WO2011120561A1

WO2011120561A1 - Device and method for producing hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide

Info

Publication number: WO2011120561A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/054214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wjatscheslav Bespalov; Vladimir Galkin; Anatoly Epishin; Wolfgang Sass
Original assignee: Enumax Technology Ag
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2011-10-06

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for producing hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide. The device comprises a first rotational solid (1) having a first flat, circular surface (101) and a first rotational axis (15), a second rotational solid (2) having a second flat, circular surface (201) and a second rotational axis (15) which is identical to the first rotational axis (15) or parallel to said axis, wherein the first surface (101) and the second surface (201) are arranged so they face each other, and form an intermediate space (3) therebetween, a means (61) for rotating the first rotational solid (1) and/or a means (62) for rotating the second rotational solid (2), a means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field which passes through the intermediate space (3), a means (51, 52) for introducing water or hydrogen sulfide into the intermediate space (3) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (201), and at least one fixed metal structure (7) which surrounds the first and the second rotational solids (1, 2) at least adjacently to the intermediate space (3) at the periphery thereof.

Description

Apparatus and method for producing hydrogen from water

or hydrogen sulfide

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide. In particular, hydrogen and oxygen can be generated from water or hydrogen and sulfur from hydrogen sulfide. It is known to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen by means of an electric current. Such a process is called water electrolysis.

The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for generating hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide based on other physical principles than those of electrolysis.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 20. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. Thereafter, the solution according to the invention provides for providing a gap between a first circular surface and a second circular surface of a first and a second rotating body, into which water or a water / air mixture is introduced. Means are provided for rotating the first rotating body and means for rotating the second rotating body. During rotation of the rotary bodies, the water introduced into the intermediate space is accelerated in the direction of the circumference of the rotary bodies. The corresponding acceleration takes place in a magnetic field, which penetrates the gap between the two surfaces. After leaving the gap formed between the two planar surfaces, ie at the periphery thereof, the water enters a circumferential gap extending between the two rotating bodies and a circumferential metal structure. The water bounces against the circumferential metal structure surrounding the circumferential gap. Due to the acceleration of the water in the space between the two bodies of revolution, the additional force effect of the magnetic field on the dipoles formed by the water molecules, the turbulence of the water molecules at the exit from the space between the two bodies of revolution and entry into the circumferential gap, as well as by the impact the water on the circulating metal structure are dissociated in water molecules in oxygen and hydrogen in physically not yet completely clarified manner. This is experimentally verifiable, since the resulting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are detectable and this purpose, for example, from an outlet opening of a housing, which surrounds the entire device derived.

Instead of water, hydrogen sulfide can be used as a base, producing hydrogen and sulfur.

The rotary bodies are formed in one embodiment of the invention as discs (discs) with two parallel surfaces. However, in principle, other forms of the rotational body are conceivable, which are rotationally symmetrical and each form a flat surface. For example, the rotation bodies could also be designed as hemispheres. The mutually facing surfaces of the rotary bodies, between which the gap extends, are preferably smooth, for example polished smooth. In particular, the surfaces preferably have no structure that the Water molecules would affect in a certain way on their way to the edge of the gap.

The distance between the first surface and the second surface may be very small. It is preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and 3 cm. The smaller the distance, the more the water molecules in the gap are accelerated.

It can be provided both that the rotating bodies rotate in the same direction and that they rotate in the opposite direction. Also, the rotational bodies in embodiments of the invention can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions at different speeds. In all cases, the water is accelerated to the edge area. In order to generate hydrogen and oxygen in the manner described, it is preferably provided that the magnetic field passing through the gap has a thickness of at least 1 Tesla and is in particular in the range between 2 and 3 Tesla. To provide a corresponding magnetic field permanent magnets are provided, which are, for example, magnets of neodymium-iron-boron compounds. At the same time, the rotational speed of the rotary bodies is preferably in the range above 800 revolutions / minute. For example, the rotational speed is in the range between 2000 and 5000 revolutions / minute, whereby values up to 20 000 revolutions / minute can be provided. The rotational speed of the rotary body is preferably subject to control.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means for rotating the first rotary body and / or the means for rotating the second rotary body each comprise a drive shaft driven by a drive unit, each extending along the axis of rotation and connected to the respective rotary body. The two axes of rotation each end at the space between the bodies of revolution and thus represent half-axes.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the means for introducing water are provided in the intermediate space by at least one of the drive axles, wherein the drive axle is formed as a hollow shaft. So the water is in the Inside the drive shaft transported to the gap. Advantageously, the water is thereby automatically introduced exactly in the center in the intermediate space.

