US20110147204A1

US20110147204A1 - Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water

Info

Publication number: US20110147204A1
Application number: US12/653,752
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman Leiato; Joseph Edward LEIATO; Joseph Michael Moon
Original assignee: Green On Demand (G O D) LLP
Current assignee: Green on Demand GmbH; Green On Demand (G O D) LLP
Priority date: 2009-12-17
Filing date: 2009-12-17
Publication date: 2011-06-23
Also published as: WO2011073195A1

Abstract

Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water including an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid; a solid rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first lid; a plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged concentrically with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least one connector which is attached to the connector element reaches through the first lid; at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The environmental effects of pollution and global warming require an energy source which is easy available and lowers the pollution. There is an ongoing search for another viable, safe and economical source of alternative fuel compared to fossil fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. On earth, 90% of the hydrogen atoms are found in water and consequently water has been vied as the favorite choice for an endlessly and renewable fuel propulsion source.
Electrolysis is the main procedure that is being used to produce hydrogen from water. Each water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Passing an electric current through water causes the two gases to separate. The oxygen migrates to the positive electrode, the anode and the negative electrode, the cathode, attracts the hydrogen. The resulting process yields twice as much hydrogen as oxygen.
The text book “Fuel From Water”; 12^thedition, Copyright © 2008 by Merit Products Inc. Box 6868, Louisville, Ky. 40206; ISBN 978-0-945516-04-0, discloses various concepts to obtain hydrogen from water and the hydrogen is used for example as an energy source for providing power for an internal combustion engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,919 discloses a method for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction.
In German Patent Application DE 44 43 476 A1, a method is described which provides an internal combustion engine of a vehicle with hydrogen. The vehicle has an electrolysis device for the production of hydrogen and several storage tanks for hydrogen.
U.S. Pat. RE 38,066 discloses an electrolysis apparatus which has a number of membrane electrolysis cells. Each of the cells has a membrane formed on both sides with a contact layer. The apparatus, while it is compact in its design, is also suitable for comparatively high hydrogen production rates and can consequently be used particularly flexibly. A contact plate is respectively arranged on each contact layer. Each of the contact plates is formed, on its surface facing the contact layer assigned to it, with a system of ducts for the transport of water and/or gas.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,440 provides a system for generating hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution based electrolytic or galvanic cell, wherein the cathode is made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In a preferred arrangement the cell is a galvanic cell and cathode is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy and the anode is made from magnesium or magnesium alloy
U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,633 discloses an electrolyzer cell for the electrolysis of water and comprises a cathode of generally tubular configuration within which is disposed an anode separated from the cathode by a separation membrane of generally tubular configuration which divides the electrolyte chamber into an anode sub-chamber and a cathode sub-chamber. An electrolyzer apparatus includes an array of individual cells across each of which an electric potential is imposed by a DC generator via electrical leads. Hydrogen gas generated within cells from electrolyte is removed via hydrogen gas take-off lines and hydrogen manifold line. By-product oxygen is removed from cells by oxygen gas take-off lines and oxygen manifold line. The electrolyzer apparatus may be configured to operate either batchwise or in a continuous electrolyte recycle operation to produce high purity hydrogen at high pressure, e.g., up to about (10,000) psig, without need for gas compressors to compress product hydrogen.
US-Patent Application 2009/0078568 relates to an on-demand hydrogen gas generation device, suitable for use in a fuel cell, which utilizes water electrolysis, and more particularly galvanic cell corrosion, and/or a chemical hydride reaction, to produce hydrogen gas. The present disclosure additionally relates to such a device that comprises a switching mechanism that has an electrical current passing therethrough and that repeatedly and reversibly moves between a first position and a second position when exposed to pressure differential resulting from hydrogen gas generation, in order to alter the rate, at which hydrogen gas is generated, such that hydrogen gas is generated on an as-needed basis for a fuel cell connected thereto, and/or ensure a substantially constant flow of hydrogen gas is released therefrom. The present disclosure additionally or alternatively relates to such an on-demand hydrogen gas generation device that comprises a gas management system designed to maximize the release or evolution of hydrogen gas, and in particular dry hydrogen gas, therefrom once it has been formed, thus maximizing hydrogen gas output. The present disclosure is still further directed to a fuel cell comprising such an on-demand hydrogen gas generation device, and in particular to a fuel cell designed for small-scale applications.
