Hydrogen generator for heating. Hydrogen boiler - myths, reality and prospects. Is it possible to make hydrogen heating yourself?
We are accustomed to consider the most accessible view fuel natural gas. But it turns out he has worthy alternative– hydrogen obtained from the splitting of water. We receive the starting material for the production of this fuel completely free of charge. And if you also make a hydrogen generator with your own hands, the savings will be simply amazing. Right?
For those wishing to build a cheap but very productive fuel generator with their own hands, we offer detailed instructions. We provide recommendations for proper use. Photo applications and videos were used as informative additions that clearly explain the principle of operation.
In high school chemistry classes, explanations were once given on how to obtain hydrogen from ordinary tap water. There is such a concept in the chemical field - electrolysis. It is thanks to electrolysis that it is possible to produce hydrogen.
The simplest hydrogen installation is a container filled with water. Two plate electrodes are placed under the water layer. Electric current is supplied to them. Since water is an excellent conductor electric current, low resistance contact is established between the plates.
The current passing through the low water resistance promotes the formation of a chemical reaction, which results in the formation of hydrogen.
Diagram of an experimental hydrogen installation, which in former times was studied in the high school chemistry class. As it turns out, those lessons were not superfluous for the practice of modern everyday needs
It would seem that everything is simple and there is very little left to do - collect the resulting hydrogen to use it as an energy source. But chemistry is never complete without subtle details.
So it is here: if hydrogen combines with oxygen, at a certain concentration an explosive mixture is formed. This point is one of the critical phenomena that limits the ability to build sufficiently powerful home stations.
Hydrogen generator design
To build hydrogen generators with your own hands, they usually take Brown’s classic installation scheme as a basis. This medium-power electrolyser consists of a group of cells, each of which contains a group of plate electrodes. The power of the installation is determined by the total surface area of the plate electrodes.
The cells are placed inside a container well insulated from external environment. The tank body has pipes for connecting the water main, hydrogen outlet, as well as a contact panel for connecting electricity.
Installations for operation within condominiums are also developed and manufactured. These are already more powerful designs (5-7 kW), the purpose of which is not only the energy of heating systems, but also the generation of electricity. Such combined option quickly gaining popularity in Western countries and in Japan.
Combined hydrogen generators are characterized as systems with high efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions.
An example of a real-life industrially manufactured station with a power of up to 5 kW. In the future, similar installations are planned for equipping cottages and condominiums
Russian industry has also begun to engage in this promising type of fuel production. In particular, Norilsk Nickel is mastering production technologies hydrogen plants, including household ones.
It is planned to use the most different types fuel cells in the process of development and production:
- proton exchange membrane;
- orthophosphoric acid;
- proton exchange methanol;
- alkaline;
- solid oxide.
Meanwhile, the electrolysis process is reversible. This fact suggests that it is possible to obtain already heated water without burning hydrogen.
It seems that this is just another idea that, if you grab onto it, you can launch a new round of passions related to the free production of fuel for your home boiler.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
When experimenting at home with homemade models, you need to prepare for the most unexpected results, but negative experience is also experience:
DIY hydrogen generators for the home are still a project that exists at the level of one idea. Practically completed projects There are no DIY hydrogen generators, and those that are positioned online are the imagination of their authors or purely theoretical options.
So we can only rely on an expensive industrial product that promises to appear in the near future.
Hydrogen generator(electrolyzer) is a device that uses light from two processes: physical and chemical.
During operation, under the influence of electric current, water decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen. This process is called electrolysis. The electrolyzer is quite popular among the most known species hydrogen generators.
How the device works
The electrolyzer consists of several metal plates immersed in a sealed container with distilled water.
The housing itself has terminals to connect the power source and there is a sleeve through which gas is discharged.
The operation of the device can be described as follows: an electric current is passed through distilled water between plates with different fields (one has the anode, the other has the cathode), splitting it into oxygen and hydrogen.
Depending on the area of the plates, the electric current has its strength; if the area is large, then a lot of current passes through the water and more gas is released. The connection diagram of the plates is alternate, first plus, then minus, and so on.
It is recommended to make electrodes from stainless steel, which does not react with water during the electrolysis process. The main thing is to find stainless steel high quality. It is better to make the distance between the electrodes small, but so that gas bubbles can easily move between them. It is better to make fasteners from the same metal as the electrodes.
Please note: Due to the fact that the manufacturing technology is associated with gas, in order to avoid the formation of a spark, it is necessary to make a tight fit of all parts.
In the embodiment under consideration, the device includes 16 plates, they are located from each other within 1 mm.
Due to the fact that the plates have a fairly large surface area and thickness, it will be possible to pass high currents through such a device, but the metal will not heat up. If you measure the capacitance of the electrodes in air, it will be 1nF; this set uses up to 25A in plain tap water.
To assemble a hydrogen generator with your own hands, you can use a food container, since its plastic is heat-resistant. Then you need to lower the electrodes into the container to collect gas with hermetically insulated connectors, a lid and other connections.
If you use a metal container, to avoid short circuit, the electrodes are attached to plastic. Two connectors are installed on both sides of copper and brass fittings (fitting - mount, assemble) to extract gas. Contact connectors and fittings must be firmly secured using silicone sealant.
Compliance with safety measures
The electrolyzer is a high-risk device.
Therefore, during its manufacture, installation and operation, it is imperative to comply with both general and special safety measures.
Special measures include the following:
- the concentration of the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen should be controlled in order to prevent an explosion;
- if the liquid level is not visible in the inspection window of the hydrogen generator, then it cannot be used;
- during repairs, you need to make sure that there is no hydrogen at the end point of the system;
- the use of open fire, electric heating devices and portable lamps with a voltage of more than 12 volts near the electrolyzer is contraindicated;
- When working with electrolyte, you should protect yourself by using protective equipment (overall clothing, gloves and goggles).
Qualified craftsmen believe that making homemade hydrogen generators for cars at home is a risky endeavor.
They explain this by the fact that an electrolyzer for a car has a complex and unsafe system of devices.
It is necessary to manufacture such units using special materials and reagents.
Please note: In the case of self-installation of an electrolyzer that was made by yourself, it is recommended to strictly exclude the possibility of gas entering the combustion chamber when the engine is turned off. When the engine is turned off, the hydrogen generator must automatically disconnect from the vehicle's electrical power supply.
If you still decide to make a car hydrolyzer yourself, you should definitely equip it with a bubbler - this is a special water valve. Using it will significantly increase safety when driving a car.
Heating the house with Brown gas
Hydrogen is the most common chemical element, so it is economically profitable to use it.
For many owners of houses and summer cottages, the question often arises of how to obtain “clean” and cheap energy for household needs. The answer can be found in innovations such as a water generator for home heating.
Scientists, thanks to their developments, have allowed many to use such a device to produce gas. The installation is capable of generating hydrogen (Brown gas) and this gas will be used to generate energy.
Can you imagine this connection? chemical formula, like hho. This gas can be obtained from water using the electrolysis method. There are many examples in life when people want to heat their home with oxyhydrogen. But in order for this type of fuel to gain popularity, you must first learn how to produce it (Brown’s gas) in domestic conditions.
There is not yet a technology for hydrogen heating of a private home that would be sufficiently reliable.
Watch the video in which an experienced user explains how to make a hydrogen generator with your own hands:
Taking into account the rising cost of energy resources, heating a living space requires more material costs. If we take into account an apartment with a small living space, then the cost of heating in the cold season is affordable. However, take into account heating system cottage or private house with a large area, the question arises of finding heating. One such option is hydrogen heating. Scientists have proven that the heat capacity of hydrogen is several times higher than the heat capacity natural gas, which allows you to significantly save budget funds. What are the advantages of hydrogen heating, its features and methods homemade creation This type of heating will be discussed further.
Hydrogen is a light gas that, when burned, produces heat several times greater than that of gas.
Its main advantage when used in a heating system is its relatively low combustion temperature (only 300°C). This allows the use of gas in a boiler made of traditional inexpensive types of metal.
The gas itself is colorless and odorless, and when combined with other chemical components, it does not form dangerous toxins harmful to human health. Therefore, its use in everyday life is extremely safe. The only danger is its increased level of explosion hazard.
A story about heating a house with hydrogen
If gas is used incorrectly or comes into contact with an open source of fire, an explosion may occur.
Hydrogen in the heating system
Despite the presence of such favorable qualities as environmental friendliness and high level heat capacity, hydrogen does not occur in free form in nature. It is synthesized by a specially assembled boiler, in which, using electrolysis, ordinary water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen. Accordingly, the heating system must include two irreplaceable components: water and electricity. The gas mixture obtained as a result of electrolysis is called an “explosive mixture.” This name is fully justified, because with a small spark the gas can provoke an explosion.
Let's take a closer look, how to convert hydrogen into energy resource. As mentioned above, this gas is obtained by electrolysis of water, so its synthesis will require special equipment, which is a container in which metal plates with water are immersed. A current of a certain frequency is supplied through the plates, after exposure to which hydrogen and oxygen are released, but not in pure form, but mixed with water vapor (it is formed as a by-product of electrolysis). To separate the steam and isolate the hydrogen, the gas mixture is passed through a chemical separator that can separate the hydrogen from other impurities.
The resulting hydrogen is supplied to a burner equipped with a valve, which prevents its movement into reverse side, preventing an explosion. Steam and oxygen are discharged through a special container. The device itself is equipped with pressure sensors and water level indicators. Modern models operate automatically, preventing side reactions by stopping the electrolysis process and supplying current in the absence of the proper water level.
