In a context of a massive development of alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen plays an important role as a third energy carrier besides heat and electricity. However, several challenges still persist through the different steps of the hydrogen energy chain: production, storage, re-conversion into electricity and heat in fuel cells and energy storage up to the technical integration of a whole FC system in an existing energy grid. In addition to technological aspects, the reliable integration of hydrogen in an existing electric grid requires the consideration of the economic background. 

To this end, this summer school will start by providing an overview of French national low-carbon hydrogen strategy with a detailed presentation of associated PEPR-H2 research projects. These projects aim to study issues involving the production, storage and conversion into electricity of low carbon hydrogen and its application to primarily heavy mobility. After an economic and life cycle assessment analysis, this summer school will give a thorough scientific introduction to the multidisciplinary field of hydrogen technologies from production to storage and microgrids: on one hand the electrochemical systems such as PEM and alkaline fuel cells and electrolyzers, electrochemical compressors, on the other hand the electric issues such as conception, sizing, control and management of microgrids when it comes to implement such devices along with conventional power sources (electric generators).

The sessions focused on electrochemical devices will deal with the operation principle of the different electrochemical converters (mass and charge transfer and storage, reaction dynamics and operation inhomogeneities). Current technological challenges and possible improvements of these components, as well as operation modes will be investigated.

The sessions related to electrical issues in microgrids will focus on the operation principle of power electronics components that enable the connection between electric and hydrogen-based systems. Modeling, sizing and control strategies (centralized and decentralized approaches) for microgrids that implement hydrogen technologies will be also addressed. 

The lectures will be complemented by practical workshops dedicated to electrochemical hydrogen production, conversion and storage devices and power electronics.

Discover now the Summer School Hydrogen program.