Abstract:
The invention provides a method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use by internal combustion engines, the method comprising supplying a modified form of water; electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas; mixing the gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture; and injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine. Also provided is a system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas, the system comprising modified water; an electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water; and process for mixing the gas with ambient air to create a mixture, and a venturi-based injector for inserting the mixture into the air intake system of the engine.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/431,791 filed on Mar. 27, 2012, presently pending. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a device and method for supplying hydrogen gas to an air intake system, and more particularly, this invention relates to a device and method for in situ production and utilization of hydrogen gas in internal combustion engines. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    The need for increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions has reached a critical state. State of the art systems for internal combustion engines have become increasingly complex, with the latest developments including an amalgam of hybrid vehicle drive trains, complex fuel reforming systems and alternate fuel storage systems. 
         [0006]    Current fuel reforming designs utilize liquid petroleum fuels in attempts to crack those feedstocks to single carbon moieties, or even hydrogen gas. While reforming processes provide a source of clean fuel, hydrogen, green house gases and related pollutants are produced. Further, these systems are extremely complex and therefore expensive to implement at this time. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,888 discloses a steam generator coupled with the exhaust from an internal combustion engine connected to a reformer. The outlet from the reformer is connected to a hydrogen separation membrane. The hydrogen product can then be fed to the internal combustion engine for use as a supplemental fuel. This system requires a number of separate subcomponents, each of with must function for the overall hydrogen generator to provide a supplemental fuel. Further, this device uses hydrocarbon based fuel, a costly fuel as its main source of energy. 
         [0008]    U.S. Published Application No. 2001/0210008 discloses a system using a distilled water source in combination with a porous electrode with a steam electrolysis chamber to generate a hydrogen feed to supply an internal combustion engine. Since the system uses distilled water, the system relies on the conductivity of pure water, which is low due to a limited source of conductive ions. There is a need to increase the conductivity of the fluid to improve the separation efficiency. 
         [0009]    A need exists in the art for a simple fuel additive system for use with internal combustion engines. The system should be adaptable to current technologies. Further, should the system stop working due to loss of additives or system malfunction, the underlying drive trains should continue to function while the alternate fuel system is unavailable. The system should also utilize currently available feedstocks and provide in situ production of the fuel additive. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0010]    An object of the invention is to provide a method and device for supplying hydrogen gas that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to provide a method for in situ production and direct injection of hydrogen gas into air intake manifolds of engines. A feature of the invention is the electrolysis of modified water. An advantage of the invention is that the modified water is a year-round feedstock for the production of on-demand hydrogen gas, thereby eliminating the problems associated with storage of not yet used hydrogen. 
         [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a source of oxygen enriched gas to promote efficient combustion. A feature of the invention is the utilization of oxygen byproduct gas from the production of hydrogen as a combustion enhancing gas. An advantage of the invention is an increase in combustion of hydrocarbons within an internal combustion engine by the increase of oxygen in the air intake of the internal combustion engine. 
         [0013]    Briefly, the invention provides a method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use by internal combustion engines, the method comprising supplying a modified form of water; electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas; mixing the gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture; and injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine. 
         [0014]    Also provided is a system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas, the system comprising modified water; a means for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water; a means for mixing the hydrogen gas with air to create a mixture; and a means for injecting the mixture into the air intake system of the engine. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         [0015]    The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic view of a hydrogen gas injection system, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a view of  FIG. 1A  taken along lines B-B; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an electric schematic of the invented system, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an perspective view of a plurality of electrolyzer plates in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an electrolyzer housing, in accordance with features of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a heat exchange system for use in conjunction with the electrolyzer housing, in accordance with features of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the interrelationship of the components; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of electronic control system of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  is an exploded view of tank/reservoir of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the tank/reservoir of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8C  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the tank/reservoir of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded view of the radiator/intercooler components for the present invention and  FIG. 9B  is a front plan view of a heat exchanger detail; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10A  is an exploded view of the electrolyzer/hydrocell of the present invention and  10 B is a detail of a gasket for use with the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11A  is an exploded view of alternate embodiment of the electrolyzer/hydrocell of the present invention and  11 B is a perspective view of a side panel of the alternate electrolyzer; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the display of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
         [0032]    As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
         [0033]    The invention provides a method and device for all weather production of hydrogen gas for direct injection of the gas into internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. The method and device are operational at temperatures starting as low as −20° F. (−29° C.) without the need for preheating the hydrogen gas/air mixture or other heat input. In another embodiment, the method and device are operational to temperatures as low as −50° F. (−46° C.). In an embodiment of the invention the method and device operate at temperatures between −50 F and 32 F without the addition of an external heat source. 
         [0034]    The invention increases fuel efficiency by about 5 to 30 percent while decreasing emissions by 20-60 percent. Also, in situations where the invented system is not operational, the underlying internal combustion engine continues to operate. 
         [0035]    Inasmuch as the fuel enhancer utilized is pure hydrogen, a more complete fuel burn results, leading to increased engine performance, reduced maintenance costs, and cleaner exhaust. Further, the production of oxygen as by-product of the hydrogen separation provides for improved combustion. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of the invented system, designated as numeral  10 . Hydrogen reaction fluid (HRF)  12  is supplied to an electrolyzer  14  or other means for electrically separating water into its components hydrogen and oxygen. Concomitant with its production, the hydrogen and oxygen are collected by a reservoir/hydrogen delivery unit  16 . This reservoir circulates the modified water back to the electrolyzer for further electrolysis, while shunting the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas downstream of the reservoir  16  to an air intake port  18  of an internal combustion engine. Inasmuch as the hydrogen and oxygen gases are not added to the liquid fuel stream, but rather to the air intake system, the potential for voiding manufacturer warranties is obviated. 
         [0037]    Air is mixed with the produced hydrogen and oxygen via a venturi tap, as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The tap  18 , generally cylindrical in shape, accesses an air feed conduit  20  of the engine&#39;s air intake system, in one embodiment downstream of the system&#39;s air filtering system (not shown) but upstream of the engine&#39;s air charging unit  22 . This charging unit has substantially direct fluid communication and ingress to the engine combustion chambers, i.e, piston cylinders. 
         [0038]    The hydrogen gas discharge port  24  from the system  10  extends into the air feed conduit  20  or engine air intake so as to define an upstream-facing convex surface  26  such that the up-stream side faces the air source (air intake). The port  24  further defines a downstream-facing concave surface  28  so as to be facing in the direction of the airflow through the conduit  20 . Bernoulli Effect occurs as air strikes the convex surface such that a low pressure zone is created on the trailing or lateral edges  30  of the concave surface. This low pressure zone provides a means for pulling hydrogen gas from the concave side of the venturi tap and toward the engine&#39;s combustion chamber. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is an electrical schematic of the invented system, shown generally at  31 . Central to the system is a computer controlled power module  32  in electrical communication with both the electrolyzer  14  and the reservoir  16 . The computer control module  32  monitors&#39; liquid pumps  33  and reserve pump  34 . Fluid levels are monitored by fluid low sensors  35  and fluid full sensors  36  in reservoir  16  and the optional reservoir  37 . Temperature sensor  38  monitors temperature in the electrolyzer and adjusts the fan  39  speeds accordingly. Depending on the volume of hydrogen gas required the computer control module  32  will determine power requirements to the electrolyzer. For example, when 3.5 to 10 liters of hydrogen gas per minute are required, between 10 and 100 amps are suitable. While in another embodiment of the invention, with between 50 and 60 amps typical. 
         [0040]    Another important salient feature of the invention is the configuration of the electrolyzer  14 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram of an exemplary electrolyzer  14 , comprising a plurality of parallel, vertically extending plates  40 , having positive plates  40   p  and negative plates  40   n  such that the plates, so arranged form a horizontally disposed stack. Each of the plates has a first end  41  and a second end  42  such that the edges defining the first ends in the plates are facing upward and the edges defining the second ends are facing downward. Thus, the first ends are arranged to all terminate in the same plane, thereby forming a fluid interface  43 . Likewise, the second ends are arranged to all terminate in the same plane, also forming a fluid interface. 
