Hydrogen-Enhanced Efficiency of LPG Central Heating Boilers

The search for sustainable energy solutions has led to new approaches in various industrial sectors, including combustion systems. The present study represents a detailed investigation for the potential improvement of an LPG burner/Boiler efficiency by adding a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen (HHO gas) in the main fuel. The study included observation of the quality of the flame and its temperature profile without and with the introduction of HHO gas in an open-side/end combustion tube. It also included the construction of a laboratory scale LPG Burner/Boiler with a water tank and its operation without and with the introduction of the HHO gas in the LPG burner. Diagrams of water temperature and theoretical heat input as a function of time were used to compare the Boilers efficiency without and with the introduction of the HHO in the LPG burner. The study proved that adding HHO gas to the combustion process can significantly enhance fuel efficiency at least by 10% while reducing exhaust gas emissions by > 80% the Unburned Hydrocarbons (UH) and by > 50% the Carbon Monoxides (CO). The results of the use of such hydrogen technologies are very promising for enhancing efficiencies in sustainable combustion technologies and for promoting environmental stewardship not only for Boilers but potentially for gas-turbines and Ships/Heavy Trucks/Generators Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in industrial applications as well as road and maritime transportation.