Introduction to Energy & Environment

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Introduction to Energy & Environment
Leerdoelen	Upon completion of this course, the student is able to: 1. explain the main energy conversion cycles for power plants and heat engines, perform thermo-dynamical calculations on idealised representations of these cycles, apply the second law of thermodynamics on various idealised energy conversion systems; 2. explain the pinciples of the greenhouse effect and radiative forcing, reproduce and discuss various other climate effects in present and past; 3. explain the working principles of solar energy systems, wind mills, nuclear power plants, and perform simple calculations on these systems; 4. reproduce facts, and answer basic questions about the other subjects presented in the course (fuel cells, combustion, hydrogen systems, smart grids); 5. give account of the scales, proportions and dimensions of global energy use.
Omschrijving	This course offers students an introduction to the bachelor track "Energy and Environment", and gives a good impression of the themes and subjects that this track has to offer. First and foremost this is the global energy supply in all its facets. In addition, the environmental impacts of the current energy supply system are discussed, of which climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is best known (but not the only one). In this course the following subjects will be presented, viewed from a physics' perspective: • The present day energy supply, its dimensions and scale, fossil fuels (their origin and production), energy conversion, combustion processes. Potential alternative, energy sources: sun, wind, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, biofuels. Innovations to the energy system: fuel cells, hydrogen, batteries, "smart grids" • The earth's climate system. The basis of climate, the greenhouse effect, anthropogenic influence, climate history • The relation between science, engineering and society. An excursion to the RWE coal-fired power plant in Eemshaven is part of the course.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE), Tussentoets (IT) (Written examination, three mini-exams during the tutorial session. Final grade = 70% final exam + 10% for each max (final exam, mini-exam))
Vaksoort	propedeuse
Coördinator	prof. dr. H.A.J. Meijer
Docent(en)	prof. dr. H.A.J. Meijer
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Recommended: Environmental Physics, 3rd edition Wiley Boeker & van Grondelle 978-0470666760 Material provided by the teacher
Entreevoorwaarden
Opmerkingen	This course was registered previously with course code WPPH19003
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type Pre-master/Fast-track for MSc Astronomy - Physics - EES - Nano - semester I b premaster EES BSc Courses for Exchange Students: Astronomy - Physics - Energy & Environment - semester I b BSc Natuurkunde 1 semester I b keuzegroep BSc Sterrenkunde 1 semester I b keuzegroep