Hydrogen Power Discussion Forum

Yesterday's hydrogen Power Discussion Forum was inspiring and informational! Tai Robinson has been in the hydrogen field his whole life, inspired by his father's early work in electroysing sea-water for hydrogen powered boats. He drove from St. Lake City to be here in his Hydrogen Powered truck, rigged to run on various fuel-types to get him around the country.

The talk centered on all fuels available presently that make sound alternatives to gasoline. LPG, ethanol, Hydrogen, Biofuels, and more were all discussed.

Nine patrons enjoyed the talk, and asked plenty of questions at the end.

Some interesting facts:

The first patent for an internal combustion engine was granted in 1807, for a car that ran on Hydrogen. Henry Ford had originally designed his engines to run on biofuels such as peanut oil and canola oil, in league with local farmers--it was JP Morgan, defending his petroleum interests, who pushed the move to gasoline and the four-stroke engine.

Hydrogen burns completely clean (aside from nitrous oxides should the engine not be configured right), and you never need an oil change!



Tai answers questions fielded from the enthusiastic crowd.



This little car runs entirely on methanol. The small amount in the fuel-cell (which passively electrolysis the molecules) will keep the wheel spinning for over 24 hours. Just fill it up, and turn it on!



This 'reversible fuel-cell' contains all the water it will ever need. Simply plug in the photovoltaic panel and place in the sun for less than a minute and the electrons excited by the solar energy split the water into its component elements--hydrogen and oxygen, which become separated into the two chambers of the cell via a proton membrane. The cell can stay in this 'charged' state forever, without any loss of potential. When the small fan is plugged in, the circuit is completed, and the hydrogen and oxygen recombine, forming the original volume of water, and release energy which is put to work electrically. This cell never loses power, once charged, until it is activated. Renewable sources of power, like solar, hydro or wind, allow the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and water a limitless possibility--especially in areas like Telluride with its plentiful supply of free-falling water!

This small windmill has the side cut away to show the generator that can be used as a source of renewable energy to make usable hydrogen.

Close up of the interior of the windmill.


Tai explains the mechanics of renewable energy to some passersby.



Tai Robinson, president of Intergalactic Hydrogen, demonstrates his reversible fuel-cell in front of his hydrogen powered truck.