The Future of Flowers

[Guest cutchemist]

Sunflower oil adapted for fuel cells

Process could provide greener energy for cars, homes

Raf Casert / AP file

Sunflowers spread across the landscape in the French hamlet of Las Martres. British scientists say sunflower oil in a fuel-cell system that would give new meaning to the term "flower power."

LONDON - British scientists say they have found a new, greener way to power cars and homes using sunflower oil, a commodity more commonly used for cooking fries.

In a presentation made to members of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia on Wednesday, researchers from Leeds University in England said the popular vegetable oil could easily be used to make the hydrogen needed to develop fuel cells, a promising alternative source of energy.

“We use a process that mixes vegetable oil with steam that eventually goes through a catalytic process to produce hydrogen. There are no carbon dioxide emissions, and it’s completely renewable,†researcher Ian Hanley told Reuters by telephone.

Most methods of producing hydrogen — a key component in the fuel’s production — involve the use of oil or gas, which themselves create environmental problems.

Restaurant oil could be used

Hanley said other vegetable oil sources could also be used.

“We’re currently using pure vegetable oil, but the idea is to use any kind of oil such as rapeseed or peanut oil. Eventually, we’ll use waste oils — those thrown out by restaurants and the food processing sector,†he said.

[Guest Clarisa]

AWSOME!!!

[V. Barbarino]

pick up motor trend 2 months ago. 6 page article about this...

we are 20 years away from any new energy sorce for cars..

[Guest endymion]

negative nancy.

[ryan2772]

we may be 20 years away, but that's because there's not enough focus.

alternative energy sources should be our primary concern in this country. if we're not using oil, then we won't be in the middle east. if we're not in the middle east, there's no reason for crazy middle easterners to want to kill us. the area will be as valuable to as north korea is.

solution to our problems, folks.

[Guest Akiraboy]

Sunflower oil adapted for fuel cells

Process could provide greener energy for cars, homes

Raf Casert / AP file

Sunflowers spread across the landscape in the French hamlet of Las Martres. British scientists say sunflower oil in a fuel-cell system that would give new meaning to the term "flower power."   

LONDON - British scientists say they have found a new, greener way to power cars and homes using sunflower oil, a commodity more commonly used for cooking fries.

In a presentation made to members of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia on Wednesday, researchers from Leeds University in England said the popular vegetable oil could easily be used to make the hydrogen needed to develop fuel cells, a promising alternative source of energy.

“We use a process that mixes vegetable oil with steam that eventually goes through a catalytic process to produce hydrogen. There are no carbon dioxide emissions, and it’s completely renewable,†researcher Ian Hanley told Reuters by telephone.

Most methods of producing hydrogen — a key component in the fuel’s production — involve the use of oil or gas, which themselves create environmental problems.

Restaurant oil could be used

Hanley said other vegetable oil sources could also be used.

“We’re currently using pure vegetable oil, but the idea is to use any kind of oil such as rapeseed or peanut oil. Eventually, we’ll use waste oils — those thrown out by restaurants and the food processing sector,†he said.

There were 2 Ballard hydrogen cell buses on test in Chicago approximately 2 years ago that used waste fryer oil. People complained about a 'french fry smell' whenever picked up or dropped off. ;D

Needless to say but the program was scrapped. It was a very costly undertaking. Time will tell. It really was a promising endeavour.