Ask A Scientist© Physics Archive

Question:  I have students interested in learning about water powered engines.
These students hope to build? a hydrogen powered engine.  Even though
this may not be possible I would like them to find existing information
regarding this area of their interest.  Please advise me on where to send
them for information.]
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Answer:
There are various options.  Look in a research library for
books or articles on:
(1) Fuel cells
(2) Compressed hydrogen/liquefied hydrogen
(3) Metal hydrides
The basic problem, I believe, is that hydrogen is hard to
carry around.  It would make a great fuel for environmental
purposes, since burning it produces nothing but water
(well maybe some Nitrogen Oxides if burned in regular air).
Sorry I do not have any specific references.  You might also
try to find Canada's National Energy Policy from the early
eighties, which I believe discussed the hydrogen fuel option
in some depth.
Arthur Smith