Freeport, Bahamas - (August 16, 2010) Yes you read it right, possibly Grand Bahamas’ very first H20 Hybrid
demonstration vehicle. You can’t miss it on the road, as it is clearly
marked “Water Powered Car” and it means what it says. This vehicle
uses the properties in drinking water to greatly increase fuel economy
while dramatically reducing harmful exhaust emissions and it was built
on the Island in less than 2 months using local suppliers and
materials. Preliminary tests have shown an outstanding 30 % increase
in fuel economy. That means 30% fewer dollars spent at the pump as
you go about your regular routine. Think of the potential – you save
while going “green” for the environment.
Freeport, Grand Bahama: (August 16th, 2010)The team at McGibbon's Auto, along with summer student James Tuchel (in green) stand next to Grand Bahamas’ very first H20 Hybrid demonstration vehicle development in only 2 months. Seen here left to right: Moses Messam, Technician;
Alex Bethel, Third year Automotive Student;
Keith Johnson, Technician;
James Tuchel, Third year Mechanical Engineering Student;
Avelaino McGibbon, Automotive Professional Engineer & President McGibbons Auto; Abigail McGibbon, 7 year old daughter of Avelaino McGibbon, and promising engineer;
and Wilneve Rodney, Technician. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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Congratulations goes to 19-year-old James Tuchel, son of Laurie and
Charles Tuchel who have been residents of Grand Bahama since 2002.
James is the lead Engineer in Training on this project. James
grew up on the island. and after graduating with an International
Baccalaureate from Lucaya International School, was accepted into the
School of Mechanical
Engineering 5-year Masters Degree Program at the University of
Edinburgh, Scotland. James will be returning to the UK shortly for
an internship with Renault Formula 1 Racing team before continuing his
third year of Mechanical Engineering studies in Scotland.
Proud moment for sponsors and the team - Craig Stewart - Dolly Madison
Roger Charlton (Back) Sunny Isles
Cheryl Bain - Teigs signs
Penny Roberts - Sunny Isles
Henry Ferguson- 242 Mobile
James Tuchel
Alex Bethel
Chantel Bethel
Laurie Tuchel- Reformer Group
Andrew Tuchel - Reformer Group
Abigail McGibbon - McGibbons Auto
Avelaino McGibbon McGibbons Auto. Photos: The Bahamas Weekly
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This summer
James returned to Grand Bahama during his break from
University not to relax in the sun, but to put his learning to hard
work, and with a purpose. He began a two-month summer apprenticeship
with McGibbons Auto under the tutoring and mentoring of Mr. Avelaino
McGibbon. Mr McGibbon is a licenced Professional Automotive
Mechanical Engineer and President of McGibbon Auto.
The adaptation center in the glove box which controls the fuel mixture as well as the hydrogen production process. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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Many years ago
Mr. McGibbon left Grand Bahama to study Automotive Engineering in
Detroit and graduated from General Motors Institute (now called
Kettering University). He was Grand Bahamas first Alumni from that
college. He was privileged to engineer several automobiles for GM,
Ford Chrysler other auto manufactures including amusement rides for
Walt Disney and Universal studios. Among his accomplishments was the
Super Sport Roadster truck for Chevrolet (2003 –2007). Mr. McGibbon
is back on Grand Bahama and shares his mechanical engineering
experience and passion within the community. He is actively guiding
and mentoring potential automotive industry students like James;
assisting them with interesting worthwhile projects to boost their
individual potential and careers.
What is a H2O Hybrid Vehicle?
Effectively, a hybrid vehicle means that there is more than one source
of energy for propelling the vehicle. For example the Toyota Prias
is an Electric Hybrid –it uses a gasoline engine and electricity
stored in batteries, combined to provide propulsion at higher overall
efficiency, reduced emissions and higher fuel economy. This “Water
Powered Car” demonstrates just one of several technology versions that
constitutes a hybrid by taking a 1997 Hyundai Elantra’s gasoline
engine and altering it to use the elements HHO (Oxyhydrogen is a mixture of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gases)
in drinking water. The
hydrogen which has been taken from the water is combined with the
gasoline and dramatically improves fuel economy while significantly
reducing exhaust emissions. The vehicle drives and feels just as the
original vehicle – possibly with slightly more pep.
How does it work?
This technology uses the 12volt electrical energy in the vehicle
battery to separate drinking water into Hydrogen and Oxygen- two
useful elements that fuel the internal combustion engine. The
elements boost the internal combustion process as it combines with
gasoline entering the engine. Thus the vehicle is a hybrid since it
relies on more than one fuel source or energy conversion device. The
results have been drastically improved fuel economy and lower
emissions. It is possible to run the vehicle purely on water
(elements within it) without any gasoline, however, that phase of the
Project will be left for future demonstration. Stay tuned for more
McGibbbon Projects.
Where did the thought come from?
While under the mentoring of Mr. McGibbon, James was encouraged to
select from a few future projects that McGibbons Auto plans to debut
in the future. James chose this one, knowing that to do it correctly, it
would require, planning, organizing, calculations, hands on work and
diligence to accomplish it within the time frame. It demonstrated
mechanical, electrical know-how, thermodynamics, fluid flow, time
management and other skills that he has learned in university
supplemented by his education on Grand Bahama.
Freeport, Grand Bahama: (August 16th, 2010)The team at McGibbon's Auto, along with summer student James Tuchel (in green) stand next to Grand Bahamas’ very first H20 Hybrid demonstration vehicle development in only 2 months at McGibbon's Auto. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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How was it built?
The first objective for this project was to provide a meaningful
summer project for serious minded engineering students. A second
objective was to demonstrate that Components and services to build
this vehicle exist right within the local community. To save time a
few ingredients were purchase from away. However, given enough time
it is possible that local companies and suppliers may have been able
to provide nearly all of the services in assistance to the McGibbon
team to build this hybrid vehicle. In addition to the McGibbon Team,
thanks goes to the local sponsors that contributed materials or
discounts to assist this project and its objectives: Reformer Group,
Sunny Isles Water, Dolly Madison – Ace Hardware, Wells Auto Paint Shop, EPIC Battery, 242 Mobile, Freeport Tire, Teigs Signs, and The Uniform Place.
What’s next?
James is not stopping now; he already left for a introductory co-op
with Renault F1 racing team of England, then back to mechanical
engineering studies in Scotland. James has a passion for auto racing
particularly Formula 1 vehicles.
"McGibbons Auto congratulate James'
enthusiasm, drive and commitment and wish him well in his future
endeavors. It would seem that with such experience behind him we see
the possibility of a future rock-solid Engineer who is destined to
make a future impact," said Avelaino McGibbon.
McGibbons will continue to develop energy efficient, clean vehicles
specifically intended for local use. Stay tuned for future
demonstrations from McGibbons Auto who continues to train, mentor and
uncover Grand Bahamas hidden talents especially in the engineering
field.
Want to know more about the vehicle? Give Mr. McGibbon a call he may
be able answer your questions.
Stay tuned for The Bahamas Weekly's video coverage coming soon. Here, Avelaino McGibbon and summer student James Tuchel explain how only two small bottles of water will run the car for an entire month. The larger judge will run the vehicle for a very long time. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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Celebration in the air! James Tuchel and Alex Bethel crack open the champagne. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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