Systems And Methods Using In-Situ Hydrogen-Based Fuel For Consistent Production Of A Low- Or Zero-Emission Flame

Abstract

There is provided a system for consistent production of a low-or zero-emission flame comprising an electrolyser, a power assembly, a burner element, and a gas flow control system. There is also provided a device for consistent production of a low-or zero-emission flame using the disclosed systems. There is also provided a method for consistent production of a low-or zero-emission flame. There is further provided a kit for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an apparatus to permit consistent production of low-or zero-emission flame using the disclosed systems and methods.

1 . A heating system for consistent production of a low-or zero-emission flame, the heating system comprising:
 a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas comprising hydrogen from water, the hydrogen production unit comprising an inlet to receive the water and an outlet to emit the gas;   a power assembly operationally connected with the hydrogen production unit for providing an electric current to the hydrogen production unit;   a burner element fluidly connected to the outlet of the hydrogen production unit for receiving the gas from the hydrogen production unit; and   a gas flow control system for buffering an internal pressure and an amount of the gas and for controlling delivery of the gas from the outlet of the hydrogen production unit to the burner element to produce the low-or zero-emission flame.   
     
     
         2 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the burner element comprises a nozzle, a valve, an ignitor, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The heating system of  claim 2 , wherein the nozzle comprises a diameter, an internal geometry, a hole size, or any combination thereof, for controlling gas flow to assist in the consistent production of the low-or zero-emission flame. 
     
     
         4 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the power assembly comprises a power inverter, a power converter, a capacitor, a battery, a charger, a solar panel, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the gas flow control system is either or both near-vacuum and unidirectional. 
     
     
         6 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the gas flow control system comprises one or more storage tanks fluidly connected to the hydrogen production unit. 
     
     
         7 . The heating system of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more storage tanks comprise a combination tank comprising:
 a water storage portion fluidly connected to the inlet of the hydrogen production unit for storing and delivering water to the hydrogen production unit; and   a gas storage portion fluidly connected to the outlet of the hydrogen production unit by a first conduit and to the burner element by a second conduit, the gas storage portion for receiving the gas from the hydrogen production unit, buffering the internal pressure and the amount of the hydrogen, and delivering the hydrogen to the burner element.   
     
     
         8 . The heating system of  claim 7 , wherein within the combination tank, the water storage portion is located below the gas storage portion. 
     
     
         9 . The heating system of  claim 7 , wherein within the combination tank, the water storage portion and the gas storage portion form a single compartment where the gas and water are in contact. 
     
     
         10 . The heating system of  claim 9 , wherein within the combination tank, there is no barrier separating the water storage portion and the gas storage portion or there is a barrier that comprises holes to permit interaction between the gas and water. 
     
     
         11 . The heating system of  claim 10 , wherein in operation, the combination tank is sealed in an air-tight manner to permit a vacuum within the heating system. 
     
     
         12 . The heating system of  claim 10 , wherein the combination tank comprises a tank configuration or size such that in operation, the internal pressure and the amount of the gas housed within the combination tank is sufficient to continuously feed the burner element with a pressurized supply of the gas. 
     
     
         13 . The heating system of  claim 12 , wherein the internal pressure and the amount of gas housed within the combination tank further imparts a pressure on the water to force the water to the inlet of the hydrogen production unit. 
     
     
         14 . The heating system of  claim 10 , wherein the second conduit passes through an upper wall of the combination tank to fluidly connect with the gas storage portion, providing a path of least resistance for the gas to exit the combination tank. 
     
     
         15 . The heating system of  claim 10 , wherein the second conduit comprises a flashback arrestor for preventing flow of the gas from the burner element back to the combination tank. 
     
     
         16 . The heating system of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more storage tanks comprise a gas release valve for regulating the internal pressure of the gas within the storage tank. 
     
     
         17 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the gas is hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. 
     
     
         18 . The heating system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen production unit is an electrolyser. 
     
     
         19 . A heating device for consistent production of a low-or zero-emission flame, the heating device comprising the heating system of  claim 1  housed within an apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . The heating device of  claim 19 , which is a portable stove, a cooktop stove, a hot water system, an ambient heater, a hot water boiler, an oven, a fireplace, a radiator, a floor heating system, or any combination thereof.