Power device

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POWER DEVICE “wets” the porous polymer. When the solvent evaporates, there is Sufficient porosity remaining in the porous polymer/

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION ion-conducting polymer composite material that molecular oxygen can leak through to the fuel gas and result in an

The present invention relates generally to fuel cells and to explosion.

a power device for use in hydrogen powered cars. More U.S. Pat. No. 3,577.357 (Winkler) discloses a water Specifically, the present invention discloses a novel power purification membrane composed of block copolymers of device which does not create any environmentally polluting Sulfonated polyvinyl arene block and alpha-olefin elasto exhaust, and is extremely efficient, long lasting, quiet and meric blocks. In one example a styrene-ioSprene-Styrene inexpensive. triblock copolymer was Selectively hydrogenated, then Sul fonated using a premixed SO3/triethylphosphate reagent at

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 60° C. for 1.5 hrs. A sulfonated styrene-(ethylene-propylene) A fuel cell device generates electricity directly from a fuel copolymer was the result. The method provided solid agglomerates of the polymer which were rolled on a mill to

Source, Such as hydrogen gas, and an oxidant, Such as remove water, Swelled in cyclohexane, Slurried in an iso oxygen or air. It does So by continuously changing the 15 propyl alcohol/water mixture, and coagulated in hot water. chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant to electrical energy. No membrane was produced, and we have found that Since the process does not “burn' the fuel to produce heat, polymers produced according to the method of Winkler the thermodynamic limits on efficiency are much higher than cannot be cast into films.

normal power generation processes. In essence, the fuel cell Gray et al. Macromolecules 21, 392–397 (1988) dis consists of two catalytic electrodes Separated by an ion closes a styrene-butadiene-Styrene block copolymer where conducting membrane. The fuel gas (e.g. hydrogen) is the ion-conducting entity is a pendant Short-chain of poly ionized on one electrode, and the hydrogen ions diffuse (ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether (mPEG) complexed acroSS the membrane to recombine with the oxygen ions on with LiCF3SO3 salt and connected through a succinate the Surface of the other electrode. If current is not allowed linkage to a flexible connecting entity which is the butadiene to run from one electrode to the other, a potential gradient is 25 block of the triblock copolymer. The ion-conducting entity built up to Stop the diffusion of the hydrogen ions. Allowing in the butadiene block is in the continuous phase of the Some current to flow from one electrode to the other through polymer, and the areas populated by the ion-conducting an external load produces power. entities do not preferentially touch each other to form The membrane Separating the electrodes must allow the continuousnot ion-conducting domains. This morphology does facilitate the ion-conducting properties that are neces diffusion of ions from one electrode to the other, but must sary for fuel cell operation. The styrene block functions only keep the fuel and oxidant gases apart. It must also prevent as a mechanical Support Structure for the polymer. Moreover, the flow of electrons. Diffusion or leakage of the fuel or the molecular design chosen by Gray et al. is incompatible oxidant gases across the membrane leads to explosions and with the working environment of a fuel cell. Because the other undesirable consequences. If electrons can travel 35 succinate linkage which joins the mPEG to the butadiene through the membrane, the device is fully or partially backbone and the ether linkages which

Shorted out, and the useful power produced is eliminated or oxide units are Subject to cleavage by acidjoin the ethylene reduced. Ehrenberg et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,574 discloses linkages are unstable in the low pH environment of athese hydrolysis, fuel

