Researchers at Sandia National Labs are developing a new method of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy. Richard Diver's Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator rolls a series of metal rings in opposite directions.
A chemical reaction is enhanced by cooling and heating the water. The research is a new twist on using high temperature solar energy to create hydrogen. The researchers will soon build a prototype to put their design to the test.
I'm hopeful but far from convinced that some discovery someday will enable us to efficiently make hydrogen from solar energy. It reminds me of that episode on Star Trek when Kirk is stranded on a planet in a death struggle with an alien. They both use their intellect to find the natural resources needed to survive. Humanity has faced challenges before, and hopefully we'll figure a way to progress in the post petroleum era.
(via FuelCellWorks).
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