PiCoHiMA
Fuel cells, Hydrogen Technology and reciprocating engines
What do we do?
We are a Research Group consolidated in the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). Mainly, our activity is centered on the research and testing of membrane fuel cell components, design and development of stacks, of both membrane fuel cells and alkaline electrolysis for hydrogen production; and the preparation of feasibility studies for the integration of fuel cell systems in aerial and marine crafts.
Research
We enhance the features of future generations of fuel cells:
- We reduce the mass and volume of fuel cell stacks by utilizing new materials.
- We decrease the catalyst load without compromising performance by applying innovative deposition methods.
We promote the adoption of hydrogen as an aviation and marine fuel:
- We conduct tests on multi-fuel blends in reciprocating engines.
- We explore new ways to transport large amounts of renewable energy over long distances by converting it into hydrogen as an energy carrier.
We study CO₂ capture and transport in the maritime sector:
- Onboard CO₂ capture and simultaneous storage.
- Large-scale CO₂ transportation as a feedstock for synthetic fuel production.
Development and innovation
We promote the adoption of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in the maritime sector:
- We develop compact systems for CO₂ capture and storage in confined spaces.
- We design integrated seawater electrolysis systems for the sustainable production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources.
- We advance methanol electrolysis systems and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), optimizing their efficiency and sustainability for innovative energy applications.
We reduce noise and greenhouse gas emissions in marine vehicles by implementing fuel cell systems.
Our media
In Picohima we have all the necessary means to conduct our work in our laboratories, which have different locations: in the Faculty of Naval architecture and Marine Engineering (ETSIN) and in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering (ETSIAE). In addition, we have access to many other dependencies and facilities in the UPM and the Electrochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).
Laboratories
- Fuel Cell Laboratory at the ETSIN (UPM).
- Fuel Cell Laboratory at ETSIAE (UPM).
- Fuel Cell and Alternative Engines Laboratory of ETSIN (UPM).
- Access to the Electrochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) **.
- Access to the mechanical workshop of the ETSIAE Alternative Motor Laboratory (UPM) **.
Equipment
- Fuel cell monocells for the test of MEAs *.
- Two direct alcohol fuel cell test benches *: One of them capable of simulating environmental conditions.
- Equipment for manufacturing parts and preparing samples: Lathes, CNC milling machines, thermostated presses, 3D printers and other tools.
- Equipment for manufacturing and preparing electrodes by electrodeposit, chemical deposit, electronic evaporation ** and sputtering **.
- Equipment for characterizing electrodes, MEAs and stacks: Frequency response analyzers, potentiostat-electroplating, ultra-microbalances and optical microscopes.
Software
In addition to having the complete Office package, we have commercial and open source software:
- Design and / or simulation: Rhinoceros, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS.
- Naval Architecture: MAXSURF, MARS.
- CFD: OpenFOAM.
- Engineering: MATLAB, SIMULINK.
- Thermodynamics: REFPROP.
- Fuel cells: Aero-Marine DMFC Designer (2018) *, MedPeM (2011) *.
* Designed and manufactured by Picohima
** Access to other facilities of the UPM/UCM
Our services
From PICOHIMA we can perform all kinds of consulting services, although we want to highlight R&D&i, engineering and training. You can contact us for more information without any commitment.
R&D&i
We are backed by all our scientific publications in the best indexed journals and communications in prestigious International Congresses.
Engineering
We are supported by the ship retrofitting studies we have conducted, and the design and manufacturing of our test benches.
Training
We are backed by all our years of experience as university lecturers.
About us
The PICOHIMA Group is a multidisciplinary team that incorporates researchers from the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), and the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). These researchers have jointly carried out various research projects on low temperature fuel cells. The Group’s activities focus on the field of fuel cells and could be included in three main lines: research and testing of fuel cell components, design and development of stacks and the preparation feasibility studies.
Our team
Isabel Carrillo Ramiro
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
P.h.D. in Chemistry (UCM)
Full Professor
Tel.: +34 91 067 74 11
isabel.carrillo@upm.es
Teresa J Leo Mena.
