Method for operating an internal combustion engine with a gas mixture supplied to the combustion air, produced by water electrolysis and arrangement and electrolyzer for performing the method

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine with a combustion air supplied, produced by electrolysis of water gas mixture and an arrangement with an electrolyzer for performing the method.

At one of the DE 10 2009 026 374 A1 known method for operating an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles with fossil fuel and a combustion air in the intake of the engine supplied, produced in the vehicle by electrolysis of water hydrogen-oxygen mixture (oxyhydrogen, Browngas) is the hydrogen-oxygen mixture in normal engine operation to Reaching a predetermined memory pressure generated and cached and passed only at high engine power when starting and accelerating the vehicle in the intake of the engine. The generation of hydrogen takes place with an elaborately designed, supplied from a separate water tank electrolyzer, which is connected to an additional alternator.

The WO 2007/091105 describes the use of a hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced in the electrolysis unit in an internal combustion engine operated with conventional fuel, the fuel being temporarily or completely replaced by the hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced in the vehicle during a load change. From the WO 2007/101329 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for hydrogen assisted cold starting of an internal combustion engine are known. In this case, the oxygen should be separated from the hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced in an electrolysis device. Also in the US 6 155 212 A1 and in the WO 2006/124805 A2 the additional use of hydrogen generated and cached in the motor vehicle for the combustion process is described.

One from the DE 10 2008 003 126 A1 Known, via the intake directly to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine connected electrolyzer to produce a fuel to be added to the hydrogen-oxygen mixture used to improve the efficiency of electrolysis potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an electrolyte. The electrolyser comprises evenly spaced electrode plates immersed in the electrolyte in a container. The two outer plates are connected to the negative and the positive pole of the vehicle battery and the number of plates is set according to the voltage provided by the battery so that a voltage of about two volts is applied between two opposite electrode surfaces for carrying out the electrolysis.

The invention has the object of providing a method for operating an internal combustion engine with a combustion air supplied, produced by electrolysis of water gas mixture and an arrangement and an electrolyzer for performing the method in such a way that with low equipment and energy costs and low electrolyte consumption continuously generates an efficient fuel combustion sufficient amount of gas and is directed into the engine combustion chamber, that a reduced fuel consumption and reduced emissions are guaranteed.

According to the invention the object is achieved with a method according to the features of patent claim 1 and an arrangement and an electrolyzer according to the features of patent claims 7 and 11.

Advantageous and advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the operation of an internal combustion engine with a fossil fuel in the engine combustion chamber additionally supplied generated by one of the internal combustion engine associated electrolyzer and introduced into the combustion gas mixture, the essence of the invention is that according to the respective engine operation or engine performance, for example, at idle, during acceleration, etc., in the intake of the engine sucked air quantity is measured and per unit volume of each aspirated combustion air always a same, acting only as an additive, limited amount of a produced with the electrolyzer with a pulsating current, hydrogen, oxygen and energy-enriched gaseous water molecules containing Browns gas without caching, that is still in the state of emergence of high-energy and ignitable, but only temporary stable gaseous water molecules (also known as linear water isomers be records) of the combustion air is supplied. In this case, the percentage of the electrolytically produced gas mixture present in the fuel in the combustion process is limited such that the hydrogen molecules distributed in the fuel-air mixture in the engine combustion chamber only marginally act as additional fuel, but only the energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules in Brownsgas as the fuel quickly and explode explosive starting or Zündkeime for an early onset and long-lasting intensive and complete combustion.

