Aqueous fuel for internal combustion engine and method of combustion

Abstract

An aqueous fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the class consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline. The method comprises introducing air and aqueous fuel into a fuel introduction system for the engine. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of the fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel from ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber or chambers in the presence of a hydrogen producing catalyst to operate the engine.

While the embodiments of the invention chosen herein for purposes of the disclosure are at present considered to be preferred, it is to be understood that the invention is intended to cover all changes and modifications of all embodiments which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, wherein what is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.   
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the combustion in the combustion chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, other carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuels, or mixtures thereof, in amounts of about 30% to about 60% of the total volume of said aqueous fuel. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chamber(s) is not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chamber(s) is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel consists essentially of gasoline. 
     
     
       10. A method according to claim 8 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1. 
     
     
       11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1. 
     
     
       12. A method according to claim 1 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chamber by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       13. A The method according to claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one catalytic pole selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       14. A method according to claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pt-Ni alloys, Ni-stainless steel, noble metals, Re, W, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
       15. A method according to claim 13 wherein said catalyst is platinum. 
     
     
       16. A method according to claim 13 wherein said catalyst comprises catalytic poles of one of nickel and nickel containing alloys. 
     
     
       17. A method according to claim 1 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor. 
     
     
       18. A method according to claim 1 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated from 122° F. to about 158° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       19. A method according to claim 1 wherein said aqueous fuel and combustion air are introduced into said fuel introduction system at ambient temperatures. 
     
     
       20. A method according to claim 1 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the air flow into the fuel introduction system. 
     
     
       21. A method according to claim 1 wherein said engine comprises an engine from the group consisting of rotary engines, turbine engines and an engine with at least one working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders. 
     
     
       22. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) at least one combustion chamber, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.   
     
     
       23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       24. A method according to claim 22 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalytic is present as at least one catalyst pole. 
     
     
       25. A method according to claim 24 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       26. A method according to claim 22 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water. 
     
     
       27. A method according to claim 22 further comprising adjusting the air to fuel ratio of the fuel and air mixture introduced to the combustion chamber to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       28. A method according to claim 22 wherein said catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum; platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       29. A method according to claim 22 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       30. A method according to claim 22 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the flow of air for combustion into the fuel introduction system. 
     
     
       31. A method according to claim 22 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chamber by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       32. A method according to claim 22 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor. 
     
     
       33. A method according to claim 22 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated to at least 122° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       34. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel,   introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chamber; and   combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.   
     
     
       35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       36. A method according to claim 34 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       37. A method according to claim 36 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       38. A method according to claim 34 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water. 
     
     
       39. A method according to claim 38 wherein said air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       40. A method according to claim 34 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       41. A method according to claim 34 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, and mixtures thereof, and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       42. A method according to claim 34 wherein said hydrogen producing catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electrically generated spark. 
     
     
       43. A method according to claim 34 wherein said combustion air is initially heated by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       44. A method according to claim 34 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. prior to entry into said carburetor. 
     
     
       45. A method according to claim 34 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a fuel injection system said air is preheated at least about 122° F. prior to entry into said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       46. A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, an da fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.   
     
     
       47. A method according to claim 46 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       48. A method according to claim 47 wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       49. A method according to claim 47 wherein the amount of water in said aqueous fuel is 25% to 75% and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       50. A method according to claim 47 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst comprises catalytic poles selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       52. A method according to claim 50 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       53. A method according to claim 52 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       54. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hydrogen-producing catalytic pole is present in each combustion chamber. 
     
     
       55. A method according to claim 41, wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be about 1:1. 
     
     
       56. A method according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous fuel additionally includes a wetting agent to assist in dispersing the carbonaceous fuel in water. 
     
     
       57. A method according to claim 56, wherein said wetting agent is a surfactant. 
     
     
       58. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.   
     
     
       59. A method according to claim 58 wherein the combustion in the combustion chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       60. A method according to claim 58 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       61. A method according to claim 60 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       62. A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, other carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuels, or mixtures thereof, in amounts of about 30% to about 60% of the total volume of said aqueous fuel. 
     
     
       63. A method according to claim 58 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chambers is not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       64. A method according to claim 58 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chambers is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       65. A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       66. A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel consists essentially of gasoline. 
     
     
       67. A method according to claim 65 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1. 
     
     
       68. A method according to claim 66 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1. 
     
     
       69. A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor. 
     
     
       70. A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system. 
     
     
       71. A method according to claim 58 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chambers by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       72. A method according to claim 58 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one catalytic pole selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       73. A method according to claim 58 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pt-Ni alloys, Ni-stainless steel, noble metals, Re, W, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
       74. A method according to claim 72 wherein said catalyst is platinum. 
     
     
       75. A method according to claim 72 wherein said catalyst comprises catalytic poles of one of nickel and nickel containing alloys. 
     
     
       76. A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor. 
     
     
       77. A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated from 122° F. to about 158° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       78. A method according to claim 58 wherein said aqueous fuel and combustion air are introduced into said fuel introduction system at ambient temperatures. 
     
     
       79. A method according to claim 58 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the air flow into the fuel introduction system. 
     
     
       80. A method according to claim 58 wherein said engine comprises an engine from the group consisting of rotary engines, turbine engines and an engine with at least one or more working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders. 
     
     
       81. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) a plurality of combustion chambers, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.   
     
     
       82. A method according to claim 81 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       83. A method according to claim 81 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       84. A method according to claim 83 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       85. A method according to claim 81 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water. 
     
     
       86. A method according to claim 81 further comprising adjusting the air to fuel ratio of the fuel and air mixture introduced to the combustion chambers to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       87. A method according to claim 86 wherein the air to fuel ratio is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       88. A method according to claim 81 wherein said catalyst is selected from the class consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       89. A method according to claim 81 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       90. A method according to claim 81 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the flow of air for combustion into the fuel introduction system. 
     
     
       91. A method according to claim 81 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chambers by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       92. A method according to claim 81 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor. 
     
     
       93. A method according to claim 81 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated to at least 122° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       94. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel,   introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chambers; and   combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.   
     
     
       95. A method according to claim 94 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       96. A method according to claim 94 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       97. A method according to claim 96 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. 
     
     
       98. A method according to claim 94 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water. 
     
     
       99. A method according to claim 98 wherein said air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       100. A method according to claim 94 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       101. The method according to claim 100 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, and mixtures thereof, and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       102. The method according to claim 101 wherein said hydrogen producing catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electrically generated spark. 
     
     
       103. The method according to claim 94 wherein said combustion air is initially heated by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating. 
     
     
       104. The method according to claim 94 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. prior to entry into said carburetor. 
     
     
       105. The method according to claim 94 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a fuel injection system said air is preheated at least about 122° F. prior to entry into said fuel injection system. 
     
     
       106. A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.   
     
     
       107. A method according to claim 106 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel. 
     
     
       108. A method according to claim 107 wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1. 
     
     
       109. A method according to claim 107 wherein the amount of water in said aqueous fuel is 25% to 75% and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1. 
     
     
       110. A method according to claim 107 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst comprises catalytic poles selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark. 
     
     
       111. A method according to claim 110 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts. 
     
     
       112. A method according to claim 110 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole. 
     
     
       113. A method according to claim 110 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles. .Iadd. 
     
     
       114.  A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber and a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system,   introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and   introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated in said combustion chamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       115.  A method according to claim 114 wherein said carbonaceous fuel comprises diesel fuel, in amounts of about 30% to about 60% of the total volume of said aqueous fuel and said internal combustion engine is a diesel engine. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 
     
     
       116.  A method according to claim 115 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the air and fuel flow into the fuel introduction system. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 
     
     
       117.  A method according to claim 114 wherein said carbonaceous fuel comprises diesel fuel and said internal combustion engine is a diesel engine. .Iaddend.