Richland
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RTD Award: Phase I
Project Title: "Development of Computer Models and Control Schemes for Biofuel-based Fuel Cell Systems"
Research Partner: Patrick Pedrow, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman
Project Began: 2008
InnovaTek, a Richland-based developer of patented technologies for sustainable power and environmental safety, is teamed with Washington State University to improve InnovaTek's hydrogen fuel processor technology.
WSU received $64,275 in Phase I Research and Technology Development funding from Washington Technology Center and an additional $12,812 from InnovaTek for the project titled "Development of Computer Models and Control Schemes for Biofuel-based Fuel Cell Systems."
Hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative energy source that converts the chemical energy stored in hydrogen to electrical energy without greenhouse gas emissions. However, the transport and storage of hydrogen is expensive and difficult due to its low volumetric energy density. Therefore, the use of energy dense liquid fuels, such as biodiesel for the production of hydrogen at the place of use, will allow fuel cells to be employed for the production of electricity using the existing fuel distribution network.
In this Phase I project, InnovaTek and Patrick Pedrow, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University, will develop a microchip-based control system that integrates InnovaTek's InnovaGen fuel processor with commercially available fuel cells. A well-defined and developed control system should not only ensure smooth and safe operation at steady-state conditions, but also provide fast and consistent performance.
Commercial development of InnovaTek's technology will create a power production technology that can utilize current gasoline, diesel and biodiesel distribution infrastructures to provide a clean, quiet and energy-efficient electrical energy generating system.
"InnovaTek is a jewel in the crown of our district. The Tri-Cities is fortunate to be rich in technological innovation. InnovaTek's work on alternative energy will likely be a major force in powering-up Washington in the coming decades. I'm delighted to see the talented people at InnovaTek receive this award. I'm eager to see its research transform the use of fuel processing technology and hydrogen-generated energy in our lifetime."
State Sen. Jerome Delvin, (R-Richland)
"I am excited to see the results of this collaborative effort toward cleaner, alternative energy. Washington, like all states, wants to reduce its dependency on oil, especially foreign oil. I am pleased WSU and InnovaTek are helping lead the way."
State Rep. Larry Haler, (R-Richland)
Research Partner: Dr. Patrick Pedrow, WSU School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Project Began: 2003
One of InnovaTek's projects includes developing a diesel-based fuel processor to supply hydrogen for electrical generation by fuel cells. Using a plasma-enhanced metal organic chemical vapor deposition system available at WSU, research collaboration with Dr. Pedrow will help InnovaTek test the process of placing metal coatings directly onto microchannel surfaces - a technology it expects will greatly enhance its processor efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
Research Partner: Philip C. Malte, UW Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Project Began: 2001
InnovaTek is an early-stage, technology-based company that creates innovative solutions for health, safety, and energy applications. Working with Dr. Malte, the company is developing and testing a fuel-injection component for a diesel and natural-gas-based fuel processor to supply hydrogen for electrical generation - creating a power production technology that can use the nation's current fuel distribution infrastructure to provide a clean, quiet, and energy-efficient electrical-energy-generating system.
Labels: Defense_and_Security, District_8, Energy, Richland, RTD_Grant_Program_A-K, Southeast, UW, WSU
