Equipment for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells Research and Education
Abstract
Texas State University proposes the acquisition of equipment for the fabrication and testing of Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (URFCs) that can be used for Navy Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) and other Department of Defense (DoD) applications. This effort furthers Naval priorities to enable decisive capabilities through integrated and distributed forces that utilize autonomous systems, improving operational endurance of propulsion systems, and mitigating tactical-level risk. The ability to refuel UUVs from a forward deployed refueling docking station is a key needed capability for the Navy that is being explored under the FDECO (Forward Deployed Energy and Communications Outpost) program. Current rechargeable UUVs are powered by Li-ion batteries that provide limited endurance; however, fuel cell-powered UUVs provide longer endurance than systems powered by current Li-ion batteries. Refueling fuel cell-powered UUV with fuel/oxidant (hydrogen/oxygen) from forward deployed positions remains a significant challenge. URFCs provide a single device that can power a UUV in fuel cell mode and then convert back the on-board product water to recharge the hydrogen and oxygen storage vessels in electrolysis mode. Current URFCs have significant degradation and water management issues that substantially limit the performance and durability of URFCs. Equipment is proposed to allow regenerative fuel cell testing, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication, and catalyst synthesis. The proposed equipment will establish new research capabilities and significantly enhance the ability to perform URFC research efforts under current ONR funding. The proposed equipment will allow automated testing of MEA performance between repeated switching from electrolyzer to fuel cell modes and reproducible, controlled fabrication of MEA using advanced catalysts. Performance degradation that occurs from switching between fuel cell and electrolyzer modes is a key challenge that affects the stability of URFCs. The regenerative fuel cell testing station will significantly accelerate testing of factors including catalyst composition, MEA composition, and operating conditions (current density, temperature, pressure, etc.) that can lead to URFCs with improved stability. The acquisition of a first-of-its-kind automated regenerative fuel cell testing system will develop a new, unique testing capability that is not currently available. The proposed equipment will enhance Texas StateÕs ability to educate future scientists and engineers in research of URFCs. Texas State University is classified as a Minority Institution (MI), and this effort will increase participation of underrepresented minorities in research relevant to the Navy. The equipment will enhance student learning in fuel cells, electrolyzers, united regenerative fuel cells, membrane electrode assemblies, and catalysts through (i) enhanced training of research students and (ii) development of modules that improve education of graduate and undergraduate students in established courses: MSEC 7395C ÒMaterials for Sustainable EnergyÓ and CHEM 4299 ÒUndergraduate ResearchÓ. The proposed equipment will enhance Texas StateÕs educational capabilities and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach activities to local high school students. The result of these education efforts will lead to a more trained and experienced workforce that can address current and future Navy challenges. The project will significantly benefit the Navy and DoD by providing a key enabling equipment needed for URFC development and testing. This effort can directly impact the NavyÕs ability to refuel fuel cell-powered UUVs from forward deployed refueling docking stations. The development of improved performance and stability URFCs can enable refueling of autonomous/self-sustaining long endurance UUVs from a forward deployed recharging/refueling docking station and remove the need for logistic managem
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910510
Entities
People
- Christopher P Rhodes
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas State University