Device that transforms urine into fuel
The researcher explains that five milliliters of urine produce a liter of biogas, so that a family of three people can produce the hydrogen necessary to use as fuel for a week.
To obtain hydrogen, the device uses an electrochemical electrolysis process in which the 20-square-cm cell passes 12-volt photovoltaic energy, ie, from the Sun and is stored in a battery for the time required to be used. Thus, from urine is obtained a molecule from urea and a molecule of water, from which are released two molecules of oxygen and hydrogen six, same as serving as fuel.
"At first it was not easy because in electrolysis urine does not behave like water because it contains salts and organic solids that adhere to the electrodes of the cell and make it difficult to carry out the process. Urine is a natural electrolyte, has organic compounds, and therein lies the difference.
After testing endless cells to achieve hydrogen from water, appropriate modifications were made and the desired use of the urine, which patent in March 2016 was obtained development was achieved.
The next step is to develop practical, portable, the size of a small suitcase so you can carry and easily adapted to different needs at home. Dr. Luna Sandoval reports that the research team he heads in the UES working on the prototype fueling a car, but it will take longer. "We have under construction a cell but not with stainless steel electrodes but with a more expensive material, which requires further tests", says the specialist.
Finally, Dr. Luna Sandoval shares his experience Match Innovation Forum, held in Guadalajara in April 2016, organized by the Kappa Knowledge Center S.C.
"I've had the opportunity to see similar events outside the country and not conceived for Mexico. But see that came true, with the exchange of information among young participants, the links were very valuable treatment and researchers predicts that the next event will be a guaranteed success".
Provided by Investigación y Desarrollo