Energy Conversion and Storage
Laboratory
'It is important to realize that in physics
today, we have no knowledge what energy is.' R. Feynman |
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Fuel Cell Degradation
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Jithin M.
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Vaibhav Kumar
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Asheesh Kumar
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Arjun R.
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The primary impediment of fuel cell
commercialization is the high rate of material degradation. In collaboration with Dr. Kar's research group,
we are combining experiments and computation to understand
the degradation mechanisms in the PEM fuel cells. We have developed an inverse
technique to estimate the thermophysical properties of fuel cell elements from
the chronoamperometric experiments. An accurate cfd model, developed by our
group, then uses the estimated thermophysical properties to predict the residual
life of the cell. Our studies identified the role of mass transfer in the
degradation process. To improve our predictions, currently we are combining the
impedance spectroscopic studies with the cfd model. |
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Gas Hydrate
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Under low-temperature and high-pressure, water molecules
form cages to trap other gases. Such formation is known as the gas hydrate.
Especially important is the undersea methane-hydrate that may serve as an
abundant source of energy. Mayank is engaged in devising a strategy to
extract methane from the undersea gas hydrate. To maintain the structural
integrity of the seabed, Abhisek has planned to replace the methane molecules
with carbon-di-oxide. This project, in collaboration with Dr. K. Muralidhar,
focuses on providing a sustainable solution of our energy and environment
issues. So far we have developed a detail mathematical model. |
Hydrogen Generation
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Photoelectrochemical splitting of water opens up the possibility of using solar energy in hydrogen generation.
The technique also acts as a means of solar energy storage. In collaboration with Dr. Pala,
Babu is designing solar photoelectrochemical reactor using. The fundamental
problem involves modeling of multiphase transport and its interaction with
radiation. The final aim of this research is to produce financially-viable,
pilot-scale photoelectrochemical reactor. |
Hydrogen Safety
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High-pressure (~300bar) storage of hydrogen is
growing as a possible technology for the fuel-cell driven, futuristic
automobiles. Accidental release of hydrogen from such high-pressure tanks,
however, could be extremely hazardous. In collaboration with Dr. De's research
group, we are conducting a numerical simulation to understand the possibility
of self-ignition of such a release. The focus is to identify the ignition
mechanism, if any. The study attempts to suggest an improved hydrogen-storage
methodology, and to quantify the extent of possible damage, in case of the
self-ignition. |
Symmetry-breaking
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With the
advent of micro- and millimeter-scale engineering systems, increased
attention is now devoted to the transition, stability, and bifurcation in
laminar flows. In collaboration with Dr. Saha's research group, we are trying to understand the transition of laminar,
incompressible flows with symmetric sudden expansion. While the geometry
being deceptively simple, the flow shown transition from symmetry to asymmetry
eventually leading to unsteadiness. We are
conducting both experiments and computations to understand the reasons for
such asymmetry. The study will provide deeper understanding on the nonlinear
effects inherent in the mechanics of fluid and will enable us to use
and control the flow asymmetry in practical devices. |
Nanofluid
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Rishabh Gupta
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Omprakash Bharti
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Passive
cooling of solar photovoltaic may improve the solar energy conversion
efficiency to a great extent. Nanoparticle mixed fluids, otherwise known as
nanofluids, may act as an advanced coolant for such purpose. Long term use
of nanofluid, however, leads to agglomeration of nanoparticles leading to
the loss of cooling efficiency. We are trying to understand the possible
reasons for such agglomeration and the ways to prevent the same. The studies
involve optical imaging, tomographic reconstruction, and numerical modeling |
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