Energetically Self‐Sustaining Electric Power Generation System Based on the Combined Cycle of Electrostatic Induction Hydrogen Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell

Abstract

SUMMARY Toward achieving a breakthrough in self‐sustaining electric power generation systems consisting of a hydrogen energy cycle, we demonstrate an electrostatic induction potential superposed hydrogen electrolyzer to produce stoichiometric H0true2‐O0true2 fuel for fuel cells. This electrolytic system operates by a mechanism in which the total power requirement is given by the product of the electrolytic current and the additional voltage over the decomposition voltage. In order to achieve the highest energy efficiency for the fuel cell and full sustainability for the fuel, a combined cycle of an H0true2‐O0true2 fuel cell and this type of electrolyzer is introduced. Part of the power delivered by the fuel cell is returned to the electrolyzer, and the remainder represents the net power output. According to theoretical calculations, the net power output exceeds 70% of that delivered by the H0true2‐O0true2 fuel cell, without violating the laws of thermodynamics.

Theoretical Concept of Hydrogen Redox Electric Power Generation

“…In the previous report [1], hydrogen energy cycle was studied for the electrostatic induction hydrogen electrolysis as a constituting process of internally self-sustainable power generation system. In such power generation system, H 2 O is converted into fuel with pure stoichiometric composition (H 2 + ½O 2 ) by electrostatic induction hydrogen electrolysis, assuming continuous high-power generation system which combust the as-converted fuel to product electricity in the fuel cell.…”

“…Electrostatic induction hydrogen electrolysis method shown in Fig. While the detailed discussion about the mechanism of the electrostatic induction electrolysis is provided in previous reports [1,6], it can also be clarified from another viewpoint (i.e., electrode potential distribution during electrolysis). (7).…”

“…Under constant temperature and pressure, system's free energy is a function of molarity (n i ) of component (i) and electric charge (Q) [1]. In the current reduction reaction, conversion of condensed phase into gas phase is accompanied with significant entropy change, and about 17% of ΔH o is absorbed by the TΔS o term at normal temperature.…”

“…11(b) [1], when the interelectrode voltage is gradually increased from 0, current does not flow in the cell's power source circuit, but H 2 O molecules shift toward dissociation due to energy accumulated inside the cell. O → R process: As shown by V-I characteristic of quasi-static reversible reduction reaction in hydrogen electrolysis in Fig.…”