Hydrogen fuel enhancement

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, in an attempt to improve fuel economy, power output, emissions, or a combination thereof. Methods include hydrogen produced through an electrolysis, 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 say that contamination from exhaust gases has been reduced in all cases, and they suggest that a small efficiency increase is sometimes possible.

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. A modified vehicle in this way may not pass mandatory anti-smog controls.[9] 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.[10]

To date, hydrogen fuel enhancement products have not been specifically addressed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as no research devices or commercial products have reports available as per the "Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program."[11] They do, however, point out that installation of such devices often involves illegally tampering with an automobile's emissions control system, which could result in significant fines.[12]

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.[13]

There are also many aftermarket kits available for sale outside of the US. The fitting of these kits outside the US may not contravene laws in those countries where fitted.

  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 2022-04-06)
  2. ^ Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles Archived 2012-12-12 at archive.today Idaho National Laboratory
  3. ^ G. Fontana; E. Galloni; E. Jannelli; M. Minutillo (January 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.
  4. ^ Mathur H.B.; Das L.M. (1991). "Performance characteristics of a Hydrogen Fueled SI Engine using Timed Manifold Injection". International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 16: 115–127. doi:10.1016/0360-3199(91)90038-K.
  5. ^ Per Tunestal; Magnus Christensen; Patrik Einewall; Tobias Andersson; Bengt Johansson (January 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.
  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; Bill Taylor (January 2004). "NOx Trap Regeneration with an On-Board Hydrogen Generation Device". SAE Technical Paper Series (2004–01–0582): 6–7.
  8. ^ Thorsten Allgeier; Martin Klenk; Tilo Landenfeld (January 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.
  9. ^ Water-Powered Cars: Hydrogen Electrolyzer Mod Can't Up MPGs, Mike Allen, August 7, 2008, Popularmechanics.com
  10. ^ "Federal Register :: Request Access". unblock.federalregister.gov. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  11. ^ See list of devices tested under EPA Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation
  12. ^ US Environmental Protection Agency, "Devices and Additives to Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Pollution - Do They Really Work?"
  13. ^ 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]