Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The module is based on knowledge achieved when studying the 1st semester on the Master of Science in Energy Engineering on one of the Thermal Energy Engineering specialisations or similar.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Have knowledge about the design, modelling and optimisation of energy systems used in various energy production applications involving fuel cell technology
• Have knowledge about and comprehension of the detailed operation, functionality and interaction between the various components used in fuel cell- and hydrogen production systems
• Have knowledge needed to construct and operate fuel cell based technologies in the laboratory and in real applications

Skills

• Be able to have analytical skills in system integration with respect to system efficiency and control aspects of fuel cell energy systems
• Be able to judge the usefulness of the used different scientific methods for analysis and modelling of fuel cell and hydrogen systems using digital platforms
• Have an innovative and entrepreneurial behavior giving value for the developed system/apparatus
• Be able to verify the analytical and numerical approaches by means of laboratory experiments or by using real measured data series
• Be able to evaluate the optimisation procedures used for fuel cell and hydrogen systems

Competences

• Be able to control the working and development process within the project theme, and be able to develop new solutions within fuel cell and hydrogen systems
• Be able to independently define and analyse scientific problems in the area of fuel cells and hydrogen systems

Type of instruction

Problem based project organised work in groups. The project can be made in cooperation with external partners and the project can be a disciplinary project, a cross disciplinary project or a part of a multi-disciplinary project, where several groups from the department do different parts of a larger project. Finally, the project can also be a part of a so-called MEGA project also in cooperation with industry, where several project groups from more departments are participating, each doing their part of the large project to find a total solution.

The semester focuses on modelling and optimisation of a physical fuel cell or hydrogen based system. The semester project serves to give the students an advanced comprehension of systems based upon fuel cells and hydrogen technology. The fundamental competence within thermodynamics and control engineering within these systems are established. The students must develop a non-linear dynamical model of a system – for instance using block diagrams as in Simulink. Simultaneously, a data acquisition and control system is developed in for instance the Labview real time system through which basic analogical data acquisition and control is interconnected.

A workshop “PBL competence profile” to make an individual PBL competence profile is offered during the semester. More information can be found at www.ucpbl.net/education-courses/.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 15 ECTS project module, the work load is expected to be 450 hours for the student

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• An approved PBL competency profile is a prerequisite for participation in the project exam.

Exams

Additional information

Project on 2nd semester Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology.