Alternative Energies

Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering or other similar areas.

In lectures the theoretical concepts about each alternatives energy technologies are presented. In the practical classes there are presented some case-studies and real cases application. In some specific areas experts are invited to carry out seminars. During the laboratory classes, the students have contact with software tools of energy systems production design and they also make visits to technical installations of energy conversion and generation .

To provide students with fundamental knowledge of the various forms of energy production and energy harvesting from alternative energy sources, particularly renewable energy sources.

Students are expected to develop the knowledge and critical analytical skills required to select and support the implementation of alternative energy systems, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, safety, environmental impact, and existing incentive policies.

1. Introduction: Alternative energy sources; Importance; targets.
2. Legislation and economical aspects: Policies and incentives; Consumer as a producer.
3. Solar photovoltaics: PV technologies; PV systems; Softwares.
4. Geothermal energy: Resources; Applications; Ground source heat pumps.
5. Fuel cells: Fuel cell technologies; Applications; Hydrogen.
6. Bioeconomy: Bioresources utilization and the circularity of the bioeconomy; Strategies, challenges and opportunities.
7. Biofuels: Types of biomass; Conversion technologies; Conventional and advanced biofuels; Technical and environmental implications; Applications.
8. Biogas: Resource potential; Production, upgrading and use; Applications.
9. Ocean energy: Resource potential; Energy extraction technologies; Challenges; Applications.
10. Hydroelectricity: Small scale hydroelectricity; Technologies; Applications.
11. Wind energy: Potential; Technologies; Design considerations; Applications.
12. Solar thermal energy: Fundamental concepts; Technologies; Design considerations.

Assessment by a final written exam (75%) and a research and synthesis assignment (25%). A minimum grade of 40% is required in each component.

The research and synthesis assignment consists of a PowerPoint presentation on one of the topics covered in the course, followed by an oral defence, to be held in the last class of the semester. The PDF file of the presentation must be submitted by the penultimate class of the semester.

Final written exam (75%) is composed by 3 different parts and quoted as follows: Part I (Cap 1 a 5) - 7val/20 + Part II (Cap 6 a 9) - 7val/20 + Part III (Cap 10 a 12) - 6val/20.
(Concerning Part II, students can choose to do an oral presentation (2.5 val/20) reducing the written test component to 4.5 val/20.)

Student can choose to do 3 partial tests, one at the end of each part, instead to do the final written exam.

NAO