Topics for Graduate Study in UWME

FUEL CELLS

Purpose

Mechanical Engineers are needed in research and development related to the design and manufacturing of fuel cells as both stationary and mobile power sources.  Fuel cell courses present design theory, manufacturing process development and assessment, controls theory, and thermodynamics within the context of fuel cell, balance of plant, and fuel delivery infrastructure design.  Coursework focuses on both Polymer Exchange Membrane and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell systems but applies to all types of fuel cells.

Course Options

Core courses are intended to expose the student to fuel cell and fuel cell systems modeling, design and manufacturing issues, and related engineering assessment methods and are offered in both the mechanical and chemical engineering departments.  Supplemental courses compliment the core sequence with courses throughout the UW covering materials science and engineering, industrial engineering, business, and public policy that are specific to each student’s interests.  Additional information about each course, including availability, can be found through the UW Course Description Website

 

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Core Courses

ME430 Advanced Energy Conversion Systems (4)

CHEME445 Fuel Cell Engineering (3)

ME523 Energy and Environment Seminar (1)

CHEME446 Fundamentals of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (3)

ME521 Thermodynamics (3)

ME523 Energy and Environment Seminar (1)

ME599JC Life Cycle Assessment (3)

ME522 Thermodynamics (3)

ME523 Energy and Environment Seminar (1)

 

Supplemental Courses

CHEM E 345 Introduction to Fuel Cells

ME 415 Sustainability and Design for Environment

ME426 Sustainable Energy Design

ME474 Systems Modeling and Simulation

ME481 Combustion Engines and Alternatives

CHEME461 Electrochemical Engineering

ENVIR 550 Global Commercialization of Environmental Technologies

MGMT 521 Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation

MSE 559 Thin Film Science, Engineering, and Technology

MSE442 Materials Processing II

Opportunities for students who have completed graduate studies in Fuel Cells

The mechanical engineering graduate student interested in manufacturing can become involved in advanced technology research, development, and assessment, engineering consulting, and business and facilities management.  Career opportunities exist in fuel cell manufacturing, research, and development companies, automobile and truck manufacturing companies, companies involved in engineering design and installation of energy systems, business and engineering consulting firms, government agencies and national laboratories, and university research and education.

 

For more information, please contact:

Professor Per Reinhall (reinhall@u.washington.edu), Associate Professor Joyce Cooper (cooperjs@u.washington.edu), or Professor John Kramlich (kramlich@u.washington.edu)