Running a vehicle by burning aluminium?

In summary: T.J. Hill, speculated that the heat from the reaction might be better used in a conventional heat engine.
  • #1
johne1618
371
0
Apparently aluminium has the highest energy density per unit volume of any material.

It can be smelted from ore or recycled oxide using green electricity.

People have made batteries using aluminium but they have problems like getting gunked up with Aluminium hydroxide etc.

How about burning two aluminium wires by striking up an electric arc between them?

If the temperature is high enough I guess the aluminium oxide will come off as a vapour rather than coating the wires and stopping the combustion.

The light and heat could be turned into electricity using photovoltaic cells and thermocouples and could be used to run an electric motor to drive a vehicle.

The oxide ash could be captured and recycled.
 
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  • #2
johne1618 said:
Apparently aluminium has the highest energy density per unit volume of any material.

It can be smelted from ore or recycled oxide using green electricity.

People have made batteries using aluminium but they have problems like getting gunked up with Aluminium hydroxide etc.

How about burning two aluminium wires by striking up an electric arc between them?

If the temperature is high enough I guess the aluminium oxide will come off as a vapour rather than coating the wires and stopping the combustion.

The light and heat could be turned into electricity using photovoltaic cells and thermocouples and could be used to run an electric motor to drive a vehicle.

The oxide ash could be captured and recycled.

Nothing wrong with this in principle but, in practice, there would be many difficulties. Re-cycling Aluminium Oxide may not be as good value as using the vast quantities of readily available Aluminium Ores (however offensive that may seem) because you would have to harvest small quantities of waste from all the engines and get it to the sources of green electricity. To be worth while, I think the reduction process needs to be done on a big scale.
Also, using the energy from the 'flame' might be better achieved with a conventional Heat Engine. Perhaps an Aluminium Powder fuel could be used to fuel a boiler?
 
  • #3
Iron thermite is VERY hot: Fe2O3 + 2 Al → 2 Fe + Al2O3
 
  • #4
Poor man's welding kit. Watched some rails being welded together once. Very impressive. But high thermodynamic efficiency - if only you could make a suitable engine / cycle.
 
  • #5
Bob S said:
Iron thermite is VERY hot: Fe2O3 + 2 Al → 2 Fe + Al2O3

Also Aluminum thermite ...makes a wonderful explosion when coupled to ice...as shown by Mythbusters here (wait 'til end of clip):


Care to speculate why.?

Creator
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. How does burning aluminium power a vehicle?

Burning aluminium releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat, which can be harnessed to power an engine and propel a vehicle forward.

2. Is burning aluminium a sustainable method of powering a vehicle?

Yes, burning aluminium is a sustainable method as it is a renewable resource and does not emit harmful pollutants like gasoline or diesel.

3. What are the benefits of using aluminium as a fuel source?

Aluminium is lightweight, abundant, and has a high energy density, making it a highly efficient fuel source for vehicles. It also does not produce greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly option.

4. How does the cost of burning aluminium compare to traditional fuels?

The cost of burning aluminium is currently higher than traditional fuels, but as technology advances and more efficient methods are developed, the cost is expected to decrease. Additionally, the long-term benefits of using a renewable fuel source can outweigh the initial cost.

5. Are there any safety concerns associated with burning aluminium in vehicles?

While burning aluminium is generally considered safe, there are some potential safety concerns such as the risk of explosion if not handled properly. However, with proper precautions and regulations in place, these risks can be minimized.

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