A group of students created an innovative prototype device that allows for the generation and storage of hydrogen through the use of renewable energies. However, what is surprising is not the invention itself, but the fact that this device received the James Dyson 2024-Spain Award and participated in the Prototypes for Humanity in Dubai.
This prototype, designed by the startup created by Lucas Vicén, a chemical engineering student from IQS, along with the design students from Elisava, Anna Martin and Marcel Rovira, has the ability to obtain hydrogen from metal hydrides. Furthermore, it can also accumulate and transform it into electrical energy or fuel, depending on different needs.
The Atom H2, the name of the prototype, had the support of IQS Tech Factory, the area of the university center that promotes entrepreneurship among the institution’s community, including researchers and professors from the center. Thanks to this support, the prototype achieved a TRL, that is, a Technology Release Level of 5, making it functional.
In addition to the students, three researchers participated in this project: Dr. Javier Fernández García, from the Department of Chemical Engineering and a member of the Environmental Process Engineering and Simulation Group, who advised them on different processes. Robert Texidó Bartés, from the same department, helped with the preparation of the alloy, particle size, and its operation. Finally, the students had the contribution of Dr. Jordi Abellà Iglesias, a professor from the Department of Analytical Chemistry and a member of the Electrochemistry and Bioanalysis Group, who advised them on the study of alloys and work in an inert atmosphere.
Prototype that will allow to generate and store hydrogen. Photo: Ecoticias.[/caption>
Recognitions of this innovative prototype
The Atom H2 prototype was one of the 100 projects presented in the second edition of the Prototypes for Humanity program, held in Dubai. This event brings together and showcases the most striking and suggested technological innovations from the academic world that also have the potential to improve the future.
Furthermore, the prototype was crowned winner of the James Dyson 2024-Spain Award during the presentation of the international design and sustainability competition held in September. In this competition, young engineers and scientists are encouraged to offer different solutions to global problems.
In this latest edition, close to 2,000 unique technological proposals were presented with the aim of addressing issues ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability.
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