LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with the basic notions of the use of energy sources complementary to fossils sources and to discuss their possible inclusion in the natural environment. Furthermore, the course investigates the production of hydrogen and bio-fuels from electrical energy produced by renewable energy sources.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to examine the possibilities and difficulties arising from the use of renewable sources and to highlight the current ecological problems and possible solutions. The module also aims to investigate different solutions for the production of hydrogen and bio-fuels from renewable energy sources.The attendance, the active participation in the proposed training activities and the individual study will allow the student to obtain an adequate management of renewable energies for the production of the amount of energy required by the current social development.

PREREQUISITES

The module, chosen among other possible options, represents the natural completion of the teaching of Machines, mandatory for the second year of the Bc. degree

TEACHING METHODS

The module provides 60 hours of distance teaching; passing the related exam entails the assignment of 6 credits.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Primary energy sources and renewable energy sources (RES); European energy policies; evolution of the Italian energy production mix and role of RES.

Renewable energy sources: overview of the different RES  and their state of utilization in Italy. Incentives for renewable energy power plants in Italy. 

Hydraulic plants: hydraulic energy and potential; typologies of hydraulic plants; theoretical power and effective production; examples of hydraulic plants in Italy.

Wind plants: wind energy and evaluation of wind potential; producible power and real production; typologies of winfd turbines; examples of wind plants in Italy. 

Bioenergy plants: biogas and biomethane plants; energy management of biogas plants; examples of plants in Italy. 

​Hydrogen: Hydrogen production from renewable energy; electrolysis process; typologies of electrolysers; hydrogen storage methods; comparison with other fuels, energetic and economic aspects. 

Bio-methane: plants for bio-methane synthesis from renewable energy; comparison hydrogen - methane;  hydrogen-methane blends and potential advantages; energetic and economic aspects; examples. 

Bio-methanol: plants for bio-methanol synthesis from renewable energy; comparison hydrogen - methanol; energetic and economic aspects; examples. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The whole course and slides are available on aulaweb.