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Hydrogen fuel enhancement

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Hydrogen fuel enhancement is the process of using a mixture of hydrogen and conventional hydrocarbon fuel in an internal combustion engine, typically in a car or truck, to improve fuel economy, power output, or both. While the term may be used to refer to different ways of implementing this concept, it more commonly refers to the controversial practice of using hydrogen produced through an electrolysis system on-board the vehicle. Scientifically accepted methods include storing hydrogen on the vehicle as a second fuel, or reforming conventional fuel into hydrogen with a catalyst.

There has been a great deal of research into fuel mixtures, such as gasoline and nitrous oxide injection. Mixtures of hydrogen and hydrocarbons are no exception.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] These sources suggest that a small efficiency increases is sometimes possible. However in all of these experiments the hydrogen has come from an external source, hydrogen created by electrolysis "on board" must always consume more energy than is saved in order to not violate conservation of energy laws.

Many of these sources also suggest that modifications to the engine's air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, emissions control systems, electronic control systems and possibly other design elements, might be required in order to obtain any significant results. Due to the inherent complexity of these subsystems, a necessity of modern engine design and emissions standards, such claims made by proponents of hydrogen fuel enhancement are difficult to substantiate and always disputed.

To date, Hydrogen fuel enhancement products have not been specifically addressed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. No research devices or commercial products have reports available as per the "Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program."[9] Environment Canada does have a research paper on the subject. In tests done in their laboratory in 2004 they found no improvement in engine efficiency or fuel economy. [10]

Electrolysis

Hydrogen fuel enhancement from electrolysis (utilizing automotive alternators) has been promoted for use with diesel trucks,[11][12][13] although electrolysis-based designs have been repeatedly debunked. Proponents, who sell the units, claim that the dynamics are often misconstrued, and due to the chemical properties of the resulting mixture, it is possible to gain efficiency increases in a manner that does not violate any scientific laws. Recent tests by consumer watch groups have shown negative results.[14][15][16] [17] Because it requires as much energy to separate hydrogen from oxygen as would be gained from burning the hydrogen produced in this method, the concept of such a device is often stated to be in direct violation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

Catalysis

Arvin Meritor, a Tier 1 supplier of automotive technology, at one time, was developing a plasma reformer technology which would use hydrogen produced from the fuel to enhance engine combustion efficiency and reduce emissions of NOx[18]. This research was being conducted in conjunction with the Sloan Automotive Laboratory at MIT. Eventually, the division conducting this research was sold off to an equity investment firm[19].

See also

References

  1. ^ NASA Technical Note, May 1977, "Emissions and Total Energy Consumption of a Multicylinder Piston Engine Running on Gasoline and a Hydrogen–Gasoline Mixture" (Accessed 2008-08-08)
  2. ^ Idaho National Laboratory on Fuel Enhancement
  3. ^ G. Fontana, E. Galloni, E. Jannelli and M. Minutillo (2002). "Performance and Fuel Consumption Estimation of a Hydrogen Enriched Gasoline Engine at Part-Load Operation". SAE Technical Paper Series (2002–01–2196): 4–5. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Mathur H.B., Das L.M. (1991). "Performance characteristics of a Hydrogen Fueled SI Engine using Timed Manifold Injection". Int. J. Hydrogen Energy (vol 16, pp. 115–117, 1991). {{cite journal}}: |issue= has extra text (help)
  5. ^ Per Tunestal, Magnus Christensen, Patrik Einewall, Tobias Andersson, and Bengt Johansson (2002). "Hydrogen Addition For Improved Lean Burn Capability of Slow and Fast Natural Gas Combustion Chambers". SAE Technical Paper Series (2002–01–2686): 7–8. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Tsolakis A, Megaritis A, Wyszynski ML, "Application of exhaust gas fuel reforming in compression ignition engines fueled by diesel and biodiesel fuel mixtures" Energy & Fuels 17 (6): 1464–1473 NOV-DEC 2003.
  7. ^ Yougen Kong, Sam Crane, Palak Patel and Bill Taylor (2004). "NOx Trap Regeneration with an On-Board Hydrogen Generation Device". SAE Technical Paper Series (2004–01–0582): 6–7. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Thorsten Allgeier, Martin Klenk and Tilo Landenfeld (2004). "Advanced Emissions and Fuel Economy Control Using Combined Injection of Gasoline and Hydrogen in SI-Engines". SAE Technical Paper Series (2004–01–1270): 11–12. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ See list of devices tested under EPA Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation
  10. ^ [Barton, P.J. 2004. Study of Heavy Duty Vehicle Exhaust Emissions and Fuel Consumption with the use of a JetStar™ Hydrogen Gas Generator. Environment Canada, ERMD Report No. 2004-32v2]
  11. ^ Business Name
  12. ^ Wired magazine: Truckers Choose Hydrogen Power
  13. ^ "GreenChek Technology corporate website". Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  14. ^ Popular Mechanics Water-Powered Cars: Hydrogen Electrolyzer Mod Can't Up MPGs.
  15. ^ Greenville News Looking Out 4 You: Water 4 Gas Fails to Boost Mileage
  16. ^ "Hydrogen conversion claims put to the test - Video". 3 News. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
  17. ^ http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/water4gas.html Consumer Affairs Water4gas
  18. ^ Hydrogen-Enhanced Combustion Engine Could Improve Gasoline Fuel Economy by 20% to 30%
  19. ^ ArvinMeritor to Sell its Emissions Technologies Group
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