There is some very interesting research at the moment looking into replacing batteries with Fuel Cells. Being able to replace Lithium-Ion batteries in consumer electronics with a Fuel Cell powered by a Hydrogen or Methanol canister has many advantages including longer power reserves and much faster recharging times. But one of the main sticking points in further developing this technology has been the reluctance of commercial airlines and aviators to allow Fuel Cell canisters onto their flights. The fears being that the flammable gas contained inside the canister poses a risk to the aircraft if it somehow catches fire.
Well this week we have seen the first steps towards approving the carriage on aeroplanes of these (so far unavailable) power sources. The US Department of Transportation has just made a ruling that will let passengers carry approved methanol fuel cells and up to two spare fuel cartridges in their carry-on bags.
FTA:
“Fuel cells also can’t spontaneously burst into flames. A person would have to apply a flame to a fuel cell to ignite methanol, which is an alcohol. Presumably, security will take lighters and matches away from someone at the gate. Lithium-ion batteries in rare instances have blown up, but those instances have been alarming.
Fuel cell technology, though, isn’t easy and fuel cells have faced several delays. Lim says fuel cells will likely begin to come out in 2009. MTI is working with Samsung on fuel cells for phones.
Canada, China, Japan, and the UK already let passengers carry their nonexistent fuel cells onboard.”
http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9933408-54.html?tag=nefd.blgs
I challenge the UN to call an energy summit where a solution can actually be aquired. I sent a direct note to Geneva H/O with zero response. The EU commissioners says the days of affordable energy are over..I disagree…and can ensure he eats those words.
With the current energy crisis escalating, I’ve come up with a flexible concept to sustain the cyclic generation of power on a continual, daily basis, that will systematically reduce dependence on gas, and is only limited by the ability of the implementation to store and distribute the generated power. Technically, as installations increase so does the power generation. The flexibility of it is, with differing models based on the same concept , it becomes applicable in numerous generation points , and if all generated power is cumulatively channeled , then the spinoffs become tremendous.
It creates new jobs, new developments, and new possibilities in the forms of electrical topup stations as opposed to gas stations etc. Full longterm implementation can reduce gas use by approx 30- 70% over time, and in strategic places, up to 90% ..It will however still be important for lubricants and a wide range of uses etc..but not to the extent of having to fill up a tank every few days in the domestic vehicles. Short term, simple models provide immediate and everyday renewable power . It also provides for high level refinement of the concept in technology departments. It will significantly reduce the need for biofuels, which also affect the food crisis.
The planet is changing, and so does everything along with it. In the light of the crisis, my concept threatens the global gas companies to an extent. I realise there are all kind of high level summits with the best minds on the globe talking about solutions..and Im fully aware of hydro,wind,solar etc..but all these are reliant on specific conditions which are natural. I heard that people with solutions that threaten gas profits, disappear…It doesnt rule out the use of oil..but really, emissions are killing the planet..and while people in Greenland are rejoicing that spring is arriving earlier,and sheep farming can boom..the reality of all that is scarier.
Perhaps you might find what Im saying laughable, but its based on currently active electrical fact, and implementation is a matter of some engineering genius…which is why I am hoping to hear from Germany too, because they are engineering mavericks, and very serious people.
If the world dies, and the rainforests are gone..the oil barons die with it. We all know the current options, efforts..yes, but ones that do not address the real problem, in any dimension necessary to save the planet. Ice shelves are collapsing..people cannot go about their daily lives..Fuel is unnaffordable..how much more until the nations snap??