Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hexapedal Robot for Long Duration Operation
Problem statement
Current robots utilize LiPo, NiMH, NiCd, and Lithium ion type batteries. All of these have shortcomings, such as energy density, lifespan, battery duration, temperature sensitivity, recharging, and environmental factors. Having a large recharge time significantly decreases the efficiency of the robots our client is developing. This can be a frustrating process for researchers as work efficiency can be affected greatly. Hydrogen fuel cells are an attractive alternative to these traditional power supplies. It boasts a high concentration of energy, virtually unlimited lifespan, variable robot activity duration, less sensitivity to temperature, <5 minute recharge time, and is environmentally friendly. Using hydrolysis to produce hydrogen from intermittent renewable energy has a minimal carbon footprint; the United States Department of Energy is currently funding research of this technology. [2]. The catalyst and chemical reaction in the fuel cell is also environmentally friendly. Hydrogen fuel cells are capable of replacing batteries and other power sources, as evidenced by the US DOE investing $400,000,000 into hydrogen and fuel cell research in 2022 [3]. Based on preliminary research, the integration of a hydrogen cell as the sole power supply for a hexapedal robot has not been investigated. Our goal is to integrate these two technologies and provide a proof of concept that can be scaled up in future research.
Team members
Seth Hazen – leader
John Jarosz – communicator
Mitchell Erickson – accountant
Isaac Reesor – admin
Client
Luca Mastropasqua