Module overview
Electrochemical technologies are transforming the way we generate, store and use energy. From high-efficiency solar cells and hydrogen production to batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, these technologies are central to the future of sustainable energy and electrification. This module develops a deeper understanding of the scientific principles that underpin modern electrochemical energy systems and their engineering applications.
You will explore the operation of advanced photovoltaic devices alongside the electrochemical processes that govern fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and energy storage systems. Through the study of charge transport, reaction kinetics, electrochemistry and advanced materials, you will develop the analytical skills needed to understand how these technologies function and how their performance can be improved. The module also considers the practical challenges of designing efficient, reliable and cost-effective energy systems for real-world applications.
By the end of the module, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of advanced electrochemical and photovoltaic technologies, equipping you to evaluate emerging energy solutions and contribute to the development of future sustainable energy systems.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: FEEG6007
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Construct a model of a semiconductor solar cell and apply it to practical devices
- Demonstrate the ability to present and defend a specific topic on energy storage in a team or in front of an audience,
- Plan, design and present a mini-paper (one page) on a selected topic of electrochemistry,
- Research topics on energy storage technologies and find relevant information in the literature
- Predict the energy output from a grid connected system
- Write and illustrate a scoping study with appropriate comparative graphs and tables.
- Size a standalone system using a time series of solar radiation data
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Appreciate the strengths and limitations of various electrochemical and other energy storage systems
- Search and critically review technical literature relevant to photovoltaics
- Analyse in detail the performance of solar cells and photovoltaic systems
- Being able to solve some problems of energy storage, in principle, using electrochemical devices
- Quantitatively describe the performance of an energy storage device for a specific application.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Think, observe, communicate, evaluate information and data, analyse and solve problems
- Team work,
- Outline and develop, in a selected topic of electrochemistry and energy storage, a series of course works which include a critical reflexion and a critical analysis of results together with conclusions, recommendations and references.
- Communicate ideas and concepts effectively, both orally and in writing within an academic context, on the principles, performance and challenges of these technologies
- Realise the challenges to these technologies and appreciate future development needs.
- Individual and group presentations,
- Plan and organisation on time and with the available resources
- Appreciate the developments in, and requirements for, future of energy storage technologies
- Concept development.
- Appreciate and understand the literature on energy storage and their current development,
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Demonstrate their knowledge of different energy storage devices, understand their principles and appreciate their differences
- Physics of charge carrier generation, transport and energy conversion in different types of solar cells including silicon, thin film, dye sensitised and organic solar cells.
- Advanced high efficiency, photochemical and thermodynamic concepts
- The optics of antireflection coatings and light trapping
- Recognize and explain the fundamental principles of operation that govern electrochemical energy storage devices and appreciate important developments of this technology for applications in automotive, domestic and industrial sectors.
- Stand alone and grid connected photovoltaic systems
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 In the photovoltaics and fuel cells formative assignments the students use mathematical equations to derive physical parameters that indicate certain property or characteristics of the PV or fuel cell systems. In the summative assignments they also learn to calculate important parameters and receive feedback. C2/M2 The assignments provide understanding of critical theoretical parameters of PV and Fuel Cells systems that help them to critically decide if their behaviour is similar or approaches the optimal performance. They can also compare their results critically with the feedback provided. C4/M4 Complex problems of PV and FC systems for energy generation and storage are resolved in classes, by citing the appropriate literature and encouraging the students to participate. C13/M13 The selection of semiconductor and platinum electrode materials with appropriate properties to operate in a PV or FC systems is demonstrated during the lecturing and assignments. The design, type, materials, and manufacturing method are critically analysed during lecturing and tutorials, which provides model for future decision making in practice. C15/M15 Some elements of engineering management are demonstrated through examples during the lectures. For example, for redox flow batteries for energy storage, the design and management of energy supply systems is viewed from the engineering point of view and its impact on the electricity distribution systems is mentioned. C18/M18 Self-learning is encouraged through the individual assignments and providing complementary literature to the knowledge being delivered which provides an overall background for energy generation and storage which can be used for other lectures and when complete their course and work in an energy related company. C5/M5 The design of PV arrays and management of PV panel connections for continuous power supply is discussed in the lecture for maximising energy safety and mitigating adverse impacts on standalone and national grid connected PV systems, by considering applicable health safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental, and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. C6/M6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems. The integration of PV and battery system for standalone power supply with energy self-sustainability is included, where complex weather conditions, peak irradiation power, battery capacity and operation are considered systematically. Such systematic approach is transferred to national-grid connection. C8/M8 The environmental and society impacts of PV and fuel cells for energy generation are evaluated to solve the complex problems related to sustainable energy provision and minimising climate change. The contributions of PV and fuel cells in combating adverse impacts due to emissions from fossil energy and depletion are included.
Syllabus
Fuel cells, Electrochemical Energy Conversion: Modern Batteries (lectures + Revision):
- This part of the course outlines energy storage systems and methods, their performance and comparisons. In particular, the course emphasises the principles and applications of
electrochemical energy storage systems with the concept of integrating them into sustainable processes. The course comprises several aspects of fundamental electrochemistry.
- Overview of the most common energy storage systems such as: hydrogen storage, capacitors, and electrochemical energy storage systems. Examples of integrated technology will be shown with calculations of energy efficiency and figures of merit for performance.
