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This course will introduce processing technologies and systems for production of hydrogen, syngas, liquid fuel as well as heat and power from various energy resources with focus on renewable resources (such as biomass). Energy related environmental issues and analysis, CO2 capture technologies and energy system optimization will be covered. Energy storage including mechanical, electrochemical (batteries) and thermal energy storages, as well as advanced materials for efficient energy storage/processing will be introduced.
The following topics are taught in this course:Energy overview, and biomass and organic solid waste resources in New Zealand (3 lectures)Heat and power generation from biomass (2 lectures)Hydrogen, syngas and liquid fuel productions from biomass and solid wastes (8 lectures): o Gasification technology for gaseous and liquid fuel production.o Pyrolysis technology for liquid production.o Introduction of bioprocesses for gaseous and liquid fuel production. CO2 capture technologies (2 lectures)Fundamentals of Electrochemical Systems (5 lectures):o Thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reactions.o Faraday's laws, Nernst equation, polarization and mass transport phenomena.o Overview of electrochemical cell designs and their applications.Electrolysis Technology (4 lectures):o Principles of water splitting reactions: alkaline vs. PEM electrolysis.o Principles of electrochemical CO2 reduction.o Electrode materials and catalyst development. o Process design: mass transfer limitations, system efficiency, and scalability.Fuel Cell Technology (3 lectures):o Operating principles: proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide (SOFC), and alkaline fuel cells.o Design considerations: electrode fabrication, electrolyte materials, and bipolar plates.o System integration challenges: heat management, fuel reforming, and hybridization with renewable energy.Battery Systems for Energy Storage (3 lectures):o Electrochemical principles of battery operation: charge/discharge cycles, capacity, and efficiency.o Advanced battery chemistries: lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and flow batteries.o Design optimization: electrode materials, electrolyte formulations, and thermal management. Mass transport in porous electrodes.
At the end of this course, the students are expected to:1. Recognize the urgent need for fossil fuel replacement and evaluate the advantages and challenges of application of gaseous and liquid biofuels.2. Assess technologies and systems for production of gaseous fuels (e.g. syngas, hydrogen) and liquid fuels from various renewable resources.3. Apply a range of technologies to mitigate the environmental issues in the energy sector with focus on CO2 capture.4. Apply a range of techno-economic and environmental assessments for production of liquid biofuels using New Zealand biomass resources.5. Evaluate the principles and design considerations of electrochemical technologies, including water electrolyzers, fuel cells, and batteries.6. Analyze reaction mechanisms, material requirements, and system performance for electrochemical processes.7. Apply chemical engineering principles to optimize electrochemical energy systems for specific applications
ENGR404
ENCH683
Students must attend one activity from each section.
30 lectures plus 4 tutorials.Students are expected to spend 3 hours per week reviewing lecture content and preparing for tutorials.
Shusheng Pang
Aaron Marshall
Assessment and Generative AI Tools For the two assignments, you are permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to assist you in any way within the bounds of academic integrity. You must appropriately acknowledge any use of generative AI in your work. You must include a "statement of acknowledgment/AI declaration" with your work, clearly indicating which AI tools were used and how they contribute to your assessment.
The materials to be taught will be selected from a number of references including recently published books and journal papers, and these references will be provided at the lectures.
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Prerequisite: ENGR404 or other 400 level renewable energy course
Domestic fee $1,268.00
International fee $6,238.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Chemical and Process Engineering .