Advanced Fuel Cell Performance Analysis

Chemical Engineering Laboratory • UC San Diego • 2025

Contributions: Background and Theory (Technical Writing); Equal Contribution (Lab Work)

Participated in a comprehensive experimental analysis of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems, optimizing power output and efficiency through systematic testing of multiple configurations and developing predictive performance models for industrial applications.

Technical Skills Demonstrated

Experimental Design & Execution

  • Multi-variable fuel cell testing protocols
  • Systematic data collection under varying load conditions
  • Equipment calibration and safety procedures
  • Quality control and measurement validation

Data Analysis & Modeling

  • Nonlinear regression analysis for polarization curves
  • Power performance curve development
  • Statistical uncertainty quantification
  • Predictive modeling for system optimization

Process Optimization

  • Efficiency vs. power output trade-off analysis
  • Membrane configuration comparison
  • Reactant composition impact assessment
  • Operating parameter optimization

Industry Applications

  • Clean energy system design principles
  • Economic viability assessment (O₂ vs air)
  • Scale-up considerations for commercial systems
  • Alternative fuel pathway evaluation

Key Engineering Achievements

35%
Performance Improvement
Optimized double membrane configuration yielding 75.1 mW peak power
3 Fuel Types
Comparative Analysis
Evaluated H₂/O₂, H₂/air, and methanol systems for commercial viability
95%
Conversion Efficiency
Achieved optimal fuel utilization through load resistance optimization
Industry Impact: Demonstrated that pure oxygen systems deliver superior performance but identified air-based configurations as cost-effective alternatives for practical applications. The analysis provides critical design parameters for scaling fuel cell technology in automotive and stationary power applications, with clear recommendations for membrane configuration based on performance requirements.