Ohioans Breathe Easier, Thanks to DOE Research Grant

Mark Maddox, acting assistant secretary of DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy presented a $250,000 grant to the University of Cincinnati in support of its research in solid-oxide fuel-cell technology. Solid-oxide fuel cells would be a boon to Ohio’s fossil fuel industry.

College of Engineering Dean Stephen Kowel noted that UC is “keen to do research to meet Ohio’s needs and those of the country.” U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio’s First District pointed out that the United States currently imports more than 50% of the oil we consume.

"We remain at the mercy of the production whims of the OPEC countries,” said Chabot. “It’s a very good day for the university and for the nation.” Chabot emphasized the critical need for developing new and cleaner sources of energy.

“The fuel-cell research at UC shows promise,” Chabot said. He then introduced Maddox, noting that Maddox is an Ohio native.

“It’s great to be home here in Ohio,” said Assistant Secretary Maddox. He then highlighted President George W. Bush’s “Clear Skies” initiative, describing it as “both tactical and visionary.” UC’s $250,000 is part of $4 million in grant money that the Department of Energy is awarding to 11 research projects to help remove obstacles from using fuel cells as a viable energy source.

The Clear Skies initiative, introduced by President Bush in February 2002, is aimed at reducing sulfur oxides, nitrous oxides and mercury from power-plant emissions. The Clear Skies initiative focuses on a hydrogen-based fuel economy, using fossil fuels for energy. In a typical combustion-based (coal) power plant, the fuel is used to make heat, which is then converted to mechanical power, which is then converted to electricity. With a fuel cell, heat and electricity are created at the same time. Fuel cells also create fewer emissions and no noise.

“Fuel cells will help guarantee the use of coal, our most abundant fuel resource,” said Maddox.

Chemical and Materials Engineering Professor Raj Singh accepted the award on behalf of the Advanced Composites and Electronic Ceramics Group, which he directs. Singh’s research deals with creating novel high-temperature seals using ceramics and glasses that “heal” micro-cracks caused by the intense heat of solid oxide fuel cells.

Outwardly I may seem cool but inside I’m really jumping,” said Singh. His group’s solid-oxide fuel-cell research on seals will allow operation at much higher temperatures than currently possible.

“This type of fuel cell will provide great opportunity for Ohio as well as the nation,” said Singh. “The solid oxide fuel cell efficiencies alone are about 60%.” Combined with other technologies to capture the waste heat, 80% or higher efficiencies can be achieved.

“We are contributing to a very important part of the fuel-cell program,” said Singh. “It is our hope that our innovations will assist in job creation with lots of fuel-cell generation in Ohio.” Singh noted that here at UC we are also providing the education of future fuel cell scientists and engineers.