Ryan Spragg Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

St. Louis City County, Missouri, United States

As a master's student, I have focused on studying and enhancing the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance. Mainly, my research has entailed optimization of the DMFC. This includes catalyst solutions, vapor-feed versus liquid-feed supply, fuel concentration, flow rate, operating temperature, operating pressure, and improved water management. My research with the DMFC has led to increased performance, efficiency, and energy density while supplying pure methanol as a fuel and using… Show more As a master's student, I have focused on studying and enhancing the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance. Mainly, my research has entailed optimization of the DMFC. This includes catalyst solutions, vapor-feed versus liquid-feed supply, fuel concentration, flow rate, operating temperature, operating pressure, and improved water management. My research with the DMFC has led to increased performance, efficiency, and energy density while supplying pure methanol as a fuel and using commercially available materials.Likewise, I have experimentally measured the impact of the previously mentioned parameters on methanol crossover. My additions have led to a decrease in methanol crossover and an increase in energy density using pure methanol in a vapor-feed DMFC. Efficiency and energy density were measured through a series of long-term consumption tests. The degradation mechanisms were measured by comparing a fresh MEA to an aged MEA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to detect surface morphology and catalyst layer thinning and migration. SEM and EDS were also used to see catalyst uniformity and thickness on both anode and cathode electrodes. Beyond this work, I have experimented with inexpensive non-platinum catalysts for enhanced oxygen reactions in both the DMFC and hydrogen fuel cell. Apart from my research, I have had the privilege of leading several undergraduate and graduate students in research in both fuel cells and heat transfer. This has allowed me to reinforce fundamental concepts of engineering while being able to impart my knowledge to others.In the future, I hope to continue working with fuel cells and further optimize them to drive their viability as a renewable energy source. I aim to work on all design aspects of fuel cells and electrolyzers to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase scalability to a commercial level. Show less

Greater Chicago Area

This business focuses on providing mobile detailing for all vehicles and has served over 60 customers. After researching tools, products, and detailing techniques, my skills as an automotive detailer have come a long way. I have experienced flaws in running my small business, however, they only attribute to the learning and overall success. The skills I practice have been tested by detailing pros around the world and the results speak for themself.

Kansas, United States

In my time as a research assistant, I worked alongside a current mechanical engineering graduate student and Dr. Xianglin Li in a hydrogen fuel cell research lab. My priorities included fabricating Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Gas Diffusion layers for anode and cathode production. I would then prepare Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for both methanol and hydrogen performance and crossover testing. Lastly, I gained experience in gathering data, through fuel cell testing, and interpreting the… Show more In my time as a research assistant, I worked alongside a current mechanical engineering graduate student and Dr. Xianglin Li in a hydrogen fuel cell research lab. My priorities included fabricating Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Gas Diffusion layers for anode and cathode production. I would then prepare Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for both methanol and hydrogen performance and crossover testing. Lastly, I gained experience in gathering data, through fuel cell testing, and interpreting the data produced. Overall my experience in this program was been beyond enjoyable and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on such a leading edge project. My fundamental knowledge of the inner workings of fuel cells, their applications, and future capabilities only further solidifies my strong interest in fuel cell technology. Show less

University Of Kansas

Masters, Fuel Cell Technology

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Theta Chi Fraternity, Kansas University Car Club, JayhawkMotorsports Formula SAE, Undergraduate Research

Bachelor'S Degree, Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Theta Chi Fraternity, University of Kansas Car Club, Jayhawk Motorsports, Undergraduate Research