 |
|
DARESBURY REPORT SHOWS ROAD TO CLEANER TRANSPORT
December 11, 2000Future global targets on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases may be more easily met thanks to new research on catalysts for fuel cells, published today in the new annual report from Daresbury Laboratory’s Synchrotron Radiation Department.
Tough emission targets are driving the development of zero emission vehicles such as electric cars. The power to drive these vehicles will come from a fuel cell, which uses methanol to generate electricity to power the car, but only emits water. The research, performed by Dr Andrea Russell from Southampton University, used the SRS to investigate which materials will perform best as catalysts in fuel cells, without their operation being ‘poisoned’ by carbon monoxide which is produced as a chemical by-product of the fuel reforming process. X-ray techniques investigated the structure of catalysts made of platinum and various alloys of platinum and ruthenium. Complimentary performance studies showed that well mixed alloys of platinum and ruthenium show an improved CO tolerance and are likely to be the better fuel cell catalyst. This research has addressed a key problem in developing viable fuel cells and will pave the way for the clean, green cars of the future.
Other exciting research done at the SRS and featured in the report includes:
- identifying how the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis changes to evade antibodies, which may lead to the development of a new vaccine (page 6);
- using X-rays to measure strain in aluminium welds, which may open the way for aircraft bodies to be welded, not riveted, together (page 14);
- using leaf fluorescence to identify the health of plants, which may lead to a hand-held health monitor for us in orchards and vineyards (page 26).
The annual report can be viewed in full on http://www.clrc.ac.uk/Activity/SR9900
Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC)
Fuel Cells Current Events and Fuel Cells News RSSShifting the world to 100 percent clean, renewable energy as early as 2030 -- here are the numbers
Most of the technology needed to shift the world from fossil fuel to clean, renewable energy already exists. Implementing that technology requires overcoming obstacles in planning and politics, but doing so could result in a 30 percent decrease in global power demand.
U of C chemists discover recipe to design a better type of fuel cell
Fuel cells are often touted as one method to help decrease society's addiction to fossil fuels. But there is still a lot of work to be done before fuel cells will be ready for mass market to be used in transportation, home heating and portable power for emergencies.
Ion Tiger fuel cell unmanned air vehicle completes 23-hour flight
The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL's) Ion Tiger, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell unmanned air vehicle (UAV), has flown 23 hours and 17 minutes, setting an unofficial flight endurance record for a fuel-cell powered flight.
New aluminum-water rocket propellant promising for future space missions
Researchers are developing a new type of rocket propellant made of a frozen mixture of water and "nanoscale aluminum" powder that is more environmentally friendly than conventional propellants and could be manufactured on the moon, Mars and other water-bearing bodies.
A recipe for controlling carbon nanotubes
Nanoscopic tubes made of a lattice of carbon just a single atom deep hold promise for delivering medicines directly to a tumor, sensors so keen they detect the arrival or departure of a single electron, a replacement for costly platinum in fuel cells or as energy‐saving transistors and wires.
University of the Basque Country researcher makes progress in optimising solid oxide fuel cells
While our standard of life increases, so does the worldwide energy demand. In this vein, the application of technologies based on fuel cells is put forward as an alternative to the massive consumption of fossil fuels.
Smaller isn't always better: Catalyst simulations could lower fuel cell cost
Imagine a car that runs on hydrogen from solar power and produces water instead of carbon emissions. While vehicles like this won't be on the market anytime soon, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are making incremental but important strides in the fuel cell technology that could make clean cars a reality.
Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station.
Making more efficient fuel cells
Bacteria that generate significant amounts of electricity could be used in microbial fuel cells to provide power in remote environments or to convert waste to electricity.
Pitt researchers harness carbon nanomaterials for drug delivery systems, oxygen sensors
Two nanoscale devices recently reported by University of Pittsburgh researchers in two separate journals harness the potential of carbon nanomaterials to enhance technologies for drug or imaging agent delivery and energy storage systems, in one case, and, in the other, bolster the sensitivity of oxygen sensors essential in confined settings, from mines to spacecrafts.