The fossil fuel (for example, diesel or gasoline) is used more efficiently only in the brown gas due to the energy-enriched gaseous water molecules acting as ignition seedlings, so that the engine performance can be improved and the fuel consumption and thus the emission of pollutants can be reduced. In addition, the exhaust gas temperature and thus the nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emission is further reduced. The equipment and energy expenditure required for the continuous provision of the brown gas by the electrolysis carried out according to the invention is low because of the production of an additionally limited amount of gas controlled in dependence on the amount of intake air and because of the increased gas production in the electrolyser due to the pulsating current. The power consumption for the electrolysis is minimized so that the required electrical energy - without additional or larger alternator - can be supplied solely by the vehicle battery. The with 0.05 to 0.5 parts per liter intake air extremely low Braungasbedarf is also advantageous insofar as the required amount of gas with an electrolysis device of small size without caching can be made constantly available.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the current pulses acting on the electrolyzer are rectangular or trapezoidal in shape.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the current pulses to influence the amount of Browngas generated and in particular the proportion of energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules contained therein are generated continuously or at intervals and with different amplitude. The gas yield can also be influenced by the choice of the flank angle of the current pulse length.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the current pulses are controlled as a function of the electrolyte temperature and the electrolyte concentration and the plate geometry and the plate spacing such that the consisting of electrode plates and electrolyte system is operated in resonance. This leads to a rinsing of the electrode plates and to a rapid detachment of the gas bubbles and thus also to an increase in the gas yield.

According to another important feature of the invention, the amount of brown gas produced in the electrolyzer is controlled in response to the respective engine operation based on the amount of air detected by an air mass meter in conjunction with the amount of brown gas actually detected by the electrolyzer detected by a flow meter. This means that essentially only as much browning gas is produced in the electrolyzer, as is currently required in the respective engine operation, so that the power consumption is low and the capacity of the vehicle battery is no longer used as required.

The arrangement for carrying out the method, which includes an adapted from the respective engine operation air flow from an air filter box outgoing, connected to the engine combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine air supply line, according to the invention is characterized in that a connected to a powered by a vehicle battery electrolysis device gas supply line directly into the air supply line opens, and in the air supply line in front of the mouth of the gas supply line, an air mass meter for detecting the intake depending on the respective engine operation air volume and in the gas supply line in the flow direction first a flow meter for detecting the actual amount of gas generated and a throttle valve for final adjustment of the promoted Air volume adapted gas volume are integrated, each of which is assigned to a first control unit for controlling the Gaserz associated with the electrolyzer based on the amount of air intake and the amount of gas detected are connected by means of a modulator continuously or at intervals converted in frequency, amplitude, slope angle and duration variable pulsating current.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, a water separator, a water detector and a gas filter for gas purification and an existing from a gas-permeable ceramic material burn back prevention to avoid a flashback in the electrolysis device are involved in the gas supply line.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit is connected via a second control unit to a main control unit associated with the internal combustion engine. The first and second controllers may also be integrated into the main controller.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the gas supply line opens to the turbulence and uniform distribution of the gaseous water molecules contained in the gas stream in the intake air via a downstream of the air mass meter Venturi nozzle in the air supply line.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the electrolyzer has a plurality of electrode plates spaced in parallel and provided with openings in a housing filled with an electrolyte. The two outer ones Electrode plates or alternatively a central electrode plate and the two outer electrode plates are connected via the first control device to the plus or minus pole of the vehicle battery. A above the electrode plates by a housing ceiling limited, the generated brown gas short-term receiving gas collection chamber is on a gas outlet nozzle attachable and at a certain pressure (ca> 0.1 bar) in the gas collection automatically opening lid with an inner, a filter receiving pipe section and a gas connection piece connectable to the gas supply line leading to the air supply line. The small, under a low pressure gas reservoir above the electrode plates allows rapid supply of only short-term high-energy, gaseous water molecules to the combustion air.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing cover of the electrolyzer has a down to the maximum electrolyte filling height in the housing section with a closable by a screw cap filling opening. An overfilling of the electrolyzer or excessive dilution of the electrolyte is excluded and above the electrolyte is always a certain gas reservoir available.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrode plates are fixed in grooves provided on the bottom and two opposite side walls of the housing and in the region of the electrode top edge.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrolyzer for monitoring the electrolyte comprises a density meter, a level gauge and a temperature sensor and a pressure relief valve.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode plates have a width that is significantly greater than their height. As a result, a sufficiently large electrode surface is covered over a long period with electrolyte and thus ensures a long service life of the electrolyzer without refilling of electrolyte.

