USM invention saves fuel

GEORGE TOWN: Motorists looking for ways to save money on petrol after the recent subsidy cut have reason to cheer as USM has come up with a fuel capacitor which it claims can reduce fuel usage by up to 40%.
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering lecturer Professor Dr Soib Taib (pix) said the fuel capacitor worked by regulating air flow to make fuel combustion in the engine more efficient.
He said the device prevented incomplete combustion which meant petrol usage will be maximised.
He said tests showed cars installed with the device experienced better mileage.
"We have tested the device and the results are encouraging," he said in a press conference today with USM deputy vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Muhamad Jantan.
The recent 20 sen reduction in petrol subsidy increased prices of RON95 petrol to RM2.30 and RM2.20 for diesel per litre respectively.
Soib also said tests showed the cars on which the fuel capacitor was installed recorded a reduction in emissions.
He said a Puspakom test showed carbon dioxide emission was reduced by 40%.
"This is in line with the Kyoto Protocol which requires countries which ratified the agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions," he said.
Muhamad lauded the development and said USM was looking to commercialise the device.
He said USM was looking for interested parties to make the product available on the market.