Such a membrane which allows the diffusion of ions, but cell even for short periods of time. prevents both the flow of electrons and the diffusion of 40 In the art of battery separators, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. molecular gases. This membrane is also mechanically stable. No. 5,091,275, a number of porous polymers and filled In constructing a fuel cell, it is particularly advantageous polymer materials are well known. The pores of these that the catalytic electrodes be in intimate contact with the polymers and composite materials are filled with, typically, membrane material. This reduces the “contact resistance' a liquid electrolyte to conduct ions from one electrode to that arises when the ions move from the catalytic electrode 45 another in a battery. However, these battery Separator mate to the membrane and Vice versa. Intimate contact can be facilitated by incorporating the membrane material into the rials allow the passage of gases, So that fuel cells made with them have an unfortunate tendency to explode as the oxygen catalytic electrodes. See Wilson and Gottsfeld J. Appl. leaks into the hydrogen Side of a fuel cell. Electrochem. 22, 1-7 (1992) To be useful, the hydrogen gas produced must be Stored For reasons of chemical Stability, fuel cells presently 50 for later use to provide energy when needed. The production available typically use a fully fluorinated polymer Such as of hydrogen from water generally consists of transmitting Dupont Nafion RegisteredTM as the ion-conducting mem electrical energy to electrodes within an electrolyzer to brane. This polymer is very expensive to produce, which induce an electric potential difference which disasSociates raises the cost of fuel cells to a level that renders them water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolyzer generally commercially unattractive. 55 contains pure water having as electrolyte of Sodium hydrox Ion-conducting polymers are well known. (See Vincent, ide or potassium hydroxide. These electrolytes are not C. A., Polymer Electrolyte Reviews I, 1987). The known destroyed nor do they need to be replenished during the polymers are, for the most part, Similar to Sulfonated poly operation of the electrolyzer. Thus, even though the elec Styrene because of the known ability of Sulfonated polySty trolysis action (the producing of chemical changes by the rene to conductions. Unfortunately, uncrosslinked, highly 60 passage of an electric current through an electrolyte (a Sulfonated polystyrenes are unstable in the aqueous envi nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by ronment of a fuel cell, and do not hold their dimensional the movement of ions, or a Substance that when dissolved in shape. a Suitable Solvent or when fused becomes an ionic U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,311 discloses that a porous polymer conductor)) may take place intermittently, the hydrogen matrix may be impregnated with an ion-conducting polymer 65 produced can be maintained in Storage and turned back into to produce a fuel cell membrane. However, the ion electrical energy (either by combustion or by use of a fuel conducting polymer must be dissolved in a Solvent which cell) when desired.

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One of the more efficient electrolyzers presently available from pressure-composition isotherms. The abscissa of Such is a solid polymer electrolyte ("SPE”) unit. These units isotherms is typically in the form of a hydrogen atoms to basically consist of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, metal atoms ratio (“H/M”). FIG. 1 shows the ideal placed in a perfluorinated Sulfonic acid polymer. The elec absorption-desorption preSSure-composition isotherm for a trodes are connected through an external circuit to a power metal-hydrogen system where the plateau pressure (“P”)30 Supply. Water is broken down at the anode into oxygen, is shown connecting points B and C. Once the plateau hydrogen ions and electrons. The electrons flow through the preSSure is reached, the majority of the absorption or des external circuit to the cathode while the hydrogen ions flow orption of hydrogen takes place at this constant pressure P. through the electrolytic polymer to the cathode where they The curves connecting points A and B as well as points C combine with the electrons and form hydrogen. The equa and D show that for a large increase or decrease in pressure, tions at the anode and cathode are: the amount of hydrogen absorbed or desorbed is Small. In reality, while such isotherms as shown in FIG. 1 might be achievable, most hydrides deviate from this ideal behav ior. In addition to the fact that the plateau region slopes and 15 the boundaries of this region are not as well defined, there

and the Overall reaction is:

also exists hysteresis between absorption and desorption curves. For ideal hydrides, there is no means by which to measure the composition of the hydride when located along the plateau pressure; but the slope in the isotherm for real

The by-product of this process is an effluent containing metals makes finding the hydrogen to metal ratio as Simple trace hydrofluoric acid, oxygen gas and excess water. as knowing the temperature and pressure of the hydride. SPE electrolyzers are one of the two main types of The plateau pressure P is related to the absolute tem electrolyzers available. SPE electrolyzers are also known as perature of the reaction, T, by the Van't Hoff equation: PEM, or Proton Exchange Membrane, for the way in which they split water. The other type, liquid electrolyte (“LE”) 25 H AS electrolyzers, uses as its electrolyte a Strong acidic or basic In(P) T. R

Solution, typically potassium hydroxide. However, there are a number of advantages that an SPE electrolyzer has over LE where AH is the change in enthalpy, AS is the change in electrolyzers. The concentration of the Solution in an LE entropy and R is the universal gas constant. From the Vant electrolyzer must be maintained at a constant level for the Hoff relationship one can determine the charging and dis electrolytic reaction to take place, while SPE electrolyzers charging preSSures and temperatures of the tank. maintain constant concentration over their life. SPE elec

