Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Teaching & Learning Packages Fuel Cells Aims
Fuel Cells AimsBefore you startIntroductionThe principleHistory of the technologyTypes of fuel cellsSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)• Electrolyte• Electrode materials• Interconnection• Thermodynamics• System and outlookMolten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs)• Electrolyte• Electrochemistry• ElectrodesProton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)• Membrane• Electrodes and membrane-electrode assembly• Efficiency and reaction conditionsFuelling requirementsCase study: Fuelling practicalitiesSummaryQuestionsGoing further
TLP creditsTLP contentsShow all content
Viewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
PreviousNext

Aims

On completion of this TLP, the student should gain an understanding of the following topics of discussion:

  • The principle behind fuel cells and what constitutes a fuel cell.
  • A brief history of the technology.
  • Function and specifics of four main types of fuel cell:
    • Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
    • Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)
    • Proton exchange membrane/ polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)
    • Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
  • The advantages, problems and applications associated with each of the different electrolytes commonly used in fuel cells, including discussion of the factors influencing their suitability.
  • The electrochemical explanation of the fuel cell processes.
  • The requirements of fuelling a fuel cell system including “balance of plant” considerations, reforming and ways of storing the fuel.
  • Building a simple fuel cell.

 

PreviousNext