Hydrogen energy and fuel cells

• Present the idea of applying hydrogen as an energy carrier
• Describe the mode of operation of a fuel cell as well as the function of the individual components
• Understand and present the differences in function and application of different types of fuel cells
• Explain the shape of a polarization curve and calculate ohmic resistance and conversion efficiency on that background
• Present the most important techniques for production of hydrogen with a main focus on electrolysis
• Calculate construction and operation parameters of fuel cell and electrolyzer stacks
• Present the three most important types of electrolyzer cells
• Assess advantages and limitations of different techniques for hydrogen storage
• Discuss safety issues in connection with hydrogen
• Discuss the problems with implementation of the hydrogen society and keep a critical attitude to popular descriptions of hydrogen as an energy carrier
• Describe the technologies behind Power-to-X and compare advantages and disadvantages

Hydrogen as an energy carrier, fundamentals of fuel cells and electrolyzer cells, electrochemical principles, thermodynamics, ion conductors, catalysts and electrodes, types of fuel cells (PEM, alkaline, phosphoric acid, molten carbonate and solid oxide) and electroyzer cells (alkaline, PEM and solid oxide), hydrogen storage, metal hydrides, fuel processing, hydrogen production by electrolysis, system integration, balance of plant, applications.

Basic familiarity with thermodynamics is preferred, e.g., 10018, 26201, 28221, 41401 or 47201.

Lectures, class discussions, problem solving.
Guest lecturers from industry contribute when possible. Agreements from year to year.

The course presents the relevant technologies with respect to function, construction and materials. The content is cross disciplinary and participants have different backgrounds. The course goes well together with 47302 which provides the hands-on experience. 47302 can be taken before or after this course.

Minimum: 10.

Please be aware that this course will only be held if the required minimum number of participants is met. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether the course will be held.