"What
is the difference between hydrogen production and hydrogen
insertion?"
Hydrogen production is the
simply the large scale manufacturing of hydrogen. HyPower does
this with its Hydrogen Reactor (H2R) which is capable of
efficiently and effectively producing large quantities of hydrogen
using electrolysis.
Hydrogen insertion is the
small scale, on-board, on-demand production of hydrogen by
electrolysis for injection into conventional internal combustion
engines.
"Is hydrogen safe
to use?"
Hydrogen is the most abundant and lightest of gases and prefers to
combine with other elements. Hydrogen disperses and combines with
other elements very quickly. Only when hydrogen is stored in
sizable quantities must proper safety precautions be taken. The
Hydro Power Pak (HPP) produces hydrogen in small amounts as
required and therefore is safe within its designed specifications.
"Is this
technology similar to that being developed by Ballard Power and
other similar companies?"
No, Ballard and other fuel cell developers are developing fuel
cells which will use hydrogen as its sole or main source of
power. The fuel cells purpose is to produce electricity which in
turn will power a vehicle or generator. In contrast, the HPP
produces hydrogen for use as an "alternative fuel" to act as a
catalyst or supplement to traditional fossil fuels used in the
operation of an internal combustion engine. Ballard is researching
the viability of producing "Hydrogen Fuel Cells". Fuel cells are
intended to utilize hydrogen as an alternative main fuel. In their
case the vehicle will have fuel cells that produce electricity
from hydrogen. The power generated will then be used to power
electrical motors. This technology is still largely experimental
and is not expected to be commercially available for many years.
"Will the fuel cell
make this technology obsolete?"
While it is true that the HPP
is a transitional technology, it is one which will be needed for
at least 10 to 20 years. The internal combustion engine has
served us well for many years and in situations requiring a large
amount of mobile power, it is unlikely that the diesel engine will
be replaced any time soon. Presently, fuel cells remain extremely
expensive and it will be many years before fuel cells are in
prevalent use. An additional problem with fuel cells is the lack
of infrastructure of hydrogen refueling stations.
"How does the Hydro
PowerPak work?"
The Hydro PowerPak (HPP) is a
retrofit device that can be used in conjunction with any internal
combustion engine. The HPP uses less than 10 amps of the engines
own electrical current to produce a small amount hydrogen by
electrolysis. When that hydrogen is injected into the engines
combustion cycle it acts as a catalyst or supplement to improve
fuel economy, decrease emissions, increase horsepower and reduce
maintenance costs.
Our Generation 1 Unit is used
mainly for diesel hi-way tractor trucks and stationary diesel
engines.
"Being a retrofit
product, what engine modifications need to be made?"
Unlike engine conversions for propane or liquid natural gas (LNG),
no engine modifications are required. The only change to the
engine is an insertion point into the air intake prior to the
engine turbo.
"What type of fuels will the Hydro Power Pak work with?"
The HPP will work with any internal combustion engine regardless of
the type of fossil fuel being used. This includes fuels with high
levels of bio-fuels.
"Is it true that the HPP reduces fuel consumption?"
Testing and usage has shown
that the HPP can increase fuel economy. Many different factors
can change the fuel economy of an engine. We anticipate fuel
savings of 8% to 20% after the introduction of an HPP to an
engine. With the current price of fuel, an HPP unit can pay for
itself in approximately six to twelve months.
"Does the HPP also
decrease engine emissions?"
Yes. This is quite likely the
most significant advantage of using the HPP. Testing and usage
has indicated significant reductions in noxious and toxic engine
emissions. It is estimated that as much as 70% of urban smog is
caused by vehicle emissions from diesel vehicles of one ton or
greater. The HPP is a proven performer in reducing these
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thereby providing cleaner air for
all.
" Will this reduction in greenhouse gas emissions qualify the
HPP buyer for 'green/GHG/climate/emission credits'?"
Yes. Under the Kyoto Protocol these emission credits are issued
based on volume of GHG reduction. The engines which will be using
the HPP technology generally incurs a high degree of usage
resulting in high levels of GHG output. The resulting credits
issued can be sold and represent another cash flow for the
purchaser.
"What other benefits does
the HPP have?"
Long-term usage has indicated
that the HPP significantly reduces maintenance costs by decreasing
the amount of carbon and other particulate matter in the engines
oil. Users have found that oil changes are required less often.
In addition, many of the engines moving parts experience less
wear and tear due to a cleaner burn.
"Does the HPP affect
an engines manufacturer's warranty?"
Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM) engine warranties are not be affected by the
installation of an HPP unit. This is because the HPP does not
alter the operation of the engine. The HPP has been in use for
millions of miles with trouble-free operation.
"What is the expected
useful live of an HPP unit?"
Currently we guarantee the HPP
for 400,000 miles or 8,000 hours of trouble-free operation
providing you maintain it within design specifications.
"How often do I need
to service the HPP unit?"
The only "servicing" required
of the HPP unit is the need to add a distilled water approved by
HyPower Fuel Inc. The HPP uses approximately one gallon of water
for each 5,000 miles or 150 hours of usage.
"Is it possible to become a distributor, installer or
franchisee?"
HyPower will soon be implementing a franchise package for
interested parties. For more information on this please contact
us at:
www.hypower@hypowerfuel.com
"Is HyPower Fuel Inc. a
publicly traded company?"
Yes. Our trading symbol is
HYPF on the OTCBB.PK. You can follow our stock on
www.pinksheets.com