Biorenewable Resources

Catalog description

History of Biorenewable resource utilization with a focus on combustion from non-petroleum based sources. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics and chemistry as applied to bioenergy and biorenewable resources including discussion of biopolymer structure and routing of these biopolymers to dedicated energy production models. Current and projected biorenewable resource base, including waste materials and dedicated energy crops. Coverage of genetic efforts to engineer biomass possessing higher energy densities and yields. Overview of production practices of dedicated energy crops. Description of process heat, stationary power, fuels, chemicals, and fibers derived from biorenewable resources. Heat and power conversion processes including combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. Environmental impacts, sustainability, and economics of biorenewable resource use. Components: Laboratory, Class Prereqs/Coreqs: P: ("C-" or better in ENERGY 2340 ) and ("C-" or better in CHEMSTRY 1050 or higher) Typically Offered: Spring