초록 ▼

An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at

An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An assembly comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber; a passage between said first and second chambers; a photovoltaic (PV) module and an electrode in said first chamber; a counter-electrode in said second chamber; said first chamber having a first gas collection regi

What is claimed is: 1. An assembly comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber; a passage between said first and second chambers; a photovoltaic (PV) module and an electrode in said first chamber; a counter-electrode in said second chamber; said first chamber having a first gas collection region and said second chamber having a second gas collection region; an electrolyte in said first and second chambers and in said passage between said chambers; and a light focusing element associated with said PV module. 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light focusing element comprises at least a portion of said first chamber being convex relative to a light source. 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said convex portion is flexed outward by electrolyte retained in said chamber. 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said convex portion is positioned related to the PV module to direct light thereon. 5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said focusing element comprises a lens at an exterior surface of said first chamber. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said PV module is movable relative to said convex portion to enhance incidence of light thereon. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second chambers and passage therebetween are defined by a single flexible envelope having distal ends folded toward one another to define said respective chambers adjacent respective said distal ends. 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the folded envelope is U-shaped, with respective legs of said U forming respective first and second chambers, and the base of said U forming said passage. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein gasses collect in said gas collection region in an upper portion of said legs. 10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said ends of said legs are sealed. 11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said legs are sealed to one another. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said legs sealed to one another form a container having an annulus between said legs. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the container has a strength of the seal and a strength container material sufficient to support the weight of the container, electrodes, PV module, and electrolyte when said container is supported from the annulus. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said container is supported from the annulus adjacent the sealed legs. 15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said first chamber is convex outward when said package is supported. 16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said container is O-shaped and rotatable about a support for enhanced incidence of light on said PV module. 17. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a fluid access port in the first chamber for removal of gas and a fluid access port in the second chamber for removal of gas. 18. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said container has a shape selected from an oval, teardrop, O-shape and the like. 19. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said legs are sealed by a heat seal. 20. The assembly of claim 7,wherein said envelope is light transmissive, resists degradation by electrolyte, prevents or at least inhibits diffusion of gaseous hydrogen, oxygen or both, and is heat sealable to itself. 21. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said envelope comprises a polymeric material. 22. The assembly of claim 17, wherein respective fluid access ports provide vias for an electrically conductive path between the electrodes. 23. The assembly of claim 1, comprising an electrically conductive path, from the first electrode through an insulated access port in said first chamber, to an insulated access port in said second chamber, and to the counter-electrode. 24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said electrically conductive path comprises a wire that joins said electrodes. 25. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said counter electrode comprises nickel. 26. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrode comprises ruthenium oxide coated on nickel or nickel alloy. 27. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said PV module comprises cells formed of a material selected from the group of crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, triple junction material, and combinations thereof. 28. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrolyte comprises KOH. 29. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrolyte comprises 5 molar KOH. 30. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of said electrode and counter-electrode has an undulating configuration. 31. A method to make an assembly for electrolysis of water comprising: a) providing a transparent cylindrical-shaped envelope having at least one access port; b) placing a PV module and an electrode in the envelope adjacent one end of the envelope and placing a counter-electrode in the envelope adjacent the other end of the envelope; c) sealing the two ends of the envelope and joining the ends together; and d) inserting electrolyte in the sealed envelope through said access port. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein step a) comprises providing a sheet of transparent material and sealing opposite edges of said sheet together to form said cylindrical-shaped envelope. 33. The method of claim 31 wherein step c) comprises cutting a portion of each of said two ends, inward from an edge, thereby providing an uncut flap at each said end; and sealing said respective flaps together. 34. An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of an aqueous electrolyte solution using sunlight comprising: a fluid filled container which functions both to hold an aqueous electrolyte solution to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens; a photovoltaic module positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container; and a pair of electrodes, coupled to the photovoltaic module disposed within the electrolyte solution and configured to split water within the electrolyte solution into hydrogen and oxygen. 35. The apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the fluid filled container defines a focal point when the container is subjected to gravity. 36. The apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the fluid filled container defines a convex outer surface.