The essence of this type of heating is the chemical reaction of electrolysis, in which water is divided into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. As a result, Brown's gas or, as it is also called, detonating gas, is formed. During this chemical reaction, heat is released, which is used for heating. By adjusting the boiler power you can achieve the required temperature regime in the room you are heating.
In order for hydrogen heating to work, the following conditions are necessary:
- Free flow of water. As a rule, tap water is used, however, distilled water can also be used. The volume of liquid required directly depends on the power of the boiler.
- Availability of electricity. Electricity is required for the electrolysis process to occur.
This device is considered the most environmentally friendly of all heating methods, since steam is released during operation, which does not harm the environment. And to work, you only need electricity, and to reduce costs, it is possible to work from solar energy, that is, to draw energy through solar panels.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen heating
Low electrical energy consumption Flaws:
Homemade installation diagram
There is no unambiguous diagram of the device, since it can vary depending on the configuration with various sensors.
However, we can highlight a list of the required minimum components of this device:
And it all works in the following way: a special liquid enters an electrolyzer, in which gas is produced by splitting the liquid under the influence of an electric current. After combustion, water is formed, which is returned to the system. The container is made of high-alloy steel; the use of this material is due to its reliability.
There is a technological need to install safety valve to relieve excess pressure from the system. The generated hydrogen then enters the combustion chamber. Having entered into a thermal reaction with O2, the gas produces heat, which flows through the radiator into the heating system of the room.
And the liquid that has formed in the chamber flows through a special tube into a vessel with an electrolyte, due to which self-ignition occurs through recirculation. Also, protective elements are added to this circuit automatic system for operational safety. Such as water level control sensors, temperature sensors, bypass valves, pressure control sensors in the system.
Instructions for making a hydrogen boiler
In order to make a hydrogen boiler with our own hands, we need a hydrogen generator.
Homemade hydrogen boiler
To do this, you need the following tool:
- Sheet metal, high alloy stainless steel.
- Check valve.
- Bolt - 2 pieces, size 6 by 150, nuts and washers.
- Filter for liquid purification.
- Transparent hose or tube with a diameter of 8 mm.
- A container that closes hermetically. You can use a plastic container for storing food; take the volume 1.5 liters.
- Hose fitting 8 mm in diameter.
- Metal carving tool, suitable grinder for carving with cutting disc.
Let's take a closer look at exactly what material needs to be used to make a homemade boiler. It is recommended to take steel 03*16N1, size approximately 0.6 by 0.6 meters, thickness 2 mm - this will be quite enough. Please note that it is necessary to use stainless steel, because the metal will come into contact with liquid, namely alkali. And the alkaline environment is the most aggressive.
Stainless steel sheet
Next, we will consider the assembly process step by step. Take a sheet of steel, place it on a flat surface and use chalk to make markings; we need to get 16 rectangles as a final result. Cut them using a grinder, make one corner of each plate beveled, this is necessary for attaching our burner.
On the other side of our plate, drill a technical hole for screwing in bolts. Since we are making a “wet” electrolyzer, we drill them only on one side, pay attention to the fact that our device is the most efficient and simpler to implement.
In our case, each plate is completely immersed in the solution, and as a result, their entire area participates in the chemical reaction. Then assemble the structure from the plate and bolt. To do this, put the first plate on the bolt and tighten it with a washer on each side, unfold the second plate so that its cut edge is near the bolt and fix it on top of the first plate.
To avoid them touching, place a piece of plastic between each of them. And then, assemble the entire structure in the same way. Then we need to make holes in the container large enough to accommodate the bolt. Insert the completed structure into the container and secure it. Use gaskets for tightness.
Ready electrolyser
Drill a hole in the lid and attach an oxygen tube with a fitting to it; use silicone to seal the connections. In order to check how tight it is, blow into the tube; if tightness is achieved, proceed to the next step. Make a second hole into which water will be poured.
After everything is assembled, perform a test switch on, connect any source to it, close the device, fill it with liquid, lower the other end into a jar of liquid to see bubbles. If you increase the voltage, the number of bubbles should increase.
Let's start making the boiler itself:
We invite you to watch a video about heating a house with hydrogen:
Modern methods of heating buildings and premises are offered on the domestic market in the form of many options. It is quite understandable that consumers choose those that promise maximum efficiency at minimal cost.
One of the alternative methods of heating a room is the use of a hydrogen generator.
A little history
The principle of operation of hydrogen energy was noted in ancient times. The famous healer Paracelsus, while conducting his scientific experiments, noticed that when certain elements were combined, bubbles were formed, which at that time he mistook for air. It was later discovered that it was hydrogen, which is a colorless gas that exhibits explosive properties under certain conditions.
