Fuel Cell Systems

Fuel cell systems convert the chemical energy in fuels directly into electricity, enabling clean and efficient power generation from renewable fuels. This course provides an overview of different fuel cell systems and discusses the various fuel cell types, working principles and characteristics. Particular attention is given to design, integration, operation and application of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems.

Specific topics include:

- Fuel cell principles and fuel cell types.

- Electrochemistry: open circuit voltage and reversible voltage, the Nernst equation, fuel cell voltage and efficiency, fuel and oxidant utilization.

- Fuel cell polarization: current density, activation losses, fuel crossover and internal currents, ohmic losses, concentration losses.

- PEMFCs: electrolyte materials and structure, electrode materials and structure, gas channels and separator plates, water management, cell cooling, fuel and air supply, system design.

- SOFCs: electrolyte materials, electrode materials and structure, configuration, design and performance of cells, stacks and systems, internal and external reforming, combined cycles.

- Fuel processing: desulphurisation, reforming, partial oxidation, water gas shift, purification, combustion of residual fuel, gasification and gas cleaning, heat integration.

- System integration: balance of plant, auxiliary components, thermal integration, power consumption and efficiency.

- Applications: systems for stationary power production and mobility.