Member Article

Teesside scientists have a hand in London art

A stunning work of art launched in London to mark London Architectural Biennale 2006 has involved the practical skills of Teesside scientists. The London Oasis has been designed to create a “tranquil oasis”, with five pods at its base where people can relax and enjoy cleaner cooled air and relaxing sounds. The self-sustaining art, which is a monument to the human senses, is powered by a range of renewable energy supplies. One of the new energy technologies used to bring the sculpture to life is a fuel cell - a device which converts a fuel into electricity – and keeps doing so, as long as fuel is supplied to it. The team behind the Oasis turned to scientists at Tees Valley’s Centre for Process Innovation for practical advice on how to ensure the fuel cell was suitable, that it worked properly and that it would meet all relevant health and safety standards. The CPI fuel cell team brought the cell to their purpose-built laboratory at Wilton Centre on Teesside, where they ran it and tested it, making some modifications along the way. They also supported the Oasis team with a package of advice on how to treat the methanol liquid fuel that powers it.Jon Helliwell, project manager at CPI’s fuel cell facility, said: “The Oasis is a whole sensory experience and it was an interesting project for us to work on. “We understand that it may be replicated elsewhere in London and we are happy to provide any more help and support needed as this helps us spread the word about The Centre for Process Innovation and how fuel cells can be employed for any number of uses from industrial and domestic to artistic!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .