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Fuel Cells Research

General
Associated Center
Associated Faculty

Selected Research Profiles

• Increasing energy efficiency in solid oxide fuel cells. . .
  Solid oxide fuel cells are used for emergency and remote power backup, for auxiliary power for cars, trucks, boats and the military, and for combined heat and power units in homes and industries. Improving the performance and energy efficiency of these units, while reducing the size, is the goal of Dr. Nigel Sammes, UTC Chair Professor of Fuel Cell Technology. Dr. Sammes and his colleagues are looking at ways to improve the performance of small-scale tubular solid oxide fuel cells. These units offer many advantages over larger tubular and planar designs, including excellent thermal shock properties, allowing for faster startup, and high mechanical integrity. However, they suffer from high relative operating temperature, which results in high cost materials for the balance of the plant. To combat this problem, Dr. Sammes is investigating alternate, perovskite-based electrolyte materials that may be used as the cells' electrolyte, either as a supported or self-supporting system.
  
• Micro/Miniature fuel cells improve military preparedness. . .
• Improving on the reform process. . .
• Forging more efficient direct methanol fuel cells. . .