Gas prices push inventors to seek alternative fuels

Monday, March 10, 2008

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John Swangler sits in a vehicle equipped with the hydrogen on demand system.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Record high gas prices have fueled the owners of Check Engine in Tampa to look to alternative fuels.

John Swangler and his partner developed the Hydrorunner hydrogen on demand system. They say it can double gas mileage.

"If we can help, we'll help," Swangler said. "We're trying to get independent of fossil fuels."

This is how the Hydrorunner works: A big box sits in the back of the vehicle, and it's filled with water. The water turns into hydrogen, and the hydrogen helps the gas burn more efficiently.

The systems can cost up to $10,000.

"The cost will definitely come down with more improvements," Swangler said.

The Hyrdrorunner is one of many alternative ideas that are picking up speed.

French fry grease, soybeans and citrus peels have also made headlines.

"We're realizing our conventional fuels are depleting," said Yogi Goswami, University of South Florida alternative energy expert.

Goswami is watching the alternative energy world grow. He thinks food byproducts for fuel make sense.

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"The only thing I caution about is when we try to use what we could use as food for biofuels," Goswami said. Then we have an ethical question."

He thinks hydrogen will play a part in the future, but it may be a while.

"I think it will be sometime before we see any economical use of hydrogen," he said.

With high gas prices, inventors are taking more and more out of the box ideas for a test drive.

Scientists say consumers should be skeptical.

"If there is something realistic, you'll here it from scientific reports and scientific media," Goswami said.

Goswami said make sure the product is a scientifically proven through an institution, and it's backed by scientific publications.

"You'll hear a lot of people claim a lot of things, but you've got to be very skeptical," Goswami said.

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