Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use

Overview

This module covers current and future routes for the production and use of hydrogen and is focused on developing the underpinning science and engineering associated with each key stage of the hydrogen value chain. This will provide students with an understanding of what is needed to support the design of hydrogen energy systems. The course is split over four broad topics which broadly cover catalytic, electrochemical, and emerging technologies, as well as hydrogen separation technologies. Lectures will cover:
* Fundamentals of hydrogen; overview of categories and manufacturing routes;
* Introduction to current production methods 1; an overview of refineries, reforming, pyrolysis and gasification:
* Introduction to current production methods 2; environmental impact and challenges;
* Understanding the energy and mass balance 1;
* Understanding the energy and mass balance 2;
* Introduction to electrolysis, electrolysers, and electrochemical hydrogen production;
* Industrial electrolysis - polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis;
* The efficiency of electrochemical devices for hydrogen generation;
* Electrochemical utilisation of hydrogen; introduction to fuel cells.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the hydrogen sector including the main routes currently used for hydrogen production
• Explain the significance of the manufacturing route and source of feedstock to determine the environmental impacts and benefits of each including challenges associated with emissions.
• Categorise hydrogen into the colours associated with its feedstock source and manufacturing route.
• Perform energy balances and determine CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen production technologies.
• Describe the scientific principles of electrochemistry for hydrogen production
• Describe and evaluate the electrochemical generation and consumption of hydrogen including electrolysis and fuel cells.
• Discuss electrolysis in relation to industrial deployment and operation including the key drivers and challenges
• Exhibit an understanding of emerging technologies for hydrogen generation and group them based on their scientific principles e.g. photoelectrochemical, biological, hybrid
• Explain photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems for hydrogen generation including artificial photosynthetic processes and the core scientific principles involved.
• Highlight and discuss the need for and importance of hydrogen separation and purification technology for an energy system
• Apply an understanding of phase behaviour and physical properties to the design and function of hydrogen separation technologies.

Skills

Skills associated with this module:
• Core skills in STEM
• Critical evaluation
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving and calculations
• Systems thinking
• Communication and report writing skills

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework 100%

Assessment Profile
Element type Element weight (%)
1. Literature Review 50
2. Short Essay 25
3. Marked tutorial 25

Course Requirements:
Coursework submission 100 %
Total coursework elements must be passed at 50%.