Workshop on Multiscale Modeling of Fuel Cells

The PUMA MIND European project announced its first workshop taking place at Minatec, Grenoble on 12-13 June 2014.

PUMA MIND has scheduled its first Workshop for June this year, focusing on Multiscale Modeling for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs are promising energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional energy conversion systems in many emerging applications ranging from portable and stationary power to propulsion and auxiliary power. However, from the modeling point of view, PEMFCs are complex nonlinear systems. In order to enable prediction of their performance and durability, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant operation phenomena, e.g., electrochemistry, transport phenomena, thermodynamics as well as the mechanisms leading to the degradation of cell components.

First in a series of two, the 2014 Workshop will provide an overview of state-of-the-art multiscale modeling for PEMFCs, while giving experimental insights as well as promote multiscale modeling outside the PUMA MIND consortium. Both days feature keynote lectures followed by technology and innovation sessions. The Workshop is designed for academic and industrial researchers, fuel cell practitioners and consultants as well as research students concerned with issues of modeling fuel cells. Prominent invited speakers will share their experiences with latest modeling approaches and discuss advances, trends and the remaining challenges.
Modeling approaches to be covered span the atomic/ molecular scale to the macro scale of structures and materials up to components, stack and system level. In addition, there will be focus on appropriate ways of coupling the different scales in order to provide modeling properties needed. Each day begins with a keynote presentation: Succeeding with New Electrochemical Materials: A Market-Driven Modeling Approach; and Diagnostics, Health Monitoring and Energy Management, respectively. The rest of the programme features four technical sessions, namely: Multiscale modeling methodology and examples; PUMA MIND results dissemination; Electrochemical interface modelling; and Transport modelling as well as a session on future outlook covering the contents of a strategic roadmap for the next decade.

In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Show Room and Liten’s laboratories at the MINATEC site and have informal discussions with PUMA MIND researchers as part of a dedicated poster session.

“Large-scale commercialization of PEMFCs is decisively relying on low cost materials, highly efficient components, and novel cell manufacturing approaches. To be commercially viable, innovation in new materials and cell fabrication must preserve current levels of cell performance and stability.” says Dr Kourosh Malek, (adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and member of the PUMA MIND consortium). “The unique multi-scale/multi-disciplinary strategy that is taken in PUMA MIND project combines a diverse set of materials modeling and cell performance protocols that none of the existing fuel cell modeling approaches can provide alone.”, he continues.
The Workshop is hosted at Minatec (Micro and Nanotechnology Innovation Centre), a European research centre focused on micro-nano technologies in Grenoble, France and home to 2,400 researchers, 1,200 students, and 600 technology transfer experts. Grenoble is well-connected to major transportation networks and airports.

Registration is free of charge. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For registration information email Manuelle Quinaud (manuelle.quinaud[at]cea.fr).

Vodera is a member of the PUMA MIND consortium. It is a specialist provider of innovation management services to R&D intensive organisations across Europe interested in commercialisation of technologies and business growth plus their adoption as a key enabler in other industries. The company supports its clients and collaborators during all stages of technology development and exploitation, from proof of concept, pilot studies through to market launch.

PUMA MIND Project | Vodera Ltd | 145-157 St John St EC1V 4PY London | United Kingdom

This release was published on openPR.