There are many reasons one would want to build a hydrogen generator, but one of the most common reasons is to use it in hydrogen fuel enhancement. In fuel enhancement, you build a hydrogen generator to attach to your existing engine, which then boosts the overall gas mileage you receive while driving. People may also build a hydrogen generator simply as a fun and easy science experiment, which can be used to demonstrate a number of different principles.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up some three-quarters of the elemental mass in existence. Although it is extremely common, it is relatively rare in its pure state on Earth, and is usually found coupled to other elements. The most common combination it is found in on Earth is coupled with oxygen, to form water. The uses for hydrogen are many, but in recent years a great deal of interest has been focused on the use of hydrogen as a fuel source, especially in vehicles, as a cleaner alternative to the fossil fuels currently used.
Although progress is being made on developing a full hydrogen economy, where cars may eventually be able to run on hydrogen fuel cells exclusively, widespread adoption of such vehicles is likely to be some way off. Hydrogen enhancement offers an intermediary step, allowing consumers to build a hydrogen generator to use in their existing fossil fuel engine, to increase their efficiency. Although kits are available which can be installed, the basic principles of the generator are fairly easy, and it is not terribly difficult to simply build a hydrogen generator on your own.
A hydrogen system involves installing a plastic tank for the water which will be used as a fuel source, a reaction chamber, a few gauges, a circuit to control the system, and a high-pressure fuel injector. Although it’s not the easiest installation, once installed the system is virtually seamless, with the car being driven as normal, but with an improved efficiency.
The mechanism by which the hydrogen system works is quite straight forward. Basically, electricity run through the water and a bit of baking soda generate oxyhydrogen, also known as Brown’s gas. This gas is then injected into the engine, and the combination of gasoline and Brown’s gas then combusts, in theory more efficiently than the gasoline normally would. Gauges and a control circuit allow for a more precise handling of the production of Brown’s gas, which can further improve efficiency.
The claims made about improvements to fuel efficiency vary widely, depending on who is making them. Skeptics suggest that the amount of energy needed to create the Brown’s gas is greater than that generated, making for a net loss of fuel efficiency. Conservative supporters put fuel efficiency boosts at around 4-6%, while ardent supports suggest improvements of 50-100% fuel efficiency can be seen.
Visual diagrams showing how to build a hydrogen generator can be found for free at a number of places. These diagrams range from very simple installations, to complex installations incorporating a number of feedback and measurement devices. Because of the nature of the hydrogen boosting community, a great deal of support structures have also sprung up, with many experienced technicians offering help for people looking to build their own.
