1. Basic principles of thermodynamics and electrochemistry
2. Galvanic cells; principles and applications of different fuel cells.
3. Structure, operation and applications of fuel cells: AFC, PEMFC, PAFC, MCFC and SOFC.
4. Chemical and physical basis of fuel cells.
5. Methods for production, purification, storage and transport of Hydrogen.
6. Solar radiation.
7. Fundamentals of solar cells and photovoltaic systems.
1. R. O'Hayre, S.-W. Cha, W. G. Colella, F. B. Prinz, Fuel Cell Fundamentals, Wiley, 2016
2. J- Larminie, A. Dicks, Fuel Cell Systems Explained, Wiley, 2003
3. A. Smets, K, Jager, O. Isabella, R. van SwaAij, M. Zeman, Solar Energy, UIT Cambridge, 2016
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge on fuel cells and photovoltaic systems.
Ability of designing, analyze, plan and manage energy conversion systems and their environmental impact, as well as complex and/or innovative service and process systems.
Identify, formulate and solve industrial engineering problems, with special focus to energy issues.
Analyze, design and manage innovative integrated renewable energy systems, sustainability, environmental and economic impact
In-depth knowledge in the field of energy and electricity
Renewable energy resources, low environmental impact technologies: characteristics and availability, proven and innovative exploitation technologies, energy sustainability, economic and environmental sustainability.
Teaching Methods
Lectures in the classroom
Type of Assessment
Intermediate tests during the course.
The examination (written and oral) is carried out with tests.
Questions and exercises on the topics of the course to verify the acquired knowledge and competence.
The student must demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of the topics related to fuel cells and photovoltaic systems.
Course program
Basic principles of thermodynamics. The laws of thermodynamics. Free energy and chemical potential. Basic principles of electrochemistry. Electrochemical cell. Galvanic cells. Principles and applications of different fuel cells. Structure, operation and applications of fuel cells: AFC, PEMFC, PAFC, MCFC and SOFC. Chemical and physical bases of fuel cells: quantitative treatment. One-dimensional model of fuel cells. Methods for production, purification, storage and transport of hydrogen. Solar radiation. Chemical and physical bases of semiconductors. Fundamentals of solar cells. Single and multi-junction solar cells. Photovoltaic systems.