OVERVIEW

The course of SYSTEMS FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT aims to analyze the new Italian energy mix following the recent EU environmental policies. After providing an overview of different renewable energy power plants, the course analyzes the production, storage and utilization of hydrogen and biofuels (methane and methanol) from renewable sources, comparing the solutions from the energetic and environmental standpoint.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to analyze the evolution of the Italian electrical system and the energy mix as a result of recent European energy/environmental policies. After providing an overview of different typologies of renewable energy source plants, the course aims to analyze the production of hydrogen and e-fuels (methane, ammonia, methanol) from renewable electricity, comparing the different solutions from an energy, economic and environmental point of view.

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 teaching; passing the related exam entails the assignment of 6 CFU.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the Professor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison. Moreover,  eventual request for compensatory/dispensatory measures to be adopted for the exam must be prepared using the form available at the following link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back and then must be sent to the Professor, to the contact professor (federico.scarpa@unige.it) and to the Services for the inclusion of students with disabilities and specific learning disorders (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the exam, as reported in the guidelines at the link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Primary energy sources and renewable energy sources (RES), energy balances for a Country and key parameters.

- European energy policies, targets for 2030 and instruments.

- Evolution of the Italian energy production mix and role of RES. Effects of RES increase on the energy system. The Italian Energy Plan (PNIEC) for 2030.

- 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 properties, production methods, storage methods, distribution methods, energetic and economic aspects, final uses of H2 and Hydrogen Valleys. 

- Power-to-X plants: plants for methane, methanol and ammonia synthesis from renewable energy; comparison hydrogen - other fuels, energetic and economic aspects; examples. 

- Use of alternative fuels (hydrogen, ammonia) in gas turbines. 

- Organic Rankine Cycles. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides of the course are available on Aulaweb and are the main reccomended material. 

Students with specific learning disabilities and working students may contact the teacher for clarification and to agree on arrangements for accessing teaching material that suit their needs, while meeting the learning objectives. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/10375/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. Discussion of two topics presented during the course.

Students with SLD, disability or other special educational needs certification are advised to contact the Professor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and exam methods that take into account the modalities learning opportunities and provide suitable compensatory tools,  according to the course objectives.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

​The usual calls for summer and winter sessions are scheduled. If the number of students allows it, it is possible, upon reservation, to take the exam at any date.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.