Fuel Cell Evaluation and Research Center

Fuel Cell Evaluation and Research Center

Leading Professor in the Research:

Dr. Bade Shrestha, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, WMU

About Us

The research focus of the center is on the performance and efficiency evaluation of various PEM and Alkaline fuel cells. The effect of various operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, load, atmospheric impurities and composition are investigated. The transient performance and control strategies are also the area of investigation both experimentally and analytically through simulation and modeling.

The next area of research is focused on the electrochemical phenomena of the electrode materials, catalysts (noble or non-noble metals), process of loading of catalyst and assembly methodology of membrane-electrolyte-assembly. It also includes the research and development of enhanced bipolar, mono-polar and simulation model development using CFD.

The center is used both in teaching and research for undergraduate and graduate students.

List of major equipment:

Fuel Cell Test Station
Hydrogen Generating System
Test PEM and Alkaline Fuel Cells
Impedance Meter
Gas chronography

Fuel Cell Test Station

Up to 3 KW capacity testing
Two mass flow meters in each side
DPH humidifying system
Cooling system
Temperature control
Automated data acquisition system

Ongoing research areas

Optimization, Modeling and Simulation of PEM and AFC
New Electrode Development using Nano Technology Architecture
Development of Micro Fuel Cell Technology
Alternative Electrolyte Member Research
FC Micro Channel Modeling and Experiment Research

For more information please contact: Dr. Bade Shrestha