In recent trolyzers are also safer, Since they do not require a Supply of order to realize years, numerous cars have been designed in a strong highly corrosive basic Solution as do LE electro these cars havea reduction been of pollution and noise. Some of fueled with nitrogen oxide and lyZerS. 35 hydrogen, resulting in exhaust containing no carbon mon The hydrogen gas thus produced is a Storable, transportable, clean, and non-polluting fuel. However, oxide. force

Also, Some of these cars have been getting driving by loaded Storage cells and motors.

hydrogen has the fundamental limitation of being difficult to However, there are Several shortcomings of the cars store. Hydrogen has a boiling point of -252.87 C. and a previously made. First, these cars, which were fueled by density of 0.09 grams per liter. This means that in order to 40 hydrogen, have proven to display reduced driving force due Store hydrogen in reasonable sized tanks, it must be Stored to combusting hydrogen with an internal combustion engine. either under pressure, at low temperature, or both. Second, regarding the exchange of fuel in the tank which Unfortunately, it takes energy to create high pressures and low temperatures. Thus, the overall efficiency and cost Stores the hydrogen and the refilling of this tank, there are currently Serious problems concerning the potential for effectiveness of producing and Storing hydrogen is reduced. 45 dangerous explosions. Third, these cars did not obtain Suf In order to overcome the hydrogen Storage problem, it has ficient driving distances per tank of fuel. Fourth, a car using been found that hydrogen can be stored in a Solid form via a hydrogen fuel cell and a motor could not get enough cell "rechargeable' metal hydrides, Such as iron-titanium capacity with the prior fuel cells Such that it was necessary manganese (Fe44Ti55MnS) alloy, mischmetal-nickel alumi to combine many cells in order to get Sufficient power. num hydriding (MnO.97Ni4.5A10.5) alloy, and the like. This 50 Finally, the prior fuel cells required a very long time to can best be described by the reversible chemical reaction of charge and their running distances were short. a solid metal hydride(Me) with gaseous hydrogen (H2) to It has also been previously Suggested that in order to most form a solid metal hydride (MeH x): efficiently use a fuel cell System for vehicular propulsion, the 2/x Me HCs MeH, heat System should be, preferably, sized So as to provide Sufficient 55 power, at a useful voltage, for normal continuing operation,

The forward or exothermic reaction is characteristic of the or cruising operation, when utilizing air as the Oxidant, and charging (absorption) of hydrogen to the hydride while the that during peak loads, pure oxygen should be Substituted for reverse or endothermic reaction is the discharging air as the oxidant. This allows the fuel cell system to be sized (desorption) of hydrogen from the metal hydride. Among the for normal low power/air operation, but also to provide a many advantages of hydrogen Storage via a metal hydriding 60 peak power capacity, at a Suitable Voltage, Significantly alloy, the most significant is the low charging and discharg greater than for normal operation, and without any complex ing preSSures required to hydride which lessens the risk of changes to the System. Such a System is disclosed in U.S. leakage and explosion associated with Storing hydrogen as a Pat. No. 4,657,829. In this prior patent, the water generated compressed gas. by operation of the fuel cell is electrolyzed during normal When examining the thermodynamic aspects of the 65 operation by the exceSS electrical capacity of the fuel cell. reversible metal-hydrogen reaction, it is advantageous to The electrolysis results in the generation of hydrogen and determine the absorption and desorption properties of metals oxygen gases, which in turn are Stored under pressure for use

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S 6 when required at peak power capacity. Although this System device converts the electricity, which is created in the above does result in the desired peak power availability, the mentioned electrolysis-electrical cell, to power. amount of oxygen which must be stored in order to have Additionally, the power device of the present invention has adequate peak power capacity is a problem for a vehicle for a special feature whereby the electrical power is created which minimum design weight is desired. from the hydrogen Stored in the above mentioned Storage It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a tank. Further, this invention relates to a method and appa fuel cell power System for a vehicle with improved peak ratus for converting energy to hydrogen gas and the Storage power capability but with minimized high pressure gas of the hydrogen gas in, for example, metal alloy hydride Storage requirement. It is yet a further object of the present Storage tanks.

