Abstract (300 words maximum)
With the depletion of fossil fuels and increase in carbon emissions, power generation using clean energy technology remains a major research thrust today. High temperature electrochemical systems such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are upcoming energy conversion systems with advantages of fuel flexibility, high efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Our research at KSU focuses on the development of a fundamental understanding of various surface and interfacial degradation modes in fuel cells. This study will highlight ongoing research from both the computational and experimental work and the fundamental working principle of SOFC will be presented. Simulation data pertaining to the structural stability of fuel cells under thermal gradient and cycling conditions will be discussed. Experimental results of fabrication of laboratory scale single fuel cell will be highlighted, and performance matrix will be discussed. Results from high-temperature oxidation and measurement of electrical conductivity at elevated temperatures on stainless steel samples will also be discussed. SOFC power systems find numerous applications in automotive, residential power grids, industrial power plants, and in mission-critical projects.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Mechanical Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ashish Aphale
High-temperature Electrochemical Systems for Clean Energy Production
With the depletion of fossil fuels and increase in carbon emissions, power generation using clean energy technology remains a major research thrust today. High temperature electrochemical systems such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are upcoming energy conversion systems with advantages of fuel flexibility, high efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Our research at KSU focuses on the development of a fundamental understanding of various surface and interfacial degradation modes in fuel cells. This study will highlight ongoing research from both the computational and experimental work and the fundamental working principle of SOFC will be presented. Simulation data pertaining to the structural stability of fuel cells under thermal gradient and cycling conditions will be discussed. Experimental results of fabrication of laboratory scale single fuel cell will be highlighted, and performance matrix will be discussed. Results from high-temperature oxidation and measurement of electrical conductivity at elevated temperatures on stainless steel samples will also be discussed. SOFC power systems find numerous applications in automotive, residential power grids, industrial power plants, and in mission-critical projects.