US 12,473,838 B2
Apparatus and method for maintaining gas pressure in an electrolyzer using an electric generator configured to capture kinetic energy of electrolysis products
Alan J. Garfunkel, Scarsdale, NY (US); Samuel A. Thompson, Greenwich, CT (US); Bruce Santos, Dresher, PA (US); and Klaus Fahrländer, Baden-Württemberg (DE)
Assigned to MARINE DOLPHIN ENTERPRISES, LLC, Scarsdale, NY (US)
Filed by Marine Dolphin Enterprises, LLC, Scarsdale, NY (US)
Filed on Oct. 26, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/973,816.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/271,755, filed on Oct. 26, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0129611 A1, Apr. 27, 2023
Int. Cl. F01D 15/10 (2006.01); C25B 1/04 (2021.01); F01D 5/02 (2006.01); F02C 7/36 (2006.01)
CPC F01D 15/10 (2013.01) [C25B 1/04 (2013.01); F02C 7/36 (2013.01); F01D 5/02 (2013.01); F05D 2220/76 (2013.01); F05D 2260/4031 (2013.01); F05D 2260/42 (2013.01); F05D 2270/02 (2013.01); F05D 2270/301 (2013.01); Y02E 60/36 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An energy capturing apparatus to generate electricity from gases produced during electrolysis, the apparatus comprising:
a rotatable member positioned downstream from a gas outflow port of an electrolyzer and mechanically coupled to an electric generator, the rotatable member configured to rotate in response to gas released from the electrolyzer, wherein the rotation causes the electric generator to produce electricity;
a pressure regulator configured to control the pressure of at least one gaseous product during electrolysis and positioned between the gas outflow port and the rotatable member;
a power regulator configured to manage power from the electric generator and at least one external power source;
control circuitry configured to:
monitor gas pressure of the at least one gaseous product within the electrolyzer; and
control a rotation speed of the rotatable member; and
a transmission having a plurality available of gear ratios, the transmission being interposed between the rotatable member and the electric generator;
wherein the control circuitry is further configured to select a gear ratio of the plurality of available gear ratios; and apply the selected gear ratio to the transmission.