Electrolysis of Water

One important use of electrolysis is to produce hydrogen. The reaction that occurs is:

2H2O(aq) = 2H2(g) + O2(g)

This process is one way of shifting society toward using hydrogen as an energy carrier
for powering internal combustion engines. Electrolysis of water can be achieved in a
simple hands-on project, when electricity from a low-voltage DC power supply (e.g. 12
volt battery) is passed through a vessel of water.

In practice, some kind of electrolyte will need to be used. Electrolyte is a dilute mixture
of minerals and water used to enhance the flow of electricity. Seawater is an ideal
electrolyte but adequate substitutes are mineral water, spring water or even regular tap
water.

The NVI Hydrogen Generator utilizes the electrolysis process, with certain patent-
applied-for modifications built in, to improve its efficency, durability and ease of
operation. Gases are captured by the Generator, mixed with a filtered air flow, then
directed to a vehicle's fuel intake system where they are combined with the vehicle's
ordinary fuel/air mixture. The result is enhanced combustion, improved mileage and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction in emissions is caused when non-
polluting hydrogen adds combustion energy, replacing some of the ordinary fuel needed
to power the vehicle.

Electrolysis works when an electric current is applied, through an electrolytic solution,

between a cathode (negative pole) and an anode (positive pole). During electrolysis,
hydrogen gas will be seen to bubble up at the cathode, and oxygen will bubble at the
anode. The two gases combined in a free state, constitute what is called "Brown's Gas"
(see Note below) If, however, the wrong metal is utilized for the anode, oxygen will
react with the anode instead of being released as a gas. For example, using iron
electrodes in an electrolyte solution, will produce iron oxide at the anode, which will
react to form iron hydroxide. When producing large quantites of hydrogen, this can
significantly contaminate the electrolytic cell reducing its hydrogen output. This is why
iron is not used by the NVI Hydrogen Generator.

The energy efficiency of water electrolysis varies widely. The efficiency is a measure of
what fraction of electrical energy used actually produces hydrogen and oxygen. Some of
the electrical energy is converted to heat and some reports quote efficiencies between
50-70%. This efficiency is based on the Lower Heating Value of Hydrogen...thermal
energy released when hydrogen is combusted. This does not represent the total amount
of energy within the gas since, hydrogen itself, releases a large amount of energy when
it combines with oxygen to form water. Water formed during the combustion process
will not contaminate or oxidize engine cylinder components since the heat of
combustion reduces any water formed to steam that is expelled through the engine's
exhaust valves. Likewise, the NVI Hydrogen Generator uses no lye or other chemical
substances that could attack engine components.

The theoretical maximum efficiency of electrolysis can be as high as 80-94%. This

maximum considers the total amount of energy absorbed by both the hydrogen and
oxygen. These values only refer to the efficiency of converting electrical energy into
chemical energy (combustible gasses). The energy lost in generating the electricity is
not included. If, however, electrolysis is accomplished using an underutilized electrical
source that already exists (the excess, unused capacity of an automobile alternator, for
instance), high efficiency can be routinely achieved.

Note 1: Much of the information contained above was obtained from Wikipedia, the
online encyclopedia of the Web at www.wikipedia.org

Note 2: Brown's Gas - A discovery made by Yull Brown of Australia, is actually

produced by electrolysis and consists of mixed hydrogen and oxygen. This gaseous
mixture is actually a better fuel than hydrogen alone. Reason - in many areas of the
world, oxygen is in short supply in the air we breathe. Normally, oxygen comprises
21% of our air at sea level. If this percentage falls below 5%, serious consequences,
even the death of many people, could occur. For instance, there have been reports of
oxygen levels in the 6 to 7% percent range in Tokyo. The widespread use of Brown's
gas to power industry and transportation, might actually improve oxygen levels in cities
like Tokyo whereas, using hydrogen as a fuel by itself, would tend to leave low oxygen
levels unchanged. A low oxygen level in the atmosphere is just another indicator of how
serious our environmental problems have become and an excellent reason to convert our
civilization to a Brown's gas-fueled future.