Because of high fuel prices there has been a recent resurgence of HHO gas (browns gas) units. plans off the net or ready made units that run a current through water (with an electrolyte like caustic soda) and producing HHO which is then fed into the intake. (in an effort to supplement fuel or create a more complete burn)
The science is proven that it works, however the simple fact is it takes more energy as an input that the energy that is obtained from the HHO gas. (the old there is no such thing as free energy or the world would already be running on it)
Im not advocating snake oil peddling here (as if it were brilliant it would already be commercially available), im just trying to understand something.
My question relates to the workings of alternators. Does a standard alternator always put out its rated amount of energy? even if there is only a small draw on it?
ie if you had an 80A alternator, the regulator obviously regulates the charge that it charges your battery at. if the battery is near full charge and no accessories are on, there would be very small draw on the alternator. Is it still producing 80A?
And...
Does the alternator place any more strain on your engine (use more fuel to turn) when running near full load ie at 80Amps.
If its always producing 80A regardless of accessory draw, then wouldnt the excess power be useful to power a HHO unit (even tho we all know the energy derived from the gas would be less than the energy used from the alternator) Its more of a redirection of energy...certainly not efficient use, but possibly beneficial.
But...
If to create more Amps it creates more turning resistance on the engine (thus more fuel use) then the benefits from creating HHO gas would be outweighed and useless..
I realise people will make all kinds of hiclone jokes etc etc :-) and i am of good humour.
In summation i realise that in a lab situation it takes more energy to produce the gas, than the energy that can be derived from the gas. I am wondering if in a car, the alternator provides surplus energy which does not effect the cars fuel use, that could be used to power such a unit.
I am not trying to sell some crack idea, I am just wanting someone to explain to me, as I am curious.
Thanks
Jeff