Course Syllabus for

Fuel Cell Technology
Bränslecellteknologi

MVK025F, 6 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2013
Decided by: FN3/Per Tunestål
Date of establishment: 2013-03-22

General Information

Division: Energy Sciences
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course code: TFRF05
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course aims to provide deeper knowledge, a wider scope and improved understanding of the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer as well as a better insight into analytical and empirical methods applied in analysis and synthesis of heat and mass transfer related problems. The students should gain knowledge to apply the theories to relevant engineering problems.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

Course Contents

Introduction: Fuel Cell Operating Principles, History, Types, Components and Systems. Fuel Cell Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry: Nernst Equation, Tafel Equation, Cell Voltage, Fuel Cell Efficiency, and Losses for Operational Fuel Cell Voltages. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Components and System, Construction and Performance, Critical Issues and Recent Developments. Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Performance, Operational Issues and Recent Developments. Alkaline Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Performance and Operational Issues. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells: Components and System, Construction and Performance, Thermal Management, Other Critical Issues and Recent Developments. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells: Components and System, Construction and Performance, Thermal Management, Other Critical Issues and Recent Developments. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Components and System Construction and Performance, Thermal Management, Other Critical Issues and Recent Developments. Fuels and Fuel Processing: Fossil and Bio Fuels; External and Internal Fuel Reforming, Steam Reforming, Autothermal Reforming, Thermal Cracking, Catalysis, Desulfurization, Carbon Monoxide Removal, and Related Issues. Thermal Management and Heat Exchangers. Hydrogen Production, Storage, Safety and Infrastructure. Balance of Fuel Cell Power Plant.

Course Literature

The course literature consists of excerpts from the international literature, compendia material, and text book: Fuel Cell Systems Explained by James Larminie and Andrew Dicks, John Wiley, New York, 2002, ISBN 0 471 49026 1.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, seminars, exercises, project

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written exam, written report, seminars given by participants. A written exam has generally both theoretical questions and problems to be solved. The exam encompasses 50 % theory and 50 % problem solving. Total points are 50p. As the theoretical questions are solved closed books prevail while for the problem solving part the course material except solved problems is permitted. For the problem solving part also the textbook in the course is permitted. The exam thus needs to be splitted which means that at first the theoretical questions are solved and as these have been handed in to the exam assistant, the problem solving part can be started.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Assumed prior knowledge: MMV031 Heat Transfer

Further Information

The course is given in form of lectures with illustrating examples, home assignments and a small project. The examples and home assignments aim to give proficiency in applying the theories on fuel cell problems. The project aims to provide a further improved understanding and better insight in analysis some transport phenomena related topics.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:


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