An innovative house running on power generated by the sun and hydrogen has been unveiled.

Designed by students at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), the property creates heat and energy for its inhabitants, in a manner which is self-sufficient and free of greenhouse gas emissions, through the use of fuel cells.

The solar panels on the roof power an electrolysis converter, which separates hydrogen from water, with the hydrogen stored to generate heat and electricity.

"Instead of proposing the traditional use of batteries to convert and store solar power, our students suggested using hydrogen fuel cells, which are nonpolluting and absolutely guarantee that our solar house will be self-sufficient," Michele Bertomen, associate professor of architecture at NYIT, told Fuel Cell Today.

Named the "Green Machine/Blue Space", the house is made up of two main structures to increase energy efficiency, through cutting heat transference.

The "green" section is where the mechanical structures of the property are housed, in addition to the kitchen and bathroom, while the "blue" space is designed for activities which do not require a lot of energy, such as sleeping and everyday living, including relaxing and working via a computer.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd