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Y.A. Elabd
Assistant Professor
Chemical & Biological Engineering
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.895.0986
Fax: 215.895.5837
Email: elabd@drexel.edu |
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Transport Phenomena in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Yossef A. Elabd
Drexel University
Abstract
Fuel cells, an innovative alternative to current power sources, offer the potential to achieve higher efficiencies with renewable fuels at a lower environmental cost. In particular, the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell has generated interest for large market applications, such as transportation and portable electronics. A key element in this fuel cell is the PEM, which exchanges protons from the anode to the cathode to derive electrical energy directly from a chemical fuel. However, the PEM is also the component that contributes to significant power losses and low efficiencies. This is due to low proton conductivities at higher temperatures (hydrogen PEM fuel cell) and high fuel crossover rates (methanol PEM fuel cell) in PEMs currently used. For both issues, the transport of molecules and ions in the PEM plays a critical role in the performance of a fuel cell.
Our laboratory has investigated the morphology, transport properties, and fuel cell performance of both ionic block copolymer and ionic blend membranes. In ionic block copolymer membranes, morphology, which was controlled by ion content and membrane formation conditions, has a significant impact on the transport of ions and small molecules. In ionic blend membranes, morphology (phase behavior), which was controlled by blend composition and annealing conditions, has a significant impact on selectivity (proton conductivity/methanol flux). The observed results were in good agreement with fuel cell performance data. In addition to using conventional transport measurement techniques, time-resolved Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy was used to study multicomponent transport phenomena in PEMs on a molecular scale for both the hydrogen and methanol PEM fuel cells. These experimental results will be presented, where the findings provide new insights for future PEM design for improved fuel cell performance.
Bio
Yossef (Joe) A. Elabd is an associate professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Drexel University. He received his PhD and BS both in chemical engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2001) and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (1995), respectively. From 2001-2003, Prof. Elabd served as an NRC postdoctoral fellow at the Army Research Laboratory in Aberdeen, Maryland. He has received the NSF CAREER Award (2007), DuPont Science and Engineering Award (2005), ARO Young Investigator Award (2004), and the NRC Postdoctoral Award (2001). His research interests include fuel cells, polymer science, and diffusion in polymers. |
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John Bøgild Hansen
Senior Scientist | Company Management
Haldor Topsøe A/S
Nymøllevej 55
DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Phone: +45 4527 2459 (direct) |
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Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
John Bøgild Hansen
Haldor Topsøe A/S
Abstract
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology is very promising because it is fuel flexible, very efficient and potentially very reliable.
The presentation will describe the activities at Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S ranging from fundamental research to system design and testing. The technology is based on anode supported cells of different generations. Recently a plant capable of producing 5 MW+ of stacks has been commissioned. Several 20 kW prototypes for stationary distributed generation are being tested and 50 kW units are under construction. Micro-CHP as well APU units using a range of fuels is being developed.
Bio:
The SOFC technology at Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S and Risø National Laboratory is based on an integrated approach ranging from manufacturing of planar anode-supported cells and compact stacks, development of tailor made fuel processing catalysts to analysis and construction of total systems.
The standard SOFC cells are thin and robust with dimensions of 12 × 12 cm2 or 18×18 cm2 foot prints. Several 50 or 75 cell stacks in the 1+ kW power range have been tested successfully at a fuel utilization of up to 92%. The degradation rate has been reduced to below 0.5% per 1000 hours by improvement of metal alloy interconnects and coatings. In collaboration with Wärtsilä, 20 kW+ prototypes based on natural gas, methanol and land fill gas are being tested. APU systems based on diesel are under development. Recently activities within the solid oxide electrolysis field have been initiated. |
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Fred C. Jahnke
Senior Manager, Hydrogen Programs
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Tel 203-825-6108
Fax 203-825-6135
Email: fjahnke@fce.com |
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Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), Today and in the Future
Fred C. Jahnke
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Abstract
Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) are available today in mega-watt sized stationary units and have produced over 300,000 MWh of clean power. They have an excellent efficiency (~50%) prior to heat recovery and produce a high level waste heat suitable for steam generation or absorption cooling. They are particularly suitable for biomass based anaerobic digester fuel since they suffer no performance loss using CO2 containing fuel. Advanced designs currently under development and testing will co-produce hydrogen and increase efficiency up to 65% (electrical + H2) prior to heat recovery, making MCFC’s even more attractive.
Bio:
As the Senior Manager of Hydrogen Programs, Fred C. Jahnke is responsible for development of hydrogen co-production systems, including renewable hydrogen. Co-production systems include integration of both conventional and advanced electrochemical hydrogen separations and compressions systems with FuelCell Energy’s commercial DFC units. He is an inventor with 34 patents and over fifteen papers published in USA, Japan, Australia, and Europe. Mr. Jahnke received his Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Chemical Engineering from Rice University. |
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Thomas D. Jarvi, Ph.D.
Director, Technology Development
UTC Power Corporation
195 Governors Highway, MS 601-19
South Windsor CT, 06074
Phone: (860) 727-7265
Fax: (860) 998-9656
E-mail: tom.jarvi@utcpower.com |
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Stationary Fuel Cells for Combined Heat and Power
Tom Jarvi
UTC Power Corporation
Abstract
Energy use in building systems can generally be divided into electrical and thermal loads. Fuel cells used in a combined heat and power application can reduce energy consumption in the right circumstances. This talk will briefly describe these circumstances, and what they dictate for fuel cell performance. Once the elementary electrical and thermal performance boundaries are established, the attributes of the fuel cell system itself will be described. Finally, the relationships between stack and system performance requirements and materials capability will be discussed. The often-overlooked performance compromises implicit in certain advanced technologies, such as high-temperature proton-exchange membranes will be explored.
Bio:
Dr. Jarvi presently serves as Director, Technology Development at UTC Power Corporation. Dr. Jarvi has overall responsibility for technology planning and execution for UTC Power. In this capacity, he develops and executes strategies consistent with the company’s business plans, including definition of technical program focus areas, development of technical partnerships, and identification of resourcing approaches. Dr. Jarvi started his industrial career at United Technologies Research Center in 1998, and served in project and technology management roles of increasing responsibility there and at UTC Power, where he has worked since 2003. In these roles, Dr. Jarvi has focused on proton exchange membrane and phosphoric acid fuel cell technology development, most notably in the area of materials development and stack durability. Dr. Jarvi received his Ph.D. and B.S. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Washington and the University of Illinois, respectively. He has published thirteen papers in the area of physical electrochemistry and holds several issued and pending patents in the areas of electrochemistry and fuel cells. |
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Will B. Johnson
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
E-mail: wjohnson@wlgore.com |
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Membrane Technologies for PEM Fuel Cells
Will B. Johnson
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Abstract
A brief overview of membranes used in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells will be given. The durability and lifetime requirements in use drive the chemical and mechanical properties of the membrane, while the performance requirements mandate its form and composition. Recent results on composite membranes reinforced with microporous polytetrafluorethylene show excellent performance and durability, coming close to, if not actually reaching, the performance and durability targets required for automotive, stationary and portable fuel cell applications. Characteristics and properties of these membranes in various fuel cell applications will be described.
Bio:
Currently, Dr. Johnson is an Associate with W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., where he is an active technical contributor in the Gore Electrochemical Technologies Business, and acts as the Director of Patent Strategy and Manager, Government Contracts. In the past at Gore, he has been the Technical Leader of over 30 technical Associates within the Industrial Sealants Division, where he was responsible for driving R&D and process project selection for a diverse group of multimillion dollar businesses. In previous jobs, he was a Member of Technical Staff at Lanxide Corporation, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Dr Johnson has received several awards during his career, including a Small University Research Award from Ohio State University, an Alcoa Research Award, a Bethlehem Steel Research Award, and he was named an Ohio Innovator by the Governor of Ohio. He currently serves on the Delaware Science and Technology Council that advises the Governor of Delaware, and sits on the Board of Directors of First State Innovation, and the University of Delaware Energy Institute. Dr. Johnson is the author or coauthor of over 130 technical publications, including 28 U.S. patents. |
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David Mountz, Ph. D.
