How to Convert an Internal Combustion Engine to Hydrogen
Convert an internal combustion engine to a hydrogen burning system by installing a few new components to your existing vehicle. You can install a pre-made hydrogen generator, or build a generator chamber using detailed manuals available from ebook retailers. Whether you use preconstructed components or build your own, commonly available tools are all you will need to install the hydrogen generator system on almost any vehicle, or any appliance which uses propane gas.
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Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen generator construction manual
- Materials listed in the manual
- Preconstructed hydrogen generator chamber
- 4-inch diameter steel or CPVC pipe (optional)
- Water tank
- Carburetor adapter
- JB Weld epoxy (optional)
- Various hand tools
- Soldering iron
- Miter box or table saw
- Dashboard indicator
- Wiring
Instructions
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Download a construction manual such as "Run Your Car on Tap Water," "The HydroStar" or "Simple Water Fuel" from an ebook retailer such as homemadeenergy.org. The guides provide detailed instructions and schematics for obtaining a ready-made water fueled hydrogen generator system or building your own components. These manuals list detailed sources and options for gathering materials, including specific vendors with contact information.
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Install a pre-made hydrogen generator chamber, or build one using a CPVC or stainless steel pipe with a 4-inch diameter. Cut the pipe housing with a table saw or miter box for an even cut. The generator housing will be 10 to 18 inches long, depending on the amount of space in the engine compartment. Cap and seal the ends of the housing, and seal the seams with JB Weld epoxy.
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Build or install a system indicator panel. The layout of the indicator components depends on your preferences, and the shape of your specific vehicle's dashboard. The easiest and most effective method for installing the indicator system is to use a prefabricated VDO-II08720 Custom Console.
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Install a water tank that holds at least 5-10 gallons of water inside the engine compartment or on the vehicle chassis. U.S. Plastic Part #8658 is recommended, should fit within the engine compartment and holds 16 gallons.
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Install premade or build your own electronic "HyTronics" module as instructed by your particular manual. "The HydroStar" manual, in particular, lists the parts for the HyTronics system using part numbers specific to Radio Shack retailers. Alternately, you can collect parts and assemble the system by the method of any comparable manual and retailer. Mount the HyTronics component under your dashboard, as far forward as practical.
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Install a carburetor adapter. Hundreds of carburetor types exist; do not install an adapter without consulting professionals. Contact Impco Technologies for the proper adapter, and explain the make and model of your vehicle and your hydrogen generator project. They will ship you the proper adapter for your carburetor.
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Connect the hydrogen generator and HyTronics potentiometer to your car's throttle assembly, and attach the water tank to the hydrogen generator as well. Connect the hydrogen generator to the carburetor adapter with an appropriate gauge tubing. Preliminary construction of your hydrogen generator system is now complete. You're ready for testing and fine tuning.
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Fine tune the hydrogen generator and combustion system carefully, according to the specs provided in your project manual. Don't crank the engine before you have properly calibrated the hydrogen generator, or you will damage the system. Fine tuning is a delicate process outlined in detail in your project manual. Once tuning is complete, your water-fueled, hydrogen-powered vehicle is ready to drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the construction manual carefully before you collect materials and begin assembly.
The hydrogen system doesn't alter or disable the vehicle's existing gasoline engine. You can easily remove the hydrogen generator and resume running your car on gasoline.
Don't cut corners on materials, whether pre-made or home-built, and risk building an inadequate system. In the long run, it will be a waste of time and money.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit engine image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
