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Power from hydrogen moves a step closer
October 14, 2003An invention being developed jointly by the Low Temperature Engineering Group at the University of Southampton and BOC Edwards could help turn the dream of hydrogen technology into reality. In future, electricity, and in some applications useful heat, could be generated in a fuel cell through the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, with water being produced at the end of the process.
Howard Stone, an Engineering Doctorate student, and his supervisor Dr Neil Richardson of the School of Engineering Sciences are in the running for a national award after designing a new kind of hydrogen pump, which could eventually make the use of fuel cells in integrated home energy systems and private cars a practical proposition.
The work is sponsored by one of the world's leading vacuum pump manufacturers, BOC Edwards of Crawley, West Sussex and forms part of a wider investigation into enabling technologies for the hydrogen economy.
Fuel cells themselves are not a new idea. Scientist Sir William Grove managed to split water into its constituent parts of hydrogen and oxygen in 1839. He also hypothesised that this electrolysis process in reverse could create electricity, then proved his theory experimentally. Hydrogen fuel cells were further developed by space scientists at NASA and were first used on the Gemini missions.
The new pump is designed to be extremely reliable, safe and efficient, precision-built for zero leaks. It embodies a number of innovative features which are the subject of patent applications.
Dr Richardson explained: 'There are many advantages to developing energy systems employing hydrogen as the fuel, not least the potential absence of pollution. Supplies of hydrogen and oxygen are, in theory, plentiful. For example, water, H2O, is composed of nothing but hydrogen and oxygen. The difficulty is in accessing the components from this and other sources, in an efficient and reliable way that does not in itself create pollution and then storing and distributing the hydrogen fuel to end-users. It will take many years before the technology is ready to be used commercially because of the problems in creating the infrastructure but much work is underway to overcome the difficulties.'
The Carbon Trust has short-listed the invention for its Innovation Awards 2003. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 6 November 2003.
Peter Shortt, Director of the Carbon Trust's Low Carbon Innovation Programme said: 'This awards scheme demonstrates the enormous potential which the UK has for leading the world in low carbon technology development.'
Southampton, University of
Fuel cells themselves are not a new idea. Scientist Sir William Grove managed to split water into its constituent parts of hydrogen and oxygen in 1839. He also hypothesised that this electrolysis process in reverse could create electricity, then proved his theory experimentally. Hydrogen fuel cells were further developed by space scientists at NASA and were first used on the Gemini missions.
The new pump is designed to be extremely reliable, safe and efficient, precision-built for zero leaks. It embodies a number of innovative features which are the subject of patent applications.
Dr Richardson explained: 'There are many advantages to developing energy systems employing hydrogen as the fuel, not least the potential absence of pollution. Supplies of hydrogen and oxygen are, in theory, plentiful. For example, water, H2O, is composed of nothing but hydrogen and oxygen. The difficulty is in accessing the components from this and other sources, in an efficient and reliable way that does not in itself create pollution and then storing and distributing the hydrogen fuel to end-users. It will take many years before the technology is ready to be used commercially because of the problems in creating the infrastructure but much work is underway to overcome the difficulties.'
The Carbon Trust has short-listed the invention for its Innovation Awards 2003. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 6 November 2003.
Peter Shortt, Director of the Carbon Trust's Low Carbon Innovation Programme said: 'This awards scheme demonstrates the enormous potential which the UK has for leading the world in low carbon technology development.'
Southampton, University of
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Delaware State U. scientists refine hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle power plants
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Feather fibers fluff up hydrogen storage capacity
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Faster than the speed of sound: New control system has what it takes to guide experimental aircraft
When a jet is flying faster than the speed of sound, one small mistake can tear it apart. And when the jet is so experimental that it must fly unmanned, only a computer control system can pilot it. Ohio State University engineers have designed control system software that can do just that -- by adapting to changing conditions during a flight.
