Cryogenic Hydrogen Technology Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Indranil Ghosh
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 156 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Future of Energy: An In-Depth Course on Cryogenic Hydrogen Technology
The global shift towards sustainable energy solutions has placed hydrogen at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. However, the practical implementation of a hydrogen-based economy is intrinsically linked to advanced cryogenic engineering. To bridge the knowledge gap and empower the next generation of engineers, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, offers a comprehensive course titled Cryogenic Hydrogen Technology, instructed by the esteemed Prof. Indranil Ghosh.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Indranil Ghosh
Prof. Indranil Ghosh brings a wealth of academic and industrial expertise to this course. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from Jadavpur University, an M.Tech and Ph.D. from the Cryogenic Engineering Centre at IIT Kharagpur. His professional journey includes significant roles as an engineer and R&D professional at Bharat Heavy Plates and Vessel Ltd., and as a Post-Doctoral researcher at the Hydrogen Research Institute, University of Quebec at Trois Rivieres. Since joining IIT Kharagpur as an Assistant Professor in 2006, his research has focused on heat transfer in cryogenic systems, metal foam, compact heat exchangers, and sorption cooling. With over 22 international journal publications and numerous sponsored projects, Prof. Ghosh is a leading authority in the field.
Course Overview: Why Cryogenic Hydrogen?
This 8-week course is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly in Mechanical Engineering. It provides a consolidated overview essential for anyone involved in the hydrogen value chain. The course underscores a critical premise: the large-scale production, bulk transportation, and many end-use applications of hydrogen are impossible without cryogenic technology. Participants will gain a deep understanding of hydrogen's unique temperature-dependent properties, which are crucial for system and component-level design and simulation.
What You Will Learn: Weekly Course Layout
The curriculum is meticulously structured to take you from fundamental concepts to advanced applications and safety protocols.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Overview of hydrogen as an energy vector, applications, challenges, properties of gaseous/liquid/slush hydrogen, isotopes, ortho-para hydrogen. |
| Week 2 | Production of synthesis gas (Steam Reforming, Partial Oxidation), and its processing (Linde-Bronn Process, l’Air Liquide System). |
| Week 3 | Thermodynamics of electrolytic hydrogen production, PEM electrolysers, and thermo-chemical processes. |
| Week 4 | Hydrogen storage methods: cryo-compressed gas, metal hydrides, and cryosorption in carbonaceous materials. |
| Week 5 | Fundamentals of cryogenic liquefaction cycles, maximum inversion temperature, and related problems. |
| Week 6 | Hydrogen liquefaction processes, ortho-para conversion, and large-scale production. |
| Week 7 | Liquid hydrogen storage and transfer, measurement techniques, and super-insulated vessels. |
| Week 8 | Hydrogen gasification, use as fuel in fuel cells and space applications, and critical safety issues. |
Key Course Details
- Duration: 8 Weeks
- Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
- Category: Mechanical Engineering
- Prerequisites: Basic Thermodynamics
- Industry Support: Recognized by organizations like ISRO and Hydrogen Startup companies.
Essential Learning Resources
The course curriculum is supported by authoritative textbooks that will serve as excellent references during and after the course:
- Cryogenic Systems by R. F. Barron
- Hydrogen Technology by A. Léon (Ed.)
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
- Engineering students (Mechanical, Chemical, Energy) seeking specialization.
- Researchers and professionals in the energy and aerospace sectors (e.g., ISRO).
- Entrepreneurs and engineers in hydrogen startup companies.
- Anyone passionate about understanding the technical backbone of the hydrogen economy.
By the end of this course, you will possess a holistic understanding of cryogenic hydrogen technology—from production and liquefaction to storage, transportation, and safe application—equipping you with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to this pivotal field of sustainable energy.
Enroll Now →