Solar and hydrogen powered cars show promise at electronics show debut
We’re all familiar with hybrid cars that run on a combination of energy and gasoline. But when will the next generation of energy efficient cars make its way to our nation’s highways? Earlier this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, two cars debuted that take the idea of hybrid Read More...
Tower of power
Martin Lindsay, a London-based businessman, parked his Jaguar in the wrong spot. He left it for several hours beneath a concave skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, and came back to find that the sun, reflected off the building, had melted his car. We have much to gain from Lindsay’s misfortune. A Read More...
Terry Tamminen: Mastermind behind new energy laws
Robert F. Kennedy J.R. thinks Terry is playing a key role in guiding the U.S. to the energy independence, sustainability and prosperity promised by the new energy economy. Wroth,Carmel | Jan/Feb 2010 issue Terry Tamminen, Energy Consultant. Santa Monica, California Photo: Terry Tamminen June Read More...
Hydrogen in every home
How the Japanese are trying to slash energy use and CO2 emissions—by installing fuel cells in people’s backyards. Winifred Bird | April 2009 issue Yasushi Kawamori has a power plant in his backyard. Not the kind that belches clouds of CO2 into the atmosphere, but the kind that’s small Read More...
How to operate a hydrogen pump
Ode Editors | December 2008 issue You've adjusted your mirrors, pumped up the tires, and filled up on windshield wiper fluid—and now it's time for some hydrogen. These eco-friendly cars need fuel to get going, but hydrogen pumps aren't the same as a Shell or BP gasoline station. Operating the Read More...
How the Stirling engine works
Greg T. Spielberg | October 2010 issue A Stirling engine uses internal gas that’s alternately heated and cooled to produce energy. Hydrogen, for instance, is sealed in a chamber connected to a series of pistons. When the hydrogen is heated, it expands, driving the pistons through the chamber. Read More...
Argument 1: Clean air
Every dollar invested to limit air pollution saves US$10 in healthcare costs. A car powered by hydrogen only emits water vapour: no pollution. | August 2003 issue Air pollution is the argument for the hydrogen economy. Air pollution generated by exhaust from factories and cars kills thousands of Read More...
Argument 2: Economic impulse
The advent of the hydrogen car could prompt a wave of automobile sales comparable to the rapid spread of the mobile telephone. This innovation, which is associated with an important technological breakthrough, will provide an economic impulse. | August 2003 issue Much more inspiring than Read More...
Argument 3: Security
Wealth in the modern world is based on oil. As a result, oil creates conflicts. Hydrogen doesn't have to be stolen; it is not a source of power struggles. Hydrogen is everywhere. | August 2003 issue Energy is the basis of wealth. The Roman Empire was founded on slave labour. Wealth in the modern Read More...
Argument 4: Division of wealth
Hydrogen will not only supply the rich with energy. The same hydrogen fuel cell that provides power to a house in New York will also supply energy for a hut in a Delhi suburb. | August 2003 issue Television has projected a view of Western wealth to the furthest corners of the earth. The Read More...