Fuel cells are a modern technology to convert chemical energy (fuels) into electricity and heat at very high efficiencies. Apart from water (and CO2, depending on fuel type) there are no harmful emissions from the process. The module will cover fuel cell technologies and their science electrochemistry/thermodynamics/energy analysis tools, low & high temperature fuel cells, materials, designs, fuels, and systems, fuels for fuel cells, fuel cell systems, environmental analysis, market introduction, economy, and policy framework.
The module will introduce the production and storage of hydrogen as a fuel for fuel cells and for decarbonising industry and the overall energy system. The topics covered include: an Introduction to Hydrogen, hydrogen production from fossil sources, and high/low temperature electrolysis, hydrogen production using nuclear energy and solar thermo-chemical cycles, renewable hydrogen, non-electrolysis and natural (geologic) hydrogen, separation, purification, and storage of hydrogen, infrastructure, supply chain, transport, dispensing, introduce Power to Gas (P2G) and Power to X (PtX) technologies (hydrogen derived fuels).
The module will also cover the state-of-the-art of (commercial) applications of fuel cells and hydrogen.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Present and criticise the potential, benefits, boundary conditions, and prospects of employing hydrogen and fuel cell technology today and in future markets
Describe the Physics, Chemistry and Engineering of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and be able to apply this knowledge to moderately complex problems
Choose appropriate technology when faced with a moderately complex engineering design task
Communicate information, concepts, problems and solutions to specialists and non-specialists.
Understand concepts that relate to Power to Gas and Power to X concepts.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Class test, 1 hour (20%) 10-page written report (80%)
