Course content

• Use of bioenergy in the Nordic region and internationally;
• Biomass characterization and its conversion techniques (chemical, biological and thermal);
• Biomass to liquid biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, liquefied biogas and more);
• Biomass to solid and gaseous fuels (pellets, hydrochar, bioplastics and more);
• Biomass to electricity and heat;
• Market knowledge of the end market (heat, electricity and fuel) for bioenergy;
• Biorefinery;
• Environmental aspects and sustainability perspective with bioenergy;
• Techno-economic assessment of bioenergy systems.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should have knowledge about:

• The access and use of bioenergy at regional, national and international level;
• The essential properties required for biomass conversion to various products;
• Processes and techniques involve in biomass conversion to liquid, solid and gaseous biofuels;
• Processes and techniques involve in biomass conversion to electricity and heat;
• Formulation, development and optimization of biorefinery process;
• Biomass hybrid energy system;
• Life cycle assessment of biomass energy system;
• Economic and sustainability analyses of bioenergy systems.

Skills:

• The students should be able to evaluate various aspects of biomass production and supply chain including the design of a bioenergy plant;
• The students should be able to make economic and environmental assessments when using bioenergy;
• The student should be able to use computer tools to evaluate energy solutions related to bioenergy;
• The student should be able to search and process information within bioenergy independently.

General competence:

• The student should be able to account for environmental aspects when using bioenergy as well as consequences and measures that can be done in such contexts.

Learning methods and activities

Classroom lectures (selection of topics can be taught in English), exercises, labwork,

Mandatory assignments: 7 out of 10 assigments should be approved; 1 labreport should also be approved.

N.B.: The course can be offered as a self-guided study if less than 6 students are registered.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignment
• Labwork report

Further on evaluation

• Minimum 70% of assignments and 1 lab report must be approved before the final exam.
• NTNU grading policy will apply for exam assessment.
• Exam will be digital.
• Resit exsam in August.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge on mathematics, physics and chemistry.

Course materials

• Bioenergy: Principles and Applications; Authors: Yebo Li and Samir Kumar Khanal, 1st edition, Year: 2017.

Credit reductions