invention to provide a fuel cell power System utilizing power In an effort to overcome the numerous disadvantages created during operation of the vehicle and water generated asSociated with the production and Storage of hydrogen gas by operation of the fuel cell to generate oxygen and hydro generated from alternate energy Sources, the present inven gen for use during peak power intervals, but wherein the tion utilizes a novel apparatus for efficiently producing and effectiveness of the oxidant air is enhanced by enrichment Storing hydrogen fuel which can be used as an with oxygen So as to reduce the amount of Storage capacity 15 environmentally-Safe fuel for both heating and electric required for peak acceleration requirements. It is yet another power generation, especially for automobiles. and further objective of the present invention to provide a The present invention provides a System for powering a fuel cell powered vehicle having improved efficacy during motor vehicle utilizing a fuel cell which operates on air and operation. Other objects and advantages will become appar hydrogen during constant Speed, or cruising, operation, or ent when considering the following Specific description of during deceleration, and which operates on hydrogen and an example of the invention. oxygen-enriched air, when peak power is required, for The present invention provides a novel and useful power acceleration or for moving uphill. This invention further device which has overcome the problems existing in the provides for the electrolysis of water during operation of the prior hydrogen fuel cell Systems used for electric cars, vehicle based upon the power generated during deceleration, including but not limited to reducing exhaust pollution. 25 or braking, of the moving vehicle, and with additional power OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION being provided from the fuel cell, as necessary. It has previously been found that oxygen-enriched air containing

The present invention relates generally to a new power only 40% oxygen by volume provides sufficient power device. More specifically, it creates hydrogen from Supplied enhancement, at the required Voltages, when operating at the water and electricity, which is Stored in a storage tank low temperatures, and the low preSSures, of the fuel cell furnished for Such storage, So that the hydrogen can be used Systems. Such power enhancement has been previously later. An electrolysis-electrical cell then produces electric described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,778. The system disclosed power from the Supplied hydrogen and air. The electricity therein permits Sufficiently high peak power output, while created is then converted to power by a power converter. more than doubling the effective Storage capacity, based Additionally, this power device has a special feature 35 upon peak power output time, of pure oxygen without whereby the electrical power is created by the hydrogen enlarging the Storage tank. There oxygen Storage tank should Stored in the above mentioned Storage Section. maintain oxygen at a pressure of at least about 200 psig, and Another feature of the present invention is an electrolysis preferably at least about 400 psig in order to be able to store instrument fuel cell structured with three layers of platinum 40 Sufficient mass of oxygen to feed the fuel cell Stacks during electrode, multiplex polymer membrane and iridium elec expected peak load periods.

trode. The present invention primarily is comprised of four Another feature of the present invention is that the Storage components. First, an energy Source, Such as a photovoltaic Section is made of a hydrogen Storage alloy. array to convert Solar energy to electrical power, a windmill Another feature of the present invention is that the power 45 used to collect wind power and convert it to electrical power, converter contains a motor which acts as a storage cell and the like. Second, a compressor which Supplies the charged with the power created at a fixed rate in the electrolysis-fuel cell with oxygen and the hydrogen Storage electrolysis-electrical cell and which Supplies the necessary tank with hydrogen from the atmosphere. Third, a hydrogen power at time of acceleration. Also, a controller which Storage device, Such as a Solid metallic alloy hydride which controls the charge and discharge of the above mentioned 50 Stores hydrogen through a reversible chemical process. Storage cell and controls the rotation Speed of the motor and Fourth, a hydrogen consumption device, Such as an torque is incorporated in this invention. electrolysis-fuel cell which consumes the hydrogen released Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present from the tanks (using a heat exchange process) to provide invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions electricity which powers a motor.

of the related elements of the structure, will become more 55 An important feature of the present invention is matching apparent upon consideration of the following detailed the Specifications of the electrolyzer to the hydriding and description with reference to the accompanying drawings, dehydriding reactions occurring with the metal hydride to all of which form a part of this specification. allow the System to operate at Sufficiently low pressures

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(near ambient) and thereby eliminate the need for holding the System under pressure.

