Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new polymer membrane that may facilitate hydrogen separation, purification, and transport at high temperatures. The team will test the membranes for use in fuel cell systems to address global energy security concerns.
A recent NIST paper explains that actual fuel tank capacity can vary from the rated capacity rating due to design characteristics, manufacturing process, and physics. Drivers are cautioned against using the 'half full' reading on the fuel gauge to determine exact fuel tank capacity.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new nuclear fuel that conducts heat better than conventional fuels, promising to be safer and last longer. The fuel is made by interlacing uranium oxide with beryllium oxide, which increases thermal conductivity by 50%, reducing the risk of catastrophic accidents and allowing for more e...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that hybrid grass Miscanthus can produce more biomass than switchgrass, with greater rates of photosynthesis and no net effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The crop is also remarkably efficient and easy to grow, making it a promising renewable energy source.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a new type of composite material that can be molded into bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties, and ease of manufacture. The material's properties exceed industry standards and will enable faster and more efficient production of fuel cell stacks.
Purdue University researchers have discovered a catalyst that can produce hydrogen without extreme cold temperatures or high pressures. This method could offer solutions to fuel cell development, potentially replacing fossil fuels in automobiles.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to produce hydrogen for fuel cells in portable electronics, such as notebook computers. The technique combines two previously known methods and produces high yields of hydrogen, making it promising for fuel cell applications.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have pinpointed a chemical called triazole that can allow polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to operate at much higher temperatures without moisture. This discovery could make polymer fuel cells cheaper and more practical for use in cars, laptops, and cell phones.
Researchers found that Bell 206 helicopters with crash-resistant fuel systems had fewer post-crash fires than Aerospatial-350 helicopters without the system. The study suggests that stricter regulations and technology could improve civilian helicopter safety.
A new study suggests that continued high levels of fossil fuel emissions will outstrip the land and oceans' ability to absorb carbon, leading to accelerated climate warming. The 'breathing biosphere' can only absorb carbon at a certain rate, and increased temperatures and droughts lower plant uptake of CO2.
The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership aims to create hydrogen-powered vehicles, exploring energy sources, fuel cells, and safety. However, challenges such as hydrogen storage and production remain significant hurdles to achieving this goal.
The partnership aims to develop a micro fuel cell system with potential industrial applications, offering advantages such as fuel versatility and fast start-up times. Researchers from both organizations will conduct joint research at each other's labs.
A microbial fuel cell has been created by Washington University researchers that generates electricity and treats wastewater, a process with potential to power 900 American homes. The device uses a carbon-based foam and bacteria to produce electricity from organic matter in wastewater.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.
A recent study using 'ecological footprint' accounting found that the US benefits from using fuel ethanol do not outweigh its significant environmental impacts. The research suggests that relying on ethanol to fuel the automobile fleet would require enormous areas of corn agriculture, outweighing any potential energy gains.
A study by Stanford researchers suggests that converting to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles powered by wind could prevent millions of cases of respiratory illness and tens of thousands of hospitalizations. The conversion could be done at a comparable cost to gasoline, with potential health benefits outweighing the costs.
The program combines academics, research, and entrepreneurship to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology. 28 doctoral students will study fuel cell science and engineering over five years.
Researchers have discovered a bacterium that can generate electricity from fuel sources, providing a potential solution for sustainable energy. This unique capability makes the bacterium useful for reclamation of wastewaters and removal of waste, with potential applications in future microbial fuel cell designs.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a four-phase catalytic reactor to convert biomass-derived carbohydrates into sulfur-free liquid alkanes. The process produces 90% of the energy found in the feedstock and creates twice the energy as ethanol production, with no additional heating or distillation required.
A team of researchers from Penn State University has developed a bacteria-driven cell that produces hydrogen for fuel while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. The innovation utilizes a microbial fuel cell to harness the power of microorganisms to generate electricity and purify water.
