Influence of water electrolysis products on diesel engine performance in Colombia

Abstract

Restrictions imposed by regulatory frameworks, the high cost of fuels, environmental impacts and the efficiency of internal combustion engines encourage research into reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Additionally, to think about the alternative energy sources. In compression ignition engines, researchers around the world have been working for years on the use of biodiesel fuel, in order to reduce emissions and the consumption of diesel fuel. In other investigations, water electrolysis products obtained in an HHO gas generator and supplied to an internal combustion engine allow for improving performance, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. HHO gas is a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen resulting from the electrolysis process of water, with energy supplied by an electric source or accumulator. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of an HHO generator products in a diesel engine that operates with diesel fuel produced in Colombia with 10 % biodiesel. The objective of this study is evaluated the influence of gas HHO on mechanical performance, fuel consumption, and polluting emissions in a single-cylinder diesel engine, performing a comparative analysis when the HHO generator operates with different amperages. The results showed a 25 % average reduction in fuel consumption between 1500 y 2500 engine revolutions when the HHO cell operated with 8 amperes. The breaking power maximum value increased a 10 %, and CO and PM10 emissions were reduced by 14 % and 53 %, respectively, at 1000 rpm. It is possible to conclude that supplying water electrolysis products in the fuel-air mixture increases the mechanical performance of a diesel engine and reduces polluting gas emissions. Additionally, research areas are opened in the development of HHO generators and standards for the application of this technology