B7260 - ENERGIE RINNOVABILI E TRANSIZIONE ENERGETICA: MATERIALI, PROCESSI, DISPOSITIVI

Learning outcomes

Aim of the course is to acquire skills on the main oxidic materials synthesis methods, shaping technologies and on the complete characterization of powders and suspensions for renewable energy device development. All the phases that lead to the development of materials and devices for energy will be addressed, starting from the most used methods for powder preparation (i.e. nanometric size), passing through film deposition processes (such as screen printing, tape casting, inkjet) till the production and assembly of the final devices. At the end of the course the student will be able to evaluate the influence of the different process parameters on the properties and structural characteristics of the produced components and devices. The technological transfer from laboratory to industrial scale is also considered. The understanding of the applicative aspects and drawbacks related to the development of these devices will be favored by frequent visits to the National Research Council laboratories where applied research and industrial transfer in this area are carried out.

Course contents

• Introduction to the energy system, renewable energies and energy transition.

• Material synthesis: Powder synthesis methods for energy applications.

• Development of devices: fuel cells-solid oxide electrolysers (SOC). Preparation of colloidal suspensions for processes. Suspensions characterization. Tape casting and screen printing processes. Solid oxide cells: introduction to the technology, applications for energy production and hydrogen storage.

Laboratories: Rheology of suspension and powder characterization. Tape casting and screen printing for the production of a solid oxide cell.

• Device development: third generation solar cells (DSSC). Inkjet printing and spin-coating processes. Third generation solar cells and theoretical principle. New generation photovoltaics: cells, modules and DSSC fiber.

Laboratories: Production of thin films by inkjet printing or spin-coating. Development and functional characterization of a third generation cell.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides provided by the teacher, no purchase of any text is necessary.

Useful bibliography:

-James S. Reed. Principle of Pottery Making, 2nd Edition. Wiley, 1995.

- San Ping Jiang, Qingfeng Li. Introduction to fuel cells, electrochemistry and materials. Springer, 2022.

Teaching methods

The lessons will be carried out in collaboration with  Dr. Nicola Sangiorgi and dr. Alex Sangiorgi.

Frontal lessons with the support of electronic presentations.

Use of energy technology prototypes to understand the operating principles.

Practical laboratory experiences and workgroup.

Assessment methods

The exam aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:
• ability to describe the main components and procedures for the preparation of colloidal suspensions, as well as for the characterization of powders and suspensions;
• ability to describe the colloidal processes suitable for industrial application covered in the course, as well as the process parameters required to obtain elements and devices with the desired characteristics;
• ability to understand and correlate the properties and characteristics of the constituent elements with the functional properties of the developed device.

Learning is assessed through a final exam to be taken at the end of the course. The exam consists of:
a) an oral presentation on the content of a scientific article agreed upon by the instructor and the student;
b) an oral examination.

Exam procedure:
a) Oral presentation: preparation of a presentation summarizing the content of a scientific article agreed upon by the instructor and the student, followed by its delivery and discussion in front of the students and instructors of the course. The aim is to develop critical thinking, synthesis skills, and clarity in presenting a scientific work. This component accounts for 50% of the final grade.
b) Oral exam: an individual oral interview, to be held during the same exam session, aimed at assessing the student's understanding of the main topics covered during the course. This component accounts for the remaining 50% of the final grade.

Teaching tools

The course takes place through lessons and exercises carried out in the classroom with online connection. These activities also make use of media such as power point presentations, videos and graphics tablets; all the teaching material presented is accessible to students on the teaching application https://virtuale.unibo.it/ .

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Angela Gondolini