WO2022170069A1

WO2022170069A1 - Method for producing hydrogen using centripetal electrolysis

Info

Publication number: WO2022170069A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/015277
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth D. Steinberg; Jason W. Clark; David L. Hall
Original assignee: Cambridge Research & Development, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-02-05
Filing date: 2022-02-04
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: WO2022170069A4

Abstract

A method for increasing the amount of hydrogen and oxygen gases produced by an electrolyzer employs centripetal force. A plurality of plates is placed in an electrolyte-filled chamber that allows the plates to be spun, creating centripetal force which separates the gas bubbles from the plate surface faster, freeing up the plate surface for more electrolysis, ultimately producing more gas using the same surface areas. The centripetal force, dislodging the gas bubbles, also keeps the bubbles smaller, allowing the plates to be placed closer together. The smaller bubbles allow for the construction of fuel cells that have a higher plate density per physical footprint. Lastly, the centripetal force causes all the gasses to be collected along a center axis of the chamber where they can be more efficiently and cleanly removed for immediate use. The smaller bubbles along with a unique collection manifold design create cleaner gas.

Description

METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN USING CENTRIPETAL ELECTROLYSIS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure describes a method for increasing electrolysis efficiency by incorporating dynamic plates within the electrolysis system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In 1806 Francois Isaac de Rivaz, a Swiss engineer, invented an internal combustion engine that used hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. Thirty-six years later William Grove, a Welsh physicist, invented the first hydrogen fuel cell in 1842 which used reverse electrolysis to produce electricity by recombining hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in power and water.

[003] One hundred years later, Francis Bacon submitted patents, based on his work as a chemical engineer at Cambridge University, that eventually were licensed by Pratt and Whitney, becoming the cornerstone technology for fuel cells used in space exploration. In the early 1900’ s, Ballard Power Systems advanced this technology, allowing their PEM fuel cell to achieve 1500 Watts of power per liter for water.

[004] Since that time, nearly all major auto manufacturers have developed hydrogen prototypes. Now there are hydrogen buses, bikes, home power and heating systems, ships, and trucks. The promise of hydrogen as a fuel source is considered and designed into any application that relies on carbon-based fuels. Billions of dollars are being poured into the Green Energy economy with the hopes of reaching cost-comparable, zero-emission transportation and power.

[005] With the promise of zero-emissions also comes a myriad of challenges. Producing clean hydrogen requires power. If generating the power to isolate hydrogen atoms creates more harmful emissions, the promise of zero emissions is moot.

[006] Storing hydrogen is challenging. The hydrogen molecule, being so small, is hard to contain over long periods of time. Many hydrogen gas containment systems deal with the constant issue of gas bleeding. To combat this and to make transportation more cost efficient, hydrogen is typically compressed. In a compressed state, liquid hydrogen generates nearly three times (3x) the BTU capacity per gallon as gasoline (304K BUT/gal to 114K BTU/gal respectively, liquid hydrogen to gasoline); but like any combustible fuel, it can burn or catch fire in the right conditions.

[007] The equipment needed to store and transport liquid hydrogen is also expensive as many precautions are taken to assure it is safe to handle. There is also the cost and emissions incurred when compressing the gas. According to the Department of Energy, 1.05 kWh/kg H2 is required to compress hydrogen to 350 bar (5,000 psi), which is considered the minimum liquified hydrogen pressure for use in transportation. Hydrogen gas is so voluminous that trying to store hydrogen as a gas would require storage systems larger than the transportation vehicles themselves.

[008] To address these limitations, research is taking place around the world to try and develop solutions that will produce more hydrogen gas on-demand. If it is possible to generate more hydrogen from water at that point of delivery, much akin to a gas station, then the need to compress and store hydrogen can be removed. It is possible to eventually convert all water to hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The challenge is in how quickly and with how much (or how little) relative energy needs to be applied. The solution is all about efficiency and speed. While some solutions focus on the chemistry of electrolysis, this method focuses on the physics, enhancing the ability to convert water to gas faster for storage and on-demand scenarios. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] The present disclosure is a method by which the output of the electrolysis process - the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gas molecules - can be increased and separated more efficiently without an increase in anode/cathode plate surface area. Fundamentally, this method increases cleaner gas production without larger surface area or the need for complex catalyzers.

