Hydrogen Powers Up the Small Engine Market

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=47227

In a new development that could make fuel cells practical for small machines such as lawnmowers and chainsaws, researchers at Princeton University have developed a new mechanism to efficiently control hydrogen fuel cell power. The secret of their success is a system in which the fuel input itself changes the size of the reaction chamber, and therefore the amount of power produced.

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The new process controls the hydrogen feed to match the required power output, just as one controls the feed of gasoline into an internal combustion engine. The system functions as a closed system that uses the waste water to regulate the size of the reaction chamber, the site where the gasses combine to form water, heat and electricity.

Many standard fuel cell designs use electronics to control power output, but such designs require complex systems to manage humidity and fuel recovery and recycling systems to achieve acceptable efficiency. Because the new design is closed, 100 percent of the fuel is used and there is no need for a costly fuel recycling system.

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"The system is ideal for small internal combustion engines that lack emissions controls and are highly polluting," said Benziger. "There is also no need for an extensive hydrogen distribution system for these small motors; the hydrogen could be supplied in returnable tanks such as the propane tanks used for gas grills."

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