- Title: BRAZIL-WATER POWERED MOTORCYCLE Brazilian builds water-powered motorbike
- Date: 11th August 2015
- Summary: SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (AUGUST 6, 2015) (REUTERS) CLOSE-UP OF WATER BEING POURED INTO MOTORBIKE TANK CIVIL SERVANT, RICARDO AZEVEDO, POURING WATER INTO TANK CLOSE-UP OF AZEVEDO TIGHTENING VALVE AZEVEDO TAKING OUTER CASING OFF THE MOTORBIKE CLOSE-UP OF PRESSURE GAUGE CLOSE-UP OF LIGHT TURNING ON MOTORBIKE ENGINE BEING STARTED WATER TANK AS THE ENGINE IS STARTED BIKE SEEN FROM TH
- Embargoed: 26th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Brazil
- Country: Brazil
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2RUJXQ2SQX750HJLUNWRH91NH
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A civil servant in Sao Paulo has converted a 1993 Honda NX 200 motorbike to be powered by water.
Ricardo Azevedo has been carrying out research and tests for six months after deciding he needed to find a cheaper way to get to work.
Combining his previous experience as a mechanic with his son's chemistry studies, Azevedo set up a laboratory at home, claiming he has now cashed in on results.
"This equipment allows for many different configurations. I still haven't developed everything is it capable of, but I did some tests and in certain settings it can go 500 kilometres (310 miles) using one litre of water," Azevedo told Reuters.
Dubbed 'Moto Power H2O' the bike is powered by a process of electrolysis, by which the water molecule is broken down into its constituent elements.
Once hydrogen is separated from oxygen is has a much greater capacity for combustion, and the gases produced from these tiny explosions are what power the motor.
"I studied the properties of hydrogen and water and I decided to create a combustible cell which cracks and breaks down the water molecule, transforming it into hydrogen," said Azevedo.
While a water tank isn't the first danger that comes to mind when thinking about a motorbike, hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can be very risky if not well controlled.
Toyota released the Sedan FCV last year which uses hydrogen combustion to generate electrical power. Despite the costs benefits, however, the automobile market remains wary of hydrogen-based power, given the possibility of huge explosions.
Azevedo was keen to point out the Moto Power H2O's benefits for the environment.
"The water-cycle renews itself. The water molecule is broken down and the equipment goes back to having no water, so it fits in perfectly with the natural water-cycle. It does not cause any damage to the environment, on the contrary as it will go on to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon monoxide emissions," Azevedo said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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