Key information

Title
System and method for generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine
Application number
20230822
Case type
National
Status
19.01.2026 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
28.07.2023
Effective date
28.07.2023
Publicly available
29.01.2025
Next annual fee due
31.07.2027
Applicant
ENERGEN AS (NO)
Owner
ENERGEN AS (NO)
Inventor
Ingvar Grannes (NO)
Agent
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted
19.01.2026
Patent number
349416
Expiry date
28.07.2043

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
The present invention relates to a system and method for generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine, and for controlling the generation and provision of hydrogen to a combustion engine; comprising a combustion engine; an electrolysis cell for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine; an electronic process control system is operatively connected to the electrolysis cell to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine; and an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system and/or walls of glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer or metallic material, and wherein the enclosure comprises at least part of the electronic process control system.

Publications

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Documents

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Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 21.01.2026 18-01 Saksbehandling 20230822(349416) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20230822)
20.10.2025 17-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT Intention to grant ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-07 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 NIPO OA3 ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-06 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 description OA3 clean ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-05 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 description OA3 amended ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-04 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 claims OA3 NO ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-03 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 claims OA3 clean ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P42168NO00 claims OA3 amended ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 24.06.2025 16-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 07.04.2025 15-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT Substantive examination ACAPO AS
 12.02.2025 02-01 Endring av søker/innehaver 2025/02055 UT GH Forespørsel ACAPO AS
 11.02.2025 01-01 Endring av søker/innehaver 2025/02055 INN Generell henvendelse ACAPO AS
 23.09.2024 14-04 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Response ACAPO AS
 23.09.2024 14-03 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Claims (marked-up) ACAPO AS
 23.09.2024 14-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Claims (clean) ACAPO AS
 23.09.2024 14-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 22.07.2024 13-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT PT Bekreftelse på fristutsettelse ACAPO AS
 22.04.2024 12-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT Substantive examination ACAPO AS
 10.01.2024 11-04 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Response ACAPO AS
 10.01.2024 11-03 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Amended claims - marked-up version ACAPO AS
 10.01.2024 11-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Amended claims - clean version ACAPO AS
 10.01.2024 11-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 21.12.2023 10-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT PT report 03:08:12
21.12.2023 10-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT 20230822_1794098_PT 08 Eng ACAPO AS
 11.10.2023 09-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Søknad 20230822 - fremskyndet saksbehandling
09.10.2023 08-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Letter to Patentstyret ACAPO AS
 09.10.2023 08-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 05.10.2023 07-03 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Fullmakt_Signed ACAPO AS
 05.10.2023 07-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 - overdragelse ACAPO AS
 05.10.2023 07-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 04.10.2023 06-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT General letter patent ACAPO AS
 29.09.2023 05-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 - 2023-09-29 Letter to Patentstyret ACAPO AS
 29.09.2023 05-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 31.07.2023 04-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 31.07.2023 03-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT Formalia 1 ACAPO AS
 31.07.2023 02-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 UT Informasjon til oppfinner Ingvar Grannes
 28.07.2023 01-03 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Drawings ACAPO AS
 28.07.2023 01-02 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN P20679NO00 Application ACAPO AS
 28.07.2023 01-01 Saksbehandling 20230822 INN Søknadsskjema Patent ACAPO AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
3494161Field of the invention5The present invention relates to a system and method for generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine, and for controlling the generation and provision of hydrogen to a combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method comprising a combustion engine; an electrolysis cell for converting 10 water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine; an electronic process control system is at least operatively connected to the electrolysis cell to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine; and an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system and/or walls of glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced 15 thermosetting polymer or metallic material, and wherein the enclosure comprises at least part of the electronic process control system.Background of the invention20 Hydrogen is considered a clean fuel as it can react with oxygen in a fuel cell or combustion engine to produce energy and water, with essentially no other reaction byproducts. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for combustion engines has, however, been limited due to safety issues, e.g. lack of systems and methods for controlling the generation of hydrogen and ensuring safe delivery thereof to the combustion engine.25 Producing combustible or explosive hydrogen gas is not desirable if the combustion engine is not running and using up the hydrogen gas as it is produced since the gas can accumulate, combust, or explode if not stored or disposed of properly.It is known in the art to use systems in which hydrogen is prepared and stored in a 30 holding tank on a vehicle, which involves the use of electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Large-scale electrolysis cells are able to produce large quantities of hydrogen gas which is then stored in a storage tank as a gas or liquid. In each case, it is necessary for the hydrogen to be first generated in an appropriate facility and then transferred to the site of use whereby it is then used as a fuel. However, this may create 35 additional risks and safety problems due to the need to transport hydrogen gas, being a highly flammable gas. 3494162It would be desirable to provide new and improved systems and methods for generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine. Further, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine, wherein the safety aspects are improved.5WO2009072838 describes a hydrogen and oxygen generator for an internal combustion engine, in which water is electrochenically decomposed using power from a battery of an internal combustion engine (for a vehicle), thus producing a gas mixture including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which is then supplied into the internal combustion engine, thus 10 reducing fuel consumption and solving air pollution problems in exhaust gas.US2013305736A1 describes a portable on-demand hydrogen supplemental system producing hydrogen gas and mixing the hydrogen gas with the air used for combustion of the jet fuel to increase the combustion efficiency of said jet fuel. GB2457518A describes a gas generating apparatus, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a reactor 2 15 including a housing 11; at least one anode 12 and at least one cathode 14 connected to an electrical energy source; an electrolyte input, eg in the form of an inlet conduit 22 communicating with an electrolyte vessel 4, and a gas output 24,34,50 in fluid communication with an air inlet of the engine. WO2011016792 describes a system including a housing, a voltage regulator coupled to the housing, the voltage regulator operable to increase an input 20 voltage from a lower voltage to a higher operating voltage, a hydrogen-producing cell coupled to the voltage regulator comprising a senes of conical shaped electrodes, the hydrogen producing cell containing a mixture of water and an electrolyte, and operable to produce hydrogen when receiving the operating voltage from the voltage regulator, a fuel-mixing area coupled to the hydrogen-producing cell, the fuel-mixing area receiving a petroleum based 25 fuel and hydrogen from the hydrogen-producing cell and producing a blended (hydrogenated) fuel by mixing the hydrogen and petroleum based fuel, the fuel-mixing area outputting the blended fuel to a fuel intake port of an internal combustion engine (ICE). WO2007133174 describes a generator producing variable output of hydrogen and oxygen from electrolysis of water as a fuel supplement for combustion of hydrocarbon fuel.30Summary of the inventionIt is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method suitable for generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine.35It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and method for safely generating and providing hydrogen to a combustion engine. 3494163The present invention leads to several advantages. The present invention makes it possible to increase the safety, reduce the risk of explosion and/or limit the negative consequences and/or damage of explosion when generating and providing hydrogen to 5 a combustion engine, generate and provide hydrogen gas on demand to a combustion engine, reduce gasoline or diesel fuel consumption and reduce the emissions, e.g. carbon monoxide and NOx, of the combustion engine. Hereby the present invention leads to improved safety, less maintenance, reduced need for service, repair and replacement and/or longer working life for the devices and equipment used, reduced fuel consumption 10 and emissions, thus resulting in significant technical, environmental and economic benefits.A first aspect provides a system for generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine, wherein the system comprises:15 a) a combustion engine;b) an electrolysis cell for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine;c) an electronic process control system operatively connected to the 20 electrolysis cell to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine and operatively connected to one or more sensors; andd) an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable 25 liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion; wherein the enclosure comprises the electronic process control system and wherein the enclosure does not comprise the combustion engine, the electrolysis cell and the one or more sensors.30 A second aspect provides a method of generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine, or for controlling the generation and provision of hydrogen gas to a combustion engine, wherein the method comprises:(i) providing a combustion engine;(ii) providing an electrolysis cell for converting water into hydrogen gas and 35 oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine;(iii) providing an electronic process control system operatively connected to the electrolysis cell and operatively connected to one or more 3494164sensors, wherein the electronic process control system is able to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine;(iv) providing an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system, 5 wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion, wherein the enclosure comprises the electronic process control system and wherein the enclosure does not comprise the combustion engine, the electrolysis cell and the one or more 10 sensors; and(v) controlling the generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine.The above-mentioned and further objects and aspects of the invention will be described in 15 further detail hereinafter.Brief description of the drawingsThe invention is described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the 20 accompanying drawings, in which:Figures 1-5 are schematic illustrations of one embodiment of the system and method according to the invention.25 3494165Description of reference numbersThe following reference numbers refer to the drawings:Reference Number Component100 System110 Power module120 Combustion engine121 Combustion engine air intake122 Combustion engine exhaust123 Combustion engine fuel tank124 Combustion engine emission control system125 Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system126 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system127 Combustion engine sensor(s)128 Metering valve for hydrogen or oxygen130 Electrolysis cell131 Electrolysis cell sensor(s)132 Pressure monitoring device(s)133 Shut-off switch for the electrolysis cell140 Water reservoir141 Water reservoir sensor(s)142 Device150 Heating and cooling system151 Heating and cooling system sensor(s)152 Water flow device160 Electronic process control system (EPCS)170 Enclosure180 Human machine interface (HMI)5Detailed description of the inventionThe present invention generally relates to a system for generating and providing hydrogen 10 gas to a combustion engine, wherein the system comprises:a) a combustion engine; 3494166b) an electrolysis cell for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine;c) an electronic process control system operatively connected to the 5 electrolysis cell to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine and operatively connected to one or more sensors; andd) an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable 10 liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion; wherein the enclosure comprises at least part of the electronic process control system and wherein the enclosure does not comprise the combustion engine, the electrolysis cell and the one or more sensors.15 Further, the present invention generally relates to a method of generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine, wherein the method comprises:(i) providing a combustion engine;(ii) providing an electrolysis cell for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the 20 combustion engine;(iii) providing an electronic process control system operatively connected to the electrolysis cell and operatively connected to one or more sensors, wherein the electronic process control system is able to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas 25 to the combustion engine;(iv) providing an enclosure comprising an explosion protection system, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion, wherein the enclosure comprises the electronic 30 process control system and wherein the enclosure does not comprise the combustion engine, the electrolysis cell and the one or more sensors; and(v) controlling the generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine35 . 3494167The terms “operatively connected” and “operative connection”, as used herein, refer to a wired or wireless connection between a first component and a second component, and optionally further components, e.g. between two or more components. Each component may be a unit, cell, engine, module, sensor, device, interface or system. Examples of 5 suitable wired connections include power lines and electric cables. Examples of suitable wireless connection include wireless wi-fi and Bluetooth™, and wireless networks, including cellular networks, cell phone or mobile phone networks, including 4G, 5G and 6G networks, wireless local area networks (WLAN), global area networks (GAN), wireless sensor networks, satellite communication networks and microwave networks, 10 including terrestrial microwave networks.The terms “fluidly connected” and “fluid connection”, as used herein, means that fluid, e.g. gas or liquid, is able to flow from a first component to a second component, and optionally further components, but the first and second components, and/or optional 15 further components, need not to be physically connected to one another, there may be a piping in between.The terms “connected” ad “connection”, as used herein, refer to an operative, fluid and/or physical connection between a first component and a second component, and optionally 20 further components. Accordingly, the first component and the second component, and optionally further components, are then operatively, fluidly and/or physically connected.The combustion engine of the invention may be an engine having gasoline or diesel fuel as a primary fuel source, and having hydrogen, or hydrogen and oxygen, as a secondary fuel 25 source. Preferably, the combustion engine has diesel as a primary fuel source. The combustion engine may also have an electrical power source, e.g. a battery, usually referred to as a hybrid combustion engine. Accordingly, the combustion engine of the invention may have gasoline or diesel fuel as a primary fuel source, hydrogen, or hydrogen and oxygen, as a secondary fuel source, and a battery as an electrical power source.30The combustion engine of the invention may comprise an emission control system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, i.e., an active emissions control system that reduces tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and/or a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system.35According to the invention, the electrolysis cell is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine, and/or units or systems thereof. Accordingly, the hydrogen gas, and 3494168optionally oxygen gas, generated by the electrolysis cell may be fed into the combustion engine intake system and/or into the combustion engine exhaust system, e.g. a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, either directly from the electrolysis cell, or via one or more variable electronically controlled valves. Preferably, the hydrogen gas, and optionally 5 oxygen gas, generated is fed into the combustion engine intake, or combustion engine air intake. Fuel from the fuel tank of the combustion engine can be added to the hydrogen, oxygen and/or air mixture, which can be burned in the combustion chambers of the combustion engine to increase the performance of the combustion engine.10 Preferably, the combustion engine is connected to one or more sensors, that may be used to control, e.g. by determining, setting, monitoring metering, adjusting, regulating and/or displaying information about, the emissions, emission control system, selective catalytic reduction (SRC) system, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system, temperature, or oil temperature, pressure, or oil pressure and/or vibrations of the combustion engine.15The electrolysis cell of the invention is used for generating hydrogen gas and/or converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrolysis cell can comprise one or more cell stacks, preferably a plurality of cell stacks, that comprise at least one anode, cathode, and a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The proton exchange membrane can separate 20 water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas when water is drawn through the proton exchange membrane and an electrical current is applied across the proton exchange membrane, or when an electrical current is applied across the at least one cathode and at least one anode. The proton exchange membrane allows the use of distilled or deionized water.25 Examples of suitable proton exchange membranes include polyflouride ionomer material or resin coated with a catalyst coating, such as platinum, that promotes electrolysis of the water molecule. When water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen by the proton exchange membrane, substantially pure hydrogen gas is collected on one side of the proton exchange membrane and oxygen is collected on an opposite side of the proton exchange membrane.30 The amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas produced can be proportional to the electrical current passed through the cell stack and can be easily controlled.A hydrogen line can draw the hydrogen off the cell stacks and a water line can draw off excess water and oxygen. An oxygen separator can receive the excess water and oxygen 35 and can separate the water from the oxygen. The water can be returned to the cell stack and an oxygen line can receive the oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen lines can be formed from a hollow tube, pipes, channels, and the like. Preferably, the electrolysis cell generates 3494169hydrogen and oxygen from water and separate the hydrogen gas from the oxygen gas in order to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion or explosion of the hydrogen gas prior to the combustion chambers of the combustion engine.5 Preferably, the electrolysis cell is in operation and generates hydrogen gas when the combustion engine is in operation. Preferably, the electrolysis cell stops to operate and generate hydrogen gas if the combustion engine is not in operation or stops operating.The electronic process control system of the invention, herein also referred to as EPCS, 10 or controller, can be an electronic, programmable device, e.g. a computer, microcomputer, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or integrated circuit board, which may include hardware, firmware and/or software, that can be programmed.The electronic process control system, or its hardware, firmware and/or software, is 15 operatively connected to one or more sensors, and can receive input from the one or more sensors. Preferably, the electronic process control system is operatively connected to, and/or able to control, the electrolysis cell, human machine interface, heating and cooling system, combustion engine, power module, and/or water reservoir, as well as the operations, parameters and/or units thereof. Preferably, the electronic process control 20 system can control the electrolysis cell, whereby the electrolysis cell can be activated to generate hydrogen gas, and convert water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and whereby the electrolysis cell can be deactivated to stop generating hydrogen gas, and stop converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.25 According to the invention, the electronic process control system can control one or more operations, units and/or parameters of the electrolysis cell, human machine interface, heating and cooling system, combustion engine, power module, and/or water reservoir; preferably the electronic process control system can control one or more operations, units and/or parameters by determining, setting, monitoring, adjusting, regulating and/or 30 displaying the features:1) for the electrolysis cell:a) electrical current flowing through the electrolysis cell;b) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas generated by the electrolysis cell; c) pressure or amount of oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis cell;35 d) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas delivered to the combustion engine;e) pressure or amount of oxygen gas delivered to the combustion engine; f) electrolysis cell temperature; 34941610g) electrolysis cell water temperature; and/orh) electrolysis cell water level;2) for the combustion engine:a) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas received from the electrolysis cell; 5 b) pressure or amount of oxygen gas received from the electrolysis cell;c) amount of gasoline or diesel fuel consumed;d) amount of gasoline or diesel fuel remaining;e) amount of electrical energy consumed;f) amount of electrical energy remaining;10 g) emissions;h) emission control system;i) selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system;j) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system;k) temperature, preferably engine oil temperature;15 l) pressure, preferably engine oil pressure; and/orm) vibrations;3) for the heating and cooling system:a) water temperature;b) power for heating or cooling of the water; and/or20 c) flow of water of the heating and cooling system;4) for the water reservoir:a) water temperature;b) water level; and/orc) amount of water flowing to the electrolysis cell;25Preferably, the electronic process control system is operatively connected to, and able to control, means for monitoring, metering, dispensing and/or adjusting one or more of the above features 1) a) to h), 2) a) to m), 3) a) to c, and 4) a) to c). Examples of suitable means include i) one or more pressure monitoring devices to monitor, meter, dispense 30 and/or adjust the pressure of hydrogen generated by the electrolysis cell and delivered to the combustion engine, preferably the electronic process control system is operatively connected to, and able to control, at least one pressure monitoring device to activate a shut-off switch to disable the electrolysis cell at a predefined pressure; and ii) one or more metering valves to feed hydrogen gas, and optionally oxygen gas, generated in the electrolysis cell to the 35 combustion engine; preferably the electronic process control system is operatively connected to, and able to control, at least one metering valve to activate (start), increase, 34941611decrease or deactivate (stop) the feed of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the combustion engine.According to the invention, the electronic process control system may be operatively 5 connected to a human machine interface, also referred to herein as HMI. The human machine interface may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, computer, tablet or mobile phone. Preferably, the human machine interface is able to show parameter values of the system and method of the invention, including parameter values of one or more operations and/or units of the electrolysis 10 cell, human machine interface, heating and cooling system, combustion engine, power module, water reservoir and/or enclosure defined herein. Further, the human machine interface is able to alarm if any parameter value goes outside or beyond a pre-set limit or range.15 Preferably, the water reservoir of the invention is at least fluidly connected to the electrolysis cell. The water reservoir can supply water, preferably distilled or deionized water, to the electrolysis cell by means of a water circulation pump. Hereby water consumed in the electrolysis cell by the conversion of water into hydrogen and oxygen can be replaced with the corresponding amount of water from the water reservoir.20Preferably, the heating and cooling system of the invention is at least fluidly connected to the electrolysis cell. The heating and cooling system can be able to either cool or warm / heat the water, preferably distilled or deionized water, that is present or circulating through the electrolysis cell. The heating and cooling system may comprise a water circulation pump and 25 a passive or fan assisted heat exchanger for cooling with an optional resistive heater pad for heating. If needed, the water in the system may be circulated by the pump through the electrolysis cell and into the heat exchanger. The electronic process control system may use a temperature sensor attached to the electrolysis cell to monitor its temperature to determine when cooling or heating is required. The circulation pump may be running continuously to 30 clear the electrolysis cell of gas and circulating the water through the heat exchanger.The enclosure of the invention may be selected from enclosures with increased safety that are suitable for use in harsh and/or hazardous environments, having an explosion protection system. Examples of suitable enclosures include:35 (i) enclosures having walls of a glass or carbon fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer or resin, thereby preferably providing impact resistance; 34941612(ii) enclosures in which the electrical energy within the enclosure is restricted to a level which is below what could cause an explosion;(iii) enclosures having a gas pressure within the enclosure to prevent entry of flammable gas, dust or fibre, thereby preferably preventing a possible ignition or explosion; and 5 (iv) enclosures that prevent the spread of sparks, flames and hot gases, thereby preferably preventing a possible ignition or explosion.Enclosures, or safety enclosures or boxes, according to (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are commercially available, and usually referred to as (i) EXE enclosures, or enclosures with Ex e protection 10 and/or certificate; (ii) EXIA enclosures, or enclosures with Ex ia protection and/or certificate;(iii) EXP enclosures, or enclosures with Ex p protection and/or certificate; and (iv) EXD enclosures, or enclosures with Ex d protection and/or certificate.The enclosure of the invention may comprise walls, and optionally junctions, relays, cable 15 glands and/or cable entries, of glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer or resin or a metallic material. Examples of suitable metallic materials include aluminium, alloys of aluminium, stainless steel, and alloys of iron, preferably aluminium or stainless steel. The walls of the enclosure may be internal, external or intermediate walls, including coated walls.20Due to the explosion protection system, the enclosure of the invention is able to prevent entry and exit of flammable liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre; sparks and/or flames; fire and/or explosion, and the spread thereof. Preferably, the enclosure of the invention is able to withstand an internal fire and/or explosion, and/or an external fire and/or explosion, without 25 being destroyed.According to the invention, the enclosure comprises the electronic process control system, preferably the enclosure comprises parts or components of the electronic process control system that are electronic and/or carrying current, or electronic and/or current-carrying parts 30 or components, e.g. parts or components that may cause sparks and/or flames, or the enclosure may comprise the complete electronic process control system.The enclosure does not comprise the combustion engine and electrolysis cell, nor the one or more sensors to enable determining, setting, monitoring, metering, controlling, adjusting, regulating and/or displaying the operations, parameters and/or units of the combustion 35 engine and electrolysis