Course Objectives
- The general goal of the course is to give the student a broad background in fuel cells and fuel cell systems, and basic knowledge about the principle of the fuel cell and the built-up of the system around it. After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Explain how a fuel cell works and describe the main components and their function.
- Describe the different fuel cell types with respect to electrolyte and electrode materials, operating temperature, electrode reactions, and applications.
- Explain and implement the relation between cell voltage, power density and efficiency of the fuel cell.
- Calculate an equilibrium potential, and explain and implement the relation between electrode potential, over potential and cell voltage. Describe the different irreversible losses occurring in fuel cells.
- Determine the electric as well as the total efficiency for both the fuel cell and its system by using thermodynamic data.
- Describe the main components in a fuel cell system for production of power and heat, and explain how the different components work together.
- Describe frequently used power electronics in the fuel cell system and their most important properties.
- Describe the fuel alternatives for production of hydrogen in stationary as well as in mobile applications, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages when regarding production, storage and distribution.
- Explain the most important processes for hydrogen production and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of them.