Corsi breve Genova 2015: Programma didattico

Batteries and Fuel Cells: Background, Technical Challenges, and the Use of Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Electrodes and Membranes

Relatore:Prof. Peter N. Pintauro, Vanderbilt University, School of Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Abstract:
The demand for high energy density rechargeable batteries and high power output fuel cell energy conversion systems has never been greater. Today, the functionality of many portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptop computers, is limited by the available power supplies. Similarly, there is a critical need to improve upon present-day batteries and fuel cell stacks for electrical vehicle propulsion systems. Battery powered automobiles lack the drive distance and fast recharge times that consumers demand. Durability and cost issues of automotive fuel cell stacks are currently being addressed but have not been completely resolved. This presentation will be divided into three parts. (i) A background review on various types of moderate temperature fuel cells (hydrogen/air, direct methanol, and alkaline) and on Li-ion batteries, with a focus on the use of these energy storage and conversion devices for electric vehicles. (ii) A summary of important technical challenges to be overcome for improved battery performance and for the widespread commercial use of fuel cells will be summarized. The focus here is on electrode composition and design for Li-ion batteries and electrode and membrane design/composition for hydrogen/air fuel cells. (iii) The use of nanofiber electrodes for battery and fuel cell electrodes and nanofiber-based membranes in hydrogen/air fuel cells. This portion of the talk will include an introduction to nanofiber electrospinning.



An Overview of Automotive EMC

Relatore: Dr Marco Klingler, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Paris France.

Abstract:
This course is intended for students who would like to discover (or have little knowledge) about EMC in general, and/or for confirmed EMC engineers who would like to interest themselves in the automotive industry. It will begin by an introduction on the automotive external electric/electromagnetic environment followed by the automotive EMC requirements and issues. The talk will first introduce the attendees to the generic immunity and emission mechanisms of an electric/electronic system. Then it will focus on the standards and regulations, the immunity and emission requirements, and the related directives and regulations. A special attention will be given to review the different mitigation techniques and EMC solutions applied in the automotive industry. Also, numerical simulation aspects will be reviewed and some examples of car body, harnesses and equipment modeling will be described. Equipment validation will be developed and equipment EMC and electrical requirements will be listed. Two different tests will be given as examples, and different test methods and facilities for immunity to radiated electric fields will be summarily introduced, also enumerating the different vehicle EMC requirements and presenting three major EMC vehicle tests. Finally, this course will end by some general conclusions and a few words on future automotive EMC challenges.