NTNU, Department of Chemistry

Laboratory of renewable energy, hydrogen storage and fuel cells

The group has the following apparatus relevant for fuel cells and hydrogen related issues:

• several test stations to test PEM fuel cell performance developed over 15 years for detailed testing of single cells,
• equipments to measure the thermal conductivity of component materials,
• apparatus to measure transport numbers of ions and water,
• a calorimeter to measure electrochemical heat effects.

The group produces around 10 journal articles and the same number of conference papers per year in the field of non-equilibrium thermodynamics for systems from the nano-meter to the meter scale. Of particular relevance is:

• issues related to energy efficiencies of systems
• renewable energy sources(saltpower, thermoelectricity)
• computer simulations of hydrogen adsorption on graphite
  

The group of non-equilibrium thermodynamics has studied transport properties in membranes over a 20 year period, and have developed theories of transport relevant for fuel cells. We are now studying surface phenomena in order to learn more about the optimal microporous catalyst layer performance. The group does experiments as well as theoretical modelling of electrolysis systems, and collaborates with around 20 groups spread over North America, Japan, Europe, and Asia. Over the years, 5 PhD students have graduated in the field of fuel cells, and 1 project is in progress.

Categories