Hydrogen Enhanced Combustion

It's Not Magic, It’s Science

The basics of Hydrogen Enhanced Combustion (HEC) have been investigated since WWI because of the enormous potential it presents for increasing engine efficiency. Hydrogen acts as an accelerator in the combustion process, ensuring that the diesel fuel is burned more completely.

The natural result of burning carbon-based fuels more effectively is a reduction in the formation of carbon emissions. This more efficient burn also translates into more energy delivered to the crank shaft – in other words, fuel savings!

HHarmony Engine Technology

The HHarmony System is a retrofit technology for diesel engines that uses a propitiatory system, including hydrogen injection, to reduce fuel consumption, to or even greater than 15%, and greatly reduce carbon emissions.

This system is engineered to burn diesel fuel more efficiently, which means fuel savings for you, and emissions reductions for the environment. In the long-term, HHarmony adds years to the life of an engine, and operators rest easier knowing there will be no emissions fines as their engines easily meet the Tier 4 emissions standards.

Read more:
Download Hydrogen Explained Efficiently

How Does HHarmony Work?

As a retrofit solution the HHarmony System is non-intrusive – it works with the requirements of the engine and your business.

The electrolyzer is connected to the inlet manifold, and the distilled water reservoir can be mounted anywhere space allows. The size of the reservoir can also be customized to suit the needs of your fleet service schedule. Inside the electrolyzer hydrogen is produced using electrical current to separate the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water. The gas is then injected into the engine’s air intake, and burned during the normal combustion process.

Because hydrogen is never stored, and produced in very small quantities only when the engine is running, this system is completely safe.


How it works


HHarmony System Cabinets

HHarmony System Cabinets

Range:750 HP–50.000 HP
Size factor (DxHxB) = 513mm x 545mm x 725mm
Power: 24 – 380V/750 W
Usage: 4L p/h

HHarmony System Components

The HHarmony system consists of 6 key components: the reactor cell, electrolyte solution, NOx reduction injection system, lubricant/metal conditioner, injectors and the process electronics.

1. Reactor Cell

The reactor cell unit, which is the foundation of the HHarmony system, is comprised of reactor cells and process control electronics housed in a steel box. The plate design and configuration of the cell unit are unique to the HHarmony System, and are based on electrochemical standards and physical electron transport process dynamics. The plate dimensions optimize the plate charge coverage and are configured so that the current runs through an alternating sequence of straight shorts and reaction bridge connections. Nonconductive dividers are used to ensure proper charge orientation and distribution.

The final design and housing for the reactor cell unit was determined by taking into account considerations for mass production capabilities. The proprietary GEO reactor cell optimizes production efficiency, gas extraction, structural integrity and spatial consumption. GEO’s reactor cell design is patent protected.

2. Electrolyte Solution

All electrolytic hybrid technologies require use of an electrolytic catalyst, the chemical composition of which is critical in determining the rate, efficiency and production of the electrolysis. Highly corrosive Potassium Hydroxide is the electrolytic catalyst of choice in the HEC market and some use concentrations as high as 20%. In contrast, GEO’s proprietary electrolyte solution requires only a 1.5% molar concentration. Additionally, GEO utilizes the wetting properties of a non-foaming surfactant as a process catalyst in specialized applications. Surfactant catalysis offers the promise of energetic favorability and promotion of a hydrogen specific product gas. This chemistry is both environmentally friendly and non-corrosive. This electrolyte was developed in Australia by John Dee in 2004, and will likely remain a trade secret due to the difficulty of reverse engineering this chemistry.

3.  NOx Reduction injection System

GEO FLOE is our propitiatory system targeting the reduction of NOx.

4.  Special Lubrication

Special lubrication was developed to provide improved lubricity and to create a wear-surface more friendly t lubrication and mechanical friction that causes losses in efficiency.

