Module overview
As the world transitions towards low-carbon energy, engineers are developing technologies that can generate clean electricity more efficiently and sustainably. Fuel cells and photovoltaic systems are at the forefront of this transition, powering applications ranging from electric vehicles and portable electronics to renewable energy generation and future hydrogen economies. This module explores the engineering principles behind these technologies and their role in achieving a more sustainable future.
You will examine the structure, materials, operating principles and performance of modern fuel cells and photovoltaic systems, developing an understanding of how engineers design, analyse and optimise these devices for real-world applications. Building on your knowledge of thermodynamics, materials and systems engineering, you will explore the factors that influence efficiency, durability and system integration while considering the engineering challenges associated with renewable energy technologies.
By the end of the module, you will be able to evaluate the design and operation of fuel cell and photovoltaic systems and appreciate their potential within future energy systems. The knowledge developed will prepare you for careers in renewable energy, sustainable engineering, energy storage and advanced power technologies.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Design and operation of a photovoltaic system
- The relative merits of batteries, fuel cells and redox flow cells
- Solar radiation as an energy source
- Solar cell operation and manufacture
- Electrochemical routes to energy conversion
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Process solar energy data for photovoltaic applications
- Design a photovoltaic system
- Appreciate an industrial perspective of technology development
- Access the literature on fuel cells and write reports on their development
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Listening, identifying learning needs, evaluating sources and data, interpretation of data, problem solving, problem analysis
- Apply understanding to the fuel cells and photovoltaic energy generation systems into industry
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Suggest an appropriate fuel cell or battery technology for a particular application
- Describe the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion
- Identify and size a photovoltaic system for a given application
- Analyse solar radiation in energy terms
- Assess the operation and manufacture of a solar cell
- Relate cell current to materials conversion rates
- Tackle simple problems of theoretical energy conversion
Syllabus
Fuel cells and energy storage systems (lectures + Revision):
- An Introduction to Electrochemical Energy Conversion.
Electrochemical vs. conventional energy conversion routes. Types of electrochemical cells for energy conversion (galvanic and electrolytic). Definitions of batteries, fuel cells, redox flow cells, solar cells, etc. Examples of electrochemical technology in energy conversion: applications. Energy conversion related to materials conversion.
- Fuel Cells.
Principle of a fuel cell and types of fuel cell. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. PEM cell components and their characteristics. The membrane electrode assembly. Characterisation of performance. Voltage losses and their management.
- Batteries and Redox Flow Cells:
Principles of batteries. Types of cell. Application areas. Principle of
a redox flow cell. Examples of redox couples. Power and energy characteristics. Load levelling and integrated energy applications. Characterisation of performance. Voltage losses and their
management
Photovoltaic systems (Lectures + Revision):
- Solar energy technologies: a general overview:
Solar radiation as an energy source. Black body radiation; the solar constant. Solar spectra: the concept of air mass. Scattering and absorption.
- Solar cells: Band theory of semiconductors. Junctions; Shockley diode & solar cell equations. Crystalline, thin film and organic solar cells; manufacturing technologies. Ideal efficiencies. Solar cell modelling.
- Photovoltaic systems. Introduction; overview of subsystems. Sizing of generator; determination of battery size using observed data.
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 |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 18 |
| Follow-up work | 38 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes 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.Formative
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:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 80% |
| Continuous Assessment | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 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 |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External