International Patent Application WO 2008/154721 discloses a process encompassing hydrogen and oxygen gases as a partial fuel source when utilized together with a fossil-based fuel to power conventional internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced by electrolysis in an electrolyzer unit(s), on-demand and on-board a vehicle, or in stationary applications, eliminating the need of highly-pressurized hydrogen storage tanks. When said gases are introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine, via the air intake assembly, they increase the efficiency of the combustion burn by enriching the air to fuel ratio, resulting in a reduction of the fossil-based fuels required for optimum engine performance, said gases effectively becoming a partial hybrid fuel source. The process includes scalability for all size and types of installations, cold-weather applications and longer operating capabilities. As an additional benefit, in direct correlation, this process reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and, in varying quantities, other greenhouse gas emissions.
Chinese Patent Application CN 101289747 relates to a hydrogen generating device, in particular to a generating device for automobile hydrogen fuel energy. The device comprises a storage battery cell and a hydrogen-oxygen generator, wherein a hydrogen outlet and an oxygen outlet are respectively communicated with a combustion cylinder; the hydrogen-oxygen generator is an SPE technology hydrogen-oxygen generator for water electrolysis and purification. By providing an automobile engine with hydrogen and oxygen generated in water electrolysis and purification as automobile auxiliary energy, the device can save 20 percent of fuel and reduce the emission of harmful gas, which is beneficial to environment protection. The application of the device does not need to change any main structure of an automobile and can be carried out directly on line. The device has the advantages of no pollution, high efficiency, good safety performance and convenient operation, which can be used in all weather conditions
Japanese Patent Application JP 2008208722 discloses a water electrolysis cell comprising a pair of separators, a solid polymer electrolytic membrane provided between a pair of the separators and having an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode formed on both surfaces. The feed conductor is interposed between the solid high polymer membrane and the separator. The electrode forming surface is formed except a site where the gas pool of the gas (gaseous hydrogen or gaseous oxygen) produced by the water electrolysis.
US Patent Application US 2007/0272548 A1 discloses an electrode assembly for use in an electrochemical cell, said electrode being in the proportions of a pyramid with the proportions of the pyramidal shape being determined by a specific formula where the height is multiplied by a figure between 1 and 2 to determine the four side lengths and the height is multiplied by a figure between 1.20 and 2.22 to determine the four base lengths.
US Patent Application US 2009/0139856 A1 discloses a cell assembly and a vertically disposed electrode stack within the cell chamber for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen upon the application of electric current to the electrodes. The cell assembly is arranged to contain an electrode stack immersed in water, the stack consisting of at least two electrodes in the form of or having the shape of quadric surfaces such as cones or cylinders. The electrodes are mounted in close concentric proximity to one another and are positioned by support posts which may also serve as electrical connections and are mounted at the base of the cell chamber and extend upwardly through the base of each electrode. A lip structure to assist in gas dispersement disposed about the upper edge of the upper electrode is also disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water, which is easy and save to operate, has a compact design and ensures the high production rate of hydrogen.
The present invention provides an apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water comprising:
an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid;
a solid rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first lid;
a plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged concentrically with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least one connector which is attached to the connector element reaches through the first lid;
at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and
at least one neutral conductive tube is placed between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.
Each of the tube shaped cathodes has a plurality of extensions which are connected to the connector element. A first comb-shaped spacer structure is provided under the first lid. The first comb-shaped spacer structure has a central opening for the solid rod anode and a plurality of spacers with which the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes is achieved The tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes are concentrically arranged with respect to the central anode. In order to establish a electrical connection to tube shaped cathodes the first comb-shaped spacer structure has plurality of cutouts, which enable passage of the extensions of the tube shaped cathodes to the connector element.
