98776 - Bioenergy, Hydrogen and Heat Recovery Systems

Learning outcomes

The course provides the student with knowledge and understanding about: Biomass and alternative fuels for energy application: production, treatment and storage, thermochemical conversion, environmental and economic aspects; Hydrogen for energy and transport applications: characteristics, production, gas-to-power (G2P) and power-to-gas (P2G) systems, technologies for upgrading fuels (synthetic methane), fields of application, integration into the existing infrastructure; Heat recovery systems: cycles and working principle of the main heat-to-power (H2P) technologies (Organic Rankine Cycle and Stirling engine). After completion of the course the students should (i) gain general competence related to bioenergy and hydrogen-based systems and their potential in future energy supply; (ii) working with cross-cutting problems related to bioenergy and hydrogen; (iii) analysing potential and characteristics of Organic Rankine Cycle systems heat recovery from medium and low-temperature heat sources.

Course contents

Fundamentals of Energy and Thermodynamics

• Definition and classification of energy sources.

• Forms of energy and conservation of mass and energy.

• Concepts of enthalpy, entropy, work, and heat.

• Ideal and real gases: equation of state, specific heats, ideal and real processes.

• Thermal balance and heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation.

Energy Systems and Fluid Machines

• Classification of fluid machines: driven machines and prime movers.

• Heat exchangers: principles and configurations.

• T–s diagrams for air and water.

• Gas and steam turbines: layouts, working principles, main performance parameters, combined cycles overview.

Heat Recovery Systems

• Role of waste heat recovery in energy systems.

• Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC): principles, layouts, and performance.

• Organic fluids: properties, environmental aspects, and applications.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

• Role of hydrogen in future energy systems.

• Production routes: steam reforming, electrolysis (alkaline, PEM, SOEC).

• Classification by production pathway: green, blue, grey.

• Storage: compressed, liquefied, metal hydrides. Power-to-gas concept.

• Fuel cells: working principle and main types (PEM, SOFC).

Biomass and Bioenergy

• Definition, classification, and properties of biomass.

• Chemical composition and energy density (LHV).

• Conversion processes: direct combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion.

• Biogas production: principles, influencing parameters, composition.

Readings/Bibliography

Macchi, E., 2017. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Power Systems. Elsevier.

Bianchi M., Melino F., Peretto A., Sistemi energetici: complementi, Pitagora 2008 (in italian).

Teaching methods

The course consists on theory lectures with also some lectures in which numerical examples and real applications will be presented.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities: We recommend contacting the University Office responsible for support services in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it):] ). The office will evaluate the students' needs and, where appropriate, propose possible accommodations. These must in any case be submitted for approval at least 15 days in advance to the course instructor, who will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Assessment methods

The examination at the end of the course aims to assess the achievement of learning objectives, verifying the knowledge that the students have acquired about the coure topics.

The final grade is defined by a single oral exam, testing the student's knowledge in all topics covered in the 6 CFU.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics and Conduct, students are reminded to act with the utmost integrity. Any activity aimed at improperly influencing the outcome of examinations is prohibited (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, accessing online course materials, or using unauthorized AI tools). It is specifically noted that merely possessing unauthorized devices or materials during an exam will result in the immediate invalidation of the test and reporting to the relevant offices.

Any behavior that violates this prohibition may lead to disciplinary proceedings or reports to the appropriate authorities, where criminally relevant; in the latter case, there is a risk that the students involved may face criminal prosecution.

Teaching tools

Teaching material presented in class will be made available to the student in IOL platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Melino