Contact Information:
Doug Nelson, Director
Doug.Nelson@vt.edu
For more information, go to:
http://filebox.vt.edu/eng/mech/emi/GATE.htm
What We Do
Fuel cells represent a developing technology that could potentially replace the internal combustion engine in all types of vehicles. They operate with significantly higher fuel efficiency, greatly reduced emissions, and the capability of running on a variety of conventional and alternative fuels (such as hydrogen, ethanol, methanol, and natural gas). The widespread introduction and use of fuel cell vehicles could have a major impact on reducing petroleum consumption and on improving air quality in urban areas. Fuel cell vehicles in widespread use would enhance U.S. leadership in fuel cell development and manufacturing and also create a new growth industry along with jobs for a stronger U.S. economy.
The mission of the Center for Automotive Fuel Cell Systems is to promote and facilitate education and research in the area of systems and components for transportation applications of fuel cell systems.
Research
The center research is focused on the performance and systems integration of fuel cell stacks and associated subsystems in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Research topics include:
- Fuel Cell Stacks and Materials
- Fuel Cell Modeling and Analysis
- Fuel Cell Subsystems, Systems Integration, and Control
- Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle Modeling and Validation
Facilities
Automotive Fuel Cell Systems Lab
- 50 - 5000 W fuel cell test stand
- Off-board reformer catalyst test facility
- 6, single cell test stands for materials evaluation
- Air compressor testing
Ware Lab
- Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle construction and testing
- 20 - 80 kW fuel cell systems in vehicles