eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Build a Hydrogen Powered Car

Contributor
By Michael Arcand
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A hydrogen car uses hydrogen as its source of energy. Torque is produced by combustion in an automobile's engine and the burning of hydrogen is basically the same as burning fossil fuel such as gas or diesel to release energy. Because of the price differential between fossil fuel and water, there is a huge potential saving benefit that come with building your own hydrogen-powered car.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 4 Strands of heavy gauge electrical wiring Glass cylinder or jar with a lid 2 Stainless steel metal plates that fit inside the glass cylinder Rubber tubing Silicone sealant 2 Wing nuts with screws Baking soda
  1. Step 1

    Drill two holes into the lid of the container to hold the two metal plates in close proximity to each other but not touching. Drill a third hole at the top of the lid for a PVC fitting.

  2. Step 2

    Fill the glass container with water and a teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda helps produce the Brown Gas or Hydrogen gas that will be generated during electrolysis.

  3. Step 3

    Screw in both metal plates to the bottom of the lid while also connecting electrical wires beneath each nut on top of the lid as you tighten the plates into place. Submerge the metal plate into the water and baking soda mixture and tightly screw on the lid.

  4. Step 4

    Drill one additional hole into the air intake housing. Be certain the hole is just after your auto's air filter and between the motor's air intake. The HHO gas will be drawn in naturally as part of the normal function of the engine and into the combustion chambers.

  5. Step 5

    Connect one end of the plastic tubing to the PVC joint on the container's lid and the other end to the air intake housing. Seal your connections both on the containers lid and on the air intake tubing with silicone sealant.

  6. Step 6

    Connect the two wires coming from your ignition switch to your battery heads, one to the positive and one to the negative. Retrace your steps to ensure all wiring and rubber tubes are properly connected and sealed.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use a glass or plastic container as long the container you choose comes with a lid that can be sealed and that it is has a high melting point. Adjust the amount of baking soda needed to improve the electrolysis process. Link two or more assembled containers that can safely fit beneath your car's hood. Measure the amount of wiring you will need as well the length of the rubber tubing prior to purchase.
  • Plan ahead and set aside at least 3 hours to build your own hydrogen powered car. Until everything is completely finished, meaning connected and sealed, your automobile will be unusable. Check with your warranty company to make sure converting your car into a hydrogen power vehicle will not void your coverage.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Cars Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Cars
eHow_eHow Cars