PV Gap

Tim Said:

H2 as an Alternative Fuel Source using Solar Panels?

We Answered:

Currently solar panels are rated at about 15 percent efficiency. That means that about 85 percent of the solar energy that is falling on it, is wasted. Electrolysis is also about 67 percent efficient. So the TOTAL amount of solar energy you would have "converted" into hydrogen is 67 percent of 15 percent.

Using my calculator that comes out to: about 10 percent total efficiency. About 90 percent of your solar energy gets wasted in the process. A better alternative to solar panels would be solar powered sterling generators.

Sterling engines are EXTERNAL COMBUSTION engines, like the old fashioned steam engine, and can be run off any heat source - including the sun. Heat from the sun is focused using parabolic mirrors, and the efficiency of a sterling engine / generator combination is rated at about 30 percent. Your TOTAL efficiency - both solar sterling and electrolysis combined - would be around 20 percent.

If you are dead set on using hydrogen? Even though there are better alternatives? Such as alcohol? Then I would suggest storing it in titanium dioxide pellets. This way you can store the hydrogen, without it being in danger of exploding. You can ALSO ram a hydrogen container like this into a solid brick wall. Once again? Without fear of an explosion.

Numerous studies have been conducted on this.

As for controlling the exact measurements? Nothing in the air-fuel ratio of a car - - or the timing - which you are also going to have to change - needs to be exact. A "good enough" approximation will do. As for how you get your measurements? You need to compare the density of gasoline vapor with hydrogen gas. A comparison of the molecular weight of gasoline - - as compared to the molecular weight of hydrogen - should get you started in the right direction for this.

Milton Said:

Power rating of Solar Panels?

We Answered:

they come in all sizes. You can get about 10 watts per square foot.

How much would be produced? under what conditions?

I don't understand what you are asking?

But worldwide, photovoltaic is used for 0.04% of the world wide electricity generation.

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