Coursecode: wb4303

Coursename: Energy, Society and Sustainability

ECTS creditpoints: 3

Faculty of  Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology

Lecturer(s): Prof.Dr.-Ing. H. Spliethoff

Tel.:  015-27 86734

Catalog data:

This course gives a thorough introduction in the world of energy. Interdependencies between energy and worldwide developments in our society, economy and requirements towards sustainability and environmental protection are discussed. The course covers the worldwide energy supply and consumption, discusses resources of fossil and renewable energies, and describes technologies of fuel exploration and the variety of energy conversion technologies in large, medium and small scale.

Course year:

MSc 1st year

Period:

1B

Hours per week:

4

Other hours:

-

Assessment:

Written

Assessm.period:

1B, 2A

(see academic calendar)

Prerequisites: none

Follow up:

Detailed description of topics:

The course has been completely renewed and presents the world of energy on the basis of fact sheets, figures and tables. The following subjects are treated:

1. Energy in our society: relation between energy, economy, environment and sustainability
2. Fundamentals and definitions of energy economy and conversion: forms of energy, thermodynamics like 1st and 2nd law, exergy, entropy, Carnot cycle, energy balances,
3. Energy supply and consumption in the world and in NL
4. Fossil and renewable energy resources
5. Energy economics: static, dynamic cost calculation, calculation of electricity production costs
6. Exploration and production of fossil fuels: exploration of oil and gas, oil and gas production technologies, surface and underground coal mining
7. Nuclear energy conversion: physical principles of fusion and fison, nuclear power station technolgies, safety aspectsHeat and power from fossil fuels: combustion and steam generation, coal fired steam power plant, gas turbine and combined cycles, combined cycles for solid fuels, fuel cells, combined heat and power, household heating systems, heat pumps, use of energy in the steel industry
8. Renewable energy technologies: solar thermal, solar power, wind, water, biomass
9. Environmental aspects: targets for CO2 reduction, possibilities for implementation, CO2 reduction and separation technolgies, possibilities for disposal of CO2, NOx emissions, SO2 emissions, particulates, hydrocarbons

Course material:

Lecture notes and sheets

References from literature:

Remarks assesment, entry requirements, etc.):

Compulsory for student Energy Engineering.
4 pages with notes (=2 times A4 paper) can be taken to the examination

Learning goals:

Insight in the role of energy in society and sustainability

Computer use:

Search of information on the Internet

Laboratory project(s):

Design content:

Percentage of design:  .. %