Gathering fuel in-flight for aircraft, which run on a fuel-cell maybe possible using accelerated absorption techniques. What if we used the static electricity which occurs from the air moving over the wing, as it trades electrons, then collected that and charged the skin of the aircraft made out of carbon nano-tube construction to adhere to rain droplets as it flew thru clouds and collect all the moisture? The wing and surfaces of fuselage would collect the moisture thru tiny holes, which would pull it inside and then to a collector, which would use electrolysis to separate out the Hydrogen and Oxygen. The Hydrogen would be used to power up the fuel cell and the oxygen could be used for something else or discharged. But why do I want to do this anyway? Well for many reasons actually; One, just to prove it can be done; Two, because currently it is difficult to keep hydrogen enclosed in a tank and at higher altitudes and colder temperatures some may leak out of the tanks; Three, because you could increase your range simply by flying thru a cloud; Four, because if you have less fuel needs on take off you have less weight and you can carry more cargo, as you automatically re-fuel in flight; Five, because it fits into many of the projects now being funded with research and development making it a viable technology for further funding. So consider all this in 2006. |