The electrode plate thickness is about one millimeter and the electrode plate spacing is between 1.5 and 10.5 millimeters. The electrolyte in the electrolyzer is preferably a 3.5 to 5.0 percent potash solution.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrolyte for freezing point reduction in winter operation on an increased concentration and / or contains up to max. 10% ethylene glycol as antifreeze.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing, in which

1 an arrangement for operating a combustion engine with fossil fuel and a gas mixture of hydrogen, oxygen and gaseous water (Brownsgas) supplied to the combustion air from an electrolysis process; and

2 an electrolyzer for producing brown gas (HHO) with a plate assembly shown in detail; and

3 a further embodiment of the plate assembly in the electrolyzer shows, explained in more detail.

In the 1 shown arrangement includes as conventional components here only through the engine combustion chamber 1 reproduced internal combustion engine (for example, for a passenger car), whose individual cylinders via a suction pipe 2 are connected to the intake tract for sucked due to the piston movement combustion air. The intake tract consists essentially of one of an air filter box 3 outgoing air supply line 4 into which an air mass meter 5 for detecting the air volume sucked in each case depending on the engine operation as well as a turbocharger 6 for compression and a throttle 7 for regulating the intake manifold 2 supplied air quantity are integrated according to the respective required engine power. About one of the internal combustion engine associated, to the air mass meter 5 connected main controller 8th (OBD controller) becomes the engine combustion chamber 1 supplied amount of fuel regulated.

To the internal combustion engine is in the usual way with the vehicle battery 9 connected alternator 10 coupled to the power supply required for the operation of the internal combustion engine electrical equipment and other power consumers. With the from the vehicle battery 9 about a fuse 11 provided power is also the electrolyzer described below 12 driven, with the during operation of the internal combustion engine by electrolytic water decomposition constantly a defined amount of Browngas (HHO) and in particular of the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture initially contained energy-enriched gaseous water (HOH) is generated and a gas supply line 13 in between the air mass meter 5 and the turbocharger 6 located part of the air supply line 4 is fed.

This in 2 shown electrolyzer 12 comprises a closed housing made of plastic 14 with one of the housing cover 15 Outgoing gas outlet, on a by means of O-ring (not shown) sealingly held lid 16 is plugged. From the horizontal inside of the lid 16 goes into the pipe outlet extending into the gas outlet 17 for receiving a filter (not shown) designed to be retained by the gas generated during the electrolysis entrained salt particles and water and water vapor. One on the lid 16 above the filter mounted gas connection 27 is with the in 1 illustrated gas supply line 13 connected. The lid 16 Can be used to clean the filter in a simple way manually from the to the housing cover 15 molded gas outlet are deducted. The opening resistance of the lid 16 is limited to a low operating pressure of 0.1 bar.

In a down-shifted section 18 the housing cover 15 that is, in a relation to the housing cover and the gas outlet opening formed in this lowered level is one with a screw cap 19 closable filling opening (not shown) for the maximum up to the level of the lowered portion 18 the housing cover 15 in the case 14 to be introduced electrolyte, here preferably a 3.5 to 5.0 percent potassium hydroxide solution. Due to the limited thereby maximum filling height h is a certain minimum height of the gas reservoir in the gas collection chamber 24 electrolyser 12 and also prevents electrolyte from accidentally entering the gas supply line leading to the intake manifold of the engine 13 arrives.

Immerse in the electrolyte - on the floor and on two opposite side walls of the housing 14 and in the region of the upper edges of the plate at a distance of about 1 mm in grooves (not shown) fixed - here 1 mm thick electrode plates 20 one. The electrode plates 20 can be easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning or replacement. The electrode plates 20 each have one or more holes (not shown), so that the chambers formed between them 37 connected to each other and can be traversed by the electrolyte. The two outer electrode plates 20 ' . 20 '' are each via a connecting line 21 and on the housing cover 15 attached terminals 22 with the negative or positive pole of the vehicle battery 9 connected. According to the battery voltage (eg 12-15 volts for cars) and the number of electrode plates 20 lies in the chambers formed between them 37 each one for the electrolysis process optimum voltage of about two volts. Preferably, the width of the electrode plates 20 greater than their height, leaving the electrode plates 20 - In a gradually consuming electrolyte - immerse for a long time at a sufficient level in the electrolyte and without constant replenishment of electrolyte, a sufficient amount of Brownsgas is generated. One liter of electrolyte lasts about 50 operating hours or up to 5000 kilometers in a 3l diesel engine.

