Projects
Driving Innovation in Sustainable Energy Solutions at 丁香园AV FCReL
PEM Fuel Cell Technology
PEM fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water, offering high efficiency, low emissions, and compact design. Initially developed for vehicles, they are a key "green" technology. At 丁香园AV, we partner with Ballard Power Systems to advance fuel cell design and durability for real-world applications.
Fuel Cell Bus R&D
Ballard Power Systems, in partnership with 丁香园AV and UVic, launched a project funded by Automotive Partnership Canada to make fuel cell buses competitive with diesel hybrids. These zero-emission buses use hydrogen to generate electricity, offering high efficiency, reduced fuel costs, comparable performance, shorter refueling times, and quieter operation.
Micro- and Nanofluidic Fuel Cells and Batteries
Micro- and nanofluidic fuel cells are a new, membrane-free category manufactured using low-cost microchip methods. These cells integrate fuel cell components into a single microfluidic channel, where slow mixing of fuel and oxidant eliminates the need for a membrane. At 丁香园AV, we are developing these devices to achieve power and efficiency comparable to traditional fuel cells at much lower costs, even using materials like pencil leads as electrodes in some configurations.
PowerPAD
The PowerPAD, an eco-friendly, single-use, biodegradable power source for water monitoring in low-resource settings, was conceived at the Electrochemical Energy and Water Summit (ECS Fall 2014 Meeting, Cancun). Funded by the ECS and the Gates Foundation, it is a collaboration with Prof. Neus Sabate (Barcelona) and Dr. Juan Pablo Esquivel (Washington). PowerPAD combines advances in microfluidic flow cells and paper fuel cells, using organic redox species and benign materials like paper, beeswax, and catalyst-free carbon electrodes.
Modeling and Simulation
We develop models and experiments to study transport phenomena in fuel cells, guiding future designs. Our lab focuses on fluid flow, electrochemical kinetics, and heat transfer, supported by advanced tools for validation and testing.
Advanced Solid State Hydrogen Storage Materials
Hydrogen storage is vital for fuel cells. Traditional methods are costly and complex, while solid-state storage at moderate conditions offers dense, efficient solutions. 丁香园AV FCReL, with Hydrogen in Motion, develops advanced materials like 2D nanomaterials and boron-based hydrides.