Electricity
Ion Accelerator - Self-Sustaining Hydrogen Production Technology
Public Questions
A game changing energy technology paralleling the supply demands of fossil fuel and nuclear power plants while superseding all current methods.
Hydrogen is the perfect clean fuel and energy carrier. The Ion Accelerator extracts this fuel from limitless sea water with an efficiency 50x greater than conventional electrolysis.
Public Questions
Last Update: Dec 2021
Q: Are you claiming to create energy?
A: Energy is not being created, which is impossible. A fuel is being extracted, much like oil is extracted from the earth, with less energy than delivered from oil. The Ion Accelerator is a method that extracts Hydrogen from water with much less energy than conventional power intensive electrolysis. Two energies are being transformed and combined into a greater energy to release hydrogen bonds with much less usable energy than the standard 237kJ per Mole of water. The hydrogen atom can be a fuel and energy carrier, but is bound in water molecules. This technology is simply a highly efficient method of releasing it from that bonded state. What is unique is the amount of external energy needed to split the bond. Because there are two electrical energies (electricity and galvanic energy) combined in the H2IL technology the viewer may only focus on the usable input energy and overlook the unseen galvanic energy. A small input usable energy stimulates a electrochemical reaction to increase a natural charge potential of the added secondary galvanic energy which provides most the charge potential for water electrolysis.
Not to be undermined however, is the revolutionary aspects of this type of energy generation. Most other known energy generation methods is a combination of electrical (electrical to magnetic) and kinetic. The combination of electrical and electrical energy makes for an energy generation method that is not reliant on the common kinetic motion form turbines harvesting wind, water steam or sea flow. That is game changing as it opens doors to a versatile range of energy generation methods and chemical fuel synthesis.
Q: Do you have a single video proving it works?
A: Here are 3 short presentations: Quick-View / More Detailed / Self-sustaining In addition please refer to the verification page which including real-time CCTV footage of many tests performed using a PEM fuel cell to calculate the efficiency. Using data lodging power supply and electronic load, the reports prove a greater electrical energy output than the supplied input power.
Q: How does the Ion Accelerator method compare with traditional electrolyzers?
A: Versatility and enabling game-changing applications once thought impossible, are the unique aspect of this technology. Comparison Chart
Q: Do the metals providing the galvanic energy consume rapidly?
A: Not rapidly. In much the same way that Geologic Hydrogen is produced naturally by galvanic corrosion of metals in earths crust, a controlled process enables water disassociation without rapid metal decay. A primary input energy simply stimulates a secondary natural galvanic energy. Accelerating naturally occurring ions to split water rapidly without attacking metal electrodes. To harvest galvanic energy from metals there obviously is a degree of metal decay similar to a battery that can last a long time. Note that this technology is not common rapid metal oxidation with acids or alkalies.
Nuclear reactors relies on metal decay and that is accepted as a feasible means of energy generation. The metal decay cost, parallels that of radioactive decay in nuclear energy, at $0.34/kg of hydrogen produced. The quick change metal rods are replaced every 90 days on average. Please refer to Document and link: Galvanic Consumption
Q: It simply sounds Too Good to be true and defies laws of thermodynamics?
A: As renowned professor Michio Kaku states, the laws of thermodynamics allows for energy to be added from outside the isolated system. Science is investing $Billions into net energy gain with nuclear fusion projects. Scientists are keeping up with modern day science! Should you dig a little deeper, you will discover this to be the case in this technology. Also energy is not being created. Hydrogen is not created, the fuel already exists and just needs to be extracted from water like oil is extracted from the ground.
“Too Good” - thank you we take that as a compliment. The other half of that statement tends to leave conservative minded individuals in the past, as innovation moves forward. The jet engine and transistor are two classic cases of ‘too good to be true’. The jet engine experienced decades of criticism before WWII pushed the technology forward to become a multi-trillion dollar industry. Likewise the transistor paved the way for the silicon chip industry. All too good to be true, but open mined individuals turned these technologies into disruptive, lucrative business and changed the world while the conservative minded were left wishing, if only…..
Q: What is the galvanic metal cost to produce hydrogen compared to the price of hydrogen?
A: The galvanic energy harvested from low cost and abundant metals comes at a cost. Even nuclear energy consumes metals, but very expensive and scarce metals. And like renewable energy equipment maintenance, a monthly service schedule keeps people employed. Based on the current price for metal and cost for hydrogen at the pump, there is a very attractive business model to be realized. For example, a one cubic meter cell producing 360 SLPM or 2 Kg of hydrogen per hour while self-powering from it’s internal galvanic energy, would consume US$500 of metal over that month period. The quick exchange electrode system enables 1 to 2 hour monthly service to recharge the 1 cubic meter cell.
Therefore, based on the current end-user cost for the metal electrodes, the cost to produce the 1,440 Kg of hydrogen (2Kg/Hr over 30 days) is US$500 plus 2 hours labor. The retail cost of 1,440 Kg of hydrogen is US$20,160 based on US$14 per Kg. Therefore 1440Kg of hydrogen for $500 equated to $0.34 per Kg or $10 per megawatt of energy. The galvanic metal cost of US$500 is the price that H2IL pays for the metal. In a commercial wholesale application that cost could be halved. Click To See Latest Updates
Q: Is not the energy used to mine and refine the metals where the added energy is coming from?
A: No, Could you apply the same theory to Uranium used in nuclear energy? Organic metals, inherently have a natural potential for harvesting energy. This is commonly experienced in electrochemistry for battery technology.
The energy input to create the metals can be ascertained from the stated H2 production cost of $0.34/kg/H2. With 1 Kg of H2 having an energy rating of 33.33kW and wholesale electricity averaging $0.08/kWh. Multiply $0.08 x 33.33 = $2.66. A big difference to $0.34. The $0.34/kg/H2. is the wholesale metal price that H2IL pay a local low volume importer of the metal. Subtract all the processes this product goes through, including shipping, and one concludes that the energy needed to refine the metal is very little. Click To See Latest Updates
Consider a comparison to metals used for nuclear energy. For nuclear the total cost of generation, including COP, is $68-$189/MW of energy but $37/MW for the H2IL Ion Accelerator method. We compare to nuclear because they both harvest energy from metals and are both stable means of energy, unlike intermittent renewables.
The metal byproduct can be recycled to reproduce the metal rods, therefore sustainable. Most metals can be made with renewable energy to achieve a NetZero carbon footprint. Refineries are venturing into Green Steel processes - using hydrogen....
Q: Do you use high cost metals for the electrodes?
A: No. The technology does not require expensive and scarce metals such as platinum, ruthenium or iridium used in most PEM type electrolysers. The electrodes are made from low-cost, abundant metals.
Q: Does your technology support renewable energy?
A: Absolutely! Energy sectors are looking for means of energy storage to support grid stability and micro generation. With this technology being over 50 times more efficient than conventional electrolyzers, it achieves a higher production capacity, greater versatility and extended lifecycle. Electrolyzers perform best with constant supply of electricity that can not be delivered by renewables.
The H2IL technology can switch in to self-powering mode during renewable disruptions. Keeping the electrolyzer working with constant output production. In addition, due to the very low power draw, the electrolyzers can tap into any standard power grid at point of H2 consumption. This significant feature eliminates the traditional complex storage and transportation infrastructure needed for power intensive electrolyzers, that must be located close to renewable farms.
Q: How is a single company able to achieve what most technical institutes world wide along with the $80B nuclear fusion world have not - and with such simplicity?
A: Many inventions grew from one or two individual with the ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries. It took just one man to invent the light bulb!
Harvesting energy at an ionic level is uncharted waters in mainstream science. When an atom is in a stable state, its strength requires brute force energy to manipulate. But when an atom is an ion it is much easier to combine energies through redox reactions. The science is complex but very logical and we don't need to split or fuse atoms to achieve self-sustaining energy. Science has changed and new technology has reshaped our lives over the past 100 years.