As 3 shows, but it is also conceivable that a centrally disposed electrode plate 20 '' connected to the positive pole of the vehicle battery and the two outer electrode plates 20 ' are connected to the negative terminal to ensure a larger electrode area and thus a high gas generation rate with the central anode and two outer cathodes and the electrode plates arranged between them in a compact design of the electrolyzer.

As 1 indicates is to the electrolyzer 12 a first controller 23 with an integrated modulator (not shown) for conversion of the vehicle battery 9 supplied direct current in - connected substantially rectangular - current pulses, which from the electrode plates 20 and vibrate the system existing between them, so that the hydrogen, oxygen and water gas bubbles (brown gas) formed during the electrolysis better from the electrode plates by the movement of the entire system 20 be replaced and thus always a maximum electrode area to produce a high Brownsgasvolumens as an additive for the fuel-air mixture in the engine combustion chamber 1 is available. In addition to the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen - in addition to the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen - a larger part of the water molecules contained in the electrolyte spreads to linear water isomers (HOH), ie the formation of energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules as part of Brownsgas stimulated and supported, so that for the combustion process only a small amount of required additive, but with much higher energy than conventional oxyhydrogen, is available. The pulsating current and the vibrations generated thereby in the electrolysis system can be generated continuously or in equal or different intervals and in different frequency and amplitude (current) to influence in this way in the engine operation on the generated gas volume and the structure of the gas and in particular to provide the high-energy brown gas. Due to the increased gas production by the vibration of the electrolysis system, the power consumption can be reduced and yet a high gas yield can be achieved.

The electrolyzer 12 is with a gas collection space above the respective electrolyte level 24 arranged, in 1 only schematically illustrated pressure relief valve 25 as additional safety (opening at an operating pressure in the gas collecting chamber - in this case> 0.1 bar). Within a gas pressure = <0.1 bar an immediate forwarding of the gas generated and in particular the only short-term stable high-energy gaseous water molecules is still guaranteed in the state of origin in the intake. Another security against the occurrence of an impermissibly high pressure in the electrolyzer 12 offers the on the housing 14 only by a connector held lid 16 which is too high a gas pressure from the to the housing cover 15 molded gas outlet is stripped off. With a density meter projecting into the electrolyte 26 For example, the concentration of potassium hydroxide in the aqueous electrolyte solution can be monitored while using a level gauge 28 the filling level in the housing 14 can be determined and the temperature of the electrolyte with a temperature sensor 29 is shown. With a working temperature of 60 to 65 ° C and preferably a KOH content of 3.5 to 5.0% is used in conjunction with the electrolyzer 12 applied pulsed current, namely at a comparison with conventional, used in internal combustion engines electrolyzer significantly reduced current, one of the effect of Brownsgasgemisches only as an additive sufficient gas produced. The required plate area and the electrolyte consumption are comparatively low. The electrolyzer can therefore be made small and compact and requires little maintenance. Due to the low power consumption, the power supply of the electrolyzer can be done via the connected to the vehicle battery alternator of the vehicle. As soon as the fill level or the KOH concentration or the temperature of the electrolyte is outside a predetermined range, this state is indicated by a signal initiated by the first controller.

According to 1 are downstream of the electrolyzer 12 in the to the air supply line 4 connected gas supply line 13 first a water separator 30 , a water detector 30a and a gas filter 31 for the separation of water vapor still contained in Brownsgas and for the separation of salt particles involved. About a flow meter 32 , a burnback protection 33 and a throttle valve 34 Finally, the gas mixture reaches a downstream of the air mass meter 5 and in front of the turbocharger 6 directly into the air supply line 4 opening venturi 35 , The with the internal combustion engine and the throttle 7 and the air mass meter 5 connected main controller 8th is via a second control unit 36 to the first, the electrolyzer 12 assigned control unit 23 connected, in turn, with the flow meter 32 and the air mass meter 5 and the throttle valve 34 electrically connected.

