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Renewable Energy Technologies II, Energy Storage and Conversion
Renewable Energy Technologies II, Energy storage and conversion
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:20
Abstract
The Swiss energy system. Seasonal energy storage. Environmental energy, heat pumps; geothermal energy; ocean energy. Biomass, biofuels, hydrogen as chemical energy carrier. Fuel cells: fundamentals, components, stacks, systems. Fuel cells as supplies for portable devices and for stationary power generation. Hybrid vehicles based on fuel cells and ultracapacitors for breaking energy recuperation.
Objective
Students will recognize the importance of energy storage in an industrial energy system. The efficient generation of electricity from hydrogen in fuel cells, and the realization of fuel cell vehicles with braking energy recuperation (hybrids) are introduced.
Content
Importance of energy conversion efficiency and energy storage in present and future energy supply systems. Survey on storage options, natural storage systems. Environmental energy: heat pumps drawing heat from soil, ambient air, or surface water. Ocean energy: waves, thermal gradients, tidal power plants. Geothermal energy. Physical and mechanical storage options: Seasonal storage of heat, pumped water storage, fly wheels, compressed air storage, electric and magnetic fields. Biomass as energy carrier: technical biomass utilization for the production of electricity, heat, and chemical fuels. Hydrogen as an energy carrier: Production, storage, provision and utilization. Electrochemical energy storage and conversion (cf. part I). Fuel cells: fuel cell types, components, stacks and systems. Hybrid systems. Applications of fuel cells for stationary power generation, transport systems, and portable devices.
Resources
Literature
- Tester, J.W., Drake, E.M., Golay, M.W., Driscoll, M.J., Peters, W.A.: Sustainable Energy - Choosing Among Options (MIT Press, 2005)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Only calculator; no other materials. Nur Taschenrechner; keinerlei andere Unterlagen.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Renewable Energy Technologies II, Energy storage and conversion |
|
3 h weekly |