Alternative Energy Technology 5110
Fundamentals of Fuel Cell Technology (4 Credits)
Fall 2009
Monday & Wednesday, 4:30–6:20 pm. 293 Manoogian
INSTRUCTORS:
Srinivasan Venkatesan Ph.D.
By Appointment, Engineering
Phone: 248-346 5358
Email: venkatesan5@msn.com
K. Y. Simon Ng, Ph.D., P.E.,
1123 Engineering
313-577-3805
sng@wayne.edu
OFFICE HOURS: 6:30-7:30 pm M/W directly after class
SUMMARY:
OBJECTIVES:
This course addresses fundamental process and materials aspects of
fuel cell technology. A descriptive overview of key fuel cell
technologies including proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells,
direct methanol fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells will be provided
together with potential applications for transportation and stationary
and portable power. Hydrogen production/storage will also be covered.
•
•
•
•
•
Learn the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic principles of
fuel cells
Quantitatively understand the power performance of fuel cells and
its dependence on operating conditions
Develop a detailed descriptive understanding of key fuel cell
technologies and their components
Learn the properties of hydrogen as a fuel and methods of
production and storage
Understand basic fuel cell system design and its potential
applications in transportation and stationary and portable power
PREREQUISITES: Senior standing in the science or engineering disciplines.
TEXTBOOK:
James Larminie and Andrew Dicks, “Fuel Cell Systems Explained,”
Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
REFERENCES:
Frano Barbir, “PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice,” Elseveir
Academic Press, New York, 2005. (On reserve at Purdy Library and
Chapters 2-3 on electronic reserve.)
Xinguo Li, “Principles of Fuel Cells,” Taylor and Francis, New York,
2006. (On reserve at Purdy Library.)
(Many useful references in WSU library at call number TK2931)
WEBSITES:
www.eere.energy.gov
www.fuelcelltoday.com
www.fuelcellseminar.com
www.fuelcells.org
ASSIGNMENTS:
The student will be responsible for all lecture material and advance
reading assignments, homework assignments, term project, term paper,
quizzes, midterm exam, and final exam.
HOMEWORK:
Homework will be due one week after assignment. Late homework
will not be accepted. Teamwork on homework is encouraged.
However, outright verbatim copying of homework or other obviously
unethical conduct in completing and submitting your homework will be
prosecuted according to the cheating policy of the College and the
University.
TERM PROJECT: The term project will be a team engineering assignment to be
performed by groups of 2-4 students working as a team culminating in
a team presentation to class. All team members are expected to
participate and share in the presentation.
EXAMS:
Exams and quizzes will be open book. Make-up exams will be given
only by prior arrangement and only for valid reasons. College policy
states that anyone giving or receiving information during an exam will
be given an immediate failing grade for the course.
GRADING: Homework and quizzes
Mid-Term
Term Project
Final Exam
Grade scale: A
B
C
D
F
>90%
80-90%
70-80%
60-70%
<60%
25%
25%
25%
25%
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE
Day
Topic
Sep 9
Sep14
Sep 16
Sep 21
Sep 23
Sep 28
Sep 30
Oct 5
Intro to Fuel Cells
Larminie - Chpt 1
FC Intro – Thermodynamics
Larminie - Chpt 2 (see also Barbir)
FC Intro – Reactant Flow Rates
Larminie - Chpt 2, App 2
FC Intro – Polarization Curves
Larminie - Chpt 3 (see also Barbir)
FC Intro – Kinetics
Larminie - Chpt 3
FC intro – Modelling
Larminie - Chpt 3
Alkaline Fuel Cells
Larminie - Chpt 5
PEM Fuel Cells – Part 1
Larminie - Chpt 4
Guest Lecture – Dr.Swathi Swathirajan(Ex-GM) PEM R & D
PEM Fuel Cells – Part 2
Larminie - Chpt 4
DMFC and PAFC
Larminie - Chpt 6
Review for Midterm
Larminie Chpt 1-6, Lectures 1-11
Midterm
Oct 7
Oct 12
Oct 14
Oct 19
Oct 21
Oct 26
Oct 28
Nov. 2
Nov. 4
Nov. 9
Nov. 11
Nov. 16
Nov.18
Nov 23
Nov 25
Nov 30
Dec.2
Dec 7
Dec 9
Dec 14
Advance Reading Assignment
Intro to High Temp FC
Larminie - Chpt 7
MCFC and SOFC
Larminie - Chpt 7
Guest Lecture –Dr. Rosa Young-ECD Metal Hydride R&D(Tentative
H2 Fuel Production and Storage
Larminie - Chpt 8
Guest Lecture –Dr. Dennis Corrigan: PEM & EV
Term Project/Term Paper Workshop
Term Project/Term Paper Workshop
Term Project/Term Paper Workshop
Term Project/Term Paper Workshop
Tour to ECD Ovonics Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Activity, Rochester Hills
MI(Tentative)
Term Project Workshop
Term Project Presentations
Term Project Presentations
Term Project Presentations
Review for Final Exam
Final Exam
Ven Sept.7,2009