More Fuel Cells Current Events and Fuel Cells News Articles
 |
Fuel Cell Fundamentals by Ryan O'Hayre (Author), Whitney Colella (Author), Suk-Won Cha (Author), Fritz B. Prinz (Author) As the search for alternative fuels heats up, no topic is hotter than fuel cells. Filling a glaring gap in the literature, Fuel Cell Fundamentals, Second Edition gives advanced undergraduate and beginning level graduate students an important introduction to the basic science and engineering behind fuel cell technology. Emphasizing the foundational scientific principles that apply to any fuel cell type or technology, the text provides straightforward descriptions of how fuel cells work, why they offer the potential for high efficiency, and how their unique advantages can best be used. Designed to be accessible to fuel cell beginners, the text is suitable for any engineering or science major with a background in calculus, basic physics, and elementary thermodynamics. This new edition... |
 |
RCi 2040A Aluminum Fuel Cell, Natural Aluminum Color, 4 Gallon, 10L x 12W x 8H by RCi |
 |
Designing and Building Fuel Cells by Colleen Spiegel (Author) Acquire an All-in-One Toolkit for Expertly Designing, Modeling, and Constructing High-Performance Fuel Cells Designing and Building Fuel Cells equips you with a hands-on guide for the design, modeling, and construction of fuel cells that perform as well or better than some of the best fuel cells on the market today. Filled with over 120 illustrations and schematics of fuel cells and components, this “one-stop” guide covers fuel cell applications…fuels and the hydrogen economy…fuel cell chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry…fuel cell modeling, materials, and system design…fuel types, delivery, and processing…fuel cell operating conditions…fuel cell characterization…and much more. Authoritative and practical, Designing and Building... |
|
|
RCi 2151AS Aluminum Fuel Cell With Sending Unit, Natural Aluminum Color, 15 Gallon, 18L x 20W x 10H by RCi |
 |
Fuel Cell Projects for the Evil Genius by Gavin Harper (Author) FUEL YOUR EVIL URGES WHILE YOU BUILD GREEN ENERGY PROJECTS! Go green as you amass power! Fuel Cell Projects for the Evil Genius broadens your knowledge of this important, rapidly developing technology and shows you how to build practical, environmentally conscious projects using the three most popular and widely accessible fuel cells! In Fuel Cell Projects for the Evil Genius, high-tech guru Gavin Harper gives you everything you need to conduct practical experiments and build energizing fuel cell projects. You'll find complete, easy-to-follow plans that feature clear diagrams and schematics, as well as: Instructions for fascinating sustainable energy projects, complete with 180 how-to illustrations Explanations of how fuel cells work and why the... |
 |
Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Car and Experiment Kit by Thames & Kosmos Winner of Parents Choice Silver Award Jump-start the hydrogen economy! Build a model car that operates with water! Use solar energy to separate water into hydrogen & oxygen. Plug in the motor & the fuel cell uses these gases to produce electricity and - Zip! your vehicle takes off! The only by-product is clean water. Learn about fuel cells, solar cells & electrolysis. 30 experiments to do by yourself, in a classroom or with friends! Ages 12+ |
 |
Fuel Cells: From Fundamentals to Applications by Supramaniam Srinivasan (Author) This is a concise source of the basic electrochemical principles and the engineering aspects involved in the development and commercialization of fuel cells. It provides a lucid description of the applications and techno-economic assessment of fuel cell technologies along with an in-depth discussion of conventional and novel approaches for generating energy. The first part covers the electrode kinetics and electrocatalysis of charge-transfer reactions, and leading electrochemical technologies with focus on relevance to fuel cells. The second part addresses the governing principles of fuel cells, electrocatalysis of fuel cell reactions and experimental techniques pertinent to fuel cell research and development. The third part is devoted to modeling of fuel cell systems and a thorough... |
 |
Fuel Cell Engines by Matthew M. Mench (Author) The first fuel cell theory and application resource written for students and professionals. With the field of fuel cells growing at a rapid pace, there is a powerful need for a single guide to the myriad disciplines related to the technology. Fuel Cell Engines provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the fundamental principles of fuel cell science so that a reader-whether professional or student-can gain a timeless understanding of the fundamentals that will remain relevant and useful even as the specific applications, materials, and designs change. Offering an unbiased introduction to their fundamental concepts and applications, author Matthew Mench begins with a global perspective of the field and the practical significance of fuel cells and... |
|
|
RCi 2161A Aluminum Fuel Cell, Natural Aluminum Color, 15 Gallon, 30L x 9W x 12H by RCi |
 |
Fuel Cell Systems Explained (Second Edition) by James Larminie (Author), Andrew Dicks (Author) Building on the success of the first edition Fuel Cell Systems Explained presents a balanced introduction to this growing area. "In summary, an altogether satisfying book that puts within its covers the academic tools necessary for explaining fuel cell systems on a multidisciplinary basis." Power Engineering Journal "An excellent book….well written and produced." Journal of Power and Energy Fully revised and updated, the second edition: Provides an essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems. Includes full and updated coverage of fuel processing and hydrogen generation and storage systems. Presents a full and clear explanation of the operation of all the major fuel cell types, and an introduction to... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |