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MECH.5290: Fuel Cell Fundamentals

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Welcome to Fuel Cell Fundamentals with Professor Agar

Fuel Cell Fundamentals course is aimed at students interested in the fundamental science and engineering of fuel cells and redox flow batteries (i.e., reversible fuel cells). The primary objective of this course is to help students to understand the fundamental principles of electrochemistry applied to fuel cells and redox flow batteries, including thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reaction processes and mass transport in electrochemical energy systems. The course will cover operating principles, design and diagnostics of fuel cell systems with a significant emphasis on proton exchange membrane fuel cells and vanadium redox flow batteries. 

Cell components and their influence on the overall performance of these systems will be discussed in detail. Additionally, an introduction to the cost analysis of electrochemical energy systems will be presented. 

Course Outcomes

  • Develop and apply mathematical models to predict the performance of ideal fuel cells based on thermodynamics.
  • Develop and apply mathematical models to predict the performance of real fuel cells based on reaction kinetics, charge transfer and mass transport.
  • Describe and model the various types of losses occurring within electrochemical systems.
  • Identify the main components, advantages, and limitations of different kinds of fuel cells and redox flow batteries.
  • Acquire the basic knowledge for entry-level jobs in the electrochemical energy storage and conversion industry. 
Subjects: Chemistry, Engineering