C9264 - RENEWABLE SOURCES AND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS

Learning outcomes

This module provides an overview of the available technologies for the conversion and storage of renewable energy, e.g. solar energy technologies, thermoelectrics, and mechanical energy harvesting. Special emphasis is devoted to electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. Students will explore the most important parameters that define their efficiency and environmental impact, as well the materials properties required to their optimization. The course highlights the comparison of specific figures of merit for the discussed technologies, providing the students with a complete overview of the topic, spanning from the underlying physical processes involved, to the engineering of the device

Course contents

Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources: Overview of renewable sources; Energy transition; Comparison with fossil systems in terms of efficiency and impact

Fundamentals of Energy Conversion Physics: Basics of thermodynamics and energy carriers; Work, heat, entropy; Limits to efficiency (Carnot, Shockley–Queisser)

Thermoelectric and Mechanical Energy Conversion: Seebeck/Peltier effects and ZT; Thermoelectric applications and limits; Energy harvesting from motion; Basics of wind, hydro, and tidal energy Solar Energy Conversion: Photovoltaic principles and semiconductor physics; Device types (pn junctions, tandem cells); Efficiency and technology comparison;

Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage:

Basics of fuel cells and electrolyzers; Hydrogen production; Battery operation and materials; Key performance metrics;

Photoelectrochemical Conversion and Solar Fuels: Photoelectrolysis fundamentals; Band alignment; Materials for solar fuel generation.

Figures of Merit and Comparative Analysis: Efficiency and sustainability indicators; Basic life-cycle assessment; Overview of system-level performance limits.

Readings/Bibliography

Krisher, K. – Physics of Energy Conversion – Springer (Comprehensive resource on the physical principles behind energy conversion processes) Bisquert, J. – The Physics of Solar Energy Conversion – CRC Press (Focused on solar photovoltaics and the physics of energy materials) Fuller, T. F. & Harb, J. N. Electrochemical Engineering. (Wiley-VCH, 2018). (focused on electrochemical energy conversion and storage)

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom exercises

Assessment methods

Oral examination. The students are allowed to start the exam illustrating a topic of their choice among the ones treated during the course.

The use of IA is forbidden. Every use of IA during the assessement session violates academic integrity.

Grading Criteria
The final grade is approximately the weighted average of the grades from Module 1 (weight 2/3) and Module 2 (weight 1/3). The exam is considered passed if the grade in each module is ≥18/30. In both modules, the grade is awarded according to the following criteria:

• 29–30L: Thorough preparation on all topics, strong analytical skills, full command of subject-specific terminology

• 26–28: In-depth knowledge of the chosen topic and fair to good preparation on the rest; good analytical skills and use of appropriate terminology and language

• 22–25: Good preparation on the chosen topic and fair knowledge of the rest; analytical skills demonstrated mainly with guidance from the instructor; correct use of language

• 18–21: Fair preparation on the chosen topic and sufficient understanding of the rest; analytical skills emerging only with guidance; overall acceptable language.

The grade obtained following the oral exam may be rejected only once.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are strongly advised to contact the University's dedicated office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). This office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be assessed in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Virtual classroom with materials and exercises (Virtuale). Interactive exercises (Wooclap). Recorded lectures available online (Panopto)

Office hours

See the website of Raffaello Mazzaro