cell. 34941613Preferably, a water purity system is used to measure water purity of any water used according to the invention, e.g. electrolysis cell, water reservoir and/or heating and cooling system, and replace any water that has a degree of purity outside or beyond a pre-set limit or range. For this purpose, one or more water purity sensors may be used that are in fluid 5 connection with the water present in or circulating through the electrolysis cell, water reservoir and/or heating and cooling system.The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the non-limiting drawings. Elements and features illustrated in the drawing are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead 10 being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. This invention may be provided in other specific forms and embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics described herein.Figures 1-5 are schematic illustrations of one embodiment of the system and method of the 15 invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a system (100) comprises a power module (110), combustion engine (120), electrolysis cell (130), water reservoir (140), heating and cooling system (150), electronic process control system (160), enclosure (170) and human machine interface (180). The power module (110) supplies power needed in the system, e.g. to the electrolysis cell (130), electronic process control system (160), human machine interface 20 (180), and any other appropriate unit or device connected thereto, that needs power.As illustrated in Fig.2, the combustion engine (120) has an air intake (121), exhaust (122), fuel tank (123) and emission control system (124). According to this embodiment, the combustion engine is a diesel engine that has a selective catalytic reduction (SRC) system 25 (125) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system (126). The electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to several sensors (127) to sense and monitor the operating parameters of the combustion engine (120), including an oil pressure sensor, battery condition sensor, engine RPM sensor, engine temperature sensor, NOx exhaust sensor, SRC system sensor, DEF system sensor, vibration sensor, and other appropriate sensors.30 The signals from the combustion engine sensors (127) are directed and fed into the electronic process control system (160). The electronic process control system (160) is able to deactivate the electrolysis cell (130), and/or the generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell (130), if the combustion engine (120) is not operating. Deactivation of the electrolysis cell (130), and/or the generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell (130), can be based on 35 input or a signal from, e.g. the oil pressure sensor, or vibration sensor. 34941614The electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to several sensors (131) to sense and monitor the operating parameters of the electrolysis cell (130), including electrolysis cell temperature sensor, electrolysis cell water temperature, electrolysis cell water level, and other appropriate sensors. By sensing and monitoring the electrolysis cell, 5 water level and/or water temperature, the electronic process control system (160) is able to determine when water needs be supplied and when cooling or heating is required.Further, the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to several devices to sense and control the electrical current applied across at least one cathode and 10 at least one anode, and the amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130), wherein the hydrogen gas is separated from the oxygen gas to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion or explosion of the hydrogen gas prior to the combustion chambers of the combustion engine (120). The devices include at least one pressure monitoring device (132) to monitor, meter, dispense and/or adjust the pressure of hydrogen 15 gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130) and delivered to the combustion engine (120) and its air intake (121); at least one pressure monitoring device (132) to monitor, meter, dispense and/or adjust the pressure of oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130) and delivered to the combustion engine (120) and its air intake (121); at least one shut-off switch (133) that can be activated to disable the electrolysis cell (130) to generate hydrogen 20 gas and oxygen gas at a predefined gas pressure; and one or more metering valves (128) to feed hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the electrolysis cell to the combustion engine (120) and its air intake (121). Hereby the electronic process control system (160) is able to control the metering valves (128) to activate (start), increase, decrease or deactivate (stop) the feed of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the combustion engine 25 (120). Thus, the electronic process control system (160) is able to deactivate the supply of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the combustion engine.As illustrated in Fig.3, the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to several sensors (141) and devices to sense, monitor and control the parameters, or 30 operating parameters, of the water reservoir (140). The sensors (141) include a water level sensor and water temperature sensor, and other appropriate sensors. The devices include a water flow device (142), e.g. at least one water circulation pump, and other appropriate devices. The water of the water reservoir (140) is distilled or deionized water. The water reservoir (140) is fluidly connected to the electrolysis cell (130). The electronic process 35 control system (160) is able to control the water reservoir (140) and water flow device (142) to activate (start), increase, decrease or deactivate (stop) the flow of water to the electrolysis cell (130). 34941615As illustrated in Fig.4, the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to several sensors (151) and devices to sense, monitor and control the parameters, or operating parameters, of the heating and cooling system (150). The sensors (151) include a 5 water temperature sensor, and other appropriate sensors. The devices include a water flow device (152), e.g. at least one water circulation pump, and other appropriate devices. The water of the heating and cooling system (150) is distilled or deionized water. The heating and cooling system (150) is fluidly connected to the electrolysis cell (130). The electronic process control system (160) is able to control the heating and cooling system (150) and water flow 10 device (152) to activate (start), increase, decrease or deactivate (stop) the heating or cooling of water, and the flow of water, to the electrolysis cell (130).As illustrated in Fig.5, the enclosure (170), or safety box, comprises the electronic process control system (160) and has an EX d type of protection that prevents the spread of sparks, 15 flames and hot gases, Hereby the enclosure prevents a possible ignition or explosion. The enclosure has cast aluminium walls, junctions and relays and is powder coated.The electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to a human machine interface (180) in the form of a computer. The human machine interface shows parameter 20 values of the system and method of the invention, and is able to alarm if any parameter value goes outside or beyond a pre-set limit or range, including any parameter value of the enclosure.
Claims
