Elisabetta graduated in 2019 with an MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Her academic background comprehends several projects regarding Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) such as: Design of a full car aerodynamic model; Design of a heath exchanger for use in the production of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) optimised for a minimum pressure drop; and Simulation of a 3 bar explosions on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO).
As an extracurricular activity, she was part of a team building a Hydrogen-Fuelled vehicle to compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM). SEM is a competition where students from all over Europe design and build vehicles with the aim of being fuel/energy efficient. In the team she was the Head of Body-work as well as the Safety Officer. This two-year opportunity allowed Elisabetta to expand her knowledge and experience on Fuel Cell piping and electronics
Elisabetta's PhD proposes the use of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for the direct conversion of hydrogen storage vectors such as ammonia to electrical energy. SOFCs have several advantages over PEM, including, multi-fuel capability, resilience to poisoning from fuel impurities and lower use of precious metal catalysts. These systems, however, require a “defects and flaws” control on the structural and functional properties of their ceramic electrolytes because of their high variability of the strength, and their relatively low toughness, which are some of the point of interests of this research project.
Chemical molecules such as ammonia have the potential to be excellent hydrogen storage vectors for aviation fuels. They do not require high pressure containment but still achieve very high hydrogen storage densities arising from the hydrogen stored within their chemical structure. Ammonia is also good at conducting and absorbing heat, making it good for energy acquisition while also avoiding the formation of “coke” and other residues that hydrocarbons leave behind under extreme temperatures. This substance is also much easier to store as a liquid because, under this form, it only needs to be kept at -33 degC, which is very close to the temperature at cruising altitude. The release of the hydrogen, however, requires a catalytic conversion and ppm levels of ammonia are a poison for PEM fuel cells, and for this reason, a SOFC is required.
The project proposes the (1) characterisation and (2) optimisation of SOFCs for usage in aerospace electric propulsion applications. Characterisation of the cells will focus on cycle efficiency of different fuels (Ammonia, hydrocarbons, H2), the internal chemistry/catalysers used and their behaviour under certain operating conditions. Optimisation will be on structural integrity of electrolytes and fuel cell weight reduction, power transfer efficiency, and possible thermal management of waste heat.
Joining the AAPS CDT gives you the opportunity to explore different point of views in the context of alternative propulsion systems. The CDT is also a great way to begin a new learning journey with the help of the knowledge and support of a team of like-minded experts from different backgrounds.
Elisabetta Schettino, Cohort 1
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