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fuel cells
Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, MadelineB, Moderators
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deleted-227108
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- Project Question: turning plants into biofuel with the power of enzymes
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fuel cells
I would like to start my science fair experiment now but I've been having trouble choosing a way to test my experiment. I chose to do the science buddies "fuel cell-fueling the future" experiment, but it does not necessarily test something or lets me make a clear hypothesis about a question I need to answer. I'd like to know how I could make this experiment more of my own and if perhaps I could actually test something with my hydro generating fuel cell. I want to be able to possibly power something with the electricity I will be generating from hydrogen and oxygen.
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SciB
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Re: fuel cells
Hi Liz,
Fuel cells are a great idea for a future renewable source of power that does not involve fossil fuels. Scibuddies has several projects on fuel cells other than the one you mentioned. I personally like the project that uses microbes from the soil to generate electricity: (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p071.shtml)
This project has a kit that provides all the components necessary to build the cell. You will also have to buy or borrow a digital voltmeter to measure the electrical output. The current is used to light up some colored LEDs but you might be able to use it to power a small motor if you tweaked up the power.
Certain anaerobic bacteria (grow in the absence of oxygen) in the dirt are the source of the electricity in this project and so if you could somehow increase their number or activity there should be more power generated. You could experiment with soil from different locations. These bacteria are often found in the muck under bodies of water so if you have a pond nearby or live near a bay you could get a scoopful of mud from the bottom and compare that to garden soil.
You might also try stimulating bacterial growth and power production by adding some nutrients such as glucose to the soil. The project instructions have you compare soil alone and after adding a bit of sodium chloride as an electrolyte to increase conductivity. Temperature of the soil should also affect bacterial activity so you could test the effect of warming the cell on electrical output.
Check out the other fuel cell projects and see if there is something that sparks your interest. Let us know when you need more help.
Good luck!
Sybee
Fuel cells are a great idea for a future renewable source of power that does not involve fossil fuels. Scibuddies has several projects on fuel cells other than the one you mentioned. I personally like the project that uses microbes from the soil to generate electricity: (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p071.shtml)
This project has a kit that provides all the components necessary to build the cell. You will also have to buy or borrow a digital voltmeter to measure the electrical output. The current is used to light up some colored LEDs but you might be able to use it to power a small motor if you tweaked up the power.
Certain anaerobic bacteria (grow in the absence of oxygen) in the dirt are the source of the electricity in this project and so if you could somehow increase their number or activity there should be more power generated. You could experiment with soil from different locations. These bacteria are often found in the muck under bodies of water so if you have a pond nearby or live near a bay you could get a scoopful of mud from the bottom and compare that to garden soil.
You might also try stimulating bacterial growth and power production by adding some nutrients such as glucose to the soil. The project instructions have you compare soil alone and after adding a bit of sodium chloride as an electrolyte to increase conductivity. Temperature of the soil should also affect bacterial activity so you could test the effect of warming the cell on electrical output.
Check out the other fuel cell projects and see if there is something that sparks your interest. Let us know when you need more help.
Good luck!
Sybee