We're hesitant to file this one in the folder marked "Awesome Things That'll Never Happen," but it's definitely on the watch list. A new prototype solar device has been concocted to convert sunlight into fuel, much in the same way a plant does. Eco-minded folks will probably understand that conventional photovoltaic panels "must use the electricity they generate in situ," and thus, cannot deliver energy at night; this here device takes a rather unorthodox approach, using the sun's rays along with ceria (a magical, marvelous metal oxide) to "break down carbon dioxide or water into fuels which can be stored and transported." In theory, at least, the device could be used to create hydrogen and / or carbon monoxide, with the former being obviously useful for fueling up hydrogen-based cars of the future. Sadly, the existing prototype is horribly inefficient -- only around 0.7 percent of the solar energy can be converted into fuel -- but researchers are adamant that they can boost that to nearly 20 percent in time. We'll check back in a decade or so to see how things are progressing.
4 comments:
Some years Prior to 1980,An Arizona Scientist had Converted a Nissan ICE to operate on either H2 or Gasoline! (I had the Good-Fortune to become acquainted with this Scientist in 1980!)
1. His 'Vehicle' was NOT permitted to appear at Venues to which 'Public Exposure could/would be significant!
2. 'Emissions Testing'? His pickup ALWAYS FAILED . . . The engine's 'Emissions' were Too Low; and did not 'move-the-needle(s)' on their instruments. It took some years before he was 'Permitted' a Conditional 'Pass'!
3. Off-take a Song:
"It's Only a Decade...Away-y-y!"
Such were That Scientist's 'musings-of-H2-acceptance' ..."'Only a Decade Away'!!!" Dec.31, 2010, "Still!", 'Only a Decade Away!
4. A Distinct Advantage of 'Being Mentally ?Different?' ... One 'Sees', as others Do Not SEE!
a. During the 1920s-1930's, traveling from Oklahoma to Arizona was a 10 to 12 Day Journey!
The 'Roads' were bad; and the 'Tires/Tubes' were worse ... Twelve to Twenty Miles per Day;
Fixing 10 to 15 'Flats' per Day!
b. For Context purposes:
Were a 'Journey from Phoenix to Los Angeles', require 3 to 10 days; it would be of little consequence were the 'Automobile/Vehicle' providing All or Most of it's Fuel/Energy 'On Board' AND 'Closed-Loop (Totally self-contained)= No Emissions! No Exhaust!
Weight of such 'Conveyance', due to 'On Board Contrivances for such 'Energy Generation/Accumulation' would be some off-set by the Removal of ALL Smog/Emissions Control Mechanisms; which would be rendered to Less than 'Redundant'!
Such 'Extended Trips/Journeys, and
who Knows...People might even begin to Communicate again! ... Maybe, even have 'Conversation', with Full Sentences!
A Distinct Advantage of 'Being Mentally ?Different?' ... One 'Sees', as others Do Not SEE!
'In The Minds of Dreamers ... There Are No Boxes!!!'
It is Solitary, but I Love It!!!
"H2?" ... "Only a Decade Away!!!"
Roy J Stewart,
Phoenix AZ
My Comment was toooo Long ...
I Posted the Comment to my 'FaceBook Page'
Subject: 'Closed-Loop', On Board Energy 'Creation', from whatever Source/Sources ... "The Time Traveler" because 'Generating One's Fuel, as One Travels' would Indeed; Take TIME!!!
Roy Stewart,
Phoenix AZ
yea we all have been waiting for this too, we appreciate you took your time reading and commenting this valuable post.
Response: naumeer1 has left a new comment on the post "New solar machine could generate hydrogen fuel, fo...":
Reference: "yea we all have been waiting for this too,..."
Sr. Naumeer1,
Thank You for Your acceptance of my Post!
The Future Is NOW!
One very real Possibility:
Invite the Multitudes of 'Garage-Tinkerers' to Join an 'Online Forum' to 'share' Notes, Thoughts, and to begin to interact with those whom they feel they can trust...Carrying one another's Concepts 'In Unison'...toward the Goal of 'Taking The First Step' toward 'Getting the Show on-the-road!'
To my Awareness:
1. BMW has developed an Exhaust Heat to Generation of Electricity,
thus 'recapturing' a modicum of the Exhaust 'Waste Heat' ...
such recovered Exhaust/Electricity could be utilized in the production of,
2. 'Brown's Gas', which to My awareness, is a 'viable' and currently Utilized by numbers of adroit Individuals; how many?, who cares!, so long as 'Brown's Gas' IS a Reality and Is Currently 'Being Used' in Real Life, functional, Conveyances!
3. 'Solar Powered' Aircraft ARE A Reality; they have demonstrated that 'a Mechanism Can Create It's Own Power/Energy, and function!, thus defeating one of the 'Archaic' Laws of Physics, which, incidentally, were All 'Penned' in the 19th Century! A LOT of Science has been demonstrated and Proven since the 19th Century; 'Factually Rendering' some of those ?Laws? to be Nil!
4. Hear NO NEGATIVITY! Pursue YOUR Dream(s)! ... With Another 'Kindred Soul/Spirit' when such opportunity Avails Itself!
a. I Contend that 'Trust' has permitted the Survival of Anthropoids through 'Our Era'!
b. Every Human Deserves Her/His Own Mountain (of Achievement) ...
and Achievement IS NOT bound by the Current 'Shallow Interpretation' of Success!; We ALL Deserve to 'Blow Our Horn'!!!
And to be acknowledged for 'Being!'
Enough for New Years Eve, 2010;
May God's Grace Be With Thee in the Coming Year, as it has been in All the Years Past!
No NEGATIVITY!
No NAYSAYERS!
Together in Separate 'Pods', The First Steps toward a Real Future, Can Be Taken!
'Energy Independence'! IS The Province of 'Energy Independents'!!!
"Honk!
"As You Drive By,
"In Your 'Exhaust Free', 'Closed-Loop', 'Energy-Creating' Conveyance!!!"
Saludes otro Vece!
Roy J Stewart,
Phoenix AZ
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