Evaluation of hydrogen and oxygen mixture addition in internal combustion engines under real driving conditions

The addition of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture (HHO) into internal combustion engines is often associated with expectations of oticeable increases in engine performance and substantial reductions in emissions and fuel consumption. This paper investigates the actual effects of introducing hydrogen and oxygen into combustion engines. A literature review was conducted, identifying several research gaps in this field. An improved experimental methodology was developed to quantify the effects of hydrogen and oxygen addition while minimizing the influence of external factors on the results. Measurements were carried out using three vehicles. Two of the vehicles were identical and operated for 67,000 km under the exact same conditions, with only one of them equipped with an HHO generator. The results of the measurements, discussed in the context of other scientific publications, indicate that HHO addition produced no measurable improvement in engine power or torque, and only minor changes in exhaust gas composition. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of HHO addition are significantly lower than those claimed by commercial providers. This study provides evidence-based insight into the limited practical impact of HHO on vehicle performance and emissions, helping to inform sustainable mobility solutions.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-05-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54105-y
Primary Topic
Advanced Combustion Engine Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Evaluation of hydrogen and oxygen mixture addition in internal combustion engines under real driving conditions

František Synák
Scientific Reports
Advanced Combustion Engine Technologies
article

Evaluation of hydrogen and oxygen mixture addition in internal combustion engines under real driving conditions

František Synák
article en

Abstract

The addition of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture (HHO) into internal combustion engines is often associated with expectations of oticeable increases in engine performance and substantial reductions in emissions and fuel consumption. This paper investigates the actual effects of introducing hydrogen and oxygen into combustion engines. A literature review was conducted, identifying several research gaps in this field. An improved experimental methodology was developed to quantify the effects of hydrogen and oxygen addition while minimizing the influence of external factors on the results. Measurements were carried out using three vehicles. Two of the vehicles were identical and operated for 67,000 km under the exact same conditions, with only one of them equipped with an HHO generator. The results of the measurements, discussed in the context of other scientific publications, indicate that HHO addition produced no measurable improvement in engine power or torque, and only minor changes in exhaust gas composition. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of HHO addition are significantly lower than those claimed by commercial providers. This study provides evidence-based insight into the limited practical impact of HHO on vehicle performance and emissions, helping to inform sustainable mobility solutions.

Scientific Reports
University of Žilina (SK), Vyskumny Ústav Dopravny (SK)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Advanced Combustion Engine Technologies
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