Currently, they have learned to use hydrogen for various purposes, including heating a residential building or any other structure. These technologies are being actively developed and implemented in many industries. Being an innovation in the market scientific developments, hydrogen heating has already interested many consumers and continues to gain popularity among the masses.
It has been proven that hydrogen is considered not only a fairly common substance, but also an easily accessible substance. The only difficulty is that it has to be extracted from chemical compounds, most often - water.
Features of a hydrogen generator
Based on the requirements and size of a private or municipal building, it is necessary to select a hydrogen burner with an optimal power level, adapted to the needs of a particular room. It should be noted that the maximum possible power rating of the generators is 6.
Hydrogen, rightfully recognized as the most economical type of fuel, can be produced in any quantity. Required condition This requires the availability of electrical energy as well as water.
The main task of the equipment is complete independent heating of premises. However, hydrogen-based installations can perfectly complement existing home heating systems. You just need to make sure that all elements of the heating system operate at low temperatures.
These units are also used to heat the room using heated floors, which are now easy to assemble with your own hands.
Operating principle of the device
The heat generation process is based on the electrolysis of water in a medium saturated with a catalyst. The main condition for the normal operation, as well as the safety of the generator, is that under such conditions, water does not decompose into oxygen and hydrogen, the combination of which can be explosive.
Modern generators work to produce Brown gas. This is a completely non-explosive substance of a brownish or green hue, also called water gas. After production and heating to 40 degrees, it immediately goes to the combustion chambers, and more specifically, to the heat exchanger. There it is mixed with air-fuel elements.
The main structural components of the simplest hydrogen unit are pipes and the boiler itself. Often no technical accessories or additional elements and no more equipment is required.
This also applies to components designed to remove combustion products. After all, as a result of the operation of the generator, only steam is released into the atmosphere: water, clean and completely safe.
Often burners of this type have modular design, each part of which has its own catalyst, which increases the overall efficiency of the system.
As for pipes for a hydrogen heating system, it is advisable to use those whose diameter is in the range from 1 to 1.25 inches. Some deviations are allowed, but most often these are the ones used to heat a house. Important rule, which should not be neglected when installing heating pipes - each previous branch should be larger in diameter than the next one.
Features of Electrolytic Hydrogen Generator
A hydrogen generator based on the principle of electrolysis is most often produced in a container version. A prerequisite for purchasing such a heating device is the presence of the following documents: permission from Rostechnadzor, certificates (compliance with GOSTR and hygienic).
The electrolytic generator consists of the following elements:
- block including a transformer, rectifier, distribution boxes and devices, water replenishment and demineralization unit;
- devices for separate production of hydrogen and oxygen - electrolyzer;
- gas analysis systems;
- liquid cooling systems;
- a system aimed at detecting a possible hydrogen leak;
- control panel and automatic control system.
To achieve the most efficient electrical conduction process, drops of lye are used. The reservoir with it is replenished as needed, but most often this happens about once a year.
Any electrolytic generators industrial type are produced on the basis of European environmental and safety standards.
It has been experimentally proven that purchasing a hydrogen electrolytic generator is much more profitable than regularly purchasing gas. Thus, to produce 1 cubic meter of gas from hydrogen and oxygen, only about 3.5 kW of electrical energy is required, as well as half a liter of demineralized water.
Advantages of using a hydrogen unit
The device attracts many for the following reasons:
- The efficiency is about 90%, the technology competes with the most advanced achievements of science and technology related to heating any home.
- There is no need to use a flame to achieve heat. The entire process is based on chemical reactions with catalysts.
- Absolute harmlessness of the device.
- Hydrogen generators are sources of clean energy that cannot be exhausted.
- The use of hydrogen as the main heat source minimizes the need for constant operation fossil resources, the extraction costs of which are many times higher than the costs of producing heat from hydrogen.
- Completely silent operation of the unit. Installation of the device does not require separate chimneys.
Negative aspects of hydrogen heating of buildings
To be fair, it is worth highlighting some of the disadvantages of this heating method:
- explosion hazard, which can be caused by incorrect operation of the unit;
- insufficient prevalence of hydrogen devices on the Russian market, which is accompanied by problems with installation or purchase of equipment;
- lack of specialists and service technicians capable of certifying or servicing heating devices of this class.
Is it possible to create a hydrogen generator yourself?
It’s better not to take risks, because such a process is associated not only with the need to know the intricacies of technology and chemistry, but also requires proper compliance with safety rules. But installing the equipment yourself is possible. To do this, it is enough to follow the instructions and avoid amateur activities.
Heating of any home should provide not only comfortable accommodation human, but also environmental cleanliness environment. This is achieved due to the fact that after the combustion of hydrogen no harmful compounds are formed.
In Western countries, heating using hydrogen generators has gained widespread acceptance and economic justification. If a similar method takes root in Russia, it will significantly increase the efficiency of heating with minimal costs for resources.
