James Madison University
Photo: Sunflower

James Madison University Alternative Fuels Program

Technology

Fuel cells

Photo: Mirko Meyer Gruenfelt German foreign exchange student Mirko Meyer Gruenfelt tests the fuel cell auxiliary power unit system in the Alternative Fuels Vehicle Laboratory by dissipating the energy into a large resistor bank show in the lower right corner. (see more photos)

Under grants from the University National Park Energy Partnership Program (UNPEPP) and the Department of Energy, we are studying fuel cell remote power applications. Projects include design and cost benefit analysis of a fuel cell back-up power for Shenandoah National Park's Air Monitoring Station and support of the University of California, Davis's demonstration and evaluation of fuel cell auxiliary power units for trucks and trailer refrigeration units. Click here to read the Congressional Subcommittee Testimony noting JMU's fuel cell work.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

JMU's alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet includes a newly-acquired hybrid vehicle. In addition to we have multiple electric vehicle student projects. Designed with the intent of creating a zero-emission vehicle that produces no harmful exhaust gasses, JMU students converted a 1985 Volkswagen Jetta with an internal combustion engine into a 144-volt electric vehicle for James Madison University's facilities management fleet. The vehicle is capable of a top speed of 70 miles per hour and a range of 50 miles on a single charge. JMU ISAT students have also created an electric four-wheeler conversion (shown above) that is powered by four 12-volt lead acid batteries and a 48-volt DC motor. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 30 mph through its variable speed transmission and can run for 5 hours on a single charge (in work mode). Both the electric conversion Jetta and the electric 4-wheeler demonstrate the feasibility of developing electric vehicles. However, the range of these electric vehicles is limited (about 50 miles max.), charging times are long (2-8 hours), and there are no charging stations for electric vehicles to 're-fuel' once you are out on the road.