View the Advanced Fuel Cell Model - pg 31, or full spread

Fuel cells technology holds the promise of providing high-efficiency power generation for distributed power and mobile applications. In vehicles, fuel cells powered by hydrogen produce only steam at their exhaust giving Southern California a hope for future generation to leave with clean air. It is also an ideal technology to provide transportation in so near future of depleted fossil fuels.

Califronia State University Los Angeles is a premiere minority serving institution that currently enrolls 15,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students. Upon graduation it is expected that students secure jobs in high tech companies so abundant in Southern California. Students are exposed to a variety of green and advanced technologies like solar, wind, electric and hybrid vehicles, engine design, power generation, transmission and process control.

Dr. David Blekhman, Associate Professor, leads the Power, Energy and Transportation program in the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, which concentrates on providing students with the skills and knowledge to be technology leaders in the 21st century.

In 2008, US Department of Energy awarded the program a "Hydrogen and Fuel Cell" grant to develop new courses and research activities. Presented for the event is a research grade fuel cell test stand build in 2008 by a team of summer research students.

As a special touch, the black, carbon fiber panels are also made by students. The system is equipped with a research grade heated fuel cell and allows students like Hector Ramirez to perform research on new materials and catalysts improving the technology. Working with the stand, other students can learn about fuel cell performance and testing techniques.

Over the past several years, CSULA has invested considerable effort and funds into bringing a Hydrogen Station on campus. In 2008 California Air Resources Board awarded $2.2 M toward the construction of a $4.1 M hydrogen station on campus utilizing the latest technologies and providing the capacity of 60kg/day, sufficient to fuel 15 vehicles or a bus and 5 more vehicles per day.

The station will be utilizing two Hydrogenics electrolyzers, boost and delivery compressors capable of dispensing up to 10,000 psi (700bar) and 60 kg of hydrogen storage. Expected in early 2010, the station will be powered by at least 33% of renewables. The new station will further enhance research and educational opportunities for students in the Power, Energy and Transportation program.