[0010] Electrolysis, essentially, is an electrical circuit run through a container of water, with electrons flowing between an anode and cathode. This electrical energy separates hydrogen ions from water, transporting them to either the cathode or anode where the ions form larger hydrogen gas bubbles and oxygen gas bubbles that eventually float up through the surface of the water where the gas can then be collected. There are several techniques used to separate the hydrogen ions, however all electrolysis techniques rely on the interaction between electrons on the cathode or anode with the water (H2O) molecules.

[0011] The electrons on the surface of the anode/cathode, hereinafter referred to as the “plates”, must come in contact with the water molecules to complete the electrolysis cycle. When hydrogen or oxygen atoms are separated from water, the atoms are attracted to each other as a result of covalence inequities, eventually forming larger bubbles of gas on the surface of the plates. These gas bubbles continue to grow until buoyancy causes the bubble to detach from the plate and float to the surface of the water.

[0012] This chemical reaction is generally controlled in a device called an electrolyzer, which is a system that can contain a number of plates emersed in water (pure or with additional chemicals). The electrolyzer controls the current flowing through the plates and gathers the resulting gases, hydrogen and oxygen. The plates can be oriented in numerous ways but are typically aligned vertically with gaps between each pair of plates with water flowing between the plates. The electrical current flows between the plates, using the water as a dielectric. Each face of the plate becomes either an anode or cathode, alternating from plate face to plate face, forming a circuit. Each plate includes both an anode face and a cathode face. The water between each plate is separated into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, the gas bubbles forming on each plate face, respectively. Oxygen gathers on one plate face while hydrogen gathers on the opposite face of the plate. In this manner, hydrogen and oxygen bubbles float up to the surface of the water in each of the gaps between plates.

[0013] It is important to understand that as the bubble forms on the plate surface, the area “under” the gas bubble is deactivated. Since the gas bubble is keeping water from touching the plate surface under the bubble, no electrolysis can occur in the area. The gas bubble can only grow as a result of gases captured at the edge of the bubble, where water may contact the plate or via other hydrogen atoms in the water. Until the bubble dislodges from the plate surface, no more gas production can occur in that surface area. The bubble acts like a protective dome, keeping water from touching the electrons on the surface of the plate, shutting down the electrolysis process within the dome’s circumference.

[0014] This deactivation of plate surface is happening consistently across all plate surfaces, for both hydrogen and oxygen atoms. While gas production is under way, the more gas produced, the less plate surface is available until the gas bubbles detach due to buoyancy. If one were to watch an electrolyzer, one would see small bubbles form on all plate surfaces, growing until they float to the surface.

[0015] The gas bubbles can also end up deactivating an adjacent plate surface if the plates are too close together. If the plates are too close, the gas bubbles may grow to a size that allows them to contact the face of plates across the plate gap, deactivating plate surface on two plate faces until buoyancy causes detachment. This potential for dual plate deactivation reduces the number of plates that can be put into an electrolyzer tank as the plate proximity is limited by the size of the gas bubbles produced. This limit in plate proximity reduces the overall gas production capability of any electrolyzer design.

[0016] Additionally, the fact that the anode and cathode plate surfaces are facing each other creates an opportunity for both oxygen and hydrogen gas bubbles to mix as they rise to the surface of the water. This makes it more difficult to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases efficiently. The purer the gases, the more effective the gases are at creating energy when consumed later in combustion or other chemical reactions. There are a number of approaches currently employed that try to foster cleaner gas extraction such as separation membranes and isolation of the anode and cathode plate faces.

[0017] The present disclosure provides embodiments that address one or more of these limitations; plate surface deactivation, dual plate deactivation, and gas separation efficiency, the present disclosure employs the physical property of motion to dislodge gas bubbles early in bubble growth to minimize deactivation. All present-day electrolyzers employ static plate placement. The plates are mounted in a manner which prevents them from moving. The presently disclosed method breaks with this convention, creating plates that can spin about a center axis or move in other ways that dislodge the gas bubbles.

[0018] Simply moving the plates rapidly, vibrating the plates or agitating the plates within the water can dislodge the gas bubbles. The gas bubbles then rise to the surface as smaller bubbles. The smaller bubbles allow for tighter spacing of the plates and more plates within a chamber without risking dual plate deactivation. Various patterns of plate movement are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. However, spinning the plates provides additional opportunities.

[0019] Spinning the plates creates centripetal forces on the gas bubbles forming on the plate faces. This centripetal force, added to the forces of gravity and buoyancy, cause the bubbles to dislodge from the plate surface faster. Since the bubbles detach faster, the bubbles are smaller. These smaller bubbles, when forming on the plate surface, have a smaller deactivation surface, allowing more bubbles to form on the plate surface. Instead of large bubbles forming and deactivating large amounts of plate surface, the centripetal forces cause the bubbles to detach when they are much smaller, never allowing the bubbles to grow to larger sizes, as with other types of plate movement.

