Bioenergy

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Summarise the main sources of biomass, and the context within which biomass is considered as a renewable energy source
• Critically assess the quality of the data and the information source
• Investigate the energy conversion efficiency quantitatively using a full life cycle approach in any particular context
• Select and design systems that work for the community, the environment and the client by making the appropriate assumptions and utilising the right tools and analyses
• Evaluate the benefits and problems relating to the production and use of different forms of biomass energy
• Distinguish between the different biomass conversion processes in terms of operating conditions, useful products and by-products
• Calculate the energy generating potential of biomass as an energy source used in different system design choices

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Information handling
• Critical Analysis
• Report writing
• Exercise independent judgement
• Problem analysis and problem solving

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Collate and integrate lines of evidence from different disciplines to develop and consolidate knowledge and understanding on an objective basis
• Use facts and data to support arguments, and assemble and critically evaluate relevant information from several sources and develop a personal point of view
• Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including prior research
• Propose reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions and recommendations by reference to appropriate analytical frameworks and supporting evidence

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to present and defend research in written form
• Compare different bioenergy technologies from various perspectives

BIOENERGY CONTEXT

The need for bioenergy; Challenges; Bioenergy framework and roadmap.

BIOMASS AS FEEDSTOCK FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

Sources; Photosynthetic efficiency; Solids and energy content; Biochemical composition; Biomass logistics

MECHANICAL, BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL AND THERMOCHEMICAL CONVERSIONS FOR BIOFUEL AND BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

These include: Anaerobic digestion for biogas production; Fermentation for bioethanol and biobutanol production; Transesterification for biodiesel production; Pyrolysis; Gasification; Combustion; Microbial electrochemical systems; Biorefinery

BIOENERGY USE

Electricity; Heat; Motion (transport fuel).

ENERGY BALANCE ANALYSIS; ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

The main teaching and learning methods are lectures and coursework supported by tutorial sessions. A visit to a commercial anaerobic digestion plant is also included.

Because of the nature of the course, reading of additional material is recommended, associated both with the general aspects of the course and to back up individual lectures. A number of web-based resources are provided to help reinforce the basic material covered in the lecture course.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.