A 5000-word group technical report detailing the CFD simulation and analytical design of an energy system, weighted at 100% meeting Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3, M4, M16.

Formative Assessment will take place through the module to help to assess student learning and support development.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass the module with a minimum mark of 40% on a component if there are multiple components of assessment.

This module provides a comprehensive technical overview of advanced energy storage and conversion technologies essential for the transition to a Net Zero economy. Students will explore the principles, design, and application of various storage mediums, with a specific focus on the hydrogen economy and grid-scale storage solutions.

Lecture topics include:

- Introduction to Energy Systems and Grid stability challenges
- Conversion of energy from a range of forms
- Hydrogen Generation (Electrolysers)
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells
- Hydrogen Storage & Distribution
- Electrochemical Storage 1 (Li-ion)
- Electrochemical Storage 2 (Emerging)
- Mechanical Storage 1 (Hydro)
- Mechanical Storage 2 (Compressed Air)
- Mechanical Storage 3 (Flywheels)
- Thermal Energy Storage
- System Integration & Hybridisation
- Future Trends (emerging technologies)

Practical/Simulation topics include:

- Semester-long CFD Simulation Project focused on either Fuel Cells or Energy Storage.
- Supervised group project work: Geometry creation, Mesh Generation, ANSYS Fluent, solver setup, simulation execution, post-processing, and validation against analytical models.

1. Systematically explain and critically evaluate the scientific and engineering principles governing hydrogen generation, fuel cells, and grid-scale energy storage systems, including thermodynamic limits and material properties. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Select and apply appropriate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques and analytical methods to model complex multiphysics problems (e.g., fluid flow, heat transfer, electrochemical reactions) within energy systems. (AHEP 4: M3)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem-Solving

3. Work effectively within a group to solve complex engineering problems, demonstrating leadership and the ability to reconcile conflicting technical requirements with commercial, environmental and sustainability constraints. (AHEP 4: M16)

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

4. Demonstrate advanced competence in using industry-standard simulation software to simulate and visualise engineering data for practical applications, with critical evaluation of results informed by scientific and technical literature. (AHEP 4: M3, M4)

Programme Learning Outcome: Digital Literacy, Research Skills

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions through a variety of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a structured introduction to key concepts and underpinning theory.

Tutorials: Interactive sessions designed to reinforce learning, explore concepts in greater depth, and provide opportunities for guided problem-solving and discussion.

Practical Activities: Hands-on sessions using appropriate tools, techniques, or methodologies to support the application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Group Project Work: Collaborative activities that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling you to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and guide development.

The following resources are needed:

- Lecture and Seminar Space with A/V
- PC and standard engineering software
- Simulation software such as ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS DesignModeler/SpaceClaim, ANSYS Mesher, ANSYS DX (Optional), or equivalent

Huggins, R.A. (2021). Energy Storage: Fundamentals, Materials and Applications. 3rd edn. Springer

Khan, D.A., Choudhary, A.K., and Sharma, D. (2024). Hydrogen Energy: Production, Storage and Utilization. CRC Press.

Rahimpour, M.R., Makarem, M.A., and Kiani, P. (2024). Hydrogen Transportation and Storage. CRC Press.

Nemati, H., Ardekani, M. M., Mahootchi, J., and Meyer, J. P. (2024). Fundamentals of Industrial Heat Exchangers: Selection, Design, Construction, and Operation. Elsevier

Tu, J., Yeoh, G.H., Liu, C., and Tao, Y. (2024). Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Practical Approach. 4th edn. Butterworth-Heinemann.

This module covers the advanced engineering principles of energy storage and conversion, focusing on the Hydrogen economy (Electrolysers, Fuel Cells) and Grid Storage (Mechanical, Thermal, Electrochemical). You will be able to apply engineering tools in a group project to simulate and optimise energy systems.