[0020] Using centripetal force to dislodge gas bubbles earlier in the formation phase also provides the additional benefit of helping to remove potentially larger bubbles forming at the inner radius of the spinning plates as the centripetal force is lower the closer one gets to the center of rotation. The centripetal force causes all the bubbles formed to rush to the center of the chamber. As a result, the smaller bubbles forming at the outermost radius will dislodge bubbles forming at inner radii. This provides additional conditions that will help quickly dislodge gas bubbles forming closer to the center of rotation, again freeing up plate surface for more electrolysis to occur faster.

[0021] Additionally, the smaller bubbles allow the plates to be placed closer together in the tank. Since larger bubbles no longer form, the gap between plates can be reduced, as the likelihood of dual deactivation of plate surface due to large bubbles spanning the plate gap is reduced. With the plate gap reduced, the number of plates within the same electrolyzer footprint (3-dimensional area) can be increased. Increasing the number of plates increases the amount of gas that can be produced within the same footprint.

[0022] As mentioned previously, the centripetal force also aids in the extraction of pure gas as the gas bubbles all move to the center of rotation due to centripetal forces. This allows the invention to gather the gases at the center of rotation and feed those gases out of the rotational chamber via two collection tubes, one for hydrogen, another for oxygen. The smaller bubbles allow the central collection hubs to gather a more purified form of the gas using a custom designed exhaust manifold and intra-plate gas separation filters, which keep the gases from mixing as they move to the center of the chamber.

[0023] A typical implementation of the presently disclosed method may be to enclose a number of plates, rotating vertically about a central open axis with power being supplied via an external power source. The plate enclosure may be filled with water, covering the surface of all of the plates. The center of the plates may be open, with the gas collection manifolds mounted in the center of the ring(s), connecting to tubes outside of the water chamber to collect/use the gas. A small motor may be connected to the water chamber to spin the plates, creating the centripetal force. Water replacement may occur via an additional tube also connected to the chamber.

[0024] All of these factors combined overcome the previously detailed detractors from static plate electrolyzer design. The use of centripetal force to free up plate surface, to reduce plate gap distances, and the ability to extract cleaner gas represent a fundamental shift in how hydrogen generation can be performed, increasing performance without sacrificing size.

[0025] One embodiment of the presently disclosed method would allow the plates to be mounted at any angle. While spinning vertically around a horizontal access is likely the most effective embodiment, rotation at any angle may induce beneficial centripetal forces.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the plates may be designed to have a variable speed control. When gas is not needed, the plates may slow or stop until demand increased. This could be manually or programmatically designed.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, light or pressure sensors may be mounted to monitor/determine the level of water/electrolyte in the chamber, allowing the chamber to be refilled as needed. Approaches may include, but not be limited to, optical sensors, floats, and/or pressure sensors.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the invention may include a means to measure the chemical composition of the fluid, adjust the chemical composition by adding additional chemicals/fluids and continue to operate. This process of checking and adjusting the chamber fluid may be done as the chamber is spinning or stopped.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the ability to remove particulate matter as it collects at the outermost edge of the chamber. Heavier particulate will likely collect as the water is consumed. The natural forces occurring in the chamber will cause any particulate matter to gather at the outer edge where it can be removed/filtered out of the chamber. This reduces maintenance and downtime as foreign material can be extracted on the fly.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the plates may be variable depending on demand and conditions. The variability may be for all or a subset of plates/diameters.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include permeable layers in between plates to help separate the gases as they are produced on the plates.

[0032] A further embodiment of the present disclosure may include the use of various methods to supply electrical current including, but not limited to, contact or contactless transmission. The electrical supply may be stationary, transmitting power via communicators, or be rotational, moving with the spin of the chamber.

[0033] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate hydrogen gas generation using electrolysis in accordance with the prior art.

[0035] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate the physics surrounding centripetal force.

[0036] FIGs. 3 A and 3B illustrate current static plate configurations in accordance with the prior art.

[0037] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate using centripetal force to improve hydrogen gas generation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate a process of gas exhaust separation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrates the full path of separated exhaust gases from the electrolyzing chamber to the dual outlet manifold.

[0040] FIGs. 7 A and 7B illustrates methods for providing power to the electrolysis chamber.