AS discussed previously, this invention relates generally The hydrogen produced is Stored as a Solid hydride when to a new power device. More specifically, it creates hydro not in use, which eliminates the inconveniences and hazards gen from Supplied water and electricity. This hydrogen is asSociated with Storing hydrogen as a compressed gas. then used in combination with air in an electrolysis Operating the Solid hydride Storage System and electrolyzer electrical cell to produce electric power. This is accom 65 at low pressures lessens the chance of leakage and plished by first Storing the hydrogen in a Storage tank or explosion, allows simpler Sealing configurations, allows for Section furnished for Such storage. Next, a power converter the use of less expensive construction materials, lessens the

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chance of Structural fatigue, allows for easy assembly of the The method and device of the present invention creates entire System, and eliminates compressor pulsations and/or hydrogen from Supplied water and electricity, and an Vibrations which can cause Structural damage and leakage. electrolysis-electrical cell Section produces electric power A significant advantage of the System is that hydrogen is from the Supplied hydrogen and air. The hydrogen is then produced in a steady Supply using only air, water and either Stored in a Storage Section furnished for Such storage, while Solar energy, wind power, or the like, which are practically a power Section converts the electricity created in the above inexhaustible. mentioned electrolysis-electrical cell to power which pro An attractive aspect of the use of photovoltaic energy in pells the car.

the formation of hydrogen fuel is that hydrogen is environ The power device of the present invention has Several mentally benign. It can be burned in air without producing Special features which are vast improvements over the excessive amounts of greenhouse gases or other pollutants existing designs. First, the electrical power is created by the attributed to hydrocarbon or fossil fuels. Hydrogen can also hydrogen Stored in the above mentioned Storage Section. be used to power a fuel cell to generate electricity directly, Second, the electrolysis instrument fuel cell is Structured with the only by-product being water. The present invention 15 with three layers, a platinum electrode, a multiplex polymer can thus demonstrate the potential of hydrogen fuel as an membrane and an iridium electrode. Third, the Storage alternate Source of energy when produced in this Safe and Section of the power device of the present invention is made clean manner. of a hydrogen Storage metal alloy. Fourth, the power Section

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

contains a motor which is a Storage cell charged with the power created at a fixed rate in the electrolysis-electrical cell

A further understanding of the present invention can be and Supplies necessary power at the time of acceleration, and obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in a controller that controls a charge and discharge of the above the illustrations of the accompanying drawing. Although the mentioned Storage cell and controls the rotation Speed of the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of Systems for motor and its torque.

carrying out the present invention, both the organization and 25 With the above mentioned structures of storing hydrogen method of operation of the invention, in general, together created from Supplied water and electricity, the power device with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more of the present invention can generate power from the elec easily understood by reference to the drawings and the tricity created by the Stored hydrogen and the Supplied air. following description. The drawing is not intended to limit For instance, with the above Structure, a dangerous hydrogen the Scope of this invention, which is Set forth with particu fuel tank exchange or refill of hydrogen would not be larity in the claims as appended or as Subsequently amended, necessary, and with a one time charge, a hydrogen fuel cell but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. car that has enough driving distance can be offered. For a more complete understanding of the present The following description of a preferred embodiment of invention, reference is now made to the following drawings the present invention explains the hydrogen fuel cell power in which:

35 device in detail while referencing the detailed drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plot showing the ideal absorption-desorption Referring first to FIG. 2, shown is a block diagram of the preSSure-composition isotherm for a metal-hydrogen SyS Structural practice of the motor lineage of the power device tem. of the present invention. The present invention primarily FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of the process by which the comprises four components. First is an energy Source, Such power device of the present invention createS power, dem 40 as a photovoltaic array to convert Solar energy to electrical onstrating the Structural practice of the acceleration power of power, a windmill used to collect wind power and convert it the hydrogen fuel cell automobile. to electrical power, and the like. Second is compressor 14 FIG. 3 shows the electrolysis-fuel cell of the present which supplies the electrolysis-fuel cell 10 with oxygen and invention functioning as electrolysis, i.e., the producing of the hydrogen Storage tank 12 with hydrogen from the chemical changes by the passage of an electric current 45 Solid atmosphere. Third is a hydrogen Storage tank 12, Such as a through an electrolyte, a nonmetallic electric conductor in metallic alloy hydride which Stores hydrogen through which current is carried by the movement of ions, or a Sumption a reversible chemical process. Fourth is a hydrogen con Substance that when dissolved in a Suitable solvent or when device, Such as electrolysis-fuel cell 14 which fused becomes an ionic conductor. consumes the hydrogen released from the hydrogen Storage FIG. 4 shows the electrolysis-fuel cell of the present 50 whichtank 12 (using heat exchanger 5a) to provide electricity invention functioning as a fuel cell which produces the car. ThepowerS motor 18, which, for example, can propel a process of the present invention is described in power to propel the automobile. further detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE Initially, air from the atmosphere enters compressor 14 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT which thereby produces hydrogen and oxygen. The hydro

