Design and Manufacture of ICE Test Module to Reduce Gasoline Consumption Using Oxyhydrogen Gas from an Alkaline Electrolyzer

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are an important source of pollution gases; therefore, several research groups are implementing systems to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Gasoline enrichment with alternative fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, and others has been considered. This paper investigates the effect of a hydrogen-oxygen mixture (oxyhydrogen gas) injected to a gasoline ICE. The test module was adapted to a modified ICE with a hydrogen and oxygen intake system which is controlled by an electronic unit. Oxyhydrogen gas (OH₂G) was produced by two water alkaline electrolyzers (WAEs) in a combined parallel-series arrangement, and their energy consumption ranged from 60 to 500 W with efficiency values between 50 and 65%. The WAEs used in this study were designed and built by our research group. The engine was working at a typical city-driving speed range from 1000 to 2000 rpm. The experimental work consisted of two main stages: In the first, the engine was tested only with gasoline, and in the second one, an oxyhydrogen gas volume was injected, and the total OH₂G real intake in air flow was 903 smL min^-1. Finally, the oxyhydrogen gas mixture allowed the reduction of gasoline consumption and contributed to a decrease in CO₂ emissions.