Energy Conversion

Course Objectives

In this course, students will:

 Develop an understanding of energy systems

 Develop insight into feasibility of technology
 Utilize the concept of exergy to assess technological components and processes
 Understand options for gaseous sythentic fuel production and storage
 Engage in a project that develops a deeper understanding of options for delivery
of decarbonized energy services
 Practice technical writing (report).

Learning Outcomes

Specific learning outcomes include the ability to:

1. Describe the role of technologies in energy systems

2. Define exergy
3. Quantify exergetic value of energy
4. Quantify minimum and maximum work inputs and outputs
5. Quantify chemical exergy
6. Calculate exergy flows for ideal processes
7. Use exergy to evaluate energy conversion devices and systems
8. Explain differences between component and system losses and efficiencies
9. Analyse process requirements to maximize efficiency
10. Identify methods to improve energy conversion systems
11. Explain methods of hydrogen production
12. Describe pathways for synthetic fuels
13. Model thermodynamics of gas processes
14. Determine work and heat flows for gas conversion process
15. Analyse energy requirements for gas separation and capture
16. Identify and describe processes for producing low temperatures
17. Explain the types of processes to liquefy specific gases
18. Develop models of refrigerators and liquefiers
19. Determine yield expressions for arbitrary liquefaction processes.
20. Evaluate COP and FOM for real and idealized processes.
21. Describe storage systems for liquid cryogens

Course Structure

The overarching objective of the course is to develop analytic skills to assess the
performance of energy systems, conversion processes, and technical requirements for
production, purification, and storage of gasesous materials. The course is comprised of
two themes:
Exergy Analysis

 Students will use the combined 1st and 2nd law to define exergy and the exergetic
value of energy.
 Working expressions will be developed for thermomechanical and chemical
exergy
 Performance metrics using exergy will be developed

Renewable Gas

 We will explore methods for production of sythentic gaseous fuels such as

hydrogen and methane
 Low temperature cycles for gas liquefaction will be analysed
 Applications to purification and storage will be investigated

Project

The course project will be posted on the Brightspace site and discussed online.
PEO 1.)  Created value to organizations through design, analysis, evaluation, and improvement
of engineered products, systems, and processes using appropriate engineering methods and
tools.

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve

complex engineering problems by applying
principles of engineering, science, and
mathematics

2. an ability to apply engineering design to

produce solutions that meet specified needs
with consideration of public health, safety,
and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social,
environmental, and economic factors

6. an ability to develop and conduct

appropriate experimentation, analyze and
interpret data, and use engineering judgment
to draw conclusions
3. an ability to communicate effectively
with a range of audiences

4. an ability to recognize ethical and

PEO 2.)  Communicated inclusively and
effectively across multidisciplinary,
multicultural teams in support of project
and organizational goals and objectives.
professional responsibilities in
engineering situations and make informed
judgments, which must consider the
impact of engineering solutions in global,
economic, environmental, and societal
contexts

5. an ability to function effectively on a

team whose members together provide
leadership, create a collaborative and
inclusive environment, establish goals,
plan tasks, and meet objectives
PEO 3.)  Will have demonstrated 2. an ability to apply engineering design
resourcefulness and intellectual curiosity in to produce solutions that meet specified
order to contribute to opportunities across needs with consideration of public health,
their organizations. safety, and welfare, as well as global,
cultural, social, environmental, and
economic factors

4.  an ability to recognize ethical and

professional responsibilities in
engineering situations and make informed
judgments, which must consider the
impact of engineering solutions in global,
economic, environmental, and societal
contexts

7. an ability to acquire and apply new

knowledge as needed, using appropriate
learning strategies.