The research group uses a laboratory for new thermal energy technologies which is equipped for testing and diagnostics of membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers as well as a prof. Radica lab for thermal machines. Equipment includes:
Technologies for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources will be investigated.
Photovoltaic-electrolysis system will be investigated, especially the operation of electrolyzers with variable current input.
The emphasis will be on the proper sizing of the system for specific needs, and on the development of algorithms for system management.
Among different hydrogen storage technologies, research group will be focused on hydrogen storage in pressure vessels and in metal hydrides tanks. Special attention will be paid to the thermal effects during filling tanks under high pressures, and the thermal effects during hydrogen absorption/desorption from metal hydrides tanks.
Beside hydrogen use in fuel cells, use in internal combustion engines will be investigated.
This will include the impact of operating parameters on performance and durability, their optimization, and the development of appropriate diagnostics.
The most important application of fuel cells is in electric vehicles. Main task of the research group will be integration of fuel cells systems into forklifts and busses: sizing and system design, battery hybridization, heat dissipation and energy management, integration of metal hydride tanks and the heat management.