Dr. Xia Wang Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Tel: Fax: Contact Information:

Fuel Cell Research at OU Dr. Xia Wang

Research Resources Personnel –Thermal and Fluid Transport, thermodynamics: Dr. Brian P. Sangeorzan, Dr. Xia Wang, 1 PhD. Student, Undergraduates –System control: Dr. Mohamed A. Zohdy, Dr. Zissimos P. Mourelatos, 1 Ph.D student –Material (bipolar): Dr. Ismat A. Abu-Isa, Dr. Xia Wang, Dr. Brian P. Sangeorzan Facilities –PIV: measure the flow in the bipolar channel –Twin screw extruder –Injection molding machine –Computer & FEMLAB software

Research Topics Interest: PEMFC( Proton Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) Three Levels of Research: –Single cell: (electrode + membrane + cathode) –Fuel cell Stack (Bipolar plate + cells) –Fuel cell system (Stack + accessories)

Fuel Cell Types

Single Cell

Single Cell-Research Topics Transport Phenomena in the GDL –Experimental: Image for the thinner layer –Modeling: two phase flow with various porosity Membrane: Prevention of Dehumidification Cathode Side: –Water management: flooding –Thermal management: cooling the cell, and start-up time

Fuel Cell Stack Bipolar Plates –New materials: reduce the cost and weight, increase the durability –Seals –Flow in the bipolar Channel Measurements Simulation Cooling and water management

Fuel Cell System Selected from mathworks/ARC workshops: fuel cell systems and modeling

Research topics Accurate Control model: –based on a better understanding of fuel cell itself –new sensor Accessory equipment development –Low cost air management system (both for the PEMFC and automotive) –Characterize the supply system for the fuel cell

Collaborators University: –Mississippi State University: GDL –University of Michigan: control –Kettering University Industry: –DTE Tech –Ovonic Fuel Cell –Daimler Chrysler

Plans PEM Fuel Cell Parametric Study (Thermal and Fluid Transport) Water management Thermal management Thermal Regeneration New material and Design for the Bipolar plate Reduce Fuel Cells stacks weight Flow transport on the surface of bipolar plate Fuel cells system control +FCV Department of Electronic Engineering, OU Daimler Chrysler

A new Bipolar Plate Desired Property –Good electrical conductivity –Good thermal conductivity –Low fluid permeation –Corrosion resistance in PEM environment –Light weight –Low cost

Approach Using elastomer+graphite Advantages for composites for polar plates Advantages: – improving flexibility and impact strength –Improving sealing between plates. Might eliminate need for a rubber seal between polar plates –Improve handling & cell assembly

Experimental Approach Select elastomer with proven heat resistance and durability in PEM environment Select different types of conducted graphite including platelets, fiber & woven fiber. Use extrusion or other blending methods to form composite Use compression molding or injection molding to make plaques to be used for further investigations. Determine effects of elastomer type, graphite type and concentration on: –Original mechanical & electrical properties –Properties after heat aging –Properties after fluid aging Choose promising candidates for further investigation: –Processing conditions for making polar plates –Performance in PEM cell structures –Optimization of polar plate design