My Idea For The Power Plant Of The Future

Introduction

I was sitting playing with ideas on how protons could be used to harvest safe clean energy using water ! This approach could allow any region to power up if they have access to water and simple purification processes.

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), also known as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, are a type of fuel cell being developed mainly for transport applications, as well as for stationary fuel-cell applications and portable fuel-cell applications. Their distinguishing features include lower temperature/pressure ranges (50 to 100 °C) and a special proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane. PEMFCs generate electricity and operate on the opposite principle to PEM electrolysis, which consumes electricity. They are a leading candidate to replace the aging alkaline fuel-cell technology, which was used in the Space Shuttle.[1]

PEMFCs are built out of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) which include the electrodes, electrolyte, catalyst, and gas diffusion layers. An ink of catalyst, carbon, and electrode are sprayed or painted onto the solid electrolyte and carbon paper is hot pressed on either side to protect the inside of the cell and also act as electrodes. The pivotal part of the cell is the triple phase boundary (TPB) where the electrolyte, catalyst, and reactants mix and thus where the cell reactions actually occur.[2] Importantly, the membrane must not be electrically conductive so the half reactions do not mix. Operating temperatures above 100 °C are desired[citation needed] so the water byproduct becomes steam and water management becomes less critical in cell design.

These little beauties would enable us to commercialise battery technology through a new innovative method of hydrogen on demand through electrolysis and simple physics using nothing but the liquid of life…. water.

The Lattice

I had a discussion about a research paper using polymer batteries but I thought they needed more work so the idea is simple: Magnesium, Sodium and Aluminium lattices placed in polymer in series allowing charge to build and spread faster and more efficiently.

Hydrogen Cathode

By introducing a hydrogen cathode to the battery matrix we can harvest hydrogen and oxygen leftover from our Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell to power our battery.

By using a solid polymer over standard liquid electrolyte we can move hydrogen ions more efficiently across the battery matrix increasing the effectiveness and lifecycle of our battery.

Fuel Cells

By storing these as fuel cells we are using the by product of the power plant process to power detachable hydrogen cathode lattice batteries which could power EVs and potentially planes and rockets.

Conclusion

Without a physics degree my thoughts are just opinions but how fun is it to dream something so close to reality, these things could power homes in remote places and third world countries.