ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module introduces the operating principles, performance characteristics, and design of energy storage system for different applications with an emphasis on battery systems. Applications include vehicles, aircraft, the grid, robots. Battery electrical and thermal characteristics are discussed from the perspective of the underlying electrochemical mechanisms related to the relevant materials and devices. Techniques for measuring battery performance and properties are demonstrated. Basic battery modelling methods are presented using examples. Considerations in the electrical, mechanical, and thermal designs of batteries packs are introduced. Functionality of battery management systems is explained.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

LEKAKOU Constantina (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Electrochemical energy storage systems
Fundamentals of electrochemistry: electrochemical potential, charge-transfer, mass transport

Operating principles of electrochemical energy storage devices: lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells. Relevant materials for these devices and their performance

Battery simulation and testing
Basic battery modelling methods
Measurements of battery characteristics: charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance, cyclic voltammetry
Parameterisation of battery models from experiments

Battery pack design
Electrical and mechanical design of high voltage battery packs
Battery thermal characteristics and thermal management
Functionality of battery management system

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Alternative assessment in "Battery pack design case study": Literature review and report on battery pack design.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematics methods as well as the ability to describe particular systems and processes in the final examination. The coursework element allows students to demonstrate that they can interpret a problem, develop design targets, and present and justify a solution clearly and accurately. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: Coursework on Battery modelling & simulation [Learning outcomes 2, 3 ] Coursework on battery pack design [Learning outcomes 2, 4] Examination [ Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Formative assessment and feedback Formative verbal feedback is given in tutorials & lectures. Written feedback is given on the coursework assessment

Module aims

• an introduction to energy storage systems and their need for the electrification of transport and a grid based on renewables.
• an understanding of the electrochemical principles and operational characteristics of batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells
• testing and modelling methods for batteries
• principles and considerations behind the design of battery packs, battery thermal management, and battery monitoring/management systems

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The module will be delivered by lectures and tutorials. The tutorials will allow stundets to apply the theory from the lectures to engineering problems.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG3217

Other information

The School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas; Employability: This module provides students with knowledge about the principles, mechanisms, materials, operation and management systems for energy storage devices and systems used in electric vehicles, aircraft, robots and the grid. As such, it facilitates students employability in any type of electrified transport or robot or moving platform industry (automobile, robots, aircraft, spacecraft, e-boat, e-bicycle) and the grid with renewables; also in the field of energy storage packs and devices (batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells), as well as related materials. Digital capabilities: Students will implement battery models in digital platforms and run simulations to evaluate and gain understanding of the battery systems for specific applications. This is conducted as part of the guided learning activities, tutorials and coursework 1 which then feed into the class discussions. Global and Cultural Capabilities: Charts illustrating the progress of transport electrification, electric energy supply sources and the grid for different countries and groups of countries are presented in the lectures. Also, regulations for environmental emissions in different countries and regions are presented in the lectures. Sustainability: The position and key role of the energy storage system for clean energy supply and reduction of environmental emissions is clearly presented in this module. Method to calculate CO2 eq. emissions in cars and other transport is presented. The issues of critical raw materials, such as lithium, and sustainability of batteries are discussed. Sustainable battery technologies with abundant materials are also introduced. Resourcefulness and resilience: Students will develop resourcefulness in responding to problem-based task requirements and battery pack design problems through sharing ideas and experiences both individually and collectively, appreciating potential barriers and challenges faced by others, providing support and showing empathy towards each other in working towards achieving successful outcomes.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.