Principles of Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells and Batteries

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Solar radiation as an energy source
• The relative merits of batteries, fuel cells and redox flow cells
• Design and operation of a photovoltaic system
• Solar cell operation and manufacture
• Electrochemical routes to energy conversion

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion
• 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
• Suggest an appropriate fuel cell or battery technology for a particular application
• Identify and size a photovoltaic system for a given application

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Access the literature on fuel cells and write reports on their development
• Process solar energy data for photovoltaic applications
• Design a photovoltaic system
• Appreciate an industrial perspective of technology development

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply understanding to the fuel cells and photovoltaic energy generation systems into industry
• Listening, identifying learning needs, evaluating sources and data, interpretation of data, problem solving, problem analysis

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.

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

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.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External