[0041] FIGs. 8A and 8B illustrates electrolyte level sensing and refill.

[0042] FIGs. 9 A and 9B illustrates methods for the isolation of charge in the electrolysis tank.

[0043]FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate a fully assembled embodiment of the present disclosure identifying all of the major components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0044] Referring now to the diagrams in FIGs. 1A and IB, two illustrations depict the basic science and one embodiment of a present- day fuel cell in accordance with the prior art.

[0045] To understand how gas separation process works, it is best to have a basic understanding of the science on which a fuel cell operates. At its most basic level, the electrolysis of water is a very straightforward process. The complexity is trying to convert all of the water to hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the most efficient and timely manner.

[0046] An electrolyte 105, such as water, is placed in a container 104. Within the container 104 are placed two surfaces, most often referred to as plates, since most systems are constructed using a series of parallel plates. These plates are attached to a DC current supply, which serves as the power source 106. A current is fed through an anode 107, giving it a positive charge, through the electrolyte 105, to the cathode 103 and back to the power source 106. Across each anode 107 and cathode 103 there is a voltage drop which, based on the power available from power source 106, drives the number of plates that the fuel cell can hold.

[0047] On the anode 107, oxygen atoms are separated from the water. On the cathode 103, hydrogen atoms are separated. These atoms form gas bubbles 102 that float to a top surface of the water 105 (electrolyte) and are gathered separately for further use. Being in a gas state, normally the hydrogen gas 101 is burned as combustion of hydrogen, which has a relatively high BTU count. Burning recombines the hydrogen gas 101 and oxygen 100 to form water.

[0048] Using this approach, hydrogen fuel cells 108 are typically created using a similar approach, with many plates fixed together, filled with an electrolyte. The fuel cells 108 are attached to a fuel source 109 so that the various gases can be extracted. While fuel cells come in endless varieties, the core concept is the same: a fixed set of anodes and cathodes bundled together to create the requisite gases. [0049] Referring now to FIGs 2A and 2B, there is shown two diagrams that discuss the concept of centripetal force. Understanding the physics of centripetal force is important to elements of various embodiments of the methods described in this patent.

[0050] Centripetal force 203 is the inward force exerted on an object 205 as it rotates around a fixed center of rotation 200. Centripetal force 203 causes the object 205 to move toward the center of rotation 200. The amount of centripetal force 203 is a function of the rotational velocity 204, the mass of the object 205, and the distance (radius 202) from the center of rotation 200. While rotating 201 , the object 205 experiences several forces including centripetal force 203 causing the object to move inward; rotational forces that make the object want to move away from the rotational path in a straight line; and centrifugal inertia 206 that seek to pull the object away from the center of rotation 200. All of these forces simultaneously applied to the object 205 effect its eventual path through space.

[0051] During electrolysis, hydrogen and oxygen are separated from the electrolyte to form gas bubbles 208 on the plates 210. The process of rotating the plates 210 uses the centripetal force 203 along with the buoyancy of the gas bubbles 208 to cause the gas bubbles 208 to move to collection tubes 211 at the center of rotation 200. Normally in a fixed plate configuration, the gas bubbles 208 would simply rise to the surface. The disclosed method uses centripetal force 203 to drive the gas bubbles 208 to the center of rotation 200 of the plate 210 for a variety of reasons which have been discussed previously and will be explored in more detail in the diagrams to follow. What is important to understand is that the invention uses the centripetal force 203 created by rotating 201 the plates 210 to drive the gas bubbles 208 to the center of rotation 200.

[0052] Referring now to FIGs. 3A and 3B, there are two diagrams. FIG. 3A depicts a typical fuel cell 301 with stationary or fixed plates. FIG. 3B illustrates a gap between two of the plates 302 and how the separated gases act in a fixed plate configuration. [0053] As mentioned previously, a fuel cell 301 includes numerous plates 302 that are submerged in an electrolyte 300 (e.g. water). As a power source 306 is applied to the plates 302 such that the plates 302 operate like a circuit with electrons flowing from one of the plates 302 to another of the plates 302 using the electrolyte 300 as a conductor. As the current flows from the power source 306, through the plates 302 and the electrolyte 300, hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles 304 rise to the surface of the electrolyte 300 and exit out of the exhaust port 303. The gas bubbles 304 will form anywhere the electrolyte 300 comes in contact with the plate 302 surfaces. Each surface of the plates 302 will become either an anode or cathode as the electrical circuit is formed. As the electrolyte 300 is split into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, they form gas bubbles 304 on the plate 302 until they are dislodged by buoyancy or collisions with other gas bubbles 304.

