electiveHQ

Energy systems drive all economies; provide essential heating, cooling, and desalination services; and underpin services in medicine, education, transport, communications and many other areas. To date, and for the foreseeable future, the vast majority of the energy supply has, and will continue to, come from fossil fuels. However, unprecedented growth in global population and economic development has led to an exponential growth in energy demand. The finite nature of the fossil-fuel resource, coupled with growing awareness of the impact their consumption has on the global environment, presents a practical and ethical dilemma: how can current and future energy demands be met in an equitable and sustainable manner? This module begins with a review of historic and projected energy demand, by region and by fuel. The connections between energy use and economic growth are explored, and the assumptions on which demand projections are predicated are considered. The importance of energy supply for meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is discussed. This is followed by an introduction to the physics of greenhouse gases (GHG), in which the connection to combustion chemistry is elucidated. The potential impact of combustion emissions on local and regional air quality is also examined, and mitigation technologies are described and analysed. This leads on to a review and discussion of Energy and Climate policies in the world's major economies, and in Ireland. The potential conflicts between the goals of the Paris Agreement and the SDGs are explored. The module then proceeds to a review of existing and emerging alternatives to fossil fuels, including renewables (biomass, wind, solar, marine, hydro), hydrogen, and nuclear power. In addition to lectures, students are required to submit a Group Report on one topic from a prescribed list. The purpose of this assignment is to deepen a student's investigation of a particular area of the course, to develop their teamwork skills, and to improve their ability to communicate. They are also required to submit an Individual Assignment, on a topic of personal interest, from a prescribed list, Apart from personalising the student learning experience, this assignment develops a student's capacity for independent research, data analysis, and critical thinking. The recommended text to accompany the module is: "Energy Systems Engineering". Vanek & Albright, McGraw-Hill.