OVERVIEW

This course (completely in English) shows the fundamental know-how of fuel cells and distributed generation systems (thermodynamics and component performance): different typologies, layouts, technological and environmental aspects. Different small size systems are considered for distributed generation applications. Special attention is devoted to combined heat and power generation including laboratory experiences.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the fundamental know-how related to fuel cells and to the concept of distributed generation systems. The attention is mainly focused on thermodynamic theory and component performance. Fuel cells are presented putting emphasis on different technology types, hybrid system plant layouts, technological and environmental aspects. This course also proposes to provide students with basic knowledge and operative elements to design different small size systems (internal combustion engines, microturbines, stirling engines, fuel cells) for applications in distributed generation grids. For this part of the course, special attention is devoted to combined heat and power generation providing students with laboratory experiences.

TEACHING METHODS

• 42  hours:     theoretical lessons.
• 6 hours:        laboratory activities. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Fuel cells (basic structure, brief history, technological status, cost considerations); fuel cell types (polymeric, alkaline, phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, solid oxide); fuel cell electrochemistry (ideal and losses).
• Fuel cells: influence of main operative properties (pressure and temperature), materials, performance, fuel processing (external and internal reforming).
• Hybrid systems with high temperature fuel cells (MCFC; SOFC).
• Hydrogen generation, storage and utilization.
• Distributed generation systems: basic aspects, microturbines and stirling engines.
• Distributed generation systems: co-generation and tri-generation.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aulaweb: Fuel cells 2017/18

http://www.tpg.unige.it/TPG/students-area/#toggle-id-3

Fuel Cell Handbook (Seventh Edition), US Department of Energy, Morgantown, WV (USA), 2004.

G. Lozza, Gas Turbines and Combined Cycles (Second Edition) – In Italian, Esculapio Ed., 2006.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIO LUIGI FERRARI (President)

PIETRO ZUNINO (President)

DARIO BARSI

LOREDANA MAGISTRI

ANDREA PERRONE

LUCA RATTO

ALESSANDRO SORCE

ALBERTO TRAVERSO

ALBERTO NICOLA TRAVERSO

LESSONS

Class schedule

FUEL CELLS AND DISTRIBUTED GENERATION SYSTEMS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam (final)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral questions.

Exam schedule