HHO Systems?

Variations on the "modern" systems were quite popular back in the 70's, and you could buy the plans from many different sources advertising in areas such as the back of popular science and popular mechanics. I did a science fair project on this subject in high school back around 1975 where I explained the laws of thermodynamics and why a system like this doesn't work. Look into the efficiency of electrolysis processes, and how much energy is produced from burning hydrogen, no matter how you combine it with other fuels and it will all be clear to you.

Now, for the ultimate system, use wet cell batteries, capture the hydrogen and oxygen gases produces by the electrolysis that takes place in the battery and you will have the ultimate energy source. Alternator produces electricity to charge the battery and it produces hydrogen which can run the engine. With the proper marketing, and the proper amount of conspiracy hype as to why this technology is being suppressed and I could make a fortune.

no energy conversion system is 100 percent effective, let alone more than 100 percent.

so.... you take water, break it into hydrogen and oxygen, then burn it creating water again......... No mater what, you are less than 100 percent efficient. couple that with the efficiency of a internal combustion engine of around 25-35 percent, you don't come out ahead.

and water is not lightweight to carry around. to get much energy you need lots of water.

better to use regnerative breaking to charge a battery, with 90+ percent efficiency, then use that energy to run an electric motor with 95+ efficiency. especially when the battery is lightweight with Lithium or NiMH than to carry around a bunch of water.

those that claim you do are snake oil salesmen

The added weight of a solar setup (and associated storage) will offset any gains in mileage.

Maybe. I'm sure the calculations of doing this are quite involved. MPG boosting gimmicks have been around forever.

Well, from what I was told (which, of course, I can't validate), car makers don't do it because it takes more power from the alternator to run it than what it puts in, making it ineffective. However, if we hook our solar energy up to it, then it's not pulling from the alternator, and gives it that extra boost in fuel economy.
It makes sense to me, but I'm certainly no expert. lol

2oldman wrote:
If this actually worked car makers would be doing it.

x2

it may work for some small niche applications but also carries risk, and probably needs constant fiddling.

pretty sure mythbusters tried HHO injection among other various gases, and didn't measure any improvement

easiest way to improve mpg's is with the right foot, it is proven that lower speeds = greater mileage.

If this actually worked car makers would be doing it.