Chinese scientists have built a plasma-based drive system that runs without fuel or batteries, which is a major step for clean energy innovation. While the prototype is currently aimed at aviation, researchers say the technology could potentially be adapted for use in ground vehicles, including cars, in the future.
No Combustion, No Emissions
Professor Jau Tang from Wuhan University leads the work. It skips old engines by dropping fossil fuels and built-in power stores. The drive makes plasma, which is charged air, with microwave power.
They squeeze air from the sky and hit it with 2.45 GHz microwaves, just like in kitchen ovens. This pulls electrons away, creates plasma, and builds push force. It gives off no fumes, smoke, or waste chemicals.
Functional Thrust System
Early tests in the lab showed the engine lifting a one-kilogram steel ball straight up. This proved plasma thrust works without burning fuel or using batteries. Researchers say the system’s power might one day equal that of small jet engines on planes.
The prototype targets aircraft use. Yet its main idea, turning nearby air and electric pulses into a push, could adapt to other vehicles. That includes cars down the road.
Plasma Technology Applied on Earth
Plasma propulsion has been studied for decades, primarily in space applications. This one stands out because it uses our air as the base. The key innovation is its ability to generate thrust under normal air pressure using microwave-powered ionization, which hasn’t been done before.
To operate on a larger scale, it needs steady high-power electricity, best from renewable sources like solar or wind. The absence of chemical fuel or battery storage makes the system attractive for zero-emission transportation.
Comparison With Hydrogen and Battery Systems
Right now, hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries lead as swaps for gas engines. Both present limitations. Hydrogen requires complex storage setups, while batteries add significant weight and offer limited range, especially in aviation or big transport.
By eliminating the need for both, Tang’s plasma engine offers a third path for clean propulsion, possibly overcoming the drawbacks of existing green technologies.
Commercial Use?
The tech shows good promise, but the technology is still in the experimental phase. The current model needs constant high-voltage microwave energy to function, which raises issues for growth in big planes or cars.
Researchers acknowledge that more development is needed before it can be used in commercial aviation or automotive sectors, but they view this breakthrough as an early step toward practical, emission-free engines.
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