Valid for: Single courses at LTH autumn 2015
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2015-03-03
Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements.
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
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.
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
• Apply know-how of thermodynamics, electrochemistry, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics principles to design and analysis of this advanced technology.
• Have thorough understanding of performance behavior, operational issues and challenges for all major types of fuel cells.
• Identify, formulate, and solve problems related to fuel cell technology.
• Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for design and analysis of innovative fuel cell systems.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
• Identify, formulate and solve problems relevant to fuel cell systems.
• Understand the impact of fuel cell technology in a global and local societal context.
• Apply analytical/empirical method or proposal numeric methods for design of fuel cell systems and components.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
• be able to actively participate in discussions concerning the problems and questions related to fuel cells.
• be able to in oral and written ways present analyses and results of temperature, concentration fields, pressure and current density distributions etc.
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.
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: 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.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Course coordinator: Jinliang Yuan, Jinliang.yuan@energy.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.energy.lth.se
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.