University of Alberta
Electrochemical Energy Systems Design Laboratory

The ESDLab of the University of Alberta is dedicated to the development and validation of computational tools for the analysis and design of electrochemical energy systems such as water electrolytes, hydrogen fuel cells, and batteries.

Research Areas

Latest Post

Analysis of Transient Water Dynamics

Accurate measurement of water transport and water accumulation in an operating PEMFC is critical to optimize operating conditions and transport layer configurations. A water balance setup, based on in-line gas flowmeter, pressure, relative humidity and temperature sensors, was developed and demonstrated to track the real-time water transport and accumulation within operating PEMFCs. Current results indicate that changing operating conditions can have a dramatic effect on the water transport across the membrane, while the ratio of water transported to produced remains relatively constant with current density.

Software

Among other projects, our group has launched the OpenFCST simulation project, which aims at developing an open source code for electrolyzer, fuel cell, battery multi-scaler and multi-physics simulations.

Facilities

The laboratory is equipped with electrode fabrication equipment, including inkjet printing, slot die coating, and electrode characterization equipment such as mercury intrusion porosimetry, x-ray tomography, and rotating disk electrodes. In addition, the lab has testing equipment such as fuel cell and electrolyzer testing stations.


People

The ESDLab is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Women, Aboriginal peoples, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Dr. Marc Secanell Ali Mohammadtabar Aslan Kosakian Vaishnavi Kale Ambuj Punia Jiafei Liu Luis Padilla Urbina Mohamad Ghadban Yash Kothari Andrea Quintero Jake Mouallem James Woodford Emelie Krause Dr. Marc Secanell Ali Mohammadtabar Aslan Kosakian Vaishnavi Kale Ambuj Punia Jiafei Liu Luis Padilla Urbina Mohamad Ghadban Yash Kothari Andrea Quintero Jake Mouallem James Woodford Emelie Krause

Latest News

The ESDL group have continued their tradition of camping over the weekend, this time in the Crowsnest Pass on the outskirts of Blairmore. The area is right next to several beautiful hikes and lakes, as well as an hour away from the Waterton Lakes National Park.

ESDLab congratulates Himanshi Dhawan who successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis “Development of Iridium Oxide Catalysts for Acidic Water Electrolysis”.

ESDLab congratulates Fei Wei who successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis “Characterization of Water Transport and Liquid Water Accumulation in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells”.

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