Optimization of a closed-loop HHO production system for vehicles and houses

Abstract

This study focused on determining the optimal conditions for producing by electrolysis HHO that is suitable for use in motor vehicles and in households. The experiments used electrolyte concentrations of 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, and 1.50% w/w KOH (aq.), and 316 L stainless steel 20 × 30 mm electrode plates. The gap between the plates was adjusted to 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mm, and experiments were conducted at the steady state temperatures of 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, and 95°C, for 10 min. It was found that the optimized production conditions for houses or motor vehicles, according to this study, were 7 mm cell gap and 1.50% w/w KOH at 90.0°C ± 1.0°C operating temperature, or 5 mm cell gap and 1.25% w/w KOH at 85.0°C ± 1.0°C operating temperature, respectively. To apply this research to real operation, the methods of real application with vehicles and household appliances were discussed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 268–277, 2019.