It works just like a hydrogen fuel cell except that the liquid used for storing energy is saltwater. This isn’t far from the water-powered car, an idea labelled as a conspiracy by many despite the massive amount of evidence behind it.
In this case (saltwater) the liquid passes through a membrane in between the two tanks, creating an electric charge. This electricity is then stored and distributed by supercapacitors. The four electric motors in the car are fed electricity which makes it run. The car carries the water in two 200-litre tanks, which in one sitting will allow drivers to travel up to 373 miles (600km). Overall, the four-seater is 5.25 metres (0.4ft) long, 2.2 metres wide (7.2ft), the 1.35 metre (4.4ft).
“After making its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show (pictured) in March, the saltwater technology has now been certified for use on European roads.” (source)
Nanoflowcell AG is the company behind the design, and they are currently preparing the technology for mass production.
‘We’ve got major plans, and not just within the automobile industry. The potential of the NanoFlowcell is much greater, especially in terms of domestic energy supplies as well as in maritime, rail and aviation technology” – NanoFlowcell AG Chairman of the Board Professor Jens-Peter Ellermann.
The Science Behind Salt Water Cars
Salt water-powered cars operate using an advanced technology called flow cell energy systems, which harness the power of electrolytes in a saltwater solution. The core mechanism involves passing this solution through a membrane within the energy cell, creating an electric charge capable of powering a vehicle.
Unlike traditional batteries, which rely on finite chemical resources and generate harmful by-products, flow cell technology uses non-toxic materials, ensuring a cleaner energy output. This process is revolutionary, as it not only creates zero emissions but also offers a sustainable energy alternative that reduces our dependency on fossil fuels.
Flow cell batteries are significantly safer and more sustainable than lithium-ion batteries. Traditional battery production often involves rare earth metals like lithium and cobalt, which are associated with environmental degradation and unethical mining practices. In contrast, flow cell technology sidesteps these issues entirely by relying on salt water—an abundant and easily accessible resource. Furthermore, the batteries do not pose risks like overheating or catching fire, which are concerns with lithium-ion technology.
This innovation offers not just an eco-friendly solution but also a safer one for widespread adoption.
The scalability of this technology is one of its most compelling aspects. While salt water-powered cars are gaining attention, the same principles can be applied to other areas of energy storage and usage. From powering homes to large industrial operations, flow cell technology can play a pivotal role in reshaping our energy infrastructure. With salt water as a nearly limitless resource, this innovation could provide a practical solution to some of the major energy challenges we face today, such as intermittency in solar and wind power generation.
The Prototype: How It Works and What It Achieves
One of the most prominent prototypes showcasing this groundbreaking technology is the Quant e-Sportlimousine, developed by nanoFlowcell. This sleek, futuristic car demonstrates the immense potential of salt water-powered vehicles. The Quant achieves an astounding 373 miles per gallon equivalent, making it one of the most efficient energy systems ever created for a vehicle. This impressive range is made possible by its advanced flow cell technology, which seamlessly converts salt water into usable energy. The car exemplifies how cutting-edge science can transform transportation as we know it.
Beyond its energy efficiency, the Quant is a marvel of performance. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, rivaling high-performance electric vehicles like Tesla’s Model S Plaid. The vehicle’s top speed exceeds 200 miles per hour, proving that sustainability doesn’t have to compromise performance. This combination of power and eco-friendliness positions the Quant as a trailblazer in a market still dominated by traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles.
The mechanics of the Quant are equally fascinating. The car features two separate tanks of salt water electrolyte solutions, which flow into a central power cell where energy is generated. This design mimics the convenience of refueling a conventional car, ensuring that the transition to this new technology is as seamless as possible for users. Once the electrolytes are depleted, they can be easily refilled at designated stations. This innovative approach combines familiarity with groundbreaking technology, making it both accessible and futuristic.
The U.S Navy Developed a Technology To Create Fuel From Seawater
Scientists at the U.S Naval Research Laboratory have developed a technology to recover carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater and convert it into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel. This could be a tremendous breakthrough and eliminate the need for old ways of generating fuel.
It’s just another example of the many ways of generating energy that are now available that could end our dependence on fossil fuels. These new, clean green ways of generating energy have been around for decades, so why are we always talking about them without ever implementing them?
“Refueling U.S. Navy Vessels, at sea, is a costly endeavor in terms of logistics, time, fiscal constraints and threats to national security sailors at sea. In Fiscal year 2011, the U.S. Navy Military Sea Lift Command, the primary supplier of fuel and oil to the U.S. Navy fleet, delivered nearly 600 million gallons of fuel to Navy vessels underway, operating 15 fleet replenishment oilers around the globe.” (source)
The Navy successfully used the new fuel-from seawater process to power a radio-controlled scale-model replica of a World War II aircraft with an internal combustion engine. Below is the footage from the test flight.
“In close collaboration with the Office of Navel Research p38 Naval Reserve program, NRL has developed a game changing technology for extracting, simultaneously, CO2 and H2 from seawater. This is the first time technology of this nature has been demonstrated with the potential for transition, from the laboratory, to full-scale commercial implementation.” – Dr. Heather Willauer (source)
Researchers say that this approach could be commercially viable within the next seven to ten years. They state interest in pursuing land-based options that could provide a solution to our current problems.
Again, another option, and example showing the power of human potential, so what’s stopping us from implementing cleaner and greener technologies?
Not long ago, Department of Defence adviser Dr. Harold Puthoff made some noteworthy comments while discussing the reality of free energy. This is what he said:
“I’ve been taken out on aircraft carriers by the Navy and shown what it is we have to replace if we have new energy sources to provide new fuel methods.”