a proportionately excessive amount of oxygen accumulates at the anode of the electrode structure 40 with respect to the cathode of the electrode structure 40. The anode can be either the first electrode 46 or the second electrode 48, depending on which electrode is positively charged and which electrode is negatively charged. The excessive accumulation of oxygen at the anode causes an oxidation at the anode that causes the anode to corrode at a faster rate than the cathode. The disproportionate corrosion rates among the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 limit the potential operational lifespan of the electrode structure 40. More specifically, due to the corrosion rate of the anode, the electrode structure 40 must be replaced before the cathode is corroded beyond operational use. To prevent the disproportional corrosion rate among the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 44, and thus extend the operational lifespan of the electrode structure 40, the processor 18 alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure 40. More specifically, at times, the processor 18 applies voltage to the electrode structure 40 such that the first electrode 46 is the anode and the second electrode 48 is the cathode. At other times, the processor 18 applies voltage to the electrode structure 40 such that the first electrode 46 is the cathode and the second electrode 48 is the anode. In one embodiment, the processor 18 alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure 40 periodically. For example, in one embodiment, the processor 18 alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure 40 after every twenty-four hours of use. Alternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure 40 distributes the excessive accumulation of oxygen at the anode between the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 such that the corrosion rate among the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 is substantially uniform. To further reduce the corrosion rate of the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48, in one embodiment, the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are constructed of platinum, a substance that is substantially impermeable to the caustic electrolytic solution. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are plated with platinum. Consequently, when the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are constructed of or plated with platinum, corrosion of the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 is substantially limited.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolytic cell float switch 58 in electrical communication with the processor 18. The electrolytic cell float switch 58 defines a solution level threshold, which indicates the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32. When the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32 is greater than the solution level threshold, the electrode structure 40 is submerged within the electrolytic solution to the extent the electrolytic cell 20 operates in accordance with the above-discussion. When the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32 decreases to a level below the solution level threshold, the electrolytic float switch 58 generates a low solution level signal, which is received by the processor 18. When the processor 18 receives the low solution level signal, the processor 18 causes the fluid pump 22 to draw water from the water reservoir 14 and pump water into the electrolysis chamber 32. When the processor 18 ceases to receive to the low solution level signal, the processor 18 causes the fluid pump 22 to stop drawing water from the water reservoir 14 and stop pumping water into the electrolysis chamber 32. Stated differently, the processor 18 causes the fluid pump 22 to draw water from the water reservoir 14 and pump the water into the electrolysis chamber 32 until the level of solution within the electrolysis chamber 32 is greater than the solution level threshold. Consequently, the electrolytic cell float switch 58 maintains the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32 such that the electrolytic cell 20 operates in accordance with the above-discussion. It should be noted that when the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolytic chamber 32 decreases due to electrolysis, it is the amount of water, not the amount of the electrolytic substance mixed with the water (e.g. the potassium hydroxide), that decreases. Consequently, to maintain the proper amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32, additional amounts of the electrolytic substance is not added to the electrolysis chamber 32, only additional amounts of water.
The electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolytic cell gas port 60, which is a gaseous interface between the electrolysis chamber 32 and a first gas conduit 62. The hydroxyl gas generated by the electrolytic cell 20 is drawn from the electrolysis chamber 32 and into the first gas conduit 62. The bubbler 24 includes a hermetically sealed bubbler chamber 64 and a bubbler input 66. The first gas conduit 62 is interfaced with the bubbler chamber 64 by way of the bubbler input 66 such that the hydroxyl gas drawn from the electrolysis chamber 32 is drawn into the bubbler chamber 64. More specifically, the bubbler chamber 64 is partially filled with water. An end 68 of the bubbler input 66 is positioned beneath the surface of the water such that the hydroxyl gas drawn into the bubbler chamber 64 bubbles through the water. When the hydroxyl gas bubbles through the water, the water removes any electrolytic solution from the hydroxyl gas that may be mixed with the gas. Additionally, the water within the bubbler chamber 64 cools the hydroxyl gas before it is drawn from the hydroxyl gas generation system 10.
The bubbler 24 includes a bubbler gas port 70, which interfaces the bubbler chamber 64 with a second gas conduit 72. The second gas conduit 72 is in gaseous communication with the air intake of the combustion engine 16 such that the hydroxyl gas drawn from the bubbler chamber 64 is drawn into the air intake of the combustion engine 16. Because the hydroxyl gas is drawn into the air intake of the combustion engine, the engine runs cleaner and more efficiently in accordance with the above-discussion.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bubbler 24 includes a bubbler float switch 74, a bubbler gas port valve 76, a water release valve 78, and an air intake valve 80. The bubbler float switch 74, the bubbler gas port valve 76, and the water release valve 78 are in electrical communication with the processor 18. The bubbler float switch 74 defines a water level threshold, which indicates the amount of water within the bubbler chamber 64. When the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 is sufficiently low such that the water does not reach the bubbler gas port 70, the water is below the water level threshold. When the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 increases, due to the above-discussed bubbling, to the extent that the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 is greater than the water level threshold, the bubbler float switch 74 generates a high water level signal, which is received by the processor 18. When the processor 18 receives the high water level signal, the processor 18 causes the bubbler gas port valve 76, which is otherwise open, to close and the water release valve 78, which is otherwise closed, to open. When the processor 18 closes the bubbler gas port valve 76 and opens the water release valve 78, water within the bubbler chamber 64 is prevented from passing through the bubbler gas port 70, passes through the water release valve 78, and is carried away from the bubbler 24 by way of a second fluid conduit 82, which is in fluidic communication with the water release valve 78. When water is released from the bubbler chamber 64 by way of the water release valve 78, a vacuum greater than that generated by the combustion engine 16 drawing hydroxyl gas is generated within the bubbler chamber 64. The air intake valve 80 is a pressure valve that opens in response to the vacuum generated by the release of water from within the bubbler chamber 64 such that the vacuum is relieved. