CHE705 FUEL CELLS THEORY AND APPLICATIONS

Course Code:5630705
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (0.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:Chemical Engineering
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Masters
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. HARUN KOKU
Offered Semester:Fall or Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

Our objectives in this course are to:

  • Describe the fundamentals of fuel cell electrochemistry and thermodynamics.
  • Introduce and describe the operation of fuel cell components and stacks.
  • Discuss and analyze the effect of fuel cell operating conditions on performance.
  • Introduce models of mass, momentum and heat transfer and reaction kinetics in fuel cells.
  • Introduce preliminary design procedures for fuel cell systems.

Course Content

Hydrogen energy systems: hydrogen production, storage, safety, and economy. Introduction to fuel cells: Fuel cell types, fundamentals of alkaline, proton exchange membrane, phosphoric acid, and direct methanol fuel cells. Fuel cell electrochemistry, fuel cell components: membranes, catalysts, and membrane electrode assemblies, fuel cell modeling and system design, fuel cell applications.


Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will be able to: 

  • Compare and contrast fuel cell technologies to conventional alternatives.
  • Identify existing and potential applications of fuel cells within the context of sustainable processes.
  • Apply fundamental theory to estimate efficiency and performance characteristics of fuel cells. 
  • Perform preliminary design of fuel cell applications.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Contribution
#Program OutcomesNoYes
1Acquire knowledge in depth and breadth via scientific research in their field; evaluate, interpret and apply this knowledge.
2Are thoroughly informed about current techniques and methods of engineering, and their limitations.
3Complement and apply uncertain, limited or incomplete knowledge using scientific methods; are capable of integrating knowledge from different disciplines.
4Are aware of the new and developing applications of their profession; can study and learn about these applications when necessary.
5Can define and formulate problems relevant to their field, develop solutions to solve these problems and employ innovative methods for these solutions.
6Develop new and/or original ideas and methods; design complex processes and develop innovative/alternative solutions in design.
7Design and apply theoretical, experimental and model-based research; analyze and resolve complex problems that arise during this process.
8Can effectively function within intra- and interdisciplinary teams, can lead such teams and formulate solution approaches under complex situations; can work independently and assume responsibility.
9Can communicate verbally or in written form in a non-native language, at least at level B2 of the European Language Portfolio.
10Can communicate the progress and results of their studies systematically and clearly in oral or written form, in national or international forums related to their area or others.
11Are informed and aware of the limitations of social, environmental, health and safety-related and legal dimensions on engineering applications.
12Uphold social, scientific and ethical values in acquisition, interpretation and communication of data and in all activities related to their profession.