2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium
2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium
High-Speed Throughput Manufacturing of Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
High-Speed Throughput Manufacturing of Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
PROJECT NUMBER: 65 | AUTHOR: Paris Porter Bradley, Mechanical Engineering
MENTOR: Neal Sullivan, Mechanical Engineering
ABSTRACT
This research project presents the development of processes for manufacturing electrochemical energy storage devices at the Colorado Fuel Cell Center (CFCC). The goal is to use new tools in the laboratory that allow for faster throughput speeds while maintaining the quality of the outputted products. Most of this MURF term has focused on making Proton-Conducting Ceramic Fuel Cells (PFCFCs) by integrating and using the CFCC’s new SONOTEK ALIGN Precision Ultrasonic Spraying Platform. The device was purchased for its thin film spray deposition capabilities, with the aim of utilizing the equipment to allow for the creation of planar and cylindrical PCCFCs with very thin but uniform electrolyte membrane layers. These thinner layers could potentially significantly increase performance, but failures at the layer render the Cells unusable. For this reason, further research is required. SolidWorks was used to plan and design the assembly. The primary components were then hand-made in the machine shop. The device now uses this custom adapter between the sprayer assembly and an engraver, which was repurposed for its 3-axis capability. This allows for precise movement control of the nozzle head in programable patterns if necessary. The sprayer has been successfully used on planar fuel cells, with a soon to be operational variable speed motor to allow for the consistent production of cylindrical cells. These cells are then tested to determine their viable lifespan and qualities as an energy device. This work is helpful in creating a repeatable method for Fuel Cell production. With further refinement, this project will lead to more reliable results, and subsequently, a better understanding of the effects of using thin-film spray deposition on Proton-Conducting Ceramic Fuel Cells.
PRESENTATION
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Paris Porter Bradley is a Junior pursuing his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, with the goal of attending graduate school afterward. This marks his first MURF term, during which he worked in the Colorado Fuel Cell Center under Dr. Neal Sullivan of the Mechanical Engineering Department. His project focused on supporting the efforts of the CFCC’s researchers using skills developed during his educational career. He hopes to continue this work with a future focus on analyzing the Fuel Cells made using the instruments and equipment he helped integrate into the lab.
Sounds like you have done a lot with this, I don’t understand a little bit however and I would like to ask more about it. At a base level, what makes up the fuel cells you are making, I do not know much about this so I am unsure whether the spray deposition is more of a coating to help finish the product or if the spray deposition is for the entire fuel cell with the layers shown in the diagram. I would appreciate the clarification, a lot of what you said kind of went over my head, thank you, and good luck with research going forward!
Hi Bryan, the spray deposition is used to lay down the layer noted as the Electrolyte seen in the middle diagram of the poster. This layer acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing Hydrogen to pass through, which drives the electron transport process. Thank you for watching and the well wishes!
Paris, your work is exemplary and your presentation was very professional. The use of visuals illustrated exactly what you were describing in your video and the text on the poster is very concise. I did have one question regarding the construction of the fuel cells, why do you have these particular materials selected as the electrodes? Do they exhibit specific properties that make them ideal for fuel cells, or maybe they are cheaper than other alternatives? Nonetheless, I’m excited to see what you will be doing in the future with this research.
Jorgen, thank you very much I really appreciate! In regards to your question, I am sorry to say that unfortunately I do not know exactly why these materials were selected as electrodes. I know that the very dedicated graduate students and faculty at the CFCC have been working to study and improve these Proton-Conducting Ceramic Fuel Cells. But at the moment, I am not involved in the materials aspect of the design, instead focusing on the mechanical mode of production.