PEM Electrolysis Technology
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is the core of every Hydrogen Machines Australia transport-grade enhancement unit. It uses a solid polymer membrane as the electrolyte rather than a liquid caustic solution, which is why PEM is the technology of choice for mobile and vehicle-mounted hydrogen generation.
How it works
- Purified or deionised water (TDS ≤ 5 µS/cm) is drawn from the 1.0 L reservoir into the PEM stack.
- A controlled DC current (10–20 A at 12 / 24 V depending on unit) is applied across the membrane-electrode assembly.
- The membrane splits water into hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode without any liquid electrolyte.
- The resulting hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas (450 / 675 / 900 ml/min) is delivered via the 8 mm outlet pipe to the engine air-intake injection point.
- The vibration sensor manages start / stop so generation only occurs while the engine is running.
Why PEM over alkaline (KOH / NaOH)
| Electrolyte | Solid polymer membrane (no liquid chemical) |
|---|---|
| Water type | Purified / deionised water only |
| Caustic chemicals | None — no KOH, no NaOH |
| Spill / leak risk | No corrosive liquid to leak in a vehicle environment |
| Storage | No high-pressure hydrogen tank — gas generated on demand |
| Maintenance | Refill water; no electrolyte management |
Safety architecture
- ▸Vibration-sensor automatic start / stop with adjustable sensitivity
- ▸Water-shortage alarm and low-water cutoff
- ▸High-TDS alarm to protect the membrane
- ▸Over-temperature alarm with thermal shutdown
- ▸Inline fuse, dedicated power switch
- ▸Sight glass for visual water-level monitoring
- ▸Automatic water filling and drainage circuit
Engine integration
The hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is introduced into the air intake downstream of the mass airflow sensor. There is no modification to the fuel system, ECU mapping or after-treatment. Installation is fully reversible. The unit is compatible with gasoline, diesel, LPG and hybrid drivetrains, and operates with DPF, SCR, EGR and AdBlue after-treatment systems.
These are combustion-enhancement devices. No emissions-compliance or fuel-saving guarantee is expressed or implied. Professional installation and controlled field evaluation are recommended.