Quantitative Assessment of Potassium Hydroxide Concentration in Oxyhydrogen Cell for Optimal Gasoline Fuel Engine Performance and Emissions

Abstract

Oxyhydrogen gas (Brown gas (HHO)) can be an innovative venue for cleaner energy in the auto industry. The effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH) concentration in an electrolyte solution of HHO fuel cell on GK200 Honda single-cylinder engine performance parameters and emissions has been investigated. A 1 L/min blend of HHO is fed to the engine as a secondary fuel and a constant electrical load, and variable engine speed (1300–2300) tests were carried out to quantify the foremost concentration of KOH in the fuel cell electrolyte that has a constructive impact on both engine performance parameters and emissions. Several concentrations of KOH were considered (1 g/l, 1.5 g/l, 2 g/l, 5 g/l, and 6.5 g/l). Results reveal that all KOH concentrations considered have a positive impact on engine performance parameters and the best concentration range for KOH in distilled water is within the range 1–2 g/l. The average percentage enhancement in engine brake power was 22.3% and 20.5% reduction in specific fuel consumption whereas the average reduction in carbon oxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were almost 80% and 50% reduction in NOx and HC emissions. Most of the literature concerned with HHO as a fuel blend set 5 g/l KOH concentration for fuel cell electrolyte whereas the results of this research reveal that lower concentrations within the range of 1–2 g/l reduce the energy consumed by the fuel cell in addition to higher impact on the engine performance parameters and enhance the overall system efficiency.