Packard Instrument Company, Inc.

Daniel L Caldwell

Ronald Alvin Zweifel

Stuart A Young

Apparatus for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis of water comprising an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode separated by a solid electrolyte, an electrical power supply connected to the cell for applying a voltage across the cathode and anode, a water reservoir connected to the cell for supplying water to the anode side, a hydrogen-water separator connected to the cell for receiving hydrogen and water from the cathode side and separating the hydrogen from the water, and a water return line connecting the hydrogen-water separator to the water reservoir for returning water to the water reservoir whereby the water is recycled to the anode side. A float valve in the upper region of the hydrogen-water separator closes the hydrogen outlet in response to an increase in the water level in the separator to the level of the hydrogen outlet, to prevent water from entering the hydrogen outlet in the event of a malfunction. A pressure relief valve in the hydrogen-water separator discharges hydrogen from the separator to the atmosphere in response to an increase in the gas pressure in the separator beyond a predetermined level. A sensor in the water reservoir producing an electrical signal in response to a drop in the water level in the reservoir to a predetermined level, or in response to a predetermined change in the electrical conductivity of the water, and control circuitry responds to the electrical signal for interrupting the supply of electrical power to the cell.

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Downers Grove, IL, United States of America

Daniel L Caldwell