- A review of Flow Battery systems and their state of development will be presented with
applications in load levelling and strategic energy management. The link between materials
properties and reactor performance of these systems will be explained.
- A review of the principles and applications of different types of lithium-ion and lead-acid
batteries, electrode materials and electrolyte compositions, memory and ageing effects, charge and discharge behaviours, state of charge and safety.
Advanced Photovoltaic systems (Lectures + Revision):
- Semiconductor physics: Carrier statistics and transport. Collection and quantum efficiency.
- Optics in solar energy conversion: antireflection coatings, concentration of light.
- Advanced topics: photochemical and photosynthetic energy conversion; “3G” mechanisms, thermodynamic concepts
- Dye sensitised, thin film, organic and multi junction solar cells – principles and advances
- Introduction to conversion of solar energy to chemical energy
- Photovoltaic systems: Grid connected and stand-alone systems; sizing.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching methods employed in the delivery of this module include:
- Lectures
- Solutions to assigned problems
- Revision tutorials
- Demonstrations and video material when appropriate
- A web site with access to in-depth materials
The learning activities include:
- Individual reading of background material and course texts, plus work on examples.
- Example sheets and worked solutions.
- Assignment and self-study
- Problem solving during lectures
- Individual work on a case study/mini-project
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Wider reading or practice | 18 |
| Follow-up work | 38 |
| Lecture | 35 |
| Seminar | 1 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
C. Ponce de León, G.W. Reade, I. Whyte, S.E. Male, F.C. Walsh. (2007). Characterisation of the reaction environment in a filter-press redox flow reactor. Electrochimica Acta, 52, pp. 5815-5823.
C. Ponce de León, A. Frías-Ferrer, J. González-García, D.A. Szánto, F. C. Walsh (2006). Redox flow cells for energy conversion. Journal of Power Sources, 160, pp. 716.
Textbooks
A. Goetzberger, J. Knobloch and B. Voss (1998). Crystalline silicon solar cells. Chichester: Wiley.
Pletcher, Derek (2009). A first course in electrode processes.. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
G. Beckmanm and P.V. Gilli. (1984). Thermal energy storage: basics design, applications to power generation and heat supply. Springer.
M.A. Green (1982). Solar Cells: Operating Principles, Technology and Practice. New York: Prentice Hall.
F. Lasnier and T.G. Ang (1990). Photovoltaic Engineering Handbook. Bristol: Adam Hilger.
Colin A. Vincent and Bruno Scrosati (1997). Modern batteries: An introduction to Electrochemical Power Sources. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
A. Luque. S. Hegedus (2003). Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering. Chichester: Wiley.
M. Archer and R. Hill (2001). Clean Electricity from Photovoltaics. London: Imperial College Press / World Scientific.
T. Markvart and L. Castañer (2003). Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and Applications. Oxford: Elsevier.
T. Markvart (2000). Solar Electricity. Chichester: Wiley.
J. Larminie and A. Dicks (2001). Fuel Cells Systems Explained. Chichester: Wiley.
Bard, Allen J. and Faulkner, Larry R. (2001). Electrochemical methods: fundamentals and applications. Imprint: Hoboken: Wiley,.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Teaching takes place mainly in the lecture sessions where the principles are explained and illustrated by examples and relevant applications. Some lectures will be given by an industrial expert on fuel cells to provide a commercial perspective on the technology. Students are expected to learn material through the use of web-based material, by self-study and by problem solving during the lectures/tutorials. Students will carry out an assignment to suggest a suitable fuel cell for a specific application. The corresponding report will be marked and feedback given. The students will also assessed by a 2 hour written examination at the end of the module. Individual coursework based on experimental demonstration, the students have to produce a one page paper that includes: 1) Brief introduction on the topic 2) Experimental details 3) Results and discussion 4) Conclusions 5) References For the individual research or problem solving activity, students should be able to present the highlight of the proposed research activity or solve a problem, an example could be: Question 1) A manufacturer of PEM fuel cells requires the membrane electrode assembly to be fully characterized. Describe the techniques which should be used. Give examples which show techniques for: a) membrane area resistance, b) active Pt electrode area. Relate a) to the stack voltage and b) to the Pt loading degree of utilization. Question 2) A new energy efficient building is planned and it is suggested that light energy incident on roof mounted solar cells is used together with an electrochemical energy storage system. Provide a general overall design for such a hybrid system. a) specify the types of device, b) explain their principles of operation c) summarize previous experience providing references. Deadlines: Deadlines for the course works are one week after they have been assigned. Students are expected to ask about the procedure or any question related to the course work within the week. Penalties for late handle in are applicable according to the course book. Feedback: Written feedback is given for each course work, normally within a weekFormative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback will be given during class problem solving sessions. Feedback will be also given on the assignment. Revision questions available at the website form the basis for informal work. Lecturer available after lecture and during supervision/revision classes.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 4%
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback will be given during class problem solving sessions. Feedback will be also given on the assignment. Revision questions available at the website form the basis for informal work. Lecturer available after lecture and during supervision/revision classes.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 4%
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback will be given during class problem solving sessions. Feedback will be also given on the assignment. Revision questions available at the website form the basis for informal work. Lecturer available after lecture and during supervision/revision classes.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 4%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 80% |
| Assignment | 10% |
| Assignment | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External