Hydrogen Fuel Cell--Made in Udon Thani Thailand

[lee]

Hydrogen Fuel Cell--Made in Thailand
Aug 25, 2008 23:21

Thailand has long been the manufacturer of a variety of goods, from Nike shoes to clothing, to cars. Most, if not all, of these products proudly bear a tag with the words "Made in Thailand".

Now, we can add another product to the list of goods coming from Thailand, a Hydrogen Fuel Cell. Integrated Technology Consultant Co. Ltd's Sumit Isarangul na Ayuddhaya and Somchai Traisuriyathamma have received national acclamation for developing a homegrown Hydrogen Fuel Cell.

The so-called "Reactor 1" breaks down H2O molecules in real-time, negating the need for bulky storage tanks, and runs off of a normal 12V car battery. The unit measures just 12 x 10 x 10 inches and fitted easily in the trunk of the Honda Civic test vehicle demoed at the recent press conference held by Rajabhat University of Udon Thani. A "Reactor 2" model is in the works and will include circuitry to control the rate of hydrogen production for all engine speeds.

However, the test car still required the use of petrol during the startup process.

They are currently looking for partners to further develop and market this technology.

[PopsIcafe]

Yep seen that on the Home News with Khun Paul. It's really nice to see that it came from Udon Thani Rajaphat University. Good luck to them as Khun Paul reported that this has hit international news, kind of puts Udon Thani on the map for technology.

Pop's

[lee]

That's right Khun Pop's, well done to Radjaphat university. =D>

[rickfarang]

A fuel cell converts oxygen and hydrogen to water, collecting power in the process. A critical element of a fuel cell is a membrane that is difficult to manufacture. What is being called a fuel cell here is only an electrolysis setup, which anybody can make with a little bit of stainless steel wire.

To further digress, I cannot see the benefit here: You loose a percentage of the energy when using gasoline (or any energy source) to charge the battery, then you loose even more energy breaking the O-H bonds to get Hydrogen and Oxygen (or Browns Gas -its not clear which), and then loose even more energy to burn the hydrogen in the engine and turn the wheels.

The only use here is to run a gas(oline) engine without buying gasoline. If you charge the battery from the 220 VAC in your home, you are going to be paying a pretty penny (or baht) for the electricy!

There is no advantage in either energy or cost.

In short, its a gimmick at best.

[fussychunk]

A few years ago I worked for a company that made the Carbon mat that went with the Platinum in the fuel cell, 7 years ago the task was to make an engine for less than 1000 uk pounds. Last thing i heard was that they was not far from that.

Unlike catalytic convertors the fuel cell's platinum is supposedly 99% recoverable.

Those were the days, stealth bomber coatings and all that boring stuff... bloody work

[Guns482]

There is no advantage in either energy or cost.

Maybe at the moment no advantage, as it has been stated, however, with the waste being 'O' then why not, I was surprised to see they were also using a fossil fuel mix.
Thereby whatsaving is made is now lost, I did hear of a person trying to make just a Hydrogen fuelled car, but that has come to nothing. Now that would be interesting.

[rickfarang]

But....in order to charge the battery to make the H in the first place, one must use more fossil fuel that if you were to power the car with gasoline directly.

I hope I am not over stating this; Its flim-flam.

[Guns482]

Me I know nuffink just wot I red.