         [0041]    A plurality of electrodes is positioned at either fluid interface  43 . In the embodiment illustrated, a positive electrode  44  is in electrical communication with a first plate type  40   p  of the stack. A negative electrode  45  is in electrical communication with a second plate type  40   n  of the stack. Each plate of the first plate type  40   n  is mounted in opposition to, but in electrical isolation from, each plate of the second plate type  40   n.  Intermediate the first and second plate types are positioned a neoprene gasket or other reversibly deformable substrate so as to maintain electrical isolation of one plate from the other. 
         [0042]    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plates are arranged relative to each other to facilitate fluid flow between them, that fluid being liquid, gas, or a combination thereof. 
         [0043]    The plates are shown in flat configuration, with laterally disposed peripheral edges  46  of the plates curved so as to reside outside of the plane containing the flat portion of their respective plate. The curve is made such that the edges of each of the plates are pointed toward a negative electrode. This configuration facilitates hydrogen gas production in the stack and flow out of the stack. 
         [0044]    The electrolyzer  14  is housed or otherwise encapsulated in a leak-proof housing, such as that designated as element  47  in  FIG. 4 . The housing is adapted to slidably receive the nubs defining the ends of the electrodes  44  and  45  so as to form a hermetic seal between the inside of the housing containing the electrolyzer and HRF  12  and the outside of the housing exposed to ambient atmospheric temperatures and pressures. 
         [0045]    Exterior regions  48  of the housing  47  are adapted to be in thermal communication with a heat exchange unit  50  such as one depicted in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment of the invention, shrouds  51  in fluid communication with thermostatically controlled fans  52  are adapted to be in mating communication with the exterior regions  48  of the housing. Ingress  53  and egress  54  fluid ports facilitate inflow and outflow of heat exchange fluid, such as antifreeze, HRF, or other liquid. 
       Reaction Fluid 
     Detail 
       [0046]    A salient feature of the invention is the utilization of modified water. This water contains a mixture of alkali metals and alcohols in amounts sufficient to assure adequate hydrogen gas production during electrolysis at ambient atmospheric temperatures and pressures heretofore not conducive to the use of water electrolysis. Initially, water substantially free from impurities, is modified with a mixture of alkali metals and alcohols. In an embodiment of the invention, filtered water is modified with a mixture of alkali metals and alcohols. In another embodiment of the invention, distilled water is modified with a mixture of alkali metals and alcohols. 
         [0047]    No preheating or externally applied heat is necessary to assure operation of the electrolysis step obviates the need for the application of heating elements seen on prior art systems. A means for lowering the melting point of the water solution is via the addition of alcohol. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the inventors found that the use of medical grade isopropyl alcohol (i.e., between about 95 and 99% by weight) provides the purity and hydrogen bonding disruption normally associated with neat water to keep the reaction fluid in liquid phase at least down to temperatures of −20 F (−29° C.) without the need for preheating the hydrogen gas/air mixture or other heat input. In another embodiment, the method and device are operational to temperatures as low as −50° F. (−46° C.). One embodiment of the medical grade alcohol is that substantially all of the alcohol in the isopropyl alcohol mixture is comprised of the isopropyl group and that less than 5% of the alcohol comprises ethyl alcohol. In an embodiment of the invention the method and device operate at temperatures between −50 F and 32 F without the addition of an external heat source. 
         [0048]    Separately, the inventors found that the addition of alkali metals to the water provides a means for facilitating production of hydrogen during electrolysis. As such, alkali metals such as potassium, sodium, and lithium are contained in the modified water. Exemplary alkali metal moieties are hydroxides such as KOH, and NaOH. Suitable salts for use in the hydrogen reaction fluid (HRF) include, but are not limited to, those itemized in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Salts For Use in Modified Water 
                 Chem. Abstract Service Ref. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Potassium Carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 584-08-7 
               
               
                 Sodium Carbonate (NaCO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 497-19-8 
               
               
                 Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate (KHCO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 298-14-6 
               
               
                 Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 144-55-8 
               
               
                 Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite (KHSO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 7773-03-7 
               
               
                 Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite (NaHSO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 7631-90-5 
               
               
                 Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) 
                 C.A.S. 1310-58-3 
               
               
                 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 
                 C.A.S. 1310-73-2 
               
               
                 Potassium Sulfate (K 2 SO 4 ) 
                 C.A.S. 7778-80-5 
               
               
                 Sodium Sulfate (NaSO 4 ) 
                 C.A.S. 7757-82-6 
               
               
                 Potassium Sulfite (K 3 SO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 10117-38-1 
               
               
                 Sodium Sulfite (NaSO 3 ) 
                 C.A.S. 7757-83-7 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0049]    Preferably, the minimum chemical salt addition amount ranges from as little as about 0.4% by weight for the highly ionized compounds up to about 10% by weight for the less ionizable compounds, with the remainder consisting of a substantially clean source of water, to bring the total to 100%. However, the invented system still operates reliably to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases from the HRF at even higher chemical salt concentrations, for example from about 0.50% to 20% weight %, with the remainder consisting of a substantially clean source of water, to bring the total to 100%. In another embodiment of the invention, the salt concentration ranges from about 0.6% to about 10% weight %, with the remainder consisting of a substantially clean source of water, to bring the total to 100%. It is believed that the presence of ions increases the conductivity of the HRF, thereby improving the generation of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment of the invented method, salt concentrations are minimized. This is because their relative concentrations increase as the hydrolysis runs its course, i.e., as more hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced from the fluid and the liquid volume left in the system decreases. 
         [0051]    Also, safety hazards to the operator and service personnel tend to decrease with decreasing salt concentrations used. 
         [0052]    Finally, when lower (i.e., about 0.04% to about 5%) salt concentrations are used; disposal considerations and hazards are minimized. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the reaction fluid contains substantially deionized water (e.g., less than approximately 80 mg/L dissolved solids (200 mhos/cm specific conductance) and preferably less than 40 mg/L (100 mhos/cm) and most preferably between about 0 mg/L and 20 mg/L dissolved solids(up to 50 mhos/cm). In another embodiment of the invention, distilled water, having similar levels of dissolved solid and conductance as deionized water, is used. In another embodiment, purified water is used as the starting point for the fluid. The deionized feature provides a means for minimizing the initial electrical conductive aspects of the resulting mixture, thereby providing for a control conductivity of the final mixture. 
         [0054]    Alternate System Detail 
         [0055]    In an embodiment of the invention, the system as shown generally at  60  in  FIG. 6 . The system  60  is controlled by electronics control  70  system module, which directs fluid from tank/reservoir  80  through intercooler  100  to primary electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  where hydrogen gas and oxygen are produced in an aqueous carrier fluid. The fluid is returned to the tank/reservoir  80  where hydrogen and oxygen are separated from the HRF. Hydrogen and oxygen are fed to the air intake for the engine for injection into a combustion engine. HRF is stored in the tank/reservoir  80  where it is recycled through the intercooler  100  to repeat the cycle of decomposition of HRF into hydrogen and oxygen. In an alternate embodiment an alternate electrolyzer/hydrocell  130  ( FIG. 11A ) may be used for treatment of the HRF. Fluid flow through the system is governed by pump  160  under control of electronics control  70  system module. System information is provided to the vehicle operator/user through display device  170 . Cover  180  protects invention components from dirt and moisture. 
         [0056]    Electronic Control System Detail 
         [0057]    The electronics control system module  70  as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7  provides control over the operation of the system and feedback to the vehicle operator via display device  170 . Electronic controller  71 , controls flow of liquid from tank/reservoir  80  through intercooler  100  and on to electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  or alternate electrolyzer  130 , which produces hydrogen, oxygen and/or residual HRF. The hydrogen, oxygen and/or residual HRF are returned to the tank/reservoir  80  under control of controller  71 . In another embodiment, the hydrogen and oxygen may be separated from the HRF prior to returning the HRF to the tank/reservoir. 
         [0058]    The electronic controller  71  is a microprocessor based system, which controls and monitors power to the separation cell and to other components like the fan, pump and displays. It also monitors temperature and voltage levels of the vehicle power and provides a graphic user interface to allow adjust to the system. The microcomputer implements several control processes to provide automated and safe operation of the system. The software also employs several strategic procedures to implement fault tolerances in the event of hardware failure. This will allow the system to recover, if possible, operate at a diminished level, or if necessary, perform a safe shutdown process. 
         [0059]    The electronic controller  71  monitors pump  160  operation, HRF flow, air temperature, fan speed, fan voltage and current, operating HRF fluid temperature, the presence of fluid in tank /reservoir  80 , the absence of fluid in the tank/reservoir  80 , the level of fluid in the tank/reservoir  80 , operating voltage and amperage, hydrogen generation, oxygen generation, as well as communicating with the electronic control module (ECM) of the vehicle or engine and monitors engine RPM, vehicle battery voltage and current and vehicle voltage and current from a generator. In one embodiment of the invention, the controller provides power to electrolyzer/hydrocell. In another embodiment power to the electrolyzer/hydrocell is provided separately. Circuit board  72  provides power and routing of inputs and outputs. Negative power bushing  73 N and positive power bushing  73 P provide power to the controller  71 . Connectors  74  and plugs  75  provide input/output connection of the controller  71  with other component of the invention. Support plates  76  and bottom cover  77  isolate the electronics control system module  70  from other components of the invention. 
         [0060]    Based on information from the vehicle or engine ECM, the electronic controller determines the hydrogen needs of the vehicle or engine and adjusts operating parameters accordingly. In one embodiment, when the engine is idling (low RPM), the controller reduces or stops the production of hydrogen and oxygen by reducing HRF flow and the voltage and current applied to the primary electrolyzer/hydrolyzer or the alternate electrolyzer/hydrolyzer. 
         [0061]    In another embodiment, when the engine is operating at a moderate load (approximately 1500 RPM), the controller increases voltage and amperage to a moderate level (30 amps) and provides an intermediate flow by increasing voltage and current to pump. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment, when the engine is operating at a high load (approximately 2500 RPM), the controller increases voltage and amperage to a higher level (60 amps) and provides a high HRF flow by increasing voltage and current to pump. 
         [0063]    The electronic controller calculates hydrogen and oxygen production based on electrolyzer operating temperature, current and voltage to match the hydrogen and oxygen production to the requirements of the engine under the different load scenarios. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic controller may shut down the electrolyzer/hydrolyzer or alternate electrolyzer/hydrolyzer and pump if the electronic controller detects specific critical situations. These critical situations may include, but are not limited to, lack of HRF, low engine voltage, excessive HRF temperature or high intercooler air temperature. The electronic controller can record (log) the time and duration of the shutdown to assist the vehicle operator in determining corrective action. 
         [0064]    The first embodiment of tank/reservoir  80  as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  includes a canister  81  and cover  82  for containing HRF for electrolysis as well as channeling separated gases for injection into the air intake of the engine. The tank/reservoir  80  also recycles non-electrolyzed HRF to be returned to electrolyzer for further processing/treatment. HRF feed from exits the tank/reservoir through outlet connector  83 , connected to the base of canister  81 , and passes via conduits to intercooler  100  where excess heat is removed from the HRF and passed on to primary electrolyzer/hydrocell  110 . Hydrogen gas, oxygen and non-electrolyzed HRF are fed back to tank/reservoir  80  through inlet  84  connector. In an alternate embodiment a secondary electrolyzer/hydrocell  130  ( FIG. 11A ) may be used for treatment of the HRF. Hydrogen and oxygen separate from the HRF in the reduced pressure environment in the tank/reservoir  80 . Hydrogen and oxygen gas are feed through gas outlet  85 , as shown in  FIG. 8B  and conduit  86 , fabricated from rubber or plastic, for transfer to engine air inlet. Additional HRF is added to tank/reservoir  80  opening  87  sealed with cap  88  as needed. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, wave formation due to vehicle movement and vibration is minimized by baffles  89 . The baffles  89  reduces wave formation due to vehicle motion, which in turn permits the combination temperature/fluid level sensor  90  to provide a more accurate measurement of the fluid level in the tank. Information provided by temperature/fluid level sensor  90  is used, in combination with other operating parameters, by the electronics control system module  70  to adjust the flow to primary electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  and to advise user via display device  170  of liquid level. Temperature/fluid level sensor  90  is inserted in port  91 , as shown in  FIG. 8B , in cover  82 . Temperature/fluid level sensor  90  provides information on the presence of fluid in tank /reservoir  80  (Full sensor), the absence (Empty) of fluid in the tank/reservoir  80 , the level of fluid in the tank/reservoir  80 . Support posts  92  protect cap  88  from possible damage due to larger objects that may fall or be rested on tank cover  82 . The tank/reservoir  80  may be mounted external to the system to provide easy access by vehicle operator for refilling and servicing. The tank/reservoir  80  is connected to the system via appropriate conduits or tubing (not shown). In an alternate embodiment of the tank/reservoir, alternate tank/reservoir  93  is shown in  FIG. 8C  with splash guard  94  which reduces HRF splashing into gas outlet  85 . Components of alternate tank/reservoir  93 , which have the same function as the first embodiment, are numbered as in primary tank/reservoir  80 . 
         [0066]    HRF flows from the tank/reservoir  80  to intercooler  100 , as shown in  FIG. 9A ; through first inlet feed line  101  to first heat exchanger module  102 , which is cooled by fans  103   a  and  103   b.  HRF flows through conduit  104  to second heat exchanger module  105  cooled by fans  106   a  and  106   b.  Temperature is monitored by thermocouple  107  and relayed back to control system module  70 , to adjust fan speed or HRF flow as needed. The fans normally operated at about 13 volts (DC) and about 2 amps. HRF flows through discharge line  108  and is feed to the first electrolyzer/hydrocell  110 . Typically, heat exchanger modules  102  and  105  contain a finned tube heat exchanger  109 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 9B . Finned tube heat exchangers provide improved heat transfer to exchange heat between heated HRF and cooling gases. Typically, the HRF is maintained at a temperature of from about 60° F. (16° C.) to about 120° F. (49° C.). 
         [0067]    From intercooler  100 , HRF is transferred to electrolyzer/hydrocell  110 , as shown in  FIG. 10A  under the control of electronics control system module  70  with the aid of fluid pump  160 . HRF enters electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  through inlet connection  111  and inlet port  112  in front plate  113 . HRF flows through electrolyzer/hydrocell  110 , multiple electrolyzer unit  114  each containing a silicone gasket  115 , a spacer  116  and neutral plate  117  of electrolyzer unit  114 . Silicone gasket  115  is shown in detail in  FIG. 10B . Each electrolyzer units  114  breaks down a quantity of HRF into the molecular units of hydrogen and oxygen by application of a current between positive power plates  118  and  119  and central negative power plate  120 . Power to the electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  is provided via positive power plates  118  and  119  via positive terminal  121  and to negative power plate  120  via negative terminal  122 . The positive power plates  118  and  119  have a corner  118   a  and  119   a  to engage with positive terminal  121 , while missing a corner  118   b  and  119   b  so as not to engage with the negative terminal  122 . Likewise, negative power plate  120  has a corner  120   a  to engage with negative terminal  122 , while negative power plate  120  lacks a corner  120   b  so as not to engage with positive terminal  121 . The working fluid, HRF flows through electrolyzer/hydrocell  110  through channels inlet  111 , inlet port  112 , gasket slot  123  in gasket  115  and plate slot  124  in neutral plates  117  travelling from front plate  113  to base plate  125  though slots  123  in gasket  115  and plate slots  124  in neutral plates  117  of each unit  114 . The HRF flows to end unit  126  and back up through back plate upper slot  127  and upper slots  127  in neutral plates  117  in each unit where the fluid exits though outlet port  128  and outlet connector  129 . The working fluid returns to the tank/reservoir  80  though tank inlet connector  84  where it is separated, as discussed hereinabove, into hydrogen and oxygen gas and HRF for recycling to primary electrolyzer/hydrocell  110 . 
         [0068]    In an embodiment of the invention, HRF may flow from intercooler  100  to the inlet/drain  132  of alternate electrolyzer/hydrocell  130  in  FIG. 11A . Drain permits the intercooler to be drained for regular maintenance. The HRF flows through inlet  132  through housing  133 , front diffuser  134  and alternate electrolyzer cell  135 . HRF flows past neutral plates  136  between upper  137  and lower  138  positive power plate and central negative plate  139  within alternate electrolyzer cell  135  to break down a quantity of water into the atomic units of hydrogen and oxygen by application of a current between positive power electrode plates  137  and  138 , connected to positive electrode  140 , and negative power plate  139 , connected to negative electrode  141 , as shown in  FIG. 11   b.  In one embodiment, a total of eleven plates, including eight neutral plates are used with a typical 12 V battery. The positive power plates  137  and  138 , negative power plate  139  and neutral plates  136  are held in place by side plates  142  and  143  having slots  144  and spacers  145 , as shown in  FIG. 11B . The positive power plates  137  and  138  have tabs  146  that extend through side plate  142  positive slots  147  and engage with positive electrode  140 . The negative power plate  139  has a tab (not shown) that extends through side plate  143  slot (not shown) and engages with negative electrode  141 . The spacers separate the plates to maintain the proper separation between plates (approximately 0.125 inches). The alternate electrolyzer/hydrocell  130  is sealed with gasket  148  and cover  149  to contain the HRF within alternate electrolyzer/hydrocell  130 . HRF, hydrogen and oxygen flow through back diffuser  150  and outlet  151  where the HRF is channeled to tank  80 . In an embodiment of the invention, the positive power plates  137  and  138 , the negative power plate  139  and the neutral plates are fabricated from  316  stainless steel. The housing  133 , front diffuser  134 , side plates,  141  and  143 , back diffuser  150  and alternate electrolyzer cover  149  are fabricated from a polymer, such as, but not limited to polypropylene or polyethylene. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing  133 , front diffusers  133  and  150  side plates,  142  and  143  and back diffuser  150  are fabricated from a ceramic material, such as aluminum oxide. 
         [0069]    The Display unit as shown generally at  170  in  FIG. 12 . The Display unit  170  consists of a cover panel  172 , housing  174 , electronics module  176  and support structure  178 . The display unit presents information on system status, HRF level, process temperature, hydrogen and oxygen generation and other information to the vehicle operator. 
       FLUID EXAMPLE 1 
       [0070]    The three-season Hydrogen Reaction Fluid is currently formulated using about 0.64% weight percentage of an alkali hydroxide (such as sodium hydroxide) dissolved in deionized water. 
         [0071]    The winterized versions of the reaction fluid (i.e., where ambient temperatures range from about −50 F to 32 F), have 2-Propanol as a component of its composition. The alcohol&#39;s presence is primarily to lower the freezing temperature of this mixture. Different freeze protection levels contain different alcohol percentages. An embodiment of the winter blend also contains between about 50% and 500% more chemical salts, preferably between about 75 and 300% and most preferably between about 100 and 200% more chemical salts to achieve the hydrogen production rates seen when the 3-season fluid blend is used. 
       FLUID EXAMPLE 2 
       [0072]    The winter blend (wherein the blend accommodates 0° F. average ambient temperatures) is currently formulated using from about 2% to about 5% by weight of alkali hydroxide (such as sodium hydroxide), preferably 2.2% to 2.8%, and most preferably about 2.3% by weight sodium hydroxide (“Alkali chemical salt”). The hydroxide is substantially completely dissolved in the deionized Water (from between 60% to 70% by formulation weight, preferably 65% to 70% and most preferably 68.7% by formulation weight). From about 15% to 40% by weight, preferably 20-35% by weight, and most preferably about 27-30% by weight of the 2-Propanol is added to the alkali hydroxide spike water and mixed to a homogeneous blend of the three ingredients. 
       FLUID EXAMPLE 3 
       [0073]    A second winter blend (wherein the blend accommodates ambient temperatures which average minus 10° F. utilizes between 2% and 4% by weight of alkali metal salt, preferably between about 1% and 2% and most preferably about 1.4 to 1.5% weight percentage. The salt is substantially completely dissolved in the deionized water between 50 and 70% by formulation weight, preferably between 55 and 65% and most preferably about (63% by formulation weight). Between approximately 20-45% by weight, preferably 30-40% and most preferably between about 35% and 36% by weight of the 2-Propanol is added and the three constituents homogenized. 
         [0074]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.