The following presents a detailed description of a pre gen is then Stored in hydrogen Storage tank 12, while the ferred embodiment of the present invention. AS discussed oxygen is delivered to electrolysis fuel cell 10. At the same above, this invention relates generally to a power device for time, water enters the electrolysis fuel cell 10, and in use in hydrogen fuel cell cars. More Specifically, the present conjunction with a Supplied Single electric charge, electri invention discloses a novel power device which will not 60 cally disintegrates the Supplied water to create hydrogen and create any environmentally polluting exhaust (i.e., it does OXygen.

not emit any carbon dioxide), and is extremely efficient, long The hydrogen, which is Stored in the hydrogen Storage lasting, quiet and inexpensive to produce. Also, the device of tank 12, and the oxygen, taken from air in the atmosphere, the present invention does not require a large area and there are supplied to the electrolysis-fuel cell 10 by compressor is no concern about explosion. Additionally, this power 65 14, which work together to create the power of the device. device can replace the use of gas and electricity as the Source In turn, this power propells motor 18 thereby generating of power in homes, factories, hotels, etc. moving power.

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In Sum, the power device of the present invention pro of the present invention. Also, regarding the Supplied water, vides power to practical applications, Such as electric cars, any water Source will Suffice for the present invention to by efficiently creating electrical power from hydrogen fuel work, however water in which harmful ions have been and a Small, light electrolysis fuel cell. Additionally, the removed by an ion removing cartridge produces the best hydrogen Storage tank 12 is structured with hydrogen Stor results.

age alloys, Such as titanium-iron alloy or lanthanum-nickel Furthermore, the created hydrogen must be cooled before alloy, but is not limited to these alloys. However, the alloys being Stored for later use. This is accomplished at the heat are limited to those with a high hydrogen adsorption coef eXchanger 5a, whereby the hydrogen is Sent to the hydrogen ficient at low temperatures and to those which are not Storage tank 12 via compressor 14 after going through a micro-pulverized by the hydrogen adsorption. This is impor water remover (not shown) and an oxygen remover (not tant So that the Storage of the hydrogen can last for an shown).

extended period of time, and So that the hydrogen Storage Finally, referring to FIG. 4, shown is the electrolysis-fuel tank 12 does not have to be replaced often. cell of the present invention functioning as a fuel cell. This Also, temperature control is crucial to the Storing of figure demonstrates that when oxygen is Supplied to the hydrogen in the hydrogen Storage tank 12, the removal of 15 negative pole 32 and hydrogen is Supplied to the positive hydrogen from the hydrogen Storage tank 12, the electrical pole 33, oxidation occurs and electric power is generated by Solving at electrolysis-fuel cell 10 and the efficient creation the electrode. The reaction is as follows: of electric power. This temperature control of the hydrogen Positive

Storage tank 12 and electrolysis-fuel cell 10 is accomplished with thermoelectrical heat pump 5b and heat exchanger 5a in a cooling loop. Furthermore, the Storage rate can be raised by cooling the hydrogen Storage alloy used when Sending Negative hydrogen to the hydrogen Storage tank 12. Additionally,

Since the hydrogen Storage alloy heats up when taking 2H2e 1/2O->HO hydrogen out of the hydrogen Storage tank 12, cooling is 25 important at this Stage to maintain efficiency. Overall Cell Reaction

