FLINT – Kettering University will receive from Delphi $100,000 over the next four years for its fuel cell development efforts and help develop a curriculum train a workforce for this alternative energy industry that will play a major role in Michigans future.

As part of the deal, Jean Botti, chief technologist for Delphis Dynamics & Propulsion Center, will join the center’s executive advisory board.

This is an excellent opportunity for Delphi to collaborate with academia to further develop our solid oxide fuel cell initiatives, Botti said. Once the center has been established, we plan to incorporate the facilities and faculty at Kettering into our future development plans within Delphi.

Delphis contribution builds on Kettering’s Center for Fuel Cell Systems and Powertrain Integration. In January, Kettering received a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department, helping the university start construction. The federal funds were combined with $500,000 received earlier from Michigan and another $700,000 from industry and Kettering sources.

Kettering’s fuel cell center will be 8,600 square feet of state-of-the art laboratories, which combine teaching studios and control rooms as well as and space to support business incubators for new and existing companies in Kettering’s new C.S. Mott Engineering and Science Center.

K. Joel Berry, professor and head of Ketterings Mechanical Engineering Department, said the center holds promise to accelerate the development and commercialization of fuel cells for stationary and mobile applications.

Delphi has worked with U.S. and European customers in fuel cell development programs for several years. Delphi’s fuel cell activities include:

A development program with the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to help develop a solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit for long-haul trucks and other commercial vehicles. Delphi will share the cost of the 3-year, $4.75 million project.

A partnership with BMW on a gasoline development project for the last two years. Renault joined this effort and added diesel development for commercial vehicles to the objectives of the Delphi BMW development project.

A partnership with TotalFinaElf to collaborate on research and testing of fuels for use in fuel cell reformers.

Delphi and Battelle have been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) to receive a 10-year, $74.6 million cost-share contract to assist in the further development of SOFC technology.

A partnership with Belfort Fuel Cell Research Center. The French Ministry of Research oversees this national center for technical research, with the help of corporate partners like Delphi and PSA-Peugeot-Citren.