Nature-Inspired Design Boosts Fuel Cell Efficiency by 30%
Key Ideas
- Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new fuel cell flow field inspired by lizard skin and plant leaves, increasing peak power density by 30%.
- The design improvement focuses on better water management and reactant distribution, leading to a more even distribution of water and more effective use of the catalyst.
- The nature-inspired design showed promising results in laboratory tests, with detailed imaging at the Canadian Light Source providing insights for further optimization.
- The team plans to scale up the design for larger systems and utilize computer modeling to enhance performance, aiming to contribute to greener energy solutions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a novel fuel cell flow field design inspired by patterns found on lizard skin and plant leaves. The aim was to address the limitation in current fuel cells related to water management and reactant distribution. By mimicking nature's ability to channel water effectively, the team achieved a 30% increase in peak power density compared to existing designs. This improvement allowed for a more even distribution of water within the cell, leading to better utilization of the catalyst (platinum) and improved reactant distribution.
Using the Canadian Light Source, detailed cross-sectional images of the new fuel cell in operation revealed how water was effectively moved within the cell, showcasing a more homogeneous distribution. The team plans to further enhance the design by building and testing a larger cell, leveraging computer modeling to optimize performance for larger systems. The researchers are optimistic about the potential of nature-inspired designs to contribute to sustainable and efficient energy solutions, showcasing the power of biomimicry in advancing green technologies.