For over a hundred years, since Karl Benz first developed a petroleum-powered automobile, man has been absorbed in the internal combustion engine as a form of energy production. This interest exploded with the Model T Ford in 1908 continuing to today with our fascination of the automobile.
There are over one billion passenger cars in the world, most dependent on fossil fuels. As gas prices continue to rise and the impact of this combustion engine on the environment continues to become more critical, alternative forms of vehicle energy are needed. For many years, scientists have been researching and testing other forms of energy that could eventually replace the gasoline engine. Practical alternatives are being sought by governments, corporations, and environmental groups worldwide.
Electric Cars
Currently, the best alternative to the internal combustion engine appears to be an electric-powered vehicle. Small numbers of fuel-cell and hybrid electric vehicles are in use today. One fairly simple fuel-cell concept uses a flow battery.
Based on ex-NASA expertise, a flow battery is powered by ‘ionic liquid’ comprised of water and electrolytes some call salt water. In simple terms, salt water provides the electrolyte used in a chemical reaction inside the fuel cell. This chemical reaction creates electricity, similar to how a battery creates electricity. This electricity runs a small motor which powers the car. The fundamental difference between conventional batteries and flow cell batteries is energy is stored in the electrode material in conventional batteries, while flow cells store energy in the electrolyte. (1)
Salt Water Flow Cells
One company that is drawing considerable attention in the fuel cell arena is Swiss startup NanoFlowcell who has developed applications for its flow battery technology. The company first showed its electric Quant car, for quantum mechanics, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Called the Quantino, the company claimed the electric motor produced 136 horsepower and could run from zero to 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 125mph. (2)
They subsequently introduced their touring car called the Quant e-Sport at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with performance claims of zero to 62mph in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 236mph. Approved for use on European roads, tests showed energy usage equivalent to 200-250 miles per gallon. Next came a sleek looking fully electric Quant 48Volt at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Time will tell what is next to come. (2)
Advantages
- According to NanoFlowcell, cars using flow batteries are safer and have better environmental compatibility than other fuel cells or conventional lithium batteries.
- The production cost for its non-flammable and non-explosive electrolyte is below 10 cents per liter.
- The liquid fuel unlike gasoline is not volatile so it is safe and easy to store and transport.
- Flow batteries have a fraction of the moving parts of an internal combustion engine. (3)
There is much debate over which alternative engine is best able to reduce car emissions and still provide the consumer with the necessary power and driving range. Environmental issues may become so compelling that health and safety concerns may force a change regardless of cost and owner desires. (4)