Q: Are you receiving much opposition from the science world given the claims?
A: At first the science world was sceptical even critical of the concept. Now with a clearer understanding of the combination of two proven types of electrochemical processes involved, a greater acceptance is definitely noted. The published verification tests with timestamped CCTV footage is compelling evidence inciting many scientists to look closer into the technology.
Q: Why don't you submit papers for scientific peer review?
A: We have no desire to gain the approval of the academic societies for the following reasons:
1/ We have obtained patents in all major countries proving the novelty of the claims. The patent process is a very rigid exercise as patent inspectors require the science to be sound for approval. We were required, by most patent offices, to present added background information to the inspectors (who have degrees and are accountable for their decisions) before the application was granted. Therefore approval is sufficient support that the science is sound.
2/ The hidden IP is of great value and must be incorporated for the apparatus to work. Peer review requires all IP to be published for assessment.
3/ Peer review is not solid, sound proof the technology actually works in practice but rather that the science is permitted to be published in a scientific journal. (Reference)
4/ The process is a time consuming distraction consuming many months or even years with very little added value. While not obtaining scientific publication restricts our ability to freely obtain independent assessments and verification, the proof is demonstrated in the actual working models and demonstrations we are performing for approved candidates. Any major corporation that acquires the technology would agree with and see the wisdom in this decision to protect the hidden IP.
5/ Even scientists don't always agree and in cases where assessments a not evident in society a percentage of the public do not believe scientific facts. Take as an example reports presented through the ICPP on environmental data.
Q: What are the patent number?
A: The technology has secured final patents in all major countries: Patent List. Through discretion we have been advised to only give out patent numbers to valid candidates following satisfactory dialogue.
Q: How much concealed intellectual property is involved, since the verification test electrolyzer looks quite simple?
A: The suitcase unit designed for verification testing, is a breakdown version that would run for a very short time to provide efficiency data within a lab environment. However, it still required some of the extensive hidden IP.
The techniques, behind the hidden IP, consumed more than a decade to master. While electrochemistry revolves around some basic science, there is a huge scope for combinations of elements and ways to manipulate them. This includes; Electrode selection and any coatings applied, ion separation technique, anodic electrolyte ingredient to greatly reduce electrode decay, operation processes and specifically designed equipment (including sensors) to achieve a stable chemistry within the cell.
The 12 part hidden IP, adds more long term value and protection than the 20 year global patents. H2IL scientists are very confident that the techniques would be harder to crack than the eleven secret herbs and spices used in the infamous KFC recipe. It would be illogical for the acquiree to simply sell electrolyzers and expose the IP. The big money, control and secured IP protection would be achieved within a business model consisting of leasing and servicing the equipment, with on-going revenue from a cost per kg/H2 basis.
Q: Is the output gas pure hydrogen or Hydrogen/Oxygen mix (HHO)?
A: Pure hydrogen. In conventional electrolysis including HHO the Anode is a solid metal plate that oxidises the OH- ion forming a bubble of oxygen gas. Within the electrochemical process of the Ion Accelerator, the by-product is very hungry for oxygen ions and consumes ALL the oxygen produced in the process. The Oxygen ion forms a covalent bonds with this Anodic bi-product which in turn is removed with liquid circulation. (Note: We believe OH- ion is oxidised prior to reaching the Anode therefor we state an O2- ion rather than a diatomic OH- anion with reference to oxidisation at the anode).
We have confirmed the gas quality with: 1/ Oxygen line flow sensors, 2/ Ignition testing 3/ Chemical testing for other impurities and 4/ Direct feed to a PEM Fuel Cell (PEMFC). A PEMFC is very sensitive to impure gas and the performance would drop off should the hydrogen not be 99.99% pure. We achieve a steady 1.73% higher voltage with a 50% load on the PEMFC. (1.73% higher than hydrogen feed from a PEM Electrolyser with a rated 99.99% purity. both gasses were at the same temperature). These results are matched each time we run a three hour test. We have run enough tests on the PEMFC to be convinced that the output hydrogen is extremely pure. It is also to be noted that the hydrogen is more pure than that obtained from reformation, which inherently has a carbon-monoxide (CO) contamination content as high as 2% in some cases.
Q: A high pressure PEM type electrolyser can generate a potentially lethal mix of H2 and pure O2 if the membrane perforates caused by an error in pressure difference between each side of the PEM. While your electrolyser does not use PEM technology is there any mode or condition where pure oxygen can mix in with the output hydrogen?
A: This is non PEM type technology. This technology incorporates a science where the Oxygen ion is consumed by the galvanic energy to produce an internal charge potential. (Note: We believe OH- ion is oxidised prior to reaching the Anode therefor we state an O2- ion rather than a diatomic OH- anion with reference to oxidisation at the anode). The redox reaction is hungry for charged oxygen ions therefore the output gas is free of O2. This is also confirmed in the fact that chlorine (Cl) is not released. If ionic salt type electrolyte comes in contact with a charged oxygen ion the Cl separates from Na forming chlorine gas. You will note in the verification test series that we use a PEM Fuel cell stack connected directly to the G.E.E. cell output. If either O2 or Cl are present in the mix the PEMFC will react and this reaction will be noticed by a radical and unstable output voltage on the attached volt meter. Chlorine will also destroy the PEMFC. Months of verification tests with the PEMFC have proven that no unstable occurs where oxygen is released. That being said, hydrogen should ALWAYS pass through a gravity separator before pressure filled into tanks!
Q: Does this overcome the potentially lethal high pressure storage of hydrogen at fueling stations?
A: Since this hydrogen generator runs constantly 24/7 there is no need to store large volumes of gas in tanks for when the sun doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow. Also the output hydrogen purity is cleaner than reformed gas and free of oxygen enabling much safer conditions for pressurizing the gas to the level needed for automotive fueling.
Q: Does the gas need to be pressurised and stored if a fuel cell is run directly from the generator?
A: No storage is needed. Any hydrogen fuel cell can run directly from the output gas. This supports many power supply applications including a safe means of charging EV's.
Q: Is the waste bi-product acidic or harmful to the environment?
A: No. The preconditioning of the electrolyte does not use acids or any non eco-friendly substance. The bi-product does have commercial applications so has a usable market value. The technology does NOT consume Zinc or Aluminium in a solution of acid or any form of acid mix!
Q: What do you add to the electrolyte to enable it to become the anode?
A: This level of information is hidden intellectual I/P and not open to the public. The concept of hidden IP preventing replication is not welcomed by the science academic society, but It gives the patents extra strength and makes it more attractive for acquisition. We can confirm that the process added to the electrolyte is not acidic so the waste bi-product is environmentally friendly.
Q: Conventional electrolyzers generate 20g per kWh, what is the conversion rate of your generator?
A: There being an additional elctrctochemical reaction (galvanic) the conversion rate depends on the size of the cell. The 1 cubic meter cell produces 1Kg for 2KWh of input electricity which equates to 500g/KWh. Whereas the small 0.004 cubic meter demo unit used in the verification process delivers 5g/75Wh (75 watts for one hour). Calculated from 1 SLPM for 80Wh. The output can also increase on a logarithmic scale with increased input power.
Q: For the galvanic energy to not be depleted, the galvanic energy density would have to be massive and there for reprocessing the electrodes would require the energy input of all the hydrogen galvanically produced in the cells life time?
A: The typical amount of energy to dissociate each water mole is 237kJ therefore conventional electrolytic cells need a lot of electrical energy with much of it converting to heat. The redox reactions to charge an atom requires most of this energy. However, in this application the galvanic energy is already a changed atom, in an ionic state. Ions need much less energy to carryout a task or form a bond. Therefore much less galvanic energy mass than one may assume when calculate external electron flow from stable atoms. As stated and confirmed the metal cost equates to $0.34 per Kg of hydrogen which has an energy density of 33kW.