Coordinator
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Full Professor
P.h.D. in Chemistry (UCM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 67
teresa.leo.mena@upm.es
Emilio Navarro
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Associate Professor
P.h.D. in Aerospace Engineering (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 57 91
emilio.navarro@upm.es
Antonio Villalba Herreros
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Teaching Assistant
P.h.D. in Naval Engineering (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 70
antonio.villalba@upm.es
Óscar Santiago Carretero
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
P.h.D. in Aerospace Engineering (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 58 17
oscar.santiago.carretero@upm.es
Rafael d’Amore Domenech
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Teaching Assistant
P.h.D. in Naval Engineering (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 70
r.damore@upm.es
Vladimir L. Meca López
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Teaching Assistant
P.h.D. in Naval Engineering (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 27
vl.meca@upm.es
Diego Díaz Cuenca
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
PhD Candidate
Naval Engineer (UPM)
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 70
diego.diaz.cuenca@upm.es
Esther Blázquez Martín
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Laboratory Technician
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 68
esther.blazquez@upm.es
Our contributors
José L. Morán González
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
P.h.D. Naval Architecture (UPM)
Adjunct Professor
Tel.: +34 91 067 62 69
joseluis.moran@upm.es
Fernando Acción Salas
UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID
P.h.D. in Chemistry (UCM)
Associate Professor
Tel.: +34 91 394 42 73
faccion@ucm.es
Fernando Marcos Duque
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
Naval Architecture (UPM)
Adjunct Professor
Tel.: +34 910 676 232
fernando.marcos@upm.es
In Memoriam
Miguel A. Raso García
P.h.D. in Chemistry (UCM)
Projects
GreenH2CM LIA7
The GREENH2CM project aims to structure and coordinate the R&D&I capabilities of the Community of Madrid, both internally and in collaboration with other Spanish regions with shared interests, focusing on the green hydrogen value chain and its applications. To achieve this, nationwide activities will be carried out across 13 research lines (LIAs).
LIA7 is specifically dedicated to the design, construction, and operation of a testing facility for powertrain systems integrating fuel cells in the naval and aerospace sectors. Its complementary objectives include:
- (a) Developing technology to enhance the reliability of energy and degradation models for fuel cells, enabling optimized sizing and operation in hydrogen-based vehicles.
- (b) Advancing hybrid traction solutions (fuel cells combined with batteries), optimizing their sizing, configuration, and thermal management.
- (c) Creating innovative intelligent management solutions for hydrogen-powered vehicles, ships, and aircraft to maximize their efficiency throughout their operational lifetime.
This project is funded by the Complementary Energy and Renewable Hydrogen Plan under the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, supported by the European Union – Next Generation EU.
- 70%
PID2021-124263OB-I00 (Me2Hi)
The Me2Hi project focuses on developing a fuel cell and methanol electrolyzer system designed to produce hydrogen on demand in isolated environments. This innovative technology aims to provide a reliable and efficient energy solution for remote locations where conventional hydrogen supply and storage methods may not be feasible.
This project is publicly funded through the “Knowledge Generation Projects – 2021 Call” program.
- 90%
Latest news
Do not miss new steps the group is taking, we tell you all about our congresses, articles, meetings, work with companies and much more. Find out this information on our LinkedIn.
Predoctoral stays
Doing a predoctoral stay in Madrid with Picohima, not only means counting with the best support to progress with your research but also you will enjoy the best environment to live the greatest experiences: gastronomy, culture, sport, shows … Besides, from Madrid, the connection with the main Spanish destinations is fantastic, which would allow you to visit them comfortably during the weekends.
Location
We are located in the Moncloa Campus, Campus of International Excellence. It is found in the district of Ciudad Universitaria of Madrid, and has direct connection to the Metro, urban buses (EMT) and intercity buses of the Northwest area of the Madrid province.
Life in Madrid
The rent of a room in a shared flat in Madrid can range between € 250 and €650 per month, the monthly transport ticket costs € 20 or € 54.60 for those under or above 26 years of age, respectively, and the cafeteria menu with main course, second course and dessert costs € 6.
Workplace
Depending on the characteristics of your stay, you will have access to our equipment and laboratories, in addition to a workplace where you can comfortably perform your work, with a large desk and connection to the Eduroam Wifi network.
Could we help you?
Find us
UPM Madrid
gi.picohima@upm.es
