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Fuel Cells, Energy Conversion, and Mathematics
July 27, 2009Concerns about dwindling fossil fuel resources, current levels of petroleum consumption, and growing pressure to shift to more sustainable energy sources are among the many factors prompting the transition from our current energy infrastructure to one that uses less carbon and requires the efficient conversion of energy. This necessitates collecting energy from ambient sources including wind, solar, and geothermal power, and converting it into appropriate forms for distributing electricity. While it is possible for this electric power to be distributed efficiently, conversion is necessary for use in automobiles and large-scale storage is problematic.
PEM Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are highly effective devices for converting energy from one form to another, they are more energy-efficient than combustion engines, and a variety of sources can be used to power them. In particular, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also called Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells, take hydrogen and oxygen from the air to create electricity. They are typically used in automobiles. When pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, these fuel cells emit only heat and water as byproducts, eliminating concerns about air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications as they are energy-efficient, clean, and fuel-flexible. The paper PEM Fuel Cells: A Mathematical Overview published on July 17 in the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics: Special Issue on Fuel Cells examines the mathematical issues that arise when modeling PEM fuel cells.
Math and PEM Fuel Cells
PEM fuel cells are good examples of energy conversion systems that have several levels of interacting functional structures. The interactions range from proton exchange at the nanoscale level to interactions at the macroscale level among the layered media of which the cells are made. Accurately simulating the resulting multiscale interactions requires carefully constructed mathematical models that faithfully represent the physics at the various scales. Modeling and analysis of PEM fuel cell structures, their construction, performance, and degradation also requires the development of new mathematical solutions and highly structured and highly adaptive numerical techniques. Mathematical analysis and scientific computation will play a large role in the resolution of these important issues and as a result will affect the progress of PEM fuel cell research and development.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications as they are energy-efficient, clean, and fuel-flexible. The paper PEM Fuel Cells: A Mathematical Overview published on July 17 in the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics: Special Issue on Fuel Cells examines the mathematical issues that arise when modeling PEM fuel cells.
Math and PEM Fuel Cells
PEM fuel cells are good examples of energy conversion systems that have several levels of interacting functional structures. The interactions range from proton exchange at the nanoscale level to interactions at the macroscale level among the layered media of which the cells are made. Accurately simulating the resulting multiscale interactions requires carefully constructed mathematical models that faithfully represent the physics at the various scales. Modeling and analysis of PEM fuel cell structures, their construction, performance, and degradation also requires the development of new mathematical solutions and highly structured and highly adaptive numerical techniques. Mathematical analysis and scientific computation will play a large role in the resolution of these important issues and as a result will affect the progress of PEM fuel cell research and development.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
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
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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... |
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RCi 2040A Aluminum Fuel Cell, Natural Aluminum Color, 4 Gallon, 10L x 12W x 8H by RCi |
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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... |
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RCi 2151AS Aluminum Fuel Cell With Sending Unit, Natural Aluminum Color, 15 Gallon, 18L x 20W x 10H by RCi |
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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... |
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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+ |
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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... |
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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... |
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RCi 2161A Aluminum Fuel Cell, Natural Aluminum Color, 15 Gallon, 30L x 9W x 12H by RCi |
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Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell X7 by Thames & Kosmos Build a car that runs powered by water - a working fuel cell car! Pour in the water and watch it separate into hydrogen and oxygen, forming a gas to power your vehicle across the floor! A fabulous science project. Discover how fuel cells work and learn about Green Energy. Fuel cells are one of the most promising means of producing energy for the future! They are environmentally friendly and desired because they do not consume fossil fuels. Thames and Kosmos have created the X7 version to be a simpler science kit for younger kids. It is based on the original version of the Fuel Cell Car. This science kit still has the award-winning model car with its unique reversible fuel cell not found in other fuel cell car models. The fuel cell car still functions in the same manner as... |
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