UOIT to host international nuclear hydrogen workshop
December 18, 2007
International experts, UOIT faculty to present recent developments in hydrogen research
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will welcome renowned hydrogen experts to an international nuclear hydrogen workshop in the UOIT Science building on Thursday, December 20.
The all-day workshop will feature presentations from international experts, including Dr. Serguei Lvov, professor of energy and mineral engineering at Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Michele Lewis, a chemist from the Chemical Engineering Division at the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in Illinois, as well as researchers from UOIT and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited among others.
Dr. Greg Naterer, a professor and director of research, graduate studies and development with the UOIT Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, will facilitate the workshop.
"This international workshop brings together leading researchers from UOIT, Ontario and North America for the advancement of nuclear-based hydrogen production," said Dr. Naterer. "Nuclear-produced hydrogen has very promising potential that builds on Durham Region's and Ontario's strengths in the nuclear and energy sectors."
Dr. Lvov will discuss an initiative at Pennsylvania State University on Advanced Electrochemical Technologies for Hydrogen Production by Alternative Thermochemical Cycles, while Dr. Lewis will present Recent Advances in Hydrogen Production at the ANL.
Additional presentations include Recent Advances at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) in the Copper-Chlorine Cycle (Cu-Cl) for Nuclear-Produced Hydrogen; Recent Advances in Cu-Cl Modelling and Simulation; Thermochemistry and Electrochemical Cell Design; Lab-Scale Equipment Development; Mechanical and Materials Design and Control Systems; and Reliability and Safety. Following the presentations, participants will take part in various group meetings.
Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, since its oxidation does not emit the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
UOIT has developed a national reputation for leadership in hydrogen research, including receiving $3 million in the 2007 provincial budget to expand its hydrogen research capacity, as well as a $5.5 million project through the Ontario Research Fund. Working towards finding a lower-cost sustainable method of producing hydrogen is essential for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming.
In collaboration with AECL, ANL and partner universities across Ontario and abroad, a 23-member UOIT-led team of researchers is developing a new method of producing hydrogen with a copper-chlorine cycle that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. At UOIT, the research team includes multiple faculties and team members that add key multi-disciplinary expertise, including the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science and the Faculty of Science.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
