Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
04 February 2016 08:20
Water could be created from hydrogen batteries
Holidaymakers jetting off with a low-cost airline could soon be served water created from hydrogen batteries.
Carrier easyJet claims it would potentially be the "freshest, cleanest water" available to passengers.
It is part of plans for a zero-emissions fuel system, which would involve storing a hydrogen fuel cell in the aircraft's hold.
'Absolutely pure'
Engineers at easyJet are still uncertain whether the water, produced as a waste product from the batteries, would be discarded or reused.
But Ian Davies, head of engineering at the airline, says there is no reason why the water could not be served to travellers on flights. He describes it as "absolutely pure".
Another possibility is for the water to be used to flush toilets, with Mr Davies claiming it would be wrong to simply throw it away.
Holidaymakers may feel a bit uncomfortable at the thought of drinking waste water from batteries, something which could become reality within the next decade.
But they have more pressing issues to consider when going abroad, such as finding the right travel insurance for a getaway.
Hybrid plane
Mr Davies was speaking in Venice at the launch of easyJet's latest base, where t he airline unveiled designs for a hybrid plane which could be trialled later this year.
By storing a hydrogen fuel cell in the hold of the aircraft, energy would be captured as the brakes are deployed during landing. This would then be used to power the jet when it is on the ground, similar to the kinetic energy recovery system used by cars in Formula One.
The carrier estimates around 4% of its fuel consumption is used when its aircraft are 'taxiing' on the ground.
It hopes hybrid planes could save around 50,000 tonnes of fuel for its fleet each year, equating to around 25 million to 35 million US dollars (£17 million to £24 million).
22 September 2017
A new computer code that can be applied to GP surgery data could be the answer to identifying those most at risk of developing bowel cancer.
[more...]
21 September 2017
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a growing resistance to antibiotics.
20 September 2017
Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled over the next six weeks, as the airline says it "messed up" allocation of its pilots' annual leave.
19 September 2017
Manchester's Girlguides are being urged to help the elderly with a new badge incentivising youngsters to tackle senior loneliness.
16 September 2017
Holidaymakers are being evacuated as winds up to 200km per hour hit Central Vietnam, with Typhoon Doksuri damaging houses, roads and infrastructure.
15 September 2017
People in parts of East Anglia are eight times more likely to survive liver disease than Blackpool residents, according to new data by Public Health England (PHE).
14 September 2017
A non-invasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery that helps people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight is being recommended for widespread use by NHS experts.
13 September 2017
Almost half of UK adults travelling to areas at risk of malaria are not covering themselves by taking medication, despite recommendations made by the NHS and world health organisations.
12 September 2017
A new health warning has been issued by scientists in Sweden, suggesting e-cigarettes with nicotine could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
09 September 2017
Researchers have developed a futuristic pen-like device that can tell whether someone has cancer much faster than current technology.
08 September 2017
A staffing crisis in the NHS is seeing cancer patients turned away from their GP surgery and instead visiting A&E, a report has claimed.
07 September 2017
Whether it's binge-watching box-sets, shopping for clothes, chatting to friends or picking up work emails, staying connected is pretty much essential to everyday life.