Course syllabus

Miljövänlig elproduktion
Environmentally Friendly Power Generation

MVKN25, 3 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2016-04-04

General Information

Elective for: M4-en
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

Much of today's discussion on power plant technologies is focusing on carbon dioxide emissions and their contribution to climate change. Most of the present Swedish electricity production is characterized by very low CO2 emissions, mainly nuclear and hydro power, which means that Sweden has low carbon emissions in comparison to other European countries. Globally however, power and heat production accounts for over 40% of all CO2 emissions which is almost twice as much as the transport sector.

Projections from World Energy Outlook (WEO 2009) show a doubling of demand for electricity to 2030 calculated from 2009. This means that new power generation units will need to be installed around the world at the same time as older power plants will be phased out. On top of this comes the uncertainty of nuclear power which is a controversial, both politically and economically.

The course aims at providing a deeper understanding of different types of power plant processes, their operation, environmental effects and suitability for today's power systems. Emphasis is placed on emissions of CO2, but also other environmental aspects are considered. The covered power generation processes are: renewable (solar, wind and bio-fueled thermal power plants), nuclear and fossil-fired power plants with CO2 capture.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

Power plants and emissions

Strategies for reduction of greenhouse gases

power plants with low CO2 emissions:

- Hydro, solar and wind power plants

- Fossil fired power plants with CO2 capture

- Biofuel fired power plants

- Nuclear power

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written examination, and a minor assignement to be presented.

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Jens Klingmann, Jens.Klingmann@energy.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tpe.energy.lth.se/utbildning/
Further information: The cource contains lectures and supervision time for essays.