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PhD course in introduction to low-temperature fuel cells and electrolyser


Technical University of Denmark


General course objectives:
The student will learn how fuel cells and electrolysers work, will be able to describe theoretically some of the important features of especially low-temperature fuel cells and low-temperature electrolysis cells, and will be able to describe and interpret electrochemical properties of the cells. The student will learn how they are made and for which applications each cell type is more appropriate and what is required from a system point of view to operate it. The student will also obtain a fair view on the difficulties that exist for the individual types such as degradation mechanisms and demands for fuel and air quality. The student will learn the electrochemical and thermodynamical basic principles of the operation of low-temperature fuel cells (LTFC) and electrolysis cells (LTEC), will be able to describe the requirements put forward on the materials, will learn the principles of the conduction mechanisms in the materials used for the main components, will be able to describe theoretically and interpret electrochemical processes occurring in LTFC and LTEC, will learn about cell- and stack designs and manufacturing methods, will be able to describe the main degradation mechanisms occurring in LTFC and LTEC, and will understand critical issues in the selection of materials and components for cells. Furthermore, the student will come to know about the advantages and disadvantages of different LTFC and LTEC compared with other energy technologies, and will be acquainted with various designs and their advantages and disadvantages as well as application areas. The student will gain experience with characterization methods such as electrochemical methods and structural analysis methods. In addition, the student will participate in group work on own ideas on possible applications of LTFC and/or LTEC.

Learning objectives:
A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:
  • Describe theoretically the electrochemical fundamentals of LTFC and LTEC
  • Describe theoretically the thermodynamical fundamentals of LTFC and LTEC
  • Explain the fundamental mechanisms of the electrochemical reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces of LTFC and LTEC
  • Explain the fundamental mechanisms of conduction of the individual components of cells and stacks
  • Explain the critical parameters in materials selection for LTFC and LTEC
  • Explain the critical parameters for the selection of operating conditions
  • Analyse data describing the electrochemical performance of LTFC and LTEC
  • Explain the main degradation mechanisms of the performance of the LTFC and LTEC
  • Describe advantages and disadvantages of LTFC and LTEC, also in comparison with other energy technologies

Contents:
Fundamentals of low-temperature fuel cells and electrolysers (mostly alkaline cells and PEM cells). Theoretical descriptions of the electrochemical and thermodynamical properties of fuel cells and electrolysers. Materials used for the components (electrolytes, catalysts, electrodes, bipolar plates, etc.) of the different cells. Materials properties, conduction mechanisms, requirements for the individual components. The assembled cells, stacks and system. Electrochemical characterization and evaluation of cell properties. Applications, system requirements, fuels processing, hydrogen storage and cell degradation mechanisms. Finally, the main development challenges and future trends will be outlined.

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Course organizer
Jens Oluf
Place/Venue
Anker Engelunds Vej 1
City
2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Country
Denmark
Workload
3
Link
http://kurser.dtu.dk/course/47507