A new nickel-based alloy with added gadolinium has been verified as safe for the disposal of spent nuclear energy fuel. The alloy can be fabricated in large quantities using conventional techniques and has a higher neutron-absorption capacity than borated stainless steel.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new solid oxide fuel cell that converts liquid transportation fuels into hydrogen, offering a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to current technologies. The cells could lead to widespread adoption of hydrogen power in applications such as cars, trucks, and homes.
Researchers at Rutgers University develop nanostructured iridium surfaces to extract hydrogen from ammonia, enabling efficient fuel cell operation. The process could contribute to the solution of hydrogen economy's storage and transport obstacles.
The researchers designed a microfluidic fuel cell that functions without a physical barrier to separate the fuel and oxidant, utilizing laminar flow instead. This design offers several advantages, including fewer parts and simpler design, as well as compatibility with alkaline chemistry.
Fuel cells could power laptops for a week, reducing recharging time, and provide efficient energy for cars, buses, and mobile devices. UNC researchers are developing liquid precursors to enhance PEM membrane performance, paving the way for more effective fuel cell manufacturing.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed aerodynamic improvements and flow control techniques that can reduce fuel consumption in heavy trucks by as much as 11-12 percent. The technologies, inspired by systems originally developed for jet aircraft wings, also enhance braking and directional control, potentially imp...
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have achieved a major advancement in producing hydrogen from water using high-temperature electrolysis, enhancing efficiency to 45-50%. This technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
A new microbial fuel cell technology can produce up to 72 watts per square meter, generating electricity from organic matter. The device has the potential to power small wastewater treatment plants and treat waste from animal farms and food processing industries.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have invented a new fuel cell material called Battellion TM that can reduce the cost of production, making it more economically viable. The material has improved stability, conductivity, and manufacturing processes, allowing for longer service life and reduced weight compared to existing materials.
Researchers develop polymer films that can close up holes ripped through them by high-speed projectiles, potentially improving aircraft survivability. The material's thermal properties influence its self-healing performance, and a balance between restoring force and elasticity is crucial for optimal results.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Virginia Tech a $600,000 grant to support the development of efficient inexpensive fuel cell materials. The university will work with Battelle, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and several companies to bridge gaps in materials, processes, and test methodologies.
Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.
Solid fuel particles may be a safer alternative to gaseous fuels for use in hazardous environments on Earth, as they burn more efficiently in microgravity. Researchers used the NASA 'Vomit Comet' aircraft to simulate weightlessness and measure burning characteristics of various solid fuel particles.
The Rochester Institute of Technology is developing a new effort to provide logistics, guidance, and information sharing on direct methanol fuel cells for the portable electronics market. CIMS will analyze environmental impacts, life-cycle economics, and develop end-of-life strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
The Penn State team has developed a cheaper microbial fuel cell that produces more electricity from wastewater, with the potential to power small devices. The new design uses carbon paper instead of a proton exchange membrane, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
PNNL's compact steam reformer can produce large amounts of hydrogen-rich gas from a liquid fuel in just 12 seconds, significantly reducing the delay time for hydrogen fueling. The reformer's design features microchannels that provide high rates of heat and mass transport, allowing for faster reactions and reduced system size.
Researchers at Penn State have created a thermally stable coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated as JP900, which can absorb significant amounts of heat and remain stable up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuel has potential benefits in reducing engine deposits and improving cold weather performance.
Fuel cells offer improved efficiency, low emissions, and design flexibility for naval vessels, slashing shipbuilding costs. The Navy's ONR is testing a diesel fuel reformer to develop a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which will be capable of between 37-52 percent efficiency.
The pilot plant uses electrolysis to produce high-purity hydrogen, with a purity exceeding 99.999 percent. The system also compresses natural gas for use as a motor fuel, reducing petroleum use and providing air emissions benefits.
A single-chambered microbial fuel cell prototype has been developed to efficiently treat wastewater and generate electricity. The design reduces energy demands and creates a continuous flow-through system, making it a promising approach for affordable wastewater treatment.
The study found that selling untreated used oil as fuel causes high levels of heavy metal emissions, including zinc and lead. Recycling and re-refining programs are recommended to reduce this environmental burden and promote safer alternatives.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and NASA's Glenn Research Center have partnered to develop new sealing technologies for solid oxide fuel cells. The goal is to improve the strength and fracture toughness of composite glass and glass-ceramic-based seals, enabling long-term stable operation of SOFCs.
