TOPIC INSIGHT • 專題探討 2023 UMAGAZINE 28 • 澳大新語 37 Enhancing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Efficiency Hydrogen energy, known for its pollution-free properties, is considered a green fuel for future power generation and transportation. The stability of fuel cells plays a crucial role in the development of hydrogen energy. A research team at UM has developed an online algorithm system that can rapidly and accurately measure the oxygen content in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), to ensure the normal operation of the cells and prolong their lifespan. Zhang Ping, assistant professor in the Department of Ocean Science and Technology, and doctoral student Li Zhejun are the project leaders. Just as humans cannot live without oxygen, PEMFCs also require an adequate supply of oxygen. Insufficient oxygen can hinder the oxygen reduction reaction, leading to a ‘suffocating’ effect and causing detrimental effects on the cell’s lifespan. Prof Zhang further explains that PEMFCs often use proton exchange membranes as the electrolyte. When the cell is in a low oxygen state and experiences a sudden increase in load, it can result in uneven heating and the formation of pinholes in the membrane, causing irreversible damage. The algorithm system utilises machine learning techniques such as Gaussian Process Classification, Latin Hypercube Sampling, and kernel density estimation to accurately determine the oxygen stoichiometry in the process of hydrogen energy conversion, that is, electricity generation from hydrogen in PEMFCs. It addresses issues of With the support of CYTC, the BSG cat litter project achieved rapid progress within six months in formulation experiments, product prototype testing, and small-scale production. The team also carried out further optimisation and improvement of the product at UM’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Thanks to guidance from multiple parties, BioPeTech gradually transformed its initial idea into a tangible product. In 2021, the team collaborated with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with the help of CYTC, establishing a presence in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks for further research and development. This move helps navigate the sugar phagocytic fungus technology towards a more mature and stable stage, laying a solid foundation for BioPeTech’s future development. In April this year, BioPeTech, through matching funding from the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macao, engaged in industry-academia collaboration with Prof Wong Seng Fat as an alumni company. They have completed the technical validation of the BSG cat litter, ensuring the product is safe for kittens in case of accidental ingestion of the litter. Currently, BioPeTech has expanded into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and established a footing at OVO PLUS, an incubator located in the Nansha district of Guangzhou. This allows the company to tap into local resources and seek strategic partners for sales, with the aim of introducing their product to the mainland market. 澳大開發能提升氫燃料電池穩定性的技術 UM develops technologies to enhance the stability of hydrogen fuel cells
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