Bioenergy Systems Engineering

Catalog description

In the coming decades biomass will play an increasing role in satisfying society's energy and material needs, providing a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. This course will cover the fundamental theories and applied technologies used in production and conversion of biomass into transportation fuels, heat, power, electricity, chemicals and other value-added products. Production strategies focus on sustainable cropping systems, harvest, storage, and pretreatment for diverse biomass feedstocks. Conversion technologies covered include ethanol fermentation, biodiesel catalysis, combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and emerging processes. System analysis will address worker safety and health, environmental impacts, policy, and economics. The course is recommended for students in engineering and science majors with a background in thermodynamics, chemistry, and biochemistry or microbiology. Evaluation may be based on class participation, homework, quizzes, exams, and a team design project. Students may take only one course from BE 464 and ABE 884 for credit.