Fuel Cell Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A fuel cell engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Most of the world's energy comes from fossil fuels. However, the amount of fossil fuels is finite, and many people are concerned about where our energy will come from in the future. We can turn to alternative, renewable sources of fuel, such as our sun (solar energy) and the winds (wind energy). But what happens when the sun doesn't shine or the winds don't blow? Would we be stuck? Well, that is where the fuel cell comes in. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that generates electricity through a reaction between a fuel, like hydrogen, and an oxidant, like oxygen. This reaction produces few greenhouse gas emissions other than water or water vapor. The job of the fuel cell engineer is to design new fuel cell technology that improves the reliability, functionality, and efficiency of the fuel cell. Do you like the idea of using your math and science skills to work on mankind's future energy needs? Then start "fueling your future" and read more about this career.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Fuel Cell Engineer?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
2. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
3. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

6. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
7. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
8. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
9. Systems Evaluation: ? Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Fuel Cell Engineer might do:

• Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
• Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
• Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
• Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
• Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
• Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
• Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
• Define specifications for fuel cell materials.
• Recommend or implement changes to fuel cell system designs.
• Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology or competitive products.
• Validate design of fuel cells, fuel cell components, or fuel cell systems.
• Develop fuel cell materials or fuel cell test equipment.
• Prepare test stations, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems for use in specific tests of fuel cell components or systems.
• Fabricate prototypes of fuel cell components, assemblies, stacks, or systems.
• Design or implement fuel cell testing or development programs.
• Manage fuel cell battery hybrid system architecture, including sizing of components, such as fuel cells, energy storage units, or electric drives.
• Write technical reports or proposals related to engineering projects.
• Design fuel cell systems, subsystems, stacks, assemblies, or components, such as electric traction motors or power electronics.
• Simulate or model fuel cell, motor, or other system information, using simulation software programs.
• Identify or define vehicle and system integration challenges for fuel cell vehicles.
• Calculate the efficiency or power output of a fuel cell system or process.
• Coordinate fuel cell engineering or test schedules with departments outside engineering, such as manufacturing.
• Authorize release of fuel cell parts, components, or subsystems for production.
• Evaluate the power output, system cost, or environmental impact of new hydrogen or non-hydrogen fuel cell system designs.
• Integrate electric drive subsystems with other vehicle systems to optimize performance or mitigate faults.