Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking plasma-based propulsion system that operates without any fuel or battery, marking a major leap forward in clean energy technology. While the current prototype targets aviation, researchers believe it could eventually be adapted for ground vehicles, including cars.
The project, led by Professor Jau Tang at the University of Wuhan, introduces an alternative to traditional engines by completely removing the need for fossil fuels or onboard energy storage. The system generates plasma—an ionized form of air—using microwave energy.
By compressing atmospheric air and exposing it to microwaves at 2.45 GHz, the same frequency used in household microwave ovens, the engine strips electrons from air molecules to form plasma. This plasma is then used to create thrust, producing no smoke, emissions, or chemical waste.
In early laboratory tests, the engine successfully lifted a one-kilogram steel ball vertically, proving that thrust can be achieved without combustion or batteries. Researchers believe that, with further refinement, its performance could rival that of small commercial jet engines.
Though the current design is meant for aircraft, the principle of using ambient air and microwaves to generate propulsion could later extend to other transport technologies. The system relies on a steady supply of high-voltage electricity, ideally sourced from renewable energy such as solar or wind power, making it a promising candidate for zero-emission transportation.
Compared to hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric systems, which face storage, weight, and range limitations, Tang’s plasma engine presents a third, cleaner alternative. By eliminating both chemical fuel and heavy batteries, it offers a potentially more efficient and sustainable propulsion model.
The technology remains experimental and requires continuous high-voltage microwave energy to operate, posing scalability challenges for larger vehicles. However, researchers consider this a significant step toward the development of practical, emission-free engines for future transportation.
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