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Faculty
and Student Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Energy Sciences and
Technology Department
Advance Fuels Group
Requesting applications from science,
engineering or technology faculty members at institutions serving students
underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, to
work on performance and durability problems related to Polymer Electrolyte
Membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
Project Description
The
United
State
is encouraging the development of clean and reliable sources of energy to
maintain a healthy environment and enhance our national homeland security
by reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil. The Polymer
Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells offer an excellent potential for
high efficiency and economical viability.
However, cost and
durability are still the two main challenges facing this relatively new
technology. Economic studies,
technical testing and optimization of the key components of a PEM fuel
cell system combined with the development of cost effective materials for
high volume manufacturing processes is of our national interst. The intent
of this program is to conduct research and development on the following
three tasks.
1.
Characterization of the current
collectors and bipolar plates utilizing scan electron microscopes (SEM) to
determine the existence of localized corrosion, evaluate the degree of
severity and recommend solutions. Apply and test various types of
corrosion resistant coatings using different base bipolar plate’s
materials to identify corrosion current, surface contact resistance, and
surface wet-ability.
2.
Identify the
advantages/disadvantages of a high temperature membrane vs. low
temperature when metallic bipolar plates are utilized. Recommendations are
expected for the appropriate design to guarantee uniform distribution of
compression stresses generated by the bipolar plates on the gas diffusion
layer (GDL) and MEA.
3.
Development of reliable thermal
and humidity management systems for PEM fuel cell power stack Air and/or
liquid cooling system(s) will be considered. Selection and testing of
sensors and compatible control system is an important part of this task.
The students and faculty would
be most heavily involved with task 1.
If the applicants have experience in thermal management systems,
they will also be involved in Tasks 2 & 3.
Applicants Responsibilities
and Relationship to Project Applicants will
receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team
Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research
team at BNL for up to 10 weeks during the year starting in June of 2006,
Summer and academic year visits to BNL will be scheduled by mutual
agreement between staff in the Energy Sciences and Technology department
and the successful applicant. Ideally faculty will work at BNL on the
project for 10 weeks during the summer in the first year. Faculty will be
expected to identify students from their campus to participate in the FaST
program offered by the Department of Energy at BNL. Faculty will provide
some mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer
research activities. It is expected that the Faculty member will become an
integral part of the research team working on this project and will
support the project through the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: | Ph.D. with experience in PEM
fuel cell’s bipolar plates and power stack thermal and humidity management
systems. Works well in a
collaborative environment with students and other researchers. Currently
teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field.
Possesses good written and verbal communication skills.
Willing to work at BNL for an extended period during the summer. |
| Student: | Working towards a BS in
engineering or related fields with an emphasis on fuel cell thermal and
materials problems. Works well in collaboration with faculty, other
students, and researchers. Possesses
good written and verbal communication skills.
Willing to work at BNL for an extended period. Willing to perform
data collection and analysis in the field. |
Support
and Financial Commitments See Financial Information.
For More Information contact:
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