RE4S014 - Hydrogen Energy 11 Dec 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: RE4S014
Module Title: Hydrogen Energy
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Research and Innovation
Faculty Sub Group: Sustainable Environment Research Centre
Module Leader: Stephen Carr, Jon Maddy
Module Team: Jaime Massanet-Nicolau, Christian Laycock, Tim Patterson, Iain Michie
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100175 - energy engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 11 Dec 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to enable students to:
1. Have a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of hydrogen production and storage, and the associated utilisation costs, and safety implications
2. Recognise the potential of hydrogen as a key solution to the energy problems of the 21st century, providing clean and efficient heat and power from a range of indigenous sources
3. Gain an appreciation of the importance of producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources
4. Critically assess the issues surrounding hydrogen and evaluate the use of hydrogen as an energy storage medium for intermittent renewables, transport, housing, and industry

Content Summary

Hydrogen as an energy vector (a means of storing and transporting energy) rather than an energy source or energy conversion technology. Introduction of the concept of the hydrogen economy and its historic background.

Renewable production of hydrogen energy. European, UK and Welsh energy policy all point to an energy future that is primarily dependant on renewables, with hydrogen as a significant contributor as an energy storage vector.

Hydrogen storage, mature and R&D. Distribution and infrastructure. Technologies that use hydrogen e.g. fuel cell, internal combustion engine, turbines. Hydrogen energy utilization in vehicles. Hydrogen energy utilization in a building.

Relevant policy frameworks. Economics of the hydrogen economy/potential of cost effectiveness. Safety, Standards and Regulations. Public opinion. Competition and development potential.

Hydrogen as the ultimate long-term global energy solution. Benefits e.g. contribution to diversity and security of fuel supply, cleaner energy, and ideal complement to electricity as an energy carrier.

Markets and current barriers. Technology and utilisation implementation time frames. R&D issues. UK strengths in the hydrogen economy.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 36
External visits 6
Independent Study 153
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically review the factors that influence the feasibility of a particular hydrogen technology for a specific application, and demonstrate an understanding of the problems of integrating hydrogen production technologies into the existing energy supply systems on a large scale.
LO2 Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of various hydrogen technologies, and demonstrate knowledge about regulatory aspects related to hydrogen energy generation and use.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Portfolio Portfolio 1 Students investigate and critically analyse the deployment of hydrogen energy and transport technology in a country or region their choice. 15 3400 70 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Time Constrained Assessment (CW) 1 Students carry out a set exercise under a time constraint. 120 1 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Time Constrained Assessment (CW) 1

Reading List

Rifkin J. (2002) The hydrogen economy: the creation of the worldwide energy web and the redistribution of power on earth, New York: J.P. Tarcher/Putnam.

Larminie, J. and Dicks A. (2003) Fuel cell systems explained. 2nd Ed, Chichester, West Sussex: J. Wiley.

Cherryman S J, Maddy J, Hawkes F R, Hawkes D L, Dinsdale R M, Guwy A J, Premier G C, (2004) Hydrogen and Wales - A Vision of the Hydrogen Economy in Wales: Placing Wales in a position to take full advantage of the hydrogen economy, University of Glamorgan, 1-84054-116-4.

Boudellal., M., (2018) Power-to-Gas: Renewable hydrogen economy for the energy transition. De Gruyter.

EG and G Technical Service inc., (2016) Fuel Cell handbook (7th ed) US DoE.