2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
CAPE5415M Bioenergy & Waste to Energy
15 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Dr AB Ross
Email: a.b.ross@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Waste and biomass as renewable technologies in relation to energy recovery and a low carbon future.Objectives
By the end of this module students should have a sound knowledge of the underlying principles of the renewable energy technologies related to waste and biomass. In particular, the role of biomass as a sustainable energy resource and fuel, biomass characteristics, fundamentals of its conversion to energy, energy recovery from landfill and waste incineration, pyrolysis/gasification technologies applied to wastes and in the use of biomass in power generation, production of biofuels and certain chemicals from bio resources. Students should know the drivers of increased use of waste and biomass resources and associated legislative and environmental issues.Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning out-comes relevant to the subject:
- A detailed knowledge of the different technology options used in the processing of waste and biomass. (Contributes to AHEP4 Outcomes M1 & M4)
- Knowledge of the legislative and environmental drivers behind the increased use of waste and biomass for resource and energy recovery and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and thereby mitigation of climate change. (Contributes to AHEP4 Outcome M1 & M4)
- Knowledge gained in the area of waste will include the main technology options of landfill gas recovery and use, incineration of waste and alternative options of pyrolysis/gasification and anaerobic digestion for fuels and energy recovery. (Contributes to AHEP4 Outcome M1)
- Knowledge gained in the area of biomass will include biomass supply chains and biomass resources, fuel characteristics of biomass and their use in combustion in power plants, issues related to improved fuel properties and high ash contents. Additionally, knowledge of biodiesel production and the concept of the biorefinery will be gained. (Contributes to AHEP4 Outcome M1)
Skills outcomes
Calculations involving biomass analysis, carbon emissions during fuel conversion and transportation, conversion efficiency.
Syllabus
Advanced waste management processes;
Sustainability;
Supply chains and biomass resources;
Biomass composition and properties;
Review of solid fuel characterisation, energy units, energy efficiency, stoichiometry;
Challenges;
Energy densification - solid biomass products - their production and properties;
Co-firing and plant conversion;
Problems with ash in combustion;
First and second generation biofuel production;
Legislation related to waste and biomass;
Waste landfill gas, properties, formation, collection and utilisation;
Environmental issues related to waste landfills;
Incineration of waste, technology and environmental issues;
Pyrolysis of different wastes for fuel production;
Gasification technologies related to wastes;
Anaerobic digestion.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 32 | 1.00 | 32.00 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 75.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 39.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Includes 75 hours research and study to prepare the 2 portfolio pieces. Remaining private study is revision and assimilation of lecture material.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Class problem sessions; assignment tutorials; class Q&A sessions.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Assignment | 25.00 |
| Assignment | Assignment | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 14/05/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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