Development of Hydrogen Based Power Systems for ITS Applications - FY10 NATSRL
Principal Investigator:
Venkatram Mereddy, Associate Professor, UMD-Chemistry and Biochemistry
Project Summary:
Many remote traffic signals do not have access to a regular power supply and thus are powered with batteries, which frequently need to be recharged. Hydrogen fuel cells are clean and highly efficient sources of energy and have been proposed as a replacement to conventional batteries in remote traffic signals. One major drawback, however, to hydrogen fuel cells is their use of compressed metal cylinders as their hydrogen source. The goal of this project is to develop a new, chemical-based hydrogen source for these fuel cells. Researchers will also investigate how to recycle the spent materials. The new fuel cells could also be used as backup power sources at critical traffic signals to prevent accidents during power outages. Other possible ITS applications include alternating traffic signs, directional signals, speed-limit signs, blinkers in series, and warning blinkers.
Sponsors:
- ITS Institute (RITA)
Project Details:
- Start date: 06/2009
- Project Status: Active
- Research Area: Transportation Safety and Traffic Flow