The burn-back protection 33 comprises a porous structure made of a sintered material, which prevents repelling of a flame generated by the combustion in the engine compartment and thereby causing ignition of the gas mixture stored in the gas reservoir of the electrolyzer. That with the first control unit 23 connected throttle valve 34 ensures that at low engine power, for example at idle, and correspondingly low gas take-off due to the low negative pressure in front of the turbocharger 6 , not an excessive amount of gas enters the intake system. Finally, the task of the Venturi nozzle exists 35 in it, in the air supply line 4 injected brown gas in the over the air filter box 3 Intensely swirl the intake air and distribute it very finely and evenly.

An important function in the overall system has also in the gas supply line 13 downstream from the watershed 30 and gas filters 31 integrated flow meter 32 that in the electrolyzer 12 generated gas quantity and the measurement result to the control unit 23 of the electrolyzer 12 transmitted. The first controller 23 also receives information from the mass air flow sensor depending on the vehicle operation (idling, stop and go, speed, acceleration, etc.) 5 via the respectively sucked air quantity and from the main control unit 8th and the second controller 36 about the negative pressure in the intake tract and other engine operating data. Finally, the first controller 23 via a control line also with the throttle valve 34 connected, so that an adapted to the turbocharger or engine combustion chamber due to the respective engine operation respectively amount of air adjusted amount of gas is fed into the intake tract and per unit volume of intake air by means of the venturi 35 always a defined amount of gas from 0.05 to 0.5 parts per liter of intake air in the air supply line 4 is sprayed and into the engine combustion chamber 1 arrives. Regardless of the particular vehicle and engine operation is therefore always contained in the engine combustion chamber located in the fuel always a certain percentage, per unit volume of sucked combustion air equal share of Brownsgas and thus acting as ignition nuclei high-energy, gaseous water molecules.

Gas generation in the electrolyzer 12 is thus essentially the engine speed (main control unit), the intake air quantity ( Air flow meter), the amount of gas actually generated (flow meter) and the amount of gas (throttle valve) per unit suction volume controlled by the amplitude and structure of the generated current pulses. Thus, only so much gas is generated, as is currently needed for the respective vehicle / engine operation for rapid ignition and complete combustion of the fossil fuel. That is, the percent Brownsgasanteil in a Ansaugvolumeneinheit is deliberately kept low and does not act in a conventional manner as additional fuel, but has only the function of an additive in the small amount. That is, the evenly distributed in the combustion chamber gaseous water molecules act only as Startkeimlinge or Zündkeimlinge that accelerate and intensify the ignition of the existing in the engine combustion chamber fuel-air mixture in the combustion cycle. The released reaction energy explosively ignites the fuel at a plurality of ignitions and ensures homogeneous and complete combustion of the fuel introduced into the combustion chamber. The fuel is used more efficiently just because of the gaseous water molecules of the brown gas, which act only as ignition seedlings, so that the engine performance can be improved and the fuel consumption and consequently the emission of pollutants can be reduced. In addition, the exhaust gas temperature and thus the nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emission is further reduced. The equipment and energy expenditure required for the continuous provision of Brownsgses is low because of the controlled production of only a limited amount of gas.

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QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

Claims

Method for operating an internal combustion engine with a fossil fuel in the engine combustion chamber with the combustion air additionally supplied, produced by electrolysis of water gas mixture, characterized in that according to the respective engine operation in the intake tract of the engine sucked air quantity is measured and per unit volume of each sucked combustion air always a same, only acting as an additive limited amount of operated with a pulsating current electrolysis, energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules containing Browns gas directly, that is supplied without caching the combustion air, wherein the percentage of existing in the combustion process in the fuel gas molecules is limited in that the energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules uniformly distributed in the fuel-air mixture are used only as the starting or igniting fuel ndkeime for an early onset and long-lasting intensive serve and complete combustion.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolysis device acting current pulses are rectangular or trapezoidal shaped.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the current pulses for influencing the gas yield and the amount of energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules are generated continuously or at intervals and with different amplitude.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the current pulses for influencing the gas yield and the amount of energy-enriched, gaseous water molecules in Brownsgas have a variable flank rising angle.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to increase the Brownsgasausbeute the current pulses in response to the electrolyte temperature and concentration and the electrode plate geometry and the plate spacing are controlled so that the existing electrode plates and electrolyte system for rapid replacement of the Electrode plates and their circulation is operated in resonance.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the amount of brown gas generated in the electrolysis device depending on the respective engine operation on the basis of the intake tract supplied, detected by an air mass meter air in conjunction with the detected by a flow meter, from the electrolyzer actually controlled Brownsgasmenge is controlled.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the proportion of one liter of intake air supplied Brownsgasmenge is between 0.05 and 0.5 parts per thousand.

