Physical Insights

An independent scientist’s observations on society, technology, energy, science and the environment. “Modern science has been a voyage into the unknown, with a lesson in humility waiting at every stop. Many passengers would rather have stayed home.” – Carl Sagan

Anti-nuclear quote of the day…

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/3877#comment-334713

With concentrated solar, high temperature electrolysis of hydrogen is more than 100% efficient. Nuclear reactors for making hydrogen have temperature limitations.

Emphasis is mine. I’m sure there have to be a few TOD readers who aren’t going to let that stand unchallenged.

April 25, 2008 - Posted by Luke Weston | The Oil Drum, anti-nuclear quote of the day, hydrogen, thermodynamics | , , , | 2 Comments

2 Comments »

  1. Heh, I think that those idiots over at The Oil Drum are actually getting dumber.

    Comment by bryfry | April 25, 2008 | Reply

  2. Actually, it is not COMPLETELY wrong. The poster just does not know what he is talking about. High temperature electrolysis is endothermic. At high temperatures the electrical energy required to break the H-O bonds is less than the resulting H2 energy content (lower heating value). So yes, from a purely electrical energy standpoint, there’s more energy in the H2 than supplied electrically to the electrolyzer. But that is just as stupid as claiming that nuclear driven Sulfur-Iodine cycle H2 production would be infinitely efficient because no electrical input is required. Only thermal.

    Comment by Klaus A | April 25, 2008 | Reply


Leave a comment