Research Areas at the FCH2V Center
Current research activity at UC Davis within automotive technology.
Research on fuel cell component and electrical energy storage in batteries and ultra-capacitors. This work, which has been ongoing for more than ten years in the Hybrid Vehicle Power Systems Laboratory, includes testing of advanced energy storage devices on test cycles appropriate for both fuel cell and hybrid-electric vehicles. Early tests of ultra-capacitors in parallel with a fuel cell have shown that the system was essentially self-controlling without electronics.
Fuel cell and vehicle systems modeling involving various approaches to controlling the fuel cell. Models have been developed for direct hydrogen and for methanol and hydrocarbon reforming systems. The fuel cell stack and auxiliary air and water systems were modeled in detail using MatLab/Simulink so that their operation could be optimized.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for hybrid-electric vehicle applications. Current and ongoing research has resulted in the most efficient and robust CVTs in the world.
Research to enhance the internal combustion engine of these hybrids to increase thermodynamic efficiency up to 45 percent or higher, and provide power capability under all environmental conditions with ultra-low emissions.
Exposure full vehicle development and energy systems research is critical to understanding how technologies are integrated into the final product — the vehicle — as well as the technologies’ and vehicles’ potential impact on the environment and energy system. Overall, the FCH2V Center will continue to explore concepts that will lead to more efficient technologies and vehicles, and broader applications of the developed technologies.
Application for fellowship 2009 - 2010
