contact: 1.810.762.7833
fuelcellinfo@kettering.edu
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CURRICULUM
Kettering is uniquely positioned to help educate the automotive workforce for the fuel cell economy, and to perform cutting edge research, demonstration and testing of fuel cell applications. These core areas drive the three distinct phases of our curriculum:
- Education and Training
- Research and Development
- Demonstration and Testing
Phase 1: Education and Training
Kettering is committed to being a leader in the area of fuel cell research and producing highly educated and professionally trained graduates who are experienced in the development of this resource. This vision will be supported through the University's unique relationship with industry.
Our approach will encompass both an integrated vision and concentrated programs within the Mechanical Engineering department.
We are proposing the development of an integrated alternative energy curriculum "thread" beginning with Freshman Chemistry for all engineering students. The alternative energy thread continues with an alternative energy and fuel cell curriculum integration at the junior year with Thermodynamics, and concludes at the senior year with a capstone Energy Systems Laboratory. As such, every Mechanical Engineering student (300 graduate each year) will have an integrated alternative energy curriculum experience.
Mechanical engineering students selecting the automotive engineering design concentration will be offered a more focused curriculum with courses such as Automotive Power Systems, Automotive Powertrain Systems, Introduction to Fuel Cell Engineering, and Electrical Vehicle Propulsion. A Fuel Cell Systems and Electric Power Conversion minor will also be available to all engineering and science students, and is supported with hands-on fuel cell experimentation. A graduate level degree curriculum is also presented which is offered either on-campus or by video, and will be available through a Continuing Education certificate program.
Kettering's pre-college programs for women and minorities will also include fuel cell educational components.
Phase 2: Research and Development
Although fuel cells hold great promise for clean, inexpensive power, they are still in early developmental stages. A great deal of research is necessary to enhance their use as viable power systems. At the Center for Fuel Cell Systems & Powertrain Integration, a core initiative is research and development to keep the positive momentum moving forward. Our aim is to advance fuel cell technology and support the fuel cell industry through a dynamic program of research and development.
Some of the research initiatives that are integral to these programs involve:
- Modeling, simulation, and design optimization for improved stack power density and powertrain integration.
- Hydrogen storage and safety systems, including automotive crash studies.
- Power electronics management and control.
- Manufacturing process selection and cost reduction.
At the Center, we are also undertaking fundamental and applied research in the areas of math-based fuel cell modeling, simulation, safety and manufacturing, combined with power electronics and controls.
Our research results are distributed to industry and the general public through a consortium comprised of industry, research and academic partners, as well as presentations, seminars and publications.
Phase 3: Testing and Demonstration
Just as it took years of tests and improvements to achieve the efficiencies currently realized by internal combustion engines, many improvements are necessary before fuel cells are viable for automotive use. In order to develop and optimize fuel cell technology and improve the efficiencies of next-generation fuel cells, we are investing our energies in prototyping fuel cell testing for consumer product and powertrain integration.
The Center provides state-of–the-art testing capabilities that deliver reliable monitoring and control. Testing programs include lifetime testing, reliability testing, and safety testing of fuel cell components, subsystems and systems. Engineers can continuously incorporate new measurements into their tests and demand reliable, accurate, and flexible test systems.
In conjunction with the development of fuel cell educational programs, the Center is directing efforts at showcasing fuel cell technology. The demonstration area incorporates:
- operational fuel cells and industry products
- fuel cell vehicles and other applications
- fuel cell infrastructure technology, such as hydrogen stations
| Degree Programs
Fuel Cell Degree Programs
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