Researchers have developed a new method to produce 'pure' hydrogen at low temperatures, reducing carbon monoxide (CO) contamination. The process uses a ruthenium catalyst to convert nearly 100% of CO into carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen.
The Cornell Institute for Fuel Cell Development aims to create more efficient and affordable fuel cells by discovering new materials, potentially using alternative fuels like methanol and ethanol. Researchers hope to find compounds that can overcome the limitations of current fuel cell technology.
Researchers at NIST are studying how different factors affect fuel cell efficiency, including electrical and heating demands, temperatures, humidity, and power systems. The goal is to develop performance ratings that can help consumers understand the financial costs and benefits of fuel cells in various geographic and climate conditions.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon develop Fe-TAML activators that rapidly convert recalcitrant sulfur compounds into easily extracted substances, resulting in nearly sulfur-free fuel. The technology has the potential to aid in the development of cleaner burning and more fuel-efficient automobile engines.
Researchers are investigating how ethanol content affects exhaust emissions from vehicles meeting current and upcoming emission standards. The study aims to better understand the impact of fuel properties on toxic emissions entering the atmosphere.
Researchers argue that improving current cars and environmental rules is more cost-effective than developing hydrogen fuel cells, which require significant investment in infrastructure. Increasing fuel efficiency or raising prices can achieve similar reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions without the need for new infr...
The discovery could significantly reduce costs associated with producing clean energy from fuel cells. Researchers found that a tiny amount of gold or platinum is sufficient to create an active catalyst, paving the way for cost-effective hydrogen production.
The UC Davis entry, 'Yosemite', a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, achieved fuel economy of about 30 miles per gallon with similar performance to a standard Ford Explorer SUV. The team won the competition in 2001 and subsequent awards for Best Dynamic Handling and telematics.
Researchers at Ohio University are exploring ways to integrate coal with fuel cells to produce clean energy. They plan to conduct experiments to improve the efficiency of syngas, a gas mixture produced from coal gasification, which contains hazardous contaminants that can damage fuel cells.
The PNNL-developed microscale fuel processor, the smallest integrated catalytic fuel reformer in the world, provides a low-watt power source for hand-held devices. This compact system enables soldiers to operate essential electronic equipment without added weight or bulk.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new microfluidic fuel cell that can generate electricity under pulsating conditions, mimicking the flow of blood. This design could help power medical implants and eliminate the need for frequent glucose level monitoring in diabetics.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have made a significant breakthrough in fuel cell technology by developing an industrially available starting material for manufacturing proton exchange membranes. The starting material, derived from new copolymers, enables the mass production of fuel cells on an industrial scale.
A new study reports the results of several studies on determining the optimum materials for use as a proton exchange membrane in methanol-based fuel cells. The researchers believe that methanol-based fuel cells could be developed before hydrogen-based fuel cells, providing a convenient and accessible alternative for powering devices.
The MIT study concludes that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not an environmentally friendly solution due to energy consumption and emissions. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, offer a more efficient approach, reducing energy use and emissions by a third compared to current vehicles.
UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies will conduct the first public evaluation of American consumer reactions to fuel cells, studying awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The program aims to identify early markets, educate communities, and design consumer-friendly refueling stations.
Researchers at Alberta Research Council have developed a working demonstration unit of micro fuel cell technology, capable of powering a small electric fan. The single-cell fuel cell uses hydrogen gas as a fuel and can be adapted to run on various fuels, including natural gas and butane.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that adding as little as 10% vegetable oil to diesel fuel reduces friction and wear, achieving similar performance to high-sulfur diesel. The team's tests also showed that oxygen-treated vegetable oil mixtures can meet current emission regulations with minimal oil usage.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to remove hydrogen odorant using adsorbers, enabling the use of pure hydrogen in fuel cells. The system also addresses hydrogen storage concerns by utilizing a metal hydride system based on magnesium, which is stable up to 554 degrees Fahrenheit.