Abstract

This paper shows the most important aspects of the operation of an alkaline electrolyser which was sized to adapt to the fuel demand conditions of an internal combustion engine under idle speed and considering a stoichiometric mixture. In the experimental part, the hydrogen flow rate generated by the electrolyzer was determined under nominal conditions, using a flowmeter based on the principle of gas collection in water. With the built electrolyser, a capacity factor of 2.62ml W-1 min-1 and a flow rate of 3.29lpm were obtained which was sufficient for the satisfactory operation of the engine. With the development of this project was proved that an ordinary internal combustion engine can operate using only hydrogen as fuel, without the need for any modification in its factory design.

Keywords: Hydrogen; Electrolyser; ICE; Alkaline electrolysis