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Fuel Cells Research

General
Associated Center
Associated Faculty

Selected Research Profiles

• Increasing energy efficiency in solid oxide fuel cells. . .
• Micro/Miniature fuel cells improve military preparedness. . .
  The U.S. military has a great need to improve its mobility and energy efficiency. The development of highly efficient micro and miniature fuel cells will provide military personnel with a superior energy resource and enhanced flexibility versus current power generation technologies. With funding support from Congressionally-earmarked monies administered by the U.S. Army, the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center is leading a multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) team effort involving more than 40 engineering faculty and several chemistry faculty members. Research and development activities of the program include improving materials and designs for proton exchange membranes, bipolar plates, power conditioning circuitry, system thermal management, vibration and shock suppression, system control scheme and computer aided modeling of PEM fuel cells. In addition, this program will also develop a prototype miniature tubular solid oxide fuel cell that attempts to tackle the challenges associated with SOFC systems: 1) slow start-up, 2) fragile mechanical structure, 3) vulnerability to thermal cycling, 4) poor, leaky seals and 5) expensive materials and manufacturing costs.
  
  
• Improving on the reform process. . .
• Forging more efficient direct methanol fuel cells. . .