Fuel Cell Evaluation and Research Center
Leading Professor: Dr.
Bade Shrestha
Department of Mechanical
and Aeronautical Engineering
The
research focus of the center is on the performance and efficiency evaluation of
various PEM and Alkaline fuel cells. The effect of various operating parameters
such as pressure, temperature, humidity, load, atmospheric impurities and
composition are investigated. The transient performance and control strategies
are also the area of investigation both experimentally and analytically through
simulation and modeling.
The
next area of research is focused on the electrochemical phenomena of the
electrode materials, catalysts (noble or non-noble metals), process of loading
of catalyst and assembly methodology of membrane-electrolyte-assembly. It also
includes the research and development of enhanced bipolar, mono-polar and
simulation model development using CFD.
The
center is used both in teaching and research for undergraduate and graduate
students.
The List of major
equipment:
1. Fuel
Cell Test Station
2.
Hydrogen Generating System
3. Test
PEM and Alkaline Fuel Cells
4.
Impedance Meter
5. Gas chronography
Fuel Cell Test Station
n
Up to 3 KW capacity testing
n
Two mass flow meters in each side
n
DPH humidifying system
n
Cooling system
n
Temperature control
n
Automated data acquisition system
On going research areas
n
Optimization, Modeling and Simulation of PEM and AFC
n
New Electrode Development using Nano
Technology Architecture
n
Development of Micro Fuel Cell Technology
n
Alternative Electrolyte Member Research
n
FC Micro Channel Modeling and Experiment Research
For more information
please contact Dr. Bade Shrestha at Bade.Shrestha@wmich.edu