SamuraiBlue
Captain
I doubt it is a boondoggle, here is another team which I believe is talking about the same thing.
Basically 10 years ago there was not many application in utilizing large amount of hydrogen gas so I believe it got shelved.
Basically 10 years ago there was not many application in utilizing large amount of hydrogen gas so I believe it got shelved.
I've read about fuel cell for years. They have been around for ages and are great for some applications, space shuttle for example. I'm not so sure they work for everything. All the different new technological solutions seem to have more questions than answers. In this case with gallium. how much gallium do you need in order to continuously produce enough hydrogen to generate say 1 KW? Is any gallium consumed in the process? You seem far more informed than I am. Do you have any idea if any fuel cell ideas are capable of producing the power a sub needs but small enough to fit in a sub? If so do you think they can be price competitive with say litium ion batteries
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Well I am no expert on the subject but my high school chemistry knowledge suggest that Gallium acts as a catalyst in the Aluminum water reaction therefore no Gallium will be spent in the process.
6Al+6H2O → 6AlOH + 6H → 6AlO + 6H2
This is actually a normal chemical reaction except during normal reaction the process goes too fast creating a AlO skin around the Aluminum material stopping further chemical reaction to occur.
I believe the Gallium acts as a reaction slowing catalyst sitting between the water molecule and Aluminum in exchanging electrons which slows the chemical reaction process. Gallium prices is around $US317/kg so it's not a highly expensive material compared to Platinum which was the main obstacle in wider use of fuel cells.
One problem that may arise with this material is collecting/disposal of the spent AlO and Gallium remaining within the reaction chamber. The material can be recycled but will weigh about the same in a slurry form and will require to periodically stop the reaction for maintenance.
As for size of a fuel cell generator if you look into my previous post you can see find a link to a diagram of 250kW generator within the presentation. My guess-timation of the Soryu class going 10knts requires about 2MW with time I believe that is a doable goal with more advance in material to create a more fast chemical reaction to generate electricity.
If gallium can replace platinum that would be huge news. Pt was the reason I didn't expect widespread adoption of fuel cells. If a company can make it with Ga its should sell as the price would drop. New technologies tend to develop rapidly when then reach commercial viability, I assume because more money is available. Getting it smaller and other things necessary to stuff it in submarines will happen in short order. I want one for my car
Jura The idiot
General
now noticed this vid:
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Here is something interesting while I was scouring through ATLA web site.
Looks as if they had received delivery of the core engine for the XF9-1 prototype which will scheduled to power the F-3 fighter.
With only 1 meter in diameter and 4.8 meter in length the power output is calculated to be 11 tonnes without afterburner and 15 tonnes with.
The high pressure turbine's temperature is estimated to be around 1800℃.
They plan to assemble the remaining parts and test the engine June next year.
Looks as if they had received delivery of the core engine for the XF9-1 prototype which will scheduled to power the F-3 fighter.
With only 1 meter in diameter and 4.8 meter in length the power output is calculated to be 11 tonnes without afterburner and 15 tonnes with.
The high pressure turbine's temperature is estimated to be around 1800℃.
They plan to assemble the remaining parts and test the engine June next year.
Jura The idiot
General
Jura The idiot
General
looking at the pictures and and at an automatic translation I'm guessing the tweet
says the second of the Asahi class is to be launched in October (LOL but no, I don't know why there's 26DD, not 25DD, in there):
こちらは10月の進水に向け建造の進む26DD。
Why do they prefer a C-band radar in FCS-3/3A? (instead of S band panels) for smaller size?