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Hydrogen Curriculum at Michigan Technological University

Abstract

In this paper we describe curriculum development in hydrogen and fuel cells at Michigan Technological University. The cornerstone of the curriculum is the Alternative Fuels Group Enterprise, in which students can enroll in project-based courses as electives or towards the Enterprise Minor. In addition, we are developing additional materials to enhance the educational experience for chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering students. Features of this curriculum include:

≠ Development of courses specifically related to hydrogen technology for undergraduate and graduate students o Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier: This is an introductory course that overviews traditional and alternative energy sources, with an added emphasis on generation of hydrogen for use in fuel cell applications. Hydrogen policy issues will also be addressed. o Hydrogen Laboratory: This is a laboratory course with hydrogen safety training, hydrogen measurements, fuel cell operation and analysis, and investigation of other hydrogen-related technologies. o Fuel Cells: There are two courses in this topic area [CM 3974 Fuel Cell Fundamentals (1 credit) and MEEM 4990/5990 Fuel Cell Technology (3 credits)] which introduce the basics of fuel cells and calculation of important parameters for fuel cell operation. ≠ Development of hydrogen technology related course material for core courses currently within the following engineering curricula (chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering)

Introduction

The search for alternative energy sources is an area that has received great attention in the last few years, beginning with the January 2003 State of the Union address by President George W. Bush, approving federal funding for hydrogen fuel cell research for passenger vehicles. Similar announcements were made by state governors, most notably Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, stating “not only will we build these cars in Michigan, our Automotive Technology Corridor will help develop the fuel cell technology those cars will run on.”

Inherent within the nation’s initiative should be the development of educational programs related to fuel cells and other aspects of the hydrogen economy. Although it is common for engineering curricula to lag behind technology in emerging fields, Michigan Technological University, through their innovative Enterprise Program, has been active in introducing hydrogen technology research within the undergraduate curriculum.

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Keith, J., & Crowl, D., & Caspary, D., & Allen, J., & Meng, D., & Naber, J., & Mukherjee, A., & Lukowski, J., & Meldrum, J., & Solomon, B. (2009, June), Hydrogen Curriculum At Michigan Technological University Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--4656