Yeh-Hung Lai

Background

About Yeh-Hung Lai

I am a GM Technical Fellow with a 22 years of experience in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology with applications to hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. I have contributed to the development of GM’s Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 Hydrotec fuel cell stacks. I am also a key member of the NEL-GM team that is developing NEL’s next-generation PEM electrolyzer stack technology. Within the GM Fuel Cell Team, I am responsible for solving the most challenging mechanical problems in PEM technology from the components within repeating cells (membranes, gas diffusion layers, seals, and bipolar plates) to stack structures, and stack assembly methods. In addition to technical responsibility, I also enjoy mentoring engineering staff within the company as well as informing/influencing the direction of technology development within the general fuel cell communities through conferences and collaborations with US National Labs and academics. Career highlights in numbers • 22 years in PEM technology (fuel cells and water electrolyzers)• 1 GM’s highest research award: The John M. Campbell Award (2009) • 71 US and 33 international (Japanese, German, and Chinese) patents granted and pending• 16 GM’s Tool Method & Trade Secret awards• 58 refereed academic papers• 3 book chaptersHighlights in Experiences: General Motors Company, Fuel Cell R&D (2003-present, GM Technical Fellow)(2021-present GM Technical Fellow; 2015-2021 Senior Staff Research Engineer; 2006-2015 Staff Research Engineer; 2003-2006 Sr. Research Engineer)- Principal responsibility: Leading the materials and structures R&D in PEM fuel cells and PEM electrolyzers to achieve the best-in-class stack technology in power performance, durability, and cost. • Developing repeating cell concepts, sealing strategy, stack structures, and stack compression strategy for PEM water electrolyzers.• Developing robust fuel cell sealing technologies against stack-up variations, aging, operating variations, and collision.• Developed durable fuel cell membranes; accelerated stress test methods; stress/life models and life prediction; in-situ degradation diagnostic methods; and stack compression strategy and assembly method.• Led a research team (4 profs, 7 students, 3 engineers) on a multi-year university-industry research program with General Motors which laid the foundation for highly mechanical robust proton exchange membranes used in GM’s Gen 2 and Gen 3 fuel cells.