Dr. Xia Wang Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering

1. Contact Information: Dr. Xia Wang Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Tel: 248-370-2224 Fax: 248-370-4416 Email: wang@oakland.edu

2. Fuel Cell Research at OU Dr. Xia Wang

3. 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

4. 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)

5. Fuel Cell Types

6. Single Cell

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. Plans 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 PEM Fuel Cell Parametric Study (Thermal and Fluid Transport) Water management Thermal management Thermal Regeneration

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

14. 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

15. 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