WM9RH-15 Bioenergy and Hydrogen Engineering
Introductory description
This module will provide students with the ability to access potential bioenergy resources and examine thermochemical and biochemical conversion methods. The use of biomass as a resource for renewable transport, heat and power will be investigated, and the design, manufacture and operation of small- and large-scale systems will be considered. The module content will incorporate management and optimisation strategies for different system applications and localities. Students will examine bioenergy in the context of current and future energy requirements and global, environmental, political, economic and social concerns.
Module aims
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with sufficient knowledge, understanding and analytical skills to underpin their professional development as they progress towards becoming an expert engineer in one or more of the current core technology disciplines of renewable energy and in this module specifically bioenergy and/or hydrogen engineering. This module will typically focus on the current technologies available but will also explore emerging technologies under development.
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.
Biomass resource characterisation.
Biochemical conversion technologies (anaerobic digestion and fermentation)
Hydrogen conversion technologies
Thermochemical conversion technologies (Incineration, gasification and pyrolysis)
Utilisation of different downstream energy products (Liquid, solid fuels and Hydrogen)
Economic viability of alternative bioenergy and Hydrogen systems
Biomass logistics and supply chain management
Energy policies and social concerns of using biomass and Hydrogen as a source of renewable energy.
Safety and Security of Hydrogen
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Critically analyse the use of biomass as a resource for renewable energy for applications such as transport, heat and energy.
- Critically analyse the use of Hydrogen as a resource for renewable energy for applications such as transport, heat and energy.
- Recognise the difference between relevant thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies
- Propose a relevant synthesised solution to an energy challenge providing a relevant application for both biofuels and hydrogen.
- Critically evaluate the economic, social and environmental impacts of using bioenergy and/or hydrogen in comparison to other renewable energy systems.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Subject specific skills
Interpretation of energy engineering data
Energy performance calculations
Undertake engineering activities associated with bioenergy and hydrogen energy systems, safely and reliability
Renewable energy engineering technology selection
Bioenergy and Hydrogen energy technologies performance and efficiency calculations
Bioenergy and Hydrogen engineering design
Transferable skills
Evaluation and judgement
Communication
Critical thinking
Decision making
Systems thinking
Problem solving
Presentation of highly complex technical data.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 sessions of 1 hour (33%) |
| Tutorials | 15 sessions of 1 hour (33%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 15 sessions of 1 hour (33%) |
| Total | 45 hours |
Private study description
Details of private study and independent learning
Students receive additional readings and workbooks to support their learning in the module. This enables students to build their foundational knowledge or go deeper into the application and evaluation of knowledge presented in the module
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Assessment One - Presentation | 30% | 18 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students undertake a 15 minute presentation on topics related to the relevant learning objectives. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Assessment 1 - Resubmission - Written Report | No | ||
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A written report on the relevant learning objectives |
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Assessment component |
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| Assessment Two - Written Report | 70% | 42 hours | Yes (extension) |
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A report analysing key elements of the module learning and applying the learning to analysis and critical discussion of a choice of case studies or an industrial scenario. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Assessment Two - Written Report | No | ||
|
A report analysing key elements of the module learning and applying the learning to analysis and critical discussion of a choice of case studies or an industrial scenario. |
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Feedback on assessment
Students will be provided individual and class feedback and feed-forward on their assessments.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.