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 80 is a 12-pound valve, and the vacuum generated by the combustion engine 16 drawing hydroxyl gas has a magnitude of 3 pounds. When the processor 18 ceases to receive to the high water level signal, the processor 18 causes the bubbler gas port valve 76 to open and the water release valve 78 to close. Stated differently, the processor 18 causes the bubbler gas port valve 76 to prevent water from passing through the bubbler gas port 70 and the water release valve 78 to release water from the bubbler chamber 64 until the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 drops below the water level threshold. Consequently, the bubbler float switch 74 maintains the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 such that the water does not reach the bubbler gas port 70 and, consequently, does not reach the air intake of the combustion engine 16.
In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a check valve 84 at the second gas conduit 72 where the second gas conduit 72 interfaces with the air intake of the combustion engine 16. The check valve 84 is a pressure valve that is open when the hydroxyl gas is being drawn from the bubbler 24 and into the combustion engine 16. Otherwise, the check valve 84 is closed. Consequently, the check valve 84 prevents contaminants from the combustion engine 16 from entering the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 when, for example, the air filter of the combustion engine become severely clogged. Additionally, in the event the hydroxyl gas becomes ignited by the combustion engine 16, the check valve 84 prevents the ignited gas from entering the hydroxyl gas generation system 10. Similarly, the bubbler 24 includes a bubbler check valve 86 at the bubbler input 66. The bubbler check valve 86 is a pressure valve that is open when the hydroxyl gas is being drawn into the bubbler 24 and is otherwise closed. Consequently, the bubbler check valve 86 prevents the water within the bubbler chamber 64 from being drawn into the electrolytic cell 20. Additionally, in the event the hydroxyl gas within the bubbler chamber 64 becomes ignited, the bubbler check valve 86, as well as the water within the bubbler chamber 64, prevent the ignited gas from entering the electrolytic cell 20 by way of the first gas conduit 62.
In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a master switch 88 in electrical communication with the processor 18 and the ignition switch of the combustion engine 16. When the combustion engine 16 is operating, the master switch 88 generates an activation signal, which is received by the processor 18. When the combustion engine 16 is not operating, the master switch 88 generates a deactivation signal, which is received by the processor 18. When the processor 18 receives the activation signal, it activates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10, and when the processor 18 receives the deactivation signal, it deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10. As a result, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 only operates when the combustion engine 16 operates. Additionally, when the processor 18 detects that the voltage provided by the power source 56 drops below a low voltage threshold, such as 10 volts, the processor 18 deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10. Similarly, when the voltage provided by the power source 56 rises above a high voltage threshold, such as due to the alternator, the processor 18 deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10. Additionally, in one embodiment, the processor 18 includes an onboard thermostat. When the temperature of the processor 18 rises above a high temperature threshold, the processor 18 deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a first fan 90 and a second fan 92 in electrical communication with the power source 56. The first fan 90 and the second fan 92 circulate air through the hydroxyl gas generator 12 such that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 does not overheat.
In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a water heater 94 for heating the water housed by the water reservoir 14. More specifically, the water heater 94 includes a thermostat for measuring the temperature of the water within the water reservoir 14 such that the water heater 94 heats the water to the extent that the water within the water reservoir 14 does not freeze. Additionally, in one embodiment, electrical heat tape is secured to the second fluid conduit 28. The heat tape heats the second fluid conduit 28 to the extent that the water within the second fluid conduit 28 does not freeze.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic cell 20 in accordance with the various features of the present invention. In the alternate embodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a first member 96 and a second member 98. The first member 96 includes the electrolytic cell fluid port 30, the electrolytic cell gas port 60, and the electrolytic cell float switch 58. The second member 98 includes the electrode structure 40. Additionally, the first member 96 includes a female threaded portion, and the second member 98 includes a male threaded portion, whereby the female threaded portion and the male threaded portion cooperate such that the first member 96 is releasably secured to the second member 98. When the first member 96 is secured to the second member 98, the first member 96 and the second member 98 define the electrolysis chamber 32. As a result, the electrolysis cell 20 of the alternate embodiment permits the electrode structure 40 to be replaced without disconnecting the electrolytic cell fluid port 30 from the first fluid conduit 26 or disconnecting the electrolytic cell gas port 60 from the first gas conduit 62 or disconnect the electrolytic cell float switch 58 from the processor 18. More specifically, to remove the electrode structure 40, the electrode structure 40 is disconnected from the processor 18 and the second member 98 is removed from the first member 96. A replacement second member 98, which includes the replacement electrode structure 40, is then secured to the first member 96.
From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize that a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis and for making the hydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine offering advantages over the prior art has been provided. The hydroxyl gas generation system generates an electrolytic reaction by passing an electrical current between the electrodes by way of an electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction generating the hydroxyl gas. To limit the corrosion of the electrodes, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically alternated. Additionally, the electrodes are constructed of or plated with platinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolytic solution.
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A hydroxyl gas generation system for enhancing the performance of a combustion engine, said hydroxyl gas generation system comprising:

