The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CI), today announced that it has provided $176,000 to the University of Connecticut (UConn) to support a collaborative applied research project with UTC Power, a United Technologies company that has pioneered advances in many areas of fuel cell technology.
The partners will be developing advanced optical diagnostic tools to aid in the development and reliable operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems. CCEF’s funding was provided through its Yankee Ingenuity Technology Program and will be matched by funding from UTC Power. PEM fuel cells are used in autos, fleet vehicles, such as buses, and portable and stationary power systems.
The goal of the project is to develop robust, fiber-based laser sensors to take local measurements inside PEM fuel cell systems. Specifically, the proposed sensors would measure the chemical composition and temperature in the gas streams within fuel cells. By using optical diagnostic tools, instead of commonly used physical probes, fuel cell developers will be able to obtain more accurate and extensive data in real-time, helping them reduce design cycle times significantly and permitting better designs to be deployed much more rapidly. The tools also will uniquely enable design engineers to evaluate variations in chemical composition across the fuel cell and determine their effect on fuel cell operation and membrane durability.
In addition to being useful at the fuel cell design phase, the proposed sensors should be useful in continuously monitoring operational fuel cells as part of a feedback control system.
In short, the sensors should see broad utility in fuel cell component testing, system development and system monitoring and control.
“By supporting this applied research project, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is helping Connecticut achieve its goal of energy independence,” commented Governor M. Jodi Rell. “Development of fuel cell technologies not only helps us achieve energy independence but also creates high-quality jobs for our citizens.”
Lise Dondy, president of CCEF, said, “CCEF takes great pride in being a catalyst, helping bring together innovative, energy-focused companies and the state’s outstanding university-based researchers through the Yankee Ingenuity Technology Program. This program helps university researchers pursue the commercial potential of their ideas and helps companies improve their clean energy technologies – further advancing the clean energy industry in our state.”
“We very much look forward to working on this project that will enable us to diagnose the operation of PEM fuel cells in a detailed manner that had not been possible before,” said Professor Baki Cetegen, principal investigator from UConn. “The project will demonstrate the utilization of the developed sensor technology in fuel cells manufactured by UTC Power and expand sensor capabilities to obtain more detailed data on fuel cell operation.”
According to Mike Perry, manager of advanced PEM fuel cell technology at UTC Power, “The approach that the University of Connecticut is taking to measure gas compositions within fuel cells is unique and could be a very beneficial tool for fuel-cell development. This new tool also could help accelerate the commercialization of PEM fuel cells. We look forward to working with the University of Connecticut and thank CCEF for its support of this innovative technology.”
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.
About UTC Power
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), based in Hartford, Conn., provides high-technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. Its UTC Power unit in South Windsor, Conn., is a full-service provider of environmentally advanced power solutions. UTC Power is a world leader with nearly 50 years experience in developing and producing fuel cells for on-site power, transportation, space and defense applications, as well as a leader in innovative renewable energy solutions and combined cooling, heating and power solutions for the distributed energy market.
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