Arrangement for carrying out the method, with one starting from an air filter box ( 3 ) with the engine combustion space ( 1 ) the internal combustion engine connected air supply line ( 4 ) for supplying an adapted to the respective engine operation amount of air into which a to a vehicle battery ( 9 ) supplied electrolyzer ( 12 ) connected gas supply line ( 13 ) Opens, characterized in that (in the air supply line 4 ) in front of the mouth of the gas supply line ( 13 ) an air mass meter ( 5 ) for detecting the air volume drawn in dependence on the respective engine operation and in the gas supply line ( 13 ) in the flow direction, first a flow meter ( 32 ) for detecting the actually generated gas quantity and a throttle valve ( 34 ) are integrated for the final adjustment of the volume of gas adapted to the volume of air delivered, which in each case is connected to the electrolyzer ( 12 ) associated first control device ( 23 ) are connected to regulate the gas generation based on the intake air quantity and the detected amount of gas by means of a modulated by a modulator continuously or at intervals, in frequency, amplitude, edge angle and duration variable pulsating current.

Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that in the gas supply line ( 13 ) a water separator ( 30 ), a water detector ( 30a ) and a gas filter ( 31 ) for gas purification and a gas-permeable ceramic material burnout ( 33 ) to prevent a flashback in the electrolyzer ( 12 ) are involved.

Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the first control unit ( 23 ) via a second control device ( 36 ) with a main control unit assigned to the internal combustion engine ( 8th ) connected is.

Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the gas supply line ( 13 ) for swirling and uniform distribution of the molecules contained in the gas flow in the intake air via a downstream of the air mass meter ( 5 ) arranged Venturi ( 35 ) in the air supply line ( 4 ) opens.

Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrolyzer ( 12 ) several in a filled with an electrolyte housing ( 14 ) arranged at a distance parallel, provided with openings electrode plates ( 20 . 20 ' . 20 '' ), and the two outer electrode plates ( 20 ' . 20 '' ) or a central electrode plate ( 20 '' ) and the two outer electrode plates ( 20 ' ) via the first control unit ( 23 ) with the plus or minus pole of the vehicle battery ( 9 ), one above the electrode plates ( 20 . 20 ' . 20 '' ) by a housing cover ( 15 ) limited gas collection room ( 24 ) via a sealable on a gas outlet nozzle and at a certain pressure in the gas collection chamber ( 24 ) self-opening lid ( 16 ) with an inner, a filter receiving pipe section ( 17 ) and a gas connection ( 27 ) to the gas supply line ( 13 ) is connectable.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing cover ( 15 ) one to the maximum electrolyte filling height in the housing ( 14 ) lowered section ( 18 ) with a through a screw cap ( 19 ) has closable filling opening.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrode plates ( 20 ) in the bottom and two opposite side walls of the housing ( 14 ) and in the region of the plate top provided grooves are fixed.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrolyzer ( 12 ) for monitoring the electrolyte, a density meter ( 26 ), a level gauge ( 28 ) and a temperature sensor ( 29 ) and a pressure relief valve ( 25 ) having.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrode plates ( 20 ) have a width that is significantly greater than their height and, as a result, a sufficiently large electrode surface is covered with electrolyte over a long period of time.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrode plate thickness is about one millimeter and the electrode plate spacing is between 1.5 and 10.5 millimeters.

Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that in the electrolyzer ( 12 ) is a 3.5 to 5.0 percent potash solution.

Arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the electrolyte for freezing point reduction in winter operation has an increased concentration and / or as antifreeze to max. Contains 10% ethylene glycol.