[0054] During electrolysis, there is a constant flow of gas bubbles 304 of various sizes floating to the surface of the fuel cell 301. Left to the natural forces of buoyancy, most of the gas bubbles 304 attached to the plates 302 will grow to a certain size and then detach, floating to the surface of the electrolyte 300. So that the gas bubbles 304 do not bridge the gap between the anode and cathode, the plates 302 must be designed to be a certain width 313 apart. That width 313 is dictated by the maximum size of gas bubble 304 achieved by gas bubbles 304 starting smaller and growing as they accumulate more atoms and then detach. Since fuel cell design must account for this maximum bubble diameter, the distance between plates 302 has a theoretical minimum equal to the diameter of the largest of the gas bubble 304 plus some space for detachment and flotation. This space between the plates 302 then dictates the maximum number of plates 302 that can be placed in a fuel cell 301 per linear unit of measure.

[0055] In a fixed plate configuration, shown in FIG. 3B, the plates 302 are set a certain distance apart 315 that allows for the required plate width 313 necessary to allow the bubble 304 to grow to a size that will allow buoyancy to detach the bubbles 304 from the plate surface 307. While the bubbles 304 accumulate additional gas atoms, the size of the area where the gas bubble 304 is attached to the plate 302 can no longer produce additional gases as this surface 307 is no longer in contact with the electrolyzer 300. Until buoyancy or some other force dislodges the gas bubble 304, the area within the bubble 304 is deactivated. This reduces the efficiency of the fuel cell by relying on buoyancy and the collision with other rising gas bubbles 304 to detach bubbles 304 in order to allow the deactivated plate surface 307 to become usable again.

[0056] Referring now to FIGs. 4A and 4B, there is shown one embodiment of the invention which uses a set of electrolysis plates 400 and separator plates 401 that are mounted together in a stack using two conductive posts 404, 405. This allows the stack to rotate in the chamber around a central axis 402. This is analogous to present-day static plate stacking but in this case the plates 400, 401 are circular and rotate around the central axis 402 as opposed to rectangular and static. The electrolysis plates 400 are ring shaped, allowing electrolysis to happen at the outer diameters of the chamber where centripetal force is highest, increasing gas bubble production.

[0057] Each side of the electrolysis plates 400 produces separate gasses 408, 410, hydrogen and oxygen due to differing charges. In order to make sure the hydrogen and oxygen do not mix as they move (“rise”) toward the center axis 402 of the chamber, separator plates 401 are placed between each pair of electrolysis plates 400. This allows gases 408, 410 to form on a surface 409 of the electrolysis plates 400, but not pass thru the barrier created by the separator plate 401.

[0058] The use of this separator plate 401 also allows the electrolysis plates 400 to be mounted at a mounting distance 407 materially closer than in a fixed plate arrangement, as the centripetal force creates volumes of much smaller bubbles 408, 410 needing a much smaller gap 406 to form and float toward the center axis 402. [0059] The separator plates 401 may be formed with a gas-impermeable fabric and a mounting ring 403 designed to help hold the fabric taut, aided by centripetal force as well. It is important to note that the radius of the fabric in the separator plate 401 can be variable, and at a minimum need only sit between the electrolysis plate 400 surfaces. Once the bubbles have floated to the center axis 402 of the chamber, the gasses are now separated and will leave via the exhaust ports.

[0060] As illustrated, the presently disclosed embodiment uses centripetal force to achieve several advantages over static plate configurations. Spinning the set of plates 400 improves gas production as follows:

[0061] 1) The rotation of the electrolysis plates 400 causes the bubbles 408, 410 forming on the surface 409 of the electrolysis plates 400 to dislodge quicker due to drag and the centripetal force. This quicker dislodging produces smaller bubbles 408, 410 which allows the plates 400, 401 to be positioned with smaller gaps 406 between them. The reduction of the gap 406 increases the number of total plates 400, 401 that can be mounted across a width of the containment device.

[0062] 2) The formation of smaller bubbles 408, 410 also allows for more bubbles 408, 410 to form on the electrolysis plates 400, as the smaller bubbles 408, 410 require less of a surface area 409 on the electrolysis plate 400, the smaller bubbles 408, 410 allows for tighter spacing between bubbles 408, 410, since bubbles 408 will form anywhere an open surface on an electrolysis plate 400 exists.

[0063] 3) The centripetal force, giving rise to smaller bubble 408, 410 formation and faster release of bubbles 408, 410 from the electrolysis plate 400 surface frees up the plate surface 409 faster than when static bubbles 304 form. The faster the plate surface 409 within a bubble 408, 410 is made available, the faster more gas can be converted from the electrolyte. [0064] As a result, spinning the electrolysis plates 400 increases the overall amount of gas produced without increasing the size of the original fuel cell container. The process allows for more gas to be produced in the same time frame without increased size or changes in electrolyte composition.

[0065] Referring now to FIGs. 5A and 5B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating a central, expandable gas collection system that will efficiently collect the gases 502 from the anode and cathode sides of each of the plates 503, maximizing the separation of gases 502.

[0066] As the set 500 of plates 503 rotate 501, the gases 502 will be drawn to the center of rotation. As these gases 502 approach the center, they are forced into channels that feed one of a first and second tubular passage 508, 509.

[0067] Each electrolysis plate 503 and separator plate 506 may be fitted with at least one snap-in, non-conductive adapter 507. As the plates 503, 506 are mounted in parallel, the adapters 507 fit together to form the first and second tubular passage 508, 509. These tubular passages 508, 509 are designed to gather either hydrogen or oxygen.

[0068] Each adapter 507 is configured such that when gas 502 approaches the center of rotation, depending on which side of the electrolysis plate 503 the gas 502 is formed on, the anode or cathode side, the gases 502 are collected 510, 512 and fed into one of the two passages 508, 509. For instance, the gases 502 on the proximate side of one of the electrolysis plates 503 may be collected 512 and fed into the first tubular passage 508 while the gases 502 on the distal side of that electrolysis plate 503 may be collected 510 and fed into the second tubular passage 509. The hydrogen gas may be collected on the proximate side in this illustration to feed into the first tubular passage 508, while the oxygen gas 511 may be collected 510 on the distal side to feed into the second tubular passage 509. [0069] Constructed in this manner, the invention will yield higher quality, more purely composed, gases at the outlet of either passage 508, 509.

[0070] Referring now to FIGs. 6A and 6B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating the path by which gas captured from the anode 601 and cathode 603 sides of the concentric electrolysis plates 612.

[0071] Each plate 612 has an anode side 601 and a cathode side 603 and between each pair of plates is a separator plate 602 and a gas manifold adapter 611. The gas manifold adaptor 611 creates a path for the pure gas to travel from the plate surfaces 601, 603 to their respective manifold exhaust stack 600. Gas from the anode side 601 travels to one manifold stack in the center while gas from the cathode side 603 travels to a second manifold stack as shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B.

[0072] Once the gas reaches the respective manifold stack 600, the gas travels along a path 610 in the exhaust manifold spacer 604 which routes the respective gas to one of two concentric tubes 605 that then allow the gas to travel out of the chamber to the exhaust blocks 613. The exhaust block 613 has two chambers 607, 609 that capture the gas from one of the concentric exhaust tubes 605. Each tube 605 opens into a separate chamber 607, 609 that is separated by sealed bearings 606. The sealed bearings 606 prevent the gases from mixing in the exhaust block 613. From each chamber 607, 609 the respective gases are extracted via a nozzle 608 to a collection chamber.

[0073] This design provides the structure in which the two passages 508 509 can be combined into one set of concentric exhaust tubes 605 for extraction. The exhaust manifold spacer 604 spins within the chamber and routes the gases to each tube by terminating the concentric tubes 605 in different chambers 607, 609, by using differing tube lengths. The outer tube is shorter and connects to a first chamber 609 closer to the outer edge of the exhaust manifold spacer 604, while the inner tube is slightly longer, terminating in a slightly deeper second chamber 607. This arrangement completely isolates both gases and allows them to be extracted via two non-rotating ports 608 (only one of which is illustrated).

[0074] While the gas extraction structure of FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrates one system for extracting the two gases, those having ordinary skill in the art may devise other structures for extracting the gases collected according to the methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claimed method.

[0075] Referring now to FIGs. 7A and 7B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating a system for rotating the plates 702 within the electrolysis chamber. The plates 702 are connected to two poles 700, 703 which provide one positive plate and one negative plate 702 to create the anode and cathode surfaces.

[0076] Power is fed to these connecting poles 700, 703 via a power converter 701 that is connected to a power source outside of the electrolysis chamber. From the power converter 701 are two wires 706, each one connecting to one of the communicator rings 704, 705. These communicator rings 704, 705 are mounted on the same central axis as the tank and spin at the same rate as the tank.

