Project description
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FUEL CELL COURSEWORK

You are required to submit an initial feasibility report on the application of fuel cells to one of the options given in the following. As with all university coursework, it is important that the source of each piece of information is referenced. This most certainly includes websites for which the exact address and date of access should be listed. Marks will be lost if this is not carried out properly and, in an extreme case, the coursework may not be accepted if not referenced at all. The report should not exceed 10 pages in length (including all diagrams, appendices, etc.) and it should have a one page executive summary of the main points at the start. Where quantities need to be calculated (eg amount of fuel to be stored), your reasoning and assumptions should be included. The report should be submitted on turnitin.

Choose one of the following:

(i) Application of a fuel cell to provide power for the propulsion and services for a naval submarine. You are free to choose the size of vessel and the missions to be performed by the vessel. You are also free to decide whether the fuel cell/electric motor combination should be the sole means of propulsion or whether they should be combined with another type of prime mover (eg fuel cell only used for a specified time of submerged operation). Your decisions should be clearly stated at the start of the report. The report should include the following:
Justification for the most suitable type of fuel cell;
Fuelling strategy (eg stored hydrogen or fuel reformer);
Estimate of size and weight of fuel cells, together with oxidant and its containment, fuel and associated storage/supply equipment, and electric motor;
Requirements for electrical connection between fuel cell and electric motor;
Advantages and disadvantages compared to more conventional power plant.

(ii) Application of a fuel cell to provide power for the propulsion and services of a 100-seat ferry for operation in a pollution restriction zone (eg river passing through a city such as the Thames through London). The report should include the following:
Justification for the most suitable type of fuel cell; fuelling strategy (eg stored hydrogen or fuel reformer);
Estimate of size and weight of fuel cells together with fuel and associated storage/supply equipment, electric motor;
Requirements for electrical connection between fuel cell and electric motor;
Advantages and disadvantages compared to diesel power plant. An estimate should be made of the efficiency of operation compared to a diesel power unit.