People have long been fascinated by the seafloor and what it could reveal about marine life and the world at large. However, a relatively newer development is the use of fuel cells to support that research. Here is a look at what’s possible.
Making Ocean Research Greener
Many of the world’s scientists who study oceans fully realize the importance of being mindful of the planet while furthering their research. One recent example of this mindset in action occurred when decision-makers at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography selected a naval architect to design a hybrid vessel. It will reportedly complete 75% of its missions using hydrogen.
That’s possible due to an innovative hybrid propulsion system that relies on hydrogen fuel cells and energy from a diesel-electric power plant. Together, these aspects will enable zero-emissions operations for the 125-foot vessel. Diesel generators will provide the extra power required during its lengthier missions.
The people behind the project indicated seafloor mapping would be one of the proposed uses for the vessel due to its onboard sensors. It will also be capable of midwater fishery imaging, geological and biological sample collection and support for missions involving airborne drones.
Working on Creating Fuel Cells From Algae
One frequent conclusion made by ocean researchers is there are not always clear-cut answers about whether something is harmful or beneficial. Some things are both, depending on the specifics. Algae is a good example.
Cyanobacteria — better known as blue-green algae — and planktonic algae produce microcystin toxins. Research suggests these can cause liver, kidney and reproductive system damage in humans. It’s a similar story for marine life, which often experiences knock-on effects related to algae. For example, a Californian heat wave that lasted longer than a year contributed to toxic algae blooms that hurt marine life.
However, researchers are also working on making hydrogen fuel cells from algae. One way of doing it is to combine microbial fuel cells with microalgal photobioreactors. It’s also worth noting many types of microalgae have diatoms, which can turn accumulated fats and cellulose into hydrogen. There’s still a lot of work to do to turn the existing scientific research in this area into real-world applications.
Progress could mean vessels used for seafloor research might eventually contain these novel fuel cells. Work at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science focuses in a similar vein. Teams there hope to use the lipid-based components of wild algae to make fuels for transportation. They even anticipate using non-lipid parts of algae cells as organic fertilizer.
Improving Subsea Power Access
A persistent challenge associated with seafloor research and other types of marine exploration relates to the difficulty in sourcing reliable, long-term power for researchers’ equipment and instruments. The current typical solutions are batteries — which may run out of energy too quickly — and cables, which are often complex to install. A research project in Germany might hold some valuable clues and answers for solving these problems.
The initiative tested fuel cell power in a long-term seafloor observatory. The system created for the effort has an approximate 120-kilowatt-hour capacity and a maximum output of one kilowatt. Thus, it offers ten times the ability of the options that take energy from primary cells or rechargeable batteries.
Scientists also discovered this project had another sustainable angle. It could prevent the use of more than 13,000 primary batteries usually deployed during seafloor research.
The team has already conducted the first test of the system. Even though there’s more work to do, they hope their achievements enable using vital research equipment for extended periods.
An Exciting Future for Fuel Cells and Ocean Research
The projects discussed here are still in the relatively early stages. Even so, it’s easy to see there’s a lot to be hopeful about concerning how fuel cells could positively change seafloor research and other types of ocean discoveries.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
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