Arkema Inc.
900 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Email: david.mountz@arkemagroup.com
Phone: (610)878-6418
Fax: (610)878-6298 |
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Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
David Mountz, Ph. D.
Arkema Inc.
Abstract
Typical polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), such as Nafion®, are composed of a single perfluorinated copolymer that must meet the demanding conductivity, gas barrier, mechanical, and electrochemical requirements for adequate fuel cell performance. Effectively satisfying all of these properties using a single copolymer is complex and costly.
Arkema has developed a PEM technology based on blends of Kynar® (polyvinylidene fluoride) and non-fluorinated polyelectrolytes to address these issues. Using this approach to PEM design allows the mechanical properties to be decoupled from the other requirements. Thus, the properties of these novel membranes can easily be tailored by adjusting the polymer composition and can be fabricated at a significantly reduced cost over perfluorinated materials. The flexibility of the process also allows Kynar® to be effectively blended with a wide range of polyelectrolyte compositions. The focus of the presentation will be on the development and properties of latest membrane generations.
Bio:
David Mountz received a B.S. in Polymer Science at the Pennsylvania State University and obtained his Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi under Professor Kenneth Mauritz in 2002.
After finishing his doctorate David joined ATOFINA Additives division (now Arkema), working on specialty coatings. He then moved to Corporate Research in 2005 and became one of the principal researchers in their fuel cell membrane program. He currently oversees the portion of the fuel cell program that involves membrane design and fabrication. |
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Anil V. Virkar
Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Utah
Department of Materials Science & Engineering
University of Utah
122 S. Central Campus Drive
Salt lake City, UT 84112
Email: anil.virkar@utah.edu |
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Role of Non Equilibrium Thermodynamics in the Failure of Electrochemical Devices: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Degradation
Anil V. Virkar
University of Utah
Abstract
Many active electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers undergo degradation. While there are many sources of degradation, one in particular depends upon the underlying electrochemical phenomena and is potentially a common feature of virtually all electrochemical devices. This seminar will be on the discussion of the role of local equilibrium in systems in global non equilibrium, with implications concerning degradation. It can be shown that under certain conditions, chemical potentials of neutral species (such as oxygen in an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte) within the electrolyte can exceed values imposed at the two electrodes. When such a situation arises, rapid degradation may occur. Fundamental basis for such a behavior will be discussed. Experimental results on solid oxide fuel cell degradation will be presented. Additionally, experimental procedures for the measurement of chemical potentials within dense solid oxide electrolytes will be discussed. Experimental evidence of the failure of proton exchange membrane by a similar mechanism will also be presented.
Bio:
Anil Virkar is Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Utah. He is a cofounder and Vice President of Materials and Systems Research, Inc. (MSRI) (www.msrihome.com), a small company based in Salt Lake City, Utah; a cofounder of Versa Power Systems, (VPS) (www.versa-power.com), a Colorado-based company with operations in Calgary and serves on its board. He also was a founding member of Ceramatec, Inc., a small company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recently, he along with a few colleagues have formed a new venture named Nano-Oxides, Inc (www.nano-oxides.com). He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
He received B.Tech. (Hons.) in Metallurgical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India (1967); M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Louisiana State University (1969); and Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Materials Science (1973).