an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis chamber and an electrode structure disposed within the electrolysis chamber, the electrolysis chamber being adapted to contain an electrolytic solution, the electrode structure defining an open circuit, the electrolytic solution completing the open circuit defined by the electrode structure when the electrolysis chamber contains the electrolytic solution; and

a processor in electrical communication with the electrode structure, said processor applies a voltage to the electrode structure such that the electrode structure generates an electrolytic reaction when the electrolysis chamber contains the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction producing a hydroxyl gas within the electrolysis chamber, said processor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that corrosion of the electrode structure is substantially uniform, said electrolytic cell being in gaseous communication with the combustion engine such that the hydroxyl gas is drawn from the electrolysis chamber and to the combustion engine.

2. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein the electrode structure includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode defining the open circuit.

3. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 2 wherein said processor applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, said processor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode such that the first electrode and the second electrode corrode at a substantially uniform rate.

4. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 2 wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially constructed of platinum.

5. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 further comprising a bubbler in gaseous communication with the electrolytic cell, said bubbler having a bubbler chamber adapted to contain water, the bubbler chamber receives the hydroxyl gas from said electrolytic cell, said bubbler bubbles the hydroxyl gas through the water when the bubbler chamber contains the water, bubbling the hydroxyl gas through the water removes any electrolytic solution from the hydroxyl gas, the hydroxyl gas is drawn from the bubbler chamber and to the combustion engine.

6. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein said electrolytic cell includes an electrolytic cell float switch in electrical communication with said processor, the electrolytic cell float switch generates a low solution level signal when the amount of solution within the electrolysis chamber drops below a threshold defined by the electrolytic cell float switch, said processor receives the low solution level signal.

7. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 6 further comprising a water reservoir and a fluid pump, said water reservoir being adapted to house water and being in fluidic communication with said fluid pump, said fluid pump being in fluidic communication with said electrolytic cell and in electrical communication with said processor, said processor causes said fluid pump to draw water from said water reservoir and pump water into the electrolysis chamber of said electrolytic cell when said processor receives the low solution level signal.

8. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 7 wherein said water reservoir is adapted to house a calculated amount of water, the calculated amount of water being such that the depletion of the water housed by said water reservoir coincides with periodic maintenance requirements of the combustion engine.

9. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein said processor is in electrical communication with a power source.

10. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein said electrolysis cell includes a first member and a second member, the second member being adapted to be releasably secured to the first member such that the first member and the second member define the electrolysis chamber when secured, the electrode structure being disposed at the second member.

11. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 10 wherein the first member and the second member have respective cooperating threaded members such that the second member is adapted to be releasably secured to the first member.

12. A hydroxyl gas generation system for enhancing the performance of a combustion engine, said hydroxyl gas generation system comprising:

an electrolysis chamber adapted to contain an electrolytic solution, said electrolysis chamber having a gas port;

an electrode structure disposed within said electrolysis chamber, said electrode structure having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode defining an open circuit, the electrolytic solution completing the open circuit defined by said electrode structure when said electrolysis chamber contains the electrolytic solution; and

a processor in electrical communication with said electrode structure and a power source, said processor applying a voltage to said electrode structure such that an electrical current passes between the first electrode and the second electrode by way of the electrolytic solution, the electrical current passing through the electrolytic solution generates an electrolytic reaction that generates a hydroxyl gas within the electrolysis chamber, said processor alternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that the first electrode alternates between being the anode and the cathode and such that the second electrode correspondingly alternates between being the anode and the cathode, the combustion engine draws the hydroxyl gas from the electrolysis chamber by way of the gas port.

13. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 12 whereby the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially constructed of platinum.

14. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 13 whereby the first electrode and the second electrode are platinum plated.

15. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 12 further comprising a bubbler in gaseous communication with said electrolysis chamber, said bubbler receives the hydroxyl gas from said electrolysis chamber and bubbles the hydroxyl gas through water contained by said bubbler, the bubbled hydroxyl gas is drawn from said bubbler to the combustion engine.

16. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 12 further comprising a water reservoir and a fluid pump, said water reservoir being adapted to house water and being in fluidic communication with said fluid pump, said fluid pump being in fluidic communication with said electrolysis chamber and in electrical communication with said processor, said processor detecting when the electrolytic solution within said electrolysis chamber drops below a low solution threshold, said processor activating said fluid pump such that said fluid pump draws water from said water reservoir and pumps the water into the electrolysis chamber until the electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber satisfies the low solution threshold when said processor determines that the electrolytic solution within said electrolysis chamber drops below a solution threshold.

17. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 12 further comprising a master switch in electrical communication with said processor and the combustion engine, said processor activating said hydroxyl gas generation system when the combustion engine is activated, said processor deactivating said hydroxyl gas generation system when the combustion engine is deactivated.

18. A hydroxyl gas generation system for enhancing the performance of a combustion engine, said hydroxyl gas generation system comprising:

an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis chamber and an electrode structure disposed within the electrolysis chamber, the electrode structure defining an open circuit, the electrolysis chamber containing an electrolytic solution such that the electrolytic solution completes the open circuit, said electrolytic cell having a float switch defining a low solution threshold, the low solution threshold indicating the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber;

a processor in electrical communication with the electrode structure, the float switch, and a power source, said processor applying a voltage to the electrode structure such that an electrical current passes through the electrolytic solution, an electrolytic reaction occurring when the electrical current passes through the electrolytic solution such that a hydroxyl gas is produced within the electrolysis chamber, said processor alternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that the corrosion rate of the electrode structure is substantially uniform;

a water reservoir adapted to house water;

a fluid pump in fluidic communication with said water reservoir and in electrical communication with said processor, said processor activates said fluid pump when the float switch indicates that the electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber is below the low solution threshold, the fluid pump draws water from the water reservoir and pumps the water to the electrolysis chamber when said fluid pump is activated;

a bubbler in gaseous communication with said electrolytic cell, said bubbler draws the hydroxyl gas from the electrolysis chamber and bubbles the hydroxyl gas through water such that the hydroxyl gas is purified of any electrolytic solution, the combustion engine draws the purified hydroxyl gas from said bubbler to the air intake of the combustion engine.

19. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 18 wherein the electrode structure includes a first electrode and a second electrode, said processor applying the voltage to the electrode structure such that the electrical current passes between the first electrode and the second electrode by way of the electrolytic solution, said processor alternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that the first electrode alternates between being the anode and the cathode and such that the second electrode correspondingly alternates between being the cathode and the anode.