New Unique Hydrogen Production Technology

Online, May 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - PLASMA-BASED HYDROGEN GENERATION

In mid 2011, a plasma-based system is being developed which will generate Hydrogen from sea water using less energy than electrolysis.

The process and science involved is still too new to have received a patent, though a patent application is in train, hence the details provided by the API are general in nature, so as not to jeopardize API's intellectual property.

General information about the process is as follows:

• The process has been named "ECP-AMF".

• The technology is scalable from micro to macro size, so could
be sized to suit a Pilot Project.

• It will not require a large energy input to trigger the
process.

• The source seawater/brine/fresh water will not need to be
supplied to the process at an elevated temperature nor in a
vapor state unlike present technologies.

• The process will operate at temperatures around 6k°C but will
be designed to handle much higher temperatures.

• With appropriate hydrogen storage and trained operators the
system could be operated safely in a built-up area.

• Initial calculations indicate that ≈10kWhr of energy input to
the system would be required to manufacture 1kg of Hydrogen.

[Note that the theoretical minimum demand for electrolysis is
≈38kWhrs/kg H2 but the actual demand from commercial
electrolysers is ≈54kWh to 80kWh, depending on their size and
efficiency]

• If the system were manufacturing ≈5kg hydrogen per hour, the
instantaneous power demand to be > ≈40kW.

• Unique plasma physics path not taken by any company or
university in the world.

The technology will also produce hydrogen and oxygen cheaply,
quickly, and in high volumes from sea water, fresh water or brine.

Energy content of 1 kg hydrogen 141.9 MJ (HHV) = 39.4 kWh
20kWh electrical input to produce 100 kWh hydrogen output an hour
2.67 kg hydrogen produced an hour
23,402 kg's a year = 922 MWh's a year

This portable technology can use solar / wind energy to power the hydrogen production for combustion engines, fuel cells and electric power plants. It is the first technology that is 100% efficient and creates no pollution or toxic waste
whatsoever.

Several universities are collaborating with API Inc. technology development.