Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microbes Pass Valuable Gas

Posted by michael on from the tiny-bubbles dept.

inimicus writes "Wired reports: 'With a reliable source of hydrogen, fuel cells can produce energy with water as the only byproduct.' The good news is that there's a functional prototype (measuring 0.7 square centimeters and less than 1 millimeter thick) that produces 1 microwatt of power -- approximately enough to power a digital wristwatch. Personally, I'm intrigued by the concept of powering my laptop with sugar-water..."

2 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Hydrogen balooney by battjt · · Score: 2, Insightful

    In Indiana we average 1.5 kW. 13,018 kilowatt-hours per year in 1999.

    You weren't constantly blowing breakers, just during the peak.

    This system might need batteries, but it could work.

    Joe

    --
    Joe Batt Solid Design
  2. Water Vapour Greenhouse Gas? by DeadVulcan · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I often hear people touting hydrogen because the only by-product is water, which sounds wonderful... However, I suspect that's only because we can drink the stuff.

    But isn't water vapour the most potent greenhouse agent in our atmosphere?

    Not sure, just asking.

    One must also ask how much water vapour is currently in the atmosphere, and how much would be added by large numbers of hydrogen-driven power plants. Again, I don't know. Anyone know of any research on this question?

    --
    Accountability on the heads of the powerful.
    Power in the hands of the accountable.