Comments on: Hydrogen Hybrids

By: Phil Bowermaster

Phil Bowermaster — Fri, 12 May 2006 15:44:46 +0000

“I can only say he would not be the oddest individual with whom I’ve had dealings in my life. ”

Well of course not, Will. You hang around this site, don’t you?

By: Will Brown

Will Brown — Fri, 12 May 2006 13:09:54 +0000

Well, since nobody’s twigged yet, I guess I’d better face my Paul Harvey moment.

First off, to the best of my knowledge this is a serious business development by the owner of a business called United Nuclear which markets chemicals and metals – some of which have nuclear power applications, hence the name – to hobbyists and researchers around the country.

Late last year, the BATFE announced a list of chemicals and processes that they wanted to criminalise without possession of an explosives license from them, much of UN’s inventory and gunpowder being only two examples. Rand Simberg put up a post on this some time ago from the amateur rocketry angle and the NRA is heavily breathing in anticipation of proposed Congressional hearings on the BATFE proposal.

The estimated conversion cost is $7k – $10k with the variable being largely a product of the uncertainty of building a separate enclosure for the tanks, etc in the vehicle the customer selects. This is decidedly not a DIY operation. Assuming the regulatory issues are successfully resolved, I’m hoping to convert my ’97 Dodge pick-up to this system (it being conveniently paid for ). At current prices, two additional solar panels and a 1.5kw wind generator add ~ $4.5k but would provide sufficient capacity to run this system and my (anticipated at this point) home supplimentary power system.

Oh, one other thing. The owner of United Nuclear is named Bob Lazar. You know, Area 51 … recovered “alien” technology … that Bob Lazar.

Make of that what you will. I can only say he would not be the oddest individual with whom I’ve had dealings in my life. I’m too busy living it to think what that says about my life.

By: Micah Glasser

Micah Glasser — Fri, 12 May 2006 12:30:24 +0000

That is really cool. I just recently bought a new car. I almost went with a VW TDI (diesel) but didn’t for various reasons. If this system becomes affordable I would definitely consider installing one – not to save money or the earth but just to satisfy my inner eco-gearhead. : )

By: Stephen Gordon

Stephen Gordon — Fri, 12 May 2006 10:11:39 +0000

And yeah, I would definitely insist on a hydrogen storage solution OUTSIDE the passenger compartment.

By: Boxing Alcibiades

Boxing Alcibiades — Fri, 12 May 2006 10:09:30 +0000

For those of us who tend to keep cars for very long stretches of time, I can see this being a smaller chicken and a larger egg. For instance, I have a big nostalgia for Vista Cruisers… currently not practical, but with a hydrogen kit like this, all of a sudden VERY doable.

If it’s not vaportech. THAT’s the problem as I see it.

By: Stephen Gordon

Stephen Gordon — Fri, 12 May 2006 10:05:34 +0000

With all conversions – this conversion, the conversion of standard hybrids to plug-in hybrids, the conversion of diesel engines to burn used cooking oil – it all comes down to payback time.

The payback period for things like solar cells for electricity has been dropping, but apparently we haven’t reached the tipping point yet.

How many miles powered by hydrogen would it take to pay for the conversion and the hydrogen generator equipment?

The longer the payback period, the less market penetration, which means fewer benefits from economies of scale. Almost a chicken/egg problem except we’re busy making both chickens and eggs.

It’s just a matter of time.