I remember very clearly, although many years have passed since then, how my chemistry teacher had set up an experiment in the school lab to prove to us that hydrogen burns with a pop.
However, this time, the hydrogen burnt with much more energy than my teacher had anticipated and caused a loud bang, with a few test tubes, flasks, a Bunsen burner, a pair of spectacles and his pride being the main casualties.
I hadn’t taken this experiment too seriously back then, but it all makes more sense to me now as I try to understand the concept of hydrogen-powered cars.
Even though the production of hydrogen-powered cars is still in its infancy and not yet at the same level as that of electric cars, many manufacturers seem to be considering this option more seriously.
Motoring correspondent Iain Dooley of the Press Association recounts his experience travelling around the world in a hydrogen-powered Mercedes B-Class.
The fact that he travelled19,000 miles with no loud bang heard, somewhat soothes my worries of having hydrogen stored in quantities under my children’s car seats. Hugh Arnett, on the other hand, is more sceptical about this technology.
When I think of hydrogen, regrettably the words of Herbert Morrison’s live coverage of the 1931 Hindengerg airship strategy: “Oh, the humanity!” echo in my mind – it had blown up in flames killing many on board.
The truth is that technology has advanced considerably, and although such a thought may be a daunting one today, there are many argumentsput forward that hydrogen is actually safer than gasoline.
From what I gather, the power plants of these vehicles convert hydrogen’s chemical energy into mechanical energy either by burning hydrogen in an internal combustion engine or by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell which, in turn, runselectric motors.
Some claim this means that hydrogen is not an alternative energy source at all and compare it toelectricity.
In other words, hydrogen is made by using a real energy source such as fossil fuel or some alternative energy .
Yet, I also read that hydrogen is the most abundant chemical available in the universe. Now I’mlost. Why do we have to make hydrogen if it is so abundant?
The truth is that the introduction of alternative energies to power our vehicles is a fact we cannot hide away from.
In the same way Mercedes and Honda are seeing a future in hydrogen-powered vehicles, many will have to follow suit and we will have no alternative but to accept hydrogen as such a source with all its disadvantages and advantages.
The thought of having cars with zero emissions is one that I embrace and dream of.
motoring@timesofmalta.com