Dancing 'adatoms' help chemists understand how water molecules split
Single oxygen atoms dancing on a metal oxide slab, glowing brighter here and dimmer there, have helped chemists better understand how water splits into oxygen and hydrogen. In the process, the scientists have visualized a chemical reaction that had previously only been talked about. The new work improves our understanding of the chemistry needed to generate hydrogen fuel from water or to clean contaminated water.
Nanowires May Lead To Better Fuel Cells
The creation of long platinum nanowires at the University of Rochester could soon lead to the development of commercially viable fuel cells.
Forget the freezer: Research suggests novel way to control water behavior
Researchers may be able to "freeze" water into a solid, not by cooling but by confining it to narrow spaces less than one-millionth of a millimeter wide, according to new results from an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
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Hydrogen Fuel: Production, Transport, and Storage by Ram B. Gupta (Editor) From Methane to Hydrogen—Making the Switch to a Cleaner Fuel Source The world’s overdependence on fossil fuels has created environmental problems, such as air pollution and global warming, as well as political and economic unrest. With water as its only by-product and its availability in all parts of the world, hydrogen promises to be the next great fuel source. All of the Key Aspects of Hydrogen Fuel Hydrogen Fuel: Production, Transport, and Storage describes various aspects of hydrogen fuel, including production from both renewable and nonrenewable sources, purification, storage, transport, safety, codes, and carbon dioxide sequestration. The book examines the unique properties and uses of the hydrogen molecule, its ability to be produced from numerous energy sources,... |
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Hydrogen Fuel Rocket by Estes Industries Inc Turn ordinary tap water into clean-burning fuel – and launch this rocket up to 200 feet high. Generate your own hydrogen fuel using simple tap waterRocket soars up to 200 feet highElectronic command center narrates fun hydrogen factsRocket sails back to the ground with a unique helicopter recovery systemReady to launch in minutesClassic launch countdown ("10 9 8 ") adds to the excitement4 launch solution packets fuel hundreds of flightsInstruction booklet has complete step-by-step instructionsA safe and engaging way to learn about the science of alternative energy – and a really cool rocket you can launch over and over again.Safety warning: This product contains small parts that may present a choking hazard for young children. |
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Hydrogen: Running on Water (Energy Revolution) by Niki Walker (Author) Ages 9 to 12 years. In this important book, children will discover not only what hydrogen is, but also how this simple element can create clean energy, as well exploring it's past dealings with hot air balloons and airships, its present, space shuttles and fuel cells. |
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Genesis Hydrogen Generator Complete Kit by Hydrogen-Water-Cars.com Here is a hydrogen generator built in its simplest form, taken and expanded from the Water4Gas technology. The Genesis is designed for those who want to get their feet wet and start improving on fuel economy without spending a lot of money to get results. The unit is self-contained and is quite simple to install and operate. We have hundreds of success stories and our customers love our technical help. We are not afraid to answerer our phones here at Hydrogen Water Cars. All of our generators are built with 316L stainless steel, this includes the washers and nuts and this will save you money in the long run as you will not see corrosion. We use quality components and craftsmanship so we can stand behind our products. You can feel comfortable purchasing from Hydrogen-Water-Carsdotcom, we... |
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Kit (5 Cell) by TDM LLC Fuel cells are a nonpolluting power source that can help society overcome its dependence on fossil fuels and prevent global warming by reducing CO2 emissions. TDM, LLC has designed this low cost fuel cell kit to introduce alternative energy technology and electrochemistry. These kits can be fitted with varied sizes of graphite plates, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and high temperature PBI membranes to run on hydrogen/air or direct methanol. This fuel cell kit is an excellent learning tool that gives hands-on experience with this promising technology. Check out TDMFuelCellStore.com for more products and accessories! |
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Rocket; With Launch Pad, Ignition System, 4 Citric Acid Packs by Estes Industries Rocket, Model; Hydrogen Fuel Cell; Max. altitude: 250 ft.; Uses water to make H2 fuel; W/launch pad, ignition sys., 4 citric acid packs |
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