Fuel Cell Technology:
Basics & Applications
sponsored by
University of Delaware Energy Institute
If you would like to register late, please contact Marguerite Mahoney either by email or by phoning (302) 831-8056.
October 17 & 18, 2012
University of Delaware
Newark Campus
Clayton Hall
Course Description
Fuel cells show promise for alleviating major concerns facing our nation and the
world today, such as greenhouse gas emissions, dependence on foreign petroleum,
and urban air quality. The Delaware Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers identified fuel cell technology as a critical topic and was the first subject
they addressed in their professional development seminar series
launched in 2008.
Several types of fuel cells exist spanning a wide range of operating temperatures,
materials, and applications. This interactive course will introduce the history and
operating principles of fuel cells including basic thermodynamics and theoretical
efficiencies, followed by the various loss mechanisms that lead to reduced
performance. You will examine in detail the construction and operation of three
important types of fuel cells: polymer electrolyte membrane, direct methanol, and
solid oxide fuel cells. Discussions will cover the production, storage, and safety of
hydrogen. Finally, you will learn about state-of-the-art examples of fuel cells for
automotive, stationary power, and portable power applications.
Benefits
This course allows you to:
- Develop a broad understanding of the increasingly important and rapidly developing field of fuel cells, including the advantages and disadvantages of this technology;
- Share ideas and experiences with peers from other industries and locations.
Presenter
Ajay Prasad, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware, is the Founder-Director of the Center for Fuel Cell Research. He received his B.Tech. from IIT Bombay in 1983, and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1989. He has held research professor and visiting scientist positions in the Netherlands and India. The Center for Fuel Cell Research was formed to coordinate activities between UD faculty working in this area, and to build ties with industries involved in fuel cells and the hydrogen infrastructure. Professor Prasad also directs the University of Delaware Fuel Cell Bus Program, the goal of which is to develop and demonstrate fuel cell powered transit vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations.
Professor Prasad’s other research interests include wind and ocean current energy, and vehicle-to-grid technology. In addition, he is interested in energy-efficient, solar-powered buildings. He serves on the UDEI Steering Committee and the City of Newark’s Conservation Advisory Committee.
Dr. Prasad received UD’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1998, and was nominated for the US Professors of the Year Award in 2012.
AGENDA TOPICS
I |
Introduction: history, types of fuel cells and their typical applications |
|---|---|
II |
Thermodynamics and theoretical efficiency of fuel cells |
III |
Energy and EMF of fuel cells, loss mechanisms |
IV |
Construction and operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells |
V |
Construction and operation of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells |
VI |
Construction and operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells |
VII |
Hydrogen production, storage, and safety |
VIII |
State-of-the-art examples of automotive, portable electronic, and stationary power applications of fuel cells - Includes tour of Dr. Prasad's lab + tour and ride on the fuel cell bus! |
Wednesday, October 17: Short Course - DuPont Hall (Newark Campus)
8 am - continental breakfast and registration
Class time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday, October 18: Fuel Cell Symposium - Clayton Hall
Click here to view the Symposium Program
8 am - continental breakfast and registration
Symposium Sessions: 8:30 am-3 pm
- Who should attend?
Academic and industry personnel intereted in the operating principles and applications of fuel cells. A background in science or engineering will be helpful.
- Why should you or someone you know attend?
Fuel cells are a promising energy conversion device for automotive, stationary power, and portable electronics applications. They are clean and efficient in comparison to internal combustion engines. Fuel cells have an important role to play as the world looks for renewable energy sources. This short course will give you a firm understanding of fuel cell science and technology.
- What do I have to do to attend/participate?
Just register using the site provided. Registrants will be provided with all of the required materials including a binder with all course notes.If you would like to register late, please contact Marguerite Mahoney either by email or by phoning (302) 831-8056.
The PRESENTER
Ajay Prasad, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware, is the Founder-Director of UD's Center for Fuel Cell Research. He received his B.Tech. from IIT Bombay in 1983, and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1989. He has held research professor and visiting scientist positions in the Netherlands and India. The Center for Fuel Cell Research was formed to coordinate activities between UD faculty working in this area, and to build ties with industries involved in fuel cells and the hydrogen infrastructure. Professor Prasad also directs the University of Delaware Fuel Cell Bus Program, the goal of which is to develop and demonstrate fuel cell powered transit vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations.
Professor Prasad’s other research interests include wind and ocean current energy, and vehicle-to-grid technology. In addition, he is interested in energy-efficient, solar-powered buildings. He serves on the UDEI Steering Committee and the City of Newark’s Conservation Advisory Committee.
Dr. Prasad received UD’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1998, and was nominated for the US Professors of the Year Award in 2012.
THE CENTER FOR FUEL CELL RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
The Center for Fuel Cell Research (CFCR) was created within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the
University of Delaware in 2009. This interdisciplinary Center conducts fundamental and applied research in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Research topics include novel
cost-effective materials and architectures for the electrolyte, electrocatalysts,
catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer, and bipolar plates; two-phase flow and transport;
durability under cyclical hygrothermal loading; new strategies for water and heat
management; freeze-resistant stacks; and improved tolerance to contaminants in the
fuel and oxidant streams. Research goals are to improve fuel cell performance,
power density, efficiency, and durability through experiments and modeling studies, while enabling cost-effective manufacturing
and commercialization. Hydrogen production, storage, and distribution are
also major research topics. The CFCR, which collaborates with companies
engaged in the development of fuel cells, as well as hydrogen infrastructure activities. It also provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to participate in fuel cell research and demonstration projects.
REGISTRATION and GENERAL INFORMATION
Program Fees include continental breakfast, UD parking, and course notes. Lunch is not included, but Newark offers many convenient, affordable options.
Short Course (includes FREE symposium registration):
| Academic Rate: | $295/person* |
| All Others: | $325/person* |
*This low registration rate is possible because of funding through the University of Delaware Energy Institute.
View the course agenda above.
Symposium ONLY (Thursday, October 18): This event is FREE and open to the public. Prior registration is required.
Click here to view the Symposium Program
REGISTRATION DUE DATE : October 10, 2012
NOTE: Later registrations accepted pending availability of space and materials.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION : An e-mail confirmation will be sent by October 15, along with directions to campus and parking.
CANCELLATIONS and SUBSTITUTIONS : Refunds will be granted if the request is received in writing by October 10. No refunds after October 10, but substitutions are permitted at any time.
ACCOMMODATIONS and TRANSPORTATION : Participants are responsible for making their own housing and transportation arrangements.. Air transportation should be arranged to either Philadelphia or Baltimore airport. Call early and ask if the University of Delaware affiliated rates are available for the dates you are requesting from the following hotels, which are each about one mile from campus:
Courtyard by Marriott (0.7 mi) - UD Campus Hotel - 400 Pencader Way, Newark, DE, 1-302737-0900 www.udel.edu/hotel/ (UD preferred rate: $162+tax/night)
Embassy Suites (1.3 mi) - 654 S. College Ave., Newark, DE, 1-302-368-8000 book.delawarehotels.org/hotel/?refid=1059&rs_hid=825103 (UD preferred rate: $149+tax/night)
Sleep Inn (1.2 mi) - 630 S. College Ave. (Rt.896N), Newark , DE , 1-302-453-1700 www.sleepinn.com/hotel-newark-delaware-DE015 (UD preferred rate: $79+tax/night)
Register on-line!
