SYNOPSIS

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy directly into electricity with high efficiency and minimal emissions, offering a promising alternative to traditional power generation methods. This direct energy conversion offers several key advantages, including high efficiency, low emissions, fuel flexibility, and modularity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. This talk provides a fundamental understanding of fuel cell technology and its applications in power generation. It covers the basic concepts and theory of fuel cells, various fuel cell types, and methods for characterizing and analyzing fuel cell performance. The talk will also address the latest developments and applications of fuel cell technologies and their role in the field of alternative energy.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Dr. Nurul Akidah binti Baharuddin

Nurul Akidah Baharuddin is a recognized expert in fuel cell technology, particularly Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). A Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dr. Akidah holds a B.Hons in Mechanical Engineering (2011), an M.Sc. in Fuel Cell Engineering (2014), and a Ph.D. in Fuel Cell Engineering (2017), all from UKM. Her research focuses on advancing SOFC technology for stationary applications. Dr. Akidah actively leads several major grants from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and industry partners, totaling nearly RM 2 million, all related to SOFC development. Leading a prototype development grant in SOFC technology worth nearly RM 200,000 further demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practical applications. Furthermore, she holds a patent related to SOFC technology, underscoring her innovative contributions to the field. A strong advocate for industry-academia collaboration, Dr. Akidah envisions her work contributing to the creation of technical codes and policies for hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology in Malaysia. Her leadership is evident in her current role as Vice Chair of the Green ICT Working Group and her former appointment as Chair of the Hydrogen Sub-working Group under the Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd. Nominated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), she serves as a delegate for the United Nations ITU Telecommunication Standardization Meeting in Geneva.