Next, controller 16 controls the turning Speed and torque of motor 18. Controller 16 contains a storage cell for H1/2O->HO accelerating time. This Storage cell Supplements a part of the According to the above described System of the present electric power that motor 18 needs at the time of acceleration invention, the creation of electricity is conducted through and charging at the time of fixed speed of the enforced practice. Also, the power device of the present invention the formation of water, with electrons being created in the exhausts oxygen resulting from the electrically resolved positive pole 33. Furthermore, the voltage occurrence water at the time the hydrogen is Supplied. A Small amount 35 changes according to the current density of the electricity of water results from the oxidation reaction at the time of the created, but ranges from about 0.75 V to about 1.0 V per cell. With creation of the electric power. Heat is also generated from in Series the present invention, connecting Several hundred cells motor 18. However, this exhaust and heat emission is very in the operation creates the necessary Voltage for optimal efficiency Small compared to a conventional car with an internal of the fuel cell. combustion engine. Additionally, referring back to FIG. 1, when creating The electrolysis fuel cell 10 of FIG. 2 uses a solid polymer electric power with the electrolysis fuel cell 10, it is impor

tant to maintain electrolytic cell. Since a general polymer electrolytic cell has was created in the energy efficiency by exhausting the heat that a low power to weight ratio and is not practical for this use, occurs through the electrolysis heat fuel cell 10. This exhaustion eXchanger 5a. AS explained in detail the present invention uses a polymer electrolytic cell with an above, according to the present invention, because hydrogen elevated cell density, which is created by a laser. Here, the 45 is created from the Supplied water and electricity in elec power to weight ratio of the Solid polymer electrolytic cell trolysis fuel cell 10, the dangerous hydrogen fuel tank is higher than a gasoline engine and its peak electrical eXchange or refill processes become obsolete. current reaches 1,000 Amperes. If a large hydrogen Storage Also according to the present invention, by using a Small, tank 12 is used, with a one time charge, it is possible to run light weight, high power to weight ratio electrolysis fuel cell more than 1,000 kilometers on a single charge. 50 10 for the source of moving power, a highly efficient electric Referring next to FIG. 3, shown is the electrolysis-fuel charge and discharge can be obtained. Therefore, with one cell of the present invention functioning as an electrolysis charge, Sufficient driving distance, in the range of 1000 process. The drawing shows a multiplex polymer membrane kilometers can be obtained. Furthermore, applications of this 21, the negative pole 22 made of platinum to prevent electrolytic fuel cell are not limited to cars but also can be oxidation, and the positive pole 23 made of an iridium 55 applied to boats, trains and airplanes, or for cooling, heating membrane to reduce loSS of oxygen by over Voltage, which and home electrical power uses.

execute the function of the electrolytic fluid. Also according to the present invention, the Storage of In this process, water is Supplied to the positive pole 23 hydrogen created from the Supplied water and electricity, and electricity is Supplied to the region between the positive and the creation of electric power from this Stored hydrogen pole 23 and negative pole 22. The electricity causes hydro 60 and Supplied air, this power device generates electric power gen ions from the Supplied water to move toward the which can power a variety of different machines Such as negative pole 22. This results in the creation of hydrogen at automobiles, boats, etc., as well as entire homes, Stores, the negative pole 22 and oxygen at the positive pole 23. Schools, hotels, factories, etc. Therefore, with this invention, Furthermore, any form of electricity, Such as that used for the dangerous exchange of hydrogen fuel tanks and hydro household purposes, will produce the desired results as 65 gen refills become unnecessary, and a hydrogen fuel cell car, previously mentioned. However, “midnight' electricity boat, etc., which has a large traveling distance with a one reduces the cost of creating the hydrogen fuel in the proceSS time electrical charge can be offered.

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While the present invention has been described with 7. A power device according to claim 6, wherein Said reference to one or more preferred embodiments, Such power device further comprises a heat eXchanger, wherein embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to Said heat eXchanger controls the temperature of Said hydro be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all gen Storage device and Said hydrogen consumption device. aspects of the invention. The Scope of the invention, 8. A power device according to claim 7, wherein Said therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. power device further comprises a controller, wherein Said Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that controller controls the power sent to the motor of the numerous changes may be made in Such details without machine to be powered.

departing from the Spirit and the principles of the invention. 9. A power device according to claim 6, wherein Said What is claimed is: 1O hydrogen Storage device is a metal alloy hydride Storage tank.

