Brian Cantwell Harnesses Sewage Waste Energy to Power Rocket Thrusters
Meghan Young — July 29, 2010 — Autos
Seems like you can extract energy from pretty much anything -- just ask Stanford professor Brian Cantwell. He, along with a team of Stanford researchers, has developed potential rocket fuel from sewage waste.
Essentially, Brian Cantwell et al. have squeezed out nitrous oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) from sewage waste. According to the researchers, "While nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas, when it’s burned as rocket fuel, the only byproducts are hot oxygen and nitrogen."
Brian Cantwell's discovery may result in an emissions-free energy source.
Essentially, Brian Cantwell et al. have squeezed out nitrous oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) from sewage waste. According to the researchers, "While nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas, when it’s burned as rocket fuel, the only byproducts are hot oxygen and nitrogen."
Brian Cantwell's discovery may result in an emissions-free energy source.
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Fuel - Brian Cantwell's use of sewage waste as rocket fuel presents an opportunity for the development of sustainable fuel sources.
2. Green Technology - The extraction of nitrous oxide from sewage waste for rocket fuel demonstrates the potential for green technology innovation.
3. Waste-to-energy - Cantwell's research highlights the growing trend of converting waste into valuable energy sources.
Industry Implications
1. Space Exploration - The use of sewage waste as rocket fuel could disrupt the space exploration industry by offering a cleaner and more sustainable energy option.
2. Renewable Energy - Cantwell's discovery opens up opportunities for the renewable energy industry to explore alternative sources of fuel.
3. Waste Management - The integration of sewage waste into energy production showcases the potential for innovation within the waste management industry.
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