Laboratory of Energy Conversion Systems

As of October 13, 2021

Basic information

Division

Energy and Environmental Systems

* Please go to Courses to see the list of subjects offered by the division.

Laboratory's URL

https://mech-hm.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/~ene-lab/english.html

Faculty members accepting applicants

TABE Yutaka (Prof.), UEMURA Suguru (Assoc. Prof.)

About the laboratory

Description

The aim of our research is to create a sustainable energy system for a solution of energy and environmental problems, e.g. energy depletion and global warming. Our research is made from both sides of technological development of energy conversion devices and analysis of desirable social energy systems.

Our laboratory is based on thermal engineering in mechanical engineering, especially on heat transfer engineering.
     The field of research: Energy conversion, Storage, and Utilization
     Keywords: Polymer electrolyte fuel cell, Redox flow battery, Lithium air battery, Energy system, Renewable energy

Ongoing projects

(1) Control of liquid water in a PEFC gas diffusion layer (GDL) with high current density
(2) Microscopic water transport phenomena in micro porous layers (MPLs)
(3) Ice formation process during PEFC cold startup and optimum structure of CL and GDL
(4) Analysis of electrode catalyst layer using three-phase boundary model for Pt high utilization in PEFCs
(5) Applying monolayer graphene for PEM fuel cells
(6) Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement of transport phenomena in a PEFC
(7) Current distribution and active species transport in a redox flow battery
(8) Electrode structure and electrolyte flow for performance improvement in redox flow battery
(9) Study on positive electrode structure of lithium-air battery to improve oxygen transport
(10) Decomposition behavior of precipitates for realizing high-rate charge of lithium-air battery
(11) Lithium water battery for renewable energy storage and hydrogen supply
(12) Optimum option of selecting energy supply infrastructures for power generation in Hokkaido
(13) Study on measures against fluctuation of electricity output caused by renewable energy in Hokkaido
(14) Heat and electric power supply systems using renewable energy at the time of disaster in Hokkaido

Information for potential applicants

Applicants' background

We are looking for people with good knowledge in thermal engineering in mechanical engineering, especially on heat transfer engineering.

Who should apply?

Students with a strong interest in sustainable energy systems for a solution of energy and environmental problems.

How to choose a research proposal topic?

It would be preferable if the proposal is related to the laboratory's research profile and the topic of the applicant's interest.

How the research proposal is evaluated?

We evaluate the student proposal based on (1) basic knowledge and understanding the research question, (2) strong motivation to solve the question and finish your Master's or Doctoral course (3) story of the proposal and logical discussion and (4) English.

Plan to accept applicants

Application type Enrollment semester Master’s course Doctoral course Comments
MEXT Scholarship (Uniform call) Oct. 2022
MEXT Embassy
e3 Special Selection Oct. 2022

How to apply

Please follow the application procedure for the respective application category announced at the e3 web page.

Accepting Research Students

We do not accept Research students. The only exception is students who have secured a scholarship which supports research student period (for example, MEXT via the Embassy nomination, some types of JICA scholarship etc.)

Availability of financial support

Please check the e3 web page for information about the scholarships and other financial support.

Inquiries

If you have any inquiries about the application and admission procedures etc., please contact the e3 office. You can submit your application on-line during the "matching period" irrespective of prior contact with potential supervisor(s).