Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit TitleRENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Course Unit CodeAEEE522
Course Unit Details
Number of ECTS credits allocated7
Learning Outcomes of the course unitBy the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  1. Explain the basic concepts behind fuel cells.
  2. Define the principles of hydrogen production.
  3. Explain wind power technology.
  4. Describe biomass and biofuel processes.
  5. Explain the principles and fundamentals of photovoltaic generation.
  6. Examine the basic concepts of wave power generation.
  7. Understand the basic concepts of geothermal energy.
  8. Examine fusion power principles and devices.
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
PrerequisitesNONECo-requisitesNONE
Recommended optional program componentsNONE
Course Contents

Fuel Cells: Introduction to fuel cells, Electrochemical Cells, Fuel Cell Classification, Temperature of Operation, State of the Electrolyte, Type of Fuel, Chemical Nature of the Electrolyte, Fuel Cell Reactions, Alkaline Electrolytes, Acid Electrolytes, Molten Carbonate Electrolytes, Ceramic Electrolytes, Methanol Fuel Cells.

Hydrogen Production: Chemical Production of Hydrogen, Historical, Modern Production: a) Partial Oxidation, b) Steam Reforming, c) Thermal Decomposition, d) Syngas, e) Shift Reaction, f) Methanation, g) Methanol, h) Sycrude, Hydrogen Purification, Desulfurization, CO2 Removal, CO Removal and Hydrogen Extraction, Hydrogen Production Plants, Compact Fuel Processors, Electrolytic Hydrogen, Introduction to Electrolyzer Configurations: a)Liquid Electrolyte Electrolyzers, b) Solid Polymer Electrolyte Electrolyzers, c) Ceramic Electrolyte Electrolyzers, Efficiency of Electrolyzes, Concentration Differential Electrolyzers, Electrolytic Hydrogen Compressors

Wind Power: Introduction to wind power, Turbine types and terms, Linear momentum and basic theory, Dynamic matching, Blade element theory, Characteristics of the wind, Power extraction by a turbine, Electricity generation, Mechanical power, Social and environmental considerations.

Biomass and Biofuels: Introduction to Biomass and Biofuels, Biofuel classification, Biomass production for energy farming, Direct combustion for heat, Pyrolysis (destructive distillation), Further thermochemical processes, Alcoholic fermentation, Anaerobic digestion for biogas, Wastes and residues, Vegetable oils and biodiesel, Social and environmental aspects

Photovoltaics Generation: Introduction to Photovoltaic generation, The silicon p–n junction, Photon absorption at the junction, Solar radiation absorption, Maximising cell efficiency, Solar cell construction, Types and adaptations of photovoltaics, Photovoltaic circuit properties, Applications and systems, Social and environmental aspects.

Wave Power: Introduction to Wave power, Wave motion, Wave energy and power, Wave patterns, Devices.

Fusion Energy: ITER Experiment, Tokamaks, Magnetic Fusion Energy, Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy.

Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks
  • Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes, Aldo V. da Rosa, 2005, Elsevier Academic Press.
  • Lecturer’s notes.
References
  • Renewable Energy, Bent Sørensen, 3rd Edition, Elsevier, 2004.
  • Renewable Energy Resources, 2nd Edition, John Twidell and Tony Wier, Taylor & Francis, 2006.
  • Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems, Gilbert M. Masters, John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching is based on lectures.

The course delivery will be based on theoretical lecturing, assignments and exercises solved in class. Exercises will be handed to students and their solutions shall be analysed at lecture periods. Additional tutorial time at the end of each lecture will be provided to students. Students are expected to demonstrate the necessary effort to become confident with the different concepts and topics of the course.
Assessment methods and criteria
Assignments10%
Tests30%
Final Exam60%
Language of instructionEnglish
Work placement(s)NO

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