Genepax Japan has developed a power system that creates zero CO2 emissions and can power a car using nothing but water for fuel.
Like fuel cells, the system uses hydrogen for power but it creates its own on the fly. It contains a special material that acts like a small reactor, turning water and air into hydrogen through a chemical reaction.
This process has been seen on a smaller scale recently to power unmanned fuel cell helicopters. This larger scale version has great advantages over existing green technologies in that it can be used for any kind of power generation application.
It does not depend on braking force to recharge the batteries like systems in many hybrid cars. Nor does it require clear sunny days or high wind velocities like solar panels or wind turbines do. It can be kept running for as long as it is supplied with water which means it could also be used in residential applications.
Genepax has demonstrated a 300W active system mounted in the luggage area of a compact electric car. The car, known as “Reva”, was driven by the system but it is still early days.
The company plans to produce a 1KW model to offer more power and if it succeeds in mass production, could shrink the cost from ¥2,000,000 (US$18,522) to just ¥500,000 ($5000) or lower.
If brought down to this price, Genepax feels it could compete with residential solar cell systems.
Source:
FarEastGizmos
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