Q: Is this a free, unlimited energy source?
A: The term 'Free Energy' refers to a natural form of energy, not so much the cost factor to harvest the energy. There is always a cost factor in any form of renewable energy and the commercial system that exists needs a cost factor to function. If energy was free then no one would be providing energy to the world. The energy derived from metals (like nuclear energy) is a natural, free energy. But it also cost money to harvest this energy. Yes the commercial system must be fed in order for it to feed us. Since (in this case) the metals can be recycled then it is limitless. The low cost metals provide energy to the supplier at a cost of $10 per Megawatt - constant energy 24/7. That means we all benefit.
Q: Do you have 3rd party lab validation?
A: All efforts have been made to locate a reputable test lab to carryout validation testing. The biggest barrier is that no labs, in our part of the world, are setup and certifies to handle hydrogen. There is only a few certified but located in US and UK. However, they only validate hydrogen purity from a bottle. No lab runs hydrogen flow quantitive and efficiency testing since there has never been a demand for it. Along with the obvious equipment size and complexities, this would not be achievable unless it was performed in-house by an outside test lab and they are not interested. Mainly because they are certified to work only within the bounds of their labs. Then there is the conflict of interest from small labs and universities setup to test hydrogen, as they have in-house hydrogen production projects on the go.
Therefor H2IL is taking the ‘proof of concept approach’ in addition to the in-house verification reports supported by CCTV video. CCTV footage is satisfactory proof in a court of law as it is time stamped and multiple views from different angles. Along with 3rd party statements from people with a technical academic degree. These are viewable from the CCTV footage window for the applicable test they witnessed. The final, stage 3, will conclude the proof of concept. A self-sustaining micro power plant generating around 5kWh non stop 24/7 for 3 months of utility statement showing the level of power sold back to the grid. This will standout as it will not show a duck-curve typical of solar, or intermittent levels typical of wind. With the hydrogen converted to electricity in fuel cells, added independent validation is much easier.
Q: When will this be ready for commercialisation?
A: The science has been fully developed and undergone repeat stability and improvement testing, at commercial level, over a 12 year period. To achieve stability in the electrochemistry, several computer controlled processes govern the system. These processes and associated components are at the final stage of selection and testing. The final commercialisation ready system will be ready at stage .3. of the project (see dates on the Projects page) and will definitely be ready at point of acquisition finalisation.
Q: Are you seeking funding?
A: No! The international manufacturing & exporting company behind the H2 Innovation Lab division is fully self-supportive and not short on funds. However, it does not intend to bring to market equipment sales and a single unit sold would expose much of the hidden IP and allow reverse engineering. Therefore, a fuel and energy supply chain on a global scale needs to be under the control and protection by a corporation or company large enough to control, maintain and govern the network and IP protection. This is why H2IL is firm on technology acquisition rather than bringing it to market. Our marketing strategy, material and website, is deliberately designed to focus on practical information rather than flashy marketing that conveys the impression of selling equipment.
Q: Are you selling shares or equipment to the public?
A: No! We are not setting up for production and are not looking for finance. H2IL is a subsidiary to an R&D company that has the capacity to start production. The private company is self-funded and has no financial ties. Due to the huge potential of this technology we believe it needs to be assigned to a corporation, or group thereof, with the international presence and financial strength to take this to the next level. In order to keep the acquisition process uninvolved, H2IL is not working with investors or selling shares. Our goal is purely technology handover. Acquisitions will be finalised following stage three of our proof of concept projects.
Q: What suggested business model do you foresee for this uniquely disruptive technology?
A: It would be illogical for the acquiree to simply sell electrolyzers. The big money, control and secured IP protection would be achieved within a business model consisting of leasing and servicing the equipment with on-going revenue on a per kg/H2 basis.