The “Automatic On-Board Hydrogen Generator,” the brainchild of inventor Amit Arun Gokhale, is a cutting-edge innovation designed to transform the way hydrogen gas is generated and utilized in vehicles.
This patent envisions a system mounted directly onto a vehicle, producing hydrogen gas on demand and ensuring that the vehicle runs smoothly without the need for external hydrogen fueling stations.
The Mechanism Behind the Innovation
At the heart of this invention is a hydrogen gas generator that automatically produces hydrogen based on its consumption. This is particularly beneficial for ensuring that a vehicle always has a steady supply of hydrogen without unnecessary stops or waits. By utilizing both a solid and a liquid reactant, this generator creates hydrogen gas, which is then stored in a final storage tank.
Flow Rate Control
One of the key aspects of the patent is the mechanism that controls the flow rate of the solid reactant into the reaction chamber. A screw conveyor, powered by the vehicle’s DC battery supply, adjusts the flow rate dynamically between zero and its maximum capacity. This adjustment is guided by an electronic process controller, ensuring that the pressure of the hydrogen gas produced is within pre-set limits.
Electronic Process Controller
The electronic process controller plays a crucial role in the system’s efficiency and safety. By continuously comparing the produced hydrogen gas pressure with the pre-set minimum and maximum values, the controller adjusts the screw conveyor accordingly. This ensures that the generation process is efficient and does not lead to over-pressurization or under-pressurization, which could otherwise lead to operational issues.
Benefits and Implications
The on-board generation of hydrogen gas offers numerous benefits for the automotive industry. Firstly, it significantly reduces the dependency on external hydrogen fueling stations, which are not widely available in many areas. Secondly, it enhances the efficiency of hydrogen utilization by generating gas in direct correlation with consumption. Lastly, the automated nature of the system means less manual intervention, leading to smoother and more reliable vehicle operation.
The “Automatic On-Board Hydrogen Generator” patent introduces a sophisticated and efficient way to produce hydrogen gas directly on vehicles. By leveraging advanced mechanisms such as the screw conveyor and electronic process controllers, this invention promises to make hydrogen-powered vehicles more practical and widely accessible. As the automotive industry continues to search for sustainable and efficient fuel solutions, Gokhale’s innovation stands out as a pivotal development in the journey towards cleaner energy.
