Hydrogen generator and method for the production of hydrogen

摘要

An apparatus and method for generating hydrogen. The hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a closed body having a sidewall and two end plates defining a cavity therein. A plurality of electrodes and a plurality of proton exchange membranes are disposed within the cavity. Each proton exchange membrane is sandwiched between two electrodes thereby creating a plurality of hydrogen generating cells disposed along the inner wall of the sidewall. An inflated bladder insures intimate contact between the electrodes and proton exchange membranes. The hydrogen generating cells are operated in series by applying a DC voltage of opposite polarity to electrodes at opposing ends of the cells. Applying the voltage and admitting water into the generator enables hydrogen generation at 12 volts or higher while limiting the potential on each proton exchange membrane to 2 volts thereby protecting the proton exchange membranes from damage or failure by voltage overload.