Laser Sintering System for Research on Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Fuel Cells
Abstract
Laser Sintering System for Research on Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Fuel CellsMeeting an ever increasing energy demand with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions has become one of the world~s major concerns. Funding is requested for a laser sintering system to conduct research and research-related education through the development of an advanced fuel cell power source t"hat is directly relevant to the Department of Defense(DoD)~s power needs. In modern unmanned air and undersea vehicles, auxiliary p""ower for aircraft and vehicles, and warfighter-carried electronic devices, more functions are being implemented by electronics, lead""ing to an ever-increasing demand for electric power. Thus, the DoD is looking to focused research to keep up with the demand.The pr"oposed equipment will enable the development of a noel spiral solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electric power source that will be extrem"ely compact, lightweight and efficient. This new SOFC can be equipped to operate on fuels available on the battlefield and shipboard". Theminiature ultra-compact lightweight SOFC will fit a larger electrochemically-active surface into a smaller space. This requires intricately shaped ceramic parts that can only be fabricated by Additive Manufacturing (AM) ~ also called 3D printing. The AM tech"nique that is capable ofprinting ceramic shapes suitable for this fuel cell is Laser Sintering, which can reach the high temperatur""es needed to soften and bond ceramic granules.The proposed equipment will enable the Principal Investigator, a highly experienced S""OFCresearcher, to develop the spiral fuel cell technology that has the potential to generate a very high energy density per unit vo"lume to meet DoD~s electric power demand.The research project will provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with extensiv"e training on DoD-relevant technologies, research skills and AM techniques, helping them to prepare for careers as technical staff m"embers or academic researchers with DoD and its contractors and subcontractors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712915
Entities
People
- Yanhai Du
Organizations
- Kent State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy