"Next Generation" Hydrogen Generator

"Next Generation" Hydrogen Generator ENERGY Hydrogen 33-3-28 Andy Herold says he doubled mileage on his van with a hydrogen generator. But he didn't like all the problems with the unit, such as meltdowns and leaks. After making numerous prototypes of his own design, and spending $40,000 to line up the right components, he says his HydroStar hydrogen generator resolves the problems with other commercial units. "I made my first system using plexiglas, and it fell apart after a month. My second one was pvc, and it melted when the temperature hit 185 degrees," recalls Herold. "I then switched to fiberglass reinforced ABS plastic rated to 257 degrees F." Given the limited space available under most hoods, Herold designed his unit to be compact, measuring only 5 in. wide by 7 1/2 in. long and 2 1/2 in. thick. All tubing and wiring needed is included in each kit. Herold says the best results with his kits have been on large diesel engines, such as motor homes, reporting as much as a doubling of miles per gallon. Most drivers report about a 20 to 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency. Herold's daughter Missy has had a unit in her 6-cyl., Saturn Vue for a year. Forgetting to add water a couple of times has provided the perfect repeat test for mileage results. "When it's working, I get from 30 to 31 miles per gallon in city driving," says Missy. "When it's not working, I drop back to about 25 miles per gallon." She adds that with the hydrogen, the car has more power. "I especially notice it on hills," she says. "Without it, it handles just like it did from the factory." Missy emphasizes that the system is easy to maintain. "All you have to do is refill it with distilled water every day or two, depending on how much you drive," she says. "If the tank runs dry it won't hurt anything." Herold's website offers pros and cons of four different electrolytes that were added to the distilled water - sodium citrate, baking soda, sodium hydroxide and salt. He prefers sodium citrate for its safety, though more is required. He also recommends against salt due to its corrosive nature. A recommended mix to achieve maximum output at a safe temperature is two tablespoons of sodium citrate and 1/2 teaspoon of sodium hydroxide. For an even safer solution, use 15 teaspoons of straight sodium citrate. "Mix the electrolyte in 1.4 liters of water and fill the tank," he says. "You can start out at five amps if the unit is installed inside the engine compartment and seven amps if it's in front of the radiator. You can be at 13.5 amps in two hours with the temperature in the tank at 185 degrees and maximum hydrogen production." Herold suggests placement ahead of the radiator for air stream cooling. "The limiting factor in hydrogen generation is temperature of the electrolyte fluid," he says. "Water boils at 212 degrees so I try to keep my units operating at 185 degrees." Herold suggests adjusting the mix according to daily driving habits. "Just drive your vehicle your normal operating distance and check the temperature with a cooking thermometer," he says. "If it's lower than 185 degrees, add a pinch of electrolyte until it reaches the desired temperature." Herold has sold more than 100 of his systems, which he has priced at $125. He offers an EFIE switch for adjusting the mixture of fuel and air for $15. He also has a website that sells individual components for do it yourselfers, as well as the entire system as a turnkey installation. The site also offers information on making your own, installing and using a hydrogen generator. FARM SHOW has been provided with two units, and they're being field tested on a diesel pickup for a report in the next issue. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Andrew Herold, 11402 Westview Ct., Beltsville, Md. 20705 (ph 240 417-9575; aheroldsr@ yahoo.com; www.makehydrogenerators. com).

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