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The Arizona State University Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (ASU-PTL) is one of only three accredited labs in the world for the design qualification of photovoltaic modules per IEC and other standards. The ASU-PTL is currently positioning itself to carry out independent performance and design evaluation of fuel cell systems as well. In addition to this, curricula are being developed that provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge of fuel cell systems and their operations. This paper presents the details about the first introductory, multidisciplinary course that was developed and taught at ASU for the first time in the spring of 2003. The course is at the advanced undergraduate and graduate level. The goal of the course is to provide graduates with up to date knowledge and understanding of fuel cells and their supporting systems. In this course, students are exposed to concepts from electrochemistry, material science, chemical engineering, polymer science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing and electrical and electronics engineering as they apply to fuel cell systems. This is a true multidisciplinary course. The interdisciplinary nature of the course necessitates a team-teaching approach, and faculty with backgrounds in electrochemistry, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering deliver portions of the course. The course includes a theoretical portion, and a comprehensive practical portion in which the students build a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and assemble, test and characterize this assembly as a single stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The lab training also consists of making bipolar plates needed for the interconnection of the cells for normal operations. The course was very well received and more work to refine the course is ongoing. Feedback from the students indicates a tremendous interest generated by the course, and several students intend to concentrate their graduate work in the fuel cell area.

Recent events have lead to surging interest in alternative energy sources and their utilization. One example is the fuel cell. Fuel cells are seen as clean energy sources for a number of applications, including automobiles and power supplies for homes. As a result, there are significant research efforts being made to develop fuel cells and to improve their competitiveness in cost per kilowatt compared to more conventional energy sources. In addition, if fuel cells are to be used in high volume products, they must be manufactured efficiently and in quantity. This situation presents opportunity for both professionals and educators in the manufacturing field. Currently, fuel cells are low volume products that are often built to order, with resulting higher costs and longer lead times. Many of the key components of fuel cells are not made using high production techniques. Successful evolution of the fuel cell industry requires production research and the application of modern manufacturing principles, as well as a supply of graduates from manufacturing programs in which these principles have been emphasized.This paper introduces readers to some aspects of fuel cell manufacturing impeding efficient production. A brief description of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, components, and the current state of the art of their manufacture are presented. Educational challenges and specific efforts to address them currently underway within in the College of Technology and Applied Sciences (CTAS) at Arizona State University (ASU) are discussed. An annotated bibliography related to fuel cell manufacturing is also included as an aid to others interested in the topic.

Report on the IAEA Technical Committee Meeting held at Kloster Seeon, Germany, 21-23 June 1999