What the U.S. DOT has to say about it, end of story.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/art-technology-Hydrogen-Fuel-Systems.htm
Hydrogen Fuel Systems

Previously, there have been no guidelines to assist commercial vehicle fleets considering hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Thus, this project provided general guidelines on the proper operation, maintenance, and inspection of hydrogen fuel systems in commercial vehicles. The guidelines are intended to assist fleet managers who supervise commercial drivers on the road, as well as operations and maintenance personnel. The guidelines are not intended as in-depth specifications for use by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Responsibility for safety design standards, including those of alternative fuel systems for commercial vehicles, belongs to the NHTSA.

A second result of this project was evaluating the impact that hydrogen fuel systems may have on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and recommending changes needed in commercial inspection/enforcement procedures.

A third project deliverable was a model template system safety plan for commercial vehicle fleets using hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

Absolutely do read the entire PDF and then go stand in the corner. Oh and make sure you see PAGE 6, table of contents so you will know where this is headed.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/report/Guidelines-H2-Fuel-in-CMVs-Nov2007.pdf

From Page 24:

1.2.3
Hydrogen Injection Systems
A hydrogen injection system for a diesel engine produces small amounts of hydrogen and
oxygen on demand by electrolyzing water carried onboard the vehicle. The electricity required is
supplied by the engine’s alternator or 12/24-volt electrical system (see Section 1.5 for a
description of electrolysis). The hydrogen and oxygen are injected into the engine’s air intake
manifold, where they mix with the intake air. In theory, the combustion properties of the
hydrogen result in more complete combustion of diesel fuel in the engine, reducing tailpipe
emissions and improving fuel economy (CHEC, n.d.). Limited laboratory testing of a hydrogen
injection system installed on an older diesel truck engine operated at a series of constant speeds
showed a 4 percent reduction in fuel use and a 7 percent reduction in particulate emissions with
the system on (ETVC, 2005).
A hydrogen injection system for a diesel engine produces and uses significantly less hydrogen
than a hydrogen fuel cell or hydrogen ICE, and does not require that compressed or liquid
hydrogen be carried on the vehicle. The system is designed to produce hydrogen only when
required, in response to driver throttle commands. When the system is shut-off, no hydrogen is
present on the vehicle.


http://hydrogendevelopedtechnology.com/

There has been a lot of speculation, doubt, and controversy surrounding the hydrogen injection technology. Many critics say that if they can't understand it, there is no possible way it can work. But, hydrogen injection technology does work and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) acknowledged this fact in 2007. DOT published a 94 page report "Guidelines For Use Of Hydrogen Fuel In Commercial Vehicles" that can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov exploring the viability of hydrogen on demand technology, amongst others.

The findings were positive in that "hydrogen injection is a viable source for supplementary fuel." As with any change from the commonplace, it took the U.S. Government a long while to acknowledge and validate this emerging technology, a validation that should dispel any remaining doubts as to whether or not hydrogen injection technology really does save fuel and reduce emissions.

[obxhead]

1. I never doubted it worked.

In theory it's a pretty simple concept.

I just doubted the 30% to 40% increase in fuel economy claimed by many of these systems.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. Independant rig operators were reporting $700/month savings on fuel 3 or 4 years ago in

Canada. Imagine how much less fossil fuel would be burned if this became mainstream?

[A Simple Game]

4. Sounds like a lot of potential.

I don't know what the systems cost, but with those savings, the payback shouldn't be too long.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

7. 700/month, payback in about 1 1/2 years... and that is the new version with the

ECM and sensors, not the old one which was pretty basic without the electronics iirc.

[Distant Observer]

3. I knew folks in the cyber tribe in N. CA who tried this on SUVs. 4% sounds right

[ChoppinBroccoli]

5. I Always Thought The Only Problem With The Hydrogen Cells...............

..................was that they were unstable and kept blowing up. But I'm somebody who knows almost nothing on the subject other than what I've heard other people report. It was always my understanding that hydrogen cells were going to be a near-perfect future technology, but the scientists just couldn't develop them to the point where they could guarantee that they wouldn't blow up.

If we could get the hydrogen cells perfected, not only could we put a serious dent in the oil industry, but we would also go a long way toward cleaning up the environment (as their "exhaust emission" is basically just water vapor).

[HysteryDiagnosis]

6. All your questions are most likely answered here:

www.FuelCellEnergy.com