Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Fuel Cells and Future Technologies
The Diploma in Fuel Cells and Future TechnologiesImmerse yourself in the heart of clean energy, exploring everything from electrochemical fundamentals to cutting-edge applications. Gain in-depth knowledge of the different types
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Fuel Cells and Future Technologies?
The Diploma in Fuel Cells and Future Technologies
Immerse yourself in the heart of clean energy, exploring everything from electrochemical fundamentals to cutting-edge applications. Gain in-depth knowledge of the different types of fuel cells (PEMFC, SOFC, DMFC, etc.), their materials, design, operation, and the challenges associated with their large-scale implementation. This program prepares you to lead the energy transition, with an emphasis on integrating these technologies into key sectors such as transportation, industry, and distributed generation.
Differential Advantages
- Comparative Analysis: Technical and economic evaluation of fuel cells versus other energy technologies.
- Modeling and Simulation: Use of specialized software to optimize system performance and durability.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of successful projects and lessons learned in fuel cell implementation.
- Innovation and Future: Exploration of the latest trends in research and development of fuel cell materials and architectures.
- Networking: Access to a network of experts and professionals in the sector to boost your career and projects.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Theoretical Foundations: Delve into the thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and kinetics of fuel cells.
- Types of Fuel Cells: Master the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the main technologies (PEMFC, SOFC, DMFC, etc.).
- Materials and Components: Learn about the electrodes, membranes, electrolytes, and separators used in fuel cells.
- Design and Modeling: Acquire skills for the design, simulation, and optimization of fuel cell systems.
- Future Applications: Explore the potential of fuel cells in transportation, distributed generation, and energy storage energy.
- Boost your career in the energy sector with solid and applicable knowledge of clean and sustainable technologies.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Electrochemical fundamentals and thermodynamics of fuel cells
- Principles of direct conversion of chemical to electrical energy: thermodynamics of electrochemical cells and Nernst equation
- Kinetics of electrochemical reactions: Butler-Volmer equation, overpotential and voltage losses (activation, ohmic and concentration)
- Hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) at the anode and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode
- Carnot thermodynamic efficiency vs. Fuel cell limit efficiency as a function of temperature
- Mechanisms of mass, heat and load transport within the fuel cell
- Catalyst degradation phenomena: Carbon monoxide poisoning (CO), sulphur and component aging
- Electrochemical characterisation methods: Polarization curves ($I-V$), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltammetry
- Efficiency and losses in fuel cells
02
Classification and technology of fuel cell types
- Proton exchange membrane cells (PEMFC): low/high temperature operation, priority materials and applications
- Solid Oxide Batteries (SOFC): Ceramic electrolytes, high temperature operation and high cogeneration efficiency
- Direct methanol (DMFC) and alkaline (AFC) batteries: Operational Chemistry, Fuel Management and Application Niches
- Cast carbonate (MCFC) and phosphoric acid (PAFC) stacks of large-scale stationary systems
- Membrane-Electrode Assembly Architecture (MEA): Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL), Catalytic Layers and Platinum Primer/Non-Noble
- Bipolar plate design: materials (graphite, stamped metal, composite) and flow channel geometries
- Stack design and scaling (cell blocks): sealing, mechanical fastening, refrigeration and plant balance (BOP)
- PEM, SOFC and direct methanol batteries
03
Energy vectors: green hydrogen production, storage and logistics
- Hydrogen production technologies: water electrolysis (PEM, AEL alkaline, SOEC solid oxide and AEM)
- Methane with vapor reforming (SMR) with carbon capture and storage (CCUS) for blue hydrogen
- Hydrogen storage methods: high pressure compression (350/700 bar), cryo-stogenic liquefied (-253 °C) and metal hydrides
- Organic liquid hydrogen carriers (LOHC) and green ammonia vectoring ($NH_3$) and synthetic methanol
- Transport and distribution infrastructure: Hydrogen (HRS - Hydrogen Refuelling Stations), tubular and adapted pipelines (blending)
- Lifecycle analysis (LCA) and well balance to the wheel (well-to-wheel) of hydrogen compared to lithium batteries
- Hydrogen Economy: Levelized Production Costs (LCOH), Regulation, International Market and Certification Directives
- Electrolyzers and Hydrogen Production
04
Naval, maritime and heavy mobility applications
- Integration of PEM/SOFC fuel cells in marine electric propulsion - power architecture and hybrid schemes
- Alternative marine fuels for fuel cells: ammonia, methanol, LNG and their conversion to renovation on board
- IGF Code (IMO) and safety regulations for the use of hydrogen and low flash point fuels on board
- Application of fuel cells in heavy ground transport: long-distance trucks, city buses and hydrogen trains (Hydrail)
- Applications in the aerospace and regional aviation industry - cryogenic propulsion of hydrogen and electric aviation
- Thermal and water management systems under extreme operating conditions
- Approval tests, fire safety, ventilation and inspection in hydrogen propulsion systems
- Integration of batteries in ships
05
Stationary applications, microgrids and cogeneration (CHP)
- Stationary energy systems based on fuel cells: critical backup (UPS), data centres and telecommunications
- Combined heat and electricity generation (cogeneration - CHP and trigeneration - CCHP) with SOFC/PEMFC
- Integration of fuel cells in isolated electrical microgrids connected to the public grid
- Reversible fuel cell systems (RSOC): network scale energy storage by electrolysis/dual generation
- Power converters (DC/DC and DC/AC) and inverters optimised for the dynamic response of fuel cells
- Strategies for economic dispatch and energy management (Energy Management Systems - EMS) in hybrid solar/wind/hydrogen plants
- Business models in long-term stationary energy storage (interseason storage)
- Cogeneration and use of residual heat
06
Emerging technologies and future sustainability vectors
- Biological and microbial fuel cells (MFC): production of energy from wastewater and biomass
- Advanced electrocatalysis: single atom catalysts (SAC), carbon nanomaterials and metal-free alternatives of the platinum group (PGM-Free)
- Anion exchange membranes (AEMFC): alkaline operation without noble metals and developments in advanced polymers
- Synthetic Fuels E-Fuels (Power-to-X): Synthesis of synthetic kerosene, synthetic diesel and dimethyl ether (DME)
- Metal-air fuel cells (aluminium-air, zinc-air): chemical, mechanical recharge and extreme energy density
- Digitalization and Digital Twins (Digital Twins) for the prediction of health, degradation and remaining life (RUL) of Stacks
- Recycling, Catalyst Recovery (Platinum/Cobalt) and Circular Economy in the Fuel Cells Value Chain
- Ammonia and synthetic fuels
07
Regulation, Industrial Safety and Risk Analysis in Hydrogen Environments
- PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SAFETY-FOCUSED ON SAFETY: DISPERSION, FLAMMABILITY, IGNITION ENERGY AND HYDROGEN
- Hazardous Area Classification (ATEX/IECEX Zoning) for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Installations
- Hydrogen leak detection methods: electrochemical, optical, thermal conductivity and ultrasonic sensors
- Analysis of procedural risks: HAZOP, FMEA and LOPA methodologies applied to fuel cell systems
- International safety regulations: ISO 19880, NFPA 2, an ECE R134 and certification standards for mobility and stationary
- Emergency Response, Fire Retention and Ventilation/Pressure Relief Protocols (PRD/TPRD) Plans
- Certification of components, pipes, pressure vessels and qualification of technical personnel and engineers
- Explosive atmospheres and hydrogen detection
08
Control, Optimisation and Capstone Project Engineering
- Dynamic modelling of fuel cell systems using MATLAB/Simulink and CFD simulation tools
- Real-time control of reagent flow, stoichiometry, pressure and temperature of the stack
- Operating efficiency optimisation algorithms and thermal/electric transient mitigation
- Plant Balance Design (BOP): Selection of Blowers, Humidifiers, Compressors and Dissipation Radiators
- Technical-economic analysis (CAPEX, OPEX, ROI) of the substitution of diesel generators by fuel cell systems
- Commissioning Protocols, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and On-Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- CapStone Project: Sizing, Technological Selection, Performance Simulation, Security Analysis and Economic Feasibility Study for a Fuel Cell-based Power System (Marine Application, Ground Transportation or Stationary Plant)
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Chemical, mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers seeking to specialize in the design, development, and application of fuel cells.Researchers and academics wishing to delve deeper into the latest advances and trends in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.Energy and environmental consultants requiring up-to-date technical and regulatory knowledge to advise on clean energy projects.Pro
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Designing and optimizing innovative fuel cell systems
- 02Evaluate and select advanced materials for high-performance fuel cells
- 03Develop and lead research projects in cutting-edge fuel cell technologies
- 04Implement and manage the integration of fuel cells into sustainable energy systems
- 05Diagnosing and troubleshooting complex problems in fuel cell operation
- 06Advising and guiding the strategic adoption of fuel cells in various industrial sectors
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Fuel Cell Design and Development Engineer: Design, prototyping, and optimization of fuel cell systems.
02Energy Systems Integration Specialist: Integration of fuel cells with other renewable energy sources and storage systems.
03Clean Energy Technology Consultant: Advising companies and governments on the adoption of fuel cells and other clean energy technologies.
04Materials and Electrochemistry Researcher: Research and development of new materials and electrochemistries to improve the performance and durability of fuel cells.
05Fuel Cell System Maintenance and Operation Technician: Installation, maintenance, and repair of fuel cell systems in various applications.
06Renewable Energy Project Manager: Planning, execution, and management of projects related to fuel cell implementation.
07Energy Policy Analyst: Analysis and evaluation of public policies related to the development and adoption of clean energy technologies, including fuel cells.
08Renewable Energy Entrepreneur: Creation and development of new businesses related to the production, marketing, or implementation of fuel cells.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Fuel cells
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Yes, a diploma in fuel cells generally covers the different types, including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), as well as other related technologies.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy), Physics, Chemistry, or a related field; or proven professional experience in the energy, automotive, or materials research sectors.Recommended Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and materials science. Familiarity with renewable energy concepts is an advantage.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic qualification or proof of professional experience, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining your interest in the area of fuel
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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