Dr. Virkar’s research interests include: ceramics, ionic and electronic conductors, fuel cells, batteries, solid state electrochemistry, renewable energy, sensors, transport, thermodynamics of high temperature materials; and fracture of materials. |
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John M. Vohs
Carl V.S. Patterson Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
220 S. 33rd Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19104
Phone: 215-898-6318
Email: vohs@seas.upenn.edu |
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Oxide-Oxide Interfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes
John M. Vohs
University of Pennsylvania
Abstract
Interfaces between the various oxide components used in the anodes and cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and the electrolyte, typically yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), affect the structure, thermal stability, and electrochemical properties of the electrodes. Engineering the structure of these interfaces is also required to obtain a long three-phase boundary and maximize the number of sites where the electrochemical reactions take place. In this talk I will give an overview of our efforts to understand how interactions at these interfaces coupled with the conditions used during electrode synthesis and cell operation affect electrode structure and performance. I will initially describe an infiltration method we have developed for electrode synthesis that gives us great flexibility in the choice of active components and allows for systematic study of how variations in structure and processing conditions affect function. Results obtained for LaFeO3- and LaMnO3-based cathodes and redox stable anodes in which La0.8Sr0.2Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 (LSCM) is used as the electronic conductor will then be presented. Results obtained from atomic force microcopy (AFM) studies of model systems consisting of particles or thin films of the active oxide component (e.g. LSM, LSCM) supported on YSZ single crystals will also be discussed.
Bio:
Professor John M. Vohs joined the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989 after receiving a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. He is currently the Carl V. S. Patterson Professor of Chemical Engineering. Prof. Vohs has been the recipient of numerous awards including the American Chemical Society’s Victor K. LaMer Award, the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Young Investigator Award, a Union Carbide Research Innovation Award, and the Catalysis Club of Philadelphia Award. His research interests are in the areas of surface science, catalysis, and solid oxide fuel cells. Research projects in his group currently focus on elucidating structure-activity relationships for a variety of catalytic materials, including metal alloys and supported monolayer oxides, and the development of anodes and cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. Prof Vohs has authored over 200 publications that have appeared in peer-reviewed scientific journals and holds six U.S. Patents. |
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Thomas A. Zawodzinski
F. Alex Nason Professor of Engineering and Ohio Eminent Scholar in Fuel Cells
Case Western Reserve University
Dept. of Chemical Engineering
10900 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Phone: (216)368-5547
Email: taz5@case.edu |
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Fuel Cells: Myth, Hype and Reality
Thomas A. Zawodzinski
Case Western Reserve University
Abstract:
I will present a brief introduction to fuel cells, particularly 'Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells'. (These are the type projected to be used in cars.) I will then try to convey the status of the technology, with side trips to consider some myths and misconceptions concerning fuel cells, the applications to which they are best suited and the 'hydrogen' economy and to discuss the tendency for hype to overshadow the reality in public discussion of technology such as this. Finally, I will close with a quick survey of our most pressing technical challenges and some optimistic comments regarding the role of this technology.
Bio:
Thomas Zawodzinski is presently the F. Alex Nason Professor of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio Eminent Scholar in Fuel Cells, Director of the Case Advanced Power Institute, and served as the Director of the Wright Fuel Cell Group. At Case, Dr. Zawodzinski leads various research projects related to improving fuel cell materials, including projects on the development of new polymeric membranes for automotive applications that operate at elevated temperature and low relative humidity, electro-catalysis, gas diffusion media and fuel cell durability. He directs a Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative funded through the US Army Research Office on ‘An Integrated Experimental and Computational Approach Toward Catalyst Design for Fuel Cell Systems.’ He also works closely with industry to advance technologies needed to bring fuel cells to the market.
Prior to coming to Case, as Team Leader for Fuel Cells in MST-11 at LANL, Dr. Zawodzinski served as the technical and programmatic leader of a comprehensive fuel cell program with R&D components related to automotive, stationary and portable power applications of PEM and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. Dr. Zawodzinski plays a technical leadership role in the PEM fuel cell community and led the LANL team optimizing reformate/air fuel cells, for which he received the DOE Fuel Cell Award in 1999.
In addition to his fuel cell work, while at LANL, Dr. Zawodzinski initiated and led programs addressing lithium batteries, including preparation of new electrolytes, new methods for studies of transport and electrode materials; self-assembled monolayers for device preparation; sensors for chem./bio agents and biologically important compounds; artificial muscles; and electrochemical reactors as well as several other areas.
He has published more than one hundred refereed papers, holds two patents, has co- edited several books on fuel cells and a number of book chapters, and has been an active public speaker with hundreds of presentations and short courses given around the globe on fuel cell, electrochemical device and sensor-related topics and research. |
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