July 22nd, 2009
Researcher: Pee power in our energy future
Don’t waste that bodily waste, convert it. That’s the system suggested by Ohio University researchers. They are converting urine into hydrogen for fuel cell fuel. Are we really flushing away a great source of energy?
The team of engineers are using a nickel-based converter that takes urine, produces hydrogen gas, nitrogen which can be released into the atmosphere and clean water which also has a few uses. Making beer, for instance.
The researchers claim getting hydrogen out of urea is far less energy intensive that trying to bust up that H20 molecule.
They have been using small-sized converters that could be fitted into vehicles. Can you imagine the tech needed to fit fuel tanks with male/female suited urinals so drivers can power their own vehicles? Wouldn’tthis require serious re-design of Interstate rest stops, which would be re-named “fuel stops.”
Hydrogen fuel cells are a popular greentech dream, the waste product: water. My question: would urine-based fuel take its place alongside more prosaic biofuels? Or is this a whole new category?
A newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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