[0077] The communicator rings 704, 705 have brush arms 708, 709 that transfer power from an external power source 707, 710 to each brush 708 709. One brush 708, 709 provides power while the other connects to ground. The power being provided to the system is a high voltage, low amperage supply to reduce the amount of power transferred between the brushes 708, 709 and communicators 704, 705. Heat loss is reduced as the power is relatively low. The power converter 701 steps up the power to the tank by stepping down the voltage. A very efficient use of power is created with minimal loss due to friction and heat between the brushes 708, 709 and communicators 704, 705. [0078] Alternatively, the brush and communicator configuration could be replaced with inductive capabilities as long as the inductive gap is very small and precisely aligned. Other systems are known for providing an electrical path from a static object to a rotating object and all such known systems are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring now to FIGs. 8A and 8B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating the method of electrolyte level sensing and refilling.

[0080] The electrolysis chamber 800 rotates about a center axis that includes a hollow inlet pipe 802 which is used to provide electrolyte to the chamber 800 as needed. Mounted in the wall of the chamber 800 is a fluid sensor 801 which sends a signal when it is no longer in contact with the electrolyte.

[0081] It is important to note that the fluid level is a function of centripetal force. The fluid level is not measure when the chamber 800 is at rest but when it is in motion 803. As the chamber 800 spins 803, the electrolyte, moved by centrifugal inertial force, creates a concentric ring 806 of fluid against the outer wall of the chamber 800. The gasses 805 form and travel inwards/up 807 as electrolysis occurs. As a result, the fluid level is measured from the outer edge of the chamber 800 inwards. As the fluid is converted to gas, the fluid level decreases and the size of the fluid ring 806 shrinks until an inner diameter of the fluid ring 806 is larger than the diameter 808 at which the fluid sensor 801 is mounted. This causes the fluid sensor 801 to change state, initiating a refill command. At this point, more electrolyte is added to the chamber 800 by the inlet pipe 802.

[0082] Referring now to FIGs. 9A and 9B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating a system for addressing current leakage. [0083] As shown in FIG. 9A, the plates 900 are mounted inside the chamber 901 with a circular insulating layer 902. This insulation layer 902 is added to restrict current flow through the fluid in the chamber that might interrupt or interfere with gas production.

[0084] At the outer edges of the anode/cathode sides of the plates 900 there is a peripheral region 904 where positive and negative charges will try to leak over to the other side of the plate. This leakage will create inefficiencies in power consumption and gas production. In order to eliminate this leakage, a non-conductive spacer 903 is put in place that closes off a gap at the peripheral region 904, keeping any fluids from crossing between the opposite sides of the plate 900. This non- conductive spacer 903 may also stabilize the plates 900 at the peripheral region 904 during low or no-speed operations/maintenance.

[0085] Alternatively, the non-conductive spacer 903, instead of being a fixed material could consist of other non-conductive material or fluids that would also keep the electrolyte fluid from crossing the peripheral region 904. Any material that has a higher density that the electrolyte will be driven to the inner wall of the chamber when spinning. If the material is “deep” enough to cover the ends of the plates 900, electrolyte will not be able to cross the peripheral region 904, eliminating any issues.

[0086] One might also consider including solids in the electrolyte, such as diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder that will not conduct electricity but will also have the added benefit of cleaning the inner edge of the chamber as any particulate matter in the electrolyte will be deposited at the outside of the chamber due to centripetal force. Adding a material such as diatomaceous earth will aid in cleaning the chamber and keeping the particulate matter from sticking.

[0087] Referring now to FIGs. 10A and 10B, there is shown one embodiment illustrating all of the aforementioned embodiments combined into a full gas separation and collection system. [0088] The apparatus is mounted on a stand 1000 that holds two main bearing blocks, one on the inlet side 1015 and another on the exhaust side 1007 of the main chamber 1001. The main chamber 1001 houses the fluid, plates and separators that generate the gasses. The chamber is accessed by removing a cover plate 1002 and gas collection manifold 1003.

[0089] The gasses travel down a concentric tube that terminates outside the chamber 1001 in an exhaust gas exit manifold 1005. In this manifold are two nozzles 1004, 1006 which provide access to the separated gasses.

[0090] On the other side of the apparatus are the components that provide power and rotation. The power converter 1008 sits on top of the inlet spacer 1017 and makes connection between the communicators 1009 and the chamber 1001. The communicators receive power from the dual brushes 1010, 1013 which provide power and ground connectivity to an external power source.

