Revolutionizing Ocean Exploration: Artificial Gills Power Robotic Sea Gliders
Key Ideas
- Researchers in Germany have developed an artificial gill system that extracts oxygen from seawater to power robotic sea gliders, enabling extended missions and outperforming battery-based systems.
- The system utilizes a PEM fuel cell with hydrogen stored in metal hydride, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to lithium batteries commonly used in ocean gliders.
- The innovative membrane technology mimics fish gills, allowing oxygen extraction from seawater while blocking liquid water, presenting a promising shift towards environmentally friendly ocean exploration methods.
- By eliminating the need for onboard oxygen storage, the system enables higher energy density, lower operating costs, and longer operation periods, highlighting the potential for advancements in long-duration ocean glider missions.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany have developed an artificial gill system that extracts oxygen from seawater to power robotic sea gliders, leading to extended and efficient ocean exploration missions. This innovation employs a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, with hydrogen stored in metal hydride, offering a sustainable alternative to lithium batteries typically used in such applications. The system's membrane technology, inspired by fish gills, allows for efficient oxygen extraction from seawater while preventing the passage of liquid water. By replacing the need for onboard oxygen storage, the system achieves higher energy density and lower operating costs, ultimately enabling longer operation periods for ocean gliders. The membrane module, a key innovation in the system, plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen efficiently, resembling fish gills in its function. The researchers highlight the potential of their design as a promising alternative to traditional batteries for extended ocean glider missions, emphasizing increased efficiency and sustainability in ocean exploration. Published in the journal Advanced Science, this research signifies a significant step towards environmentally friendly and technologically advanced methods in marine science and robotics.
Topics
Power
Renewable Energy
Ocean Exploration
Environmental Technology
Robotics
Research & Innovation
Marine Science
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