A new system for producing hydrogen is in advanced stages of development at the Solar Facilities Unit at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot
Hydrogen, the lightest and most common chemical element in the universe, is also the most efficient and cleanest fuel that nature offers us (it is three and a half times more energy-dense than coal, gasoline, diesel, etc.). Experimental vehicles powered by hydrogen have already been developed, and others are on the drawing boards of the major car companies planning the cars of the future. Power plants that will generate electricity by burning hydrogen are also in advanced planning stages (burning hydrogen almost does not cause environmental pollution). The main problem that stands between us and the realization of this technological vision, is the price of hydrogen production.
The most available source of hydrogen is water (a water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). To break down the water molecule into its components, it is possible, for example, to heat water to a very high temperature and under low pressure. Under these conditions, the hydrogen atoms separate from the oxygen atoms. But when such a mixture gradually cools, the hydrogen and oxygen return and combine into water.
In order to maintain the separation between hydrogen and oxygen, Prof. Avraham Kogan from the Solar Installations Unit at the Weizmann Institute of Science is developing a unique new system. This system is based, among other things, on a special ceramic membrane developed in collaboration with the Israeli Institute for Ceramics and Silicates. This ceramic membrane is able to withstand temperatures above 2,000 degrees Celsius, and the nozzles in it are adjusted so that they mainly transfer hydrogen. The heating needed to operate the system is achieved through solar energy. An international patent has been registered on some of the system's components.
Prof. Kogan reported on the progress of his research at the conference on energy and environment issues held at the Albert Seibin Memorial Institute. Later, Prof. Kogan's new laboratory, named after James Heinemann, was inaugurated.
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to Joel
Such systems already exist, although they are not miniaturized nor have they reached sufficient efficiency, so for the time being it is an addition to the existing fuel system and not a replacement.
Almost anyone at the level of an amateur engineer can try to assemble them on their vehicle - instructions can be downloaded from the Internet and any software for sharing files.
For Yoel, the goal is not to minimize such a system for a car, but to create large industrial systems where the hydrogen will be separated from the water using clean and free solar energy. You will arrive with your car at a gas station on the right, find a tank with hydrogen and drive off to peace.
Tam asked, what are the chances that they will be able to minimize such a system to the volume and weight that goes into a car, and will actually make it possible to build cars that travel on water? Is this a doomsday vision? Also, does this mean that the economic end of countries like Iran, which have a global monopoly on the sale of oil, is approaching?
Thanks in advance 🙂