Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have recently made a significant announcement—the completion of a first prototype CO2-free
engine called the Magnesium Injection Cycle (MAGIC)
engine. Although still at the experimental stage, this joint
project, initiated in 2005, has developed a prototype that has successfully worked without the need for fossil fuels.
The Magnesium Injection Cycle engine is powered without using fossil fuels
Power is generated by the chemical reaction between magnesium and
water, which produces high-power steam and hydrogen. The hydrogen is burned at the same time to produce more high-power steam, and the two steam sources
power the engine. The new technology produces no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions and the only by-products from this reaction are
water and magnesium oxide. The magnesium is separated from the oxide through a solar-powered laser process and is reused over and over again as
fuel. This clean energy cycle, which is supported by
solar power, has the potential to steer society away from its dependence on fossil fuels, and could bring about a paradigm shift in the way future energy needs are met.
The new MAGIC technology is very versatile, and has potential for use in cogeneration, automobiles, ships and many other areas. MC and the Tokyo Tech team believes it will take another three years of further
research and experimentation before it is launched for
commercial use.
Mitsubishi Monitor
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