North Thurston High School, Lacey
Second Place, Technological Challenge
Alternative Hydrogen Production
Objective: Instead of electrolysis or a single replacement reaction, we will be combining a mechanical engine with a chemical reaction to produce hydrogen. This experiment will utilize a blend of elements and their ability to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight and air. Sandia National Laboratories has developed a concept thermo chemical engine known as the CR5. This device uses spinning rings made from a blend of transition metals that grab the oxygen out of steam releasing hydrogen, which is collected from the bottom of the device. The oxygen is collected on top of the device using thermal decomposition and the process is repeated.
Methods: Synthesizing various blends of elements, we will find the most efficient way to crack Mother Nature’s most abundant covalent bond to an inexhaustible source of energy. We will apply the CR5 concept to these new elemental blends through trial and error.
Global Impact Award
Eden Prime
The goal of our project is to provide a solution to the world’s problems of overpopulation and rising oceans. We aim to create a green, self-sustaining society that floats on water. We are implementing technology that is available now or technology with promising aspects to be available in the near future. To provide energy, we plan to use energy from photovoltaic cells and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). OTEC will provide both energy and a source of fresh water for the city. Also, water created by the OTEC can be used to culture freshwater fish and other life as well as irrigate planned farms within the city. Furthermore, we are planning to show how to begin creation and habitation and how we envision these worlds’ societies to be run—as that will determine the longevity of this idea.
Greenstead Act
We aim to make energy efficiency affordable and available to all Americans. To do so, we will introduce a piece of legislation inspired by the Homestead Act of 1862. This legislation would create a program to renovate energy-wasting buildings. The service would be funded by the federal government and repaid with a percentage of the money saved over time. An advertising campaign would be established to promote the green renovation.
“You are setting the pace — the dynamic — for a better and brighter future.”
—Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.
President, Washington State University