Is hydrogen the answer for jet fuel?

Something has happened in China — leading the USA in research for the past three years — with electrolyzer design and efficiency. What’s an electrolyzer? It’s the machine that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen and, in China, they have produced a commercial electrolyzer — already on sale — that is 80% more efficient than the models that we make and sell in the USA. Oh, and theirs are now being exported throughout the world.

Why? Because, pound for pound, hydrogen is 3.3 times more powerful — produces more kWh/kg — than jet fuel. And jet fuel is 1.5 times for powerful than the gasoline you pump into your car. That means if your car was using hydrogen — yes, in the same engine you already have (albeit with a different carburetor and computer control) — you would get a fuel efficiency almost five times as great. You get 20 mpg now? You would get almost 100 mpg. But hydrogen is currently really expensive… well, not anymore. With the electrolyzers from China, the cost per gallon (remember that’s five times the energy) is about three times the cost of premium gas — you make a saving either way.

Oh, and when you burn hydrogen there is no tailpipe, just a drain dropping clean distilled water on the road. In arid areas, you can collect it and water your plants.

Now, in cars, that install and use is easily possible and, in fact, Honda and Toyota already have sold vehicles in California and Washington, D.C., in tests much like they did for the Prius in 1995. But the real secret here is air travel. Hydrogen works perfectly with existing jet engines.

The electrolyzer uses a lot of electricity to break apart the water into oxygen (pumped into the air) and then to collect hydrogen under pressure. The larger the plant, the more juice it needs yet bigger the efficiency. Putting commercial electrolyzers next to nuclear power plants that waste unwanted electricity at night makes sense for everyone — especially the environment.

Yes, liquefaction problems exist. Safety concerns exist. Weight of tanks to safely hold the hydrogen in airplanes exist. But these are technical and engineering issues we can solve. Imagine taking off from New York, flying to Hawaii, using a fifth of the fuel and making a clean water contrail along the way. Cheaper, cleaner, environmentally friendly.

OK, there is an issue, which China is advancing ahead of every other nation: Electrolyzers depend on rare earth metals, especially platinum and iridium. The world-wide search is on, with China cornering the market (no surprise since we gave up on joint world trade for four years). One last tidbit though… Japan recently returned soil samples from an asteroid to earth. Guess what elements seemed plentiful in their sampling? The space race is about the get really interesting.

 

Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, now resides in New Mexico.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Third graders enjoy classical treat at Music Mountain

A string quartet opened the Bard Conservatory of Music program for Region One third grade students at Music Mountain.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Region One third grade students attended a chamber music concert by Bard Conservatory of Music students at Music Mountain Tuesday, April 29.

After expending spare energy racing around the Music Mountain lawn, the children trooped into the concert hall and took their seats.

Keep ReadingShow less