34941616Claims1. System (100) for generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine (120), wherein the system comprises:5 a) a combustion engine (120); andb) an electrolysis cell (130) for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell (130) is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine (120);characterised in that the system further comprises:c) an electronic process control system (160) operatively connected to the 10 electrolysis cell (130) to control the generation of hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine (120) and operatively connected to one or more sensors (131); andd) an enclosure (170) comprising an explosion protection system, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable liquid, vapor, 15 gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion;wherein the enclosure (170) comprises the electronic process control system (160) and wherein the enclosure (170) does not comprise the combustion engine (120), the electrolysis cell (130) and the one or more sensors (131).20 2. Method of generating and providing hydrogen gas to a combustion engine (120), wherein the method comprises:(i) providing a combustion engine (120); and(ii) providing an electrolysis cell (130) for converting water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the electrolysis cell (130) is at least fluidly connected to the combustion 25 engine (120);characterised in that the method further comprises:(iii) providing an electronic process control system (160) operatively connected to the electrolysis cell (130) and operatively connected to one or more sensors (131), wherein the electronic process control system (160) is able to control the generation of 30 hydrogen gas and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine (120);(iv) providing an enclosure (170) comprising an explosion protection system, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to prevent entry and exit of flammable liquid, vapor, gas, dust and/or fibre, sparks, flames, fire and/or explosion, wherein the enclosure (170) comprises the electronic process control system (160) and wherein the 35 enclosure (170) does not comprise the combustion engine (120), the electrolysis cell (130) and the one or more sensors (131); and34941617(v) controlling the generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell (130) and delivery of hydrogen gas to the combustion engine (120).3. System according to claim 1, or method according to claim 2, wherein the enclosure 5 (170) comprises cable glands and/or cable entries, of glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer or metallic material, preferably a metallic material; preferably a metallic material selected from aluminium, alloys of aluminium, stainless steel, and alloys of iron; a metallic material selected from aluminium and stainless steel.10 4. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the explosion protection system is adapted to withstand an internal fire and/or explosion, and/or an external fire and/or explosion, without being destroyed.5. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 4, or method according to any one 15 of claims 2 to 4, wherein the enclosure (170) comprises parts or components of the electronic process control system (160) that are electronic and/or carrying current; preferably the enclosure (170) comprises parts or components of the electronic process control system (160) that may cause sparks and/or flames, or the electronic process control system (160).20 6. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to and/or able to control the electrolysis cell (130) and its operations and/or parameters, and the combustion engine (120) and its operations and/or parameters.25 7. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the electronic process control system (160) controls the electrolysis cell (130), whereby the electrolysis cell (130) can be activated to generate hydrogen gas, and convert water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and whereby the electrolysis cell (130) can be deactivated to stop generating hydrogen gas, and stop converting water 30 into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.8. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 7, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to the one or more sensors (131); including one or more pressure monitoring 35 devices or sensors to monitor the pressure of hydrogen gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130) and delivered to the combustion engine (120).9. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively 34941618connected to, and/or is able to control, one or more operations, units and/or parameters of the electrolysis cell (130), human machine interface (180), heating and cooling system (150), combustion engine (120), power module (110), and/or water reservoir (140); preferably the electronic process control system (160) is able to control one or more 5 operations, units and/or parameters by determining, setting, monitoring, adjusting, regulating and/or displaying:1) for the electrolysis cell (130):a) electric current flowing through the electrolysis cell (130);b) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130); 10 c) pressure or amount of oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis cell (130);d) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas delivered to the combustion engine (120);e) pressure or amount of oxygen gas delivered to the combustion engine (120); f) electrolysis cell temperature;15 g) electrolysis cell water temperature; and/orh) electrolysis cell water level;2) for the combustion engine (120):a) pressure or amount of hydrogen gas received from the electrolysis cell (130); b) pressure or amount of oxygen gas received from the electrolysis cell (130); 20 c) amount of gasoline or diesel fuel consumed;d) amount of gasoline or diesel fuel remaining;e) amount of electrical energy consumed;f) amount of electrical energy remaining;g) emissions;25 h) emission control system (124);i) selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system (125);j) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system (126);k) temperature, preferably engine oil temperature;l) pressure, preferably engine oil pressure; and/or30 m) vibrations;3) for the heating and cooling system (150):a) water temperature;b) power for heating or cooling of the water; and/orc) flow of water of the heating and cooling system;35 4) for the water reservoir (140):a) water temperature;b) water level; and/or34941619c) amount of water flowing to the electrolysis cell;10. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 9, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively 5 connected to, and able to control, means for monitoring, metering, dispensing and/or adjusting one or more of the above features 1) a) to h), 2) a) to m), 3) a) to c), and 4) a) to c).11. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 10, or method according to any 10 one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to, and able to control, one or more pressure monitoring devices to monitor, meter, dispense and/or adjust the pressure of hydrogen generated by the electrolysis cell (130) and delivered to the combustion engine (120); preferably the electronic process control system (160) is operatively connected to at least one of the pressure monitoring devices 15 (132) to activate a shut-off switch to disable the electrolysis cell (130) at a predefined pressure.12. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 11, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the electronic process control system (160) is operatively 20 connected, and able to control, one or more metering valves (128) to feed hydrogen gas, and optionally oxygen gas, generated in the electrolysis cell (130) to the combustion engine (120); preferably the electronic process control system (160) is able to activate (start), increase, decrease or deactivate (stop) the feed of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the combustion engine (120).2513. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 12, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the electrolysis cell (130) is at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine (120); preferably the hydrogen (gas) line and oxygen line of the electrolysis cell are at least fluidly connected to the combustion engine intake (128).3014. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 13, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the electrolysis cell (130) comprises at least one anode, cathode, and a proton exchange membrane.35 15. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 14, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the electrolysis cell (130) generates hydrogen gas when the combustion engine (120) is in operation; preferably the electrolysis cell (130) stops to generate hydrogen gas if the combustion engine (120) is not in operation or stops operating.3494162016. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 15, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein hydrogen gas is separated from the oxygen gas to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion or explosion of the hydrogen gas prior to the combustion 5 chambers of the combustion engine (120).17. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 16, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein a human machine interface (180) is able to display parameter values of one or more operations of the electrolysis cell (130), human 10 machine interface (180), heating and cooling system (150), combustion engine (120), power module (110), and/or water reservoir (140); and alarm if any parameter value goes outside or beyond a pre-set limit or range.18. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 17, or method according to any 15 one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the combustion engine (120) has gasoline or diesel fuel as a primary fuel source, hydrogen, or hydrogen and oxygen, as a secondary fuel source, and optionally a battery as an electrical power source.19. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 18, or method according to any 20 one of claims 2 to 18, wherein it further comprises a water purity system; preferably the water purity system is able to measure the purity of water present in and/or circulating through the electrolysis cell, water reservoir and/or heating and cooling system, and replace any water that has a degree of purity outside or beyond a pre-set limit or range.25 20. System according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 19, or method according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein it further comprises one or more water purity sensors that are in fluid connection with water present in or circulating through the electrolysis cell, water reservoir and/or heating and cooling system.34941621PATENTKRAV1. System for å generere og tilveiebringe hydrogengass til en forbrenningsmotor 5 (120), hvori systemet omfatter:a) en forbrenningsmotor (120); ogb) en elektrolysecelle (130) for å omdanne vann til hydrogengass og oksygengass, hvori elektrolysecellen (130) er i det minste fluidkoblet til forbrenningsmotoren (120);10 karakterisert ved at systemet videre omfatter:c) et elektronisk prosesskontrollsystem (160) som er operativt koblet til elektrolysecellen (130) for å styre genereringen av hydrogengass og tilførsel av hydrogengass til forbrenningsmotoren (120) og som er operativt koblet til én eller flere sensorer (131); og15 d) en innkapsling (170) som omfatter et eksplosjonsbeskyttelsessystem, hvori eksplosjonsbeskyttelsessystemet er tilpasset for å forhindre inntrengning og utstrømning av brannfarlig væske, damp, gass, støv og/eller fibre, gnister, flammer, ild og/eller eksplosjon;hvori innkapslingen (170) omfatter det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet 20 (160) og hvori innkapslingen (170) ikke omfatter forbrenningsmotoren (120), elektrolysecellen (130) og den ene eller de flere sensorene (131).2. Fremgangsmåte for å generere og tilveiebringe hydrogengass til en forbrenningsmotor (120), hvori fremgangsmåten omfatter å:25 (i) tilveiebringe en forbrenningsmotor (120); og(ii) tilveiebringe en elektrolysecelle (130) for å omdanne vann til hydrogengass og oksygengass, hvori elektrolysecellen (130) er i det minste fluidkoblet til forbrenningsmotoren (120);karakterisert ved at fremgangsmåten videre omfatter å:30 (iii) tilveiebringe et elektronisk prosesskontrollsystem (160) som er operativt koblet til elektrolysecellen (130) og operativt koblet til én eller flere sensorer (131), hvori det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er i stand til å styre genereringen av hydrogengass og tilførsel av hydrogengass til forbrenningsmotoren (120);35 (iv) tilveiebringe en innkapsling (170) som omfatter et eksplosjonsbeskyttelsessystem, hvori eksplosjonsbeskyttelsessystemet er tilpasset for å forhindre inntrengning og utstrømning av brannfarlig væske, damp, gass, støv34941622og/eller fibre, gnister, flammer, ild og/eller eksplosjon, hvori innkapslingen (170) omfatter det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) og hvori innkapslingen (170) ikke omfatter forbrenningsmotoren (120), elektrolysecellen (130) og den ene eller de flere sensorene (131); og5 (v) styre genereringen av hydrogengass i elektrolysecellen (130) og tilførsel av hydrogengass til forbrenningsmotoren (120).3. System ifølge krav 1, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 2, hvori innkapslingen (170) omfatter kabelinnføringer og/eller kabelgjennomføringer av glassfiber- eller10 karbonfiberforsterket herdepolymer eller metallisk materiale, fortrinnsvis et metallisk materiale; fortrinnsvis et metallisk materiale valgt fra aluminium, legeringer av aluminium, rustfritt stål og legeringer av jern; et metallisk materiale valgt fra aluminium og rustfritt stål.15 4. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 3, hvori eksplosjonsbeskyttelsessystemet er tilpasset for å tåle en intern brann og/eller eksplosjon, og/eller en ekstern brann og/eller eksplosjon, uten å bli ødelagt.20 5. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 4, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 4, hvori innkapslingen (170) omfatter deler eller komponenter av det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) som er elektroniske og/eller strømførende; der innkapslingen (170) fortrinnsvis omfatter deler eller komponenter av det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) som kan 25 forårsake gnister og/eller flammer, eller det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160).6. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 5, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 5, hvori det elektroniske30 prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til og/eller er i stand til å styre elektrolysecellen (130) og dens operasjoner og/eller parametere, og forbrenningsmotoren (120) og dens operasjoner og/eller parametere.7. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 6, eller fremgangsmåte 35 ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 6, hvori prosesskontrollsystemet (160) styrer elektrolysecellen (130), slik at elektrolysecellen (130) kan bli aktivert for å generere hydrogengass og omdanne vann til hydrogengass og oksygengass, og slik34941623at elektrolysecellen (130) kan bli deaktivert for å stanse genereringen av hydrogengass, og stanse omdanningen av vann til hydrogengass og oksygengass.8. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 7, eller fremgangsmåte 5 ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 7, hvori det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til den ene eller flere sensorene (131); inkludert én eller flere trykkovervåkingsanordninger eller sensorer for å overvåke hydrogengasstrykket generert av elektrolysecellen (130) og bli tilført til forbrenningsmotoren (120).109. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 8, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 8, hvori det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til, og/eller er i stand til å styre, én eller flere operasjoner, enheter og/eller parametere av elektrolysecellen (130), 15 menneske-maskin grensesnitt (180), varme- og kjølesystem (150), forbrenningsmotor (120), effektmodul (110) og/eller vannreservoar (140); der det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) fortrinnsvis er i stand til å styre én eller flere operasjoner, enheter og/eller parametere gjennom å bestemme, stille inn, overvåke, justere, regulere og/eller vise:20 1) for elektrolysecellen (130):a) elektrisitet som strømmer gjennom elektrolysecellen (130); b) trykk eller mengde av hydrogengass generert av elektrolysecellen (130);c) trykk eller mengde av oksygengass generert av elektrolysecellen (130); 25 d) trykk eller mengde av hydrogengass som blir tilført til forbrenningsmotoren (120);e) trykk eller mengde av oksygengass som blir tilført til forbrenningsmotoren (120);f) temperatur i elektrolysecelle;30 g) vanntemperatur i elektrolysecelle; og/ellerh) vannivå i elektrolysecelle;2) for forbrenningsmotoren (120):a) trykk eller mengde av hydrogengass mottatt fra elektrolysecellen (130); b) trykk eller mengde av oksygengass mottatt fra elektrolysecellen (130); 35 c) mengde av bensin eller diesel forbrukt;d) gjenstående mengde av bensin eller diesel;e) mengde av elektrisk energi forbrukt;34941624f) gjenstående mengde av elektrisk energig) utslipp;h) styresystem for utslipp (124);i) SCR-reduksjonssystem (selektiv katalytisk reduksjon) (125); 5 j) dieseleksosvæske (DEF) system (126);k) temperatur, fortrinnsvis motoroljetemperatur;l) trykk, fortrinnsvis motoroljetrykk; og/ellerm) vibrasjoner;3) for varme- og kjølesystemet (150):10 a) vanntemperatur;b) energi for oppvarming eller nedkjøling av vannet; og/eller c) vannstrømmen i varme- og kjølesystemet;4) for vannreservoaret (140):a) vanntemperatur;15 b) vannivå; og/ellerc) vannmengde som strømmer til elektrolysecellen;10. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 9, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 9, hvori det elektroniske20 prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til, og i stand til å styre, midler for å overvåke, måle, dosere og/eller justere ett eller flere av de ovennevnte trekkene 1) a) til h), 2) a) til m), 3) a) til c), og 4) a) til c).11. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 10, eller fremgangsmåte 25 ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 10, hvori det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til, og i stand til å styre, én eller flere trykkovervåkingsanordninger for å overvåke, måle, dosere og/eller justere trykket av hydrogen som blir generert av elektrolysecellen (130) og tilført til forbrenningsmotoren (120), der det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) 30 fortrinnsvis er operativt koblet til minst én av trykkovervåkingsanordningene (132) for å aktivere en avstengningsbryter for å deaktivere elektrolysecellen (130) ved et forhåndsdefinert trykk.12. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 11, eller fremgangsmåte 35 ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 11, hvori det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) er operativt koblet til, og i stand til å styre, én eller flere måleventiler (128) for å mate hydrogengass, og alternativt oksygengass,34941625generert i elektrolysecellen (130) til forbrenningsmotoren (120); der det elektroniske prosesskontrollsystemet (160) fortrinnsvis er i stand til å aktivere (starte), øke, senke eller deaktivere (stanse) tilførselen av hydrogengass og oksygengass til forbrenningsmotoren (120).513. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 12, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 12, hvori elektrolysecellen (130) er i det minste fluidkoblet til forbrenningsmotoren (120); der hydrogen(gass)rørledningen og oksygenrørledningen til elektrolysecellen fortrinnsvis er i det minste fluidkoblet til 10 inntaket på forbrenningsmotoren (128).14. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 13, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 13, hvori elektrolysecellen (130) omfatter minst én anode, katode og en protonutvekslingsmembran.1515. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 14, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 14, hvori elektrolysecellen (130) genererer hydrogengass når forbrenningsmotoren (120) er i drift; fortrinnsvis stanser elektrolysecellen (130) for å generere hydrogengass hvis forbrenningsmotoren (120) 20 ikke er i drift eller stanser driften.16. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 15, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 15, hvori hydrogengass blir adskilt fra oksygengassen for å redusere risikoen for utilsiktet forbrenning eller eksplosjon av 25 hydrogengassen før forbrenningskamrene i forbrenningsmotoren (120).17. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 16, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 16, hvori et menneske-maskin grensesnitt (180) er i stand til å vise parameterverdier for én eller flere operasjoner av30 elektrolysecellen (130), menneske-maskin grensesnittet (180), varme- og kjølesystemet (150), forbrenningsmotoren (120), effektmodulen (110) og/eller vannreservoar (140); og varsle dersom en parameterverdi går utenfor eller overskrider en forhåndsinnstilt grense eller verdiområde.35 18. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 17, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 17, hvori forbrenningsmotoren (120) har bensin eller diesel som en primær drivstoffkilde, hydrogen, eller hydrogen og34941626oksygen, som en sekundær drivstoffkilde, og alternativt et batteri som en elektrisk strømkilde.19. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 18, eller fremgangsmåte 5 ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 18, hvori dette videre omfatter et vannrensesystem; der vannrensesystemet fortrinnsvis er i stand til å måle vannets renhet som befinner seg i og/eller sirkulerer gjennom elektrolysecellen, vannreservoaret og/eller varme- og kjølesystemet, og erstatte alt vann som har en viss grad av renhet som går utenfor eller overskrider en forhåndsinnstilt grense eller 10 verdiområde.20. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 3 til 19, eller fremgangsmåte ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 19, hvori dette videre omfatter ett eller flere vannrensesensorer som er fluidkoblet med vann som befinner seg i eller som15 sirkulerer gjennom elektrolysecellen, vannreservoaret og/eller varme- ogkjølesystemet.
Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classesC25B 1/00C25B 1/02C25B 1/04C25B 1/044C25B 15/02C25B 15/021C25B 15/023C25B 15/025F02B 43/10F02D 19/00F02D 19/06F02D 41/02F02D 41/14CPC classesC25B 1/00C25B 1/02C25B 1/04C25B 1/044C25B 15/02C25B 15/021C25B 15/023C25B 15/025F02B 43/10F02B 2043/106F02D 19/00F02D 19/0644F02D 41/02F02D 41/1473F02D 41/1438F02D 41/1477F02D 2041/1412F02D 2200/00Y02E 60/36

Citations

WO 2009072838 A2 (A2)US 2013305736 A1 (A1)GB 2457518 A (A)WO 2011016792 A1 (A1)WO 2007133174 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
ENERGEN AS
Plogfabrikkvegen 20 4353 KLEPP STASJON NO (KLEPP Municipality, Rogaland county)Org. number: 930983462Inventors
Ingvar Grannes
Granneslia 8 B 4044 HAFRSFJORD NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Org. number: 932214636

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Open in The Brønnøysund Register Centre
Edvard Griegs vei 1 5059 BERGEN NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)
Org. number: 932214636
Reference: P42168NO00

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