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Driving on Starch

Posted by Zonk on from the oh-mr.-fusion-you're-so-efficient dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "Using sugar contained in corn or potatoes to build hydrogen-powered fuel cells has already been done. But now, a team of U.S. researchers has developed a new sugar-to-hydrogen technology. Why not put the starch inside the tank of your car? With the help of 13 specific enzymes, 'a car with an approximately 12-gallon tank could hold 27 kilograms (kg) of starch, which is the equivalent of 4 kg of hydrogen. The range would be more than 300 miles, estimates one of the researchers. One kg of starch will produce the same energy output as 1.12 kg (0.38 gallons) of gasoline.' The beauty behind this idea is that no special infrastructure would be needed. Starch could be distributed by your local grocery store."

3 of 232 comments (clear)

  1. Cue the "hydrogen is not a power source" chorus... by greg_barton · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    ...in 3...2..1...

  2. Required Post: ER/EI by Ralph+Spoilsport · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    It doesn't freakin matter - the ER/EI (energy return over energy invested) for hydrogen always is and always will be NEGATIVE.

    I don't know why these idiots bother. When are they going to get a clue and abandon this pipe dream of the Hydrogen society? It'd pathetic.

    RS

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  3. Re:Question by timmarhy · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    errrr powder isn't the only form you can store starch in dimwit.

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