- Docente: Davide Fabiani
- Credits: 6
- SSD: ING-IND/33
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
-
Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Electrical Energy Engineering (cod. 8611)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Energy Engineering (cod. 0935)
Learning outcomes
The course provides basis for innovation technology knowledge in the field of electrical/energetic engineering, in particular on nanocomposite materials, photovoltaic technologies, innovative batteries, fuel cells and superconductors.
Course contents
I Applications of Nanotechnologies in
electric and energy engineering
1 . Nanostructured materials: main methods of synthesis,
characterization of the properties, polymer / lamellar silicates,
carbon nanotubes
2 . Outline of the main applications of nanostructured
materials in the field of energy: batteries, fuel cells,
photovoltaic panels.
II Electrochemical energy storage
1 . Principles of operation of batteries: pile of Volta and
Daniell, polarization and reversibility
2 . Battery specifications: voltage, capacity and their
dependence on design factors.
3 . Primay and Secondary Batteries : acid accumulators
(fundamental electrochemical reactions, gassing and gas
recombination, characteristics of lead-acid cells ); alkaline
batteries (type, electrochemical reactions, fundamental
characteristics of Ni-Cd cells, sealed
batteries), secundary batteries for automotive.
4 . Innovative batteries: zinc / air cells, Zebra,
lithium- ion and lithium polymer.
III Fuel Cells
1 . Principles of operation of the cell, the effect of
operating parameters on performance.
2 . Types of cells ( AFC, PEMFC, DMFC, PAFC , MCFC and SOFC)
and applications.
3 . Main methods of hydrogen production (electrolysis and
reforming).
IV Superconductor components
1 . General aspects of superconductivity: history,
macroscopic properties, phenomenology of superconductors,
superconducting type I, critical temperature, critical field,
critical current, critical frequency
and correlations, intermediate state and mixed
state, type II superconductors, London theory , Ginnzburg
-Landau and BCS theories, superconductors and real
phenomena (pinning).
2 . Superconducting oxides - a new class of materials for
electrical engineering: superconducting materials for electrical
applications, crystal structure and methods of preparation, YBCO
and BSCCO, configuration of the superconducting components for
energy applications.
3 . Methods for electromagnetic characterization of
superconductors: measurement of critical current, measure of
magnetization and hysteresis loop. Laboratory exercises.
4 . Applications in the energy sector: different types
of applications (MRI, current limiters, SMES, motors and
transformers, superconducting cables ).
V Photovoltaic energy production
1 . Photovoltaic effect. Main technologies in the field of
photovoltaics: silicon cells (monocrystalline, polycrystalline,
amorphous) thin film solar cells, organic cells.
2 . Design criteria of photovoltaic
system. Examples of design.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and laboratory demonstrations on superconductors, batteries and photovoltaic cells.
Assessment methods
Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final exam. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" described above.
In order to properly assess such achievement the examination consists of an oral session with 3 questions on topics of the course, to ascertain the knowledge of the student and the ability to apply such knowledge in simple practical problems.
Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.
To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, particularly regarding protections against indirect and direct contacts in electic distribution networks, some ability for critical application and an acceptable use of technical Language.
A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, in particular on energy storage, supercondutvitiy and fotovoltaic systems, as well as inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.Teaching tools
Didactic material will be provided online by the teacher on Online Teaching website. Look at the link regarding didactic material.
Office hours
See the website of Davide Fabiani