The first comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on a carrier, which has a plurality of passage openings for hydrogen. Additionally, the carrier holds the connector element on the opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer structure. A second comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on an inward surface of the second lid. The comb-shaped structure has a central seating for the solid rod anode. The comb-shaped spacer structure provides spacers for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes with respect to the central anode. A plurality of notches is formed on the first comb-shaped spacer structure and the second comb-shaped spacer structure. The notches provide a fixation for the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes.
The tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid are formed of electrically isolating material. Additionally, the first comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on a carrier, the carrier itself and the second comb-shaped spacer structure which is formed on an inward surface of the second lid are made from electrically isolating material. Preferably, the electrically isolating material is polycarbonate.
A supply or water is provided thought a nozzle in the second lid. The first lid has an outlet nozzle for the hydrogen generated within the tubular housing. The first lid has a cylindrical extension surrounding the electrical connector of the rod anode. The cylindrical extension has mounted an outlet for gas produced at the anode.
The tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes have a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm. The massive rod anode, the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes are made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, palladium or titanium.
In further embodiment of the inventive apparatus has an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid. The tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid are made from an electrically isolating material. A solid rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular housing. An electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first lid.
A plurality of tube shaped cathodes is arranged concentrically with respect to the central anode. The tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing. A connector element is provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein two connectors which are attached to the connector element reach through the first lid. The connector for the central anode is connected to a power supply. The two connectors for the tube shaped cathodes are connected to the power supply as well.
Three neutral conductive tubes are placed between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode. Three neutral conductive tubes are placed between every two of consecutive tube shaped cathodes arranged inside the tube shaped housing.
The design of the inventive apparatus is of tubular nape and adapted to separate hydrogen from the gasses produced around the rod anode. In order to do so a first neutral tube surrounds the rod anode. Thereby gases produced around the rod anode are separated from hydrogen.
As mentioned above the most advantageous design is that there are always three neutral tubes between the tube-shaped cathodes and the solid rod anode in the center of the tubular housing.
In the following we describe one embodiment of the apparatus for the on demand production of hydrogen. It is clear for a skilled person that this embodiment is not regarded as a limitation of the invention. This specific arrangement comprises a total of 35 tubes wherein each of the tubes has a wall thickness of 1 mm. The 35 tubes comprise 8 tube shaped cathodes and 27 neutral conductive tubes. In the center of the apparatus one rod solid anode is positioned which has a diameter of 1 cm. All of which are held in place by polycarbonate spacer to keep a required distance between them. These spacers are found both in the bottom lid of the tube through which water is also introduced into unit, as well as the lid assembly. A required distance would be between 1 mm and 6 mm.
As mentioned above the number of the tube shaped cathodes, the number of the neutral conductive tubes and the distance between them depends of the required production rate of hydrogen.
As mentioned above, the housing wall of the tubular housing and the housing wall of the first and second lid made of non conductive material. At temperatures below freezing an anti freeze agent can be added to a water reservoir and/or the apparatus for the electrolysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will describe the apparatus for economically forming packing unit layers according to the present invention in more detail and its advantages with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for electrolysis of water and the production of hydrogen for further use in an energy producing system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solid rod anode which is centrally arranged in the tubular housing;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the apparatus, wherein the tube shaped cathodes and the electric connection to the tube shaped cathodes is visible;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of second lid, closing the second end of the tubular housing and having a comb-shaped spacer structure for the positioning and aligning the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first comb-shaped spacer structure which is arranged under the first lid;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the concentric arrangement of a plurality of tube shaped cathodes;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top onto the carrier for the comb-shaped spacer structure, wherein the carrier is under the first lid;

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view onto the first lid;

FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view onto the first lid; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the inventive apparatus in combination with an internal combustion engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Identical reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements of the invention. Furthermore, only reference numerals are shown in the drawings which are necessary for the description of each figure for clarity.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 for electrolysis of water and the production of hydrogen. The produced hydrogen is used as an on demand energy source. The apparatus 1 is made of an elongated tubular housing 2. The elongated tubular housing 2 is has a first end 2 ₁and a second end 2 ₂. The elongated tubular housing 2 is closed at the first end 2 ₁with a first lid 4 and at the second end 2 ₂with a second lid 6.
The first lid 4 has an outlet nozzle 3 for the hydrogen generated within said elongated tubular housing 2. The second lid 6 has an inlet nozzle 5 for water in order to assure that a certain water level is maintained within said elongated tubular housing 2. A connector 11, which is used for the attachment of a power supply to the rod anode 8 (see FIG. 2), reaches through the first lid 4. Additionally, at least one further connector 12 is provided, which is in electrical contact with the tube shaped cathodes 20 (see FIG. 6), arranged inside the elongated housing 2. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 there are two further connectors 12 through which the electric power is supplied to the tube shaped cathodes 20. The tubular housing 2, the first lid 4 and the second lid 6 is made from electrically isolating material. The preferred electrically isolating material is polycarbonate.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solid rod anode 8 which is centrally arranged in the elongated tubular housing 2. The connector 11 is directly mounted to the massive rod anode 8 which has a diameter D. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the diameter D of the massive rod anode 8 is 1 cm. The massive rod anode 8 ant the connector 11 can be formed from a massive, one piece element. A tapped tread 11A is provided on the connector 11 in order to ensure a secure power supply.
A perspective top view of the apparatus 1 for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water is shown in FIG. 3. The first end 2 ₁of the elongated housing 2 is closed with a first lid 4 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3). Inside the elongated housing 2 a plurality of tube shaped cathodes 20 are arranged around the massive rod anode 8. Between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes 20 at least one neutral conductive tube 22 is placed The arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 is such that the tube shaped cathodes 20 are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing 2. In order to provide electrical power to the tube shaped cathodes 20 each of the tube shaped cathodes 20 is provided with at least one extension 21. The extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20 are connected to a connector element 23.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention three neutral conductive tubes 22 are placed between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes 20. The connector element 23 has the form of a cross and is isolated from the connector 11 of the rod anode 8. The connector carries at least one connector 12 which is mounted to the connector element 23 and being in contact with the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20. The connector 23 is arranged under the first lid 4.
As mentioned in the specification with regard to FIG. 8 the first lid 4 has a central opening 24 through which the connector 11 of the rod anode 8 reaches. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the first lid 4 has two additional openings 25. Through each of the openings 25 one connector 12 reaches for the tube shaped cathodes 20. The first lid 4 has an outlet nozzle 3 for the generated hydrogen, wherein the outlet nozzle 3 is mounted to a further opening 26 in the first lid 4. Additionally, the first lid 4 has a cylindrical extension 27 which surrounds the electrical connector 11 of the rod anode 8. An outlet 28 for gas produced at and around the rod anode is attached to the cylindrical extension 27.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of second lid 6, closing the second end 2 ₂of the elongated tubular housing 2. A comb-shaped spacer structure 13 is formed on an inward surface 9 of the second lid 6. The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 assists the positioning and aligning of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 inside the elongated tubular housing 2. The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 has a central seating 14 for the solid rod anode 8. The comb-shaped spacer structure 13 provides equidistant spacers for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 with respect to the central rod anode 8. The second comb-shaped spacer structure 13 has a plurality of concentrically arranged notches 16 for holding the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 in place.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 which is arranged under the first lid 4. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has a central opening 31 for the solid rod anode 8 and a plurality of spacers 32 for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and neutral conductive tubes 22 with respect to the central rod anode 8. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has plurality of cutouts 33, which enable passage of the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20 to the connector element 23. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 is formed on a carrier 34. The carrier 34 has a plurality of passage openings 35 for hydrogen. Additionally, the carrier 34 holds on the opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 the connector element 23. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has as well a plurality of concentrically arranged notches 36 which correspond to the concentrically arranged notches 16 of the second comb-shaped spacer structure 13. The notches 36 of the first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 and the notches 16 of the second comb-shaped spacer structure 13 are necessary for holding the tube shaped cathodes 20 and the neutral conductive tubes 22 in place.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20. According to a preferred embodiment eight tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, 20 ₂, . . . , 20 ₈are arranged concentrically with respect to a central massive rod anode (not shown here). The extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, 20 ₂, . . . , 20 ₈form a cross, which corresponds to the connector element 23 to which the extensions 21 are connected. From the tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, which is the closest one to the massive rod anode (not shown here), the outermost tube shaped cathodes 20 ₈in the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, 20 ₂, . . . , 20 ₈the diameter of the tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, 20 ₂, . . . , 20 ₈increases. According to preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the tube shaped cathodes 20 ₁, 20 ₂, . . . , 20 ₈is about 1 mm.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top onto the carrier 34 for first the comb-shaped spacer structure 10. The carrier 34 holds the connector element 23 (not shown here). The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has plurality of cutouts 33 which correspond to openings 40 formed in the carrier 34. The openings 40 enable passage of the extensions 21 of the tube shaped cathodes 20 in order to be in electrical contact with the connector element 23. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 is formed on a carrier 34. Additionally, the carrier 34 has a plurality of passage openings 35 for hydrogen. The first comb-shaped spacer structure 30 has as well a plurality of concentrically arranged notches 36 which correspond to the concentrically arranged notches 16 of the comb-shaped spacer structure 13 on the bottom 9 of the second lid 6 in order to ensure am exact and secure positioning of the tube shaped cathodes 20 and neutral conductive tubes 22 inside the elongated tubular housing 2.
FIG. 8 is a perspective top view onto the first lid 4. The first lid 4 has a central opening 24 through which the connector 11 of the rod anode 8 reaches the outside of the elongated housing. Two additional openings 25 are arranged diametrically with respect to the central opening 24. Through each of the openings 25 one connector 12 reaches. As mentioned above, each of the connectors 12 provide an electric connection via the connector element 23 to the tube shaped cathodes 20. The opening 26 is formed in the first lid 4 for the mounting of the outlet nozzle 3 of hydrogen the generated during the electrolysis process.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first lid 4. The cylindrical extension 27, which surrounds the electrical connector 11 of the rod anode 8, stretches across the bottom 36 of the first lid 4. The portion of the cylindrical extension 27, which stretches across the bottom 36 of the first lid 4, is in mechanical contact with the neutral conductive tube 22 adjoining the rod anode 8. The effect is, that first neutral tube 22 surrounding the rod anode 8 together with the cylindrical extension 27 seal in the gases produced around the rod anode 8 during the electrolysis process.
FIG. 10 is a schematic arrangement of the inventive apparatus 1 in combination with an internal combustion engine 45. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the use of the apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water in combination with an internal combustion engine. The inventive apparatus can be used together all energy users, which can use the energy content of hydrogen and obtain another energy form.
The inventive apparatus 1 used in connection with an internal combustion engine 45 is provided with a duct 43 from a reservoir 42. Via duct 43 the apparatus 1 receives the required water supply in order to maintain the water level constant within is elongated housing 2. The duct 43 to the apparatus 1 is mounted to the inlet nozzle 5 on the second lid 6. A special voltage and a special current are applied by the power supply 44 to the apparatus 1 via the connectors 11 and 12. The connector 11 is connected to the rod anode 8 and the two connectors 12 are connected with the tube shaped cathodes 20. A duct 41 is mounted to the outlet nozzle 3. The duct 41 transports the hydrogen generated within said elongated tubular housing 2 to the internal combustion engine 45.
It is explicitly noted, that the dimensions of the rod anode 8, the dimensions and numbers of the tube shaped cathodes 20, the dimensions and numbers of the neutral conductive tubes 21 and the selection of the material for the elongated housing 2, the first lid 4, the second lid 6 and the first and second comb-shaped spacer structure 30 and 13, do not limit the scope of the present invention.
The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. It goes without saying for a person skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without leaving the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water comprising:

