SEB201 Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | SEB201 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CVB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,840 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | SEB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CVB101 |
| Coordinator: | Deepak Dubal | deepak.dubal@qut.edu.au |
Overview
When it comes to storing electrical energy, there are a wide range of modes of storage, and a similarly wide range of scales of storage. This unit will provide an in-depth understanding of how various energy storage types can be customized to power different applications and devices. Upon completing this unit, you will become familiar with the principles of power and voltage requirements for storage systems within their application context, as well as how these can be regulated by storage management systems. Additionally, you will be introduced to alternative technologies beyond traditional battery cells, including supercapacitors, fuel cells, and redox flow cells. The unit will also cover standard electrochemical testing protocols and computational methods for analysing EES systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of electrochemical energy storage systems and describe standard testing protocols.
- Compare and evaluate different electrochemical storage technologies, including their performance, scalability, limitations, and suitability for diverse applications.
- Apply electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge profiling, and impedance spectroscopy to characterise energy storage devices.
- Analyse the properties, challenges, and limitations of commercial electrode materials and electrolytes, and propose solutions to common performance issues.
- Communicate experimental results and analyses in a scientifically rigorous and industry-relevant manner.
Content
The battery industry is currently valued at over $100B annually and is projected to increase by around a factor of 4 through to the end of this decade. Stability in the industry requires robust energy storage systems that rely on strong supply chains of critical minerals across multiple industries including mining, chemical manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, and recycling.
The content of this unit will be organised into three main modules
I. Electrochemical storage systems: In this section, you will learn the strengths and understand the challenges of current electrochemical storage systems. You will also learn about standard reduction potentials, electrochemical equivalent of electrode materials at standard conditions, and various electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques.
II. Alternative energy systems: While traditional electrochemical cells have a long history of safe performance and reliability, as we endeavour to transform the sustainable energy landscape advanced energy systems such as fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries (aqueous and non-aqueous chemistries) and redox flow cells have emerged. In this part of the unit, you will learn what differentiates each type of energy storage system and evaluate their suitability for different applications.
III. Analytical tools and computational Models: Understanding the mechanistic properties of materials is critical to further improve the performance of EES. The unit will introduce advanced (in situ) characterization techniques and computational methods to analyse materials and how this impacts on device performance.
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in learning through a complementary set of lectures, workshops, and practical laboratory exercises. You can expect to commit on average between 10-15 hours per week to the study of this unit, including scheduled activities, assessment, and independent learning.
Specifically, this unit will consist of:
-
Lectures (13 × 2 hours): Delivered with a focus on real-world examples and problem-solving as a class.
-
Workshops (4 × 2 hours): Collaborative small-group activities where you will solve industry-relevant problems.
-
Practicals (6 × 2 hours): Laboratory classes designed to develop your skills in recording, analysing, and communicating experimental observations and data.
-
Independent learning: Self-directed preparation through pre-readings, short recorded lectures, and guided study tasks to support workshop discussions and laboratory work.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in multiple forms to support your learning and progress in this unit.
-
Formative feedback through workshop discussions, in-class problem solving, and laboratory activities.
-
Written feedback on submitted assessment tasks.
-
Peer feedback opportunities during collaborative tasks and practical sessions.
-
Self-reflection encouraged through independent study and preparation activities.
-
Consultation with academic staff available for individual or small-group support.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit comprises both formative and summative elements. Formative assessment will take the form of provision of practice problems and data sets with worked solutions, regular feedback on your practical workbook and interactive discussions with your laboratory demonstrators and tutors. Summative assessment will be achieved by a annotated bibliography as well as a practical workbook.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
To demonstrate your understanding of electrochemical storage systems, and the key differences between modern technology.
AI should not be used for this task.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Workbook
This workbook is a compilation of your laboratory practical exercises and data analysis.
The format of this workbook will be consistent with those in line with industry standards.
GenAI should not be used for this task.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Poster
You will create and present a poster examining modern battery systems, with emphasis on their design, integration, and the key system-level challenges limiting widespread adoption.
GenAI should not be used for this task.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Safety and protective equipment
A lab coat and safety glasses will be required for this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry and Physics requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will undertake compulsory formal pre-laboratory assessment in Health and Safety matters relevant to the laboratory and QUT buildings in general. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this advice, it is your responsibility to comply with all instructions, for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.