Ugur Pasaogullari

Ugur Pasaogullari is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Connecticut's School of Engineering. He holds the Castleman Term Professorship since 2016. His expertise spans thermal and water management in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with a focus on mitigating contamination effects and enhancing system durability. Pasaogullari's research integrates computational modeling, material science, and experimental validation to address challenges in renewable energy systems, including hydrogen production, electrolyzers, and carbon capture technologies.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (2005)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (2003)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (High Honors), Middle East Technical University, Turkey (1999)

Research Interests:

• PEM fuel cell and electrolyzer performance optimization
• Cation contamination mitigation strategies
• Advanced electrode and membrane materials
• Water and thermal management in electrochemical systems
• Grid-scale energy storage solutions

His recent work emphasizes sustainable materials (e.g., protein-based membranes) and novel architectures (e.g., stratified porous layers) to enhance system efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Key applications include heavy-duty energy systems, power-to-ammonia, and synthetic fuel production. Collaborative efforts with industry and government labs have driven innovations in hydrogen utilization and contaminant capture technologies.