Research on residential fuel cells being supported by NIST grant

July 31, 2014 0 By Bret Williams

GIS receives grant from federal NIST for its continued research into fuel cells

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) has received a grant from the National Institute of Standards (NIST). The federal technology agency has issued the grant in order to help fund the final phase of a research project that is focused on fuel cell technology. GIS researchers have been examining fuel cells for some time and believe that these energy systems could be used for residential power applications.

Researchers are working to improve fuel cell energy systems that can be used in homes

Over the past two phases of the GIS project, researchers have been experimenting with prototype hydrogen fuel cells that are able to provide electrical power for homes. Fuel cell technology is becoming more popular as primary energy systems in the residential sector, but before these energy systems can see widespread adoption, they must be better understood. A better understanding of how these fuel cells work could open up the way for a new generation of less expensive and more capable fuel cell energy systems.

Grant will help fund the latest phase of the GIS research projectfuel cells - residential energy receiving support

The grant from NIST, which is bringing nearly $100,000 to GIS, will be used to fund further research based on the past two phases of the project. During the next phase of the project, researchers will be using a lawn mower that is equipped with a fuel cell energy system. Researchers intend to show that a fuel cell system can adequately power residential appliances with little to no trouble.

Fuel cells have economic and environmental benefits

Using fuel cells in the residential sector has environmental and economic benefits. In terms of the environment, GIS researchers have found that using these energy systems can significantly reduce a home’s carbon emissions, thereby making it more environmentally friendly. Fuel cells can also cut down on energy costs, as they can produce and deliver electrical power in a somewhat efficient manner. With the cost of fossil-fuels on the rise, these energy systems may soon become much more popular in the residential space.

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