1. A power device comprising: 10. A power device according to claim 6, wherein Said an energy Source, energy Source is a photovoltaic array which converts Solar a hydrogen consumption device; energy to electrical power.

a hydrogen Storage device; and 11. A method for generating power using an electrolysis 15 fuel cell in which hydrogen is created from Supplied water a compreSSOr, wherein Said compressor Supplies Said hydrogen consump andSupplying electricity, Said method comprising the following Steps: Oxygen, hydrogen, Water and a single electric tion device with oxygen; wherein Said compressor Supplies charge to Said electrolysis fuel cell; Said hydrogen Storage device with hydrogen; and wherein electrically disintegrating Said water into hydrogen and Said hydrogen from Said hydrogen Storage device is com OXygen; and bined with air and water in Said hydrogen consumption combining Said hydrogen with air to generate Said power; device to produce electric power. wherein a compressor Supplies Said electrolysis fuel cell 2. A power device according to claim 1, wherein Said power device further comprises a heat eXchanger, wherein with Said oxygen; wherein a hydrogen Storage device Sup Said heat eXchanger controls the temperature of Said hydro 25 plies said electrolysis fuel cell with Said hydrogen; wherein an external Source Supplies Said electrolysis fuel cell with gen Storage device and Said hydrogen consumption device. Said water, and wherein an energy Source Supplies Said 3. A power device according to claim 2, wherein Said power device further comprises a controller, wherein Said electrolysis

fuel cell with Said Single electric charge.

method for generating power according to claim 11, controller controls the power sent to the motor of the wherein Said method further comprises the Step of: machine to be powered. controlling the temperature of Said hydrogen Storage 4. A power device according to claim 1, wherein Said device and Said electrolysis fuel cell. hydrogen Storage device is a metal alloy hydride Storage tank. 13. A method for generating power according to claim 12, 5. A power device according to claim 1, wherein Said wherein 14. A said controlling is performed by a heat exchanger.

method for generating power according to claim 11, energy Source is a photovoltaic array which converts Solar 35 energy to electrical power. wherein Said method further comprises the Step of: 6. A power device for creating power from water and controlling the power Sent to the motor of the machine electricity, Said power device comprising: being powered.

an energy Source, 15. A method for generating power according to claim 14, wherein Said controlling is performed by a controller.

a hydrogen Storage device; 40 16. A method for generating power according to claim 11, an electrolysis fuel cell; and wherein Said hydrogen Storage device is a metal alloy a compreSSOr, hydride Storage tank.

wherein Said electrolysis fuel cell receives oxygen from Said 17. A method for generating power according to claim 11, compressor, hydrogen from Said hydrogen Storage device, 45 wherein Said energy Source is a photovoltaic array which water from an external Source and a Single electric charge converts Solar energy to electrical power. from Said energy Source; wherein Said electrolysis fuel cell 18. A method for generating power according to claim 14, electrically disintegrates Said water into hydrogen and oxy wherein Said method further comprises the Step of: gen; and wherein Said electrolysis fuel cell combines Said Supplying Said compressor with air, wherein Said com hydrogen with air in Said electrolysis fuel cell which pro 50 preSSor Supplies said hydrogen Storage device with duces electric power, hydrogen which is Stored in Said hydrogen and Said electrolysis fuel cell with oxygen. hydrogen Storage device, and excess water which is extracted as exhaust. k k k k k

Page 11

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : 6,211,643 B1 Page 1 of 1

INVENTOR(S) : Kagitani

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

Title page, Item 54 and Column 1, line 1,

Please change the title from “POWER DEVICE to -- HYDROGEN, OXYGEN

GENERATOR AND POWER DEVICE --

Title page,

Item 76, the Inventor's last name is incorrect. Please change “Kagatani” to -- Kagitani --.

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of April, 2003

JAMES E ROGAN

Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Page 12

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : 6,211,643 B1 Page 1 of 1

INVENTOR(S) : Takeo Kagitani

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

Title page,

InSert:

-- Related U.S. Patent Application Data 63 Continuation of application No. 08/935,092, filed Sep. 25, 1997, now

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-sixth Day of August, 2003

JAMES E ROGAN

Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office