TECHNICAL INNOVATON AWARD PRESENTED

At the Royal Highland Show this year Water Fuel Engineering won a Silver Award for Technical Innovation for their HydroGen system.

With the recent attention on global warming and exceptionally high temperatures it was felt appropriate for the landbased engineering sector to look at all types of fuel and emission saving concepts as well as alternative fuels. Any saving in the amount of fuel being used and the consequent saving in emissions is worthy of attention. 

• The units can be retrofitted onto diesel and petrol vehicles - oxy-hydrogen functions as an additive to conventional fuel and enhances engine performance.
• Emissions reduction of 70-80% - meaning particulates and smoke. It is recommended to measure emissions before installation to be able to make  comparisons.
• Fuel savings are claimed to be between 10-25%. Variations are due to differences in driving style, work performed etc.
• Cleaner engines also result from the continuous decarbonisation which has the potential to reduce maintenance costs.
• The only consumable for the system is distilled water and users typically refill once a week.

The technology directly addresses the need to decarbonise and is seen as a solution for those who wish to continue using their existing vehicles without harming the environment, whilst saving on fuel. Prices will vary depending on what vehicle the system is being fitted to but range from passenger vehicles at £2,185 per unit to agricultural and utility vehicles at just under £3000 per unit with an installation fee of around £500.

Whilst work goes on with various manufacturers it is understood that not all will accept the fitting of the HydroGen system to equipment that is covered by manufacturers warranty or extended warranties. The company stresses that installation does not require any engine modifications and will provide hydrogen without the need for any pressure storage.

Projects have been funded in Scotland as part of Farming for a Better Climate Initiative by the Scottish government in 2017 and a project report from Hyderabad in India that was funded by the UK Department for International Development.

Water Fuel Engineering are a research and development company specialising in oxy-hydrogen electrolysers. So far, they have won 5 awards for innovation and have sales in 11 countries across 3 continents and have an office in the UK. They have been working in Scotland, with some UK local authorities and with some manufacturers of agricultural equipment to establish trials and statistics for their product.