Biomass Energy

Fuel cell Technology

Aim:

The main aim of studying Fuel Cell Technology is to understand the principles, design, operation, and applications of fuel cells for efficient, clean, and sustainable energy generation. Studying fuel cell technology is essential in today’s transition toward sustainable and clean energy systems and it aligns strongly with energy sustainability and technological advancement. It also aims to prepare engineers and researchers for emerging green energy industries and encourage innovation in energy systems design.

 

Objectives:

The objectives of studying Fuel Cell Technology are to:

·         Understand the Fundamental Principles of electrochemical energy conversion to enable students appreciate how chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy and learn the thermodynamics and kinetics of fuel cell reactions.

 

·         Identify Different Types of Fuel Cells like Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) and Regenerative or Reversible Fuel Cell (RFC).

 

·         Analyze Fuel Cell Components such as Electrodes (anode and cathode), Electrolyte, Catalyst, Bipolar plates and Fuel processing systems. Evaluate Performance Characteristics, Efficiency, Power density, Durability, Operating temperature and Environmental impact.

 

·         Understand Hydrogen Production and Storage through Electrolysis, Steam methane reforming, Biomass conversion, Storage challenges and safety considerations and also Explore Applications of Fuel Cells in Transportation (hydrogen vehicles), Stationary power generation, Portable power systems and Backup power systems.

 

·         Assess Environmental and Economic Impacts for Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as Life cycle analysis and Cost-effectiveness and commercialization challenges. And also encourage Research and Innovation in the Development of new catalysts for enhancing the durability and efficiency there by Reducing production costs and integrating fuel cells with renewable energy systems.

Section

Learning outcomes

Delivery mode

Learning Activities and Resources

Interaction /Assessment

Chapter I: Principles of electrochemical energy conversion and their working principles.

At the end of the chapter, students should be able to explain the principles of electrochemical energy conversion in fuel cells, describe the operating mechanisms of different fuel cell types, differentiate between fuel cells and conventional power generation systems, identify key components of a fuel cell and explain their functions, discuss hydrogen production, storage methods, and safety considerations and analyze environmental and economic impacts of fuel cell systems.

Mixed mode

Lecture in the class and also demonstrate using some examples that are analogous to the flow of water using diagrams.

Use of Power points slides to describe the units associated with basic Electrical

quantities.

Online classes to display some understanding using diagrams and Video

Brief Assignment to foster the basic Understanding.

Chapter II:

Types of Fuel Cells

Students should be able to understand how to interpret polarization curves and performance characteristics to evaluate different fuel cell technologies for specific applications and assess challenges related to durability, cost, and commercialization, then compare fuel cells with other renewable energy technologies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face to face

Lectures in the class and also demonstrate using some examples

Assignments, class quiz and continuous assessment test have been administered. Online quiz has also been administered at all levels.

Chapter III:

Hydrogen production and other fuels associated with the Fuel cell Technology

Be able to appreciate and propose improvements in fuel cell design or materials and integrate fuel cells with renewable energy systems and to develop small project proposals related to clean energy solutions. Also demonstrate awareness of global clean energy challenges, recommend fuel cell solutions for sustainable development, and communicate technical information effectively in written and oral formats.

Face to face

Resources such as Youtube videos and diagrams have been demonstrated

 

Assignments, class quiz and continuous assessment test have been administered.

Electrical Machines