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Capuchin · Sep 13, 2007, 04:21 AM

Yes precisely, the saltwater isn't even really acting as "fuel", the only energy being harvested is the energy from the radio waves.

CaptainRich · Sep 13, 2007, 04:24 AM

True, and that little Sterling engine is turning without a load. If he wanted to demonstrate power generation, perhaps he should have powered a plasma TV or something relevant.

Capuchin · Sep 13, 2007, 04:27 AM

But I do think it could be an efficient way to desalinate water. I wonder how powerful the radio source is and if it could be powered by a generator, with the energy from burning the hydrogen being fed back into powering the generator, so that it requires little fuel. It could be very useful in 3rd world countries.

The fresh water would be a byproduct of the combustion.

CaptainRich · Sep 13, 2007, 04:31 AM

And if they could harness the heat by-product, they could light and/or heat buildings and homes...

Capuchin · Sep 13, 2007, 05:18 AM

I think it would be more efficient to just use a generator for that.. You're just losing energy through the desalination

ebaines · Sep 15, 2007, 09:04 AM

I finally got a chance to see the video in question. Seems like these reporters are being taken in, and don't seem to notice that the energy being produced by the flame must be less than the energy the radio transmitter uses. This must be the case - otherwise he'd have a perpetual motion machine, which is impossible. I see this as a neat demonstration of a technique to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. Could be of use as companies such as BMW look at possibly building hydrogen powered cars. If it's more efficient than the standard method of electrolysis that would be great, but none of the reporters asks that question.