Unleash your creativity and invent your own clean energy applications using a small electric motor powered by a fuel cell. This engaging project allows students to explore the intricate relationships between renewable energy sources and chemical reactions while applying concepts from chemistry and physics.

Project Overview

1. Hydrogen Production: Utilize a reversible PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell to perform water electrolysis, generating hydrogen. The hydrogen produced will be a key element in your clean energy applications.

2. Wind Power Generation: Power the PEM fuel cell with a wind turbine designed with profiled blades based on NASA aeronautics. This turbine will harness wind energy to provide the necessary electricity for water electrolysis.

3. Energy Conversion: Convert the hydrogen back into electrical energy using the fuel cell. This electricity can then be utilized to power small devices, such as a fan, demonstrating the complete cycle of energy transformation from wind to hydrogen to electricity.

Learning Objectives

• Stoichiometry and Reaction Rates: Delve into the stoichiometric relationships involved in the electrolysis of water. Explore how the rate of hydrogen production can vary with different parameters, such as temperature and voltage. This hands-on experience reinforces key chemistry concepts and allows for experimentation and data analysis.

• Physics Concepts: Apply principles of physics, such as angular velocity and drag force, to design and build an efficient wind turbine. Students can experiment with different blade designs and angles to optimize the turbine's performance, understanding how these factors affect energy generation.

Creative Exploration

Encourage students to think critically and innovate by inventing various clean energy applications. They can experiment with different configurations and designs, aiming to enhance the efficiency of their wind turbine and the overall hydrogen production process.

Educational Impact

This project not only fosters a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies but also promotes interdisciplinary learning. By integrating chemistry and physics concepts, students gain practical experience that prepares them for future challenges in energy sustainability and environmental science. The skills developed through this project will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to pursue innovative solutions in clean energy.