Introductory description

Energy efficiency is becoming ever more important as we seek to mitigate the effects and extent of global warming. While solar and wind generation are obvious replacements to traditional fossil fuel energy sources, there are a wealth of materials and technologies that can offer substantial advantages in terms of energy management. In this module we will explore the critical role that materials and technologies play in shaping a sustainable energy future. This module covers topics and concepts that will allow us to utilise materials and technologies for future energy generation and storage applications, such as traditional (e.g. silicon/perovskite photovoltaics, lithium/sodium ion batteries) to emerging (e.g. hydrogen production, piezoelectric, thermoelectric) technologies.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The following outlines a brief overview of the syllabus.

1. Introduction and energy past & present

[Energy generation technologies]
2. PV (silicon)
3. PV (other materials)
4. Kinetic energy harvesting
5. Thermoelectric energy harvesting

[Energy storage technologies]
6. Electrical energy storages
7. Thermal and mechanical energy storage

[Sustainable fuels]
8. Hydrogen production
9. Recycling and reuse of materials in energy system

1. Group poster presentation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply engineering principles, which include mathematics, statistics and natural science knowledge, to complex problems involving sustainable materials for energy generation and storage. [C1, M1]
• Analyse and evaluate the performance of materials for sustainable energy applications, and thus apply engineering principles and judgment to discuss limitations of the technology in the context of efficiency and sustainability. [C2, M2]
• Develop an ability to read technical papers/journals, and be able to critically evaluate the literature in order to derive new approaches for improving efficiency for any given materials technology, while also considering sustainability. [C4, M4]
• Be able to evaluate the environment and societal impacts for new materials technology. [C7, M7]
• Be able to select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes to solve energy generation and storage problems for any given location, while considering their limitations. [C13, M13]
• Knowledge and understand of quality management, continuous improvement and control. [C14, M14]
• Ability to communicate effectively on materials and technologies using technical and non-technical language. [C17, M17]

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
4. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
5. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader