The Department of Chemical Engineering's battery design and fuel cell research is attracting an impressive list of industrial partners who are collaborating with USC faculty and students.
John Van Zee is one of several USC chemical engineering faculty members with research interests in advanced battery design and hydrogen fuel cells. Their research induced Battery Design Co., based in Pleasanton, Calif., to send a "landing party" to USC's Technology Incubator. The off-shoot of the main company is focused on working with USC researchers and developing new design techniques.
"They've hired two of our graduates, a chemical engineering Ph.D. and a dual major master's graduate in chemical engineering/mechanical engineering and computer science," Van Zee said. "Everybody talks about keeping talent close to home. In this case you've got bright minds that are staying right here, very close to the University."
Battery Design Co. develops software that simulates the performance of batteries and help scientists and engineers design new batteries (www.batdesign.com).
Joe Liedhegner, a chemical engineering senior who will graduate in May, worked with Battery Design Co. this past summer. "I'm hoping to work in fuel cell development after graduation, and this kind of experience is invaluable," he said.
Collaborating with industrial partners isn't new for Van Zee. With
assistance from USC's Research Foundation, he has attracted a consortium of nine industrial partners interested in advanced research on polymer electrolytic membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
PEM cells convert hydrogen gas into electricity and emit pure water as the only byproduct. PEMs are about three times more efficient than internal combustion engines, and are envisioned as potential power supplies for residential neighborhoods, in recreational vehicles, forklift trucks, and for commercial and personal transportation.
"PEM research could spawn a new industry that would, in time, transform transportation and electricity generation," Van Zee said.
Each of Van Zee's industrial partners contributes $35,000 annually to the consortium, which includes 13 USC faculty members, 35 Ph.D. students, 20 undergraduates, and two visiting professors. The National Science Foundation is expected to contribute an annual sum to the consortium to formally establish a hydrogen fuel cell research center at USC this spring. For more information about the PEM research, see http://www.che.sc.edu/centers/PEMFC/index.html.
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