It’s said that any suitably advanced technology would be indistinguishable from magic. Still, the technology of the day has, is and will continue to revolutionise our planet, our way of life and our very existence.
And while we are yet to inhabit a world which is populated with robots, amphibious hovercrafts, food caplets or battery operated butlers postulated by futurologists and brought to life by sci-fi cinema, we are walking with technology giants – our inventors and innovators – towards a designer destination, where the seemingly impossible becomes possible.
But not dissimilar to those that have gone before them, today’s inventions of every niche and nature may get the technological hiccups, have a short shelf life and face the scrutiny of scientists and sceptics. After all, invention goes hand in hand with investigation.
Nevertheless, one inventor, on his own quest for creative solutions to secure a smarter future, identified an opportunity which assumed the shape of a hydrogen on demand system.
Through his own research and development initiatives, Waipawa’sTim Parker sought to invent a unit that would dramatically lower engine emissions, reduce fuel consumption and maximise engine efficiency.
This year CleanFuelz hydrogen units hit the market and as Parker attests, CleanFuelz is cleaning up cars. Kate Pierson talks to inventor Tim Parker about his hydrogen on demand unit.
What is a CleanFuelz hydrogen unit?
“Essentially a series of stainless steel tubes which can be charged electrically.”
How does the unit work?
“The CleanFuelz unit works by combining the gas with a hydrocarbon fuel such as petrol or diesel. Using the electrolysis process, one litre of water can yield 1800 litres of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The CleanFuelz system produces “Brown’s gas,” which is single molecule hydrogen and oxygen.
It is the introduction of this mixed gas to the intake airflow of an internal combustion engine that is so beneficial. It causes a much faster and more complete combustion flash within the motor, with an ignition flash at least 10 times faster than that of ordinary petrol or diesel.
This more efficient use of the hydrocarbon fuels can produce savings of up to 20 percent, while dramatically lowering the hydrocarbon emissions in the exhaust gas for which all engines have become infamous. Exhaust becomes mainly water vapor and CO2, eliminating CO, NO, NO2, SO2 and CH2O.
Independent exhaust emission tests show hydrocarbons present at 19 parts per million (ppm) at high idle in a petrol engine.With our CleanTube fitted this drops dramatically to 0.21 ppm.”
What is the CleanTube?
“The CleanTube is an assembly of stainless steel plates or tubes in a sealed water filled container, powered by an electrical current, assisted by an electrolyte, which separates water in hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis.”
Is the CleanFuelz unit safe?
“Yes – the hydrogen and oxygen gases are broken down from water by electrolysis only when the motor is running. This is a ‘hydrogen on demand’ system and the gas is only produced when the engine requires it – it is not stored.
After considerable research and development, sourcing information and expertise from around the world CleanFuelz is now confident that hydrogen on demand technology, properly fitted, is safe and reliable. Our CleanTubes are produced using the highest quality components and manufactured to the highest quality control standards.”
What consumer demographic is served by the unit?
“Anyone who owns an internal combustion engine whether in a vehicle or otherwise.”
What are the potential benefits of installing a CleanFuelz unit?
“Cleaner, quieter and smoother running motors with considerable reduction in noxious emissions. Drivers also note an increase in torque and if the motor is properly tuned, marked fuel saving. Also, the units only draw two or less amps.”
What does the installation involve?
“The only small change that needs to be made to a motor, other than tuning is the insertion of a small hole in the air intake where the Brown’s gas is to be introduced.
The CleanTubes come with detailed fitting and tuning instructions. We recommend that they are fitted by a qualified auto-electrician, or a CleanFuelz certified installer. All vehicle motors that have computer controlled fuel systems may require tuning of the sensor equipment of the vehicle or re-setting of the vehicles computer.
CleanTubes should be matched to the litre volume of the motors to which they are being fitted. This information can be obtained from your CleanFuelz representatives. “
What is the cost of a CleanFuelz unit?
“Depending on the vehicle and the cost of the auto electrician, the price is approximately $1200 for the unit, installation and electrical services.”
How long will a CleanFuelz unit last?
“Indefinitely. They are designed so that if you buy a new car, the unit can be transferred over quickly and easily.”
Has the product experienced success to date?
“Yes we are now getting many word of mouth referrals. Our units have been fitted to petrol cars, motor bikes, diesel cars, RV’s, trucks and tractors so far.”
For more information CleanFuelz you can call them on (06) 857 8002
Questioning the science
Hydrogen on demand systems – the future or fraud? It’s a hotly debated subject, there’s no question about it. But what are the industry experts saying? With a PHD in hydrogen fuel cells and multiple published hydrogen papers in international journals, University of Canterbury mechanical engineering academic and research associate, Shannon Page, offers further industry insight.
What is the general consensus (science industry) opinion towards hydrogen on demand systems?
“Such systems do not work as claimed. There are no independent, rigorous tests that show any improvement in vehicle fuel economy with a hydrogen on demand system installed.”
What is your opinion about the effectivity and validity of such a unit?
“Such systems have been proposed in the past by various companies and individuals. These devices show no improvement in vehicle performance. Based on the description of how the device works, the technology seems closer to that of the so called “water-powered car,” than hydrogen enhanced combustion.”
