Physicists understand well the concepts of energy in general. Here, the module will focus on translating and applying these to practical methods of energy generation and storage. The module rationalize the methods and their role in the current societal challenges.

Fundamentals of advanced energy conversion and storage. - Electrochemical energy storage. Review of electrochemical cells. Electronic and ionic conductivity. Overpotential and ohmic losses. Types of cells. Batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. Primary, secondary and redox flow batteries. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride and lithium ion batteries. Vanadium redox flow batteries. Solid oxide, molten carbonate and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Water electrolysis. Hydrogen storage. Gravimetric and volumetric energy density and power density. Energy efficiency and coulombic efficiency. Grid and local energy storage. Batteries for electric vehicles. Environmental and safety considerations. - Flywheel energy storage. Principles. Components: rotor, magnetic bearings. Parasitic losses: Friction, hysteresis and eddy currents. Energy efficiency and energy density. - Hydroelectric energy storage. Principles. Fundamentals of hydroelectricity. Reversible hydroelectric turbines. Reservoirs and storage capacity. Comparison of storage by conventional hydroelectric plants, tidal hydroelectric plants and pumped storage. Response times. - Compressed air energy storage. Adiabatic, diabatic and isothermal systems. Heat exchangers. Energy density and efficiency. Mobile, underground and underwater storage.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Define the key concepts in energy storage. Explain electrochemical, flywheel, hydroelectricity and compress air storage. Apply appropriate models and approximations to derive relationships between physical variables which may be measured experimentally. Apply the principles of modern physics and engineering to predicting, describing and explaining the operation and characteristics of energy storage systems. Solve problems from information given requiring calculation of the values of physical variables in energy storage systems.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Discuss the relevance of energy storage in renewable energy systems. Explain the importance of energy storage systems in modern technology.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Perform experiments requiring precise measurement.

Students will learn through lectures and tutorials. Knowledgeable: acquire an advanced and fundamental knowledge of energy conversion and storage. Creative and proactive: able to draw conclusions on new technology of renewable energy, using scientific and verified arguments. Articulate: able to describe and explain factually the operation and characteristics of energy storage systems.