INTEGRATION OF HYDROGEN KNOWLEDGE INTO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULA
Peter Heidrich, Niklas Weiß, Nicklas Rosell
Pages: 29-43
Received: 27 Mar 2025
Published: 22 Dec 2025
DOI: 10.62991/EA1996676341
Views: 178
Downloads: 13
Abstract: Hydrogen seems to be one of the most promising chemical substances regarding actual transition of energy technology. It could be produced easily from surplus electricity, could be stored with common technology, and its usage is free of greenhouse gases. With these characteristics hydrogen could replace fossil-based fuels in automotive powertrains, in aerospace applications and in space heating systems. Due to these facts an appropriate knowledge of hydrogen and its technologies must be part of future mechanical engineering curricula. Basic knowledge could be included into chemistry lectures. Material related items like hydrogen embrittlement or hydride storage would fit to lectures in material science. Special items like fuel cells or hydrogen based internal combustion engines should be integrated in lectures of energy systems, automotive powertrain technology and similar topics. Furthermore, knowledge of safety aspects regarding handling with hydrogen should be imparted, too. In this work we describe, how we integrated knowledge of hydrogen into two different courses. Automotive powertrains is a Bachelor course. Here lectures were complemented by basic information on hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells. Additionally, laboratory exercises with a hydrogen education laboratory, a fuel cell engineering kit and a hybrid RC model car were established. Automotive engineering is a Master course. Here lectures were enriched by fundamental contents on hydrogen and its chemical and physical properties as well as by special topics like hydrogen storage and refuelling systems, fuel cell technology and hydrogen usage in internal combustion engines. As examination type in this Master course is a written homework assignment, each semester one topic regarding hydrogen technology in combination with experimental laboratory work is offered. Actually, first rounds of both enhanced lectures were concluded. Student feedback are evaluated and resulting adaptions are implemented in both courses.
Keywords: hydrogen knowledge, mechanical engineering education, bachelor courses, master courses, lecture contents, laboratory exercise design
Cite this article: Peter Heidrich, Niklas Weiß, Nicklas Rosell. INTEGRATION OF HYDROGEN KNOWLEDGE INTO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULA. Journal of International Scientific Publications: Educational Alternatives 23, 29-43 (2025). https://doi.org/10.62991/EA1996676341
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