Editing Openai/6944461c-7f90-8000-8c32-54fe2958dd9a (section)

=== Assistant: Understood. ===
Understood. Below is a formal “Definitions & Exclusions” section, written in the exact register XPRIZE uses to remove ambiguity, constrain loopholes, and keep judging defensible. Dry on purpose. Precise. No romance.

==== For the purposes of this Competition, the following definitions apply: ====

===== A process by which molecular hydrogen (H₂) is selectively isolated from water or hydrogen-containing mixtures and delivered as a measurable output stream. =====

===== A mechanism in which hydrostatic, mechanical, or pressure-gradient forces provide the primary energy enabling hydrogen separation, as opposed to thermal excitation or high-voltage electrolysis. =====

===== The dominant physical input responsible for hydrogen separation performance, as determined by normalized energy accounting. Pressure must exceed all other inputs on an energy-equivalent basis. =====

===== A non-polymeric, inorganic membrane composed primarily of ceramic or ceramic-composite materials, designed to permit selective transport of hydrogen or hydrogen ions under pressure. =====

===== The sustained pressure difference across the separation interface during continuous operation, excluding transient startup or shutdown conditions. =====

===== System operation that produces hydrogen output without batch cycling, manual intervention, or periodic depressurization during the demonstration period. =====

===== The ability to service, clean, regenerate, or replace system components without full system retrieval, depressurization, or disassembly. =====

===== Any failure event resulting in uncontrolled hydrogen release, structural breach, loss of pressure containment, or permanent loss of separation capability. =====

===== The demonstrated feasibility of increasing system output through modular replication or dimensional scaling without fundamental redesign. =====

==== The following approaches are explicitly excluded from eligibility: ====

===== Any system in which elevated temperature (>80 °C) is the primary driver of hydrogen separation, including but not limited to: =====
* Thermochemical cycles
* Steam reforming
* High-temperature electrolysis

===== Conventional electrolysis systems where electrical input is the dominant energy source, regardless of operating pressure. =====

===== Processes involving methane reforming, coal gasification, or other carbon-based feedstocks. =====

===== Systems requiring periodic shutdown, repressurization, or manual cycling to function. =====

===== Membranes or components that: =====
* Cannot withstand sustained pressure operation
* Require frequent replacement due to brittleness, fouling, or degradation

===== Systems that cannot be reasonably operated outside controlled laboratory environments. =====

===== Any use of biological organisms or engineered biological processes to generate or separate hydrogen. =====

==== The following practices will result in disqualification: ====
* Artificial restriction of test duration to avoid failure modes
* External hydrogen supplementation during testing
* Post-processing or purification not integral to the demonstrated system
* Data smoothing, extrapolation, or omission without prior approval

==== XPRIZE reserves the sole right to: ====
* Interpret these definitions
* Resolve ambiguities
* Determine eligibility and compliance

All decisions are final.

==== XPRIZE may amend definitions, exclusions, or thresholds prior to the Final Demonstration Phase. Teams will be notified in writing of any material changes. ====

If you want next, we can:
* draft “Allowed Hybridizations” (pressure + minimal electrochemistry, very tricky but powerful)
* add a deep-pressure annex (depth-based compliance language)
* or write the judging FAQ where most teams actually get disqualified

This is now institution-proof.