The means for generating a magnetic field in one embodiment comprise two magnets, for example permanent magnets, wherein one of the permanent magnets is disposed above the first body of rotation and the other of the permanent magnets below the second body of rotation, so that the first body of revolution, the second body of revolution and the between lying intermediate space are interspersed by a magnetic field. The magnets are stationary in one embodiment, so do not rotate. In alternative embodiments, the magnets are mechanically coupled to the bodies of revolution and also rotate in this case.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the means for generating a magnetic field are provided by the rotary body itself. For example, the rotating body are formed by disc-shaped permanent magnets, between which the intermediate space according to the invention is formed. The thickness of such permanent magnet discs is for example in the range between 0.5 cm and 1, 5 cm.

The magnetic field that penetrates the gap is static.

The stationary, circumferential metal structure is aligned symmetrically to the axis of rotation of the rotary body. In one embodiment, it forms projections and / or teeth, which extend radially in the direction of the rotational body and the intermediate space. It can be provided that the stationary metal structure periodically concave, for example, semicircular indentations formed, wherein between two such indentations in each case a radially extending teeth is formed. For example, the stationary metal structure consists of a metal band, in particular a toothed belt, which forms inwardly projecting teeth. In other embodiments, the circumferential metal structure in the circumferential direction is wave-shaped or rectangular, wherein the wave crests or projecting rectangles represent projections which extend radially in the direction of the rotational body and the intermediate space.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the stationary metal structure is electrically positively charged. It forms an anode that absorbs electrons. For example, is the fixed Metal structure at a potential between 3000 and 15,000 volts. The mass is formed for example by the housing of the device, which is connected for this purpose to a ground potential. Due to the positive potential of the metal structure may cause a spark discharge, with electrons that arise due to breaking the covalent bonds of the water at the edge of the gap, to discharge the metal structure out. The radial distance between projections or teeth of the metal structure and the circumference of the rotary body is chosen such that it can come to a spark discharge. It is for example in the range of 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the first rotational body and the second rotational body consist of a non-magnetic material, in particular a non-magnetic non-ferrous metal alloy, in order to prevent unwanted heat generation in the rotational bodies.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a technical vacuum prevails in the device, in particular in the region between the rotational bodies and the region between the rotational bodies and the circumferential metallic structure. The device according to the invention can have more than two, in particular up to ten disk-shaped rotating bodies. In this case, a plurality of arrangements, each having a first and a second body of revolution, a gap formed between them, means for generating a magnetic field and a stationary metal structure, arranged one above the other. The drive means and the means for supplying water may be formed together.

The invention also relates to a process for the production of hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide. The method comprises the steps:

Introduction of water or hydrogen sulphide into a space between two flat, circular surfaces rotating at more than 800 revolutions / minute, the interspace being penetrated by a magnetic field with a field strength of at least 1 Tesla,

after acceleration and turbulence of the water or hydrogen sulfide in the space, leakage of water or hydrogen sulfide at the edge of the gap in a circumferential gap formed between the rotating bodies on the one hand and a stationary metal structure on the other hand, which surrounds the rotating body at least adjacent to the gap at its periphery . thereby dissociating the water into hydrogen and oxygen or dissociating the hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen and sulfur.

It can be provided that the water or hydrogen sulfide bounces after entering the circumferential gap against the stationary metal structure, in particular bounces against projections and / or teeth, which forms the stationary metal structure. It can further be provided that the metallic structure is formed as an anode, wherein in operation, i. during the rotation of the rotating body is a spark discharge to the anode out. The spark discharge takes place in particular to the projections and / or teeth of the metallic structure.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of the drawing with reference to an embodiment. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a device for

Generation of hydrogen and oxygen from water;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of one of the rotational bodies of the device of FIG. 1, showing the principle of action of the device; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 shows schematically the device of Fig. 1 showing the

Rotary movement of the two bodies of rotation of the device.

The device for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water comprises a first rotary body 1 and a second rotary body 2. The two rotary bodies 1, 2 each have on their mutually facing sides a planar, circular surface 101, 201. The surfaces 101, 201 are parallel and spaced so that there is a gap 3 of constant height between them. The distance between the surfaces 101, 201 is for example between 0.1 mm and 5 cm, in particular in the range between 0.1 mm and 1 cm.

The rotary bodies 1, 2 are formed in the illustrated embodiment as discs with two parallel surfaces. In principle, it is also conceivable that the rotary bodies 1, 2 are formed on the opposite sides in a different manner, for example in accordance with the shape of a hemisphere. In any case they have a rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to a common axis of rotation 15.

