Revolutionizing Energy for Underwater Robots: Hydrogen-Powered Gliders
Key Ideas
  • A new hydrogen-based energy system for autonomous underwater robots has been developed, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution compared to lithium batteries.
  • The system uses a fuel cell powered by hydrogen and oxygen, with oxygen being extracted from seawater, giving the gliders a greater range for exploration.
  • The prototype system, based on a polymer membrane technology, shows potential for longer operational periods and higher energy density, hinting at a promising future for marine technology.
  • Researchers plan to further optimize the system through the MUSE project, collaborating with renowned institutes to advance marine technology and infrastructure.
Scientists have introduced a novel energy system for autonomous underwater robots, particularly ocean gliders, utilizing hydrogen and oxygen instead of traditional lithium batteries. This new system addresses the challenges posed by lithium batteries during underwater operations, while also reducing project costs and providing a more sustainable solution. The technology, developed by scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, employs a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, allowing the gliders to have a wider exploration range. Through a polymer membrane technology, the system extracts oxygen from seawater, mimicking the oxygen extraction process of fish gills. The prototype system, based on guidelines derived from a mathematical model, demonstrates the feasibility of this concept. The system eliminates the need for onboard oxygen storage, allowing for additional hydrogen storage, which increases energy density and reduces operating costs compared to current battery solutions. The researchers have emphasized the environmental benefits of hydrogen as an energy source over batteries, highlighting its sustainability. Researchers are planning to optimize the system further as part of the MUSE project, in collaboration with other institutes like the Alfred Wegener Institute and GEOMAR Helmholtz Center. This collaborative effort aims to enhance marine technology and infrastructure, promising a bright future for hydrogen-powered marine exploration.
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