TrailblazeOctober 13, 2007 9:02 am
Electrolysis is the passage of electricity through a substance which is molten or in an aqueous solution resulting in chemical reactions at the electrodes - according to Wikipedia.
The difficulty I think in harnessing lightning is handling such high voltage (electronics and electrical systems may easily fry). Also using it for a consistent output of lower voltage is a challenge.
Using water in gaseous form as the target of directed lightning (thru lightning rods or other means) could be easier. I think high voltage will easily turn water into ionic Hydrogen and Oxygen. Electric overloading will not be encountered as the high voltage is not directly connected to electric system. However, the mechanism to trap Oxygen and Hydrogen into separate chambers at that instant, must be provided.
The ff. links are about triggering lightning w/c may be complementary to the idea:
Once Hydrogen and Oxygen is collected, consistent electricity can be recreated via a combustion chamber where both chemicals are allowed to spark (with water coming out of the exhaust system). The combustion will then turn the generator which will produce electricity. Fuel cells to power vehicles can also be made from the stored Hydrogen.
