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

• Published in: Electrical engineering in Japan 2016-04, Vol.195 (1), p.10-23
• Main Author: ONO, KATSUTOSHI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Combined cycle; Combined cycle engines; Electric potential; Electric power generation; electrostatic induction; Electrostatics; fuel cell; Fuel cells; Fuels; high power generation; hydrogen electrolysis; internally self-sustaining energy; Voltage
• ISSN: 0424-7760; 1520-6416
• DOI: 10.1002/eej.22815

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 H2‐O2 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 H2‐O2 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 H2‐O2 fuel cell, without violating the laws of thermodynamics.