[0091] The chamber 1001 and all of the apparatus connected to the main rotation shaft are rotated by a motor 1016 that is connected via a pulley or chain to a gear 1014 mounted on the central axis. Also mounted at the end of this axis is the inlet manifold block 1011 with a nozzle 1012 through which fluid can be added or removed.

[0092] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

EXAMPLES OF USE [0093] There are several ways in which the invention may be used, including, but not limited to:

[0094] Green Fuels: In instances where there is excess power generation capacity, the excess power may be used to create hydrogen gas which may be stored and burned on demand for power. This is a great way to store excess green energy (wind, power, hydro) when generation exceeds demand.

[0095] Long haul transportation: Instead of storing liquid hydrogen, the invention may be used to supply gas on-demand using a non-compressed fluid as a fuel. This could be effective for trucking, cargo, trains, buses or personal vehicles.

[0096] Power: Power plants may burn the gas to run turbines to create local or distributed power.

[0097] Heat for Commercial or Consumer Use: Burning of the gases may be used to heat homes/buildings and for industrial uses during the manufacturing of items or consumables.

Claims

1. An electrolysis device, comprising: a chamber; an electrolyte contained within the chamber; a plurality of plates positioned within the chamber and submerged within the electrolyte, the plurality of plates interconnected proximate and movable; a power source electrically connected to form a circuit that incorporates the electrolyte and the plurality of plates; and a motor connected to the plurality of plates whereby the plates are moved.

2. The electrolysis device of claim 1, wherein the motor further comprises a rotary motor, whereby the plates are rotated by the motor.

3. The electrolysis device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates is vertically oriented.

4. The electrolysis device of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is maintained at ambient temperature.

5. The electrolysis device of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

6. The electrolysis device of claim 1, further comprising an adaptor interconnecting two neighboring plates selected from the plurality of plates.

7. The electrolysis device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of adaptors, wherein each adaptor of the plurality of adaptors connects two plates of the plurality of plates at the center of each of the plates.

8. The electrolysis device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of plates further comprises electrolysis plates formed with a conductive metal and separator plates comprising a taut, gas-impermeable fabric, wherein the plurality of plates are arranged to alternate between the electrolysis plate and the separator plate.

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9. The electrolysis device of claim 8, wherein each of the adaptors of the plurality of adaptors further comprises at least one opening and wherein the openings of the adaptors align to form a tubular passage.

10. The electrolysis device of claim 8, wherein each of the adaptors of the plurality of adaptors further comprises two axial openings and one radial opening wherein the two axial openings of the adaptors align to form two tubular passages and each of the radial openings provides fluid communication to one of the axial openings.

11. A method of electrolysis, the method comprising the steps of: filling a chamber with an electrolyte, wherein the chamber contains a plurality of plates interconnected and movable with a motor; providing a direct current across the electrolyte and the plurality of plates; generating hydrogen gas bubbles and oxygen gas bubbles on the surfaces of the plurality of plates; dislodging the hydrogen gas bubbles and oxygen gas bubbles by moving the plurality of plates with the motor; collecting the hydrogen gas bubbles; and collecting the oxygen gas bubbles.

12. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11 , further comprising replenishing the electrolyte periodically.

13. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11 , wherein the steps of collecting further comprise collecting the hydrogen gas bubbles at a center of the plates and collecting the oxygen gas bubbles at the center of the plates separate from the hydrogen gas bubbles.

14. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11, wherein the steps of collecting further comprise collecting the hydrogen gas bubbles in a first tubular passage at a center of the plates, and collecting the oxygen gas bubbles in a second tubular passage at the center of the plates.

15. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11 , wherein neither the chamber, nor anything within the chamber is heated.

16. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11, wherein the plates are vertically oriented and rotated on a horizontal axis.

17. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11, further comprising interconnecting the plurality of plates with a plurality of snap-in adaptors.

18. The method of electrolysis according to claim 14, further comprising interconnecting the plurality of plates with a plurality of snap-in adaptors, wherein the tubular passages are formed by a combination of the plurality of plates and the plurality of snap-in adaptors.

19. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11, wherein the motor further comprises a rotary motor and wherein moving the plurality of plates further comprises rotating the plurality of plates.

20. The method of electrolysis according to claim 11, wherein the motor further comprises a rotary motor and wherein moving the plurality of plates further comprises rotating the chamber.