TEC 5700 - Bioenergy Technology (3)

When Offered: Fall, Spring
An examination of evolving bioenergy conversion technologies (anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, biodiesel, alcohol) which are being developed to displace non-renewable fuels (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and coal). This course will introduce students to the concepts, tools, techniques, and materials needed to assess, design, and construct bioenergy technology systems. Coursework will include multimedia presentations, lectures, discussions, films, field trips, homework, guest-speakers, and laboratory activities. Topics include: biogas and digester design, waste to energy, chemistry of biomass, C & N cycles, bioenergy feedstocks, pyrolysis products- biochar, py-oil, and syn-gas, biodiesel chemistry and physical properties, closed-loop designs, energy balance, life cycle assessment, fuel specifications and analysis, bioenergy and agriculture, and eco-industrial models. Content mastery and applied practice at the graduate level is expected.
Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with TEC 4700.]