Update On Hydrogen Power System

Update On Hydrogen Power System ENERGY Hydrogen 31-5-4 In 2003, FARM SHOW featured a revolutionary "Hydro Power Pak" system for powering vehicles with hydrogen (Vol. 27, No. 4). The system passes an electrical current through a solution of purified water mixed with an electrolyte, splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen. These separate gases are then injected into the engine's combustion chamber along with the diesel fuel for cleaner, more efficient performance with higher horsepower. We recently checked with HyPower to update progress on the commercialization of the system, which is primarily aimed at the agricultural and semi tractor market. Although HyPower expected to begin marketing the system early in 2004, this didn't happen, and the company is currently still working to perfect their product. HyPower president Doug Bender says he remains confident that the company will achieve success, but for the past few years, there have been a number of obstacles that have slowed progress. "In a sense, we've been shooting at a moving target because, although we had developed a unit that worked very effectively, we've had to continue experimenting with newer engines that came onto the market. Engines have changed dramatically û computerization has resulted in a whole different combustion cycle with vastly reduced emissions," Bender explains. "Another roadblock that we hit was the changes in formulation of fuels for diesel engines û for example, low sulfur fuels. Also, different technologies have been released such as exhaust gas re-circulation. Because of these things, we haven't yet been able to achieve a consistent and substantial result that we feel is marketable. "We're continuing to research and are confident that we'll get a product that does overcome these obstacles," he adds. "Unlike some other companies, we want solid scientific research and engineering, so along the way, we've gone to independent third party verification from reputable engineering firms to evaluate our progress." One positive development is that HyPower has had "very promising results" working with biodiesels. Bender says the company has developed its own process of producing biodiesel mixed with hydrogen that creates "a very intense heat source." Bender says hydrogen power continues to generate a tremendous amount of interest, and he looks forward to the day when the Hydro Power Pak is finally ready for market. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, HyPower Fuel Inc., Doug Bender, P. O. Box 5561, High River, Alberta, Canada T1V 1M6 (ph 403 601-8442; fax 403 601-8444; hypower @hypowerfuel.com; www. hy powerfuel.com).

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