Dr. Ajay K. Prasad
University of Delaware
Date/ time: Thurs. October 20th, 2 – 3 PM
Location: SEH2000B
Hosted by: Prof. Kausik Sarkar
Abstract
The Center for Fuel Cell Research at the University of Delaware seeks to coordinate activities between UD faculty working in this area, and to build ties with industries involved in fuel cells and the hydrogen infrastructure. After briefly describing the Center and its mission, I will highlight several projects from my own group. We are currently investigating the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells under a variety of accelerated stress testing protocols including temperature cycling, wet/dry cycling and freeze/thaw cycling. The performance and durability of several novel composite membranes created in our laboratory will be discussed. In particular, I will highlight an exciting self-healing membrane concept that we have successfully developed and demonstrated. Next, I will describe our Fuel Cell Bus Program including our custom-built Matlab/Simulink hybrid vehicle simulator, and highlight balance-of-plant innovations that have improved system reliability and reduced cost. Finally, I will present our work on the sustainable production of hydrogen from sunlight and water using the zinc oxide thermochemical cycle.
Biography
Ajay Prasad is the Engineering Alumni Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Center for Fuel Cell Research at the University of Delaware. He also directs the University’s Fuel Cell Bus Program. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University in 1989, and joined the mechanical engineering faculty at UD in 1992. His research interests include fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, thermoelectric devices, wind and ocean current energy, and vehicle-to-grid technology. He was elected Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2007. He has published over 100 journal papers and book chapters with over 5000 citations (Google Scholar). He is also named as an inventor on six patents (published or pending) and has started two companies
Contact
The George Washington University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
800 22nd St NW, suite 3000
Washington, DC 20052
[email protected]