Applied thermodynamics - energy conversion engineering

group leader

assoc. prof. Ivan Tolj, PhD

Biography · Publications · Teaching duties

associates

assist. prof. Ivan Pivac, PhD

Biography · Publications · Teaching duties

Jakov Šimunović, PhD

Biography · Publications · Teaching duties

Research topics

  1. Hydrogen in renewable energy systems
  2. Integration of fuel cell systems in material handling vehicles (forklifts)
  3. Diagnostics and degradation of electrochemical hydrogen compressors
  4. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis: influence of operating parameters on the operation and durability of electrolyzers
  5. Optimization and design of metal hydride tanks for hydrogen storage in terms of heat transfer
  6. Characterization of metal hydride tanks during hydrogen absorption/desorption
  7. Modeling of hybrid energy systems
  8. Operation, design, and application of fuel cells
  9. Development of algorithms for fuel cell and electrolyzer control systems

Description of laboratory and equipment

The research group utilizes a laboratory for new thermal energy technologies (C516), which is equipped for testing and diagnostics of membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers. The equipment includes:

  • A fuel cell test station for single cells (Teledyne / Medusa) equipped with a controllable load and frequency response analysis (Scribner & Associates).
  • A complete hydrogen power system, consisting of an electrolyzer, a water tank, a fuel cell, a control load, and a data management and storage system. This system is connected to photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine installed on the roof of the building.
  • A PEM electrolyser test station

Contacts with academic and other institutions

  • HySA Systems, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
  • Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Nan’gang, PR China
  • Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
  • University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča”, Serbia
  • University of Alaska, Anchorage, USA
  • The University of Tokyo, Japan
  • Lublin University of Technology, Department of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Aviation Propulsion Systems, Poland
  • Indiana University Indianapolis, USA
  • Purdue University in Indianapolis, USA
  • Institute for Energy Technology, Norway
  • University of Franche-Comté, FCLAB, Belfort, France
  • SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
  • Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), Ulm, Germany
  • University of Ljubljana, Faculty for Mechanical Engineering (FS), Slovenia
  • University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Serbia
  • AVL, Graz, Austria
project title

Hydrogen energy technologies: production and use of hydrogen (HET-PRO-USE)

Description of research in a 5-year term

The research will focus on technologies for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources, with special attention given to integrating electrolyzers with photovoltaic systems. The study will investigate electrolyzer operation with variable input currents, including research on electrochemical compressors. Emphasis will be placed on properly sizing these systems according to specific needs and developing advanced algorithms for their management. Detailed diagnostics and tests of hydrogen electrochemical compressors will also be conducted to ensure longevity and efficiency. In addition, hydrogen fuel cell and battery systems will be integrated into stationary systems, accompanied by the development of sophisticated management algorithms. Regarding hydrogen storage technologies, the research will cover storage in pressurized vessels and metal hydrides, with a focus on thermal effects during charging and discharging processes. This focus is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of hydrogen storage systems. The primary application of fuel cells will be in powering electric vehicles, particularly for forklifts and buses. Research will include system sizing, design, hybridization with batteries, heat dissipation, system management, integration of metal hydride tanks, and utilization of waste heat for hydrogen desorption.