Program Overview

---

Hydrogen Energy Systems

Overview

This course supports individuals who wish to undertake sustainability-focused roles in a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors in relation to hydrogen energy and achieving our 2050 Net Zero Emission targets. Specifically, it will provide detailed understanding and training in hydrogen generation and use for clean energy applications as well as hydrogen system design and integration with existing infrastructure. In association with the Postgraduate Certificate in Zero Carbon Engineering, this certificate course will help provide training and support for regional, national and international transition towards a net-zero economy.

Course Structure

The course will be divided across three 20 CATS modules and will utilize online delivery and blended-learning activities to enable students to access learning materials in a highly flexible manner, compatible with a part-time mode of study. The aim of this programme is to provide students with a strong foundation in the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin growth in the hydrogen economy.

Modules

• Hydrogen System Design and Practice (20 credits)
• Hydrogen System Integration (20 credits)
• Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in any STEM subject.
• Applicants who can demonstrate appropriate work experience in a process, manufacturing or related role will be considered on a case by case basis and may be required to successfully complete a brief skills assessment and/or interview.

International Students

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
• International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | DfE Funded students: Free / Other students: £2,434
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £2,434
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £3,083
• EU Other 3 | £8,600
• International | £8,600

Additional Course Costs

• No tuition fees are payable by eligible students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme.

Career Prospects

• Those graduating with a PGCert in Hydrogen Energy Systems will have significantly enhanced their skills portfolio in renewable energy and will be able to effectively communicate hydrogen energy options to a wide range of stakeholders ranging from the general public though to industry and policy developers.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.

People Teaching You

• Dr Neil Robinson
• Dr Nicole Gui

Teaching Times

• Blended teaching and assessments will be delivered via a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live online workshop and seminar classes and self-directed study and practice materials.

Learning and Teaching

• Our online delivery aims replicate the interactive and engaging nature of an on-campus delivery
• Online support
• Practice activities
• Seminars
• Workshops

Assessment

• Assessment will be continuous.
• There will be regular formative assessment through written and oral assignments, presentations and group reports to measure learner progress and to provide advice and direction.

Facilities

• The McClay library at QUB provides you with online access to relevant journals, books and other research literature.
• Key databases including Scopus and the Web of Science are also at your disposal.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a Prospectus

• Find out more about Postgraduate Study at Queen's

The Thomas J. Moran Graduate School

• Supporting your development as a postgraduate at Queen's.

Accommodation

• Some of the most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in the city.

Course Location

• Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

Can't Find Something?

• We're here to help with any questions or queries you may have about this course

Ask a Question

• Contact us with your questions or queries about this course

Top Links

• Jobs
• Semester dates
• Contact us
• Visit us
• Schools / Departments

Study

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• International students
• Find a PhD
• Find a course

Information

• Privacy and cookies
• Website accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Modern slavery statement
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• University Policies and Procedures

Queen's University Belfast

• Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC.
• VAT registration number: GB
• EORI Numbers GB
• XI

Search

• Search Search Close Search

Queen's University Belfast - Logo

Close Menu - Off Canvas

Mobile Search

• Search Search

Study

• Find a Course
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• International Students
• Students from Great Britain
• Fees & Finance
• Scholarships & Funding
• Open Learning
• Short Courses
• Accommodation
• Life in Belfast
• Open Days & Campus Tours
• The Graduate School
• Sport
• Your Student Guide
• Student Life

Research

• Research Themes
• Global Research
• Research Areas
• Research Excellence Framework
• Research Strategy
• Research Impact
• Our People
• Research Opportunities
• Postdoctoral Development Centre
• Governance, Ethics and Integrity
• Research Contacts
• Search Our Research
• Find a PhD

International

• International Students
• Applying to Queen's
• English Language Requirements
• Tuition Fees
• International Scholarships
• University Preparation Courses
• Exchange and Study Abroad
• Find Your Country / Region
• China
• India
• USA
• Middle East and North Africa
• South East Asia
• Sub Saharan Africa
• Why Study at Queen's
• Contact us

Business

• Commercialisation
• Partnering with Industry
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• IP & Innovation
• Business Support
• Business Engagement
• Chief Executives' Club & Events
• Queen's Business School
• William J Clinton Leadership Institute
• MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme
• Recruit Our Students

About

• Campus & Facilities
• Sustainability
• Social Charter
• Public Engagement
• Visit Us
• News
• What's on
• Leadership and Structure
• Strategy 2030
• Faculties & Schools
• Professional Services
• University Department List
• Rankings and Reputation
• Work at Queen's

Helpful Links

• Jobs
• News
• What's on
• Semester dates
• Library
• Giving
• Ask a question
• Staff Directory
• 中文网

Staff

Students

Alumni

Social Media

• QUB Facebook
• QUB Twitter
• QUB Instagram
• QUB Youtube

Top Links

• Jobs
• Semester dates
• Contact us
• Visit us
• Schools / Departments

Study

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• International students
• Find a PhD
• Find a course

Information

• Privacy and cookies
• Website accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Modern slavery statement
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• University Policies and Procedures

Queen's University Belfast

• Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC.
• VAT registration number: GB
• EORI Numbers GB
• XI

Search

• Search Search Close Search

Queen's University Belfast - Logo

Close Menu - Off Canvas

Mobile Search

• Search Search

Hydrogen System Design and Practice

Overview

This module covers exploring the drivers behind the emerging hydrogen economy including challenges and opportunities, which will be used as the rationale and context for a hydrogen power system design project. In addition, the module will also investigate what must be achieved by lower TRL systems to further develop towards operational status. The module will be split over two taught Blocks and followed by a design-led Block (equivalent of two Blocks) which will incorporate project workshops with staff, dedicated workshops from guest lecturers and practical workshops (held at Belfast Metropolitan College).

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Describe the hydrogen economy and discuss the key drivers behind its emergence
• Provide an overview and discuss relevant international treaties and national policies currently in place for hydrogen energy
• Describe the role and relationship that policy development has with technology design and innovation
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of ongoing opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen energy in transport, buildings and smart grid and distribution
• Discuss and apply the importance of assessing and critically evaluating hydrogen energy systems at different TRLs and describe what must be achieved for further advancement
• Outline key parameters on a technology roadmap to determine feasibility for deployment and wider applications
• Conduct and manage a design project for the development of a hydrogen energy system which incorporates the learning and knowledge delivered throughout the course
• Apply knowledge of operating a hydrogen energy system (e.g. fuel cells) and evaluate the key parameters which influence performance and scale up
• Assess and evaluate the key parameters associated with the design of a hydrogen system at a relevant TRL level and present those findings in a scientific report
• Deliver an elevator pitch based on the findings of project work highlighting innovation and basic entrepreneurship

Skills

Skills Associated with Module:

• Core skills in underlying physical sciences, in particular physics and chemistry as applied to solving problems relevant to energy systems
• Critical evaluation and systems thinking
• Project design and management
• Analytical skills
• Entrepreneurship
• Communication and reporting writing skills

Assessment

Coursework: 100% Examination: 0% Practical: 0%

Credits

20

Module Code

CHE7206

Teaching Period

Spring

Duration

12 weeks

Pre-requisite

No

Core/Optional

Core

Hydrogen System Integration

Overview

This module covers the design and modelling of hydrogen energy systems, including systems integration, basics of control and dynamics, storage, and safety. The content delivered here will build on the core principles explored in CHE7204 with more focus on the engineering aspects associated with whole hydrogen systems including using case studies as key examples.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module the students are expected to:

• Describe and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the various components which are included in a hydrogen energy system.
• Describe the impact and use of the core physical and chemical properties of hydrogen under varying process conditions in the design of system components.
• Explain the fundamental science involved with diffusion and solubility in relation to hydrogen
• Demonstrate an understanding of standard engineering process flow diagrams and their importance in the communication of the process design
• Discuss key examples of hydrogen energy sub-systems including purification and membrane technology
• Describe the fundamental principles and components of the Rankine and Brayton cycles
• Investigate system integration including impact of combinations with battery technology.
• Develop models which can predict hydrogen systems behaviour and energy output.
• Demonstrate the importance of control dynamics in multicomponent and multiphase energy systems
• Define the key principles of hydrogen safety including hazard and risk identification and processes and safety features of current technologies and infrastructure
• Describe the importance of hydrogen safety and associated protocols in relation to production, transport and storage
• Discuss and apply control strategies and safety standards associated with hydrogen energy systems.

Skills

Skills Associated with Module:

• Increased STEM
• Improved modelling
• Safety awareness
• Critical and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Ability to review literature, to produce written documents and reports.
• Analytical skills

Assessment

Coursework: 100% Examination: 0% Practical: 0%

Credits

20

Module Code

CHE7205

Teaching Period

Full Year

Duration

24 weeks

Pre-requisite

No

Core/Optional

Core

Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use

Overview

This module covers current and future routes for the production and use of hydrogen and is focused on developing the underpinning science and engineering associated with each key stage of the hydrogen value chain. This will provide students with an understanding of what is needed to support the design of hydrogen energy systems.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the hydrogen sector including the main routes currently used for hydrogen production
• Explain the significance of the manufacturing route and source of feedstock to determine the environmental impacts and benefits of each including challenges associated with emissions.
• Categorise hydrogen into the colours associated with its feedstock source and manufacturing route.
• Perform energy balances and determine CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen production technologies.
• Describe the scientific principles of electrochemistry for hydrogen production
• Describe and evaluate the electrochemical generation and consumption of hydrogen including electrolysis and fuel cells.
• Discuss electrolysis in relation to industrial deployment and operation including the key drivers and challenges
• Exhibit an understanding of emerging technologies for hydrogen generation and group them based on their scientific principles e.g. photoelectrochemical, biological, hybrid
• Explain photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems for hydrogen generation including artificial photosynthetic processes and the core scientific principles involved.
• Highlight and discuss the need for and importance of hydrogen separation and purification technology for an energy system
• Apply an understanding of phase behaviour and physical properties to the design and function of hydrogen separation technologies.

Skills

Skills associated with this module:

• Core skills in STEM
• Critical evaluation
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving and calculations
• Systems thinking
• Communication and report writing skills

Assessment

Coursework: 100% Examination: 0% Practical: 0%

Credits

20

Module Code

CHE7204

Teaching Period

Autumn

Duration

12 weeks

Pre-requisite

No

Core/Optional

Core