Mostly, I researched the different types of fuel cells available on the commercial market. I tried to understand what each of their strengths and weaknesses were, what type of fuel each required, efficiencies, operating restrictions, etc. I primarily focused on solid oxide fuel cells. The internship provided some hands-on research into a topic that is becoming more important in today's world. Their only problem-you can't simply drive your fuel cell car up to a gas station and pump gasoline into it and expect it to work.
Fuel cells require 'reformed' fuel, which is basically a purified fuel.
After performing all of this research, as well as doing some laboratory research that involved desulfurization of fuel, I produced a technical paper and a video presentation. Last spring she received the American Legion Award for Scholarship Excellence, the Kenneth J. Kublins Memorial Award, the Military Order of the World Wars Award and the Air Force USAA Spirit Award. Founded in 1865, WPI enrolls 2,700 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students in science, engineering, management, humanities and arts, and social sciences. Under the WPI Plan, undergraduates complete three projects focusing on their major course of study, the humanities, and the interactions among science, technology and society.