Respiratory oxygen formed by electrolysis of water and surrendering secondary hydrogen to a fuel cell for energy recovery

摘要

In a process to supply pure oxygen for respiration, water is split by electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is admixed to respiratory air while the hydrogen is simultaneously used in a fuel cell to generate electricity that is used in the electrolysis process. The two processes are especially coupled in a single assembly. Also claimed is a suitable assembly (1) with an oxygen supply (11) and an electronic control unit (12) which regulates the admixture of oxygen to respiratory air during inhalation. The electrolysis unit and/or fuel cell consist of a poly-electrolyte membrane cell within a single integrated unit. The cell has a water storage unit (2) which is a metal hydride storage unit or pressure storage unit and is linked to with a fuel-reformer unit. The external energy supply is either an accumulator or mains electricity. The fuel call may alternatively be a direct methanol fuel cell. The unit may be constructed for fixed or mobile use.