Throughout the academic year, GCEP holds seminars on the Stanford campus featuring guest speakers discussing technologies related to energy and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Markus Felgenhauer, M.Sc.
GCEP visiting researcher
BMW Group / Technical University of Munich

Decentralized hydrogen systems in communities for the supply of fuel cell vehicles and RES storage
March 17, 2015
Stanford University
Flyer (pdf)

Abstract: The energy transition to decentralized intermittent renewable energy sources is increasing the demand for energy storage systems. Hydrogen systems consisting of an electrolyzer, storage tanks and fuel cells/gas turbines are technically mature, but are not profitable if operated solely for electricity storage. At the same time, the lack of refueling stations has been a major obstacle for hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles. Dual-purpose hydrogen storage systems, configured for both vehicle fueling and stationary energy storage, may provide cost or emissions reduction benefits.

In this work, a simulation model has been built that calculates the cost-optimal energy system for a community based on hourly demand time series (electricity, heat/AC, mobility BEVs/FCVs) and RES availability. The model considers power and energy capacities and hourly dispatch of each process to perform a linear cost optimization. This provides a detailed assessment of the economic feasibility of certain processes and storage systems. By calculating different scenarios it is further possible to determine the relation between additional costs and CO2 reduction per capita in the community. In future work, different BEV/FCV penetration scenarios will be modeled to determine if these hydrogen storage systems will play an important role on our way to a clean and sustainable energy future both on and off the road.

Bio: Markus F. Felgenhauer is a PhD student in energy systems analysis at the BMW Group / Technical University of Munich. His research at GCEP analyzes MW-scale electrolysis in communities for both hydrogen car refueling and stationary energy storage for decentralized renewable energy sources. He holds a M.Sc. in Physics from the Technical University of Munich.

---

James R. Maughan
Technology Director
Aero-Thermal and Mechanical Systems
GE Global Research |Schenectady, NY

Turbomachinery Research at GE
January 22, 2014
Stanford University
Flyer (pdf)

Abstract: GE is the world's leading turbomachinery technology company, with products spanning power generation turbines, aircraft engines, and O&G processing equipment. Despite the fact that these products were introduced decades ago, technology development is currently accelerating rapidly, and the next generation of jet engines and gas turbines will be incredibly advanced. This seminar will describe how GE Global Research is developing new tools and technology that will power and move the world.

Dr. Maughan will provide an overview of new 3D aerodynamic technologies that increase aerodynamic efficiency, combustion technologies that push higher combustion temperatures while maintaining low emissions, cooling technologies that increase durability of engines at higher temperatures, and new mechanical and prognostic technologies that improve designs and product life. Advanced experimental capabilities and breakthroughs in high performance computation will also be highlighted, with a focus on how these capabilities are resulting in products that better meet the needs of GE's customers.

Bio: James R. Maughan received a B.S. from BYU, and a Ph.D. from Purdue, all in Mechanical Engineering. He then joined GE Global Research in Schenectady, NY, working in the area of low emissions combustion and gas appliances. He later joined GE Power & Water to lead the introduction of low emissions combustors into GE gas turbines, and held subsequent leadership positions in Gas Turbine, Steam Turbine, Energy Services, GE Research, Controls and Power Electronics, and Wind Energy. He began his current role at GE Global Research in 2013, where his global research team supports GE's industrial businesses with breakthroughs in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, and mechanical systems.