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DISCUSSION => Swaps, Turbos, Buildups => Topic started by: 92BMW318is on November 16, 2011, 09:27:38 AM

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: 92BMW318is on November 16, 2011, 09:27:38 AM

I have been doing some research into the idea. I was wondering what you guys know and or think of the idea. From what I see on the internet they are  relatively cheap to make.

But some say that, the power consumption in order to make the hydrogen isn't worth it. Example, the amount of electric needed to power the unit far exceeds any benefits, making the engine work harder to supply the current needed for the hydrogen generator to produce enough hydrogen to raise the mpg.

But I was wondering if adding another alternator to an engine would create that much of a drag and make a noticeable drop in mpg. and or adding maybe 1 to 2 more batteries.

from what I see on youtube most of it seems sketchy, and no one provides any real data.

So if you guys have any ideas or sugestions on a efficient way to power the system, with out a loss in mpg (because the whole point its to raise mpg) let me know.

It would be cool to go from 30mpg to lets say 45mpg if that is even possible.  

Also wouldnt it be cool if you could find a way to hook up alternators/induction generator to the driveshaft. these might be stupid ideas ha :rolleyes:

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: wazzu70 on November 16, 2011, 02:14:18 PM

If there was a free lunch you would hear a lot more details!

Do more research, you will find the problems with your proposal very quickly.

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: DesktopDave on November 17, 2011, 04:03:22 PM

I'd go electric first...far more efficient.  After that, I'd consider CNG if it's cheap in your neighborhood.  Then I'd think diesel.  AFTER that, I'd start scheming about HHO or hydrolysis.

It's not a bad idea but the devil is in the details.  It's definitely not a free lunch idea, like a lot of people think.  You're generating and injecting a perfectly stoich H2/O2 mixture, and using the losses inherent in an ICE to eke out more economy.  Same general idea as a turbocharger, just with a different technology.  You need a large volume of gas to do that though.  All the garage  chemists I've seen are hacking away at design with what seems like zero  engineering.  Free hydrogen with lots of O2 burns very nicely...and  invisibly...and hot...something to be aware of there.

I'm waiting for someone to run a system on a bench somewhere to find out just how lean you can run a boosted engine like this.  How much gas flow, how to re-tune the DME, etc.  Most of the hackers I've seen are claiming that they get 200% better mileage on carb'ed truck engines or FI motors with disabled O2 sensors.  No proof, just someone saying they did it and they can sell you the secret.  No thanks.

You're right about the drag though.  Even a small gas generator uses a  lot of watts.  Say 60 or 80 watts' worth of drag on the alternator will definitely eat some gas.

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: willworkfore30s on November 17, 2011, 08:53:17 PM

A while back a mechanical engineer and I spent a good amount of time researching this and building prototypes.  True gains will not be had from a cheap job.  We started out with a very simple design and by the end of it we has a very intricate design with stacked machined plates sandwiched between machined plexi with all kinds of custom fittings and hoses.  According to all the calculations it should have worked but we never could get the cars computer to agree with it.  It kept over compensating. (this was on a jag.)  Basically the gains weren't significant enough to be worth continuing the project and it just kind of died out.

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: LeeThompson on November 17, 2011, 09:00:45 PM

If you add anouther battery or two, you are adding a lot of weight. Upwards of 40 pounds. You will raise your gas consumption by a mile per gallon or two. You will come out on top if you take the weight out of the car. Back seats, spare tire, and even your passanger seat if you do not use it often.

Title: hydrogen fuel cell generator
Post by: 91 e30m42 on November 18, 2011, 05:50:14 PM

desktop is right go electric first here are some vids that i found in youtube guy from croatia and has one very fast all electric E30:
 
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-DjHW64y7Y&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-DjHW64y7Y&feature=related)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=YzBK1Mk4ias (http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=YzBK1Mk4ias)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4My8_B6HZsA&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4My8_B6HZsA&feature=related)