Transport phenomena in environmentally friendly energy conversion systems

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Combustion of fossil fuels provides the majority of the world energy needs. Liquid fuel atomization and spray is extensively used for fuel preparation before the combustion stage. Atomization quality and spray characteristics have significant impact on combustion efficiency and pollutant emission. However, the widespread use of fossil fuels results in environmental degradation and health hazards. Fuel cells, on the other hand, are efficient, clean and compatible with alternative fuels and renewable energy sources and carriers for sustainable development. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using hydrogen as fuel are most promising for portable, mobile and on-site co-generation applications, while direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are PEMFCs with methanol as fuel. This proposed study focuses on (i) the liquid fuel atomization processes and spray characteristics as they relate to diesel engines using biofuels such as biodiesel, and (ii) transport phenomena in, and their impact on the performance of, PEMFCs and DMFCs. The objective of the proposed research is to develop a predictive spray model that can be used for performance prediction and cost-effective design of practical spray combustion systems; and to improve the performance and reduce the cost of PEMFCs and DMFCs. The results of the proposed study are (i) expected to be useful in formulating realistic spray models, and will be helpful in evaluating performance of spray combustion systems, thereby developing methods to improve combustion efficiency, to lower pollutant emissions, and to reduce the time required for the development of such spray combustion systems; and (ii) expected to be useful in fuel cell performance improvement and cost reduction, hence contributing to the commercialization of fuel cells for clean power generation.