RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

This course has as the concept of energy as central topic. It is key for the student to familiarize with the concept of energy and energy production to fully grasp the key role that energy is playing in the climate change context. The course aims at providing an introduction to the analysis of energy systems and technologies, with particular focus on the impact of energy extraction, conversion and use on the emission of green-house gases. The aim is to provide to the student all the knowledge needed to shape his/her informed opinion over the different energy systems and sources.

Students will be introduced to the main issues and advantages connected to the use of the different forms of energy (renewable and not renewable). A critical thinking will be encouraged on the topic of energy and use of resources.

Basic Physics concepts.

1) Introduction.
I and Law of Thermodinamics.
Enthalpy, Free energy and Exergy. Energy efficiency indicators.
Energy balances and energy statistics: energy extraction, conversion and use.
Energy and emission of GHG (Green House Gases)
Electric grid and its interaction with the production and the demand
Ecological footprint
2) Renewable Energy sources.
- Photovoltaics
- Hydroelectric
- Wind
- Solar power
- Geothermal
- Co-generation
- Anaerobic digestion

Lecture notes provided by the teacher.

Students will be assessed on the basis of:
1) written test concerning the thermodynamic concepts presented in the first part of the course;
2) written report, to be presented by each student and discussed at the end of the course. The topic, concerning renewable energy sources, will be agreed with the teacher.

The main theoretical concepts will be introduced in class lectures, using also slides which will be given to the students, and applied by means of simple numerical examples.

English

written and oral