Foundations of Energy Production
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an overview of energy problems with regard to the availability and potential of primary energy sources divided into fossil fuels, renewable sources and nuclear energy. The energy needs relating to the last decades and the prospect of short- and medium-term increases are then analyzed. The global energy system is then analyzed both for environmental and economic aspects.
In the last part of the course the Italian energy situation is analyzed, highlighting its specificity.
In the last part of the course the Italian energy situation is analyzed, highlighting its specificity.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to:
read and understand scientific articles and books that deepen the covered topics;
to deal critically with problems relating to the production and use of energy in various forms, with the related environmental impacts;
dimension a source to satisfy a specific energy demand also evaluating its emissions;
deepen a specific energy topic and communicate the results: for this purpose, the presentation and discussion of a paper on a topic chosen by the student is required in the examination phase.
read and understand scientific articles and books that deepen the covered topics;
to deal critically with problems relating to the production and use of energy in various forms, with the related environmental impacts;
dimension a source to satisfy a specific energy demand also evaluating its emissions;
deepen a specific energy topic and communicate the results: for this purpose, the presentation and discussion of a paper on a topic chosen by the student is required in the examination phase.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
A- Energy and Development. Mention to the history of energy. Analysis of energy needs for mankind. Sources of energy: possible classifications. Fossil fuels: solid, liquid and gaseous (chemical energy), proven and possible reserves. Nuclear fission energy: its potential and its criticality. Energy from nuclear fusion: the physical principles and the state of research. Renewable energy and its
potential: biomass and wastes, hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind power.
Transportation of fossil fuels. The energy carriers: electricity and hydrogen.
Forecast of energy needs for mankind in the medium and long term.
B- Mention of energy conversion technologies. Analysis of the
most common energy conversion technologies and in particular the production of electricity.
C- The environmental impact of energy production. General information on the environmental impact of energy production. The environmental impact of combustion. The effects on a local scale. The effects on global climate change and greenhouse gases
D- The cost of energy, cost of fuel. The cost of construction of power plants for electricity production. Production costs of electricity (cost of installation and operating costs including fuel costs). The costs of
externalities. The economics of different alternatives of investment plans in the energy sector.
E- The energy situation of Italy. Historical analysis of the Italian situation both for the primary energy and for electricity (in terms of installed available power and the needs for utilities). Forecasts in the medium and short term for the needs. Comparison with other industrialized countries. Specificity of the Italian situation and problems associated with imports of coal, oil and electricity.
potential: biomass and wastes, hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind power.
Transportation of fossil fuels. The energy carriers: electricity and hydrogen.
Forecast of energy needs for mankind in the medium and long term.
B- Mention of energy conversion technologies. Analysis of the
most common energy conversion technologies and in particular the production of electricity.
C- The environmental impact of energy production. General information on the environmental impact of energy production. The environmental impact of combustion. The effects on a local scale. The effects on global climate change and greenhouse gases
D- The cost of energy, cost of fuel. The cost of construction of power plants for electricity production. Production costs of electricity (cost of installation and operating costs including fuel costs). The costs of
externalities. The economics of different alternatives of investment plans in the energy sector.
E- The energy situation of Italy. Historical analysis of the Italian situation both for the primary energy and for electricity (in terms of installed available power and the needs for utilities). Forecasts in the medium and short term for the needs. Comparison with other industrialized countries. Specificity of the Italian situation and problems associated with imports of coal, oil and electricity.
Prerequisites for admission
Notions of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Basic elements of nuclear physics and solid state physics
Teaching methods
Delivery method: traditional, also with interventions by experts in the sector.
Frequency modality: strongly recommended.
Frequency modality: strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Alimonti, Pedrocchi "Energia, Sviluppo, Ambiente", Ed. Esculapio
During the course copies of the slides used for the various topics will be made available to the students on the course website.
During the course copies of the slides used for the various topics will be made available to the students on the course website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test and an oral test both mandatory.
In the written test two problems and ten multiple choice questions are proposed; books consultation is allowed during the test.
The oral exam consists in the presentation of a paper written by the student, intended to deepen a topic presented in class, and in the discussion of the written test.
The final grade is unique.
In the written test two problems and ten multiple choice questions are proposed; books consultation is allowed during the test.
The oral exam consists in the presentation of a paper written by the student, intended to deepen a topic presented in class, and in the discussion of the written test.
The final grade is unique.
ING-IND/10 - THERMAL ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL ENERGY SYSTEMS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Alimonti Gianluca
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Alimonti Gianluca