Physics Project Abstract
THE FUEL CELL: A POWER SOURCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Presenters:
Vivian C. Lau, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; vlau@imsa.edu
Casey Liang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; xixi12@imsa.edu
Olaocha N. Nwabara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; cha21@imsa.edu
Sang T. Oh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; uni012@imsa.edu
Michael D. Sapthavee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; mikesap@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Dr. David Workman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Physics, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5915; workman@imsa.edu
Abstract:
The goal of our Inquiry is to become acquainted with fuel cell technology. We used a working model of a fuel cell to gain a better understanding of how these revolutionary energy sources function. One type of fuel cell uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to extract electrons from hydrogen molecules. These electrons then provide an electric current. This remarkable concept of using gas to produce electricity is relatively new and still primitive. The hope is that researchers will soon correct some of the flaws in the cell and be able to implement the use of fuel cells more and more. Using only blocks of lead, fiberglass, mylar, sheet metal, and a manufactured PEM, we constructed a one stack K-18 hard graphite convection single slice fuel cell, which produced 1 volt of power. We have obtained a manufactured sixteen stack, 10 volt, 120 amp fuel cell from Gas Technology Institute. Both fuel cells function the same way, taking electrons from hydrogen gas; it is the additional stacks that increase the voltage and current. Comparison to our K-18 fuel cell is currently underway.