NOTES: Any energy system requires a cost effective core technology and cost effective means of mass dispersal. There can be a large gap between what can be accomplished in a laboratory and what can be accomplished with a multipliable mass production line. A perfect illustration is the so far demonstrated fuel cell automobiles. At over a million dollars a piece and built in a laboratory they give no proof that they can be produced in affordable quantity. A normal run for a mass produced automobile is 300,000 units. 2008-2011 will see prototype runs in the hundreds from several makers.
Greetings and Introductions: Chapter President, John Gotthold, greets all attendees and asks each attendee to state their name and a short synopsis of their background and what they hope to learn by attending the meeting. 10 min.
1. Transportation: Super battery cars, like the Tesla, the LiX from Hybrid Technologies, the Writespeed, the Phoenix, and the Honda FCX, Ford Explorer, BMW 7 , GM Chevy fuel cell hydrogen cars. All these demos are beginning to appear and production in the hundreds is being touted. The reality for the rest of us is more likely the Hysrider fuel cell motor scooter. Canadian parliament using Ford hydrogen buses for local transportation.
2. Technology Update: The list from the US fuel cell council now lists forty fuel cell products on the market. We go over the list to determine whats useful. New hydrogen storage methods. H Binder- phosphonium borate. Inergy Automotive systems conformable system. Artificial photosynthesis. New Solar to hydrogen cell claimed to be 42 percent efficient. A major break through if mass produceable. New batteries can put solar electricity to the ground at 70% efficiency. Going through hydrogen cycle reduces that to around 20%, so where is the case for hydrogen and fuel cells. Solar direct to hydrogen-combined steps.
3. Government Support for Hydrogen: The Congress goes on recess and will return with California Senator Babara Boxer as chair of the Environmental committee. Expect some serious government support to mitigate global warming. First to testify-Gov. Schwarzenegger.
4. Global Warming: Phytoplankton, the microscopic plants that eat carbon dioxide from the air and begin the marine food chain are declining do to global warming of the oceans. Oregon State University study. Arctic ocean ice gone by 2040 - new study.
5. Hydrogen Business: Literally hundreds of hydrogen based efforts happening but nothing serious in mass production, to lower the costs. New Flyer - hydrogen buses, Think fuel cell cars in Norway, HydroGen corp producing PAFC. NanoSolar plant in San Jose.
6. Video: Need to find some new ones!!!
7. Speaker: Trying to confirm from solar company. They claim to be able to produce solar array at 1/10 current cost. Again, a great breakthrough , if real!!
