MEng Chemical Engineering

Traditional carbon based energy sources such as gas, oil, and coal are becoming increasingly costly, and are also leading to increased environmental concerns such as global warming and pollution hazards. Consequently there is increased attention being focused on alternative energy sources that have a reduced environmental impact. 

This module examines and evaluates potential alternative energy sources, and further advocates design methods that integrate alternative energy sources into energy supply systems. In addition to looking at renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal, the unit will examine the feasibility of making use of waste as an energy source. Energy supply systems that make use of traditional carbon based energy sources will be examined for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact, and evaluated for potential integration with renewable energy sources, on various scales. The integration of varying sizes of energy supply systems will be examined within the context of distributed energy systems. Modelling approaches will be developed and evaluated for the analysis of the alternative energy sources and also applied to the design of energy systems.

Contents

Lecture 1         Introduction

Lecture 2         Solar Energy

Lecture 3         Wind Energy

Lecture 4         Geothermal Energy

Lecture 5         Hydropower

Lecture 6         Biomass and Waste

Lecture 7         Energy extraction from Biomass and Waste

Lecture 8         Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Energy Storage

Lecture 9         Advanced Rankine Cycles

Lecture 10       Advanced Brayton Cycles and Combined Cycles

Lecture 11       Heat Pumping and Refrigeration Systems

Lecture 12       Other Heat Engines and Power Cycles (ORC, Kalina, Gas Engines)

Lecture 13       District Heating/Cooling Systems

Lecture 14       Distributed Energy Systems

The unit aims to:

The course will examine and evaluate alternative energy sources that allow for the reduction of carbon based emissions, are sustainable, and also can meet heating, cooling, and power requirements on various scales. Models and tools will be developed which aid the overall design of energy supply systems that can integrate traditional and renewable energy sources, and can be implemented within distributed systems.  Attention is focused on Combined Heat and Power systems and Trigeneration systems on various scales.

The unit makes use of traditional face-to-face lectures, problem solving sessions, and the use of software in solving larger scale problems during timetabled practical sessions. All materials are available via Blackboard including virtual lectures (podcasts) which can assist in the learning process. Communications outside of teaching slots also make use of the Blackboard system.

Coursework has been designed in order to demonstrate subject knowledge and competency in methodology, evaluation and interpretation of results, and communication/presentation skills. You will be required to make use of engineering calculations, the use of software, and general problem solving skills. Coursework is required to be submitted via Blackboard and in the form of a hardcopy.