Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (MURI), this project is directed by Prof. Kee, with subcontracts to Caltech and UMCP. The principal objective is to develop improved fundamental understanding of electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons in ceramic-based fuel cells. The project has substantial theoretical, modeling, and experimental components.

Sponsored by DARPA, subcontract to ITN Energy Systems, this project develops and applies modeling capabilities to support ITN Energy Systems’ development of small (e.g., 20W) SOFCs that operate on logistics fuels (e.g., JP8). The system objective is battery-replacement technology.

Sponsored by NREL, via a subcontract to Global Solar Energy, this project focuses on the development of simulation capabilities and their incorporation into model-based process control strategies. The work supports low-cost, large-scale, manufacturing of thin-film photovoltaics using copper-gallium-indium-diselenide (CIGS) technology.

Sponsored by First Solar, LLC, this project concerns the manufacturing of cadmium-telluride based thin-film photovoltaics. The effort is primarily focused on the development and application of chemically reacting flow models to assist improvement of a manufacturing process.

This project considers heterogeneous combustion on hexaaluminate catalysts. Ultra-lean mixtures can be oxidized, resulting in negligible gas-phase flame chemistry and low combustion temperatures that virtually eliminate NOx formation. One important application for this technology is in advanced gas turbines. The CSM effort, which is sponsored by NASA, includes coordinated experimental and theoretical elements.

Sponsored by NIST (ATP), via a subcontract to ITN Energy Systems, this project concentrates primarily on developing models of chemically reacting flow processes within solid-oxide fuel cells. The models are applied to assist system design and operational considerations.

This project concerns the development of fine water mist for fire-suppression technology, providing an environmentally safe alternative to halon systems. Dr. Kee's effort, sponsored by NASA, concentrates primarily on modeling and simulation. Understanding the fundamental interactions betwen a flame and fine water droplets provides information that is needed to develop and field practical systems. The effort also supports microgravity experiments that are pursued through NASA's Center for Commercial Applications of Space (CCACS) at CSM.