Automotive Fuel Cell Systems
I.D. # C0112 Duration 3 Days

Fuel cell technology promises to revolutionize the automotive industry, offering tremendous potential to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for many types of vehicles.This course will provide a detailed understanding of the processes, subsystems and vehicle characteristics relating to fuel cell systems for automotive applications.

The course starts with the principles of fuel cells and electrochemical conversion of hydrogen. Each of the supporting subsystems needed for operation of the fuel cell stack is developed to determine the overall fuel cell system efficiency. Vehicle system integration, performance and fuel economy are then related to fuel cell system characteristics. Attendees will receive the text "Fuel Cell Systems Explained," written by J. Larminie and A. Dicks.

Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:
  • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different fuel cell technologies for transportation applications
  • Calculate the efficiency and power output of a fuel cell process
  • Calculate the net system power and efficiency of a complete fuel cell system over a range of loads
  • Select fuel cell system component sizes to meet performance and efficiency goals
  • Discuss system integration challenges as well as fuel and operational requirements for fuel cell vehicles
Who Should Attend
Professionals involved in the design, procurement or regulation of fuel cell vehicles and systems. It is recommended that attendees have a background in engineering, physics and chemistry.
Seminar Content
DAY ONE
  • Fuel Cell Basics
    • Overview of Fuel Cell Types
    • Principle of Operation
    • Efficiency and Performance
    • Effect of Pressure and Concentration
    • Losses in Fuel Cell Processes
    • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells
    • Water Management in PEM Fuel Cells
DAY TWO
  • Fuel Cell Systems
    • Psychrometrics of Humid Gasses
    • Air Supply and Pressurization
    • Humidification and Water Balance
    • Thermal Management
    • Power Processing
    • Fuel Processors and Integration
    • Controls and Sensors
    • System Efficiency and Part-Load Operation
DAY THREE
  • Fuel Cell Vehicles
    • Vehicle Load and Performance Requirements
    • Fuel Cell System Sizing
    • Fuel Selection, Infrastructure and Storage Issues
    • Vehicle Systems Integration Issues
    • Hybrid Battery/Fuel Cell Systems
    • Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
    • Cold Start and Transient Performance
    • Fuel Cell Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Impact
    • Current Fuel Cell Vehicles
Instructor(s): Douglas J. Nelson
Dr. Douglas J. Nelson is currently a professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in fuel cell systems, advanced technology vehicles and design. Director of the U.S. Department of Energy GATE Center for Automotive Fuel Cell Systems, his current research is on fuel cell hybrid vehicle systems simulation and validation and AC motor development. A member of SAE and ASME, Dr. Nelson received the Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award from SAE International in 1996, and the NSF FutureCar Faculty Advisor's Award in 1998. He holds a B.S., an M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.
Testimonial
"Valuable approach to fuel cells for automotive, both in depth and breadth."
Glenn Rambach
Director of New Technology
Tenneco Automotive

"This was an excellent educational seminar, particularly for students or professionals in the early parts of their career with fuel cells and fuel cell systems."
John C. Ramsey
Research Technician
Los Alamos National Laboratory

"Everything and anything you would want to know about automotive fuel cell application."
John Wehrly
Mechanical Engineer
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

"Excellent course for an engineer covering all aspects of a fuel cell system design. It was an eye opener to go behind the rhetoric and see the full system requirements and possible compromises."
Niladri Das
Engineering Manager
Visteon Corporation
Fees: $1695 SAE Members*: $1356 - $1526
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU 2