2009

PEMFC Product Proposal

Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Is it possible to make the PEMFC into the energy source of the future? My product will exemplify the depth and the extent of knowledge acquired throughout my years of researching PEM Fuel Cells. As my product, I will create MATLAB models to simulate PEMFCs under diverse operating conditions, which will be used in searching for ways to make them more efficient and tolerant in their environments. After modeling, I will use the data collected to build the most efficient and reliable practical Hydrogen Fuel Cell that I can.

Bradley Hallier Commonwealth Governors School SHS 12/11/2009

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Product Proposal
My Project
For the most part, I have completed my preliminary research and am prepared to move on to the next phases of my research: Modeling, Physical Experimentation, and Application.

Modeling:
The modeling phase of my research consists of personally analyzing existing Fuel Cell Systems to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. To do this I will create and use MATLAB models to simulate different designs of Fuel Cells including the shape of the gas channels in the anode and cathode, and the number of cells in the PEMFC. The data that I gain from my MATLAB models will allow me to interpret which Fuel Cell setups are most beneficial for making a both energy efficient (minimal loss of energy in heat), and reliable (tolerant to its environment) Fuel Cell. Costs: MATLAB $100 PEM Fuel Cell $0 ($118 Value-Donation) Possible Fuel Cell Stack $150 ($300 Value-Discount) TOTAL: $250 Resources (email communication): Kevin Davies PhD Student Georgia Institute of Technology John Turner Valeswood Fuel Cells Ltd. (United Kingdom) Dr. Sosinna Haile Professor at Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research Cathy Parker FuelCellStore.com

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Physical Experimentation:
The physical experimentation phase of my research will come as I finish my Modeling phase and will serve as a time for me to acclimate to working with Hydrogen Fuel Cells and their support systems (Hydrogen and Oxygen supplies, and hydration if required). This time will allow me to learn about how existing experimental PEMFC kits operate, and the procedures for working with considerably fragile Fuel Cells. The main purpose for this phase is to teach me the general thresholds of a Fuel Cell (Hydrogen quality, input port pressures, PEM hydration management, and output voltage and currents) so that as I move to my application phase I do not wreck an investment. Costs: Additional Parts for Experiments ~$50-200 Resources (email communication): Kevin Davies PhD Student Georgia Institute of Technology John Turner Valeswood Fuel Cells Ltd. (United Kingdom) Dr. Sosinna Haile Professor at Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research Cathy Parker FuelCellStore.com

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Application:
The application phase of my research will come after the completion of my modeling and physical experimentation phases and will be a culmination of all my research. The application phase is where the majority of my project will be created. My product will be a 5-15 cell PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane/Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) Fuel Cell that runs off a supply of Hydrogen. Its approximate power output will be from 3 Volts at 3 Watts to 9 Volts at 10 watts, which will be used to power a device of my choice such as an iPod or Laptop Computer. Costs: PEM Graphite/Plastic Plates Gas Diffusion Layer Additional Parts for Assembly Hydrogen Collection System Machining TOTAL: $300-600 Resources (email communication): Kevin Davies PhD Student Georgia Institute of Technology John Turner Valeswood Fuel Cells Ltd. (United Kingdom) Dr. Sosinna Haile Professor at Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research Cathy Parker FuelCellStore.com

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Relevance to Research Question

My product no doubt relates to my research or research question. My research question is Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells an effective alternative energy source, if not, how can I improve both their efficiency in terms of cost and power? My research has told me that PEMFCs are not the most effective energy sources, which is why I am continuing my research to find ways to boost their efficiency, at the same time their effectiveness, and make an effecting Fuel Cell. My product is my research, my research is my product.

Why is my Product Valuable?

My product is worth 75% of my grade. Any high school student can do research on a topic and create a product. It takes much more effort and skill to complete research, analyze how it applies to the real world, synthesize ways to improve existing systems, become an expert in the research field, and create an original product based off the knowledge and skills learned throughout the entire process. I am not following a kit or figuring out how to make something from Instructibles or Wikipedia. I am doing research, communicating with numerous PEMFC experts, learning about alternative energy in general (the average coal power plant only delivers the amount of energy stored in its burning coal to cities and houses, the rest is lost due to inefficiency), and learning real world skills like how to convince companies to donate their products to your research. I am surprised the product is not at least 50%.

Timeline
I believe that I will have a large portion of primary research completed by the end of this year. I will be in the middle of my Physical Experimentation phase to be specific. If you would like, I can change my product to MATLAB models that will simulate different types of fuel cells or a demonstration and detailed explanation of how fuel cells work (with a experimentation cell), but know that that is not my true project. My true project is the expertise that I gain from my research experiences and a Hydrogen powered cell that supplies portable power to electronic devices, which I will be closer to next year. Please realize that the intended extent for my project cannot be completed or ended in one year, and also please know that I am not just sitting around thinking Yes! I don t have to do much for two years. Timeline: Modeling Phase: Dec ember 2009-February 2010 Physical Experimentation Phase: March 2010-August 2010 Application Phase: September 2010-March 2010

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Product Quality
My product will epitomize the highest level of excellence. I will create an efficient fuel cell that will not only be a product of my research, but will also be applicable to everyday life. It will serve as a portable power source for many devices. I will ensure that it looks professional because if it did not, it would not work, a PEMFC requires considerably high levels of precision, and after all that work, I would make sure that it is more than presentable.

My Abilities
I believe that I have the ability to build a PEM Fuel Cell. I know quite a bit about electricity and how to build Fuel Cells. I also already have contacts that are willing to give suggestions on how to best build my cell at Georgia Institute of Technology and Caltech, along with an expert in the United Kingdom. For machining the anode and cathode gas channels of the Cell, Mr. Miller has already mentioned a location that may be willing to do it. I believe I am set for completing my research, and all I need is time.

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