ELECTROLYZER

摘要

The electrolytic production of high purity hydrogen and oxygen may include regulating gas pressure in the cathode and anode compartments of the electrolysis apparatus. The supply of water to the apparatus may be through at least one opening on the surface of the apparatus. High pressure hydrogen and oxygen gas may be produced without subjecting the electrolysis apparatus to large pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the apparatus. This may be accomplished by substantially immersing the entire electrolysis apparatus in a high pressure fluid thus making the interior and exterior pressures of the apparatus substantially equal. Two example structures for accomplishing this goal are disclosed. First, the apparatus may be placed in and encapsulated by a fluid-containing vessel that is itself pressurized. Second, the apparatus may be immersed in a deep water environment. Part of the electrical energy used to perform electrolysis may be recovered by capturing the kinetic energy and momentum in high pressure gas flowing in a tube, oxygen for example, and converting it to electricity by causing it to rotate an impeller that is coupled to an electric generator.

主权项

1. An electrolysis apparatus for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases using electrolysis, the apparatus comprising:
a first hemi-enclosure having a facing edge; a second hemi-enclosure having a facing edge that is separable from and not integral with the first hemi-enclosure; a diaphragm that passes ions and impedes the passage of gas comprising a first side and a second opposing side, the diaphragm positioned between the facing edges of the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby the first hemi-enclosure and one side of the diaphragm form a first compartment and the second hemi-enclosure and the other side of the diaphragm form a second compartment; one or more electrodes in the first compartment that each pass through a first interface between the first side of the diaphragm and the facing edge of the first hemi-enclosure and that each span a width of the first interface; one or more electrodes in the second compartment that each pass through a second interface between the second side of the diaphragm and the facing edge of the second hemi-enclosure and that each span a width of the second interface; a first pipe that allows gas within the first compartment to escape; a second pipe that allows gas within the second compartment to escape; a fastener that fastens the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm, the one or more electrodes, and the second hemi-enclosure together; and electrical contacts that receive energy from an external source and deliver it to the electrodes.