Dr. Harmeet Chhina

Harmeet Chhina

Harmeet has over 7 years of experience in the research of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). She worked at Ballard Power Systems, Inc. prior to the formation of AFCC-Automotive Fuel Cell Co–operation. In February of 2008, Ballard Power Systems Inc., Daimler AG, and Ford Motor Company formed a new company, AFCC–Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corporation to develop automotive fuel cell stacks. During these seven years Harmeet has worked with both the GDL (gas diffusion layer) and the catalyst group. She has supervised and trained manufacturing personnel involved in MEA fabrication and electrode processing techniques. While working at Ballard and then at AFCC, she has been pursuing her PhD at the University of Toronto in department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering under the guidance of Dr. Olivera Kesler.

In her spare time, which is rare these days smiley, she enjoys meeting new people and networking, reading, hiking, golf with her husband, travelling, cooking and sleeping.

Links

Ballard website

Research

For both automotive and co-generation applications, severe carbon oxidation is observed for PEMFCs during startup-shutdown. Harmeet's PhD work involves synthesizing, developing, and evaluating novel catalyst support materials that will replace carbon. Further details on the materials and test conditions can be found in some of the publications listed below.

Professional Affiliations

  • Board of director for Huggs Canada (2008-present).
  • Member of the British Columbia sustainable energy association (BCSEA)
  • Volunteer for Virsa Canada as a role model for Indo-Canadian youth and actively attend meetings, organize events, etc.
  • Past board member of the Society of the Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST).

Publications

  1. Chhina, H.; Campbell, S.; Kesler, O. Journal of Power Sources. High surface area synthesis, electrochemical activity, and stability of tungsten carbide supported Pt during oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. 179 (2008) 50–59.
  2. Chhina, H.; Campbell, S.; Kesler, O. Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Ex-situ evaluation of tungsten oxide as a catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. 154, 6 (2007) B533 – B539.
  3. Chhina, H.; Campbell, S.; Kesler, O. Journal of Power Sources. Thermal and electrochemical stability of tungsten carbide catalyst supports. 164 (2007) 431–440.
  4. Chhina, H.; Campbell, S.; Kesler, O. Journal of Power Sources. An oxidation-resistant indium tin oxide catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. 161 (2006) 893–900.



Dreams nourish the soul just as food nourishes the body.
The pleasure of the search and adventure feed our dreams.
- The Pilgrimage, Paulo Coehlo.