SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 17 ECOtality Inc. announced an agreement with Arizona State University to further develop regeneration solutions for magnesium oxide.
Arizona-based ECOtality develops technology that leverages global research and development resources to commercialize renewable energy technologies.
With the project running through mid-2008, ASU will evaluate the potential technologies to determine cost and energy efficiencies for converting magnesium oxide back to its original form -- magnesium -- where it will serve as a true carrier of energy for on-demand hydrogen generation.
"Arizona State University is a dynamic research institution with great strengths in chemical engineering and photovoltaic technology. Their expertise in this area will contribute tremendously to our on-going research on the use of hydrogen as one of the alternative renewable energies," Jonathan Read, president and chief executive officer of ECOtality, said in a company statement. "This project is a continuation of our full process development for on-demand hydrogen and hydrogen storage design to create a complete commercial system."
The study will have a particular focus on the use of solar energy in the conversion process, hence, eliminating any use of carbon-based sources if possible. Specifically, the project will evaluate and define the kinetics, thermodynamics and reaction equilibriums of numerous processes for converting magnesium oxide to magnesium and other magnesium compounds.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
