HyperSolar files patent for new hydrogen fuel production technology

Company files joint patent with the University of California, Santa Barbara

HyperSolar, developers of hybrid technology combining fuel cells and solar power, has announced that it has filed a patent application alongside the University of California, Santa Barbara. The patent outlines a method of manufacturing multi-junction photosynthetic cells. The patent claims that this would lead to low cost and high voltage solar cells that can be used to produce hydrogen fuel. Multi-junction photosynthetic cells could be a boon for the emerging hydrogen infrastructure that is taking root in many parts of the world.

Fuel cells are gaining more attention around the world

The fuel cell industry has been receiving a great deal of attention in recent months. Large companies, such as Walmart, are purchasing fuel cells from companies like Plug Power for various purposes. Moreover, most of the world's major automakers, such as BMW and Hyundai, are developing hydrogen-powered vehicles that are slated for release at some point in the near future. As large companies continue to focus on fuel cells, their need for hydrogen is growing. Supply has been somewhat lacking, however, due to the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

Cost effective hydrogen production is becoming a priority

Using solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel has become a very popular concept. Currently, much of the world's hydrogen is produced through the use of fossil-fuels. This makes hydrogen somewhat less environmentally friendly than it is often touted as being. Tapping into solar power allows hydrogen production to be considerably more environmentally friendly and is, in most cases, an efficient process. HyperSolar has pioneered innovative ways to use solar power to generate hydrogen.

New technologies may help reduce the cost of fuel cell energy systems

Developing low cost hydrogen production systems has become a priority for the fuel cell industry. Fuel cells are often criticized because of their high cost. The high cost of fuel cell manufacture and deployment is something that has kept the adoption of these energy systems relatively low. As more cost effective technologies become available, fuel cells are likely to become less expensive and more attractive to a wider range of consumers and businesses.