• Deakin University
  • Engineering Education Australia (EEA) logo

Hydrogen Engineering: Fuel Cell Fundamentals

Gain essential knowledge about hydrogen fuel cells for engineering applications.

Hydrogen fuel cell
  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    5 hours
  • Languages

    English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano, Español
  • Premium course

    $644What's included?

Master the principles and potential of fuel cell technology

Fuel cells are a key clean energy technology, offering efficient, low-emission power solutions for a range of industries. As demand for sustainable energy grows, engineers and technical professionals need to understand the science and practical applications of this technology.

Co-created with engineers and hydrogen specialists, this course equips you with the core knowledge and practical insights needed to work with fuel cell systems confidently. It’s designed to align with Engineers Australia’s Area of Practice for Hydrogen, ensuring your skills meet recognised professional standards.

Understand how fuel cells work

Explore the fundamental science behind fuel cells, from electrochemical principles to the role of hydrogen in energy conversion. Learn about different fuel cell types, their components, and how they generate clean electricity.

Explore design, operation, and safety considerations

Examine the engineering and operational requirements for fuel cell systems. Understand performance factors, maintenance needs, and how to manage safety risks when working with hydrogen-powered applications.

Apply your skills to real-world energy solutions

Discover the diverse applications of fuel cells across sectors such as transport, industry, and stationary power. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge to contribute to fuel cell projects and prepare for further professional recognition.

You’ll walk away ready for a microcredential through Engineering Education Australia. Further proof of your professional expertise in hydrogen handling.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 1 second MICHAEL PEREIRA: With water vapour the only emission, hydrogen fuel cells have enormous potential to contribute to cleaner energy use and a net-zero future. Technology is advancing, but there’s still a lot to be learned to ensure their effective and safe use.

Skip to 0 minutes and 23 seconds Hi, I’m Michael Pereira, an associate professor in mechanical engineering at Deakin University and the deputy director of the High Cell Technology Hub. I’ve been working in the area of hydrogen fuel cell research for several years, and I’m passionate about developing the technology to help us rapidly decarbonize our economy. This self-paced course, co-designed with experts and aligned with the hydrogen area of practise from Engineers Australia, is interactive and engaging, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Using our expertly designed models and digital tools, you’ll gain virtual, hands-on experience inside the fuel cell system. So whether you’re an engineer or technical professional, a business leader or manager, or simply passionate about sustainable energy, welcome to the course.

Skip to 1 minute and 11 seconds I hope you enjoyed this exciting learning journey into this rapidly evolving field of our future.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Hydrogen fuel cells

    • Let’s get started

      Meet the other learners and discover key information about this course, including useful tips to help you get the most out of your learning.

    • Hydrogen fuel cell technology

      Explore the range of fuel cells and their core differences.

    • Fuel cell applications

      Members of the global and domestic fuel cell industries share how fuel cell technologies are currently being used.

  • Week 2

    Fuel cell safety, compliance and maintenance

    • Fuel cell safety

      Hazards, system design and regulations.

    • Fuel cell lifecycle

      Work through the stages of fuel cell operations, from testing to operational readiness.

    • Course Wrap and assessment

      Apply what you've learnt to earn your digital certificate.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe hydrogen fuel cell principles of operation
  • Compare fuel cell technologies for different applications
  • Identify the main considerations for design and specification of fuel cells.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for engineers, technicians, and professionals working in or moving into hydrogen and fuel cell projects, seeking industry-aligned skills to support safe, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.

Who will you learn with?

B.Eng (Aerospace), PhD
Deakin University:
- Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering & Burwood (Melbourne) Campus Lead, School of Engineering;
- Deputy Director, Deakin Hydrogen Hub

I am a German automotive engineer with a specialization in hydrogen mobility, and I have broadened my expertise to encompass the entire hydrogen and fuel cell technology industry over the last 7 years

Based at Deakin Hydrogen Hub in Warrnambool, Australia, Loren leads the education and training program to develop hydrogen and energy courses alongside industry and academic partners.

Sam is an Engineering Manager with a decade of experience in the hydrogen industry. His current focus is on the development of hydrogen standards and engineering competency.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Engineering Education Australia (EEA)

Engineering Education Australia is the specialist learning and career development division of Engineers Australia.

In collaboration with

Australian Hydrogen Research Network logo
horizon logo
AMSL logo
Energys logo

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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