5.  Injectors

The HHarmony system incorporates the latest in fuel injector technology to optimize the effect of system integration. The injectors, which are built specific to the engine and application, serve to enhance fuel injection timing, pressure and droplet size to promote the most efficient burn for the application.

6.  Process Electronics

In the opinion of management, the HHarmony system might possibly be the only system on the market with proprietary process control logic and electronics patented technology. The primary function of these electronics is to manage and monitor the system operations. The system incorporates advanced protocol logic and closed loop sensor arrays to insure the safety and functionality of the entire system.

Advanced electronic control systems allow us to track and log data from the system, including emissions reductions, fuel usage and efficiency. The end-user will ultimately be able to report on the performance of their units in the field, including real-time emissions reduction and fuel usage, or long-term fuel savings. This is an invaluable asset for the end user, allowing them to prove the value of the HHarmony system across their entire fleet, as well as demonstrating large cost cutting to their shareholders, with increased margins and decreased operating costs.


HHarmony - Technology That Makes A Difference Now

Depending on the type of engine and specific application type, results in fuel savings and emissions reductions will vary. Results in fuel efficiency will increase with additional engine load. This is not linear but it is substantial and GEO’s experience proves that a fleet of locomotives or vessels, if engaged in hauling heavy freight over one year, may save as much as 15%.

GEO is able to project a minimum of 10% fuel savings on all applications. Test results from the technology demonstration on a diesel engine in the fall of 2009 are available upon request. Results show 22% corrected fuel savings at 50% engine load, with a 13% net savings overall taking into account all load levels during a public demonstration in the Netherlands, May 2010.

While the fuel savings alone present a significant potential market opportunity, the emissions reductions are equally as compelling to buyers facing the strictest emissions standards in history. Worldwide, from the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to the European Commission on Energy, the pressure for transportation companies to reduce their emissions is extraordinary. There are currently a multitude of technologies on the market from chemical additives to particular filters that assist in reducing carbon emission. But the majorities of these technologies have difficulties being cost effective and also increase fuel usage due to reduced engine efficiency.

Specific to the HHarmony system test results, the fuel savings are demonstrated over long testing durations, which sets us apart from the competition. Due to GEO’s proprietary application protocol and interface with engine management systems, the engine does not override the fuel savings as a result of changing the fuel and air mixture. Furthermore, the lower operating temperature reduces the formation of NOx, a feat that management believes is exclusive to the HHarmony system. Finally, the reductions of other harmful gases are the natural outcome of a complementary system that seeks to burn fuel efficiently in the first place, rather than correct the symptom of inefficient fuel burn after the fact.

Successful Netherlands Demonstration on Inland Barge

In May of 2010, GEO’s technical team completed a demonstration on an inland barge in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The demonstration was the culmination of efforts by parties on both sides of the Atlantic, and represents a big step forward towards our goal of getting the HHarmony system verified by an independent environmental testing facility.

The demonstration in Europe took place on a Cummins 4BT3.9G4 generator diesel engine on a ship called the Innovation. This ship hauls coal on Europe’s inland waterways. Ships like the Innovation play a critical role in the European infrastructure and ensure that products and resources are available to millions of users. As such, they use very large amounts of fuel, and are a common target for the governing bodies that want to reduce carbon emissions across Europe.

It was a long process to gain approval for the demonstration, requiring the collective efforts of the ship owner, the company that insures the ship, engineers from the Cummins engine servicing company, as well as an official from the EU Ship’s inspectorate. A special HHarmony unit was built for this test, insuring ease of installation and performance for the high load output requirements of the engine.

In order to ensure that the demonstration was executed with the greatest transparency, representatives from each participating party were given their own form to independently record data. Baseline tests were completed first, followed by demonstrations at three different load levels. As expected, the net fuel-saving results were well in excess of 10%.

The testing, from installation through completion, took two full days. Each party signed off on the data they had collected, and everyone was thrilled with the results. While this demonstration cannot serve as official government sanctioned verification, it provides GEO with substantial credibility and practical experience.

Download Test Report