Ateneo - UPO

The teaching is composed of two parts, one of which is the theoretical-methodological basis of the other.

Industrial Technical Physics for Energy
Thermodynamics of Energy Systems. First Law: Conservation of energy, energy balances, and flow analysis. Second Law and Entropy: The concept of Exergy (the quality of energy). Why low-temperature heat is less "useful" than electricity. Thermodynamic Cycles: Analysis of ideal and real cycles (Rankine for steam, Brayton for gas, Combined Cycle). Physics of Conversion (The physical mechanisms). Photovoltaic Conversion: Photoelectric effect, semiconductor physics, and the Shockley-Queisser limit (the theoretical efficiency limit of a solar cell). Wind Conversion: Fluid dynamics, Betz's Law (why we cannot extract more than 59.3% of the energy from the wind), and actuator disk theory. Electrochemical Conversion: Physics of batteries and fuel cells (Redox potentials and ionic transport). Heat and Mass Transfer. Conduction, convection, and radiation applied to heat exchangers and building insulation. Fluid Physics in ducts (hydrogen vs methane transport: differences in density and viscosity). Nuclear Physics: Fission (state of the art) and Nuclear Fusion (the future: magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, and plasma energy balance).

Energy Engineering and Energy Systems
The Global Context. Decarbonization: Analysis of net-zero targets and IEA/IPCC scenarios. Beyond fossil fuels: The concept of "Energy Return on Investment" (EROI). Energy Policies: The role of the European Green Deal and carbon markets (ETS). Next-Generation Solar Technologies: Perovskite solar cells and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Offshore Wind: Floating turbines and integration with marine infrastructure. Deep Geothermal: EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) and district heating. Marine Energy: Wave and tidal energy. Energy Vectors and Storage. The Hydrogen Economy: Green hydrogen (electrolysis), storage, and transport. Storage Systems: Solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high-temperature thermal storage. Bioenergy: Third-generation biofuels (from algae) and biomethane. Digitalization and Smart Grids. Grid Management: Microgrids, artificial intelligence for load/generation balancing. Renewable Energy Communities (REC): Peer-to-peer models and blockchain for energy exchange. Critical Materials: Geopolitics of rare earths and circular economy strategies (recycling of panels and batteries).

Lectures notes

Providing solid foundations on the physical principles of different energy sources, particularly of the renewables and/or sustainable ones. The student must understand the role of different energy production methods also from the socio-economic viewpoint, in connection with the courses on “Topics of energetic sustainability” and “Physics of energy”.
The student must be able to understand the relevant specialised publications and to keep up to date on the technological developments.

Classical Physics. Mathematical Analysis. Chemistry. Physics of Matter.

Problem solving. Sistemic analysis.

For any educational needs, please contact the instructors.

The written test is structured into three numerical exercises related to the topics covered. Duration: 60 minutes.

The teaching is composed of two parts, one of which is the theoretical-methodological basis of the other.

Industrial Technical Physics for Energy
Thermodynamics of Energy Systems. First Law: Conservation of energy, energy balances, and flow analysis. Second Law and Entropy: The concept of Exergy (the quality of energy). Why low-temperature heat is less "useful" than electricity. Thermodynamic Cycles: Analysis of ideal and real cycles (Rankine for steam, Brayton for gas, Combined Cycle). Physics of Conversion (The physical mechanisms). Photovoltaic Conversion: Photoelectric effect, semiconductor physics, and the Shockley-Queisser limit (the theoretical efficiency limit of a solar cell). Wind Conversion: Fluid dynamics, Betz's Law (why we cannot extract more than 59.3% of the energy from the wind), and actuator disk theory. Electrochemical Conversion: Physics of batteries and fuel cells (Redox potentials and ionic transport). Heat and Mass Transfer. Conduction, convection, and radiation applied to heat exchangers and building insulation. Fluid Physics in ducts (hydrogen vs methane transport: differences in density and viscosity). Nuclear Physics: Fission (state of the art) and Nuclear Fusion (the future: magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, and plasma energy balance).

Energy Engineering and Energy Systems
The Global Context. Decarbonization: Analysis of net-zero targets and IEA/IPCC scenarios. Beyond fossil fuels: The concept of "Energy Return on Investment" (EROI). Energy Policies: The role of the European Green Deal and carbon markets (ETS). Next-Generation Solar Technologies: Perovskite solar cells and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Offshore Wind: Floating turbines and integration with marine infrastructure. Deep Geothermal: EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) and district heating. Marine Energy: Wave and tidal energy. Energy Vectors and Storage. The Hydrogen Economy: Green hydrogen (electrolysis), storage, and transport. Storage Systems: Solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high-temperature thermal storage. Bioenergy: Third-generation biofuels (from algae) and biomethane. Digitalization and Smart Grids. Grid Management: Microgrids, artificial intelligence for load/generation balancing. Renewable Energy Communities (REC): Peer-to-peer models and blockchain for energy exchange. Critical Materials: Geopolitics of rare earths and circular economy strategies (recycling of panels and batteries).

Acquisition of the principles of energy production in a renewable and/or sustainable way. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Being able to evaluate the relative merits of various forms of renewable and/or sustainable energy in different scenarios, for domestic, industrial, and transport uses. Learning ability: Acquisition of a certain mastery of the literature on renewable and sustainable energies, so as to be able to expand one’s knowledge following future technological advances.