MECH492 FUEL CELL FUNDAMENTALS
| Course Code: | 3650492 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 5.0 |
| Department: | Mechanical Engineering |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | |
| Offered Semester: | Fall or Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
- The general goal of the course is to give the student a broad background in fuel cells and fuel cell systems, and basic knowledge about the principle of the fuel cell and the built-up of the system around it. After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Explain how a fuel cell works and describe the main components and their function.
- Describe the different fuel cell types with respect to electrolyte and electrode materials, operating temperature, electrode reactions, and applications.
- Explain and implement the relation between cell voltage, power density and efficiency of the fuel cell.
- Calculate an equilibrium potential, and explain and implement the relation between electrode potential, over potential and cell voltage. Describe the different irreversible losses occurring in fuel cells.
- Determine the electric as well as the total efficiency for both the fuel cell and its system by using thermodynamic data.
- Describe the main components in a fuel cell system for production of power and heat, and explain how the different components work together.
- Describe frequently used power electronics in the fuel cell system and their most important properties.
- Describe the fuel alternatives for production of hydrogen in stationary as well as in mobile applications, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages when regarding production, storage and distribution.
- Explain the most important processes for hydrogen production and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of them.
Course Content
Mathematical modeling of fuel cell thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, charge transport and mass transport. Performance of real and ideal fuel cells. 1-D fuel model. Fuel cell types and systems. Fuel environmental impact
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to understand the concepts of:
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Thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reactions
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The design and operation of fuel cells
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Components, design and thermodynamics of the whole fuel cell system
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Fuels for fuel cells; their production, handling and reformation in fuel cell systems
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Ability to establish the relationship between mathematics, basic sciences and engineering sciences with engineering applications | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Ability to find and interpret information | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Ability to follow the literature and technology related to his/her topic of interest | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Recognition of the need to keep oneself up to date in his/her profession | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Possession of written and oral communication skills | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Ability to conduct team work (within the discipline, inter-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary) | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Ability to produce original solutions | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Use of scientific methodology in approaching and producing solutions to engineering problems and needs | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Openness to all that is new | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Ability to conduct experiments | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Ability to do engineering design | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Awareness of engineering ethics, knowledge and adoption of its fundamental elements | ✔ | |||
| 13 | Ability to take societal, environmental and economic considerations into account in professional activities | ✔ | |||
| 14 | Possession of pioneering and leadership characteristics in areas related to the profession | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution