Objectives and competences
Objectives:
Understanding the fundamental concepts and principles related to the utilization of various energy resources.
Comprehending thermodynamics and its impact on energy conversion efficiency.
Exploring various techniques for extracting and storing energy from different sources.
Studying advanced technologies for harnessing renewable energy sources.
Understanding the role of materials and their influence on energy processes.
Developing the ability to model and analyze energy systems. Familiarity with different forms of energy and their transformations.
Recognizing the significance of sustainability and environmental aspects in energy systems.
Competences:
To develop the ability for students to independently and creatively solve engineering problems.
To master the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, including energy conversion efficiency.
To explore various techniques for acquiring and storing energy from different sources, including renewables.
To understand the influence of materials on energy processes.
To cultivate skills in modeling and analyzing energy systems.
To recognize different forms of energy and comprehend their conversions.
To be aware of the importance of sustainability and environmental aspects in energy systems.
Clear communication of ideas and findings.
Content (Syllabus outline)
1. Introduction and the Principle of Least Action
• The significance of harnessing energy resources.
• The principle of least action and its role in energy processes.
2. Standard Model and Fundamental Forces
• Understanding the standard model of particles and fundamental forces in nature.
• The connection between fundamental forces and energy interactions.
• Entropy
3. Thermodynamics and Tools for Analyzing Conversion Efficiency
• The first law of thermodynamics and fundamental thermodynamic concepts.
• Utilizing tools for analyzing the efficiency of energy conversion.
4. Thermodynamics of Ideal Gas Mixtures and Gas Separation
• Thermodynamic properties of ideal gas mixtures.
• Techniques for separating gas mixtures for energy utilization.
5. Chemical Thermodynamics
• Fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics and its impact on chemical reactions for energy acquisition and storage.
6. Electrochemical Thermodynamics
• Understanding electrochemical processes and employing electrochemistry for energy acquisition and storage.
7. Fuel Cells
• Introduction to fuel cells and their operation at finite current.
8. Electrolysis and Energy Storage
• Electrolysis techniques for energy storage.
• Examples of using electrolysis for energy storage.
9. Batteries and Energy Storage
• Exploring various types of batteries and their applications in energy storage.
10. Photovoltaic Energy
• Overview of photovoltaic technologies.
11. Thermomechanical Conversion
• Techniques of thermomechanical conversion and their role in energy utilization.
12. Solar Thermal Energy
• Using solar thermal energy for heating and electricity generation.
13. Geothermal Energy
• Extraction and utilization of geothermal energy.
14. Gas Separation Technologies
• Overview of different techniques for gas separation for energy purposes.
15. Wind Energy
• Basics of wind turbines and their role in electricity production.
16. Biomass
• Utilizing biomass for energy generation and storage.
17. Energy and Materials
• The role of materials in energy processes.
18. Energy Storage
• Energy storage techniques to ensure energy stability.
19. Modeling of Conversion Energy Systems
• Examples of modeling and designing conversion energy systems.
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures (frontal teaching format without student involvement, frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Work with examples (frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Presentation of visual, video, and animation materials (frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding:
A fundamental understanding of basic concepts and principles related to the utilization of various energy resources.
Comprehension of thermodynamics and its impact on energy conversion efficiency.
Exploration of various techniques for obtaining and storing energy from different sources, including renewable energy sources.
Examination of advanced technologies for harnessing renewable sources of energy.
Understanding the role of materials and their influence on energy processes.
Development of skills for modeling and analyzing energy systems. Knowledge of different forms of energy and their transformations.
Recognition of the importance of sustainability and environmental aspects in energy systems.
Students will be capable of understanding, analyzing, and addressing challenges related to the exploitation of energy resources and applying their acquired knowledge to promote sustainable and efficient energy use.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Transferable/key competences and other abilities:
The knowledge will enable students to understand energy resources better and be prepared to solve energy challenges and sustainable development.
Applying practical skills to design energy systems and perform analyses.
Practical experience with simulations and real devices for transformation or exploitation of energy resources.
The student will be able to critically evaluate and compare different energy solutions and understand how these solutions affect global energy challenges.
Readings
J. M. Smith, H. C. Van Ness, M. Abbott., J.C. Swihart, Introduction to chemical engineering thermodynamics. McGraw-Hill Education., 2017
B. Sorensen: Renewable Energy: Physics, Engineering, Environmental Impacts, Economics & Planning. Elsevier, 2019
M. Tuma, M. Sekavčnik: Energetski sistemi – preskrba z električno, energijo in toploto, 3. izdaja. Ljubljana: Fakulteta za strojništvo, UL, 2004
M. Medved, D. konovšek: Energetski viri, Fakulteta za energetiko, Univerza v Mariboru, 2012
H. Md Monir. Energy resources and systems: Volume 2: Renewable resources. CRC Press, 2019
J. Twidell, and T. Weir. Renewable energy resources. Routledge, 2015.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Method (written or oral exam, coursework, project):
calculation exam problems - written),
oral exam
report
Notes:
Theoretical part (knowledge of the material - oral),
