Diesel Boost

New Hydrogen unit boosts the fuel efficiency of diesel engines.
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Reducing the consumption of diesel fuel, which historically has been more expensive than gasoline, is music to the ears of anyone who owns or operates large equipment, trains, buses, trucks, and vehicle fleets.

Tapping hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element on earth, Hydrodynamic Technologies in Chesterfield Township recently started distributing a hydrogen-on-demand unit that in 90 minutes can be mounted or positioned securely inside or near a vehicle’s engine compartment.

The so-called HOD units, which can weigh approximately 75 pounds, increase fuel efficiency between 5 percent and 25 percent. The exact savings is based on the age and condition of the engine, along with the amount of cargo being hauled. By injecting a liquid mix of hydrogen and oxygen into an air intake manifold, HOD helps diesel engines run more efficiently and at lower temperatures.

“The technology was developed by Corrtech Inc. in Chicago six years ago, and over that time the unit (has been) perfected in the field,” says Ronald Superson, vice president of sales and marketing at Hydrodynamic Technologies. “In colder temperatures, the hydrogen fluid could freeze, so now we offer three different formulas to prevent that from happening.”

HOD reduces harmful emissions by up to 60 percent, requires fewer oil changes in a given diesel engine, reduces unburned fuel and carbon buildup on the fuel injectors, and makes for cleaner exhaust systems, Superson says. 

“Right now we’re selling more and more units (which are priced from $3,500 to $6,500), and Corrtech is working on introducing different sensors and real-time tracking for large fleet owners,” Superson says. “In the future, utilizing a satellite and the sensors, fleet owners will know exactly where their trucks are, and know the amount of fuel they’re burning in real time.”

In addition, new sensors will provide preventive maintenance alerts, such as letting an operator know that a fuel pump needs replacing. Superson says HOD is the only system on the market that produces hydrogen and oxygen using a patented reaction fluid.

Equipped with a gallon container of hydrogen fluid, Superson says one unit provides 500 hours of drive time. Replacement fluid comes in one-gallon or 50-gallon containers. In some cases, HOD may qualify the user for emission and tax credits, and the unit doesn’t void any related warranties.

“The unit not only works on diesel-powered vehicles, but also industrial machinery, ships, generators, and agricultural equipment,” Superson says. “The HOD system is only going to get better.”