Reading suggestion: Physics for Future Presidents by Richard A. Muller
But he’s not burning pure H20. He’s burning gasoline. So maybe it does work?
Critics of the “energy-from-water” hydrogen extraction concept are quick to cite the first law of thermodynamics, stating that a perpetual-motion machine is not possible. But they fail to note that no claim to such a machine is being made.
In insisting that hydrogen generators can’t work in cars, a false assumption is at work; that the existing car engine is an efficient closed energy loop - input equals output - with no spare energy for the electrolysis process. Since mileage improvement with hydrogen generators has already been observed, and since not all such improvements can be attributed to altered driving habits, the only possibility is that, with the alternator whirring away, the charging system can produce excess electrical energy, more than the engine needs. The hydrogen generator is merely using some of that available energy for electrolysis. Additionally, the resulting hydrogen in this case is supplementing gasoline, not replacing it; perhaps even improving gasoline combustion. No perpetual motion claim here.
So, yes, these devices do not (yet) violate the laws of thermodynamics. And, yes, they aren’t perfect. But it is finally time for a complete shift in thinking on the hydrogen issue