Principles of Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells and Batteries

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Relate cell current to materials conversion rates
• Assess the operation and manufacture of a solar cell
• Analyse solar radiation in energy terms
• Identify and size a photovoltaic system for a given application
• Describe the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion
• Suggest an appropriate fuel cell or battery technology for a particular application
• Tackle simple problems of theoretical energy conversion

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

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

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 the materials with the appropriate properties to operate in a PV or FC systems is demonstrated during the lecturing and assignments. For example, the assignment to calculate the surface area of a platinum fuel cell electrode is designed so the students understand what properties the materials should have to operate efficiently, meanwhile they can understand the limitations such as cost, side reactions and availability. The selection of design, type, materials, and manufacturing method from the four generation of PVs are critically analysed during lecturing, which provides thinking 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 Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer need as appropriate. The design of PV arrays and management of PV panel connections for continuous power supply is discussed in the lecture so as to maximise energy safety and mitigate adverse impacts on standalone and national grid connected PV systems. This will involve consideration of 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, in which complex weather conditions, peak irradiation power, battery capacity and operation are considered as a system. The same systematic approach can be transferred to solve problems related national grid connection. C8/M8 The environmental and society impacts of PV and fuel cells for energy generation are evaluated in line with the needs 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 the emissions from fossil energy and their depletion are included.

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