UNIZIK Breaks Record, Produces Pilot Combustion Engine to Water-powered Retrofit

By Praise Chinecherem

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka has broken another record following successful completion of a novel research on the ‘Adaptation of Internal Combustion Engine to a Water Powered Retrofit.’

The research project was undertaken by five final year students of the department under the supervision of Engr Chinonso Achebe, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Thermal Power as his area of specialization.

The research focused on production of highly explosive and combustible HHO gas through electrolysis as an alternate fuel to power and operate an internal combustion engine.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the project defense of the department held at its conference room, Achebe described the work as novel having researched severally on alternative energy resources of global interest.

He said, “The novel research centered on solving the challenges of power generation and thermodynamics by exploring renewable alternative source of power through biogas generation and other renewable energy sources as globally.

“The discussion by Scientists and Engineers are centered on renewable and green energy alternatives.

“We have carried out researches on solar energy, biogas generation from different feed stocks including generating biogas from human waste and excreta from toilets.

“We decided to push more on how to utilize water to power engines as water is a compound that consists of two elements hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is a highly combustible material and oxygen aids combustion.

“The essence of this research work is how we can convert water combustible material which we carried out through electrolysis of water to produce HHO which is still the formula for water but its gaseous state.

“Gas produced during the process is not very stable thereby leading to blending with butane to the ratio of 30 percent of butane to 70 percent of HHO which was used to power the engine by removing the carburetor and making a little technical adjustments to receive the new fuel.”

Achebe, former Dean of Student Affairs listed challenges encountered during the research, including system design, choice of materials capable of resisting corrosion, instability of the gas.

“Others are powering the engine with the HHO and thermodynamics of the system which could push the reaction in an opposite direction for water formation.

“We were however able to overcome the challenges resulting to the success of the research work. The next stage will be to take it to automobiles since today’s vehicles are being operated globally using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Lead researcher, Ifechukwude Michael said the research was achieved through careful development of detailed design for the water-powered retrofit, including system layout and electrolyte component specifications.

“It also featured sourcing of locally available materials that are compatible with water, electrolysis and the chosen combustion engine system that will ensure durability and resist corrosion,” he added.

Other team members were Ifechukwude Michael Amangbo, Chukwuebuka Raphael Onwuka, Henry Chukwuebuka Okpara, Chimezie Lawrence Oti and Joseph Onyekachi Chukwuneme.