Hydrogen Energy School

Study level: CPD/Short courses
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The Hydrogen Energy School is a 3-day short course aimed at hydrogen industry professionals seeking to improve their understanding of hydrogen energy technologies and their role in the net zero energy system.

Course code


Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 days

Fees

£2500

Start date

March 2024

Course overview

Topics include hydrogen production, storage, safety and end-use in fuel cell systems with a focus on propulsion applications. The course includes practical, hands-on activity taking place in the Hydrogen Energy Applications Laboratory at Coventry University's Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS).

The course is designed to equip engineers with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the core theory and acquire the necessary skills to work in the hydrogen energy industry, or industries seeking to introduce hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuel technologies including automotive, marine, rail and aerospace.

The course has been specifically designed to provide engineers a balance of theory and practical knowledge with classroom learning being reinforced by hands-on lab experience. Learners will be able to use the knowledge and skills from this course in their job role and add value to their employer.

  • Become familiar with the concept of hydrogen as an energy vector, understanding how it can be produced and its characteristics.
  • Understand the fundamental electrochemical concepts that underlie power conversion in fuel cells and electrolysers.
  • Understand the characteristics of a fuel cell electric vehicle powertrain and be able to identify advantages and disadvantages relative to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and hybrid internal combustion engines (ICE).
  • Develop awareness of hydrogen safety risks, hazards and countermeasures.
  • Become familiar with the infrastructure and hardware required to operate a fuel cell stack safely on a test bench.
  • Understand the influence of operating conditions on fuel cell performance and durability.
  • Identify key performance metrics and understand how to measure them.
  • Understand degradation and failure modes associated with the fuel cell stack and system and be able to develop the associated engineering requirements.
  • Develop a detailed understanding of the components in an automotive fuel cell stack, their properties and functions.
  • Understand the influence of component design on fuel cell system performance.
  • Understand the role of the major sub-systems, their associated components and functions: stack module; air intake; e-compressor, humidifier; intercooler; exhaust; fuel management; primary cooling; hydrogen storage (incl. tank, OTV, reg.); monitoring / instrumentation (CVM); power electronics (dc/dc); traction battery.
  • Gain an insight into best practices for fuel cell vehicle integration through examples and case studies.
  • Understand the supply chain for principal fuel cell powertrain technologies.
  • Gain an insight into the production of key fuel cell powertrain commodities.
  • Become familiar with the process of assembling a fuel cell stack, and steps required to prove safe prior to applying fuel.
  • Develop awareness of piping and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Develop an awareness of the design constraints pertaining to fuel cell vehicles, and countermeasures required for safe operation.
  • Be able to perform sizing calculations to design a fuel cell system meeting the requirements of a given vehicle.

How will this course enhance my career prospects?

The course will assist in providing learners with the required skills and understanding to facilitate their transition from traditional hydrocarbon/combustion technologies into the realm of electrochemical energy conversion.

Course detail

Course duration is 3 days.  

Location of study

Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS)

Coventry, CV1 2TL.

How you'll learn

Time Day 1- 3
09.00-10.30 Classroom session
10.30-10.45 Break
10.45-12.30 Classroom session
12.30-13.15 Lunch break
13.15-14.15 Classroom session
14.15-14.30 Break
14.30-17.30 Practical laboratory session in small groups

Entry requirements

Education and/or experience in engineering or science-related subjects as follows: mechanical, chemical, automotive, aerospace, electrical, electronic, computer hardware, computing and industrial (or equivalent).

How to apply


If you require further support or information, please email futurepower@cueltd.co.uk.

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.