Postgraduate Diploma in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation. 8 modules covering IEC 62282-2-100, ISO 14687 and COMSOL Multiphysics. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the electrochemistry and losses of a PEM fuel cell.
Describe the stack components and their function.
Design water management and humidification strategies.
Manage the thermal behaviour of the stack, including cold start.
Identify the degradation mechanisms of the fuel cell stack.
Apply testing and diagnostic techniques.
Propose mitigation strategies to extend service life.
Who it's for
- Fuel cell engineer looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Electrochemical engineer looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Stack test engineer looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Researcher in PEM materials looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Thermal management engineer looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Durability engineer looking to specialise in PEM Stack, Humidification and Degradation.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the hydrogen automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- IEC 62282-2-100
- ISO 14687
- SAE J2615
- IEC TS 62282-7-1
- SAE J2617
- Reglamento UNECE n.º 134
- ISO 23828
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions1.2Theoretical voltage and Nernst potential1.3Activation, ohmic and concentration losses1.4Polarisation curve and its interpretation1.5Cell efficiency and calorific value1.6Influence of pressure and temperature1.7Tafel equation and exchange current density1.8Thermal balance of the cell1.9State of the art in automotive fuel cells1.10Practical: fitting a polarisation curve
2.1Perfluorosulfonic acid membranes2.2Platinum-on-carbon catalyst layers2.3Ionomer and catalyst layer structure2.4Gas diffusion and microporous layers2.5Metallic and graphite bipolar plates2.6Anti-corrosion coatings for plates2.7Gaskets and stack sealing2.8Flow field design2.9Stack compression and end plates2.10Laboratory: characterisation of an MEA by cyclic voltammetry
3.1Water transport in the membrane3.2Electro-osmotic drag and back diffusion3.3Proton conductivity and humidity3.4Flooding of electrodes and channels3.5Membrane drying at high temperature3.6Membrane humidifiers3.7Anode recirculation for humidification3.8Operation without external humidification3.9Diagnostics by pressure drop3.10Practical: water balance of a 100 kW stack
4.1Heat generation in the fuel cell4.2Deionised coolant circuit4.3Coolant conductivity and insulation4.4Temperature gradient across the stack4.5Low temperature-difference radiators4.6Cold start below 0 °C4.7Freezing of residual water4.8Purge strategies at shutdown4.9Thermal integration in the vehicle4.10Case study: start-up strategy at −30 °C
5.1Chemical degradation of the membrane by radicals5.2Membrane thinning and pinholes5.3Platinum dissolution and Ostwald ripening5.4Carbon support corrosion5.5Degradation during start-up and shutdown5.6Load and potential cycling5.7Contaminants in hydrogen and air5.8Loss of hydrophobicity in diffusion layers5.9Degradation of bipolar plates5.10Workshop: identifying degradation from polarisation curves
6.1Standardised polarisation tests6.2Stack impedance spectroscopy6.3Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical surface area6.4Hydrogen crossover measurement6.5Individual cell voltage monitoring6.6DOE accelerated durability tests6.7Membrane ageing protocols6.8Post-mortem analysis of the MEA6.9Instrumentation of test benches6.10Laboratory: impedance test on a stack test bench
7.1Potential limitation in operation7.2Protected start-up and shutdown7.3Humidity control to reduce stress7.4Operation within favourable power ranges7.5Battery hybridisation to smooth load7.6Degradation-resistant materials7.7Air contaminant filtration7.8Performance recovery strategies7.9Stack life estimation7.10Case study: mitigation plan for an urban bus
8.1Power and service life requirements8.2Stack sizing8.3Component selection8.4Humidification strategy8.5Stack cooling strategy8.6Expected degradation analysis8.7Test plan8.8Mitigation proposal8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE, EC-Lab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real diagnostic procedures for degradation in bus stacks, designing humidification strategies and cold-start testing. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the electrochemistry and losses of a PEM fuel cell.
Describe the stack components and their function.
Design water management and humidification strategies.
Manage the thermal behaviour of the stack, including cold start.
Identify the degradation mechanisms of the fuel cell stack.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English language proficiency sufficient to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE and EC-Lab. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An in-house SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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