Sri Lankan engineer M.A. Thushara Edirisinghe set to give motorists a shot in the arm with his invention that enables vehicles to run with water instead of fuel

How would you like to drive a car up to Anuradhapura, visit all the historical places and return to Colombo, not on fuel but using only three and a half litres of water? The first response of anyone to this query would be an amused laugh; that it is a joke, or an imagination conjured up in an illusive mind. Although it seems impossible, a Sri Lankan engineer has invented a device of such paramount significance that with its aid automotive engines can now run with water! The Nation recently met the genius who has the ability to find a permanent solution to the present oil crisis that the entire world is battling against…

By Vindya Amaranayake
What do Thomas Alva Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Bill Gates have in common? They all invented devices that changed the course of the world. Without them, the world as we know today would have been an entirely different place.

What does M.A. Thushara Edirisinghe have in common with those geniuses? He too has devised an invention that would not only change the world, but would make the entire socio-economic and political structure of the world turn topsy-turvy.

So far, a car that can run on water has been a dream of many scientists. Although the possibility of running a car on hydrogen has been debated by scientists the world over, no one was able to invent the technology to make the dream a reality. Hydrogen, unlike fuel is a cheep source, if it can be separated from water.

Explaining the theory behind his invention Edirisinghe said that the basic concept behind the separation of hydrogen from oxygen in H2O molecules is the use of a high frequency. “It is common knowledge that when you use a high frequency, you can break anything. I use an electronic circuit to generate a vibration signal, which is on a very high frequency. Then hydrogen and oxygen get separated,” he explained.

The hydrogen and oxygen vapours again mix inside the piston. This devise can be used in both petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles and other automotive engines. While it can completely replace petrol, in diesel vehicles only 50% of water can be used.

The 26-year-old engineer explained the differences between a diesel engine and a petrol engine: A petrol engine intakes a mixture of gas and air, compresses it and ignites the mixture with a spark. A diesel engine takes in just air, compresses it and then injects fuel into the compressed air. The heat of the compressed air lights up the fuel spontaneously. Therefore, diesel powered automotive engines have to use 50% fuel along with 50% water.

Inside the car, the water is contained in a small canister next to the engine – not filled in the fuel tank as most believe. The electronic circuit is placed next to the water canister. Apart from these, the car engine looks quite ordinary. “Once the device is placed inside the vehicle, the driver has the choice of driving it with water or fuel,” the genius engineer added.

Although petrol driven vehicles can use 100% percent water, Edirisinghe said the tank had to contain some fuel in order to have the vehicle run smoothly: “The petrol pump and injector are expensive equipment. If they are left unused, they might decay and that would be a waste. Also, there is a possibility that the system might get clogged up with dust and dirt. To prevent all these, there must be a certain percentage of fuel left in the tank.”

One of the most important facts that Edirisinghe highlighted was that there is absolutely no difference between the pickup and speed of this water powered vehicle and other fuel powered vehicles. The main charge levelled against this technology is that it cannot power a vehicle to perform the tasks that a fuel driven vehicle can. “These are all speculations. It can perform any task that all vehicles are supposed to perform,” the engineer said with a smile.

Family
Edirisinghe has dreamt of inventing something ever since he was a child. The eldest in a family of two, he had his initial education at Pannipitiya Christ King College. His father is a welder by profession.
“I obtained my degree in electronics engineering from the University of Moratuwa and later entered Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute. Afterwards I started working at United Motors,” he said.

When he was a child he used to fill glass bottles with caustic soda and then attach balloons to their mouths to allow the balloon to fill with hydrogen. “Then I used to blow up the balloon by lighting a match. I used to do these little experiments,” he said while laughing.

Although he completed his invention in February 2007 and made it ready to be used in a car, he has not received any recognition for this remarkable discovery until now.
Edirisinghe first used the device in his uncle’s car. Recalling those early days, he said that there were plenty of people who used to call him ‘pissa’ (the crazy man) when they heard about his attempt to run a car on water.

“Some people are reluctant to accept the fact that I have discovered this method. They are still stuck in their theory books and are unable to see beyond what they have learnt. I only pity them, because I have managed to find something that can be utilised in practice, while they are still stuck to their books.”

Theoretical debate
Water powered cars can use 100% water instead of fuel. By splitting water by electrolysis and creating hydrogen/oxygen vapour, fuel can be replaced. This is deemed impossible by many engineers, scientists and professors, who dismiss this notion. This is exactly what Edirisinghe faced, when he presented his invention to some of the well-known personalities in the local academia.

“Their knowledge is outdated. One must not reject this invention because it cannot be placed within Newton’s theories. Then they must try and come up with a new theory to define my invention. It is ridiculous to reject this, just because they cannot understand it,” he charged.

The argument of some scientists is based on the laws of physics that were shaped in the 19th Century. However, it is recorded that the first internal combustion engine (ICE) ran on hydrogen separated from water.
One of the other potential problems that Edirisinghe might have to face is the threat from the oil corporations.

What of oil trade?
The crux of the matter is, if the device can be installed in all the cars to burn hydrogen and oxygen there would no longer be a need for fuel refilling stations, oil tankers, refineries, SMOG and war.
It is no secret that there are wars being fought due to oil. The entire Middle Eastern region is embroiled in a crisis engineered by the western powers that be, on the pretext of curbing terrorism. Yet, it has been proven by many that the real motive behind waging these wars is oil.

What if the high importance of oil is taken away, what if water is to replace oil as the fuel for automotive engines? Then the premise on which the entire politico-economic structure is placed at present would fall apart. A new economic order would arise. All these were just dreams before Edirisinghe invented the device to run an engine on water.

Would there be a fall of oil empires and would there be a drastic reduction in the cost of living? Why not, if this invention can be used for the right use and not be exploited, it can do much more than just run vehicles.
“This device can be used to generate electricity. As at today more than half of the electricity need in the country is met by diesel powered generators. If we can use automotive engines to produce electricity and if we can use water instead of fuel, then the cost reduction would be unbelievable,” Edirisinghe pointed out.

Green hope
The bonus effect of this invention is that it is extremely green friendly. There is absolutely no release of exhaust fumes, only hot water and steam – no undesirable noxious or toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx), partly un-burnt fuel, and particulate matter.

This would have a drastic effect on getting rid of the SMOG and ultimately help save the ozone layer, which keeps depleting with the large amount of exhaust fumes released to the environment each day.
At the moment, Edirisinghe is conducting further studies on how to develop this technology, to be used in tree-wheelers. If successful, it could provide a great solace to the owners and users of this most popular mode of transportation.
Edirisinghe explained that water containing sodium – sea water and river water – cannot be used in this invention. According to him only tap water and well water can be used, without any problem.

                                              The genius fears for his life                                     

It is no secret that whenever a Sri Lankan invents or discovers something, eventually he either loses the patent right, or the country loses the technology along with the inventor. All because of the incompetence of the authorities to make the inventors stay in the country.

The other factor is the attitude of the so called experts in the field, who instead of bringing these hidden geniuses forward, try their best to rob or ridicule their efforts.
Edirisinghe, however, does not want to sell his knowledge to foreigners, although he has already received several offers. “I want to offer this invention to my motherland, so that Sri Lankans can reap the benefits and not some other country, as the case is in many instances,” he said.
He expects to further develop the technology and install this device in every vehicle that reaches the shores of Lanka, before they reach the public.

In order to do this, Edirisinghe needs to be recognised for the monumental discovery he has made and give the necessary encouragement and material aid that the state can provide. It is the duty of the government.
On the other hand, the other important factor is that due to the threat he is posing to the oil corporations, his life may be in danger. It is the duty of the authorities to protect him as a national treasure.

“I have a fear that my life would be in danger. I expect special security from the government,” he said. He should be protected not only from these physical harms, but also from those who might attempt to steal his invention. “I don’t keep the device at home. There are those who want it installed in their cars but do not wish to help any further. I have to keep everything a secret now,” he said.

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