an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed by a first lid and the second end is closed by a second lid;

a solid rod anode arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first lid;

a plurality of tube shaped cathodes arranged concentrically with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein at least one connector attached to the connector element reaches through the first lid;

at least one neutral conductive tube located between two consecutive tube shaped cathodes; and

at least one neutral conductive tube located between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the tube shaped cathodes has a plurality of extensions which are connected to the connector element.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a first comb-shaped spacer structure is arranged under the first lid, the first comb-shaped spacer structure has a central opening for the solid rod anode and a plurality of spacers for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes with respect to the central anode and the first comb-shaped spacer structure has plurality of cutouts, which enable passage of the extensions of the tube shaped cathodes to the connector element.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on a carrier, which has a plurality of passage openings for hydrogen and holds the connector element on the opposite side of the first comb-shaped spacer structure.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first comb-shaped spacer structure and the carrier are made from electrically isolating material.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electrically isolating material is polycarbonate.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lid has an outlet nozzle for the generated hydrogen.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second lid has an inlet nozzle for water.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second comb-shaped spacer structure is formed on an inward surface of the second lid and the comb-shaped spacer structure has a central seating for the solid rod anode.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the comb-shaped spacer structure provides spacers for the concentric arrangement of the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes with respect to the central anode.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid are made from electrically isolating material.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the electrically isolating material is polycarbonate.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lid has a cylindrical extension surrounding the electrical connector of the rod anode and an outlet for gas produced at the anode is attached to the cylindrical extension.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the massive rod anode has a diameter of approximately 1 cm.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes have a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the massive rod anode, the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes are made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, palladium or titanium.

17. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water comprising:

an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed by a first lid and the second end is closed by a second lid and the tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid being made from an electrically isolating material;

a plurality of tube shaped cathodes arranged concentrically with respect to the central anode, wherein the tube shaped cathodes are arranged at a certain pitch within the tubular housing and a connector element is provided within the tubular housing for electrically connecting the tube shaped cathodes, wherein two connectors which are attached to the connector element reach through the first lid; and

three neutral conductive tubes located between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode and three neutral conductive tubes are located between every two of consecutive tube shaped cathodes arranged in the tube shaped housing.

18. Apparatus for on demand production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water comprising:

an elongated, tubular housing with a first open end and second open end, wherein the first end is closed with a first lid and the second end is closed with a second lid and the tubular housing, the first lid and the second lid being made from an electrically isolating material;

a solid rod anode is arranged centrally within said tubular housing and a electrical connector of the rod anode reaches through the first lid;

three neutral conductive tubes located between the rod anode and the first tube shaped cathode surrounding the rod anode and three neutral conductive tubes are located between every two of consecutive tube shaped cathodes arranged inside the tube shaped housing;

a second comb-shaped spacer structure formed on an inward surface of the second lid and the comb-shaped structure has a central seating for the solid rod anode and a plurality of concentrically arranged notches for holding the tube shaped cathodes and the neutral conductive tubes in place;

a first comb-shaped spacer structure arranged under the first lid, the first comb-shaped spacer structure has a central opening for the solid rod anode and a plurality of notches for holding the tube shaped cathodes and neutral conductive tubes in place; and

the first comb-shaped spacer structure having plurality of cutouts enabling passage of the extensions of the tube shaped cathodes to the connector element.