The Effect of Varying Levels of Air Pressure on the
Electrical Output of a Fuel Cell

Corey W.
9th Grade, Palm Bay High, Palm Bay
Teacher: Karen Gill

Click to view close-up

Hypothesis: 1) It is hypothesized that the lower the air pressure surrounding the fuel cell, the lower the output of the fuel cells.
2) It is hypothesized that the higher the air pressure surrounding the fuel cell, the greater the electrical output
3) It is hypothesized that the created fuel cell will function and provide electrical output, but that its output would be less than that of the manufactured fuel cell.

Conclusion: In conclusion, all of the hypotheses were rejected. Hypothesis 1 stated that a decreased atmospheric pressure would decrease the voltage output. Hypothesis 2 stated that an increased atmospheric pressure would increase the voltage output. Both of these statements were disproved by the data. 1.0 atmospheres of pressure, or standard air pressure, provided the lowest electrical voltage yield from both types of fuel cell. While 1.5 atmospheres of pressure increased the voltage yield, it did so only marginally. The decrease in atmospheric pressure to .5 atmospheres provided the greatest electrical yield. Hypothesis 3 stated that the created fuel cell would provide less voltage than the manufactured cell. This was also disproved. At no point during testing did the voltage output of the manufactured cell exceed that of the created cell.