SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: FRANCESCO NOCERA

Expected Learning Outcomes

In the Sustainable Energy Systems course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable energy conversion technologies, with a particular focus on their environmental impact and industrial applications. The program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, enabling students to understand and apply the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics to various energy systems.

Students will learn to evaluate and optimize various thermodynamic cycles, including steam cycles, gas cycles, reversed and cryogenic cycles, and heat pumps, with special attention to the use of these cycles in industrial contexts. The analysis of combustion processes will be central to understanding the efficiency of boilers and internal combustion engines, as well as the environmental impact of the emissions they generate.

The course will also address the design and optimization of heat transfer systems and heat exchangers, which are crucial for improving energy efficiency. Students will further explore advanced energy technologies, such as cogeneration systems, which represent innovative solutions for enhancing the sustainability of industrial processes.

Another key aspect of the course will be the exploration of renewable energy sources, with particular emphasis on their integration into existing energy systems. Students will acquire expertise in renewable technologies, such as solar and wind power, and will be able to assess the benefits and challenges associated with their large-scale implementation.

Finally, the course will promote a critical awareness of the global environmental impact of energy conversion technologies, equipping students with the tools needed to propose solutions that reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of energy systems. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to tackle the complex challenges related to energy efficiency and sustainability, applying an integrated and informed perspective in their future professional endeavors.


Course Structure

Lectures and practical classes

Required Prerequisites

Fundamental knowledge of Thermodynamics and Thermokinetics, essential principles and technologies for the production of heat and cold, mechanical energy, and electrical energy. In-depth study of combustion processes and technologies.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance at lectures is mandatory, in accordance with Article 24 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Catania.

Detailed Course Content

  1. First Law of Thermodynamics and Applications
  2. Ideal Gas and Adiabatic Equation
  3. Second Law of Thermodynamics
  4. State Diagrams
  5. Combustion
  6. Boilers
  7. Steam Power Plants
  8. Gas Power Plants
  9. Internal Combustion Engines
  10. Reversed Cycles
  11. Cryogenic Cycles
  12. Heat Pumps
  13. Environmental Impact of Energy Systems
  14. Heat Transfer
  15. Heat Exchangers
  16. Advanced Energy Systems
  17. Cogeneration
  18. Renewable Energy Systems

The course content you've outlined contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its comprehensive focus on thermodynamics, energy systems, and environmental impact. Here is how the course aligns with specific SDGs:

  1. SDG 4 - Quality Education: By offering an in-depth understanding of thermodynamics, combustion processes, renewable energy systems, and environmental impacts, this course equips students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to address modern energy challenges. It fosters critical thinking about sustainable energy production and use.

  2. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: The course explores various energy systems, including advanced systems, cogeneration, and renewable energy sources. By studying these topics, students learn how to optimize energy production, increase efficiency, and implement clean energy technologies, promoting access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

  3. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Covering aspects like heat exchangers, thermoelectric power plants, and cryogenic cycles, the course focuses on developing innovative energy technologies. It provides insights into building efficient energy infrastructures that can support industrial growth while minimizing environmental impact.

  4. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Understanding the environmental impact of energy systems and the use of renewable energy sources enables students to contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments. Knowledge of energy systems, such as heat pumps and cogeneration, supports the design of efficient and environmentally friendly city infrastructures.

  5. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: By delving into the principles of thermodynamics, combustion, and heat transfer, the course promotes an understanding of energy consumption processes. It encourages students to seek responsible energy production and consumption patterns, including waste heat recovery, energy-efficient systems, and the utilization of renewable energy sources.

  6. SDG 13 - Climate Action: The course's focus on the environmental impact of energy systems, including internal combustion engines, power plants, and renewable energy systems, equips students with the knowledge needed to develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the second law of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles helps identify energy losses and optimize processes to mitigate climate change.

  7. SDG 15 - Life on Land: By exploring the environmental impact of energy systems, the course raises awareness of how energy production and consumption can affect ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for designing energy solutions that minimize negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems.

Textbook Information

reference book:

  1. Lecture notes: Sustainable Energy Systems
  2. Mehmet Kanoglu, Yunus A. Cengel Fundamentals And Applications Of Renewable Energy Macgraw hill 2019
  3. Yunus A. Cengel, Michael A. Boles Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, Macgraw hill 2019
  4. Dincer-Zamfirescu: Sustainable Energy Systems and applications. Springer 2011
  5. Kanoglu- Cengel-Dincer: Efficiency evaluation of Energy Systems, Springer 2012
  6. Alireza Bahadori: Pollution Control in Oil, Gas aand chemical Plants : Springer Verlag 2014

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamicslecturer's notes
2Combustion processes and pollutant emissionlecturer's notes
3Energy Systemslecturer's notes
4Fundamentals of heat and mass transferlecturer's notes
5Boilers, Steam Generators and Heat Exchangers designlecturer's notes
6Sustainable Energy Conversion Systemslecturer's notes

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. The evaluation will be based on several criteria: relevance of the answers to the questions posed, quality of the content, ability to connect the topics covered with other subjects in the program, skill in providing relevant examples, use of technical language, and overall expressive ability of the student.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, students who wish to do so may request a meeting to discuss the possibility of implementing compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or Learning Disabilities) faculty advisor of the relevant Department for the Degree Course.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Examples are reported on www.unict.studium.it