The device further comprises two magnets 41, 42, which are provided for example by permanent magnets. The magnets 41, 42 provide a magnetic field N-S, which runs essentially parallel to the axis of rotation 15 and penetrates the intermediate space 3 between the rotational bodies 1, 2 substantially perpendicular to the transverse extent of the intermediate space 3. The magnets 41, 42 are arranged stationary, i. they do not rotate. Alternatively, it may be provided that the rotary bodies 1, 2 themselves are formed by permanent magnets, for which case separate magnets 41, 42 are not required.

On the other hand, the rotary bodies 1, 2 are each driven by a drive axle 51, 52. The respective drive axle 41, 42 are coupled to drive units 61, 62, which are, for example, electric motors. It can also be provided that a drive unit for driving both drive axles 51, 52 is used.

The drive direction of the two drive shafts 51, 52 can be set such that the two rotation bodies 1, 2 move in the same direction. Alternatively it can be provided that the two rotating bodies 1, 2 rotate in opposite directions. It is also possible that the rotary bodies 1, 2 rotate at the same speeds in the same direction or in opposite directions. The drive axles 51, 52 are designed as hollow axles or hollow shafts in which fluid and / or gases can be transported. As indicated by the arrows A, B, a first reservoir 91 is provided, which is connected via a feed line 81 to the one hollow shaft 51, and a second reservoir 52, which is connected via a second feed line 82 with the second hollow shaft 52. Via the respective reservoir 91 92, a liquid, a gas or a liquid / gas mixture of the respective hollow shaft 51, 52 are supplied. The supplied fluid is transported within the hollow axis in the direction of the intermediate space 3 and introduced centrally into the intermediate space 3 between the two rotating bodies 1, 2. There it undergoes a centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotary body 1, 2 to the outside, as will be explained in detail. In one embodiment, there is water in both reservoirs 91, 92. In another embodiment, water is in one reservoir 91, while the other reservoir contains water or air or a water-air mixture. In any case, the gap 3 is supplied to at least one of the two reservoirs 91, 92, a liquid. Instead of water can be used as a liquid and another liquid with dipole character, for example hydrogen sulfide.

It should also be pointed out that the supply of a liquid both along one drive axle 51 and along the other drive axle 52 is to be understood merely as an example. It is also possible that a liquid, possibly mixed with gas, is supplied via only one of the two drive shafts 51, 52, while the other drive axle 52, 51 merely serves to drive the corresponding rotation body. The surfaces 101, 201 of the two rotary bodies 1, 2 are smooth, d. H. they have a low roughness and have no surface structuring. For this purpose, the surfaces 101, 201 are polished, for example, smooth.

The rotary bodies 1, 2, i. In the illustrated embodiment, the discs 1, 2 are made of a non-magnetic metal, such as bronze or other non-magnetic alloy. As a result, an undesirable heat development is avoided, which would otherwise occur at a high rotational speed of the discs 1, 2 in the magnetic field provided by the magnets 41, 42.

The device according to the invention further comprises a metallic structure 7, which surrounds the two rotary disks 1, 2 and the gap 3 formed between them in a circular manner. Between the peripheral edge of the gap 3 and the discs 1, 2 on the one hand and the metallic structure 7 is a circumferential gap 1 1.

The metallic structure 7 consists of a circumferential metal band that can be positively charged. In this case, it acts as an anode. , The metallic structure 7 is arranged symmetrically to the two rotary disks 1, 2 and the space 3 formed between them. As can be seen in particular from Figures 2 and 3, the metal strip is formed as a toothed belt, ie it forms teeth at periodic intervals. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the toothed belt 7 is formed such that it consists of a sequence of concave and approximately semicircular portions 73, at the transition in each case a tooth 74 is formed, which extends radially in the direction of the axis of rotation 15 of the device ( see Fig. 1). The spacing of the teeth 74 in the circumferential direction depends on the dimensioning of the other components of the device, for example on the diameter of the rotary bodies 1, 2 and their distance.

The radial distance of the teeth 74 to the circumference of the gap 3 or the disks 1, 2 can be very small, e.g. in the range of about 1 mm or even less.

The device shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a housing 10 which surrounds the rotary bodies 1, 2, the magnets 41, 42 and the metallic structure 7. The housing 10 may be connected to a ground potential. The housing 10 has in its upper region a filter 12 (for example a carbon filter) and subsequently to these two outlet openings 13, on the one hand for oxygen and on the other for hydrogen. The filter 12 prevents the formation of oxyhydrogen gas.

Furthermore, the housing 10 has a drain 14 for condensate and water residues in its lower region.

In the housing, a technical vacuum can be formed.

The operation of the device will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the lower rotary disk 2, wherein the upper rotary disk 1 and the components lying on top are not shown. FIG. 3 shows a detail of FIG. 2, namely the region between the periphery of the lower rotation disk 2 and the circumferential metal band 7.

About the drive units 61, 62 and drive axles 51, 52, the rotary disks 1, 2 are set in rotation. The radius of the rotary disks 1, 2 may for example be between 20 cm and one meter. The rotational speed of the rotary disks 1, 2 is more than 800 revolutions / min, in particular in the range between 2000 and 5000 Revolutions / min. The rotary discs 1, 2 can be driven in opposite directions or in the same direction or rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions at different speeds. Via the reservoirs 91, 92, the supply lines 81, 82 and the drive shafts 51, 52 designed as hollow shafts, water is supplied to the intermediate space 3 in the center. The centrally introduced into the space 3 water experiences due to the rotational movement of the rotating body 1, 2, a centrifugal force to the outside and is transported to the edge of the gap 3. This creates a negative pressure in the intermediate space, which ensures that continuously water and / or gas from the reservoirs 91, 92 is sucked and transported into the intermediate space 3.

The water undergoes the gap 3 due to the centrifugal force, a force to the outside, which is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow C. At the same time, due to its dipole property and its movement in the magnetic field generated by the magnets 41, 42, the water experiences a turbulence, which is indicated by the arrows D. The lower rotation disk 42, which is shown in FIG. 2, rotates in the direction of rotation F, for example. The water, which is forced into the periphery of the interspace 3 and swirls when strong accelerations occur, enters the circumferential gap 11 at the peripheral edge of the interspace 3 , Subsequently, due to its high rotational speed, it collides with the radially inwardly projecting teeth 74 of the stationary, non-rotating metallic structure 7. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a collision with the teeth 74 of the lower toothed belt 72 is schematically illustrated.

The strong physical forces that occur in these processes lead to a break-up of the covalent bonds in the water atom. The covalent bonds are at least partially broken at the edge of the gap 3 and / or additionally upon impact of the water on the teeth 74 of the toothed belt 7.

This produces oxygen gas and hydrogen gas which, after passing through the filter 12, exits the housing 10 through the outlet openings 13 and can be further utilized separately. Excess condensate drains via the drain 14. FIG. 3 further clarifies that electrons can be generated at the edge of the gap 3 and / or when the water atoms strike against the teeth 74 of the toothed belt 72 of the metallic structure 7, corresponding to their charge from the positively charged toothed belt 7 acting as the anode acts, be recorded (see Figure 1). It can be provided that charge carriers received by the metallic structure 7 are supplied to an electric circuit. Such can be used to reduce the energy used to drive the motors 61, 62. For the described production of hydrogen and oxygen from gas, this is not essential, it is only a supplementary point.

FIG. 4 shows a variant in which the two circular disks 1, 2 rotate in opposite directions. The one disc 1 rotates in the direction G, the other disc 2 in the direction F. The arrangement of the metallic structure 7 is as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Alternatively it can be provided that the discs 1, 2 rotate in the same direction.

In both cases it is provided that the rotational speed of the discs 1, 2 is identical. Alternatively, different Rotationsgeschindigkeiten can be selected.

The functioning of the device described and the production of hydrogen and oxygen were tested on the basis of a prototype. In this case, 1 m ^{3 of} hydrogen were generated per 32 grams of water supplied.

A further embodiment of the invention is identical to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However, it is imperative that the metallic structure 7 with a positive electrical potential of e.g. 5000 volts or 10,000 volts is applied.

The following effect then occurs. As stated above, strong physical forces act on the water, leading to its dissociation: the water is strongly accelerated in the space between the two bodies of revolution. In addition, there is a force effect of the magnetic field on the dipoles formed by the water molecules. At the edge of the gap 3 and / or at Exit from the gap 3 between the two bodies of revolution 1, 2 and entry into the circumferential gap 1 1, possibly even upon impact of the water on the teeth 74 of the metallic structure 7, the covalent bonds of the water are at least partially broken. In this case, electrons of the resulting hydrogen atoms are released. These discharge through a spark discharge to the anode 7, as indicated in FIG. 3. Possibly. The spark discharge itself also contributes to the formation of hydrogen and oxygen. The ongoing physical processes have not yet been fully elucidated, which does not detract from their potential for use. The electrons picked up by the anode 7 can be stored, for example, in a battery and used electrically in an electrical circuit. In this case, the device also generates energy in the form of an electric current. Yet another effect can occur. During the spark discharge, a recoil on the rotary body 1, 2. This can lead to a power transmission to the drive axle 51, 52, which supports the rotation of the rotary body 1, 2. This in turn means that the driving force of the drive units 61, 62 can be reduced.

Claims

claims

Device for producing hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide, comprising:

a first rotation body (1) having a first planar, circular surface (101) and a first rotation axis (15),

a second rotation body (2) having a second planar, circular surface (201) and a second rotation axis (15) which is identical to or parallel to the first rotation axis (15),

- wherein the first surface (101) and the second surface (201) are arranged opposite one another and form a gap (3) between them,

Means (61) for rotating the first rotating body (1) and / or means (62) for rotating the second rotating body (2),

Means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field which penetrates the intermediate space (3),

- Means (51, 52) for introducing water or hydrogen sulfide into the intermediate space (3) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (201), and

- At least one stationary metal structure (7) surrounding the first and the second rotary body (1, 2) at least adjacent to the intermediate space (3) at its periphery.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first rotary body (1) and the second rotary body (2) are each formed as a disc.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance between the first surface (101) and the second surface (201) is between 0.1 mm and 3 cm.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first surface (101) and the second surface (201) are each formed smooth.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rotary body (1) and the second rotary body (2) rotate in the same direction. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first rotary body (1) and the second rotary body (2) rotate in the opposite direction.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotational speed of the first rotary body (1) and / or the rotational speed of the second rotary body (2) are each above 800 revolutions / minute, in particular in the range between 2000 and 5000 revolutions / minute. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (61) for rotation of the first rotary body (1) and / or the means (62) for rotation of the second rotary body (2) each one by a drive unit (61, 62) driven drive axle (51, 52), each extending along the axis of rotation (15) and with the respective rotational body (1. 2) is connected.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for introducing water or hydrogen sulfide into the intermediate space (3) by at least one of the drive axles (51, 52) are provided, wherein the drive axle (51, 52) is designed as a hollow shaft ,

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field comprise two magnets, wherein the one of the magnets (41) above the first rotary body (1) and the other of the magnets ( 42) is arranged below the second rotary body (2), so that the first rotary body (1), the second rotary body (2) and the intermediate space (3) are penetrated by a magnetic field.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field by the first and the second rotary body (1, 2) are provided.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary metal structure (7) protrusions and / or teeth is formed, which extend radially in the direction of the rotary body (1, 2) and the intermediate space (3).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the stationary metal structure (7) periodically concave indentations (73) is formed, wherein between two such indentations (73) each have a radially extending teeth (74) is formed.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary metal structure (7) is electrically charged positively.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, as far as related to claim 121, characterized in that the metal strip (7) is designed as a toothed belt that forms inwardly projecting teeth.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field provide a static magnetic field.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field provide a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density of at least 1 Tesla.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rotary body (1) and the second rotary body (2) consist of a non-magnetic material, in particular a non-magnetic steel.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the device more than two, in particular up to ten disk-shaped rotary body (1, 2), wherein a plurality of arrangements, each having a first and a second body of revolution (1, 2), a gap formed between them (3), means (41, 42) for generating a magnetic field and a stationary metal structure (7) are arranged one above the other.

20. A process for producing hydrogen from water or hydrogen sulfide, comprising:

Introducing water or hydrogen sulphide into a gap (3) between two planar circular surfaces (101, 102) rotating at more than 800 revolutions / minute, the interspace (3) being of a magnetic field with a field strength of at least 1 Tesla is permeated,

- After acceleration and turbulence of the water or hydrogen sulfide in the intermediate space (3), leakage of water or hydrogen sulfide at the edge of the intermediate space (3) in a circumferential gap formed between the rotating bodies (1, 2) on the one hand and a stationary metal structure (7) on the other is that surrounds the rotational body (1, 2) at least adjacent to the intermediate space (3) at its periphery,

- while dissociating the water into hydrogen and oxygen or dissociating the hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen and sulfur.

21. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the water or hydrogen sulfide after entering the circumferential gap (1 1) bounces against the stationary metal structure (7).

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the water or hydrogen sulfide bounces against projections and / or teeth (74) which forms the stationary metal structure (7). 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the metallic structure (7) is formed as an anode, wherein a spark discharge to the anode (7).

24. The method according to claim 22 and 23, characterized in that the spark discharge to the projections and / or teeth (74) of the metallic

Structure out.